Education Insight

Jaksot

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  Why Strong Writers Become Strong Thinkers 15.09.2026 28min

  Why do so many students struggle to put their thoughts into writing?In this episode of Education Insight, author and education journalist Natalie Wexler, co-author of The Writing Revolution 2.0, explains why strong writing begins at the sentence level, and why writing should be taught across every subject, not just English. We explore how writing strengthens learning and critical thinking, what students risk when they rely too heavily on AI, and why learning to communicate clearly in writing is a skill that lasts far beyond the classroom.
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  Why Digital Literacy Is the New Essential Skill 08.09.2026 28min

  How can you tell what's true online when misinformation is everywhere?In this episode of Education Insight, Stanford education professor emeritus Dr. Sam Wineburg shares practical strategies for evaluating online information, spotting misinformation, and becoming a more informed digital citizen. From viral social media posts and online scams to AI, digital literacy, and the future of student learning, Dr. Wineburg explains why critical thinking has never been more important and offers simple techniques that anyone can use to make better decisions about what to believe.
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  What Happens When Nature Becomes the Classroom? 15.06.2026 28min

  What if the classroom didn't have four walls? In this episode of Education Insight, Lacey Kendall speaks with Chris Bessonette, Head of School at Mountain Academy in Wyoming, where students learn through hands-on experiences in forests, mountains, and national parks. Discover how outdoor education is helping students build academic skills, solve real-world problems, and develop a deeper connection to the world around them.
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  What is the Montessori Education Model? 08.06.2026 28min

  You've probably driven past a school with "Montessori" on the sign — but what does it actually mean, and who is it really for? Sara Cotner, Executive Director of Montessori for All, joins Education Insight to break down the Montessori method, its century-long history, and why it may be more relevant than ever for students navigating today's challenges. From self-paced learning to social-emotional development, find out how this approach is expanding into public schools and diverse communities.
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  Why More Students Are Choosing a Gap Year 01.06.2026 28min

  More students are rethinking the traditional path from high school to college by taking a gap year. In this episode of Education Insight, Aaron Slosberg, Director of Programming and Co-Owner of Where There Be Dragons, discusses how immersive travel, cultural exchange, and real-world experiences are helping young people build confidence, independence, and a deeper understanding of the world around them.
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  How Screens Are Changing the Way Kids Learn 18.05.2026 28min

  How are screens reshaping childhood and learning? In this episode of Education Insight, nationally recognized screentime expert Emily Cherkin joins the show to discuss the growing role of technology in schools and homes, the impact of screens on child development, and what families and educators should consider as digital devices become more embedded in everyday life.
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  What 20 Years of Data Reveals About College Success 11.05.2026 28min

  What does two decades of data tell us about college success in America? This episode explores why more students are enrolling, but not finishing, and what needs to change to help more learners reach the finish line.
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  Mock Trials Bringing the Courtroom to the Classroom 05.05.2026 28min

  This episode takes listeners inside the world of high school mock trials, where students step into real courtrooms to argue cases, build arguments, and develop confidence. Through hands-on experience, they gain critical thinking, communication skills, and a deeper understanding of the legal system.
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  Math Education for Today’s America 27.04.2026 28min

  What does math education need to look like in today’s world? Dr. Dave Kung joins Education Insight to challenge outdated ideas about who math is for and why it matters, exploring how we can move from anxiety and exclusion to confidence, curiosity, and real-world understanding.
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  How Direct Admission Is Changing Who Goes to College 20.04.2026 28min

  What if getting into college didn’t require an application at all? In this episode, we explore how direct admission is removing barriers, expanding access, and changing who sees college as a real possibility.
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  Why Human Rights Education Matters for Every Student 13.04.2026 28min

  What happens when girls are given the space to ask questions, explore their identities, and take action on issues that matter to them? In this episode, Ashley Steimer-King of Girls Learn International shares how young women are developing confidence, leadership skills, and a global perspective to become the next generation of changemakers.
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  The Disengaged Teen and What Adults Miss 30.03.2026 28min

  Dr. Rebecca Winthrop of the Brookings Institution joins Education Insight to discuss why so many teens feel disconnected from school and what adults often misunderstand about disengagement. She explains the different “modes” of teens, from Passengers to Achievers to Resisters, and shares practical steps parents and educators can take to help young people re-engage. The conversation also explores the growing role of artificial intelligence in education and whether schools may be moving too fast without the right foundations in place.
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  Student Protests and a District Focused on Safety First 23.03.2026 28min

  In this episode of Education Insight, Superintendent Dr. Frances Esparza discusses how the Coachella Valley Unified School District responded to recent student walkouts tied to national immigration protests. The conversation explores student voice, civic engagement, and how schools can prioritize safety while navigating complex and emotional moments.
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  Recognizing Twice Exceptional Students 16.03.2026 28min

  In this episode of Education Insight, host Lacey Kendall speaks with Emily Kircher-Morris, counselor, educator, and expert on twice-exceptional learners. Together they explore what it means when students are both highly gifted and neurodivergent, why these children are often misunderstood in school, and how educators and parents can better support their unique strengths and challenges.
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  Supporting Students from the Classroom to Their First Career 09.03.2026 28min

  In this episode of Education Insight, we learn about the Give Something Back organization and its mission to support students facing homelessness, family instability, and trauma. Through mentorship, coaching, and long-term guidance, Give Back helps students build confidence, navigate college, and create pathways to a more stable future.
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  Building Belonging for Rural Students in Higher Education 02.03.2026 28min

  Dr. Karen Schreder of Chico State joins Education Insight to discuss how the North State Student Ambassadors Program empowers rural students to find their voice, build belonging on campus, and serve as bridges to their home communities. This conversation explores the unique challenges rural students face in college—and how intentional support can transform invisibility into leadership.
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  Inside the Classroom of California Teacher of the Year Heather Povinelli 23.02.2026 28min

  California Teacher of the Year Dr. Heather Povinelli joins Education Insight to reflect on what truly makes a teacher exceptional. A second-grade instructor at Bradoaks Elementary Science Academy, Dr. Povinelli shares how relationships, trust, and lived experience—including her perspective as an educator with dwarfism—shape the way she reaches students. This powerful conversation explores love, equity, high expectations, and the lasting impact of a classroom built on safety and connection.
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  The Rise of Homeschooling in Modern Education 17.02.2026 28min

  Why are more families stepping away from traditional schools and choosing homeschooling? In this episode of Education Insight, Jamie Heston, Director of Outreach for the Homeschool Association of California, discusses the real reasons parents make the switch, the challenges they don’t expect, and the surprising benefits many families discover along the way. From socialization concerns to academic and emotional growth, we explore what homeschooling actually looks like today.
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  How Brenda Payne Is Bringing Invention Education to Classrooms Across California 09.02.2026 28min

  On this episode of Education Insight, host Lacey Kendall is joined by Brenda Payne, Executive Director of the California Invention Convention, for a conversation about the power of invention education and its impact on students across California. Drawing on her experience as a teacher, school leader, and statewide education advocate, Payne shares how invention education encourages students to identify real problems, experiment with solutions, and develop confidence through creativity and critical thinking.The episode explores how students learn through the process of designing, testing, and presenting their inventions—and why moments of failure, iteration, and public presentation can be life-changing. Listeners will also hear how the California Invention Convention reaches tens of thousands of students each year and what it will take to ensure every K–12 student has access to learning experiences that nurture curiosity, resilience, and possibility.
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  Why All-Girls Schools Still Matter Today 02.02.2026 28min

  Why All-Girls Schools Still Matter Today explores the educational and developmental needs of adolescent girls through a conversation with Dr. Barbara Ostos, Head of School at Santa Catalina School in Monterey, California. Hosted by Lacey Kendall, this episode examines how all-girls learning environments support academic confidence, leadership development, and whole-student growth—and why these models continue to play an important role in today’s education landscape.