K-12 Education: Untangled — Trends, Issues, and Parental Actions for Public Schools

K-12 Education: Untangled — Trends, Issues, and Parental Actions for Public Schools

Raising kids can be tough! I know because I’ve been a single mom who raised two kids on my own. And when they get in the K-12 public education system, learning the ins and outs of that system can get you all tangled up, especially when you’re a parent of color. You need to know about the current trends and issues as well as resources necessary to navigate within the system. That’s what the K-12 Education: Untangled podcast is all about — providing you with tools, information and practical actions to help you and your children succeed within the complexities of K-12 public education.

Episodes

May 27, 2025 24 mins

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In this episode, I explore the crucial role of boundaries in creating healthy relationships and maintaining personal well-being. Drawing from personal experiences and professional insights, I provide a comprehensive guide to identifying, setting, and maintaining boundaries that protect your mental health and improve your interactions with others.

• Understanding boundaries as the limits t...

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Feeling lost in the alphabet soup of educational terminology? You're not alone. In this illuminating episode, I break down the secret language of education that often leaves parents feeling confused and powerless during school meetings.

The power dynamic shifts dramatically when you understand what educators are really saying about your child. I share my personal journey from corpora...

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Digital devices have transformed our classrooms, but at what cost to our children's learning? This eye-opening exploration reveals how smartphones and tablets are quietly reshaping the cognitive landscape of K-12 education, creating generation-defining challenges that parents and educators can no longer ignore.

The numbers tell a troubling story. American teenagers consume approximat...

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Ever wondered how students can develop the skills they need to thrive in our rapidly changing world? Design thinking might be the key we've been overlooking. This powerful approach to creative problem-solving isn't just changing how students learn—it's transforming how they engage with real challenges in their communities.

What makes design thinking particularly powerful is...

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When was the last time you felt truly energized, keenly focused, and fired up about your life and purpose? In today's noisy world of endless notifications and social media scrolling, finding clarity can feel like searching for a whisper in a hurricane.

Drawing insights from Jeff Karp's book "Lit," this episode explores how we can use nature's wisdom to break free ...

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The delicate balance between mandatory health requirements and parental rights has become one of the most contentious issues in our public education system. As measles cases surge across 24 states and vaccination rates continue to decline, families and school systems find themselves navigating an increasingly complex ethical landscape.

At the heart of this controversy lies fundamental que...

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The battle over the Department of Education's existence isn't just political theater—it's a seismic shift that threatens to reshape American education, particularly for our most vulnerable students. When federal oversight disappears, who protects the rights of children with disabilities? Who ensures English language learners receive appropriate instruction? Who tracks whether school...

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Imagine sending your child to a school that claims to be "continuously improving" year after year, yet educational outcomes continue to decline. Something doesn't add up, right? 

This episode dives deep into the mechanisms behind school improvement efforts, revealing how the educational system's approach to enhancement often misses the mark. Drawing from both research ...

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The relentless push for academic excellence often comes at a steep price for our children's mental health and overall development. As students progress through middle and high school, the scales increasingly tip toward achievement metrics while wellness takes a backseat. But what if success in both areas isn't just possible—but necessary?

Drawing from cutting-edge research in po...

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Feeling drained by the constant stream of educational changes and mandates? You're not alone. Navigating today's K-12 landscape while supporting your children and maintaining your household can leave even the most dedicated parents feeling overwhelmed and unmotivated.

Drawing from Mel Robbins' powerful "Five Second Rule" methodology, this episode provides a practi...

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Ever wondered if there's a better way to educate your children than traditional schooling? My fascinating conversation with homeschool mentor Kami Wanous reveals why more families across all demographics are choosing to take education into their own hands.

Kami, a certified teacher who began homeschooling her son in 2008, shares the surprising truth about why she left the public educ...

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What happens when the crucial link between home and school breaks down? The consequences can be devastating for students caught in the middle. Recent data from the 2024 K-12 Family Communication Survey reveals alarming gaps: more than 78% of families report receiving no suggestions for supporting learning at home, with middle and high school parents experiencing even less communication about their...

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Are you ready to rethink traditional teaching methods? This episode delves into the transformative framework of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) that empowers educators to create inclusive classrooms. By prioritizing diverse learning styles, UDL enhances educational experiences for every student, especially those who have been marginalized. Join me as I explore the foundational principles of UD...

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Ever wonder how to keep all the plates spinning without burning out? Join me as I share my personal journey in juggling the demanding roles of partner, parent, and professional. Through this episode, I promise you'll gain valuable insights into mastering time management and emotional intelligence to maintain balance in your life.  I dive into actionable strategies such as the Eisenhower Box a...

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What if the traditional measurements of educational success are holding students back rather than preparing them for the future? Join me as I navigate the shifting landscape of K-12 education, where the focus is increasingly on equipping students with real-world skills. We'll explore the bold new concept of a "portrait of a graduate," which goes beyond GPA and course completion to i...

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Unlock the potential of video games in education with me as I venture into the rapidly growing world of esports in K-12 schools. Discover how schools are employing esports to engage students who may not be drawn to traditional extracurricular activities, providing them with a platform to hone essential soft skills like communication and collaboration. With a backdrop of compelling statistics from ...

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What if you could reclaim control over your child's education and create a thriving learning environment tailored to their needs? Join me as I explore the transformative world of micro-schools and the promise they hold for families seeking personalized educational opportunities. Sharing my personal journey as an African American mom, I discuss the rising popularity of micro-schools, especiall...

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Success is a moving target that shifts as we journey through life's stages. Join me as I explore how success evolves beyond the confines of wealth, embedding itself in our emotions, self-awareness, and ability to cultivate resilience and peace of mind. You'll gain insights into why childhood exploration is crucial for future success and the importance of trying new things to unlock our i...

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Could the colors around us actually shape the way we learn? Join me as I explore the transformative power of color and lighting in K-12 educational spaces. Discover how the warmth of Peach Fuzz, the 2024 Pantone Color of the Year, can energize creativity and why a splash of blue or green might just be the secret to a more focused classroom environment. You'll uncover the fascinating parallels...

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This episode dives into the critical thinking gap within K-12 education, exploring its underlying causes and implications for student success. We discuss pivotal strategies to enhance critical thinking among students and the vital role of parents and educators in addressing this gap. 

• Analyzing the decline in critical thinking skills in education 
• Exploring the importance of criti...

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