The Math and Literacy Crisis: What Schools Should Actually Teach episode artwork

EPISODE · Jun 3, 2026 · 22 MIN

The Math and Literacy Crisis: What Schools Should Actually Teach

from Thinking 2 Think · host Michael A Aponte

Send us Fan Mail Test scores are declining, governors are calling for reform, and policy leaders are debating how to fix math and reading instruction—but the deepest problem in K-12 education isn't what we're teaching. It's that we've built a system optimized for narrow test performance instead of genuine intellectual development. In this episode, executive director and educator M.A. Aponte draws on lived experience running a charter school to examine what the research actually says works—and makes a principled case for why critical thinking must be the foundation of everything we teach. Includes a 3-Question Curriculum Audit any teacher, leader, or parent can apply right now. Support the showAbout the host: M.A. Aponte is a former JPMorgan banker, former Merrill Lynch wealth manager, former NYPD officer, Army Officer, and Executive Director of a Charter School in Florida. He is the author of The Logical Mind and host of Thinking 2 Think. Join My Substack for more content: maaponte.substack.comConsulting/Advisory Services: MAAponte.comProfessional LinkedIn Page: www.linkedin.com/in/maaponteFinancial Budget/Wealth Management app (FREE): https://centsora.com/CHECK OUT OUR NEW CRITICAL THINKING GAME APP! Currently in BETA: Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.base692af669b00f0dc8d8ad6653.appWeb: https://play.google.com/apps/testing/com.base692af669b00f0dc8d8ad6653.app*Coming soon to Apple Store📲 Let’s connect on social media (Linktree): https://linktr.ee/thinking2think🔗 Follow us:📖 Check out my book: The Logical Mind: Learn Critical Thinking to Make Better D...

Send us Fan Mail Test scores are declining, governors are calling for reform, and policy leaders are debating how to fix math and reading instruction—but the deepest problem in K-12 education isn't what we're teaching. It's that we've built a system optimized for narrow test performance instead of genuine intellectual development. In this episode, executive director and educator M.A. Aponte draws on lived experience running a charter school to examine what the research actually says wor...

NOW PLAYING

The Math and Literacy Crisis: What Schools Should Actually Teach

0:00 22:02

No transcript for this episode yet

We transcribe on demand. Request one and we'll notify you when it's ready — usually under 10 minutes.

いろはにマネーの「ながら学習」 IrohaniMoney この番組では、インターン生2人が、金融、経済、投資関連の気になる情報を分かりやすくお伝えしていきます。インターン生の会話を「ながら聴き」する感覚で一緒に勉強していきましょう!ご意見箱フォーム:https://forms.gle/TTGaVP2TJksNMKJo7ぜひお便りや感想をお待ちしています!公式X:https://x.com/irohanimoney番組のハッシュタグは「#いろはにながら」です。番組への感想をお待ちしています!いろはにマネー:https://www.bridge-salon.jp/money/姉妹サイト:https://kabu.bridge-salon.jp/姉妹サイト:https://bridge-salon.jp/(株)インベストメントブリッジ運営 Eat to Live Jenna Fuhrman, Dr. Fuhrman Our health is our most precious gift and smart nutrition can change your life. Each month, join Dr. Fuhrman and his daughter, Jenna Fuhrman as they discuss important topics in the world of nutrition. Eat to Live will change the way you eat and think about food. French Your Way Jessica: Native French teacher founder of French Your Way Boost your French listening skills and test your comprehension with this one of a kind series of podcasts. Get the chance to listen to a real conversation between native speakers talking at normal speed AND customise your learning experience through carefully designed sets of questions (2 levels of difficulty) available for download at www.frenchvoicespodcast.com. All interviews also come with the transcript. French teacher Jessica interviews native speakers of French from around the world who share a bit of their life and passion. Where else would you meet in one same place a French yoga teacher based in Melbourne, a soap manufacturer from Provence, or a couple cycling around the world? 2 Old Ladies Walking Rozee 2 Old Ladies Walking features the journeys, insights, and light conversation between Liz and Rosie, two women of a certain age who live in the Hudson Valley of New York. From pelvic floor challenges and life with young adult children to food, bird calls, fear of “mad lamb” disease, and myriad topics in between, we cover it all while walking on the scenic trails of the northeast, or wherever our travels take us. Join us and have a listen!

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this episode of Thinking 2 Think?

This episode is 22 minutes long.

When was this Thinking 2 Think episode published?

This episode was published on June 3, 2026.

What is this episode about?

Send us Fan Mail Test scores are declining, governors are calling for reform, and policy leaders are debating how to fix math and reading instruction—but the deepest problem in K-12 education isn't what we're teaching. It's that we've built a system...

Can I download this Thinking 2 Think episode?

Yes, you can download this episode by clicking the download button on the episode player, or subscribe to the podcast in your preferred podcast app for automatic downloads.
URL copied to clipboard!