EdUnplugged

America is in the middle of a profound literacy crisis, more than 60% of fourth graders aren’t reading at proficient levels, and the disparities are stark across racial, economic, and geographic lines. In this episode, we explore the science of reading, the importance of structured literacy, and how culturally responsive literacy instruction can transform the lives of students. 

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly reshaping education and the workforce, but at what cost? Without intentional policy and equitable implementation, existing racial and economic gaps could become more profound in an AI-driven world and change what and how students learn. This episode explores the pros and cons of AI in the classroom and the burgeoning digital divide among communities of color and low-income communities. It will also address students’ fears about job security and ensure that students from all backgrounds are not just consumers of AI but informed and ethical users.

In this episode, discuss the show’s powerful legacy and its ongoing mission to provide free, high-quality educational content to all children, especially those in under-resourced communities. From teaching letters and numbers to modeling empathy, inclusion, and resilience, Sesame Street has always been a steady pillar of early education for 54 years.

In our last episode, we explored a hard truth: too many students leave high school unsure of their options and unprepared for what comes next. In Part 2, we’ll dive deeper and explore what it looks like when pathways work.

An honest look at how unclear pathways are leaving graduates unprepared for what comes next, and what schools and districts can do and are doing to help prepare students for college and career.

Part 2 of this two-part episode features a principal supervisor, will explore how the principal role has evolved, what’s being asked of school leaders that no one talks about, and what’s at stake if they continue to be unsupported. Finally, the conversation turns toward hope and possibility: What could school leadership look like reimagined if it were fully resourced, and supported?

Part 1 of this two-part episode, two principals offer a behind-the-scenes look at the challenges facing public school principals today in their communities. From post-pandemic recovery and teacher shortages to student mental health challenges, and shrinking budgets, the job has never been more demanding or more misunderstood.