Learning Curve

Education funding is at an all-time high, but student outcomes aren’t keeping up.In this episode, Erin Brantley and Ross Izard examine the disconnect between increased school spending and stagnant academic performance. With billions flowing through the system, they ask a critical question: where is the money actually going?The conversation explores the complexity of school finance, the lack of transparency in spending, and the growing role of administrative costs. They also discuss why funding and accountability are often treated as separate issues—and what that means for students, parents, and taxpayers.This episode offers a grounded look at one of the most important and controversial debates in education today.Want to see where the money actually goes?📊 Full Colorado Education Financial Data:https://www.cde.state.co.us/cdefinance/financialdatafiles📈 School Finance Transparency Dashboard:https://co.schoolfinancedata.org

Are charter schools actually private schools? It’s one of the most common misconceptions in education, and in this episode of Learning Curve, Ross Izard and Aaron Brantley set the record straight.Charter schools are public, tuition-free, and open to all students, yet many families still believe they operate like elite private institutions. This episode breaks down what charter schools really are, how they function within the public education system, and why they were created in the first place.You’ll also hear how charter schools are governed, why they have more flexibility than traditional public schools, and what it actually takes to start one, including the surprisingly complex application process.Whether you’re a parent, educator, or just trying to better understand how schools work, this episode provides a clear and practical explanation of a widely misunderstood topic.WHAT YOU’LL LEARNWhy charter schools are not private schoolsWhether families pay tuition (and what fees actually exist)How charter schools are funded with public dollarsWhat makes charter schools different from traditional district schoolsWho governs charter schools and how oversight worksWhy charter schools were originally createdHow charter schools act as “innovation labs” in educationHow parents and communities can start a charter schoolWhy the charter application process is so complexThe most common myths about charter schoolsKEY TAKEAWAYSCharter schools are public schools, not private institutionsThey are tuition-free and open to all studentsThey operate independently from traditional school districtsThey were designed to encourage innovation and flexibilityStarting a charter school is possible, but far more difficult than most people expectTIMESTAMPS00:00 Introduction00:20 How many charter schools exist (and why that matters)01:05 The biggest misconception: “Are they private?”02:00 Tuition, fees, and what families actually pay02:45 Governance: how charter schools are structured03:20 The purpose of charter schools03:40 Who can start a charter school04:20 The reality of the application processQUOTES FROM THE EPISODE“Charter schools are public schools.”“There is no tuition, they are free and open to everybody.”“They were designed as a place to experiment and see what works.”“You can’t just go start a school, you need permission.”RESOURCES & LINKSLearn more about charter schools in your stateExplore local charter school optionsResearch school choice policies and frameworksABOUT THE SHOWLearning Curve is a podcast exploring education, policy, and how school systems actually work, breaking down complex topics into clear, practical conversations for parents, educators, and anyone interested in the future of education.SUBSCRIBE & FOLLOWFollow Learning Curve for more conversations on education, school choice, and policy. New episodes released regularly.

Who actually decides what your child learns in school?In this episode of Learning Curve, Erin Brantley and Ross Izzard break down the complex (and often confusing) system behind education in Colorado. From state standards to local control, they explain the difference between standards vs. curriculum, who influences each level, and where parents actually have a voice.If you’ve ever wondered why your child is learning certain topics, or felt unsure how to get involved, this episode gives you a clear starting point.🔑 KEY TAKEAWAYSStandards vs. Curriculum:The state sets standards (what students should learn), but districts choose the curriculum (how it’s taught).Who Really Has Influence:Decision-making spans multiple levels, federal government, state board of education, local districts, and even outside interest groups.It’s More Political Than You Think:What gets taught in classrooms is often shaped by competing ideologies, policies, and advocacy efforts.Public Education Isn’t Fully “Public”:Many classroom materials (books, tech, tools) are created by private, for-profit companies.Local Control Matters Most:School districts ultimately decide curriculum and instruction within state guidelines.Where Parents Can Take Action:Local school boards, teachers, and district leaders are the most direct way to influence your child’s education.🏛️ TOPICS COVEREDColorado Academic Standards explainedThe role of the State Board of EducationFederal influence on education fundingHow curriculum is chosen at the district levelThe role of advocacy groups and private companiesSchool accountability and testing systemsWhy school board elections matter📍 HOW PARENTS CAN GET INVOLVEDAttend local school board meetingsStay informed on curriculum decisionsParticipate in public comment opportunitiesPay attention to school board and state board electionsCommunicate with teachers and school leaders⏱️ TIMESTAMPS00:00 – Introduction01:10 – Why this topic is so confusing02:45 – The politics behind education04:10 – Who sets the standards?06:30 – Federal vs. state influence08:45 – How standards are reviewed and updated11:30 – Local control and curriculum decisions14:30 – Accountability, testing, and performance18:00 – Where parents actually have influence20:30 – Why school board elections matter22:00 – Final thoughts📢 CALL TO ACTIONIf you found this episode helpful:👍 Like & Subscribe💬 Leave a comment with your thoughts or questions📩 Email us at: [email protected]

Colorado is facing a growing budget crisis, and tough decisions are ahead.In this episode, Ross Izzard and Aaron Brantley unpack the state’s $1.5 billion deficit, what’s driving it, and how lawmakers are scrambling to respond. From education funding cuts to debates over raising revenue, they explain how the process works, and why so many bills are currently stuck in limbo.They also highlight a key takeaway: public engagement is already shaping outcomes. As pressure builds at the Capitol, the question isn’t whether cuts are coming, it’s where they’ll land, and whether citizens will have a say.If you want to better understand what’s happening, and how to get involved, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.

In this episode of Learning Curve, Erin Brantley and Ross Izard explore one of the most overlooked, but most impactful, areas in education: local school boards.While national and state politics often dominate the conversation, the reality is that school boards control the vast majority of what students experience day-to-day, from curriculum and staffing to policy and transparency.The challenge? Most parents don’t know how to engage with the system, or assume they can’t.This episode breaks down how parents can become informed, involved, and effective advocates within their school districts.Topics covered include:What school boards actually do and why they matterHow district policies shape classroom experienceWhen and how to escalate concernsHow to effectively communicate with school boardsThe role of elections and low voter turnoutUsing public records requests to increase transparencyWhy even small groups of parents can influence changeThe goal isn’t to turn parents into activists, but to help them understand their role, their rights, and their ability to participate in decisions that directly affect their children.

Who should have the final say in a child’s education, parents or schools?In this episode of Learning Curve, Ross Izzard and Erin Brantley unpack a rapidly developing legal battle over parental notification policies in schools. Sparked by a case out of California, the conversation explores whether schools can withhold critical information from parents, and what the Constitution actually says about it.We break down:The legal foundation of parental rightsWhat the courts are signaling (and why it matters)How this could impact school policies nationwideWhy this issue goes far beyond one specific topicThis isn’t just about policy, it’s about the fundamental relationship between families and the education system.If you’re a parent, educator, or simply want to understand where education law is headed, this episode gives you the clarity you need.Follow & subscribe to stay updated as this case, and its national implications, continue to unfold.

In this episode of Learning Curve, Erin and Ross break down Colorado’s HB 261292 and what it could mean for school choice, private education, and families across the state.At the center of the conversation is a key question: Who actually has access to educational opportunities, and who gets left out?The hosts unpack how federal tax credit scholarship programs are designed to expand access for lower-income families, and why this bill could significantly reshape how those opportunities work in practice. From regulatory requirements to constitutional concerns, this episode explores the complex intersection of policy, politics, and parental choice. They also dig into the real-world impact: what happens when families want better options for their kids but face financial or systemic barriers?🔑 WHAT YOU’LL LEARNHow tax credit scholarships work (and why they matter)What HB 261292 proposes and why it’s controversialThe tension between regulation and school choicePotential legal challenges and what comes next📢 WHY IT MATTERSAs new education policies take shape, the decisions being made today could directly impact thousands of families and students in the years ahead.🔗 CONNECT WITH USHave questions or thoughts? Reach out and join the conversation.

Ep. 2: Colorado lawmakers are facing a massive state budget deficit, and education funding may be caught in the crossfire. In this episode of Learning Curve, Ross Izzard and Aaron Brantley break down a proposal that could cut funding for homeschool enrichment programs in half, reducing part-time student funding from 50% to 25% of per-pupil funding. These programs allow homeschool families to access public school resources for things like: -agricultural and outdoor education -music and arts programs -engineering and construction training -academic support and experiential learning But with an estimated $850 million budget deficit, legislators are looking for places to cut spending, and these increasingly popular programs may be on the chopping block. Ross and Aaron discuss: -Why Colorado’s budget deficit is growing -How Medicaid spending is impacting the state budget -What homeschool enrichment programs actually do -Why lawmakers are considering cuts -How this could impact families across the state, especially in rural communities. -Why even parents with kids in traditional public schools should pay attention -They also explain why this proposal could set an important precedent for the future of school choice in Colorado. If you’re a parent, educator, or Colorado resident interested in education policy, this is an important conversation to follow. 👍 Like and subscribe for more conversations about education policy that impact real families. 📩 Have a question or topic you’d like us to cover? Email us at [email protected]

Education policy affects every family, but most parents have no idea where the decisions impacting their kids are actually made. In this episode of Learning Curve, Erin Brantley and Ross Izard break down why parents need to start paying closer attention to education policy and how those decisions shape what happens in classrooms across Colorado. From school choice and charter schools to legislation coming out of the state capitol, policies created by lawmakers, school boards, and education departments eventually trickle down to the daily experience of students and families.The problem? Many parents only discover these changes after they’ve already been implemented. Erin shares her perspective as a Colorado parent navigating the public school system, while Ross brings years of experience working in education policy, lobbying, and government relations. Together, they aim to make complicated education policies understandable and show parents where they can actually engage in the process. Because when it comes to education policy, self-governance isn’t a spectator sport. If parents want a voice in decisions affecting their children’s education, they need to understand where those decisions originate, and how to influence them. In this episode, we discuss: Why education policy is more complex than ever Where school decisions actually get made How policies from the legislature trickle down to your child’s classroom The role of school boards, state agencies, and federal policy Why parent involvement in education policy matters now more than ever If you're a parent, educator, or concerned citizen who wants to better understand how education policy works, this podcast is for you.📩 Have a topic you'd like us to cover?Email us at [email protected]👍 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and follow Learning Curve for weekly discussions breaking down the policies shaping education in Colorado.