Class Disrupted

Summer has long been dreaded by parents who worry about gaps in childcare and the logistics and expense of summer camps. Diane and Michael explore the advantages of a year round calendar—for parents, kids, and for teachers. Credits: Hosted by Diane Tavenner, Michael Horn; Written by Jenna Free; Produced by Steve Chaggaris; Publicity/Graphics by Nathan James https://archive.org/download/ep-9-final/Ep%209%20-%20Final.mp3

As we look toward returning to school of some sort in the fall, Diane and Michael discuss four ways to approach a new normal, using a student-centered approach. Credits: Hosted by Diane Tavenner, Michael Horn; Written by Jenna Free; Produced by Steve Chaggaris; Publicity/Graphics by Nathan James https://archive.org/download/ep-8-final/Ep%208%20-%20Final.mp3

When schools began distance learning, the grading system went into upheaval. Diane and Michael discuss what grades are really meant to do, and a college freshman talks about the way straight As for all made her redefine learning. Credits: Hosted by Diane Tavenner, Michael Horn; Written by Jenna Free; Produced by Steve Chaggaris; Publicity/Graphics by Nathan James https://archive.org/download/episode-7-final/Episode%207%20Final.mp3

Distance learning has shown parents how chaotic learning so often is for kids, with different norms (and passwords!) for each class. Diane and Michael discuss how this reality grew out of a factory model of schooling, and talk to End of Average author Todd Rose about a way to approach school that honors individuality for the betterment of all. Credits: Hosted by Diane Tavenner, Michael Horn; Written by Jenna Free; Produced by Steve Chaggaris; Publicity/Graphics by Nathan James https://archive.org/download/ep-6-final/Ep%206%20Final.mp3

So much time is left on the cutting room floor at school—time that could be spent teaching the habits of success kids will need to be prepared adults. Diane and Michael talk with Grit author Angela Duckworth about what these habits are and how they translate to success, and to Veronica Vitale of Acorn Montessori, who puts these ideas into practice every single day. Credits: Hosted by Diane Tavenner, Michael Horn; Written by Jenna Free; Produced by Steve Chaggaris; Publicity/Graphics by Nathan James https://archive.org/download/episode-5-final_202006/Episode%205%20Final.mp3

As parents nationwide have been thrust in the role of distance-learning support staff, they’re questioning the real purpose of school. Should it just be about “playing the game” to get to college? Diane and Michael talk to a parent who asked this question and went rogue on her daughter’s distance learning plan; and to Adam Carter, who breaks down project-based learning and makes clear there’s another, better way forward than just “doing school.” Credits: Hosted by Diane Tavenner, Michael Horn; Written by Jenna Free; Produced by Steve Chaggaris; Publicity/Graphics by Nathan James https://archive.org/download/episode-4-final/Episode%204%20-%20Final.mp3

Over 100 million people use Khan Academy; with the pandemic, it’s more popular than ever. But learning requires more than a great teacher combined with a great digital tool. Diane and Michael talk to Sal Khan about why he can’t—and shouldn’t—teach everyone everything, and he shares his hope about what education can look like, both next year and from here on out. Credits: Hosted by Diane Tavenner, Michael Horn; Written by Jenna Free; Produced by Steve Chaggaris; Publicity/Graphics by Nathan James https://archive.org/download/episode-3-final_202005/Episode%203%20-%20Final.mp3

Diane and Michael answer parents’ questions about why so much of the school work they see their children doing is boring and uninspired. Larry Berger, CEO of Amplify, joins them to explain how textbooks and other curriculum materials make their way into schools, and the three paint a vision for how engaging learning can be through the use of good digital tools. Credits: Hosted by Diane Tavenner, Michael Horn; Written by Jenna Free; Produced by Steve Chaggaris; Publicity/Graphics by Nathan James https://archive.org/download/episode-2_202005/Episode%202%20final.mp3

For many families in the U.S., the Internet is like water. Just part of the household. But as COVID-19 has shown, that’s not true for everyone. Diane and Michael speak with Evan Marwell, the founder of the Education Superhighway, about what it will take to get the Internet and devices to all kids–and why that matters. Credits: Hosted by Diane Tavenner, Michael Horn; Written by Jenna Free; Produced by Steve Chaggaris; Publicity/Graphics by Nathan James https://archive.org/download/episode-1_202005/Episode%201%20Full.mp3

As schools have shifted rapidly to remote learning, parents have a lot of questions and challenges. Diane Tavenner and Michael Horn talk about why they’re launching this podcast series to answer them. https://archive.org/download/episode-0/Episode%200.mp3