Anchored by the Classic Learning Test

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by Andrew Ellison, director of the Saint Ambrose Center and Senior Advisor for Enrollment and Classical Education at University of Dallas (UD). The two discuss Ellison’s own classical education and early involvement with the movement. Ellison explains the beginnings of UD and its commitment to upholding a liberal arts core curriculum as well as an ecumenical environment. The two make predictions about the future of college education, and Ellison expounds upon his future in education as a newly hired UD staff member. A previous Anchored episode featuring Andrew Zwerneman is mentioned in this episode. 

On this episode of Anchored, Soren is joined by Paul Spears and Fred Sanders, both of whom are authors, speakers, and faculty members of Torrey Honors College at Biola University. The three discuss the unique features of the Torrey Honors College and the integrated academic engagement that equips students to move beyond an unhealthy focus on scholastic performance and sink their teeth into meaningful learning. They explore the dangers of the catchphrase “critical thinking” and rethink the label of “gen ed” classes. Spears and Sanders also share wisdom about the power of leaving classes “on a comma”: unresolved, unsettled, and inviting further inquiry. 

On this episode of Anchored, Soren is joined by Jef and Starrla Fowler, cofounders of Veritas Academy in Austin, Texas. The three discuss how the Fowlers’ failures led to their pioneering of a collaborative educational model while learning the importance of business savvy in the process. The Fowlers explain how Veritas holds a unique position as a resource school, equipping parents to steward their roles as teachers of their children and other classical academies to follow their example. The couple also provides wisdom to those who feel called to start a classical school.

On this episode of Anchored, Soren is joined by Reverend Jennifer Ryden, senior chaplain at Hope College. The two discuss the changing educational and cultural landscape and its effect on the relationship between identity and belonging. Ryden also talks about the intersection of her English major and her work in ministry and Hope’s unique way of grounding vocational work in the liberal arts. She walks Soren through a day in the life of a college chaplain and some of the best and most challenging parts of her job. 

On this episode of Anchored, Soren is joined by Reverend Robert Ingram, a founding member of the Geneva School, and Dr. Stephen J. Nichols, President of Reformation Bible College (RBC). The three discuss the beginnings and mission of the Geneva School and of RBC and how the Christian, classical education movement has changed over time. They also explain the dangers of failing to follow up a classical K-12 education with a classical college education. Ingram and Nichols expound upon the need for leadership in classical education, and the importance of character formation and critical thinking in a world with artificial intelligence. Nichols shares how Ingram has played a large role in supporting the growth of the new Reformed Classical Education minor at RBC.

On this episode of Anchored, Kimberly is joined by Sarah Mackenzie, the author of Teaching from Rest and The Read Aloud Family and the host of the Read Aloud Revival podcast. The two discuss the definition of curriculum, the importance of a restful demeanor in establishing a love of learning, and tips for homeschooling families that find themselves trying to do it all. Mackenzie also emphasizes the importance of diligent over rigorous education and the merits of families that read aloud, a movement she is further bolstering with her boutique publishing company, Waxwing Books. 

On this episode of Anchored, Soren is joined by Erin Valdez, Policy Director at the Texas Public Policy Foundation and member of the CLT Board of Academic Advisors. The two discuss Valdez’s experience growing up as a homeschooled student in the eighties and how educational policy affected her experience. She also cites Albert Cheng’s research, as explored in last week’s episode, and the reality of declining literacy despite a proliferation of new reading strategies. Valdez also warns about the dangers of young men disengaging from education and the workforce, looking at the ways a balanced education reinforces the virtue of work. She leaves listeners with tips on picking the right college and a reformed philosophy on “useless” majors. 

On this episode of Anchored, Soren is joined by Albert Cheng, professor at the Department of Education Reform in the College of Education and Health Professions at the University of Arkansas. The two discuss Cheng’s recently published research study that captures and evaluates the growth in charter school enrollment and how it is even greater in classical charter schools. They also explore additional results from surveying parents on educational values and education. Cheng also predicts future policy implementation that could arise from these findings. 

On this episode of Anchored, our Vice President of Partnerships Soren Schwab is joined by Dr. David Alexander, Vice President of Academic Affairs and a professor of philosophy at Providence Christian College in Pasadena, California. The two discuss Dr. Alexander's educational and spiritual journey and how it revealed to him the necessity and value of the liberal arts. They also explore what makes the liberal arts truly “liberating” and the subsequent danger of a hyper-focused, fragmented education geared toward merely acquiring skills. 

On this episode of Anchored, Soren is joined by Dr. Matthew Bianco, the Chief Operations Officer for the CiRCE Institute and a head mentor in the CiRCE Apprenticeship Program. He is also the author of Letters to My Sons: A Humane Vision for Human Relationships. He discusses how he discovered classical education after attending public school and serving in the U.S. Air Force. He also shares information on the CiRCE Apprenticeship Program and details his perspective on the importance of sports to navigating life and “things that matter because they don’t matter.”