16:1 - Education, Teaching, & Learning

Education Headline Roundup:This week's stories:The Biden-Harris Administration recently greenlit an additional $5.8 billion in student debt relief for 78,000 public service workers.The U.S. Education Department has announced there’s a new error wreacking havoc on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid; up to 200,000 additional applicants may be impacted.We talked about Houston ISD last summer when a controversial new state-appointed superintendent, Mike Miles, converted district libraries to detention centers; the district is back in the news for reversing course on a new principal evaluation system after a tense public comment meeting with the state-appointed HISD management board.The Man Behind the Sweater: The Life and Accomplishments of Fred RogersFred Rogers, the beloved creator and host of "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood," was born in 1928 in Latrobe, Pennsylvania. Despite facing bullying and health issues in his childhood, Rogers found solace in music and puppetry.Rogers' interest in television emerged from a desire to improve the medium's impact on society. Beginning his career at NBC, he later found his calling at WQED in Pittsburgh, where he produced and hosted children's programming. Rogers' vision of using television as a tool for education and empathy came to fruition with the creation of "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood." Debuting in 1968, the show became a beloved fixture in homes across America, offering a safe and nurturing space for children to learn and grow.At the heart of "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood" were Rogers' core principles of kindness, understanding, and acceptance. Through gentle storytelling and engaging segments, the show addressed a wide range of topics, from emotions and relationships to complex social issues. Rogers' genuine connection with his audience and his ability to tackle difficult subjects with grace and sensitivity made the show a beacon of hope to generations of kids."Mister Rogers' Neighborhood" left a mark on television history, winning awards and accolades over its 33-year run. Rogers' advocacy for quality children's programming and his unwavering dedication to public television's funding solidified his status as a cultural icon. Fred Rogers' legacy continues to remind us of the power of empathy, imagination, and genuine connection.Sources & Resources:Ed Department error may delay student financial aid furtherUpdate on 2024-25 FAFSA Institutional Student Information Record (ISIR) Delivery | Knowledge CenterBiden-Harris Administration Approves Additional $5.8 Billion in Student Debt Relief for 78,000 Public Service Workers | U.S. Department of EducationHISD reverses course on principal firings after emotional community meetingSuperintendent Mike Miles reverses HISD's new policy on principal evaluationsHouston ISD reverses course on mid-year principal screenings after community calls to ‘reject this system, reject this superintendent’Mister Rogers: 'Won't you be my neighbor?' fans can check out Fred Rogers TrailThe Behind-the-Scenes Quest to Find Mister Rogers' Signature Cardigans | Arts & Culture| Smithsonian MagazineAbout Fred RogersFred Rogers - WikipediaCNN.com - Fred and me: An appreciation - Feb. 27, 200341 Wonderful Facts About Mister Rogers‘Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood’ at 50: 5 Memorable Moments - The New York TimesFred Rogers | Television Academy InterviewsWatch Won't You Be My Neighbor? | NetflixWon’t you be my neighbor? | CPBHISTORY Moment in Media: The Unexpected Power of Mr. RogersCelebrating Mr. Rogers at the National ArchivesMisterogers - The Mister Rogers' Neighborhood ArchiveSony Corp. of America v. Universal City Studios, Inc. - Wikipedia.How Mister Rogers Saved the VCR | Mental Floss(DOC) A Uses & Gratification Study of Viewers of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood | Shane Tilton - Academia.eduFred Rogers: a quiet psychological revolution in children’s televisionJohns Hopkins Carey Business School - It's Such a Good Feeling: Alexandra Klaren examines legacy of Mister Rogers' NeighborhoodEsquire (Magazine) - The Mister Rogers' Neighborhood ArchiveNCAA Withheld Use of Powerful ‘March Madness’ Brand From Women’s Basketball - WSJMychal Judge | Biography, September 11 Attacks, Priest, Friar, LGBTQ, & Facts | BritannicaShannon Stapleton | 9/11The Only Plane in the Sky by Garrett M. Graff

Education Headline RoundupThis week's stories:Liberty University, a large evangelical Christian university in Virginia, was fined a hefty $14 million by the U.S. Department of Education. The fine stemmed from the university's failure to comply with the Clery Act, a federal law regarding campus safety.Lawmakers in Greece’s parliament have voted effectively to end a state monopoly on university education amid protests and demonstrations in central Athens that drew 18,000+ people.Nebraska’s State Board of Education has voted 5-3 against a rule change process that would have enabled the defining and banning of sexually explicit books and materials from school libraries and removed a requirement for schools to purchase a minimum number of new books each academic year.Landmark Supreme Court Cases that Changed U.S. Education: Part IIWelcome to part two of our discussion of pivotal Supreme Court cases that have shaped the landscape of student rights, privacy, religious freedom, and affirmative action in education. This week, we're covering:Hazelwood School District v. Kuhlmeier (1988)This case significantly impacted student press freedom, allowing schools to restrict student speech in school-sponsored publications under certain conditions. We discuss the balance between student free speech and school authority. Safford Unified School District v. Redding (2009)The strip search of a 13-year-old student raised questions about student privacy and the limits of school searches. We analyze the Supreme Court's decision and its impact on school policies regarding student searches.Espinoza v. Montana Department of Revenue (2020)Examining the intersection of state scholarship programs and religious freedom, we look at how this case challenged the separation of church and state and its implications for educational funding and religious schools.Kennedy v. Bremerton School District (2022)This case highlighted the clash between religious expression and public school policies. We discuss the implications of the Court's decision on the role of religion in public life and the rights of students and educators.Students for Fair Admissions, Inc. v. President & Fellows of Harvard College (2023)In this recent landmark case, we analyze the impact of affirmative action policies on college admissions and the Court's ruling on diversity and racial discrimination in higher education.Join us as we contemplate each case’s significance in shaping the rights and responsibilities of students, educators, and institutions in the United States.Questions for Reflection:How do these Supreme Court decisions impact the rights of students and educators in schools today?What are the broader implications of these rulings for education policy and practice?How can we ensure a balance between protecting individual rights and maintaining a safe and inclusive learning environment in schools?Sources & Resources:Liberty University Hit With Record Fines for Failing to Handle Complaints of Sexual Assault, Other Crimes — ProPublicaU.S. Department of Education Imposes $14 Million Fine Against Liberty University for Clery Act ViolationsState Education Board rejects rule to ban sexually explicit books in all school librariesBoard of Education votes 'no' on rule impacting content in school libraries | Nebraska Public Media.State Ed Board rejects measure defining and banning sexually explicit materials in school libraries • Nebraska ExaminerFacts and Case Summary - Hazelwood v. Kuhlmeier | United States CourtsHazelwood School District v. Kuhlmeier | OyezHAZELWOOD SCHOOL DISTRICT, et al., Petitioners v. Cathy KUHLMEIER et al. | Supreme Court | US LawSafford Unified School District v. Redding | OyezEspinoza v. Montana Dept. of Revenue | Constitution CenterStudents for Fair Admissions, Inc. v. President and Fellows of Harvard College | Definition, Questions, Grutter v. Bollinger, Affirmative Action, & Decision | BritannicaStudents for Fair Admissions v. Harvard FAQ: Navigating the Evolving Implications of the Court’s Ruling - Stanford Center for Racial JusticeKennedy v. Bremerton School District | OyezSupreme Court Sides With Coach Over Prayers at the 50-Yard Line - The New York TimesSupreme Court school prayer ruling in Lee v. Weisman and family's quest - The Washington PostBoard of Education of the Hendrick Hudson Central School District v. Rowley | BritannicaRegents of the University of California v. Bakke | OyezRegents of the University of California v. Bakke (1978) | Wex | US Law | LII / Legal Information InstituteLau v. Nichols | OyezSan Antonio Independent School District v. Rodriguez | Oyez1973: San Antonio ISD v. Rodriguez - A Latinx Resource Guide: Civil Rights Cases and Events in the United StatesThe Worst Supreme Court Decisions Since 1960 | TIMEAmerican Heritage Dictionary of the English LanguageCoach Who Won Supreme Court Case Over Prayers on the Field Resigns | New York TimesEspinoza v. Montana Department of Revenue - Institute for Justice20-1199 Students for Fair Admissions, Inc. v. President and Fellows of Harvard College (06/29/2023)Students for Fair Admissions v. President and Fellows of Harvard College | OyezKEY FACTS Students for Fair Admissions, Inc. v President and Fellows of Harvard CollegeStudents for Fair Admissions v. Harvard FAQ: Navigating the Evolving Implications of the Court’s Ruling - Stanford Center for Racial JusticeFrequently Asked Questions on Justices - Supreme Court of the United StatesHarvard Overhauls College Application in Wake of Affirmative Action Decision | Newsdiscrimination | Wex | US Law | LII / Legal Information Institute.

Education Headline RoundupThis week’s headline roundup brings an update to the evolving story of U.S. colleges & universities rescinding test-optional admissions policies. Yale, MIT, and Georgetown have joined Dartmouth in reinstating a requirement that students submit test scores with their college applications. Students at Dartmouth attended a tense office hours session on Feb. 5 with university administrators to voice concerns with the College’s reinstatement of mandatory test score submission, arguing that it will result in a less diverse applicant pool. In other Dartmouth news from last week, the college also just settled in class-action suit involving 17 elite universities that alleged they engaged in an anti-competitive tuition price-fixing scheme that may have disadvantaged certain applicants due to their financial status.The Chicago Board of Education has voted unanimously to remove school resource officers from Chicago Public Schools by the start of next academic year. This decision followed years of debate and advocacy, driven by several key factors, including concerns about disproportionate policing impact on minority students and the efficacy of SRO programs in preventing safety incidents. Advocates proposed investing in social workers, counselors, and restorative justice programs as more effective and equitable approaches to address safety concerns.Harvard University is forming a working group to explore formalizing a policy of “institutional neutrality” following recent controversies involving pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli student demonstrations that ultimately led to the resignation of Harvard president Claudine Gay.Landmark Supreme Court Cases That Changed U.S. Education: Part IJoin us as we embark on a two-part series exploring landmark Supreme Court cases that have profoundly impacted the landscape of education in the United States. This week’s episode includes discussions of the following cases:Brown v. Board of Education (1954): Challenging racial segregation in public schools.Engel v. Vitale (1962) & Abington School District v. Schempp (1963): Establishing the separation of church and state in public education.Tinker v. Des Moines Independent Community School District (1969): Defining students' First Amendment rights to symbolic expression.San Antonio Independent School District v. Rodriguez (1973): Addressing disparities in school funding across districts.Lau v. Nichols (1974): Ensuring equal educational opportunity for students with limited English proficiency.Regents of the University of California v. Bakke (1978): Addressing the use of affirmative action in college admissions.Board of Education v. Rowley (1982): Establishing the standard for providing education to students with disabilities.Stay tuned for Part II!Sources & Resources:Yale University Joins Dartmouth, MIT, and Georgetown in Requiring Applicants to Submit Standardized Test Scores; Kaplan Survey Suggests Other Schools Will Join ThemChicago Board of Education votes to remove police officers from schools.Chicago Board of Education unanimously votes to remove school resource officers from CPSStudents voice complaints about testing requirement reinstatement during ‘tense’ office hours - The DartmouthClass-action lawsuit accuses 17 elite universities of running 'price-fixing cartel'‘This Has to Stop’: Harvard Set to Consider Institutional Neutrality | NewsBrown v. Board of Education (1954) | National ArchivesPlessy v. Ferguson (1896) | National ArchivesFacts and Case Summary - Engel v. Vitale | United States Courtshttps://books.google.com/books?id=Qc5Ove6xYf8C&pg=PA16#v=onepage&q&f=falseAbington School District v. Schempp :: 374 U.S. 203 (1963)First Amendment and Religion | United States CourtsSchool District of Abington Township, Pennsylvania v. Schempp (1963) | Wex | US Law | LII / Legal Information InstituteSchool District of Abington Township v. Schempp | First Amendment & Education | BritannicaThe Schempp-Murray Decision On School Prayers and Bible ReadingTinker v. Des Moines School Dist., 393 U.S. 503 (1969).Tinker v. Des Moines | Wex | US Law | LII / Legal Information InstituteThe Young Anti-War Activists Who Fought for Free Speech at School | History| Smithsonian MagazineMcCreary County v. American Civil Liberties UnionMcCreary County v. ACLUSafford Unified School District v. Redding | OyezEspinoza v. Montana Dept. of Revenue | Constitution CenterStudents for Fair Admissions, Inc. v. President and Fellows of Harvard College | Definition, Questions, Grutter v. Bollinger, Affirmative Action, & Decision | BritannicaStudents for Fair Admissions v. Harvard FAQ: Navigating the Evolving Implications of the Court’s Ruling - Stanford Center for Racial JusticeKennedy v. Bremerton School District | OyezSupreme Court Sides With Coach Over Prayers at the 50-Yard Line - The New York TimesSupreme Court school prayer ruling in Lee v. Weisman and family's quest - The Washington PostBoard of Education of the Hendrick Hudson Central School District v. Rowley | BritannicaRegents of the University of California v. Bakke | OyezRegents of the University of California v. Bakke (1978) | Wex | US Law | LII / Legal Information InstituteLau v. Nichols | OyezSan Antonio Independent School District v. Rodriguez | Oyez1973: San Antonio ISD v. Rodriguez - A Latinx Resource Guide: Civil Rights Cases and Events in the United StatesThe Worst Supreme Court Decisions Since 1960 | TIME

Education Headline RoundupHere are the school & learning headlines we cover in this week’s episode of 16:1: Dartmouth College (a private, Ivy League research institution in New Hampshire) recently announced it will require SAT/ACT scores again for applicants starting with the class of 2029 (applies to applicants starting Fall 2025). This comes after the school temporarily made these scores optional in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The decision was influenced by study findings suggesting that test-optional policies didn't increase enrollment of first-generation, low-income, or under-resourced students and that admissions offices were not able to confidently determine students’ academic qualifications without relying on test scores. Dartmouth is the first Ivy League school to reinstate the test requirement. It remains to be seen if others will follow suit, though Harvard has said it will NOT require scores for applicants up until at least the class of 2030. The Union of Students in Ireland (USI) National Council passed a symbolic motion against the use of online proctoring software Proctorio on January 25th, 2024. The USI National Council unanimously passed the motion, which highlighted safety and ethics concerns as well as potential conflicts with the GDPR, Europe’s expansive online privacy law. TCDSU cited examples of other institutions abandoning or curtailing the use of Proctorio due to its apparent ineffectiveness in preventing cheating. Student opposition to Proctorio in Ireland may influence other student unions and institutions to re-evaluate their use of the software.The newly relaunched Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) process has introduced several issues impacting students and universities alike. Due to errors in calculating financial aid eligibility, the Department of Education announced on Jan 30th that FAFSA processing won't start until mid-March (when it is normally completed by the end of January), impacting financial aid offers for the 2024-25 academic year. This delay also affects some state financial aid forms that rely on FAFSA data for auto-population. Students in these states need to check individual deadlines and procedures. Users have reported issues with the school selection feature, including incomplete school names, duplicate entries for the same campus, and difficulties identifying the correct campus. Some parents attempting to start the application on behalf of their child have encountered errors preventing them from completing the form.Decoding Grades: From Marks to Mastery, and What Students Actually NeedGrading is a ubiquitous yet controversial element of formal schooling. This episode delves into the history and purpose of grades, highlighting traditional and alternative approaches while advocating for student empowerment. The grading system has undergone a long journey full of transformation, but questions linger about its true effectiveness in reflecting student learning. Current discussions emphasize the potential stress and competition associated with grades. Alternative philosophies like standards-based and holistic grading offer different lenses for evaluating student progress. Shifting the focus to student ownership through self-assessment and peer feedback can foster deeper learning and critical thinking skills. We also discuss grade inflation and the growing focus on student self-reflection, as well as innovative grade-less approaches such as those proposed in Hacking Assessment.Examining different perspectives and empowering students in the evaluation process are crucial steps towards creating a learning environment that prioritizes meaningful growth over a single letter grade.Sources & Resources:Update To Testing Policy | Dartmouth AdmissionsDartmouth will again require SAT, ACT scores. Other colleges won't necessarily follow | WLRNAdmissions Update for the 2023-2026 Application Cycles | HarvardA Top College Reinstates the SAT - The New York TimesGrade Inflation Continues to Grow in the Past DecadeGrade inflationUSI National Council unanimously passes motion against Proctorio – Trinity NewsAn Exam Surveillance Company Is Trying to Silence Critics With LawsuitsCalifornia colleges still use remote proctoring despite court decisionFAFSA glitches and delays leave students, states, institutions in limbo2024–25 FAFSA Issue Alerts | Knowledge CenterStudents panic after new financial aid application blocks them: 'I don't know who to call'New FAFSA Getting on Your Nerves? Here's Some Advice From an Expert | Education | U.S. NewsIn Defense of Rubrics in Assessing Writing - pedagogy colloquiumTeaching More by Grading Less (or Differently) - PMCThe Shift from Oral to Written Examination: Cambridge and Oxford 1700–1900Ungrading: Where We Are and Where We Might GoThe Problem with Grading | Harvard Graduate School of EducationAn Immanent Machine: Reconsidering grades, historical and presentAnnual Reports on Education | Horace MannHorace Mann | 16:1The New York Public Library has a mini roller coaster for books 

Education Headline RoundupAfter a break in formatting for our 100th episode, we’re back and bringing you the education headlines that are grabbing our attention this week. Our stories:First, an update to our ongoing discussion of America’s literacy crisis and the science of reading, from the AP: Georgia leaders propose $11.3M to improve reading as some lawmakers seek a more aggressive approach | AP NewsThe Georgia Department of Education has proposed a $11.3 million budget to fund literacy initiatives, including literacy coaches and a screening test to identify students with dyslexia. Some lawmakers say the department is not doing enough to comply with a literacy law passed in 2023 and would like to see a more aggressive approach, as Georgia has one of the highest illiteracy rates in the country. Georgia joins Ohio, Massachusetts, New York, and more than a dozen other states that included literacy initiatives in their 2024 legislative sessions. For more of our coverage on the science of reading and the three-cueing approach, see Episode 96 (Piaget) of our show, and check out APM’s Sold a Story podcast for in-depth analysis.More book bannings in a story out of Maryland: New Carroll County school policy restricts 'sexually explicit' books - The Baltimore BannerA new policy at Carroll County Public Schools restricts “sexually explicit” library books and textbook materials. The policy was passed after months of campaigning by the conservative parent group Moms for Liberty, who challenged dozens of books they claim are inappropriate. The new policy defines “sexually explicit” content as “unambiguously describing, depicting, showing, or writing about sex or sex acts in a detailed or graphic manner.” The policy does not apply to materials used in the health curriculum.And finally, a listener brought to our attention a developing story in Ohio: Student Interactions with Peace Officers Model Curriculum | Ohio Department of Education and WorkforceSections of the Ohio Revised Code that went into effect this past October after the Ohio Department of Education was restructured require all public schools to teach students in grades 9-12 about their interactions with peace officers. The Ohio Department of Education & Workforce (formerly ODE) is developing a draft model curriculum in collaboration with the Ohio Department of Public Safety.From ODEW’s website: “The model curriculum provides instruction on proper interactions with peace officers during traffic stops and other in-person encounters. Ohio law identifies four content requirements for this model curriculum: Information on which individuals are peace officers and their duties and responsibilities; Questioning and detention laws, including any that require proof of identity and consequences for failure to comply with the laws; A person’s rights during an interaction with a peace officer; Proper interactions for interacting with peace officers.” Listen to the full episode for our discussion about this model curriculum under development (we have lots of questions). If you are a teacher who wants to get in touch with ODEW concerning this model curriculum, contact ODEW here: LearningandInstructionalStrategies@education.ohio.gov​Dolly Parton’s Imagination LibraryOur episode topic this week: Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, a literacy program that mails free, high-quality books to children from birth to age five (regardless of family income). From humble Appalachian roots to global superstardom, Dolly Parton's journey sparkles with rags-to-riches grit and musical magic. But beyond the glitter of rhinestones and chart-topping hits lies a deeper passion - literacy. Inspired by what Parton considers to be her father's unfulfilled dreams due to his inability to read, Dolly created the Imagination Library, gifting millions of books to children worldwide. Learn about this program and its lasting impact on literacy around the world.Sources & Resources:Country Music Hall of Fame - Dolly PartonBusiness Insider - Dolly Parton explains why Elvis never recorded… by Yasmin GaraadImagination Library - Awards and MilestonesImagination Library - Find my ProgramWikipedia - Shari LewisImagination Library - Themes and ConceptsNational EclipseGeorgia leaders propose $11.3M to improve reading as some lawmakers seek a more aggressive approach | AP NewsKemp signs bills aiming to improve school safety, literacy | AP NewsLiteracy - GaDOEGeorgia Council on Literacy | The Governor's Office of Student AchievementNew York Joins the 'Science of Reading' Movement, Offering Guidance—Not MandatesMass Literacy - Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary EducationThe 'Science of Reading' in 2024: 5 State Initiatives to Watch.Sold a Story: How Teaching Kids to Read Went So Wrong | APM PodcastStates rethink reading | AxiosReading Recovery Sues Ohio Over Ban on 'Cueing' in Literacy InstructionStudent Interactions with Peace Officers Model Curriculum | Ohio Department of Education and WorkforcePodcast - Dolly Parton's America 

Honest Answers: Classroom Teacher AMA (Ask Me Anything)!Pop the champagne corks and grab your apples, it's 16:1 Podcast’s 100th episode celebration! To mark this milestone, we're heading straight to the teachers' lounge for a candid Ask Me Anything with hosts Katie and Chelsea, who will be joined by real-life educators Teri, Jack, and Allyson. We’re fielding listener-submitted questions on everything from embarrassing classroom moments to life-changing books and the future of education in a digital age.Get ready to explore:Inside jokes and hidden truths: What really happens in the teachers' lounge? Are movie stereotypes about teachers true?Honest reflections on the job: Is there a work-life balance for teachers? What's the best and worst part of their day?Philosophy and passion: What do teachers hope their students take away from their classes? What challenges do they face and how do they overcome them?Glimpses into the future: Could virtual classrooms be the next big thing? How can we address the teacher shortage and redesign the education system?Bonus insights: Learning styles, classroom survival kits, ideal snacks for parent-teacher conferences, and philosophies of education.No headlines or Fill in the Blank this week as we make way for our extended AMA episode.Thanks so much for supporting the show for 100 episodes!

Education Headline RoundupHappy New Year! Here are the stories we cover in our first education headline roundup of 2024:New PISA scores reveal that students worldwide have suffered major learning setbacks during the COVID-19 pandemic, with math scores dropping by ¾ of a year and reading by ½ year.The FTC is suing Grand Canyon University for alleged deceptive advertising and illegal telemarketing practices.New Zealand's new Prime Minister bans phones in schools to address the country's declining literacy rates.The Library of AlexandriaIn our first episode of 2024, we journey through time and sand, unraveling tales of the legendary Library of Alexandria. Was it a beacon of wisdom, a hoarding of scrolls, or a tragic victim of flames? Join us as we navigate the mysteries of this intellectual powerhouse of the ancient world.First, we dispel a common misconception: Alexandria wasn't the first library of renown. We'll pay homage to the Assyrian king Ashurbanipal, whose library in Nineveh housed clay tablets inscribed with epic poems and ancient wisdom. Though fiery war eventually consumed Nineveh, the baked tablets survived, offering a glimpse into the earliest organized knowledge collection.Enter the Macedonians, and fast forward to the death of Alexander the Great, an accomplished military strategist and Aristotle's pupil. His empire fractured, leaving three power blocs ruled by his former generals. We'll focus on Ptolemy I Soter, who established the Ptolemaic Kingdom in Egypt and commissioned Alexandria’s great library, a cultural melting pot where Greek and Egyptian traditions intertwined, as well as its accompanying Mouseion (a place dedicated to the Muses). The library's growth wasn't organic. The Ptolemaic kings adopted an aggressive approach to book collection, sending agents to major book fairs and even commandeering scrolls from ships in the harbor. They craved older copies, believing they were likely closer to an author's original ideas.We also address the infamous burning of Alexandria. Was it a fiery inferno consuming scrolls in a single night? Evidence points to Julius Caesar’s involvement in the destruction, but did the entire library go up in smoke? Find out in this latest installment of 16:1!Sources & Resources:The British Museum - A library fit for a king by Jonathan TaylorThe Guinness World Records - First LibraryTIME - The Story of the Library of Alexandria Is Mostly a Legend, But the Lesson of Its Burning Is Still Crucial Today by Richard OvendenWikipedia - Library of AlexandriaBritannica - Battle of NinevehBritannica - Library of AlexandriaWikipedia - Alexander the GreatUniversity of Exeter - The Antigonid NetworkThe MET - The Seleucid Empire (323–64 B.C.)Wikipedia - Bibliotheca AlexandrinaWikipedia - Lighthouse of AlexandriaMarket Watch - FTC sues Grand Canyon Education, alleging ‘deceptive and abusive’ marketing practices by Bill PetersCNBC - How a 40-ounce cup turned Stanley into a $750 million a year business by Nicolas Vega and Lauren Shamo.AP - Students around the world suffered huge learning setbacks during the pandemic, study findsFederal Trade Commission (FTC) is suing Grand Canyon University (GCU) for alleged deceptive advertising and illegal telemarketing practices.The Journal - New Zealand to ban phones in schools under new prime ministerWikipedia - Emily Warren Roebling.

Sesame Street: A Legacy of Education and EntertainmentSesame Street, the iconic children's television show that has entertained and educated generations, is a cultural phenomenon and a staple in American households with young children. Created by Joan Ganz Cooney and Lloyd Morrisett, Sesame Street aims to spark curiosity in children (and adults!) through engaging television content that utilizes the best of what network television has to offer while remaining true to its educational aims. The show's innovative approach combines live-action, animation, and puppetry to teach basic concepts like letters, numbers, and social skills. Sesame Street isn't afraid to tackle difficult and sensitive topics either; it deftly addresses issues such as death, diversity, and interpersonal conflict in a way that is both informative and age-appropriate.The show's success is undeniable, with more than 4,600 episodes produced to date and countless awards and accolades to its name. Sesame Street has also been lauded for its groundbreaking use of puppets, particularly the beloved creations of Jim Henson. Characters like Big Bird, Elmo, and Cookie Monster have become cultural icons, transcending language and cultural barriers to connect with children worldwide. Sesame Street's impact goes beyond entertainment. The show has been instrumental in promoting social change, advocating for diversity and inclusion, and addressing important social issues. From its early days as one of the first network shows to feature an integrated cast to its recent episodes highlighting cultural differences and promoting understanding, Sesame Street has consistently pushed boundaries and sparked important conversations.Sesame Street, under the stewardship of the Sesame Workshop (a non-profit entity), continues to evolve and adapt to the changing media landscape. While facing competition from streaming services and other digital platforms, the show remains relevant by embracing new licensing models and distributing on new platforms. The show's commitment to educational excellence, social responsibility, and inclusivity continues to inspire generations of viewers. This was the most fun we've had researching an episode in quite a while-- for good reason! Thanks for tuning in.Sources & Resources:Britannica - Sesame StreetHow We Got to Sesame Street, by Jill Lepore (The New Yorker)The Unmistakable Black Roots of ‘Sesame Street’ by Bryan Greene (Smithsonian Magazine)Sesame Street - WikipediaStreet Gang: How We Got to Sesame Street (HBO Documentary)Joan Ganz Cooney CenterHow Many Blimps Are Left on Earth? (Mental Floss)Image credit: "Vintage Ad #762: Can You Tell Me How to Play, How to Play With Sesame Street?" by jbcurio is licensed under CC BY 2.0.  

Education Headline RoundupWe cover the following stories in our education headlines this week:The US Department of Education is penalizing the Missouri Higher Education Loan Authority (“Mohela”) for failing to send timely bills to 2.5 million student loan holders.Teachers in Portland, Oregon have gone on strike over increased teacher pay, smaller class sizes, and more resources.A study by the Washington Post finds that the number of families homeschooling their children has increased by 50% over the past 6 years.Nurturing Resilience: Supporting Foster Youth in the Public Education SystemOur episode this week takes a look at the complexities of the U.S. foster care system and its intersection with public education. We explore the historical roots of foster care, tracing an evolution from English Poor Law in the 1500s to the modern-day child welfare system, which was shaped by the Adoption Assistance and Child Welfare Act and the Obama-era Every Student Succeeds Act. We examine the challenges that are unique to the foster youth population in the educational setting, including frequent school changes, a lack of legal and medical advocates, and the need for a post-emancipation plan.Sources & Resources:Episode 66 - Columbus Teachers on StrikeFounders Online - From George Washington to Benjamin Harrison, 18 January 1784 To Benjamin HarrisonOhio Department of Education & Workforce - Students in Foster CareIndependent - Judi Dench renders Graham Norton Show speechless with ‘spellbinding’ Shakespeare reading by Tom MurrayOhio Department of Education - Every Student Succeeds Act: Foster Care OverviewThe Annie E. Casey Foundation - Child Welfare and Foster Care StatisticsCivil Rights Litigation Clearinghouse - Case: L.J. v. MassingaVeneable LLP - Venable and Disability Rights Maryland File Lawsuit Against State Officials Over Long-Term Placement of Foster Children in Hospitals by Mitchell Y. YirvissCivil Rights Lawsuit Concerning Maryland Foster Students - Baltimore SunWikipedia - Library of AlexandriaNational Foster Parent Association - History of Foster Care in the United StatesFosterED - Every Student Succeeds Act Foster Care ProvisionsOhio Department of Education & Workforce - Ensuring the Educational Stability of Students in Foster CareCNBC - Education Department penalizes Missouri lender for error that made 800,000 student loan borrowers delinquent by Annie NovaThe Washington Post - Home schooling’s rise from fringe to fastest-growing form of education by Peter Jamison,  Laura Meckler,  Prayag Gordy,  Clara Ence Morse and  Chris Alcantara

Exploring Jean Piaget's theory of cognitive development, his influence on child psychology, and the stages of cognitive development children go through. Also, discussing controversies in education methods, legal battles, and China's patriotic education laws. Reflecting on Piaget's work, criticisms, and application in identifying developmental markers.