How are students doing in class -- and should they be outside more? And who's pulling the carpet out from under public schools? In this month's quiz we tackle these and other timely questions along with special guest contestants Utah Teacher of the Year John Arthur, and school counselor and All It Takes founder Lori Woodley-Langendorff.

We’ve got maverick teachers, social emotional learning, sagging science scores, school desks with minds of their own, capricious budget cuts, kickball, and more. So, laugh some, learn some, and grab a few nuggets of knowledge you can pass off as your own as Alex and Paul lead us through world-famous quiz games like Surfing the Education Headlines and Education Data Points of the Month. Plus, don’t miss our brand new game – Banned or Not Banned? – where we ponder which common items schools have banned. Chapstick anyone?

ABOUT OUR GUESTS

John Arthur teaches sixth grade at Meadow Lark Elementary School in Salt Lake City. He's a National Board Certified Teacher who was honored as the 2021 Utah State Teacher of the Year and National Teacher of the Year Finalist. In 2023, he was also recognized as one of Utah's Most Valuable Educators by Instructor and the Utah Jazz. John's students have gained national recognition as advocates for themselves and their communities through the digital content they create and share across platforms, such as the YouTube channel 9thEvermore. John also recently authored "The New Digital Project Playbook, A Guide to Empower Students as Creators."

Lori Woodley-Langendorff, MS, PPS, is a school counselor who founded and serves as Chief Visionary Officer of All It Takes, a nonprofit that equips youth and those who serve them with essential emotional intelligence skills. She's also an award-winning docu-training producer of the Trusted Space film series, speaker, writer, trainer, and SEL curriculum developer. Her new book is titled "Social Emotional Learning Muscle Mastery Six, tools for Building Resilience and Connection in Schools and Communities."

ABOUT OUR HOSTS

Alex Kajitani is a California Teacher of the Year and author of several books for educators, including Owning It, and You're A Teacher Now. He is an inspiring and engaging speaker, the Rappin' Mathematician, coach, and creator of programs for students and teachers, including Multiplication Nation, Math Success Camp, and the "New Teacher Success" video series.

Paul Richman is a Grammy and Academy Award-winning artist who...Wait, hold on -- that's someone else. Actually, Paul is an all-purpose education policy guy who has served as a leader for several statewide education associations, coalitions and policy initiatives. He also produced the "Adventures in Ed Funding" and "Budgeting for Educational Equity" podcasts, and currently serves as an executive producer of the Inside California Education statewide TV series.

ABOUT OUR MUSIC

Tommy Dunbar is a musician, songwriter, and producer best known as the founder and lead guitarist of the power pop band The Rubinoos. His music can be heard in many films and TV shows, including Revenge of the Nerds, Bachelor Party, Sex Education, Lizzie McGuire.

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