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Educational Awareness

Educational Awareness

By: Melissa LaShure
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The Educational Awareness podcast brings you the information you need to know, to advocate for quality education. Be aware of educational laws in Indiana and how they affect students and teachers. Learn how to read and understand assessment data to provide the best instruction for students and provide support at home. A podcast built for parents and educators.
Episodes
  • Expanding Learning Beyond School Walls: How ReSchool Colorado is Revolutionizing Education Access

    Expanding Learning Beyond School Walls: How ReSchool Colorado is Revolutionizing Education Access
    Jun 5 2025
    When we think about education, most of us picture classroom desks, textbooks, and traditional school buildings. But what if we told you that only 20% of a child's learning happens during school hours? The remaining 80% occurs outside those walls – and that's where ReSchool Colorado is making a transformative difference.In a recent episode of the Educational Awareness Podcast, host Melissa LaShure sat down with Amy Anderson from ReSchool Colorado to explore how this innovative organization is helping families access a more expansive education system that works across all learning spaces.The Vision: Education That Extends Beyond School HoursFounded 13 years ago, ReSchool Colorado operates on a simple yet powerful premise: children are learning constantly, not just during the traditional school day. Amy Anderson explains their mission as supporting families to "co-design an education system in Colorado that gave all kids access to learning opportunities that occurred across all of those spaces."This approach recognizes what many parents instinctively know – that their children's interests, talents, and learning needs often extend far beyond what traditional schools can offer. Whether it's a child passionate about music, dance, coding, or athletics, ReSchool helps families access these enriching experiences regardless of their financial circumstances.Breaking Down Barriers to Educational EquityOne of the most significant challenges ReSchool addresses is the growing cost of enrichment activities. Anderson shared some eye-opening statistics: recreational soccer, which cost around $200-250 per season just a few years ago, now runs between $500-600. Summer camps that were once $300 for a week have jumped to $700-800 or more."We initially shadowed families in the early days of ReSchool," Anderson explains, "and that's where it became just a huge aha that kids were spending a lot of time in these spaces outside of school and families were sharing with us, most of the families that we work with are lower income families, that they did not have the same resources."To address this inequity, ReSchool has raised about a million dollars over the past decade, redistributing these funds as "learning dollars" that families can use to access educational experiences their children might otherwise miss.How ReSchool Works: A Multi-Faceted ApproachReSchool's support system includes several key components:Learner AdvocatesThese navigators and coaches work directly with families, helping them identify resources and access the types of educational opportunities their children need. They serve as trusted guides in what can often feel like an overwhelming landscape of options.Learning DollarsThis direct funding program provides families with financial resources to pursue learning experiences and activities for their children. Families have the flexibility to use these funds in ways that best serve their children's unique interests and needs.Resource PlatformsReSchool has created two valuable online tools:Denver Learning Ecosystem: A comprehensive database of Denver-area providers offering out-of-school programmingDiscover Learning: A parent-focused platform where families can input their location and children's interests to find suitable learning providersFamily Choice JournalThis free tool helps families engage in meaningful conversations about their learning interests and needs, then guides them toward finding aligned experiences.The Broader Movement: Education Savings Accounts and Micro-GrantsReSchool's work connects to larger national trends in education funding. Anderson discussed education savings accounts (ESAs) – programs in several states that allow families to access public education funding for private schools or homeschooling resources, provided they leave the traditional public school system.However, Anderson notes that over 80% of the families ReSchool works with choose to remain in the public system. "It's risky for some people to leave," she explains, pointing out that public schools provide transportation, food services, aftercare, and special education supports that families may not receive elsewhere.ReSchool maintains an agnostic stance on these policy debates, focusing instead on supporting families in making the choices that work best for their unique circumstances while highlighting potential equity challenges that can arise.Colorado's Educational InnovationColorado offers various innovative educational pathways, including:Community college integration with high school programsInnovation centers in districts offering career and entrepreneurship focusPath Forward program, allowing early graduates access to up to $4,000 for workforce or academic pathwaysThese options provide students with alternatives to the traditional four-year college track, similar to programs in other states that offer pathways in fields like aviation, automotive mechanics, construction, nursing, and culinary arts.Expanding the Model...
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    20 mins
  • Classical Christian Education Explained: David Goodwin Interview

    Classical Christian Education Explained: David Goodwin Interview
    May 29 2025
    Rediscovering Ancient Wisdom: What Classical Christian Education Offers Modern StudentsThis post is based on our recent Educational Awareness podcast episode featuring David Goodwin, co-author of the New York Times bestseller "Battle for the American Mind" and President of the Association of Classical Christian Schools.In an era where American education faces mounting challenges, an ancient approach is gaining renewed attention. Classical Christian education, rooted in methods that have shaped Western civilization for centuries, offers a compelling alternative to progressive educational models. But what exactly does this approach entail, and could it hold keys to addressing our current educational crisis?The Foundation: More Than Just Another Educational MethodClassical Christian education isn't simply a different way of organizing curriculum—it's a fundamentally different philosophy of learning. As David Goodwin explains, this approach views education as the cultivation of wisdom and virtue, where knowledge goes far deeper than mere information retention."Knowledge for classical educators is different," Goodwin notes. "It specifically deals more with understanding rather than just information. If you know something about a tree or a horse, we're interested in all the dimensions of that—experiential, mimetic learning through imitation, or direct instruction."This holistic approach to knowledge creates what educators call "poetic knowledge"—understanding that engages not just the intellect but the whole person.A Day in the Life: What Makes Classical Christian Schools DifferentThe Elementary Years: Building Strong FoundationsClassical Christian schools take a markedly different approach to early education. Phonics instruction is paramount—no whole word learning methods here. Students develop fine motor skills and an appreciation for beauty through extensive cursive handwriting and even calligraphy work.Literature selection focuses heavily on classic children's works from the 19th and 20th centuries: Pinocchio, Robin Hood, Arthurian legends, and authors like C.S. Lewis and George MacDonald. Aesop's fables and various myths round out the reading curriculum, providing rich material for developing both literacy and moral imagination.Grammar instruction follows structured programs with recitations and sentence diagramming, while Latin typically begins in third grade. Why Latin so early? It's not just about language—it's about understanding the structure of language itself, since Latin's inflected nature helps students grasp grammatical concepts that enhance their English comprehension.The Memory AdvantageOne striking feature of classical education is its emphasis on memorization. Students learn math facts through speed drills, memorize poetry, recite historical facts through songs and chants, and even employ ancient memory techniques like memory palaces used in Greece and Rome.This focus addresses a real crisis in modern education. As Goodwin observed, "We see quite a decline in students being able to recall their basic math facts right now." Classical schools combat this through intensive memory work that gets students "off their fingers as quickly as possible" with rapid-fire math fact drills.The Three Pillars: Grammar, Logic, and RhetoricClassical education organizes learning around the Trivium—three paths to knowledge:Grammar Stage (Elementary): Students absorb information and learn the fundamental rules of language and mathematicsLogic Stage (Middle School): Students learn to analyze, critique, and understand the relationships between different ideasRhetoric Stage (High School): Students learn to express knowledge eloquently and persuasivelyThis progression follows natural developmental stages, working with rather than against how children's minds naturally grow.Beyond the Classroom: Character FormationClassical Christian education doesn't compartmentalize academics and character development. The cultivation of virtue—moral, natural, and intellectual—is woven throughout the educational experience.Students develop moral virtues through the study of literature that presents clear examples of good and evil. Natural virtues emerge through nature studies where students might spend time drawing leaves in intricate detail, observing carefully before learning about photosynthesis. Intellectual virtues like precision, observation, and understanding develop through rigorous academic work.The Assessment Question: How Do You Measure Success?Rather than relying solely on standardized tests, many classical Christian schools are moving toward descriptive assessments written by teachers each quarter. These evaluations address not just academic progress but character development and virtue cultivation.When standardized testing is used, schools often choose assessments aligned with their educational philosophy, such as the Classic Learning Test, which uses reading passages more consistent with classical ...
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    27 mins
  • Episode 9: America’s Education Past and Future

    Episode 9: America’s Education Past and Future
    May 22 2025
    Welcome to the final episode of America’s Education Past and Future. Although this wraps up the series, I will have follow-up episodes, as this has opened doors for conversations and a deeper look at how we are going to move forward with education in our nation. As we look at the future of education in America, I want to point us back to the book of Nehemiah in the Old Testament. Nehemiah is the last of the Old Testament historical books. The book recounts the third return to Jerusalem after captivity, describing the rebuilding of the walls and the renewal of the people’s faith. Sounds refreshing, but as you read through this account, you realize it was not easy. You also find that it reflects where we currently stand in education and what the future might hold. I will give you a very brief overview. Nehemiah receives a report of the Jewish remnant who had survived the exile and were now residing in Jerusalem. Nehemiah 1:3 – They said to me, “Those who survived the exile and are back in the province are in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire.” This is a picture of our current education system. Progressives have torn down the pillars of our nation’s once superior educational system and left it a pile of burning rubble.Although the exiles had been living amongst the rubble for years, they had not started to rebuild. The same can be said of us as we continue to use the progressive school model, hoping for different results.Nehemiah wept when he heard the news before seeking God’s help, which is key to his success. When he arrived in Jerusalem, he inspected the damage and then came up with a game plan to rebuild the walls and restore Jerusalem to its former glory.Nehemiah 2:17-18 – Then I said to them, “You see the trouble we are in: Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been burned with fire. Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, and we will no longer be in disgrace.” I also told them about the gracious hand of my God upon me and what the king had said to me.They replied, “Let us start rebuilding.” So they began the good work.Opposition rose immediately. Nehemiah 2:19-20 – But when Sanballat the Horonite, Tobiah the Ammonite official and Geshem the Arab heard about it, they mocked and ridiculed us. “What is this you are doing?” they asked. “Are you rebelling against the king?”I answered them by saying, “The God of heaven will give us success. We his servants will start rebuilding, but as for you, you have no share in Jerusalem or any claim or historic right to it.”Remember what Dr. Witherspoon, the founder of Princeton, stated.“Government was a reflection of its citizens; if Americans became profane and immoral, their government would also become profane and immoral; and history has demonstrated conclusively that such governments do not survive. Consequently, it was simple logic that any true friend of America would promote religion and morality.” (4 Centuries of American Education, by David Barton, page 12)Any friend of America would promote religion and morality. As we have learned throughout this series, America was founded on Christian principles and morality. If you stand against this, then you stand against America, just as these men tried to stand against Jerusalem.As you continue to read through Nehemiah, you see he had many successes in rebuilding Jerusalem, but there was a lot of opposition. However, he stood strong and pressed on, knowing God was with him. One of my favorite verses from Nehemiah is 4:14. This comes as they face opposition once again.After looking things over, I stood up and said to the nobles, the officials and the rest of the people, “Don’t be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes.”Does that not make you want to say hoorah, let’s get this done?In our last episode, we discussed the Classical Christian Education (CCE) model and how it served our children well for centuries, providing them with an education that was far superior to any other. Statistical and empirical data prove its superiority.We have the opportunity to be the Nehemiah’s of this generation so that the generations to come will enjoy the freedom that comes with an education that develops their thinking and reasoning skills. If we take a stand, do the hard work, and rebuild our broken education system, our children will end up with an education that surpasses our own. And don’t we always want better for our kids?The question is, how do we go about rebuilding our broken education system? I am no expert in this, and there could be more than one way to get this done. These are my ideas, and I am sure others have better ones. Right now, I just ...
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    12 mins

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