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Freedom to Learn

Freedom to Learn

By: Ginny Gentles
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About this listen

Season 2 of the Freedom to Learn podcast makes the urgent case for returning education to states, communities, and families. In Washington, President Trump is challenging partisan teacher unions and federal bureaucrats by enacting a new K–12 scholarship tax credit, restructuring the Department of Education, and rooting out civil rights violations in schools. Each week, host Ginny Gentles speaks with policymakers and advocates about bold reforms that improve academic performance and shift power closer to students. Every episode examines what becomes possible when education is freed from union dominance and federal control. Produced by the Defense of Freedom Institute for Policy Studies in Washington, DC.

© 2025 Freedom to Learn Political Science Politics & Government
Episodes
  • Indiana Secretary of Education Katie Jenner on Federal Waivers, Investing in Literacy, & Rethinking High School

    Indiana Secretary of Education Katie Jenner on Federal Waivers, Investing in Literacy, & Rethinking High School
    Oct 9 2025

    Indiana Secretary of Education Katie Jenner joins Freedom to Learn to explain how Indiana’s ambitious education initiatives are boosting reading scores, revolutionizing high school experiences, and expanding education freedom. Secretary Jenner also shares the state’s quest for flexibility and freedom from onerous federal strings. She describes Indiana’s ESEA waiver application’s key requests: block grants for the state and local education agencies; opportunities to direct school improvement funding to a range of education options; and a unified accountability model.


    Indiana ESEA Flexibility Waiver Request

    Indiana Choice Scholarship Program


    🔗 Links & Resources:

    • Visit our website: DFIPolicy.org

    💡 Stay Connected:

    • Follow us on Instagram: @DFIPolicy
    • Follow us on Twitter: @DFIPolicy
    • Follow us on Facebook: /DFIPolicy
    • Subscribe to our YouTube channel (@DFIPolicy) for future episodes!

    📩 Contact Us:
    If you have feedback or suggestions for future podcasts, please reach out to us at Podcast@DFIPolicy.org.

    🎧 Thank You for Listening:
    Freedom to Learn is a production of the Defense of Freedom Institute. You can learn more about DFI at DFIPolicy.org.

    If you enjoyed this episode, please give it a thumbs up, share it, and subscribe for more insights into education law and policy. Thank you for your support!
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    29 mins
  • Matt Frendewey on Reducing Federal Bureaucracy, Freeing Families, & Funding Innovative Options

    Matt Frendewey on Reducing Federal Bureaucracy, Freeing Families, & Funding Innovative Options
    Oct 2 2025

    Matt Frendewey, vice president of strategy at yes. every kid., joins the podcast to discuss the shift from reforming existing systems to empowering families through education freedom. He highlights the inadequacies of the current public school system, the importance of funding design over mere funding increases, and the need for minimal federal involvement in education. The conversation also delves into block grants, accountability in education, and success stories from states that have embraced education freedom.


    Na⁠t⁠⁠i⁠onal Survey: Vo⁠t⁠ers Wan⁠t⁠ Local Con⁠t⁠rol Over K-12 Educa⁠t⁠⁠i⁠on

    Title I: Rich School Districts Get Millions Meant for Poor Kids



    🔗 Links & Resources:

    • Visit our website: DFIPolicy.org

    💡 Stay Connected:

    • Follow us on Instagram: @DFIPolicy
    • Follow us on Twitter: @DFIPolicy
    • Follow us on Facebook: /DFIPolicy
    • Subscribe to our YouTube channel (@DFIPolicy) for future episodes!

    📩 Contact Us:
    If you have feedback or suggestions for future podcasts, please reach out to us at Podcast@DFIPolicy.org.

    🎧 Thank You for Listening:
    Freedom to Learn is a production of the Defense of Freedom Institute. You can learn more about DFI at DFIPolicy.org.

    If you enjoyed this episode, please give it a thumbs up, share it, and subscribe for more insights into education law and policy. Thank you for your support!
    Show More Show Less
    33 mins
  • Hayley Sanon on Returning Education to the States, Increasing Flexibility, & Expanding Freedom

    Hayley Sanon on Returning Education to the States, Increasing Flexibility, & Expanding Freedom
    Sep 25 2025

    Hayley Sanon joins the podcast to discuss the Trump administration's vision for returning education to the states. We delve into recent guidance issued by the federal Office of Elementary and Secondary Education (OESE), the role of Dear Colleague Letters and waivers, and the opportunities to expand educational flexibility and education freedom. Hayley, who is the acting Assistant Secretary of OESE, explains how these initiatives aim to empower states and districts to make the best decisions for students and reset the balance of power between federal and state education systems.

    U.S. Department of Education Issues Guidance to States on Ed-Flex Option to Encourage Local Innovation Guidance

    Direct Student Services Guidance

    Persistently Dangerous and Unsafe Schools Guidance

    Charter School Program Funding


    🔗 Links & Resources:

    • Visit our website: DFIPolicy.org

    💡 Stay Connected:

    • Follow us on Instagram: @DFIPolicy
    • Follow us on Twitter: @DFIPolicy
    • Follow us on Facebook: /DFIPolicy
    • Subscribe to our YouTube channel (@DFIPolicy) for future episodes!

    📩 Contact Us:
    If you have feedback or suggestions for future podcasts, please reach out to us at Podcast@DFIPolicy.org.

    🎧 Thank You for Listening:
    Freedom to Learn is a production of the Defense of Freedom Institute. You can learn more about DFI at DFIPolicy.org.

    If you enjoyed this episode, please give it a thumbs up, share it, and subscribe for more insights into education law and policy. Thank you for your support!
    Show More Show Less
    34 mins
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