What I Want to Know

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, Black teachers currently account for only 7% of all public-school teachers. This trend is attributed to the achievement and opportunity gaps among Black students. In fact, studies show that having at least one Black teacher reduces a Black student’s likelihood of dropping out of school by almost 40%. How can we cultivate Black teachers? Why is developing Black teachers especially important for Black students? And how can we better train all teachers to support students regardless of their background? In this episode, Sharif El-Mekki joins Kevin to discuss the importance of developing and recruiting Black teachers.

Families often seek the best of the best when it comes to where to send their children to school. Whether it’s innovative teaching techniques, outstanding academic achievements, or unwavering leadership, many of today’s schools seek to provide their students best-in-class. But what makes a school “the best”? How can we celebrate the schools meeting and exceeding our students’ needs? And how can we encourage innovation and transformation in America’s schools? In this episode, Janine Yass and Jeanne Allen join Kevin to discuss the makings of America’s best schools.

The COVID-19 pandemic affected student learning across the board. While almost all students declined academically, a report from The Center for Learner Equity found that students with disabilities were especially impacted. Students with disabilities often face wide and persistent achievement gaps. With more than 7 million young people with disabilities in the United States, it begs the question of what more we can do to support them. What challenges do students with disabilities face? How can we create more inclusive spaces and services for these students to thrive? And how can we help our schools be more equitable and supportive regarding special education?

According to a recent Parents.com survey, 70% of parents want better sex education for their kids and believe it should be mandatory in schools. Teaching our children about sex can be challenging and controversial, leaving many parents and educators struggling to navigate the topic. What should sex education look like in the classroom? How can parents tackle this complicated topic at home? And how can sex education protect our children? In this episode, Christine Soyong Harley joins Kevin to discuss how sex education can keep our students safe.

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, nearly 20 percent of children in the United States ages 6 to 17 experience a mental health disorder—and suicide is the second leading cause of death among 10- to 14-year-olds. With so many young people struggling today, most parents are left feeling helpless and concerned. In fact, a report found that mental health is the greatest concern among parents. How can parents help their children who are struggling? Where can they turn for support? And how can schools and parents work together to foster positive mental health in their students? In this episode, Anne Brown joins Kevin to discuss how parents and caregivers play a crucial role in children’s mental health.