• In today's episode, Jen and I solve the problem with schools, and spoiler alert! It's not the schools! It's the people who attend them. More specifically, the economic status of the neighborhoods and the people who have to live in them. It's just a plain fact that students from lower-income and impoverished communities have worse educational outcomes than their more economically stable counterparts. If you want schools to improve, stop blaming the schools and start working to improve the lives of the people who attend them!

  Here's how we break this all down in this episode:

  Literacy Rates and Historical Comparisons:

• 1. We explored the misconception that literacy rates were higher in the past, noting that past statistics were often self-reported and not as rigorous as today's assessments.

  2. Current literacy rates show that 79% of adults have basic literacy, but half read below a sixth-grade level.

• Impact of Poverty on Education:

• 1. We discussed how poverty significantly impacts literacy and overall educational outcomes.

  2. Comparing states like New Hampshire and New Mexico, we highlighted how environmental factors, funding, and socio-economic conditions contribute to educational disparities.

• School Funding Disparities:

• 1. The episode delved into how school funding is largely dependent on local property taxes, leading to significant inequities between wealthy and impoverished districts.

  2. Examples from New York and Idaho illustrated the vast differences in per-pupil spending.

• Systemic Issues and Policy Failures:

• 1. We examined how systemic and legal frameworks in different states either support or hinder educational success.

  2. The lack of robust policies in states like New Mexico contrasts sharply with the strong legal obligations in New Hampshire to provide equitable education.

• The Cost of Illiteracy:

• 1. Illiteracy costs the U.S. economy up to $2.2 trillion annually in lost productivity and increased public assistance needs.

  2. Improving literacy rates could significantly boost the GDP and reduce public costs.

• Potential Solutions and Innovations:

• 1. We discussed the potential of AI in education, suggesting that AI could handle basic learning while teachers focus on social skills and higher-order thinking.

  2. However, we acknowledged the importance of human connection and the role of teachers as mentors and role models.

• Challenges with Technology and Social Media:

• 1. The pervasive use of smartphones and social media among students poses significant challenges to their focus and learning.

  2. We noted the resistance from parents when schools attempt to limit phone usage, highlighting another external factor beyond teachers' control.

  In conclusion, this episode emphasized that while schools and teachers play a crucial role in education, many factors affecting student success lie outside the classroom. Addressing issues like poverty, funding inequities, and systemic barriers is essential for meaningful improvement in education. We called for a broader focus on these external factors to create a more equitable and effective educational system.

In this episode of Transparency in Teaching, I had the pleasure of speaking with Madeline, a former student teacher of mine who is now an adjunct faculty member at Chaffey College. Madeline shared her unique journey into the field of education, highlighting her initial struggles with dyslexia and how overcoming these challenges inspired her to help others learn to read.

Madeline discussed her current role as a part-time professor, teaching English to a diverse group of community college students, including high schoolers in dual enrollment programs.

We delved into her preparation for becoming a teacher, including her experience with the rigorous CalTPA (California Teaching Performance Assessment) and the importance of student teaching. Madeline emphasized the value of having a supportive cohort and mentor during her training.

Madeline also shared practical advice for new teachers, including the importance of not lowering expectations, allowing students to learn from failure, and utilizing apps and online tools to create engaging lessons.

Although Madeline struggled with feeling some first-year burnout, she expressed her continued passion for teaching and her commitment to making a positive impact on her students.

I hope this episode provides valuable insights and inspiration for aspiring educators. If you found our conversation helpful, please share the Transparency in Teaching podcast with your friends and family. Visit our new website, transparencyinteaching.com, for more episodes and blog posts. Thank you for listening!

As of 2025, 32 states, along with Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico, have some form of school voucher or voucher-like program (such as education savings accounts or tax-credit scholarships). Seems that voucher programs are spreading across the US like hot TikTok influencer video, captivating, but ya better check your facts first! And I, unfortunately, don't think voucher programs will be retreating back into the Pandora's box of alternate education any time soon. So public school teachers and the folks that love and support them better take notice, because it's coming to a district near you.

I fly solo in this quickie episode and bring you the latest on the biggest voucher program in the US so far. Texas, of course! Everything's bigger in Texas! I talk about how the program will run, how oversight will happen and the pros and cons of how this program may affect public schools. Does Texas get it right? Gotta hold for applause, for now.

For a deeper dive into this topic, listen to episode 58 Public Money for Private School Choice: Who Benefits and Who Pays the Price (https://open.spotify.com/episode/2KplvYMJgMVy4wjaLnUyKw?si=dWYxKPsjTYqvqy0xw0w27w). Jen and I get in deep on the details of these programs and their consequences.

Glad you stopped by for a "quickie" I hope it was as good for you as it was for me!

Thanks for listening and thanks a bunch more for your support!