Can We Get A Minute?
Can We Get A Minute?
Podcast Description
"Can We Get A Minute?" cuts through the confusion of education policy to answer the questions teachers are too busy to research themselves. Join Jenn Ellis (a recovering lawyer) and Rebeca Shackleford (a former teacher and principal) as they decode who really calls the shots in our schools. From classroom policies to curriculum decisions, they break down complex education bureaucracy into actionable insights. Whether you're wondering why your school board made that controversial decision or how to effectively advocate for your students, Jenn and Rebeca combine their unique expertise to give you the straight answers you need—all in the time it takes to prep for your next class. Finally, education policy explained by experts who've been in your shoes. For season one, we’ll be talking about school meals, books, AI, college & career pathways, mental health, data & assessments.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast explores diverse topics like school nutrition, bilingual education, and the impact of AI on classrooms, with specific episodes focusing on issues such as the challenges faced by English learners and how immigration policies affect schools, providing actionable insights for educators.
“Can We Get A Minute?” cuts through the confusion of education policy to answer the questions teachers are too busy to research themselves. Join Jenn Ellis (a recovering lawyer) and Rebeca Shackleford (a former teacher and principal) as they decode who really calls the shots in our schools. From classroom policies to curriculum decisions, they break down complex education bureaucracy into actionable insights. Whether you’re wondering why your school board made that controversial decision or how to effectively advocate for your students, Jenn and Rebeca combine their unique expertise to give you the straight answers you need—all in the time it takes to prep for your next class. Finally, education policy explained by experts who’ve been in your shoes. For season one, we’ll be talking about school meals, books, AI, college & career pathways, mental health, data & assessments.
In our Season 1 finale, Jenn and Rebeca are joined by Anne Hyslop, Director of Policy Development at All4Ed and former Department of Education appointee, for an illuminating discussion that brings our journey full circle. Building on our earlier conversation about federal data systems, Anne offers rare insider perspective on how standardized assessments actually work, who decides what goes on these tests, and why they matter beyond just measuring student performance. The trio navigates the complex feelings many educators have about testing while uncovering the surprising ways assessment data has historically protected vulnerable student groups. Anne shares behind-the-scenes insights from her time at the Department of Education, revealing the delicate balance between accountability and flexibility in federal assessment policy. As schools are in the midst of testing, this timely conversation equips teachers with the knowledge to engage in these debates from an informed position. Equal parts reflective and forward-looking, this finale captures the essence of our first season – breaking down complicated education policies with clarity, nuance, and a commitment to teacher advocacy. Don’t miss this thought-provoking conclusion that sets the stage for more policy adventures when we return!
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