Education Matters With MySchoolOptions

Latest Episodes:

Episode 27 - Principal, Educator and Parent: Mike McClain's Perspective on School Choice in Indiana Jan 06, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Education Matters, host Cesar Roman sits down with Mike McClain, a father, school principal, and dedicated supporter of school choice. As the principal of Sacred Heart Catholic School and a parent, Mike offers a distinctive viewpoint on the tangible effects of school choice. This discussion provides listeners with valuable insights into Mike's experiences as an educator, his advocacy for universal vouchers, and the importance of building strong teams between parents and educators.

Key Takeaways:

Impact of school choice from Mike’s perspective as a principal.
Balancing roles as parent and educator.
Financial barriers to school choice on families and education systems.
Potential benefits and drawbacks of implementing universal voucher programs in education.
Teacher retention and the role school choice plays .
Importance of communication between parents and educators.
Emphasis on parents as first teachers of their children.
Establishing and reinforcing desired school culture and climate.

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For more information about school choice and the Indiana Choice Scholarship Program, visit our website at https://www.i4qed.org

Episode 26 - Transforming Education and Empowering Families Through The Indiana Choice Scholarship Program Dec 23, 2024

Show notes

On this episode of Education Matters, John Elcessar, Executive Director of Indiana Non-Public Education Association, Molly Collins, Executive Director of Policy and Government Affairs at IQE, and Cesar Roman, Director of Community Engagement for MySchoolOptions, dive deep into the transformative impact of the Indiana Choice Scholarship (Voucher) Program, highlighting its growth, the barriers families face, and the advocacy efforts aimed at achieving universal school choice.

The discussion emphasizes the importance of awareness, community engagement, and the financial benefits of the program for both families and the state. Together, John, Molly and Cesar express their shared vision and optimism about the future of school choice and the potential for significant changes in the upcoming legislative session.

Key Takeaways

Origins of the program in 2009 (tax credit initiative) and expansion in 2011 (voucher program)
Initial beneficiaries and current status (from 3,919 to 75,000 students)
Simplification of processes and removal of obstacles
Statewide collaborative efforts involving various stakeholders (organizations, schools, families)
Preparation for the 2025 legislative session focusing on universal choice
Ongoing grassroots efforts and community involvement
Governor-elect, Mike Braun’s, support for expanding universal vouchers
Savings for Indiana’s education budget and cost of achieving universal vouchers
Indiana’s historical leadership role in school choice initiatives

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Learn more about IQE and MySchoolOptions: https://www.i4qed.org

Episode 25 - Giving Tuesday: Impacting Students through the SGO Dec 02, 2024

Show notes

This conversation explores the role of the Institute for Quality Education (IQE) and its Scholarship Granting Organization (SGO) in providing educational opportunities for families in Indiana. The discussion highlights the importance of Giving Tuesday, the impact of SGOs on school choice, and personal stories that illustrate the program's significance. Both Mary and Lori share insights on how families can access scholarships and how donors can contribute to support education.

Key Takeaways

SGOs help families afford the school of their choice.
Giving Tuesday has been a successful fundraising initiative for IQE.
SGOs cover various educational costs beyond tuition.
The SGO program can help cover pre-k education funding.
The SGO creates opportunities for families with financial needs.

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Learn more about IQE and MySchoolOptions: https://www.i4qed.org

Episode 24 - Empowering Innovation: Ashley Robbins on the Impact of FIRST Indiana Robotics and the Future of Student-Led Teams Nov 25, 2024

Show notes

Ashley Robbins, the executive director of FIRST Indiana Robotics, discusses the world of robotics and the impact it has on students. She explains that robotics provides a safe space for students to be creative and explore their interests, regardless of their background or social skills. The robotics teams are mentor-driven and consist of students with various roles, such as coding, mechanical design, and marketing. The competitions involve completing objectives and earning points, both on and off the field. Winning is not only based on robot performance but also on teamwork, innovation, and community outreach. The robotics programs have been growing in popularity, with over 350 teams in Indiana alone.

Takeaways

Robotics provides a safe space for students to explore their interests and be creative.
Teams are mentor-driven and consist of students with various roles.
Competitions involve completing objectives and earning points, both on and off the field.
Winning is based on robot performance as well as teamwork, innovation, and community outreach.
Robotics programs have been growing in popularity.
First Indiana Robotics helps schools, parents, and community leaders start robotics teams to increase STEM access for students.
Funding is available through grants and scholarships, and the organization assists in identifying funding sources.
Legislation in Indiana has opened up funding for competitive K-12 robotics, allowing more schools and community programs to participate.
The organization aims to expand access to robotics programs in all corners of the state and provide diverse representation in STEM fields.

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Learn more about IQE and MySchoolOptions: https://www.i4qed.org

Episode 23 - Advancing Education in Indiana: A 50Can Study on School Choice, COVID-19, and Bridging Opportunity Gaps Nov 11, 2024

Show notes

In this conversation, Sarah, Derrell, and Marc discuss the educational landscape in Indiana, focusing on the work of 50 Can, a campaign aimed at improving educational opportunities for all children. They explore the impact of COVID-19 on school choice and parental satisfaction, the purpose and methodology of their recent study on educational options, and the importance of mental health support in schools. The discussion highlights the need for advocacy at the state level and the significance of understanding parents' perspectives on their children's education. The conversation explores the disparities in educational opportunities and resources available to families, particularly focusing on the impact of income levels on access to tutoring and extracurricular activities. The speakers discuss the importance of extended learning opportunities, the role of information asymmetry in parental engagement, and the varying satisfaction levels among different school types. They highlight the challenges faced by rural families in accessing educational resources and the innovative policy interventions being implemented in states like Indiana to improve educational outcomes.

Takeaways

The conversation starts with light-hearted ice breakers about favorite colors.
50Can aims to ensure every child has access to a great education regardless of their address.
Advocacy at the state level is crucial for educational reform.
COVID-19 has shifted the conversation towards school choice and parental needs.
The study aims to collect data on educational opportunities and parental satisfaction.
Mental health support in schools has become a priority for families post-COVID.
Indiana ranks high in parental satisfaction with schools compared to the national average.
There are significant gaps in educational support between low-income and higher-income families.
The study's methodology involved surveying a representative sample of parents across states.
Partnerships with local organizations were essential for contextualizing the study's findings. Raising the floor on educational disparities can benefit more people.

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Learn more about IQE and MySchoolOptions: https://www.i4qed.org

BONUS - Election Insights: A Major Win for School Choice Nov 08, 2024

Show notes

In this bonus episode, host Sarah Milligan welcomes Molly Collins, Executive Director of Policy and Government Affairs at Institute for Quality Education, and Jennifer Wagner, Vice President of Communications at Excel in Ed, to break down the big wins for school choice in the latest elections—both in Indiana and nationwide. They dive into how legislative support drives progress for school choice, unpack the bill-to-law process, and examine how the political landscape is shifting in favor of education options. The discussion covers generational shifts in attitudes, the role of demographics in school choice participation, and the challenges ahead for expanding access to quality education.

With school choice now resonating with both parents and policymakers, Molly and Jennifer urge parents, educators and policymakers to keep pushing for educational freedom and innovation.

Key Takeaways:

Legislative Power: Legislative support is the secret sauce for advancing school choice and gaining traction across the political spectrum.

The Power of Grassroots Advocacy: The power of personal stories and grassroots efforts can't be overstated.

New Education Models: Micro-schools and other new models are gaining ground.

Universal Vouchers: Growing momentum for universal vouchers that aim to give families more options, regardless of income.

Generational Shifts: Younger generations are increasingly supportive of school choice and exploring alternative education options.

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Learn more about IQE and MySchoolOptions: https://www.i4qed.org

Episode 22 - Breaking the Cycle of Trauma: Dr. Robin Koslowitz on Parenting, School Choice, and the AIM Model for Healing Oct 28, 2024

Show notes

Dr. Robin Koslowitz, a licensed clinical psychologist, discusses her book 'Post Traumatic Parenting' and the impact of trauma on parenting. She introduces the AIM model (Acceptance, Integration, and Meaning) to help parents break the cycle of trauma and create positive experiences. Dr. K emphasizes the importance of creating a parent mission statement to align actions with values. She also addresses the misconceptions about trauma and homeschooling, highlighting the need for mindful decision-making. Additionally, she discusses how teachers can identify children in need of extra attention due to trauma and the role of parents in supporting their children in traditional school settings. Traumatized children often hide their trauma and may appear fine on the surface. It is important for schools to understand and acknowledge both obvious and secret adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) that children may be going through. Good communication between parents and schools is crucial in supporting children with trauma. Teachers can create a signaling system for immediate attention and provide a safe space for children to calm down and express their feelings. Social and emotional learning, teaching children the science of themselves, can help prevent and address trauma. School choice allows parents to find a school that aligns with their values and provides the necessary support for their child's trauma.

Takeaways

The AIM model (Acceptance, Integration, and Meaning) can help parents break the cycle of trauma and create positive experiences for their children.
Creating a parent mission statement can help align actions with values and provide a guiding framework for parenting.
Homeschooling should be a mindful choice informed by trauma or a child's unique needs, rather than a knee-jerk reaction.
Teachers can identify children in need of extra attention due to trauma by observing behavioral and emotional signs.
Parents play a crucial role in supporting their children in traditional school settings by communicating with teachers and advocating for their child's needs. Traumatized children often hide their trauma and may appear fine on the surface.
Good communication between parents and schools is crucial in supporting children with trauma.
Teachers can create a signaling system for immediate attention and provide a safe space for children to calm down and express their feelings.
Social and emotional learning, teaching children the science of themselves, can help prevent and address trauma.
School choice allows parents to find a school that aligns with their values and provides the necessary support for their child's trauma.

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Learn more about IQE and MySchoolOptions: https://www.i4qed.org

Episode 21 - School Choice & Vouchers: The Legal Battle for Educational Freedom Oct 11, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, Tom Fisher, Vice President and Director of Litigation for Ed Choice, discusses the critical role of legal advocacy in the school choice movement. He shares insights from his experience as Solicitor General of Indiana, the challenges faced in defending school choice programs, and the importance of parental choice in education. Fisher highlights the successes of Indiana's voucher program and the ongoing legal battles across the nation, emphasizing the need for continued advocacy to protect educational options for families.

Takeaways

Tom Fisher leads Ed Choice Legal Advocates, focusing on litigation for school choice.
The partnership with the Institute for Justice has been pivotal in defending school choice.
Fisher's background as Solicitor General provided valuable experience in education law.
The Indiana Supreme Court's ruling was a significant victory for school choice advocates.
Litigation in state supreme courts focuses on legal arguments rather than evidence.
School choice programs face ongoing legal challenges in various states.
Indiana's unique approach includes vouchers, ESAs, and tax credit scholarships.
The success of voucher programs is linked to parental choice and responsibility.
Micro schools are an emerging trend in education, offering personalized options.
Fisher is optimistic about the future of school choice and its impact on families.

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Learn more about IQE and MySchoolOptions: https://www.i4qed.org

Learn more about Tom’s work at Ed Choice: https://www.edchoice.org

Episode 20 - Measuring Success in School Choice With National School Choice Week’s Shaunette Parker Oct 04, 2024

Show notes

Shaunette Parker, Director of Awareness Events for National School Choice Week, discusses the education climate in South Carolina and the importance of education choice. She highlights the need for options and opportunities for families, especially those from underrepresented groups. Parker emphasizes the importance of parent advocacy and engagement in education. She also discusses the work of the National School Choice Week organization in raising awareness and providing resources for families. The challenges facing the school choice movement include the misappropriation of funds and the polarization of opinions on education funding. The National School Choice Week Foundation measures success through media coverage, website traffic, and the growth of new schools and education programs. Community events and awareness campaigns help foster a better understanding of school choice options among parents and students. It is important to meet families where they are and build trust by engaging with trusted community resources. Strategies for engaging underserved communities include talking to families, letting go of stereotypes, and understanding their unique challenges. The goals for the Education Foundation include expanding awareness campaigns, supporting grassroots communities, and providing concrete tools and resources for parents. The hope for the future of school choice is to expand programs, bridge funding gaps, and ensure that families are part of the education system.

Takeaways

Education choice is important for providing options and opportunities for families, especially those from underrepresented groups.
Parent advocacy and engagement are crucial for improving education and ensuring that the needs of children are met.
The National School Choice Week organization raises awareness and provides resources for families, highlighting the importance of education choice.
Challenges facing the school choice movement include the misappropriation of funds and the polarization of opinions on education funding. Success in school choice is measured through media coverage, website traffic, and the growth of new schools and education programs.
Community events and awareness campaigns play a crucial role in fostering understanding and engagement with school choice options.
Engaging underserved communities requires building trust, letting go of stereotypes, and understanding their unique challenges.
The goals for the Education Foundation include expanding awareness campaigns, supporting grassroots communities, and providing concrete tools and resources for parents.
The hope for the future of school choice is to expand programs, bridge funding gaps, and ensure that families are part of the education system.

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Episode 19 - School Choice & Vouchers: Exploring the Impact in Indiana with Betsy Wiley & Robert Enlow Sep 20, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of Education Matters with MySchoolOptions, host Cesar Roman is joined by two leading voices in the education policy arena: Betsy Wiley, President and CEO of the Institute for Quality Education, and Robert Enlow, President and CEO of Ed Choice. Together, they dive into the recent media debate surrounding the Indiana voucher program and school choice efforts across the country.

The conversation highlights the evolution of school choice in Indiana, particularly through the voucher system, and its role in expanding educational opportunities for families. Betsy and Robert break down the common misconceptions about school vouchers and explain how these programs empower parents, particularly in underserved communities. They also discuss the future of school choice, the importance of charter schools and private schools, and the critical need for educational freedom.

Takeaways

School choice is rapidly growing, reshaping the landscape of education policy in the U.S.
The Indiana voucher program, launched in 2011, has seen significant progress, offering more students access to diverse educational options.
Vouchers allow funding to follow the student rather than being tied to the institution.
Charter schools and private schools play a vital role in the school choice ecosystem, increasing diversity and innovation in education.
Misconceptions about school vouchers often stem from misunderstanding how the system works and its benefits for families.
The future of school choice in Indiana could see a move toward universal eligibility, providing every family the opportunity to choose the best education for their child.
Milton Friedman's ideas on education continue to influence school choice advocates, pushing for innovation and entrepreneurship in education.

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