What I Want to Know, with Kevin P. Chavous

Latest Episodes:

105. What is the role of federal policy in education? with Congressman Bobby Scott of Virginia Jun 07, 2023

Show notes

The United States House Committee on Education and the Workforce plays a key role in guiding education policy in our country. As schools face the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and other issues, federal policy will be an important factor in determining how we build the future of education. What role does federal policy play in K-12 education? How can the federal government best support all types of K-12 schools? And… what is the future of education policy in the United States?

In this episode, Kevin discusses the federal role in education with Congressman Bobby Scott of Virginia

104. How do we best support rural schools? with Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt May 31, 2023

Show notes

According to the Rural School and Community Trust, 9.3 million students in the United States attended a school in a rural district in 2019. That means nearly one in five American students attends a rural school. Yet delivering high-quality education in these areas can be difficult. What are some of the challenges rural schools face? Which teaching and enrichment tools can enhance rural students' experience? And… How can government officials create better access and equity for students in rural areas?

This week, Kevin is joined by Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt to discuss how we can improve and support rural schools.

103. How can we enhance student learning through cultural exposure? with Megan Helberg May 24, 2023

Show notes

A recent study on global service learning programs revealed that cultural immersion experiences can transform students' perceptions of themselves and others far beyond what traditional classroom learning provides. How can we encourage students to be curious about the world outside of their local community? How do travel experiences enhance student learning inside of the classroom? And what role should schools and teachers have in providing cultural learning opportunities to our students to further expand their worldview?

In this episode, Kevin discusses how we can encourage student cultural exposure and learning with Nebraska's 2020 Teacher of the Year, Megan Helberg.

102. How can we protect our students online? with Virginia Senator Mark Warner May 17, 2023

Show notes

According to a new Smoothwall report, 96% of U.S. teachers believe that technology in the classroom has a positive impact on students' learning and participation. But with the rise of technology in education, we must also think about the potential risks to our children. What are some of the challenges or concerns with incorporating certain technologies into the learning environment? Are there risks with social media platforms that we should take more seriously? And how can we utilize technology to engage our students, while protecting their best interest in the long-term?

In this episode, Kevin discusses how we can protect our children online with Virginia Senator Mark Warner.

101. How can we train and retain America's STEM educators? with Cindy Marten and Talia Milgrom-Elcott May 10, 2023

Show notes

Twelve years ago, former President Barack Obama focused his State of the Union address on education, calling for the training of 100,000 new teachers of science and mathematics. By 2021, that 100,000 goal had been achieved, but there was still work to be done. And in 2022, the U.S. Department of Education announced its You Belong in STEM initiative, designed to bring equity and high-quality STEM education to America's schools.

How do we ensure that STEM teachers are given the tools necessary to succeed?

What challenges do we face in bringing high-quality STEM education to our nation's classrooms? And how can we ensure that STEM education is helping our students understand the problems of today… and tomorrow?

In this episode, Kevin explores how we can best support and cultivate STEM teachers with Deputy Secretary of Education Cindy Marten and Beyond 100K founder Talia Milgrom-Elcott.

100. How do we reshape education in the United States? with Chancellor of New York City Department of Education, David C. Banks May 03, 2023

Show notes

Each year, New York City schools educate nearly a million children in 1,800 schools, making it the largest school district not only in the United States, but in the entire world. With so many students in such a dense and diverse area, New York becomes a proving ground for all sorts of new solutions in education. What can we learn from what is working in this school system? How can the system be improved to offer the best possible education for students in New York and elsewhere? And… What is the future of education?

On this special, in-person 100th episode of What I Want to Know, Kevin is joined by New York City Department of Education Chancellor David C. Banks to discuss New York City schools and the future of education.

Highlights of What I Want to Know's First 99 Episodes Apr 27, 2023

Show notes

Thank you so much for joining me, Kevin P. Chavous, for 100 episodes of What I Want to Know! Over the last two years, I've had the privilege to speak with experts, school leaders, parents and students about the most pressing issues in education today. We've also had fun exploring what the future of education might look like… and how we can encourage lifelong learning in all students.

To celebrate the progress we've created for generations to come, here are some of my favorite moments from the previous 99 episodes of What I Want to Know. Subscribe and follow the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube to catch any episodes you may have missed, and be sure to join me for a very special 100th episode with the Chancellor of New York City Schools, David Banks.

This is, What I Want to Know.

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Join the conversation using #WIWTK on social media and be sure to leave a review!

99. How can we encourage a love of math in students? with Laura Overdeck Apr 26, 2023

Show notes

While math has never seemed to be the most popular subject, students are increasingly falling behind nationwide. Research shows student scores have dropped since the pandemic, especially in math. Are teachers equipped to help students not only understand math, but excel at it? What makes math difficult for so many students? And how can we reframe the subject for students and encourage a love of math?

In this episode, Kevin discusses how we can reframe the narrative around math with the founder and president of Bedtime Math Foundation, Laura Overdeck.

This is, What I Want to Know.

Join the conversation using #WIWTK on social media and be sure to leave a review!

98. How can we encourage students to engage in constructive political discourse? with the CEO of BridgeUSA, Manu Meel Apr 19, 2023

Show notes

It is infinitely clear that more young people are getting involved in politics. According to Tufts University, three times as many 18- to 24-year-olds donated to a political campaign or registered others to vote in 2020 than in 2018. It is also equally clear that as political debate in the United States has intensified, classroom debates have also become increasingly heated. How have recent elections and increased interest affected political discourse among younger demographics? Why do some students get involved, while others are not civically engaged? And how does political dialogue in schools fit into the broader conversation around democracy?

In this episode, Kevin discusses civic engagement among the next generation of leaders with the CEO of BridgeUSA, Manu Meel.

97. How can we encourage students to be civically engaged? with high-school student Mandy Zhang Apr 12, 2023

Show notes

According to the Brennan Center for Justice, student activism is on the rise. Despite long being thought of as politically disengaged, students are interested now more than ever in advocating for the causes they care about. What drives our students to engage in civic life and create calls to action? What barriers exist for young people pursuing activism? And how can we support students who desire to create positive change in their communities?

In this episode, Kevin discusses the importance of youth civic engagement with high school student activist and founder of Young STEMists, Mandy Zhang.

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