ClassCast Podcast Ep.060 features Chris "Citizen" Stewart discussing school choice, educational opportunity, dismantling oppressive systems, and empowering individuals with host Ryan Tibbens. Citizen Stewart is CEO of the Brightbeam Network, founder of Citizen.Education, host of the UnPublic Podcast, co-host of the 8 Black Hands Podcast, a former school board member, father of five, and school choice advocate.  In this episode, we discuss the value of choice, the significance of freedom for all citizens, why school choice appeals to many poor and minority families, and how great education should be tailored to individuals rather than aggregates. Stewart shares observations on school consolidation, economies of scale, parenting, and why school choice might be the future of education in America. 

Listeners should approach this episode with an open mind, a curious intellect, and a vision for what schools should be. If that "should be" is significantly different from what currently exists, then various school choice models could be the pathway to innovation and progress. On the other hand, a move to nationwide school choice could undermine our participation in local communities, our dedication to serve one another as fellow citizens, and our long-term dedication to funding education for all students. Citizen Stewart does an amazing job explaining his views, the benefits of choice, and why change is necessary.  

You can contact or learn more about Citizen Stewart at @citizenstewart on Twitter, @citizenstewart on Instagram, and @iamcitizenstewart on Facebook.  You can also learn more about his advocacy at Brightbeam Network and Citizen.Education.  

Upcoming ClassCast Podcast episodes will feature public school advocates, choice advocates, and the kind of thoughtful discourse that should inform our national conversation as well as individual listeners' opinions on school choice, public schools, funding, equity, justice, and opportunity. Let us know what you think about each part of this series and how you feel about school choice.  


Support the show! If each listener donated just $2, we could fully fund the ClassCast Podcast for the entire year. Please consider making a small donation to keep the discussion alive.

Table of Contents (*highlights)

1. 0:00-7:53 -- Intro to Citizen Stewart & Teacher Quality
2. 7:53-10:32 -- The Purpose of Education According to Citizen Stewart
3. 10:32-17:00 -- Parents' Responsibilities in Education *
4. 17:00-29:04 -- Can School Choice Become a Reality? **
5. 29:04-35:00 -- Equity, Funding & Other Elements of School Choice
6. 35:00-42:04 -- School Consolidation, Cultural Conformity, & Civic Education *
7. 42:04-48:13 -- Citizen Stewart's Ideal School *
8. 48:13-53:08 -- Citizen's Own School Experiences
9. 53:08-1:01:16 -- Race & Educational Opportunity
10. 1:01:16-1:07:55 -- Citizen Stewart's Entry to School Policy *
11. 1:07:55-1:14:29 -- Final Comments; Book/Movie Recommendations; Contact Info

The ClassCast Podcast streams on all major platforms, including iTunes/Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible, Stitcher, and more.  You can also find us on YouTube and right here at www.ClassCastPodcast.com.  Be sure to like, subscribe, follow, share, and comment wherever you listen.  Leave a comment below to let us know what you think of the discussion and if you have any questions!

ClassCast Podcast Ep.059 features host Ryan Tibbens exploring the concept of "learning loss," how it's being applied during the COVID-19 pandemic, and why most of these discussions are biased, flawed, and misleading. If you pay attention to education-related news, then you know that politicians, state education boards, testing companies, university researchers, school choice advocates, and even some local school leaders have been ranting about "learning loss" for months. But you may not have considered how narrow and limited that discussion has been.  Are students really 3-6 months behind? Are the disparities between racial and socioeconomic groups insurmountable? If we really want to promote top-quality education for all citizens, if we really want to create life-long learners, then shouldn't we all be concerned?  

The sky is not falling. Learning hasn't stopped. "Learning loss" is a talking point for those hoping to capitalize on the pandemic, but the situation isn't nearly as dire as they would have you believe.  Tibbens takes the long view and points out why "learning loss" isn't going to cripple a generation.  Don't panic (and carry a towel). 

​The ClassCast Podcast streams on all major platforms, including iTunes/Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible, Stitcher, and more.  You can also find us on YouTube and right here at www.ClassCastPodcast.com.  Be sure to like, subscribe, follow, share, and comment wherever you listen.  Leave a comment below to let us know what you think of the discussion and if you have any questions!

Additional Reading/Listening
- https://www.edweek.org/leadership/opinion-students-respond-to-adults-fixation-on-learning-loss/2021/02 

- https://www.gse.harvard.edu/news/20/03/harvard-edcast-learning-loss-and-coronavirus 

- www.mckinsey.com/industries/public-and-social-sector/our-insights/covid-19-and-learning-loss-disparities-grow-and-students-need-help# 

- https://www.epi.org/publication/five-key-trends-in-u-s-student-performance-progress-by-blacks-and-hispanics-the-takeoff-of-asians-the-stall-of-non-english-speakers-the-persistence-of-socioeconomic-gaps-and-the-damaging-effect/ 

- https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/27590/who-reads-books 

ClassCast Podcast Ep.050 features host Ryan Tibbens discussing the value of and need for snow days, despite our ability to conduct classes online.  The shortest episode to date, just 10 minutes, this passionate defense of snow day school cancellations addresses parent concerns like falling behind, seat time, screen time, and learning as well as social-emotional learning, whole child development, and the sanctity of of snow days in American culture.  Before you criticize the decisions to close schools for snow, or before you engage with someone who opposes snow days, listen to this episode, consider your values, and remember this timeless wisdom -- there is a special place in hell for people who oppose snow days. 

If you disagree with any of the ideas in the episode, or if you'd like to engage further, use the contact form at www.ClassCastPodcast.com or find us on Twitter @ClassCastPod as well as Facebook and Instagram @ClassCastPodcast.  

Be sure to like, subscribe, share, follow, retweet, leave a positive review, and whatever else might help spread the word about the great conversation occurring the ClassCast Podcast! 

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