Episode Summary:

In this compelling episode of the Flipboard EDU Podcast, Coach Jeffery hosts Stephanie Filardo, an educator and curriculum developer. Their discussion centers on recognizing the human element within educational settings, with a focus on social-emotional wellness and addressing students' fundamental needs.

Stephanie shares her experience in curriculum development, highlighting her dedication to creating inclusive environments where all students see themselves as capable in mathematics. The episode delves into the critical issue of allowing students dignity in meeting basic needs, such as unrestricted restroom access.

The conversation explores the complexities of restroom policies and the social-emotional considerations educators must make, particularly in supporting female students during sensitive times. This includes fostering safe, approachable environments where students feel comfortable expressing their needs, especially regarding menstrual cycles.

Through personal anecdotes, thoughtful insights, and practical advice, Stephanie and Coach Jeffery examine strategies to cultivate a supportive and understanding school culture that prioritizes student and teacher well-being. They also touch upon health conditions like PCOS and their impact on students' attendance and performance.

Key Takeaways:

* The importance of acknowledging the humanity of teachers and students within the educational system.

* Addressing and improving school restroom policies to ensure students' basic needs are met with dignity and respect.

* The significance of building strong, trust-based relationships between students, teachers, and administrators.

* Stephanie's insights into creating inclusive classroom environments and the value of establishing "need stations" for students.

* Consideration of chronic health issues like PCOS that can affect students' attendance and academic performance.

Where to Find Stephanie:

* Stephanie is not very active on social media currently.

* Her dog, Sailor, has an Instagram account: "lab_named_sailor."

* Look for her potential presentations at upcoming educational technology conferences like ISTE.

This enlightening episode provides valuable insights into how small changes in school policies and culture can significantly impact the social-emotional needs of students and educators.

Hosts:

* Coach Jeffery

Guest:

* Stephanie Filardo, Curriculum Developer at Amplify

Summary: This episode examines recent developments and challenges impacting education in the United States, including policy changes, legal disputes, and evolving institutional practices. Coach Jeffery provides an overview of these complex issues.

Key Topics Discussed:

* Federal Education Policy Changes: Discussion of proposals to restructure the Department of Education, including the potential impact of executive actions and congressional roles.

* Legal Challenges to Educational Practices: Review of the Texas Attorney General's lawsuit against Coppell ISD, focusing on allegations regarding the teaching of critical race theory and its alignment with state law.

* Impact of Funding Adjustments on Universities: Analysis of reductions in federal grants and their consequences for university programs, including potential impacts on diversity initiatives.

* Title IX Compliance and Transgender Athletes: Examination of the Department of Education's rulings related to Title IX and the participation of transgender athletes in sports, including specific cases and compliance deadlines.

* Federal Funding and University Controversies: Overview of federal funding decisions related to university controversies, such as the withdrawal of funding from the University of Pennsylvania, and the resulting debates on fairness and inclusion.

* Broader Trends in Education Policy: Exploration of the evolving discussions around race, gender, equity, and inclusion in education, and their influence on school policies and practices.

Join the Conversation: Share your perspectives and experiences on these evolving educational issues on social media.

Works Cited

U.S. Department of Education. (n.d.). About ED. Retrieved from https://www2.ed.gov/about/landing.jhtml

U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights. (2011, April). Dear Colleague Letter: Sexual Violence. Retrieved from https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/docs/title-ix-rights-201104.html

Texas Attorney General. (n.d.). Office of the Attorney General. Retrieved from

https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/

https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/using_articles.html

Congress.gov. (n.d.). Congress.gov. Retrieved from

https://www.congress.gov/

Episode Overview:

In this enlightening episode, Coach Jeffery delves into the transformative changes aimed at expanding access to higher education and addressing equity challenges. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect:

* Harvard University’s Bold Move: We kick off with Harvard University's groundbreaking decision to offer free tuition starting in the 2025-2026 academic year for families earning up to $200,000.1 For those earning under $100,000, all expenses, including tuition, housing, and fees, are fully covered.

* Impact Across Higher Education: Learn about similar initiatives being adopted by MIT, UMass, and other elite universities. These efforts aim to diversify student bodies and level the financial playing field, potentially benefiting nearly 90% of U.S. families.

* Challenges for Smaller Schools: The discussion highlights concerns about how smaller institutions can compete with these new standards set by elite universities and what this means for the future of higher education.

* Federal Funding and Legal Battles: Coach Jeffery explores the lawsuit led by California's Attorney General, Rob Bonta, challenging proposed cuts to the Department of Education. Discover the potential disruptions these cuts could cause, especially for low-income and special education students.

* Financial Literacy Focus: An OECD report reveals that only 11% of teenagers can solve complex financial problems.2 This sparks a debate on the best methods for teaching financial literacy, from standalone classes to integrated curriculums, alongside creative solutions like community budgeting workshops.

* Preparing for the Digital Economy: The episode concludes with a discussion on the need for systemic changes to equip students for financial challenges in the digital age.

Key Takeaways:

* The push for free tuition is a significant step toward making higher education accessible to more families.

* Smaller institutions need innovative strategies to remain competitive.

* Legal battles over federal cuts highlight the ongoing discussions around education funding and priorities.3

* There is a growing recognition of the importance of financial literacy in preparing students for future challenges.

Tune in to explore these pivotal changes in education and their implications for future generations.

Connect with Us:

* Follow us on Twitter @TheCoachJeffery

* Join our Facebook group for more discussions and updates.

Works Cited

Harvard University. (2024). Harvard announces enhanced financial aid program. [Press release]. Retrieved from https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2023/12/harvard-announces-enhanced-financial-aid-program/

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). (n.d.). Affordability & Aid. Retrieved from https://sfs.mit.edu/affordability/

University of Massachusetts (UMass). (n.d.). Tuition and Fees. Retrieved from https://www.umass.edu/bursar/tuition-fees

California Department of Justice. (2023). Attorney General Bonta Leads Coalition Challenging Federal Cuts to Critical Education Programs. [Press release]. Retrieved from https://oag.ca.gov/news/press-releases/attorney-general-bonta-leads-coalition-challenging-federal-cuts-critical

Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). (2020). PISA 2018 Results (Volume IV): Are Students Ready to Thrive in an Interconnected World? Retrieved from https://www.oecd-ilibrary.org/education/pisa-2018-results-volume-iv_5307258e-en