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Public Education Unfiltered

Brian J. Stephens

33 episodes

3 days ago

What happens to our society when we stop seeing public education as a shared responsibility? In this episode, we unpack what role public schools play in upholding the “social contract” and why it matters to every single one of us. Hear why the growing “school choice” movement sounds appealing but can actually chip away at the foundation of our communities. Learn the potential long-term impact of a system that pits schools against each other and how that affects not just students, but everyone...

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What happens to our society when we stop seeing public education as a shared responsibility? In this episode, we unpack what role public schools play in upholding the “social contract” and why it matters to every single one of us. Hear why the growing “school choice” movement sounds appealing but can actually chip away at the foundation of our communities. Learn the potential long-term impact of a system that pits schools against each other and how that affects not just students, but everyone...

Show more...

Episodes (20/33)

Public Education Unfiltered

How School Vouchers Destroy the Social Contract

What happens to our society when we stop seeing public education as a shared responsibility? In this episode, we unpack what role public schools play in upholding the “social contract” and why it matters to every single one of us. Hear why the growing “school choice” movement sounds appealing but can actually chip away at the foundation of our communities. Learn the potential long-term impact of a system that pits schools against each other and how that affects not just students, but everyone...

5 days ago

21 minutes

Public Education Unfiltered

The False Front of School Choice: How to Reframe the Debate

The school choice debate isn’t about opposing options. It’s about demanding fairness. Real choice requires real facts, accountability, and access for all students. This episode unpacks how misleading language and policies distort public understanding and offers clear, effective talking points to help advocates reframe the conversation and win the narrative for public education.

1 week ago

24 minutes

Public Education Unfiltered

Real Questions from Public School Leaders, Answered

In this special “Stump the Chump” episode, Caissa K12 Director of Client Relations Rashai Holmes puts Brian Stephens in the hot seat with real questions from public school leaders across the country. From tackling enrollment decline and improving student recruitment to staying competitive in a changing education landscape, Brian shares the strategies and advice that help districts succeed. If you’ve ever wondered how other school districts are adapting and thriving, this episode is packed wit...

2 weeks ago

30 minutes

Public Education Unfiltered

Are School Vouchers Constitutional? (Part 2: State Law Explained)

Federal law may open the door, but state constitutions decide who gets to walk through it. In Part 2, we look at how different states interpret voucher laws, from Florida’s “uniform system” clause to South Carolina’s “direct benefit” ban. Learn how some states are designing modern voucher and ESA programs to survive constitutional scrutiny, and what you can do in your own state to ensure public school districts are able to compete.

3 weeks ago

24 minutes

Public Education Unfiltered

Are School Vouchers Constitutional? (Part 1: Federal Law Explained)

Education choice is often framed as a political debate, but what does the law really say? In this first episode of a two-part series on the constitutionality of school vouchers, explore what federal laws say about vouchers and school choice. We break down landmark Supreme Court cases, explain why there’s no federal right to education, and explore how civil-rights protections like Title IX, IDEA, and the ADA shape today’s school voucher landscape at the federal level.

1 month ago

40 minutes

Public Education Unfiltered

Inverting the Future: What Could Destroy Public Schools

Most conversations about public education focus on how to improve it. In this episode, we flip the question through a process called inverting: instead of asking what schools must do to succeed, we ask what could destroy them. From financial fragility and political weaponization to media attacks, teacher demoralization, and the erosion of community support, we map out the ten biggest threats that could dismantle public schools if left unchecked. More importantly, we outline the strategies lea...

1 month ago

36 minutes

Public Education Unfiltered

Navigating the Competition: How Public Schools in Newark Stay Ahead

With school choice here to stay, public school districts must evolve to embrace the reality of competition. Rochanda Jackson, Executive Director of the Office of Policy, Planning, Evaluation, and Testing at the Newark Board of Education, joins to discuss how her district has remained at the forefront. From leveraging the accountability of standardized testing to implementing proactive open enrollment strategies, she breaks down the key moves that have helped Newark stay ahead. Discover the im...

2 months ago

42 minutes

Public Education Unfiltered

Addressing Comments on Caissa K12's New York Times Feature

Following Caissa K12’s recent feature in The New York Times, Brian sits down to directly respond to some of the reactions and comments it sparked. Joined by producer Caroline Christian, he addresses common misconceptions about public school districts, highlights the double standards they often face, and discusses the challenges of operating on an uneven playing field. From debates about equity and accountability to the role of marketing and public perception, learn the reality public school d...

2 months ago

30 minutes

Public Education Unfiltered

A Future Without Public Education

What happens when a society turns its back on public education? In this episode, we look at education’s past and present to uncover the devastating consequences cultures face when public education systems are dismantled or neglected. The loss of education doesn’t just slow progress and economic growth; it threatens the very foundation of a functioning society. From institutional collapse to dictatorship to war, undermining public education leaves entire generations behind. As threats to equal...

2 months ago

20 minutes

Public Education Unfiltered

The History That’s Shaping Tomorrow’s Schools

What can the history of public education teach us about its future? Across centuries and civilizations, public education has always played a central role in shaping societies and developing productive citizens. Learn how this global evolution defined the system we have today, and why understanding the importance of public education is vital in navigating the challenges districts are facing today.

2 months ago

28 minutes

Public Education Unfiltered

Public Schools Must Choose To Compete

The future of public education depends on our willingness to face reality: traditional public schools are in a competition, whether they want to be or not. In this episode, explore why districts must choose to compete, and how their communities must rise to the challenge and support them. The decline of access to free, high-quality public education threatens the very foundation of our society, which is why supporting and advocating for traditional public schools must become a top priority for...

3 months ago

20 minutes

Public Education Unfiltered

What School Choice Means in Florida: Lessons for District Leaders Nationwide

School choice legislation aims to create competition, but how can it be fair when public schools play by different rules? Scott Howat, the Chief Communications Officer of Orange County Public Schools, joins to discuss the financial impact of universal vouchers, the importance of accountability with taxpayer dollars, and why school choice isn’t the level playing field it appears to be. Discover the key actions public school district leaders should take today to remain competitive, from h...

3 months ago

44 minutes

Public Education Unfiltered

Navigating The Intersection of AI & Education

AI’s relevancy has increased drastically in recent years, but is it education’s cornerstone or its crutch? This episode explores the benefits and consequences of AI in the classroom, as well as the long term repercussions on students of a growing digital divide. Listen in to gain insights related to mitigating these challenges.

3 months ago

15 minutes

Public Education Unfiltered

How Public Schools Took On The Statehouse

Public education supporters across the nation have watched one community’s battle against unfair state legislation, a battle led by Indianapolis Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Aleesia Johnson. In this episode, featuring guest host Paige Walkup, Dr. Johnson shares how she fought a bill that aimed to dismantle the state’s public school districts. Learn about the ins and outs of the fight against Bill 1136, from its four core areas of impact to the inspiring story of how district leaders and ...

3 months ago

42 minutes

Public Education Unfiltered

Why Public School Districts Are Suing Social Media Companies

Across the country, public school districts are taking tech giants like Meta and TikTok to court, blaming them for a mental health crisis unfolding in America's classrooms. This episode dives into the details behind local school district’s lawsuits against today’s largest social media platforms, citing their addictive properties as the cause of declining mental health amongst students; a cost that school districts are forced to bear. Unpack several studies linking social media to the increase...

3 months ago

28 minutes

Public Education Unfiltered

Should Public School Districts Outsource?

As more public schools face budget shortfalls, many districts are considering outsourcing school services to cut costs, but is it the right move? This episode clarifies the conversation around outsourcing in public school districts, covering common reasons for outsourcing, when it can be effective, and when it may be risky. Through real-world examples and practical insights, you’ll understand the key factors of these decisions, and learn important strategies for balancing financial growth wit...

3 months ago

25 minutes

Public Education Unfiltered

What Every Public School Leader Needs to Know About DEI

The Department of Education's decision to eliminate DEI initiatives will have lasting effects on public school districts. This episode dives into the legal landscape surrounding public education and DEI by breaking down what is currently permitted, which practices face increasing restrictions, and the potential consequences for districts that do not comply. Understand the facts around DEI policies and what these changes mean for public education.

3 months ago

24 minutes

Public Education Unfiltered

The Impact of Immigration Policies on Student Attendance

This episode examines how immigration enforcement and recent ICE raids are impacting public school attendance and dismantling safe spaces for students. It explores the decline in attendance among undocumented students, widespread walkouts, and the real-world consequences of these policy changes. Listen to learn what some schools are doing to protect their students' education, from legal precautions to proactive policies, and what your district can do to be prepared.

4 months ago

23 minutes

Public Education Unfiltered

MSCS Board Member Tamarques Porter on District Success

This episode features a candid conversation with Memphis-Shelby County Schools board member Tamarques Porter, who shares his perspective on the district’s success and potential challenges. The discussion covers the heated debate around school closures and building innovation, the dismissal of the former superintendent, and the potential for a state takeover. Porter also addresses the widespread misinformation surrounding these issues and outlines his vision for the future of the district.

4 months ago

43 minutes

Public Education Unfiltered

Can Public Schools Display The Ten Commandments?

This episode dives into the legal and legislative battle over religious displays in U.S. public school classrooms. We unpack why the Ten Commandments were originally banned, explore the efforts to reverse that decision in prominent Supreme Court cases like Stone v. Graham, and examine what’s at stake for public school districts nationwide. You’ll also hear compelling arguments from both supporters and opponents of these laws, offering a balanced look at one of the most debated church-and-stat...

4 months ago

7 minutes