Episodes

  • Voices in Teaching feat. 2020 Nebraska Teacher of the Year Megan Helberg

    Voices in Teaching feat. 2020 Nebraska Teacher of the Year Megan Helberg
    Nov 7 2024

    Voices in Teaching: A Conversation with Educator Megan Helberg

    This week we are very excited to kick off a new 16:1 series called Voices in Teaching, where we will interview educators who have been recognized for innovation and excellence in their craft. Our first featured educator is Megan Helberg, who hails from rural Loup County, Nebraska, where she taught 8th-12th grade English for 15 years. In 2020, Helberg received the prestigious honor of being named the Nebraska Teacher of the Year.

    Helberg is passionate about Holocaust and genocide education, having received a Fund for Teachers grant to visit Holocaust-related sites throughout Europe and to purchase Holocaust literature resources for her school. Megan was named a Museum Teacher Fellow for the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum (USHMM) in 2016 and now assists the USHMM as a mentor for incoming teacher fellows. Helberg was selected as a Lowell Milken Center Fellow in 2021, to The Olga Lengyel Institute (TOLI) summer seminar in 2022, and recently was selected to study at the highly-acclaimed institution, Yad Vashem. She is also the 2024 Anne Frank Educator of the Year.

    Megan recently accepted a job with the Anne Frank Center (the Anne Frank House's official partner in the USA), where she now travels the world to share resources, educational opportunities, and peer-to-peer trainings centered on the Frank family, the Holocaust, and the lessons of history that are still highly relevant to today’s learners.

    In this episode, we explore Megan's journey as an educator in the classroom and beyond, including the story of a heartwarming surprise meeting with Dr. Jill Biden at the White House. We also explore the challenges and rewards of teaching in a small, rural community and how teachers might foster a sense of belonging, community, and shared values among students. Megan’s innovative approaches to education, including the founding of a travel club that has taken students and community members around the world, exemplifies her belief in the power of experiences to broaden horizons and strengthen communal bonds.

    Join us for an inspiring conversation that highlights the profound difference one dedicated teacher can make.
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    1 hr and 8 mins
  • Charter Closures, Elite College Admissions, and Smart Phone Bans - Edu News for October 2024

    Charter Closures, Elite College Admissions, and Smart Phone Bans - Edu News for October 2024
    Oct 24 2024
    Charters Closures Leave Students ScramblingNew research from the National Center for Charter School Accountability and the Network for Public Education reveals troubling patterns in charter school longevity. Analyzing over 2 million Department of Education records, researchers found that 55% of charter schools fail by their 20th year, with a quarter closing within just five years of opening. These closures, often triggered by enrollment decline or mismanagement, create significant disruptions for millions of students annually—frequently with little to no warning.Elite College Admissions Arms RaceThe rise of premium college consulting services, like Jamie Beaton's Crimson Education, has sparked fresh debate about equity in elite college admissions. With consultants working with students as young as 11 to craft the perfect academic profile, and boasting acceptance rates 6-7 times higher than normal at prestigious institutions like Harvard and Yale, we're forced to question: Has college admissions become more about costly strategies than merit?UK's Bold Moves Against Phones in SchoolsUK educators and teachers' unions are pushing for national legislation to ban smartphones in schools. A proposed bill introduced by Labour MP Josh MacAlister would require students to store phones in locked boxes until the end of the school day. Early adopters of similar policies report decreased drama and increased physical activity among students. Even Eton College, Britain's most elite boarding school, is joining the movement, having announced a phone ban that started in September 2024. Their approach? Allow simple Nokia phones for calls and texts while prohibiting smart devices—a move aimed at prioritizing learning and reducing distractions.Oklahoma's Ongoing Religious Education ControversyA lawsuit filed with the Oklahoma Supreme Court on October 17th challenges State Superintendent Ryan Walters' plan to spend $3 million on leather-bound Bibles containing the Constitution and Declaration of Independence for public schools. Parents and teachers argue this mandate violates religious freedom by favoring a specific Protestant interpretation.College Sports' New EraThe National Letter of Intent (NLI) system, a cornerstone of college athletic recruitment since 1964, has been eliminated as of October 2024. Athletes will now sign financial aid agreements that may include revenue-sharing contracts—a change following the 2021 Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) reforms. This shift could widen the gap between wealthy institutions and smaller programs, though its full impact remains to be seen.Subscribe to 16:1 podcast for more in-depth analysis of education policy and reform. Listen to the full episode on your favorite podcast platform or stream it directly from our website.Sources & Resources:Stanton wins ALCS MVP as peers agree: 'This is what Big G lives for'Tsuchinshan-ATLAS Comet appears on the western horizonThe Guru Who Says He Can Get Your 11-Year-Old Into Harvard - WSJSignings of the times: Banished letters of intent, shrunk transfer window equals more college chaos | AP NewsNCAA approves elimination of national letter of intent program - ESPNNew students at Eton, the poshest of Britain's elite private schools, will not be allowed smartphones - CBS NewsMore than 25% of charters shutter within 5 years - K-12 DiveNew Report Reveals Startling Rates of Charter School Failures - WJBFTexas AFT :‘Doomed To Fail’: New Report Shows How Charter School Churn Harms Students They Purported to Help ‣ Texas AFTOklahoma parents and teachers sue to stop top education official's classroom Bible mandateBibles that Oklahoma wants for schools match version backed by Trump | AP NewsOklahoma parents and teachers sue to stop top education official’s classroom Bible mandate | CNNSupreme Court of Oklahoma - Ryan Walters CaseDoomed to Fail - NCCSANew students at Eton, the poshest of Britain's elite private schools, will not be allowed smartphones - CBS NewsFirst school to ban smartphones adds to pressure on Starmer to protect children | The IndependentMobile phones in schools - GOV.UKFight begins to make mobile-free schools lawSmartphones could be banned in schools in England under new law
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    31 mins
  • Confronting Misinformation: Lessons from the Classroom

    Confronting Misinformation: Lessons from the Classroom
    Oct 10 2024
    Confronting Misinformation: Lessons from the Classroom

    Election season is upon the U.S., and with it comes a tidal wave of information—some enlightening, some misleading. In our latest episode, we explore the impact of misinformation and disinformation on schools and communities of learning.

    As educators, part of our mission is to help our students become informed citizens. But what happens when the channels upon which we rely are flooded with false or misleading information, fantastical conspiracy theories, and threats to health and safety? How do we equip our students—and ourselves—to discern fact from fiction when misinformation spreads like wildfire?

    Discover how false information is creating challenges in classrooms and administrative offices nationwide, explore essential questions everyone should consider when consuming media (and tools you can bring into your classroom), and learn about strategies and resources including Media Literacy Week and initiatives by the National Association for Media Literacy Education (NAMLE) and National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA).

    Sources & Resources:

    Donate to Hurricane Helene Relief | American Red Cross

    Here's how to help victims of Hurricane Helene

    The Northern Lights - Discovering the Arctic.

    What is Media Literacy Week?

    Teaching Media Literacy in High School | Edutopia

    NSPRA - From Distortion to Clarity Report

    Media Literacy Now Policy Report 2024

    Crash Course Media Literacy

    Teenagers and Misinformation: Some Starting Points for Teaching Media Literacy - The New York Times

    POSSE - IndieWeb
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    48 mins
  • Scandals, Subpoenas, and Student Loan Shakeups - Edu News for September 2024

    Scandals, Subpoenas, and Student Loan Shakeups - Edu News for September 2024
    Sep 26 2024
    Scandals, Subpoenas, and Student Loan Shakeups - Edu News for September 2024Here’s the 16:1 Education News Headline Roundup for September, 2024. Don’t forget to sign up for the 16:1 podcast email newsletter for the latest news, resources, workshop offerings, and more!We start with a touch of chaos in Columbus, where the State Teacher Retirement System continues its rocky 2024 trajectory. A controversial board member is out, as is the executive director who was subject of a workplace misconduct allegation.Columbus City Schools board members are facing mounting pressure to address leadership concerns after the leaking of a memo that encouraged district leadership to use “racial dynamics” to drive a wedge between the district’s unions.A new Pro Publica report has just been released highlighting Ohio’s unprecedented foray into using public, taxpayer funding for the construction and renovation of private religious schools.California may soon join a handful of other states in banning legacy college admissions at private educational institutions.Student loan servicer Navient has been banned from providing services for federal student loans after reaching a $120 million settlement “years of failures and lawbreaking.”Sources & Resources:CFPB Bans Navient from Federal Student Loan ServicingHere's which Navient student loan borrowers may qualify for relief under $120 million settlementNavient banned from federal student loan servicing, will pay borrowers $100 million in compensation. - CBS NewsChaos-filled day at Ohio teachers' pension board leading to even more ethical concernsAlleged ‘backdoor ties’ between retired teachers’ pension fund & investment firmOhio AG Yost files subpoenas in teachers pension scandal; investment firm respondsCCS - Investigation Report 06.04.24 | Download Free PDF | CommunicationColumbus school board recordings show efforts to spin document leakIn an Unprecedented Move, Ohio Is Funding the Construction of Private Religious SchoolsTakeaways from AP's report on churches starting schools in voucher states | AP NewsCalifornia lawmakers vote to ban legacy admissions at universities like StanfordPenalties Removed from California Bill to Ban Donor and Legacy Preferences in Private College AdmissionsBig publishers think libraries are the enemyInternet Archive Loses Lawsuit Over E-Book Copyright Infringement. Here's What to KnowSecond Circuit Says Libraries Disincentivize Authors To Write Books By Lending Them For Free | TechdirtThe Boys in the Boat - The Book LoftMajor Publishers Sue Florida Over Banned School Library Books - The New York Times2023 Bill Summaries - The Florida SenatePenguin Random House, 5 Additional Publishers, & Authors Guild File Landmark Lawsuit Against State of Florida for Unconstitutional Book-Banning Provisions With House Bill 1069Major publishers sue over law leading to book removals | The CapitolistHow to confirm your voter registration status | USAGov
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    25 mins
  • Student Well-Being: Why Mental Health Must Come First

    Student Well-Being: Why Mental Health Must Come First
    Sep 12 2024
    Student Well-Being: Why Mental Health Must Come First[00:02:22]Student well-being and strong mental health are essential for effective learning. This episode explores the growing mental health challenges faced by K-12 and college students globally. Rates of anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues have surged, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Recent research from the U.S. Surgeon General notes a rise in mental health struggles among youth, including major depressive episodes and suicidal thoughts, compounded by increased screen time and social media use. In higher education, nearly 40% of students report conditions like anxiety or depression. [00:07:00]We discuss key contributing factors to the student mental health crisis, including excessive academic pressure, economic uncertainty, political and environmental anxiety, and disrupted sleep patterns. Social media plays a significant role, as students grapple with the pressure to maintain curated online personas.[00:15:45]Our conversation also highlights helpful resources and organizations working to address these issues, such as HundreED’s Wellbeing in Schools project, Active Minds, and the Trevor Project. These organizations focus on integrating mental health support into education, providing vital resources, and advocating for policy change to improve student well-being.[00:20:15]]In the classroom, we explore trauma-informed teaching practices, mindfulness, peer support networks, and compassionate grading policies. Educators are finding new ways to balance preparing students for a tough world while creating a nurturing, supportive environment. Join us in this important conversation!Sources & Resources:Protecting Youth Mental Health: The U.S. Surgeon General's AdvisorySurgeon General Advisory Raises Alarm on Youth Mental HealthFAFSA - Wikipedia.Well-Being Assessment - ACHAREFERENCE GROUP EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Fall 2023 - PILOT American College Health Association Well-Being AssessmentEnvironments to Support Wellbeing for All Students - Mental Health, Substance Use, and Wellbeing in Higher Education - NCBI BookshelfLET GO AND LET GROW: AN ASSESSMENT OF A SCHOOL AND COMMUNITY-BASED INTERVENTION ENCOURAGING INDEPENDENCE IN CHILDRENThe impact of income on mental health - The Lancet Public HealthHundrED Global Collection 2024Education Innovations - HundrEDThe Jed FoundationNews Articles & Press Releases from The Trevor ProjectMatthew Shepard FoundationLet Grow Mission and Values | We Believe in Childhood IndependenceThe Evidence - The Anxious GenerationChezaChezaMARIO EducationQIC: Quality Interactions & Creativity CICCommunity Programs - Active MindsLearn – TWLOHAGamingbible - TikTokThe Uncensored LibraryProtective Behaviours - 'Cause I Ain't Got a PencilTeens have less face time with their friends – and are lonelier than ever
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    38 mins
  • Social Learning Theory

    Social Learning Theory
    Aug 29 2024
    Education News Headline Roundup [00:08:10]The Free Application for Federal Student Aid is once again majorly delayed. On August 7th the U.S. Department of Education announced a rollout process for the 2025-2026 form that includes an October 1st date for limited testing, with the application set to open to all students on December 1 2024, two months later than the typical release date for the application. A federal appeals court has allowed an Iowa law that bans books with sexual content from K-12 school libraries and restricts instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity before seventh grade to take effect. This overturns a previous injunction that had paused the law, signed by Republican Governor Kim Reynolds in 2023.An update to a previously discussed story: in the wake of former Nebraska Senator Ben Sasse announcing his resignation from the University of Florida presidency, the UF student newspaper, the Independent Florida Alligator, has reported that Sasse may have been forced out over escalating tensions with the university’s board chairman, Morteza “Mori” Hosseini.Social Learning Theory: Bandura, Bobo, and Beyond [00:15:16]Social Learning Theory (SLT) seeks to explain how we learn behaviors by observing and imitating others. This episode explores SLT's unique position between behaviorism, which focuses on observable behaviors, and cognitive psychology, which emphasizes internal processes like memory and perception.We’ll discuss how Albert Bandura revolutionized psychology by developing new theories on aggression and modeled behaviors, challenging the dominant behaviorist views of the time. We’ll cover Bandura’s famous Bobo Doll experiment and its groundbreaking findings on observational learning, and we’ll also introduce you to other key figures in the development of SLT, like Julian Rotter, who developed the concept of locus of control, and Walter Mischel, known for the marshmallow test on delayed gratification. We’ll also tease apart the core concepts of SLT (modeling, self-efficacy, and vicarious reinforcement) to show how they work together to shape behavior. Finally, we’ll discuss the broader applications and criticisms of SLT in areas like education, media, and even advertising, where the power of observed behavior is leveraged in both positive and controversial ways.Sources & Resources:The rollout for the updated FAFSA application has been delayed again : NPRAfter Botched Rollout, FAFSA Is Delayed for a Second Year - The New York TimesFAFSA Rollout Delayed Again: Here's What to Know | Paying for College | U.S. NewsU.S. Department of Education Announces Schedule and New Process to Launch 2025-26 FAFSA Form‘There’s nothing more important right now’: Cardona commits to fixing FAFSA disaster - POLITICOFederal judges allow Iowa book ban to take effect this school year | AP NewsObama addresses healthcare website glitches - BBC NewsFederal appeals court rules Iowa's book ban law can take effectSasse's spending, exit leave lingering questions at UFUniversity of Florida Pres. Kent Fuchs addresses Sasse allegations, plans for futureSasse stepped down. Donors and top officials say he was forced out. - The Independent Florida AlligatorBen Sasse Appears to Have Turned the University of Florida Into a Gravy Train for His PalsFormer UF President Ben Sasse defends spending after Gov. DeSantis raises concernsSocial cognitive theory | psychology | BritannicaSocial learning | Secondary Keywords: Imitation, Observational Learning & Reinforcement | BritannicaObservational learning | Psychology, Behavior & Cognitive Processes | BritannicaSocial learning theory - WikipediaAlbert Bandura | Biography, Theory, Experiment, & Facts | BritannicaAlbert Bandura, Leading Psychologist of Aggression, Dies at 95 - The New York TimesSelf-efficacy: Toward a unifying theory of behavioral change - A. Bandura - APA PsycNetSocial learning and clinical psychology : Rotter, Julian B : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet ArchiveJulian Rotter - WikipediaTheories of Emeritus Professor Julian Rotter Still Relevant to Field of Clinical Psychology - UConn TodayDecision Making Individual Differences Inventory - Internal-External ScaleIn Memoriam: Walter Mischel, Psychologist Who Developed Pioneering Marshmallow Test | Department of PsychologyWalter Mischel | Stanford Marshmallow Experiment, Cognitive Delay of Gratification | BritannicaHow many users visit Wikipedia daily? - Quora.The Bobo Doll Experiment - PsychestudyBiological Mechanisms for Observational Learning - PMCAlbert Bandura's experiments on aggression modeling in children: A psychoanalytic critique - PMCRemembrance For Walter Mischel, Psychologist Who Devised The Marshmallow Test
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    49 mins
  • Ethics and the Educator

    Ethics and the Educator
    Aug 15 2024
    Education News Headline Roundup
    • Last week brought news of a long-simmering conflict within OpenAI, a dominant player in the generative artificial intelligence space, over whether or not the company should release to the public a watermarking tool that would leave a secret trail of encoded breadcrumbs in textual output from ChatGPT.
    • Updates from ongoing literacy reform initiatives across the country:
      • A literacy reform bill in the state of Massachusetts failed to pass after pushback from the state’s teachers union and some school administrators.
      • Maryland’s State Board of Education is also in the midst of a comment period related to literacy programming changes, in this case having to do with a controversial retention policy that could hold back third graders who don’t score high enough on state reading exams.
    • Katie and guest educator Allyson discuss their state-mandated Science of Reading coursework after completing 10 modules that may have missed the mark of preparing teachers to tackle literacy challenges.
    Ethics and the Educator

    Teachers serve as ethical role models, and their personal philosophies deeply influence their day-to-day decisions and interactions with students. In this episode, we discuss how teacher education programs prepare (or fail to prepare) educators to approach these responsibilities with sensitivity and moral understanding.

    Contemporary challenges in teaching ethics are also examined, including the importance of age-appropriate content, the legal and policy constraints public school teachers face, and the necessity for cultural and ethical sensitivity in diverse classrooms. We discuss strategies for educators to recognize and mitigate their biases, promote respectful dialogue, and prepare students to navigate today's ethical and moral dilemmas, particularly in the digital age.

    Finally, we consider the influence of parents and community members on classroom ethics and how educators can involve these parties constructively in the project of education. The episode concludes with a discussion of the value of formalized ethics lessons versus the ethical lessons naturally woven into everyday classroom experiences.

    Discussion Questions:
    • How do your personal philosophies as educators shape your daily actions in the classroom?
    • In what ways do teacher education programs equip educators to handle ethical sensitivity and moral responsibility?
    • How has the role of the educator as a moral and ethical exemplar evolved throughout history?
    • Are formal ethics lessons more beneficial than the lessons students learn from everyday classroom interactions?
    • How can teachers effectively tailor ethics-related content to different age groups while keeping it engaging?
    Sources & Resources:

    OpenAI has the tech to watermark ChatGPT text—it just won’t release it | Ars Technica

    There’s a Tool to Catch Students Cheating With ChatGPT. OpenAI Hasn’t Released It. - WSJ

    Understanding the source of what we see and hear online | OpenAI

    Massachusetts Literacy Reform Bill Dies, But State Spends $20 Million on Reading Education – Solondais

    Literacy reform bill dies, but new reading program gets $20 million investment

    Lost in a world of words: Key takeaways from Globe literacy investigation

    Why It Is Called the Steeplechase and Why It Has Water Jumps. - Business Insider
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    1 hr and 6 mins
  • Schooling Without School: Free Schools, Democratic Schools, and the Unschooling Movement

    Schooling Without School: Free Schools, Democratic Schools, and the Unschooling Movement
    Aug 1 2024
    Education News Headline Roundup [00:05:22]University of Florida President Ben Sasse announced his resignation from his presidential position effective July 31, 2024, citing the need to focus on his wife's health and family responsibilities. ACT Education Corp has announced changes to the ACT format and length as the company transitions from a non-profit to a for-profit entity and grapples with the effects of COVID and fluctuating interest in test-optional admissions policies.2U, Inc., a prominent, Maryland-based online education company, has announced that it is filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. This decision follows significant financial struggles, including mounting debt of close to $1 billion and declining revenues.Schooling Without School: Free Schools, Democratic Schools, and the Unschooling Movement [00:13:00]Alternative educational models, particularly self-directed learning approaches like free schooling and unschooling, have gained traction post-COVID-19. These models focus on tailored educational experiences, addressing individual student needs and interests, and often stem from diverse counter-cultural ideologies. Historical influences include Socrates, Plato, Rousseau, and Dewey, and significant figures discussed include A.S. Neill, founder of Summerhill School, and John Holt, advocate for homeschooling and unschooling. Both critiqued traditional schooling and promoted student autonomy, though their methods and reception are varied.Free schooling is characterized by significant student autonomy, democratic governance, voluntary class attendance, and a focus on self-directed projects and experiential learning. Notable examples include Summerhill in the UK and Sudbury Valley School in Massachusetts. Unschooling posits that children learn best through self-directed education without formal classes or curricula. It emphasizes student-led learning, everyday experiences as educational opportunities, and a non-compulsory structure. Parents act as facilitators rather than teachers.This episode examines criticisms, such as potential academic gaps and socialization challenges, and discusses the suitability of these sometimes-radical student-led models for different learners, including those with disabilities. Socioeconomic factors affecting the feasibility of homeschooling and unschooling are also discussed. Post-COVID-19, remote work opportunities have increased the feasibility of these models, but socioeconomic status remains a significant determinant of access to resources and opportunities for self-directed learning.Sources & Resources:The ACT Test Is EvolvingACT exam: Changes coming to college admissions test, will be significantly shorter and cheaper - ABC13 HoustonThe SAT Has Changed: Here's What to KnowThe ACT’s private equity takeover and the future of testingDuring test-optional college admissions, exam-prep companies still thrivedUniversity of Florida President Ben Sasse announces resignationBoard approves Sen. Ben Sasse to lead the University of Florida, despite outcryUniversity of Florida faculty passes symbolic vote against possible selection of Sen. Ben Sasse as president.Ben Sasse, controversial University of Florida president, announces his resignation | PBS News2U files for bankruptcy, but says students won’t notice - The Baltimore BannerA look at 2U’s path to bankruptcy | Higher Ed DiveOPM Watch: What Happens if Online Giant 2U Goes Under?Unschooling Is the Parenting Trend That's Pissing Everyone OffWhat to Know About Unschooling | K-12 Schools | U.S. NewsDemocratic Schools – Education RevolutionDemocratic and Self-Directed EducationA Typical Summerhill Day16:1 - Episode 14: Montessori SchoolsWhat Is Montessori EducationWhat Is the Reggio Emilia Approach to Education?A.S. Neill | Summerhill School, progressive education, libertarian education | BritannicaJohn Holt GWSDeveloping Self-Directed Learners - PMCSelf-Directed LearningRethinking the globalisation of problem-based learning: how culture challenges self-directed learningSugata Mitra | Speaker | TEDJohn Holt (educator) - WikipediaUnschooling - WikipediaSudbury Valley SchoolA. S. Neill - WikipediaSummerhill alumni: 'What we learnt at the school for scandal' | The IndependentSummerhill school: these days surprisingly strict | Teaching | The GuardianFlavor Flav is soaking up his 1st Olympic experience cheering on the US water polo teams | AP NewsThe newest Olympic sports being played at the 2024 Paris Games - CBS News.MTV News Website Goes Dark, Archives Pulled Offline
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    58 mins