What I Want to Know, with Kevin P. Chavous

In today's rapidly evolving world, where virtual education is more prominent than ever, we're witnessing a new generation of students preparing for careers, and launching them before they've even graduated.  How exactly are virtual classrooms transforming into launch pads for the next generation of entrepreneurs?  Today, Kevin P. Chavous interviews Alexa Curtis, a prime example of youth success in...

In this special back-to-school compilation episode, host Kevin P. Chavous presents a curated selection of expert advice from "What I Want to Know." This episode is designed to help parents and students prepare for a successful school year, featuring insights from education experts, industry leaders, and innovative educators. 0:00 Introduction  0:37 Making Science Fun with Dr. Kate Biberdorf 2:39 I...

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than 9% of total employment in the U.S. is within the healthcare industry, with about 1.8 million job openings projected each year. This episode explores the benefits of healthcare careers, how students can gain experience while in school, and the opportunities available in this rapidly growing field. Dr. Sherri Wilson, Director of Partnership Deve...

Learning is a risky business that requires trying new things and being ready to fail. Play has many benefits for children, including improved language and problem-solving skills, perseverance, and creativity. However, not all kids have access to play due to budget cuts and program reductions. This episode explores the impact of play on children's development and well-being, how play can create equ...

Nearly 30 million U.S. children and teens participate in some form of organized sports. While sports have physical health benefits for kids, they can also benefit their mental, emotional, and social health.  How can sports help kids heal, grow, and thrive? Why is it essential to provide kids with high-quality, healing sports?  And what can parents and schools do to ensure a healthy sports environm...

Revisit this episode on whether college is the best path for students to have successful careers with Mark C. Perna. For the past few decades, there's been a significant push for students to enroll in a four-year university immediately after high school. But according to a recent survey, almost 70 percent of parents would support their children entering the workforce right after high school. What'...

Public charter schools currently serve more than 3.7 million students. In fact, according to a report by the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools, enrollment in public charter schools grew by more than 300,000 students between 2019 and 2023.   What are charter schools? What are the benefits of the charter school model? And how can charter schools create opportunities for our students?  In...

As the school year ends and summer begins, many parents and teachers worry about the "summer slide." The summer slide is the tendency for students to lose some of the achievement gains they made during the previous school year.  To combat this learning loss, many districts are focusing on providing additional opportunities for students to learn over the summer.  How can we combat the summer slide?...

In response to pandemic learning loss, many school districts across the country turned to intensive tutoring.  And studies have shown that methods like high-impact tutoring can increase a student's learning and be more effective than standard methods.  Can tutoring help students overcome pandemic learning loss? What works and doesn't work when it comes to tutoring? And why is it important for all...

More than 7.5 million students in the United States have disabilities that qualify them for individual education plans. However, teachers trained in special education are in short supply. In fact, a survey found that 65% of public schools report being understaffed in special education. What is causing this shortage? How is this affecting teachers and students across the country? And what can we do...

Revisit our episode on digital safety featuring Titania Jordan, chief marketing officer and chief parent officer of Bark Technologies. Technology can open up doors to more information and content than ever before. That can be good – and bad – for kids. How can we teach kids healthy tech habits? What are the risks of cyberbullying, access to predators, image distortion, or self-harm? And how should...

To celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month, revisit our episode on promoting mental health with Anne Brown, President and CEO of the Cook Center for Human Connection. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, nearly 20 percent of youth in the United States age 6 to 17 experience a mental health disorder and suicide is the second leading cause of death among 10- to 14-year-olds. With so...

Storytelling is one of the most powerful learning devices. Not only does it play a role in a child's language and cognitive development, but it can also teach them about the world around them. What are the benefits of storytelling? How can children's literature help develop important skills? And how can we encourage a love of storytelling in our students?  In this episode, Jesse Byrd joins Kevin t...

Research finds that mindfulness can help decrease stress and anxiety while strengthening resilience and emotional regulation in adults and children. This is why the use of mindfulness programs in schools is becoming more and more popular.  What exactly is mindfulness? What are the benefits of mindfulness on students? And how can we incorporate mindfulness into the classroom? In this episode, Linda...

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in science, technology, engineering, and math are projected to grow by almost 11 percent by 2031 much faster than non-STEM occupations. While numerous students are interested in STEM careers, many do not feel prepared to pursue jobs in the field.  Why is it important for students to understand science? What opportunities are available for stud...

According to the CDC, guns are the leading cause of death among American children and teens.  From mass shootings to isolated incidents, gun violence has emerged as a tragic issue continuously plaguing our schools.   How can we identify the signs of violence? How can students, parents, and educators safely intervene? And how can we prevent violence in schools?  In this episode, Nicole Hockley, CEO...

According to the Entertainment Software Association, 76% of kids play video games. With their ability to build problem-solving, communication, and collaboration skills video games are starting to make their way to the classroom. What are the benefits of video games? What role should parents have in choosing the games their child plays? And how can video games be used as tools for learning? In this...

Research shows that girls and young women lose interest in science and math as they move through their school years. And now, women make up only 28% of the STEM workforce. How can we use science to inspire kids? Why is it important for girls to see themselves represented in the field? And how can we encourage an interest in science in young girls? In this episode, Melissa Alderete joins Kevin to s...

We all know that philanthropy is important in education. Many worthwhile organizations rely on the generosity of philanthropic groups who are determined to help kids and schools through their donations. But the needs of schools have changed, particularly following the pandemic. What is the role of philanthropy in education? How has education philanthropy changed in recent years? And where do we ex...

During the pandemic, 35% of the world increased their reading habits. And now, from book clubs to #BookTok, people have continued to turn to books as an anecdote to isolation and a way to build community.  Why is reading so transformative? How can we ensure everyone has access to books? And how can books build community?  In this episode, Greig Metzger joins Kevin to discuss how books can build co...

According to the Department of Education, more than 8 million Americans are considered functionally illiterate, meaning they cannot read and comprehend short texts or understand basic vocabulary.  Illiteracy often leads to low self-esteem and isolation, as well as higher chances of unemployment and poverty. What are the impacts of illiteracy? What factors influence literacy development? And how ca...

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, known as ADHD, is among the most common mental conditions in children with an estimated 6 million kids having been diagnosed with the disorder.  Children with ADHD often feel misunderstood, and their parents often feel uncertain about the best way to be there for their child. What is ADHD, and how does it impact children? What should parents and educators...

According to a survey by the Pew Research Center, 95% of teenagers reported using social media and more than a third of them use it "almost constantly."  High social media usage in children has caused concern in parents with many wondering if social media is safe for their kids.  What are the negative and positive impacts of social media? Should parents place a limit on their kids' social media us...

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, nearly 5.9 million Americans were unemployed as of 2022. And as traditional jobs evolve, there is an increasing demand for skills training and personal development.  How can we equip individuals with sustainable employment? What challenges are job seekers and employers facing today? And how can we best support the future workforce? In this episode,...

Chronic absenteeism has been a growing challenge for our schools, especially following pandemic learning disruptions. In fact, a report found that chronic absenteeism rates more than doubled from 26% during the 2017–2018 school year to 66% during the 2021–2022 school year. What causes chronic absenteeism? How is this impacting our students and school communities? And how can schools and parents wo...