The ThoughtStretchers Podcast

The ThoughtStretchers Podcast delivers thoughtful heterodox conversations to stretch your thinking about important issues in education.

10 Months At Sea, A School For Global Leadership 02/04/2026

10 Months At Sea, A School For Global Leadership welcomes Emily Waugh and Gabriela Delgado de Fina, both Assistant Heads of School for the A+ World Academy. They discuss the academy's unique educational model: a 10-month voyage for 72 students aboard the Sorlandet, a fully rigged ship built in 1927. The conversation explores the challenges and rewards of a "school at sea," where academics, communal living, and maritime training converge. Have some feedback you’d like to share? You can email me at . If you enjoyed this episode, please share it and please leave a review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you're listening. Emily and Gabriela detail the academy's core philosophy and five goals for global leadership, which integrates academics with global studies, communal living, maritime training, and reflective learning. They share how students are required to participate in maritime watches, cleaning, and galley duties, fostering a deep sense of responsibility and grit. A mandatory course, "Self Systems and Society," serves as the anchor for these experiences, providing a space for students to reflect on conflict resolution and the unique challenges of sharing a living space with 72 peers. The discussion dives into the academy's current transition toward a more Project-Based Learning (PBL) curriculum. Gabriela and Emily candidly discuss the hurdles of implementing inquiry-based research, such as "Port Quests," in an environment with limited internet and library resources. They highlight the ongoing internal debate about balancing traditional knowledge acquisition with progressive skill development, illustrating what Drew calls a "knowledge-rich inquiry" model. Finally, they touch upon the essential nature of memorization in maritime life—where knowing the names and functions of hundreds of lines is a matter of safety—and the rigorous admissions process that seeks out curious students who are ready for the sacrifice and adventure of life at sea. Timestamped Episode Timeline [00:03:43] Introductions and Roles – Emily and Gabriela share their journeys from teaching on the ship to their current land-based leadership roles. [00:08:02] Diverse Educational Backgrounds – A look at the progressive and traditional schooling experiences that shaped the guests' pedagogical perspectives. [00:11:39] The "My Five" Philosophy – Breaking down the five pillars of global leadership at A+ World Academy. [00:13:56] Life on the Sorlandet – Logistics of the 10-month voyage, the "top of the eight" Atlantic loop, and the requirement for every student to help operate the ship. [00:18:32] Connectivity and Crew Rotations – Managing limited internet access and the recent shift to rotating academic teams for sustainability. [00:21:43] Shifting to Project-Based Learning – Why the academy is moving away from traditional AP structures toward more integrated port-based projects. [00:28:37] The Knowledge vs. Skills Debate – Navigating the balance between progressive education and the need for content mastery. [00:38:15] Measuring Success Beyond Academics – The difficulty of quantifying qualitative growth in areas like communal living and resilience. [00:48:15] The Power of Functional Memorization – Why students must memorize maritime terms and how the "need to know" creates deep learning. [00:54:30] Student Profile and Motivation – What the academy looks for in applicants and why students voluntarily give up their phones. /episode/index/show/teachthought/id/39994120

Failure Factory, A Warning For Public Schools 01/28/2026

Failure Factory, A Warning For Public Schools talks with investigative reporter Chris Papst about his book, Failure Factory: How Baltimore City Public Schools Deprive Taxpayers and Students of a Future . Papst, a reporter for Project Baltimore, shares his deep-dive into why one of the most funded school systems in America remains one of the lowest performing . From systemic grade manipulation to the misuse of school funds, this conversation explores the "end stages" of a failing public education system and serves as a critical warning for the rest of the country . Video version available at: Papst details the findings of his multi-year investigation, which uncovered "the 50% rule"—a policy preventing students from receiving grades below 50%, regardless of attendance or performance—and instances where principals directly ordered teachers to change failing grades to passing. He argues that the focus has shifted from educating children to acquiring funding and growing the power of the school system. The discussion also touches on the role of teachers' unions, the transition of teaching from a "profession to a job," and the emergence of "diploma mills" that exploit old state laws. Despite the systemic issues, Papst highlights "shining examples" like Cecil Elementary, where leadership has achieved high proficiency rates despite facing the same challenges as neighboring schools. Finally, the conversation looks at the national implications of these findings and the critical need for accountability in public education. Papst emphasizes that while the situation is dire, it is correctable through transparency and a refocus on student learning rather than adult-centered bureaucracy. Timestamped Episode Timeline [00:05:37] Introducing Chris Papst – Investigative reporter for Project Baltimore and author of Failure Factory. [00:07:34] The "Failure Factory" Premise – Why Baltimore City Schools are highly funded but chronically low-performing. [00:10:37] Systemic Grade Inflation – Examining policies that allow students to graduate without basic literacy or attendance. [00:14:17] The 50% Rule – How automatic minimum grades mask educational failure and drive "social promotion." [00:18:44] Grade Changing as Fraud – A look at internal investigations where principals ordered mass grade changes. [00:23:03] Obstruction and Legal Battles – The story of suing the school system for public records and the judge’s "willful violation" ruling. [00:28:27] Misuse of Public Funds – $30,000 on basketball tickets and other examples of administrative financial abuse. [00:31:55] Unions and the Professional Shift – Dr. Alvin Hathaway’s perspective on when teaching became an "assembly-line job." [00:37:07] Examples of Success – Profiling Cecil Elementary and why successful models are rarely replicated. [00:40:32] Diploma Mills & State Standards – How "church-exempt" schools and lowered graduation requirements are devaluing diplomas. [00:46:54] Federal Grant Mismanagement – The case of Northwood Community Academy and the lack of federal oversight. [00:51:24] National Reaction – How the reporting went viral and reached the highest levels of government. [00:54:38] Closing Remarks – Where to find the book and how to get involved in local school accountability. Have some feedback you’d like to share? You can email me at . If you enjoyed this episode, please share it and please leave a review wherever you're listening. /episode/index/show/teachthought/id/39911205

AI, Inquiry, And The Future Of Thinking 01/21/2026

AI, Inquiry, And The Future Of Thinking welcomes Carole Geneix, Director of Teaching and Learning at Washington International School, to the podcast to discuss the evolving landscape of Artificial Intelligence in education. As schools grapple with the "AI revolution," Geneix argues that instead of fearing these tools, educators must integrate them into content-rich, inquiry-based frameworks to deepen student thinking. Have some feedback you’d like to share? You can email us at drew@thoughtstretchers.org. If you enjoyed this episode, please share it and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you’re listening. Carole highlights that the "AI fear" often stems from a misunderstanding of what these tools do. Drawing from her extensive background in the International Baccalaureate (IB) and Project Zero thinking routines, she explains that AI shouldn't be viewed as a way to bypass thinking, but as a "material" and "process" for students to interact with. By shifting the focus from the final product to the cognitive journey, teachers can ensure that inquiry remains at the heart of the classroom. The conversation dives into the practicalities of implementation, from the nuances of "See, Think, Wonder" routines to the necessity of teaching students how to prompt and critique AI outputs. They also discuss the global differences in education systems, comparing the centralized French model to the localized, inquiry-driven approach of international schools, and why a "knowledge-rich" curriculum is the essential foundation for effective AI use. Finally, they explore the shifting nature of assessment. Carole shares how schools can move away from traditional grading toward "reflection boxes" and process-oriented evaluations that prioritize human agency, ethics, and critical analysis in a world where information is increasingly automated. Timestamped Episode Timeline [00:00] Introduction of Carole Geneix – Director of Teaching and Learning at Washington International School and global education expert. [08:15] Global Education Perspectives – Comparing French, Korean, and U.S. educational philosophies and the role of inquiry. [14:30] Defining Inquiry-Based Learning – Why inquiry is a mindset, not just a set of activities, and its roots in the IB framework. [19:45] Project Zero Thinking Routines – How routines like "See, Think, Wonder" foster equity and give every student a voice. [25:50] The "AI Roadmap" for Schools – Using the Map of Understanding to determine where AI fits into the learning process. [33:10] AI as Artifact, Process, and Material – Reconceptualizing AI as a tool for reflection and creation rather than just an answer-generator. [41:15] Policy and Implementation – Why banning AI is a mistake and how to use tools like Flint AI for safe, monitored student engagement. [52:40] The Future of Assessment – Shifting from "what you know" to "how you think" in the age of generative AI. [01:05:10] Professional Development – The long-term commitment required to shift school culture toward inquiry-driven AI integration. [01:14:00] Closing Remarks – Where to find Carole's work and stay updated on AI in pedagogy. /episode/index/show/teachthought/id/39811270

Beyond Explicit Instruction, The Importance of Elaboration 01/14/2026

Beyond Explicit Instruction, The Importance of Elaboration welcomes education writer and author Natalie Wexler to the podcast to discuss her latest work and the evolving conversation around explicit instruction and the "Science of Reading." While the movement has successfully brought phonics to the forefront, Wexler argues that too narrow of a focus ignores the lessons of the Science of Learning. Wexler notes that the "Science of Reading" is often misunderstood as being synonymous with phonics. While foundational skills are non-negotiable, she explains that the "Mississippi Miracle" and other literacy success stories are incomplete without a focus on building background knowledge. The conversation dives into the biological and cognitive necessity of elaboration, the process of connecting new information to what a student already knows, as the primary engine for long-term retention and comprehension. A significant portion of the discussion centers on Cognitive Load Theory and why it is frequently missing from US teacher-prep programs compared to those in England and Australia. Wexler shares her observations from the UK’s Michaela Community School, highlighting how explicit instruction and a knowledge-rich curriculum can narrow the achievement gap. Finally, they explore the role of writing as a lever for learning. Wexler argues that writing is the most difficult thing we ask students to do, but when structured correctly (as seen in The Writing Revolution), it becomes a powerful tool for elaboration that turns surface-level facts into deep, transferable knowledge. Timestamped Episode Timeline [00:00] Introduction of Natalie Wexler – Author of The Knowledge Gap and advocate for knowledge-rich curricula. [04:12] Defining the Science of Reading – Moving beyond the narrow focus on phonics to include comprehension and background knowledge. [07:47] The Power of Elaboration – Why connecting new info to prior knowledge is the "missing piece" in many literacy programs. [15:30] Cognitive Load Theory – How understanding the brain's "bandwidth" should change the way we teach reading and writing. [21:54] Research Gaps in Education – Why math and decoding are easier to study than the "messy" process of building knowledge in history or science. [33:10] The UK Perspective – Observations on explicit instruction and the "traditional vs. progressive" debate in England and Australia. [42:15] Writing as a Learning Tool – Using sentence-level strategies to help students process complex content. [50:18] The "Mississippi Miracle" – Analyzing what actually worked in Mississippi's literacy gains and what still needs to improve. [56:40] Closing Remarks – Where to find Natalie’s work and upcoming projects. /episode/index/show/teachthought/id/39733200

Why Classroom Technology Harms Learning (with Jared Cooney Horvath) 12/08/2025

Why Classroom Technology Harms Learning (with Jared Cooney Horvath) welcomes neuroscientist and acclaimed author Jared Cooney Horvath to dissect his new book, The Digital Delusion, which provides a rigorous, evidence-based critique of edtech. Horvath doesn’t mince words, arguing that the majority of student-facing, internet-connected devices should be removed from schools. He reveals that over 60 years of consistent data supports his claim that the integration of digital tools is fundamentally detrimental to effective learning. This isn’t a Luddite’s complaint; it’s a detailed exploration of the Neuroscience of Learning. The harm is explained through three primary biological mechanisms, which Horvath asserts are unfixable with software. First, screens train students to multitask, leading to a constant, detrimental battle for attention in a learning environment. Second, the use of devices inhibits the essential human-to-human interaction necessary for empathetic synchrony—the mirroring and mimicking critical for deep cognitive and social development. Finally, we discuss the profound problem of Transfer of Learning. Horvath explains that by learning skills in an “easy” digital context, the ability to transfer that knowledge to a more complex, real-life (analog) task is significantly diminished, making the learning “slower, worse, and less deep.” The data suggests tech only works in highly narrow contexts, primarily for surface-level “drill and kill” facts or basic remediation, often through intelligent tutors. The conversation then shifts to the persistent educational conflicts, notably the ongoing tension between Explicit Instruction vs Inquiry and Project-Based Learning (PBL). Horvath connects the rigidity of entrenched positions to a “sunk cost” phenomenon, where individuals find it too “costly” to change their public stance, even when facing opposing evidence. We delve into the complexities of teaching, noting that both traditional and progressive approaches are valid at different points in a student’s journey, but both are fundamentally flawed when they adhere rigidly to a single philosophy. Furthermore, we explore the nature of Critical Thinking Skills and creativity. Horvath clarifies that while the mechanism for critical thinking is innate across all ages, its output is heavily constrained by the individual’s available domain-specific knowledge. The science of learning, he argues, has nothing to say about specific pedagogy (such as direct instruction versus exploratory learning); it only describes the biological constraints of how the brain learns. Therefore, neuroscience should serve as a powerful tool to inform and improve any existing pedagogical approach, not dictate a single one. Horvath offers a vision for the ideal classroom, suggesting elementary spaces should be “basically outdoor,” focused on play and minimal tech. For older students, he advocates for a high level of control, confining computer use to specialized lab settings—much like woodshop or physical education. This perspective provides an essential counter-narrative for any K-12 educator or administrator struggling to balance modern tools with effective, long-term student success. To continue exploring innovative, evidence-based strategies, subscribe to the ThoughtStretchers Podcast on your favorite podcast player! Timestamped Episode Timeline Time Segment/Topic [00:00] Introduction of Jared Cooney Horvath – Teacher-turned-neuroscientist, focus on “human learning” and applying neuroscience to educational practices. [01:28] Jared’s Educational Background and Views on Pedagogy – Describing his K-12 experience as a “mishmash” that didn’t adhere rigidly to “traditional” or “progressive” labels. [03:45] The Digital Delusion Book & EdTech Critique – Introducing the book and its core argument: edtech fundamentally harms learning, advocating for reducing/eliminating non-essential computer use in classrooms. [07:18] EdTech and Learning Outcomes/The Swedish Example – Advocating for removing student-facing, internet-connected devices; citing Sweden’s ban on general tech use in schools (confining computers to a lab). [08:09] Exceptions for Technology Use – Tech only works effectively in narrow contexts: self-adaptive “intelligent tutors” for surface-level (drill and kill) learning and remediation. [09:46] Mechanisms of EdTech Harm (Biological) – Outlining the three primary ways screens harm learning: Attention, Empathetic Synchrony, and Transfer. [12:29] Transfer and Complexity in Learning – Discussion on how learning in an easy digital context makes skill transfer to a harder, real-life analog context almost impossible. [15:54] AI, Pedagogy, and Creating Learning Tools – Drew’s example of using AI for quizzes; Jared’s counter that learning is “slower, worse, and less deep” than if the student created the tools themselves. [18:07] The Ideal Classroom – Jared’s vision for elementary (outdoor, play-focused, minimal tech) and middle/high school (human-element focus, highly controlled tech use in a lab). [20:17] Critical Thinking and Metacognition – Discussion on the definition of critical thinking, with Jared suggesting metacognition is a more accurate term for the process. [23:02] The Role of Knowledge in Critical Thinking – The mechanism is universal, but the outcome of critical thinking without knowledge is “very very narrow or pointless.” [27:43] Creativity and Questioning – Defining creativity as “rearranging of your current memory structures.” The role of knowledge and safety/context in the ability to ask good questions. [35:47] Tension Between Traditional and Progressive Education – Observing the acute conflict in Australia/UK; asserting both approaches are correct at different points but wrong when they are too rigid. [40:34] Science of Learning and Pedagogy – Stressing that the science of learning only concerns biological mechanisms and should inform teaching, not dictate a specific pedagogy. [43:08] AI Model Training and Pedagogical Parallels – Drew’s question on parallels between AI’s “symbolism” vs. “connectivism” and educational philosophies. [44:15] Critique of AI and Cognitive Models – Jared’s view that AI conceptualization has mistakenly influenced brain understanding and that current AI models may be at a peak without a new theoretical framework. [46:02] Book and Contact Information – Sharing website (www.lmegglobal.net), new book (The Digital Delusion), and YouTube channel. [46:47] Closing Remarks – Final thoughts on recognizing the “gray zone” in complex educational issues. /episode/index/show/teachthought/id/39329185

How Free Speech Builds a Better Brain With Barbara Oakley 12/03/2025

How Free Speech Builds a Better Brain With Barbara Oakley In this episode of the ThoughtStretchers podcast, host Drew Perkins talks with Dr. Barbara Oakley, distinguished professor of engineering and co-instructor of the celebrated Learning How to Learn course, to discuss her critical opinion piece: Censorship Hurts Our Brains: Why Neuroscience Confirms the Importance of Free Speech. They dive deep into the neural mechanisms behind free expression, the challenges facing K-12 education, and the dangers of sacrificing liberty for perceived order. Show Notes & Main Discussion Points: Neuroscience and Free Speech: Dr. Oakley explains that exposure to differing viewpoints is essential for cognitive flexibility and how emotional upset literally impedes rational thought when we engage with challenging ideas. The 'Cult of Safety': We examine how the modern pursuit of "safe spaces" can ironically lead to a heightened acceptance of hostility toward people with different political views. K-12 Education & Free Speech: We explore the difficulty of promoting civic thought in K-12, noting the tension between academic freedom and the need for interventions to overcome ineffective educational practices. Critique of Constructivism: Dr. Oakley argues that pure constructivism in education is "completely opposed... to neuroscience," and suggests a balanced "knowledge-rich inquiry" model, guided by Socratic questioning, as a more effective path to true learning. Order vs. Liberty: Finally, we discuss how a perceived loss of public safety and order can make a population more willing to compromise essential liberties, including free speech. Time-Stamped Highlights: The Neuroscience of Free Speech (00:07:01): Dr. Oakley explains how engaging with opposing viewpoints—especially through her free Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) on the neurocognitive perspective of free speech—is vital for building cognitive flexibility. The Cult of Safety (00:20:17): Barbara Oakley discusses the "cult of safety" and how the swift transition from the pursuit of safe spaces to the acceptance of hostility toward people with differing political beliefs is a worrying trend. Emotional Upset vs. Rational Thought (00:23:15): A key takeaway from the neuroscience perspective is that emotional upset makes rational, conscientious engagement with an upsetting topic extremely difficult. The best approach is to manage emotions and seek to understand why people hold their beliefs. The Dilemma of K-12 Civic Education (00:10:59): Drew Perkins highlights the struggle to promote civic thought and enlightenment tradition principles in schools, noting that the lack of connection to test scores often pushes these initiatives aside. Government Intervention & 'Paradigm Cartels' (00:13:37): They discuss the tension between academic freedom and the occasional necessity of legislative intervention to overcome entrenched, ineffective beliefs in education, citing the "reading wars" and the mandate of phonics instruction as an example. The Dangers of Anti-Liberal Movements (00:30:52): Drew Perkins explores the growing "post-liberal and/or anti-liberal" movements on both the political right and left, expressing concern that these forces are dangerously pushing against the fundamental issue of free speech. Constructivism vs. Neuroscience (00:39:41): Dr. Oakley argues that the pervasive influence of pure constructivism in K-12 is "completely opposed... to neuroscience," citing negative learning outcomes in places like New Zealand, where a student-centered approach has been extensively applied. The Power of Knowledge-Rich Inquiry (00:45:29): They align on a knowledge-rich inquiry model, where a teacher uses Socratic questioning to narrow the "potential solution space," leading the student to the final 'aha' moment and strengthening the neural connection, which is a key part of effective teaching. Loss of Order and Compromising Liberty (00:38:40): The conversation concludes by linking the loss of public order and stability to a population's increased willingness to sacrifice liberties, like free speech, in exchange for a feeling of safety and for the metaphorical "trains to run on time." /episode/index/show/teachthought/id/39251870

Knowledge-Rich Inquiry With 4QM Teaching 11/26/2025

Knowledge-Rich Inquiry With 4QM Teaching welcomes Gary Schiffman and Jon Bassett of 4QM Teaching to the podcast to discuss their new US History curriculum and the principles behind their innovative Four Question Method. This conversation explores the gap between traditional inquiry-based learning and the need for explicit instruction in historical content and disciplinary thinking. Gary and Jon explain how their curriculum is designed to support "ordinary teachers" and build students' capacity for civil disagreement by grounding critical thinking in a robust body of knowledge. Key Takeaways & Discussion Points The Power of the 4QM Method: We detail why 4QM Teaching shifted from consulting to developing a full curriculum, recognizing the need for a practical vehicle to implement their teaching framework in the classroom. The Four Question Framework: Learn the four core questions that anchor every lesson and build specific historical thinking skills: Q1: What happened? (The skill of Narration and Storytelling) Q2: What were they thinking? (The skill of Interpretation of documents) Q3: Why then and there? (The skill of Explanation and causation) Q4: What do we think about that? (The skill of Judgment and civil discourse) Knowledge-Rich Inquiry: Jon and Gary firmly assert their position in the "knowledge first" camp, arguing that deep critical thinking is domain specific. They share why "structure is liberating" when students are equipped with a strong base of historical facts. Teaching Civil Disagreement: Discover how separating the "judgment" question (Q4) allows students to practice the art of civil disagreement in a structured, reasoned way, even when addressing controversial historical topics. Time-Stamped Topics Key moments in the discussion: 06:52 - The origin story and philosophical foundation of the Four Question Method (4QM Teaching). 10:41 - A detailed breakdown of the four questions: Narration, Interpretation, Explanation, and Judgment. 14:20 - Why 4QM Teaching finally decided to write a full US History curriculum. 21:45 - How Question 4 teaches the "art of civil disagreement" (and the related work of Natalie Wexler). 36:14 - The argument that critical thinking is entirely domain-specific in advanced fields. 52:09 - Simplifying the curriculum to reduce cognitive load with four transparent lesson types. /episode/index/show/teachthought/id/39181445

Memorizing History Facts, So What? 11/17/2025

Memorizing History Facts, So What? Is the core of teaching history about memorizing history facts, or is it about critical thinking? And what is the role of knowledge-rich inquiry in the history classroom? is joined by history educators Lauren Brown, Jonathan Dallimore (author of Teaching History: A Practical Guide for Secondary School Teachers), and Professor Aaron Astor for a frank, dialectic conversation on these essential questions. They discuss the necessity of foundational knowledge, how to promote historical thinking, and the biggest threats to historical understanding in the age of AI and social media. This deep dive into history pedagogy covers: Why college students are showing up “fact-deficient” and the need for better long-term memory retention through context. The difference between simple chronology and the power of periodization as a critical thinking tool. Why the fundamental historical critical question is “so what.” Bridging the gap between knowledge building and inquiry-based learning to equip students with “reality-based community practices.” The argument for why historiography (understanding different interpretations and debates) is a crucial form of shared cultural knowledge. Key Themes & Time-Stamped Highlights (00:14:18) The Problem of Forgetting: Professor Astor notes that college students often lack basic knowledge, not because they were never taught, but because they forgot previously learned information. He emphasizes the need for repetition and context to make facts “stick”. (00:18:17) The Multiplication Analogy: The panel agrees that some foundational facts, like multiplication tables in math, must be fluent to prevent cognitive load when performing higher-level tasks, such as understanding complex military strategy or migration patterns in history. (00:23:07) Efficiency of Explicit Instruction: Jonathan Dallimore explains that concrete, explicit instruction (such as teaching geography on a map) is necessary to efficiently inject context, preserving limited class time for richer, deeper historical conversations (inquiry). (00:27:37) The Case for Foundational Facts: Lauren Brown supports teaching foundational facts (like the 50 states) at a young age to build knowledge systematically and improve overall literacy and comprehension of diverse texts. (00:36:56) Context is Key to Memory: Drew Perkins points out that facts are more likely to be retained in long-term memory if they are put in context with other information (e.g., connecting a state’s location to regional dynamics or Civil War loyalties). (00:45:08) Chronology vs. Periodization: Jonathan Dallimore champions periodization (breaking history into three or four manageable phases) as a more effective tool than simple chronology. He argues that periodization is not only concrete but also serves as a critical tool for later interpretation and debate. (00:53:10) Knowledge Prevents “Post-Truth Nonsense”: The panel stresses that building a sufficient factual architecture is crucial to prevent historical discussions from devolving into unsupported, opinionated “post-truth nonsense”. (00:56:48) The “So What” Question: Aaron Astor identifies the fundamental critical question in history as “so what” — encouraging students to understand why a particular piece of information matters and how it is connected to a bigger force or theme. (01:07:09) Knowledge as an Indicator, Not the Aim: Drew Perkins introduces Grant Wiggins’s idea that “knowledge is an indicator of educational success, not the aim,” emphasizing the value of what a student can do with the knowledge (i.e., critical thinking and making connections). (01:19:02) The Importance of Historiography: Jonathan Dallimore argues that rich cultural knowledge should include an understanding of the big historical debates and interpretations (historiography) to help students contextualize information encountered on social media. (01:21:53) Navigating the Modern Information Landscape: Aaron Astor discusses how AI and social media (the “anarchy of takes”) have destabilized the architecture of information, making it imperative for history teachers to inculcate reality-based community practices to discern fact from fiction. (01:34:01) The Goal: Think Historically: Aaron Astor concludes that the ultimate goal of history education is for students to “think historically” about their worlds and their times. /episode/index/show/teachthought/id/39062975

Are Leveled Readers Hurting Student Growth? 11/10/2025

Are Leveled Readers Hurting Student Growth? is joined by guest co-host, fourth-grade teacher Melinda Karshner, for a critical conversation with Timothy Shanahan, Distinguished Professor Emeritus at the University of Illinois at Chicago and former Director of Reading for Chicago Public Schools. They discuss the core arguments of his book, Leveled Reading, Leveled Lives, How Students' Reading Achievement Has Been Held Back and What We Can Do About It. Key Themes & Time-Stamped Highlights (00:10:31) The Flaw in Instructional Level Theory: Dr. Shanahan explains why the long-held notion of teaching kids at their "instructional level" is flawed, noting that research shows this practice often holds students back and reduces their opportunity to learn. (00:12:37) The Research: Studies show that students who receive "instructional level" treatment often do worse than those taught with grade-level materials. (00:14:04) The Problem of "Ghost Retention": The practice effectively retains students at lower curriculum levels without informing parents, leading to a disconnect between national assessment results and parental perception of their child's reading level. (00:16:11) Shanahan’s Stance on Phonics: While "very pro phonics," Dr. Shanahan emphasizes following research, noting that a federal panel he served on supported phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and direct instruction in reading comprehension. (00:20:37) Challenging Text and Equity: Shanahan shares historical context and cites studies showing that ability-based reading groups actually penalized minority students, confirming that the practice of holding kids back is detrimental to equity. (00:25:28) The Power of Scaffolding: For most struggling readers (a one- to two-year gap), scaffolding grade-level materials is manageable and beneficial, especially from the beginning of second grade onward. (00:31:13) Optimizing Intervention Time: Dr. Shanahan suggests that for students with basic foundational skills, intervention time should limit decoding practice to about 15 minutes of a 45-minute session, using the remaining time for working on grade-level text fluency and comprehension. (00:33:44) Fluency & Practice: Having students read challenging text aloud a second time can reduce errors by 50%, making it immediately more accessible for comprehension. (00:40:31) Student Choice & Motivation: Teachers should involve students in choosing texts among grade-level options (e.g., voting on the next three stories) to dramatically increase engagement and motivation. (00:43:37) Cognitive Load & Productive Struggle: Dr. Shanahan resolves the tension with cognitive load theory, emphasizing that learning requires a degree of challenge (frustration) to be retained, and the goal is successful navigation of challenging material with support. (00:51:07) Reforming Teacher Education: Teacher preparation programs need to move away from focusing on matching kids to books and instead focus on training teachers to address texts that outstrip a student's current skills through targeted support and intervention. (01:00:06) The Four-Part Literacy Framework: Dr. Shanahan outlines a mandated framework for Language Arts instruction: (1) words/parts of words, (2) fluency, (3) reading comprehension, and (4) writing instruction, recommending a quarter of time for each, balanced over time. (01:03:15) Integrating Content: Integrating social studies or science content into the reading comprehension block provides a "double dose" of learning and exposure to varied text types. /episode/index/show/teachthought/id/38984005