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The State of Education with Melvin Adams
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The State of Education with Melvin Adams
Author: Melvin Adams
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© 2023 The State of Education with Melvin Adams
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Join our host, Melvin Adams, for a talk-show-style podcast as he sits down with America's parents, educators, legislators to discuss how we can reclaim our country's education.
94 Episodes
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Our guest today is Jack Appleby, an educator of 46 years with experience both nationally and internationally. His answers tap into the “magic” of the teacher-student relationship, the benefits of students having a clear career path throughout their high school years, the reasons behind high-stakes testing, and much more. GET CONNECTED WITH NWEFLike us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nwef.org/Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/NWEF_orgFollow us on Instagram: https://www.insta...
Can parents remain neutral any longer as their children buy into the transgender lie? Today, Erin Friday unpacks some concerning facts: transgenderism doesn’t work and most parents don’t have the knowledge or support to stand up for their kids. But Erin doesn’t believe the situation is hopeless. She has some timely words of hope and many tips and resources to share. Plus, she answers questions such as: How do parents and teachers find the courage to do the right thing? What should you do to p...
Erin Friday is a California attorney and a mom. She was very involved in her daughter’s school—but that didn’t keep her safe from the long arm of gender ideology. Listen in today as she and Melvin talk about modern parenting challenges, how schools are sneaking radical indoctrination into the classroom, and most importantly, Erin’s story of rescuing her daughter from the spiral of mental illness and the transgender lifestyle.Resources Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Learn more about Erin’s missi...
As a former homeschool and public school student, Josiah Gaiter has a well-rounded perspective on education choice. But his expertise doesn’t stop there—he’s also a teacher with experience in the classroom and one-on-one tutoring. In today’s episode, Josiah and Melvin explore the separate, yet complimentary, roles of parents and teachers. Understanding the distinction of each role helps parents and teachers do their jobs more effectively and sets children up for success. GET CONNECTED WI...
Jenny Clark is—first and foremost—a mom. But she’s also the founder of Love Your School, a non-profit in Arizona that empowers parents and educators to make choices about the education plan that works for them and their kids. Today on this throwback episode of The State of Education With Melvin Adams, Jenny talks with us about the incredible strides she and others have made to get a universal ESA passed in Arizona. Listen in to learn more.Resources Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Check out Jenny...
What’s keeping our country from accomplishing great things? Maybe it’s because we stopped fostering community. On today’s episode, we’re finishing our conversation with author and teacher Paul Skousen. We’ll explore America’s isolationist attitude, why he believes religion is critical to a healthy nation, and how to surround yourself with a community right where you are.RESOURCES MENTIONED IN TODAY’S EPISODE:Check out Paul’s books, The Federalist Papers Made Easier and How to Read the Constit...
How can Americans maintain their freedoms? How can they prevent the loss of their rights and liberties in a country that seems determined to undermine their very identities? In this episode, we’re talking with Paul Skousen, author of The Federalist Papers Made Easier. Paul is a father of ten, journalist, and professor. Before his current career, he worked for President Reagan and in the CIA as an intelligence officer.RESOURCES MENTIONED IN TODAY’S EPISODE:Check out Paul’s books, The Federalis...
Music influences almost every aspect of our lives, especially in our childhoods. Virginia Delegate Chris Head is not only a government official, but he has immersed himself in music from a young age and is a professional vocalist. In this episode, he talks to Melvin about music’s power to bring our country together, to help our children learn and grow, and to touch all of our lives in incredible ways. Are we losing many of the beautiful and foundational principles of music along with the brea...
Is history and social studies doing more harm than good these days? America appears to have lost sight of its original values, as schools are promoting agendas and young people are becoming increasingly disheartened. Patrick Garrison, a high school teacher and the founder of The True Corrective, joins the podcast to delve into various aspects of American history and social studies. He discusses how we can initiate steps to navigate away from the prevailing ideological trends that pose a threa...
Contemporary education needs to look different than it did thirty years ago because the world is different. Technology has changed the academic landscape for good. Colleges can’t keep up to date with the enormous changes that are happening by the day. That’s why Jonathan Brush created Unbound, a project-based education curriculum that puts young people in real-world learning situations. Tune in to this episode where Jonathan talks about all this and more!Resources Mentioned in Today’s Episode...
Our guests today on The State of Education with Melvin Adams, are Eloise Smith and Lauren Bowen of Freedom Foundation. Following their first annual teacher’s conference, Eloise and Lauren are excited to talk about the incredible support their attendees found in coming together and learning. They also discuss the problem with teachers unions and how teachers can find their freedom, despite overwhelming pressures and aggressive ideologies. RESOURCES: Learn more about Freedom Foundation’s 2...
A college degree isn’t what makes you really successful in life. Rather, it’s your skill and motivation. Today, Jonathan Brush, a former college administrator turned educational innovator, joins the podcast to talk about the problems he has identified with traditional higher education and how he’s countering those with innovative hands-on schooling via his organization, Unbound. Many young people today are missing out on a well-rounded educational experience. Non-traditional higher educ...
Daniel Buck is back for part two of our conversation on classical education. This time, he speaks directly to teachers and parents: How can we bring the classroom back to a state of productivity? How are teachers supposed to deal with the chaos and ineffective discipline in public schools? Can parents better partner with teachers and schools to make sure their kids are getting a good education? And, most importantly, what are we doing to help children succeed in the real world?Resources Menti...
Progressive education isn’t working. Kids are graduating school without basic knowledge of math, reading, and history. Daniel Buck, our guest today, says it’s time for a change. Join us on this episode as we explore the weaknesses of modern instruction, how teachers can restore order to their classrooms, and how classical ideas—while old-fashioned—may be just the thing we need to save our kids and our schools. Resources Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Learn more about Daniel’s new book, Wha...
Aly Legge’s story is an inspiring example of empowerment. Her journey of motherhood has looked vastly different depending on the seasons in her life, yet she persevered to give her kids the best. She’s also been a school board member, advocate, and mentor. Join us today as Aly talks about why parents must look to themselves to create change, pushing through challenges and criticisms, and becoming your child’s greatest advocate.Resources Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Check out Moms For America ...
On The State of Education with Melvin Adams, we talk a lot about school choice and school reform. Today we have a guest that shares that passion. We’re back with Frederick M. Hess, commentator and scholar, to talk through his book The Great School Rethink. Frederick has studied education for decades and has some ideas about how we can restore vitality and productivity back into America’s schools. Join us today for a discussion on choice, parenting, and how we can forge good relationships betw...
On this episode of The State of Education, Frederick M. Hess encourages us to really think about public education. Why is the system the way it is? What are kids doing in school all day? Does the public school model still work? Frederick believes parents and communities are in the best position to answer these questions and begin to change the narrative. The only question is, how do we start? Listen in to find out.Resources Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Check out Frederick Hess’s new boo...
How can parents protect their kids from a world that wants to feed them lies? How can teachers stand strong in the midst of difficult moral dilemmas? Jeff Keaton addresses both these points in today’s episode, reminds us of some inspiring truths, and gives his thoughts on how parents that want to can create a generation of healthy, Biblically-minded kids. Jeff is the founder and president of RenewaNation, an organization dedicated to spreading Christian education through America and around th...
What is the purpose of education? Today’s guest on The State of Education answers that question. Jeff Keaton has an approach to education that is rare in today’s America: he believes the basis for a good education should start with a Christian worldview. Listen in as he breaks down his thoughts on Christianity, education, and society at large, details his work as president of RenewaNation, and gives us an exciting new perspective on the spread of Christian schooling in the U.S. Resources...
Do kids really benefit from a “classical” education? Are homeschoolers antisocial? How can parents have real conversations with their kids? Katy Gallegos answers these questions and many more on the show today. Katy is a homeschool mom and has been influential in her local homeschool community through a curriculum called Classical Conversations. Listen in as she and Melvin discuss the ins and outs of homeschooling, as well as the way Classical Conversations is helping kids get well-rounded ed...
Can parents remain neutral any longer as their children buy into the transgender lie? Today, Erin Friday unpacks some concerning facts: transgenderism doesn’t work and most parents don’t have the knowledge or support to stand up for their kids. But Erin doesn’t believe the situation is hopeless. She has some timely words of hope and many tips and resources to share. Plus, she answers questions such as: How do parents and teachers find the courage to do the right thing? What should you do to p...
Erin Friday is a California attorney and a mom. She was very involved in her daughter’s school—but that didn’t keep her safe from the long arm of gender ideology. Listen in today as she and Melvin talk about modern parenting challenges, how schools are sneaking radical indoctrination into the classroom, and most importantly, Erin’s story of rescuing her daughter from the spiral of mental illness and the transgender lifestyle. Resources Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Learn more about Erin’s miss...
Every child is unique and deserves high-quality education tailored to their needs. Homeschooling is a great way to give them that. But what if your child has needs that are a little more “special?” Does that bar you from homeschooling? On the podcast today, Melvin is talking with Dr. Rochelle Somerville, who has a few children with special needs of her own. Not only does Dr. Somerville think homeschooling is a great option for any family, she believes it is one of the best ways for children w...
As a father himself, Alvin Lui has a personal stake in the fight against childrens’ indoctrination. That’s why he created Courage Is A Habit, which has a goal to expose the dangers of SEL, or Social Emotional Learning. In today’s episode, he talks about some of the resources his foundation offers to parents, school board members, teachers, and anyone who desires to take a stand. Do parents have the option to opt out of SEL? How does the school system really sneak Critical Race Theory and gend...
Has your child taken a survey in school that touched on inappropriate topics? Have they come across vulgar books in their school library? LGBTQ and Critical Race Theory talking points are everywhere in schools these days, even down to the earliest grades. That’s no secret. What is hidden from parents is that most of this teaching comes under the guise of Social Emotional Learning programs. In this episode, we’re doing a deep-dive into what SEL really stands for with our guest, Alvin Lui, and ...
Today is Noah Webster Educational Foundation’s second birthday. In honor of that, we’re excited to have our host, Melvin Adams, switch seats and share his own story this week! Our content manager, Catherine D. Kent, joins him on the show this week to ask questions about Melvin’s life and the founding of NWEF. Melvin talks about his childhood in Africa, what it was like being homeschooled before homeschooling was popular, what led him to work in education, why he chose the name “Noah Web...
There aren’t a lot of good decisions being made by school board members. Some don’t even know that they have the power of decision. Why is that? On today’s episode, Sherri Story and Cheryl Facciani give us an answer to that question. They believe school board members can and should be empowered to act on behalf of their communities, not be silenced by associations and superintendents. They also have some incredible personal stories to share with us that illustrate the importance of standing f...
Today on The State of Education, Melvin talks to Sherri Story and Cheryl Facciani, who are part of the team behind Virginia’s new School Board Member Alliance. Sherri and Cheryl have very different life stories, but they share a common experience—being the dissenting voices on their local school boards. Plus, they love their kids and want to do what they can to create safe educational spaces for the next generation. The SBMA was founded to empower other school board members to do the same. Li...
Are America’s school boards too far gone? Are we fighting a losing battle? Veronica Gemma has faced it all: discouragement, accusations, and pushback from her community and local school board colleagues. But she wanted transparency, so she decided to step up and challenge the Critical Race Theory and gender ideology that was creeping into her district, as well as the board’s failure to implement standards of teaching handed down from the state school board. Tune in to today’s episode to hear ...
Today, our guest on The State of Education is a woman who had no previous experience in the realm of education before becoming a member of her local school board. No experience—except that she loved her children and dedicated ten years to homeschooling them. After her children went back to public school in their teens, Veronica Gemma was dissatisfied with the low standards and lack of parental involvement her district offered. She and several other candidates decided to run for school board a...
Do small classrooms and close-knit communities offer something big public schools could never offer? Our guest today, Robert Mitchell, is a rural school teacher and college professor. In his small Colorado school, he only teaches about thirty-five students, but he loves what he does. He also wants other people to see the value in America’s small rural schools, recognize the challenges they face, and do something to help.GET CONNECTED WITH NWEFLike us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nwef...
Jenny Clark is—first and foremost—a mom. But she’s also the founder of Love Your School, a non-profit in Arizona that empowers parents and educators to make choices about the education plan that works for them and their kids. Today on The State of Education With Melvin Adams, Jenny talks with us about the incredible strides she and others have made to get a universal ESA passed in Arizona. Listen in to learn more.Resources Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Check out Jenny’s organization, Love Your...
Today on The State of Education with Melvin Adams, we’re once again talking with Nina Rees, president of the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools. Nina has had a lot of experience in education, but she’s especially passionate about the opportunities and ideals that charter schools hold up for families. What’s one reason why she thinks charter schools are highly sought after? Parental involvement. Charter schools help children—and, by extension, families—flourish.Resources Mentioned in...
In order to have accountability in a school, you must connect with families. That’s why Nina Rees sees charter schools as a step towards restoring quality education in America because charter schools offer parents a chance to keep schools accountable. Rees, a long-time advocate of charter schools and school choice, has decades of service behind her, including a stint with the U.S. Department of Education. Listen in this week on The State of Education as she and Melvin uncover the benefits and...
In a society where college degrees are worshiped, it’s sometimes difficult for highschool graduates to find an alternative path that’s meaningful and pays the bills. But, there’s a revolution of thought on the horizon through organizations like Build Smart — a fully furnished trade school for students interested in construction. Today’s guest, Gary Feazell, shares his massive success story with us and encourages youth to seek out the needs of their communities and start working with their han...
Why doesn’t modern therapy work? Part of the reason is simply: “affirmation.” Many therapists are pressured to affirm everything, even dangerous delusions and irreversible gender changes. Today on The State of Education with Melvin Adams, we’re again talking with conservative therapist and activist Pamela Garfield-Jaeger, who isn’t shy about her views on where the mental health industry is headed and how we can take a stand.Resources Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Conservative Therapists is a d...
In celebration of Black History Month, friend of NWEF Ted Lamb is sharing a weekly story about a little-known black patriot. Don’t miss these special episodes each Friday!Resources Mentioned on Today’s Episode: “History Moments With Ted” is an engaging Facebook group run by Ted Lamb. There, he shares daily history facts and lessons that help broaden your knowledge of history in a memorable way: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1199381647176869GET CONNECTED WITH NWEFLike us on Facebook: ht...
The wave of change towards gender ideology and transition has swept across America, even affecting the smallest hearts in our communities, i.e. our children. For some of our children there’s been damage—some beyond repair. The reality of that tragedy is partially rooted in the mental healthcare industry where some therapists are affirming a change in a child’s gender identity before adulthood, sometimes even before puberty. Today’s guest, Pamela Garfield-Jaeger, has styled herself as “the tru...
In celebration of Black History Month, friend of NWEF Ted Lamb is sharing a weekly story about a little-known black patriot. Don’t miss these special episodes each Friday!Resources Mentioned on Today’s Episode: “History Moments With Ted” is an engaging Facebook group run by Ted Lamb. There, he shares daily history facts and lessons that help broaden your knowledge of history in a memorable way: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1199381647176869GET CONNECTED WITH NWEFLike us on Facebook: ht...
Competition almost always increases product quality. And it’s no different with education. Some see school choice as a nefarious attempt to defund public schools. Others see it as a tool to hype academic quality in all schools. Which is it? Today on The State of Education with Melvin Adams, Matt Beienburg shares how states can (and should!) enact policies that give parents the academic freedom and transparency they deserve for their families while not defunding public education. Resource...
In celebration of Black History Month, friend of NWEF Ted Lamb is sharing a weekly story about a little-known black patriot. Don’t miss these special episodes each Friday! Resources Mentioned on Today’s Episode: “History Moments With Ted” is an engaging Facebook group run by Ted Lamb. There, he shares daily history facts and lessons that help broaden your knowledge of history in a memorable way: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1199381647176869GET CONNECTED WITH NWEFLike us on Facebook: h...
Recently, Virginia’s Board of Education decided to revise the history and social study standards for public school students. This generated both praise and backlash, and Jillian Balow, our guest today on The State of Education, is right in the thick of it. Jillian is not only the Superintendent of Public Instruction on the Virginian State School Board, but she was a teacher herself and formerly the Superintendent of Wyoming’s education board. Listen in on The State of Education as she and Mel...
In celebration of Black History Month, friend of NWEF Ted Lamb is sharing a weekly story about a little-known black patriot. Don’t miss these special episodes each Friday! Resources Mentioned on Today’s Episode: “History Moments With Ted” is an engaging Facebook group run by Ted Lamb. There, he shares daily history facts and lessons that help broaden your knowledge of history in a memorable way: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1199381647176869 GET CONNECTED WITH NWEFLike us on Faceb...
Join us for School Choice Week 2.0! Technically, School Choice Week ended last week, but we wanted to keep celebrating with part two of our conversation with Terrye Seckinger—school choice expert and champion in South Carolina. Today’s conversation focuses on the need for our communities to be open minded about the possibilities of school choice. Because every child must be respected as an individual with unique needs and strengths, we should focus on giving them an opportunity best suited fo...
It’s national school choice week in America. And today, we’re going to celebrate through a conversation with Terrye Seckinger. She has been a champion of school choice in her home state of South Carolina for years. Always caring for the wellbeing of youth, Terrye has served in multiple roles that directly impact the education and overall trajectory of young generations in her state. Today, she has lots of practical insight and advice to share with us about America’s need for school choice and...
Good communities make good schools. And Paul Lott wants us to start taking that seriously. No matter a child's race or socio-economic status, if his/her community lacks integrity, so will that child’s education. Not only are communities failing students, but also the form of instruction is failing kids too. Every child needs healthy person-to-person interaction throughout their education. Instruction that leans too heavily on technology is failing students too. GET CONNECTED WITH NWEFLike us ...
Have you heard of America's classroom situation compared to its industrial age setting? They’re not much different. And that’s a problem for many reasons. First, the world we live in—the world we are supposed to be preparing kids for—is significantly different from that world. Secondly, kids have to learn much, much more. And inside this model, it’s impossible to learn it all well. How can we expect students to thrive when we stash their minds with too much information…or the wrong informatio...
As a young nonprofit, joining the national grassroots movement to improve our schools has been rewarding. Collaborating with you has allowed us, as a small but growing voice in society, to chip away at the hard outer layers of an education system entrenched in decades of misused ideas and their consequences. That’s why we approached contemporary issues this year, like transgenderism, school library ethics, the use of technology, school choice, and more. Our online presence and storehouse of r...
In September, NWEF held an awareness Luncheon titled, “Our Children & Country” where concerned citizens, school board members, and parents gathered to learn more about the mission, vision, and impact of Noah Webster Educational Foundation. Today’s episode gives a sneak peak of the great content that was shared by two of our speakers, one of which was Melvin Adams himself! GET CONNECTED WITH NWEFLike us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nwef.org/Follow us on Twitter: https://twitt...
What is the role of government in education? And how do school board members, as a governmental body, make a healthy impact on their communities? It’s questions like these that Melvin Adams is passionate about finding answers to—and guiding people to make a difference in education. Listen in on today’s special episode from Melvin’s lecture at NWEF’s School Board Summit this year to learn more about the 5 core principles of education and how they can help school board members orient their mind...
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