Education Disruption

Increasingly, we’re hearing from teachers that student morale and engagement are concerningly low while behavioral issues are on the rise. But are the typical approaches to classroom management actually making student engagement and behavior worse? What happens when a teacher is expected to confront a student about their behavior in front of their peers, give them a failing grade due to absences, or confiscate their phone? These sorts of interventions can reinforce toxic power struggles between students and staff, ultimately creating more barriers to learning. But there is an alternative approach—instead of policing and punishing student behaviors, the team at Map Academy intentionally doesn’t escalate situations that can lead to disconnected, dysregulated, or disempowered students. In this episode, hear from Map teachers and leadership about how they manage student disengagement and (mis)behavior while promoting a non-hierarchical power dynamic—all with a nuanced understanding of how defiant and apathetic classroom behaviors often stem from existing personal struggles. (Clips at the beginning of the episode are excerpts of TikToks by @adventureswitheliza, @history_4_humans, @awalmartparkinglot, and @josh_dennis.) --- Explore more stories at ⁠⁠⁠⁠educationdisruption.org⁠⁠⁠⁠ Education Disruption is a podcast by ⁠⁠Map Academy⁠⁠—a free, charter public high school open to all Massachusetts students up to age 24 This podcast is a Hairpin production: ⁠⁠⁠hairpin.org

In traditional high schools, students are expected to adhere to strict schedules, standards, and benchmarks, all of which can be unrealistic for learners whose educations have been disrupted by their life circumstances. And when students fail to conform to expectations, it can be easy to fall off track, with many being driven to drop out altogether. That’s why students at Map Academy always have a say in how they will progress through their high school journeys. In this episode, recent graduate Anthony shares how he knew Map was different from the systems that had failed him before, and staff discuss radical student autonomy—what it looks like in practice and how it helps prepare learners for the independence and responsibility that comes with life after high school. --- Explore more stories at ⁠⁠⁠⁠educationdisruption.org⁠⁠⁠⁠ Education Disruption is a podcast by ⁠⁠Map Academy⁠⁠—a free, charter public high school open to all Massachusetts students up to age 24 This podcast is a Hairpin production: ⁠⁠⁠hairpin.org

We all know that school is supposed to be a place to focus on learning. But for many students, learning can be disrupted by the realities of their lives, including and especially trauma. Map Academy was designed to serve students who are dealing with challenging lived experiences—like substance misuse, housing insecurity, and mental health struggles—that can lead to trauma. Beyond just recognizing how these experiences have caused their students to become disengaged, Map helps them better understand the impacts of trauma and gives them tools to help them heal from it. In this episode, hear from Map leadership and staff about their “healing-centered” approach to learning, teaching, and youth development—how they connect students to holistic support and resources, help them build meaningful connections, and give them the time and space they need to heal (and re-engage with learning) at their own pace. --- Explore more stories at ⁠⁠⁠⁠educationdisruption.org⁠⁠⁠⁠ Education Disruption is a podcast by ⁠⁠Map Academy⁠⁠—a free, charter public high school open to all Massachusetts students up to age 24 This podcast is a Hairpin production: ⁠⁠⁠hairpin.org

In this edition of Education Disruption, you’ll hear stories of success and challenge as told by Map students — a final capstone project before their high school graduation. In this episode, we hear from Zay. Facing personal struggles with depression and substance use, he had trouble staying on track at his previous schools — he was getting suspended and expelled and says he was treated as a “delinquent.” At schools that were unable to help him heal and thrive, he was losing sight of his goals. But once he found his way to Map, Zay was set up with wraparound supports and pushed outside of his comfort zone, allowing him to succeed both academically and in life. “Map Academy actually ended up making graduation from high school possible, which I never thought that it would be,” he says. Now, post-graduation, Zay moved to New York to pursue his music career and has a scholarship to fall back on if his plans change. --- Education Disruption is a podcast by Map Academy — a free, public charter high school open to all Massachusetts students. More about Map Academy: themapacademy.org Explore past episodes: educationdisruption.org Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/themapacademy This podcast is a Hairpin production: hairpin.org

In this edition of Education Disruption, we’re hearing from Map Academy students right before they graduate from high school. As they reached this milestone, they were tasked with reflecting on their journeys as part of a storytelling capstone assignment.  In high school, Jennie kept finding herself in trouble. There was a lot going on at home and school, and she would be involved in drama, get into fights, and fall behind on her schoolwork. She knew she needed a change — that’s when she found her way to Map Academy. At first, Jennie still struggled with distractions, including conflict with other students. But at Map, students like Jennie are given the support and tools they need to navigate their emotions, practice self-control, own their behavior, and feel empowered to make better choices. “Having to leave school and not be able to learn because of fighting made me realize that I can woman up and not fight in school,” she says. Now, Jennie is a high school graduate, and she says she’s reached a new level of maturity. --- Education Disruption is a podcast by Map Academy — a free, public charter high school open to all Massachusetts students. More about Map Academy: themapacademy.org Explore past episodes: educationdisruption.org Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/themapacademy This podcast is a Hairpin production: hairpin.org

In this edition of Education Disruption, we’re talking to students of Map Academy just before they become official high school graduates. As part of their graduation requirements, these students were tasked with reflecting on the journeys that led them to this point. Jayden faced several challenges at his previous high school — inadequate staff support, anxiety, depression, and bullying made him believe he would have no choice but to drop out. Throughout it all, though, Jayden found comfort in art. “I started drawing for fun, then in the long run it helped me with my mental health,” he says. Once Jayden found his way to Map, the staff encouraged his creativity, which made him feel comfortable expressing his full self at school. With the respect, individualized attention, and motivation he needed, Jayden was able to re-engage with school and get his diploma from Map. --- Education Disruption is a podcast by Map Academy — a free, public charter high school open to all Massachusetts students. More about Map Academy: themapacademy.org Explore past episodes: educationdisruption.org Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/themapacademy This podcast is a Hairpin production: hairpin.org

In this new edition of Education Disruption, we’re featuring stories of success and challenge as told by Map students in their own words — a final capstone project before their graduation. Getting started at Map during the 2019 - 2020 school year, right as the pandemic took hold, was tough for Doug. He struggled to adjust to the new setting, fell behind, and feared he wouldn’t be able to graduate on schedule. He says he felt anxiety and shame about this setback, so he stopped coming to school altogether. He found work outside of school, but quickly realized that he would need a high school diploma if he wanted to start his career — so he found his way back to Map and reconnected with his friends and goals. He says that the encouragement he got from Map staff along the way was key to him getting his diploma. “Everybody's a little bit nervous. Everybody thinks they're behind, but in reality, nobody's paying attention to what anybody else is doing,” Doug says. “You just got to pay attention to what you're doing. Keep yourself on track.” --- Education Disruption is a podcast by Map Academy — a free, public charter high school open to all Massachusetts students. More about Map Academy: themapacademy.org Explore past episodes: educationdisruption.org Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/themapacademy This podcast is a Hairpin production: hairpin.org

In this edition of Education Disruption, we’re featuring stories of success and challenge as told by Map students in their own words — a final capstone project before their graduation. In this episode, we hear from Javon, a recent Map graduate. At his previous schools, Javon was distracted, wasn’t getting the right support from his teachers, and got caught up in friendships that weren’t serving him. At first, he was hesitant to open up to the staff at Map, but after they earned Javon’s trust, he reconnected with his education and goals. Now, he’s committed to applying what he has learned to motivate current and future Map students. “I care about all the kids here at Map. I see potential in all of them,” Javon says. “I know that they can do whatever they want to do, but they got to use the assets that they have in this building.” --- Education Disruption is a podcast by Map Academy — a free, public charter high school open to all Massachusetts students. More about Map Academy: themapacademy.org Explore past episodes: educationdisruption.org Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/themapacademy This podcast is a Hairpin production: hairpin.org

In this new edition of Education Disruption, we’re featuring stories of success and challenge as told by Map students in their own words — a final capstone project before their graduation.  In this episode, we hear from Autumn. Faced with complex challenges — including an ADHD diagnosis, juggling work and school, and homelessness — academics were hard to focus on or prioritize. She never lost sight of her goals and tried various alternatives, including working towards a GED and attending night school, but none provided the support she needed and deserved. Then, she found her way to Map at age 21. “I'm so grateful for everything,” she says. “It was amazing to have a school that didn't just support you in school, but in life in general.” --- Education Disruption is a podcast by Map Academy — a free, public charter high school open to all Massachusetts students. More about Map Academy: themapacademy.org Explore past episodes: educationdisruption.org Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/themapacademy This podcast is a Hairpin production: hairpin.org

As part of this year’s SXSW EDU conference, Map Academy was selected to record a live episode of Education Disruption. In this episode, you’ll hear from Map alumni Reggie and Aja about their previous school experiences, how they found their way to Map and what makes it different, and their plans for life after high school. The session also features Co-Founder and Co-Director Rachel Babcock. Many thanks to Reggie and Aja for sharing their stories on the SXSW stage and with our Education Disruption listeners, and to SXSW EDU for giving us this platform to share how we’re doing high school differently. --- Education Disruption is a podcast by Map Academy — a free, public charter high school open to all Massachusetts students. More about Map Academy: themapacademy.org Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/themapacademy This podcast is a Hairpin production: hairpin.org

Map Academy’s model was designed with flexibility built-in, making it ideal for students who can’t attend school on a traditional schedule — including those who are working full-time to support themselves and their families, like Sophia. Sophia struggled with mental health and family issues, causing instability that disrupted her education. Her experience at her last school was challenging, and she wasn’t getting the support she needed to stay engaged, so she dropped out. Then, she found her way to Map. Map’s flexible schedule allows her to keep her job as a full-time certified nursing assistant while pursuing her high school diploma. Sophia worked with Map social worker Mike Balaschi, who helped establish boundaries around academic expectations while still allowing Sophia the accommodations she needed to balance work, life, and school. --- Education Disruption is a podcast by Rachel Babcock and Josh Charpentier, founders of Map Academy — a free, public charter high school open to all Massachusetts students. More about Map Academy: themapacademy.org Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/themapacademy This podcast is a Hairpin production: hairpin.org

Youth development requires meeting students where they’re at. At Map Academy, that means understanding that some students might have experienced trauma that has caused them to struggle in previous schools. That’s why Map educators prioritize fostering mutual trust with their students. In this episode, we hear from Anre Dowell (Community Support Partner). During his time at Map, Anre used his youth development experience to build strong, genuine relationships with students — including Anthony and Carlie, who also share their stories in this episode. Anthony and Carlie say that Anre consistently pushed them to engage. But first, Anre got to know them, what brought them to Map, and the reasons why they might not be able to focus on academics. “If you lock in and you keep going back … we'll eventually build the bond,” Anre says. --- Education Disruption is a podcast by Rachel Babcock and Josh Charpentier, founders of Map Academy — a free, public charter high school open to all Massachusetts students. More about Map Academy: themapacademy.org Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/themapacademy This podcast is a Hairpin production: hairpin.org

In order for an educational practice to be truly student-centered, teachers must understand their students — their strengths, weaknesses, hopes, and lives beyond the classroom. With trusting relationships in place, learning experiences are more effective because they are tailored to student needs. In this episode of Education Disruption, we hear Ryan’s story. Map's flexible, student-centered approach — cultivated during one-on-one time with history teacher Avia during COVID — helped him re-engage with high school, avoid dropping out, and incorporate his passions into his education. --- Education Disruption is a podcast by Rachel Babcock and Josh Charpentier, founders of Map Academy — a free, public charter high school open to all Massachusetts students. More about Map Academy: themapacademy.org Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/themapacademy This podcast is a Hairpin production: hairpin.org

At Map Academy, we know that life — including struggles with mental health — can get in the way of learning. And oftentimes, in traditional schools, students who fall behind aren’t given the support they need to catch up academically. This, unfortunately, happened to Jenna. She struggled to get back on track after missing a lot of school. Then, she found her way to Map.  In this episode, we hear how Map’s flexible, self-paced approach, welcoming community, and built-in mental health supports helped Jenna re-engage with her education and earn her high school diploma. --- Education Disruption is a podcast by Rachel Babcock and Josh Charpentier, founders of Map Academy — a free, public charter high school open to all Massachusetts students. More about Map Academy: themapacademy.org Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/themapacademy This podcast is a Hairpin production: hairpin.org

Map Academy students are survivors — many have been forced to navigate challenges beyond their years. To help students through these obstacles, Map offers wraparound supports, like social workers who help students tackle a wide range of barriers — from hunger, to housing insecurity, to substance misuse, and more. And, crucially, staff works hard to ensure students know that Map will be there for them when they’re ready and able to re-engage with their education. This persistent yet patient approach is key to the success of Map students like Maria. As a working student, she fell off track academically in traditional school, then fell into a cycle of substance misuse. In this episode, we follow her recovery journey and hear how Map has supported her along the way to her diploma. --- Education Disruption is a podcast by Rachel Babcock and Josh Charpentier, founders of Map Academy — a free, public charter high school open to all Massachusetts students. More about Map Academy: themapacademy.org Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/themapacademy This podcast is a Hairpin production: hairpin.org

Integral to Map Academy’s unique, student-centered approach is time — for students to work at their own pace, for teachers to build trusting relationships with learners, and for staff to adjust to Map’s model. Map works hard to find staff with the patience and flexibility needed to foster Map’s supportive student and staff culture — in this episode, we hear from three of them: Steve (Teaching & Learning Co-Lead and Humanities Teacher), Shiobhan (Humanities Teacher), and Mike (Wraparound Co-Lead and Social Worker). --- Education Disruption is a podcast by Rachel Babcock and Josh Charpentier, founders of Map Academy — a free, public charter high school open to all Massachusetts students. More about Map Academy: themapacademy.org Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/themapacademy This podcast is a Hairpin production: hairpin.org

We’re back with a brand new season of Education Disruption, with more stories from the Map Academy community. In this episode, we hear from Jade, who came to Map after her anxiety made it difficult to stay on track at her traditional high school. Jade worked closely with Mike, Wraparound Co-Lead and Social Worker at Map. We also hear from him about how Map’s trauma-informed and competency-based model helps students like Jade re-engage with their education, grow emotionally, and make progress towards their goals. --- Education Disruption is a podcast by Rachel Babcock and Josh Charpentier, founders of Map Academy—a free, public charter high school open to all Massachusetts students. More about Map Academy: themapacademy.org Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/themapacademy This podcast is a Hairpin production: hairpin.org

After more than a year of adapting their model to meet the needs of the COVID-19 pandemic, Map Academy teachers, staff, and students are preparing for their in-person reopening. And while Map’s focus at the moment is making sure they can reopen safely, founders Josh and Rachel are also thinking ahead to more long-term goals and aspirations—in particular, housing for students. A residential program could potentially be a game-changer for a school like Map. To support Map Academy, visit themapacademy.org/join-us/support. ------ Education Disruption is a podcast by Rachel Babcock and Josh Charpentier, founders of Map Academy—a free, public charter high school open to all Massachusetts students. More about Map Academy: themapacademy.org Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/charpentierjosh twitter.com/RachelBabcock This podcast is a Hairpin production: hairpin.org

One of the requirements to graduate from Map Academy is a post-secondary plan, ensuring that students leave Map with meaningful, actionable steps to take toward a career or college. Co-founders Rachel and Josh recognize that what happens after high school is just as important as getting a diploma. In this episode, they share their insights about the post-secondary planning process, some of the challenges their students have faced, and their hopes for a 13th year that would allow them to provide more structured support to their learners after graduation. ------ Education Disruption is a podcast by Rachel Babcock and Josh Charpentier, founders of Map Academy—a free, public charter high school open to all Massachusetts students. More about Map Academy: themapacademy.org Follow us on Twitter:   twitter.com/charpentierjosh twitter.com/RachelBabcock This podcast is a Hairpin production: hairpin.org

Map Academy co-founders Josh Charpentier and Rachel Babcock reflect on the impact of the pandemic—on their students, opportunities, and challenges presented, as well as some resulting innovations. Because Map was specifically designed to re-engage marginalized students who are off track or dropped out, we wanted to know what shifts Josh and Rachel are seeing in an alternative high school model under this unprecedented strain. ------ Education Disruption is a podcast by Rachel Babcock and Josh Charpentier, founders of Map Academy—a free, public charter high school open to all Massachusetts students. More about Map Academy: themapacademy.org Follow us on Twitter:   twitter.com/charpentierjosh twitter.com/RachelBabcock This podcast is a Hairpin production: hairpin.org