amplifiED

In this episode of amplifiED, Josh Crosson is joined by Meili Powell and Jenny Mills McFerron of EdTrust Tennessee to unpack how advocates successfully pushed back against legislation threatening immigrant students’ access to public education.As Minnesota faces rising fear and increased immigration enforcement, this conversation looks to Tennessee, where lawmakers introduced bills aimed at undermining Plyler v. Doe, including proposals to deny enrollment, collect immigration status in schools, or charge tuition to undocumented students. Meili and Jenny explain how even the threat of these policies created a chilling effect, driving students out of classrooms and destabilizing entire school communities.The episode highlights how Education for All Tennessee, a 65-organization coalition, kept the focus on education access while combining disciplined messaging, grassroots organizing, student voices, and legislative strategy to stop two bills outright and delay a third.For advocates in Minnesota and beyond, this episode offers a clear warning—and a practical roadmap—for defending the fundamental right of every child to learn.

As Minnesota students head back to school, the amplifiED team digs into what’s really at stake for kids and families this year. From the joy and nerves of the first day to the concerning issues of chronic absenteeism, flat MCA scores, and school safety, we unpack how policy decisions at the Capitol are shaping classrooms across the state. Tune in as Margaret, Josh, and Matt break down the latest on attendance, assessments, discipline, and looming budget cuts—plus what families and advocates can do to keep kids front and center in education.

Incoming Minnesota college students are leaving money on the table, and most don’t even realize it. Students who do not promptly fill out the FAFSA miss out on need-based grants, loans and work-study for a whole school year—and just as importantly, they miss out on potentially transformative information about resources that might have helped make college dreams possible. Minnesota’s graduating classes of 2021 and 2022 left nearly $100 million on the table in Pell Grants by not completing FAFSA. In this episode, Josh and Margaret talk with Thomas Anderson, Executive Director of Students United, about how low completion rates of the FAFSA are affecting Minnesota students. Thomas also talks through the current status of the FAFSA and why Minnesota legislators should pass a universal FAFSA policy for Minnesota students.

Dan Gordon, education policy expert at EducationCounsel, returns to amplifiED for a second time to help hosts Margaret Sullivan and Josh Crosson make sense of a federal landscape that's moving faster than anyone can keep up with.In this wide-ranging conversation, Dan breaks down where things stand since his last appearance: the shift from executive order chaos to the quieter but equally consequential work of implementation and enforcement. From anti-DEI investigations targeting school districts, to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act's cuts to SNAP and Medicaid and what that means for school funding in Minnesota, to the proposed 70% cut to federal education funding wrapped in the language of "local control"—Dan translates the noise into what actually matters for Minnesota students and families.The conversation also covers the courts, where Dan offers a critical reminder: lawsuits are roller coasters, and a good headline doesn't mean the fight is over. He walks through where birthright citizenship, transgender student protections, and Plyler v. Doe stand—and what Minnesotans should expect to hear from the Supreme Court this summer. The episode closes with a look at the FY2027 federal budget process, the looming midterm elections, and what a potential shift in Congressional power could mean heading into 2027.

In this episode of amplifiED, hosts Margaret Sullivan and Josh Crosson sit down with Dr. Nicole Smerillo, Director of Data Research and Policy at Think Small, to take a closer look at Minnesota's early care and education sector — and the pressures threatening to unravel it.Dr. Smerillo paints a picture of a workforce that is shrinking fast. Licensed family childcare providers—the small business owners caring for children in their homes—have seen dramatic declines over the past decade. The reasons are layered: mounting regulations, razor-thin margins, and a job that asks providers to work far more than a standard week for wages that don't come close to reflecting the importance of the work. The conversation also covers the ripple effects of Operation Metro Surge on childcare providers, many of them Somali-run, women-of-color-led businesses, who saw children stop showing up, families withdraw in fear, and their own sense of safety shaken in spaces meant to nurture kids. The episode closes with a clear call to action: fund early care as the public good it is, pay providers a living wage, and demand that state legislators prioritize early childhood when federal funding is on the line.

In this special live recording of amplifiED, hosts Margaret Sullivan and Josh Crosson are joined by EdAllies' Senior Policy Director Matt Shaver for a candid mid-session breakdown of what's happening at the Minnesota Capitol and what it means for students.With a tied House, a one-seat Senate majority, an election on the horizon, and a session backdrop that includes a school shooting, federal immigration enforcement in Minnesota schools, and mounting federal funding cuts, Matt unpacks where key education priorities stand with about a month left in session. The conversation covers protecting immigrant students' right to education, the 15-day attendance drop policy and why kids are being quietly unenrolled from schools, school safety funding in the wake of the Annunciation shooting, Read Act implementation, the growing fiscal threats to special education and school funding, and what's at stake on school discipline as hard-won protections for Minnesota's youngest learners face rollback attempts.We end with a look ahead for what’s in store for the rest of the session and calling out key issues we expect to be discussed before summer begins.

 In a special edition of our podcast, 2025 EdVoices cohort member Alvi and her guest, Jay explore the experiences of H-4 visa dependents navigating their lives in the U.S., focusing on the challenges they face in education, work opportunities, and identity. The discussion highlights the emotional and legal complexities of aging out of H-4 status, the impact on college applications and financial aid, and the need for advocacy and awareness surrounding their unique circumstances.The episode closes with a call to action: for educators to better understand the students in their classrooms, and for community members to support the America's Children Act, legislation that would create a real pathway forward for H-4 dependent youth.This episode was produced by a member of the 2025 EdVoices cohort. Through our EdVoices program, EdAllies seeks to elevate diverse voices and foster a candid dialogue about education. While we provide our blog, podcast, and other communication channels as a platform for EdVoices and other guest contributors, the views and opinions they express are solely their own.

The practice of seclusion is still happening in Minnesota schools. In this episode, hosts Margaret Sullivan and Josh Crosson sit down with Jessica Heiser, attorney at the Minnesota Disability Law Center, to talk about what seclusion—the use of solitary confinement on children—actually looks like for Minnesota students: a barren, locked room roughly the size of two yoga mats, with thick metal doors, fluorescent lighting, and drains in the floor. Josh, Margaret, and Jessica discuss the Minnesota Disability Law Center's new report, Children in Confinement, which documents nearly 90 of these rooms across the state and the data shows they are used disproportionately against students of color and those with disabilities.The discussion covers why seclusion persists—undertrained staff, compliance-based school culture, and a widespread misunderstanding of what seclusion even is. Jessica details why seclusion is neither voluntary nor therapeutic: it's a child, alone, locked in, with no adult support and no tools to self-regulate. The episode also covers the distinct differences between seclusion rooms and sensory rooms and why the latter is a positive and supportive experience, especially for younger students. The episode ends with an update on how there is a push in the Minnesota legislature to roll back the 2023 ban on the use of k-3 seclusions. Margaret, Josh, and Jess break down what's at stake and what parents, educators, and community members can do right now. 

Minnesota’s legislative session is just getting underway, and in this episode of amplifiED, we take an early pulse check on education policy priorities and the political climate at the Capitol. The conversation offers a grounded look at how power-sharing, safety concerns, and compressed timelines are shaping what’s possible this year. Margaret, Josh, and EdAllies' Senior Policy Director Matt Shaver walk through the issues already emerging in committee hearings—from attendance and student safety to teacher licensure and literacy—and explain how the tone set in these opening days often determines the path ahead.At the same time, this episode breaks down what’s at stake. As schools navigate fear, absenteeism, and uncertainty tied to ICE activity and broader instability, advocates are being asked to show up in systems that move slowly even when urgency is high. The hosts reflect on recent student testimony, the emotional weight of early hearings, and the challenge of fighting for meaningful policy change while protecting the people most impacted. Together, they lay out what we’re fighting for at the Capitol this session—and why showing up early, clearly, and collectively matters for Minnesota students.

In this episode of amplifiED, Josh Crosson talks with Senior Policy Director Matt Shaver about how Minnesota’s school funding system affects students on the ground. The conversation explores compensatory revenue—the state’s primary tool for directing resources to students in poverty—and why it often fails the students it’s meant to support.They unpack how two students with the same needs can generate vastly different funding depending on which school they attend, how the funding mechanisms are designed to support schools with higher concentrations of poverty but also points out the inequities that arise from the current system, and how dollars meant for students can drift away from their classrooms. The episode also examines how universal school meals and Medicaid data briefly improved how student need was counted—and why looming federal changes could put those gains at risk.This episode covers what it really takes to support students facing the greatest barriers, and whether Minnesota’s policies are matching that reality.

In this episode of amplifiED, Margaret and Josh sit down with journalist Beth Hawkins of The 74 Million to explore her recent investigation into the shifting landscape of special education and what families may face as federal oversight is removed. Beth walks through why the federal government has historically been a key safeguard for students with disabilities, how recent staffing cuts and office closures inside the U.S. Department of Education are disrupting that role, and what this means for parents seeking support.The conversation covers what happens when complaints stall, why the process varies so widely from state to state, and how some families navigate these systems more easily than others. Margaret and Josh also dig into the larger implications for Minnesota, including what advocates and lawmakers should take action on right now.It’s a timely look at the challenges and the necessary next steps for protecting students’ rights in a changing system.

Feeling overwhelmed by all the federal education news? You’re not alone. In this episode of amplifiED, hosts Margaret Sullivan and Josh Crosson sit down with Spencer Sherman of Education First to break down what’s really happening in Washington and what it means for schools, families, and communities here in Minnesota.Spencer pulls back the curtain on the “Wizard of Oz” of federal policymaking, explaining which executive orders have real impact, how Project 2025 is shaping the Trump administration’s education agenda, what the shutdown and the “One Big Beautiful Bill” mean for education funding, and why state and local action matter more than ever.This conversation cuts through the noise to help you separate fact from fear, understand the stakes for students, and see how we can all help rebuild a more just and equitable education system.

In this episode of the amplifiED podcast, hosts Margaret Sullivan and Josh Crosson engage with Libby Stegger from Civic Bridgers to discuss the importance of youth voices in civic engagement. They explore the current climate of divisiveness and the need for connection, emphasizing the role of listening, allyship, and community building. Libby shares insights from her work with Civic Bridgers, highlighting the significance of agency for young people and the power of building short bridges to foster understanding. The conversation underscores the necessity of creating safe spaces for youth and the hope that arises from empowering them to take action in their communities.

In this episode of the amplifiED podcast, hosts Margaret Sullivan and Josh Crosson, along with team members Madie Spartzs and Matt Shaver, discuss EdAllies' recent State of Education report in Minnesota. They explore the findings, including surprising statistics about literacy and enrollment trends, the challenges of funding and policy gaps, and the importance of addressing absenteeism and mental health. The conversation also highlights the need for a diverse teacher workforce and the legislative actions required to improve education in the state. The team emphasizes the importance of celebrating positive changes while advocating for necessary improvements in Minnesota's education system.Access the State of Education report here: https://edalliesmn.org/research/the-state-of-education-in-minnesota-a-policy-roadmap-for-student-success/

In this episode of amplified, hosts Margaret Sullivan and Josh Crosson from EdAllies are joined by Meghna Sohoni and Michael Franco of TNTP to unpack the findings from their new report, The Opportunity Makers: How a Diverse Group of Public Schools Helps Students Catch Up—And How Far More Can. The conversation takes a deep dive into what’s working in the small but powerful percentage of schools that are helping students accelerate academically, especially those who are behind grade level.Over the course of the episode, the group explores what sets these “trajectory-changing” schools apart—including a strong sense of student belonging, consistent access to grade-level instruction, and coherent academic programming. They share stories from the field, insights from student and educator interviews, and practical steps schools, systems, and policymakers can take to replicate success.They also dig into the implications for Minnesota—highlighting local examples, policy debates, and why it's time to stop playing the “classroom lottery.”Check out TNTP's full Opportunity Makers report at https://tntp.org/publication/the-opportunity-makers/

In this episode of the amplifiED Podcast, Margaret Sullivan and Josh Crosson are joined by special guest Dan Gordon of EducationCounsel to break down the latest education developments out of DC. In the episode, they unpack the Trump administration’s efforts to unwind DEI and civil rights enforcement, and change the terms of public education funding.What is being asked of states, and how should local educators and advocates make sense of it all? Dan offers clear insights into how recent federal court decisions are pushing back and what the hollowing out of the U.S. Department of Education could mean for students and schools.

With a looming budget deficit, big needs for students, and a divided legislature, how will student-centered policy fare at the Capitol in 2025? Join us for the latest updates in our first-ever live-streamed podcast! Hosts Josh and Margaret are joined by Matt Shaver, EdAllies’ Senior Policy Director, to break down what’s happened in the Minnesota legislative session so far, where budget proposals stand, and which policies are still on the table in current omnibus bills. We chronic absenteeism, student discipline, literacy, an Algebra II repeal, college readiness policy, charter accountability, teacher pipeline efforts, and more.Listen in to our update on our inaugeral livestreamed episode, originally broadcast on LinkedIn Live!

In this episode of amplifiED, we dive into the future of early learning in Minnesota with special guest Ericca Maas from Think Small. Margaret and Josh discuss the importance of high-quality early education, how scholarships support families, and the looming $100 million funding cliff that could leave thousands of children without access to essential early learning programs. Why is childcare so expensive, yet providers struggle to make ends meet? How can we advocate for sustainable funding solutions? Tune in for a lively discussion on policy, impact, and the fight to keep Minnesota's youngest learners on the path to success.

Passing an education policy is one thing—making it work is another. In this episode, hosts Margaret Sullivan and Matt Shaver dig into the challenges of turning policy into real impact. They’re joined by Marisa Mission, Senior Analyst, and David Casalaspi, Associate Partner, from Bellwether to explore what Minnesota can learn from other states, focusing on case studies of high-impact tutoring in Illinois and the science of reading in North Carolina. What made these policies successful? What pitfalls should Minnesota avoid? And why does implementation matter just as much—if not more—than the policy itself?Read the Bellwether case studies at https://bellwether.org/publications/from-policy-to-impact/

In this episode, amplifiED hosts Josh and Margaret are joined by Khulia Pringle of S.T.A.N.D. Up Minnesota Parents United, who represented the Solutions Not Suspensions coalition on a working group to develop a model policy for School Resource Officers. They take you inside the controversial rollback of limits on dangerous holds in schools, and the next steps when it comes to expectations for SROs.Khulia shares her firsthand account from inside the POST Board policy meetings and where advocates fought to hold the line on student safety. Josh, Margaret, and Khulia discuss the broader implications for Black students and those with disabilities—those most impacted by excessive discipline—and what families can do to demand accountability. Despite the setbacks, advocates aren’t backing down. Tune in to learn what’s next in the push to ensure schools remain a place for learning while being safe when they walk through the doors.