Learning Unboxed

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we’re joined by Jess Alfreds, founder of Carolina Kids Co-op, a growing network of outdoor, community-centered homeschool programs. What began as Jess’s search for an academically rigorous, in-person learning option for her own daughter has grown into a model that puts relationships, student interests, and personalized learning at the center of education.Jess shares how Carolina Kids Co-op combines strong academics with outdoor learning, small communities, family involvement, and student choice. We also explore what traditional educators can learn from microschool environments, how students help shape their own learning experiences, and why preparing young people for both college and the workforce means giving them room to explore many possible futures. Join us to explore how educators and families can create learning environments where every child feels seen, heard, and valued.To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.orgWe unbox:How Carolina Kids Co-op grew from one family’s need into a multi-state learning modelWhat defines a microschool and why smaller communities allow for more personalized learningCombining rigorous academics with outdoor, nature-connected educationGiving students meaningful voice and choice in curriculum and class offeringsPreparing students for college, careers, and changing pathways after graduationHow educators can identify unmet needs and create meaningful change within any learning environmentResources:Carolina Kids Co-op’s WebsiteCarolina Kids Co-op FacebookCarolina Kids Co-op InstagramCarolina Kids Co-op TikTokProduced by NOVA

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we talk with Michael Finnegan, co-founder and CEO of Quantum Courses, about what science education can look like when students become active investigators instead of passive recipients of information. Drawing from his experience as a public school teacher, Montessori educator, and scientist, Michael shares how hands-on experimentation and the history of scientific discovery shaped his approach to learning.We also explore the growing world of micro learning environments and why their flexibility creates room for more engaging, student-centered experiences. Michael explains how Quantum Courses helps students build scientific understanding from first principles, following the experiments and questions that led thinkers like Galileo, Newton, Einstein, and others to major discoveries. Join us to explore how curiosity, autonomy, and hands-on learning can help students see themselves as scientists.To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.orgWe unbox:Why micro learning environments can create more flexible, student-centered experiencesHow hands-on experimentation builds curiosity, autonomy, and scientific thinkingUsing the history of science to help students construct knowledge from first principlesHow Quantum Courses supports microschools, homeschoolers, and other flexible learning environmentsBalancing innovative learning approaches with academic standards like NGSSWhy transdisciplinary stories can make science more meaningful and memorableResources:Quantum CoursesChildhood Education Innovations Blog The Homeschool Advantage PodcastPersonus Consulting BlogProduced by NOVA

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we’re joined by Jessica Reid Sliwerski, co-founder and CEO of Ignite Reading, to explore why waiting until third grade to address reading gaps is often too late. Jessica shares the case for a “first grade promise,” where schools commit to helping children become fluent, on-grade-level readers before they leave first grade.We also dig into how Ignite Reading combines daily one-on-one virtual tutoring, the science of reading, precise diagnostics, and ongoing data to support students and classroom teachers. Jessica explains why strong curriculum and teacher training alone may not provide the differentiation many young readers need, and how districts can build a stronger literacy ecosystem around them. Join us to learn how earlier, more targeted intervention can give every child a stronger start as a reader.To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.orgWe unbox:Why first grade is a critical window for learning to readMoving beyond the traditional “read by third grade” benchmarkUsing high-dosage, one-on-one tutoring to close early literacy gapsSupporting teachers with precise diagnostics, differentiation, and actionable dataBuilding stronger literacy systems through school and district partnershipsCreating a “first grade promise” that gives every child the opportunity to become a fluent readerResources:Jessica Reid Sliwerski’s LinkedInIgnite Reading’s LinkedIn   Produced by NOVA

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we welcome back Jason Blair, arts educator and founder of the Agents of Change, to explore what happens when schools are designed around student agency instead of compliance. Jason shares how the festival brings students from across Central Ohio together to showcase learning rooted in voice, ownership, purpose, and authentic connection with their communities.We discuss why meaningful learning cannot simply be scaled through a one-size-fits-all model, and why educators should instead create conditions where ideas can spread and adapt to individual learners. Jason also shares how giving students authentic audiences builds confidence, resilience, and a stronger sense of mattering. Join us to explore how listening to students, embracing experimentation, and letting go of control can create classrooms where learners truly come alive.To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.orgWe unbox:Designing learning environments around student agency rather than complianceCreating authentic audiences for student learningHelping educators move past fear and give students greater ownershipWhy successful educational ideas should spread and adapt rather than simply scaleViewing school as a place where students are continually becomingBuilding community support by making powerful student learning visibleResources:Agents of ChangeProduced by NOVA

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we’re joined by Chaz Van De Motter, Vice President of Operations at New Reach, to explore how community-based learning can help young people move more quickly from education to meaningful income. Chaz explains how New Reach combines education, live events, technology, mentorship, and peer support to create practical pathways into entrepreneurship, real estate, skilled trades, and other careers.We also discuss the skills students need to become workforce ready, including financial literacy, focused problem-solving, relationship-building, and the responsible use of AI. Chaz shares why access to information alone is not enough and how accountability, personalized guidance, and strong networks can help learners turn knowledge into action. Join us to explore how educators can prepare students to navigate new technologies, build career confidence, and take greater ownership of their futures.To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.orgWe unbox:Creating alternative pathways from learning to earningBuilding community, mentorship, and accountability into educationTeaching financial literacy and entrepreneurship at an earlier ageHelping aspiring entrepreneurs define their audience, value, and financing needsPreparing students to use AI responsibly in the workforceReplacing passive content consumption with practical, outcome-driven learningResources:New Reach’s WebsiteNew Reach’s LinkedInNew Reach’s InstagramNew Reach’s TikTok Produced by NOVA