The Launch of Class Disrupted

A New Podcast to Answer Parents’ Questions About K–12 Schools During These Challenging Times

As the impact of Covid-19 continues to roil through society, many students, parents, teachers, and families have struggled with the transition to remote learning in K–12 schools across the country.

With a front-row seat into what their children’s learning looks like for the first time, parents and families are grappling with questions around what should school look like and why were so many districts unprepared for this transition. The lid has been lifted on education in America. It’s shown how it’s working—or not working. And this moment is opening us up to the idea that maybe school can work differently from here on out. Maybe school doesn’t have to—and shouldn’t—operate like it has for the last many decades.

To answer the burning questions parents are asking and address their frustrations, I’m thrilled to announce that I’ve partnered with Diane Tavenner, the mom of a high school senior; the co-founder of Summit Public Schools, a network of schools on the West Coast; and the author of Prepared: What Kids Need for a Fulfilled Life, to launch a new, limited-run podcast series called Class Disrupted today in partnership with The 74 Million.

Diane is one of the most brilliant and passionate educators I know. She has long been someone I’ve looked up to in the world of education. Together, each week we answer questions from parents and speak with educators and thought leaders about how schools can change to better meet the needs of all learners.

All those things causing parents frustration—the grading confusion, the busywork, the schedule, the technology, the sense of purpose their kids lack, the sense of self-direction they’re trying to force on them—Diane and I have been looking at those things, and tackling them, for years. And in the podcast, we will bring you some of the great ideas out there about how to fix them. 

The first two episodes of Class Disrupted are now available, and we will release a new episode each week through July. I hope you’ll listen and subscribe (through Apple Podcasts, Google Play, or Stitcher)—and share your feedback. 

As always, thank you for listening, reading, and writing. And stay safe and stay strong.