Show Notes
Episode 154. The Future of Education: Exploring Innovation and Choice with Kerry McDonald
In this episode of the Forge of Freedom podcast, host Alex Ooley speaks with education expert Kerry McDonald about innovative education models that are reshaping K-12 learning. They discuss the rise of alternative education choices, particularly post-pandemic, and how these models offer more personalized, joyful, and empowering learning experiences for children. Carrie highlights the growth of homeschooling, microschools, and other non-traditional education options, emphasizing the importance of meeting individual student needs and preferences. The conversation also touches on the challenges faced by traditional education systems and the potential for a more decentralized, choice-driven educational landscape.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Innovative Education Models
02:28 The Rise of Alternative Education Choices
11:48 Post-Pandemic Trends in Education
18:49 Defining Good Schools and Practical Benefits
24:09 Closing Thoughts and Resources
Resources
Unschooled: Raising Curious, Well-Educated Children Outside the Conventional Classroom: McDonald, Kerry
https://www.amazon.com/Unschooled-Well-Educated-Children-Conventional-Classroom/dp/1641600632
What Do ‘Good Schools’ Look Like? It Depends on What Parents Want – FEE
https://fee.org/articles/what-do-good-schools-look-like-it-depends-on-what-parents-want/
PODCAST | LiberatED Podcast
https://www.liberatedpodcast.com/podcast/episode/21ab94be/indianas-massive-microschool-growth
X (@Kerry_edu)
https://www.facebook.com/kerry.mcdonald.18
https://www.instagram.com/imkerrymcdonald/
YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXi4R65qHSouEh0CT_oKJTA
Kerry McDonald – How to Unschool – Episode 18 – YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PGdjiDJrlsk
#43. The Toxic Consequences of Attending a High Achieving School
No, We Don’t Need Federal Homeschooling Standards – FEE
https://fee.org/articles/no-we-dont-need-federal-homeschooling-standards/
‘Unschooling’ Is the Ultimate Laissez-Faire Version of School Choice. But Can Your Kids Teach Themselves How To Read and Do Math?
Unschooling with Kerry McDonald | Sage Family
https://sagefamily.com/podcast47/
Kerry McDonald | The Unschooling Movement & The Many Pitfalls Of Conventional Education – YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4KddLa_AZrk
Educated and Unschooled – Kerry McDonald – YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mpogFIF6hns
The flawed attacks on homeschooling | LIVE with Kerry McDonald – YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0GBNvEwwGI0
Kerry McDonald – How to Unschool – Episode 18 – YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PGdjiDJrlsk
Takeaways
- About 6% of K-12 students in the US are homeschooled.
- The pandemic has accelerated the growth of alternative education models.
- Microschools are a growing trend in education.
- Parents are increasingly seeking personalized education options.
- 85% of students in Indiana’s microschools are tuition-free.
- Education should be tailored to individual student needs.
- Teachers often feel constrained in traditional school settings.
- The rise of pandemic pods has led to more innovative education solutions.
- Quality in education is subjective and varies by family needs.
- The future of education is moving towards more decentralized choices.
Keywords
innovative education, alternative education, homeschooling, microschools, education models, school choice, pandemic impact, personalized learning, education entrepreneurs, education policy
DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, medical, or financial advice. The views expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of any organizations or individuals they may mention. The hosts and guests are not liable for any damages that may result from someone listening to this podcast.
