Homeschooling Journeys with Curious Mikehttps://www.spreaker.com/podcast/homeschooling-journeys-with-curious-mike--6264846Homeschooling Journeys is a limited-series, six episode podcast from Pioneer Institute.  Spend 30 minutes with education expert “Curious Mike” and parents navigating two trends: homeschooling and Education Savings Accounts.  Armed with $5,000 to $8,000 per year, do parents buy traditional experiences (like algebra tutoring or geography curriculum), or specialized items (like Science Through Skateboards, or a class examining all seven books in the Chronicles of Narnia)?]]>enEducationPioneer Institutehttps://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/ebcdf527ea8bd61b06331aa39f804f18.jpgHomeschooling Journeys with Curious Mikehttps://www.spreaker.com/podcast/homeschooling-journeys-with-curious-mike--6264846Thu, 12 Dec 2024 17:47:15 +0000Pioneer InstitutePioneer Instituteproduction@ricochet.comHomeschooling Journeys is a limited-series, six episode podcast from Pioneer Institute.  Spend 30 minutes with education expert “Curious Mike” and parents navigating two...Homeschooling Journeys is a limited-series, six episode podcast from Pioneer Institute.  Spend 30 minutes with education expert “Curious Mike” and parents navigating two trends: homeschooling and Education Savings Accounts.  Armed with $5,000 to $8,000 per year, do parents buy traditional experiences (like algebra tutoring or geography curriculum), or specialized items (like Science Through Skateboards, or a class examining all seven books in the Chronicles of Narnia)?]]>falseepisodicTim’s Take: An Education Reform Stalwart Takes a Curious Look at Homeschoolers With ESAshttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/tim-s-take-an-education-reform-stalwart-takes-a-curious-look-at-homeschoolers-with-esas--63286156
Mike is hunting for some Big Picture perspective.  Intrigued by what he’s seen from ESAs, he chats with old friend Tim.  The “old” Education Reform Alliance has died out somewhat; what can this new ESA sector learn? 

Tim’s takes:

1. Rising teacher absenteeism is a new blow to traditional public schools, another hit to their perception.  At the margins, this may nudge more families towards ESA-driven homeschooling. 

2. Centrist (2009-2017/ 2001-2009/ 1993 -2001) Ed Reform had hubris, and things started declining ~2015.  ESA/School choice is currently winning lots of state political battles, but beware of hubris, like we (Tim and me) had. 

3. Districts complained bitterly, over the years, when some charter students flamed out, and returned to district schools - “We’re being asked to clean up their mess.”  That could happen for families who go to district schools, try homeschooling, struggle, and return.  (This may be a real or manufactured claim by districts). 

4. Tim’s work at TNTP valorized not all teachers, but the best teachers.  He wonders if, at the margins, some of the best teachers may depart for ESA opportunities, where they’re freed from bureaucracy. ]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/63286156Thu, 12 Dec 2024 17:46:07 +0000Pioneer InstituteThis week on Homeschooling Journeys, Curious Mike interviews Tim Daly, CEO of Education Navigator and former CEO of TNTP. Mike is hunting for some Big Picture perspective.  Intrigued by what he’s seen from ESAs, he chats with old friend Tim.  The...
Mike is hunting for some Big Picture perspective.  Intrigued by what he’s seen from ESAs, he chats with old friend Tim.  The “old” Education Reform Alliance has died out somewhat; what can this new ESA sector learn? 

Tim’s takes:

1. Rising teacher absenteeism is a new blow to traditional public schools, another hit to their perception.  At the margins, this may nudge more families towards ESA-driven homeschooling. 

2. Centrist (2009-2017/ 2001-2009/ 1993 -2001) Ed Reform had hubris, and things started declining ~2015.  ESA/School choice is currently winning lots of state political battles, but beware of hubris, like we (Tim and me) had. 

3. Districts complained bitterly, over the years, when some charter students flamed out, and returned to district schools - “We’re being asked to clean up their mess.”  That could happen for families who go to district schools, try homeschooling, struggle, and return.  (This may be a real or manufactured claim by districts). 

4. Tim’s work at TNTP valorized not all teachers, but the best teachers.  He wonders if, at the margins, some of the best teachers may depart for ESA opportunities, where they’re freed from bureaucracy. ]]>2587charterschools,edinnovation,edpolicy,educationalchoice,educationleadership,educationmatters,educationnavigator,educationreform,esas,futureofeducation,homeschoolingjourneys,homeschoolingsuccess,learningwithoutlimits,parentempowerment,publicschools,schoolchoice,studentsuccess,teacherexodus,teacherfreedom,teachershortagesfalse8fullMountain State Modifications: Tiffany Uses ESA Flexibility to Pivot Quickly For Her Son’s Educationhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/mountain-state-modifications-tiffany-uses-esa-flexibility-to-pivot-quickly-for-her-son-s-education--62489899Homeschooling Journeys, we meet Tiffany Hoben from West Virginia. Curious Mike chatted with her twice: once in June 2024, and again in October 2024.  This October episode shows the nature of homeschooling: plans change.  That cuts both good and bad.  One cool opportunity disappeared; but at roughly the same time, a new need emerged, as well as the perfect educator to solve that problem.  Tiffany, like other homeschoolers using Education Savings Accounts (ESAs), has a variety of experiences: she gets to personalize her son's education, but in doing so, experiences friction that comes both from DIY and from the red tape of actually making purchases (software challenges and bureaucratic hoops).  Her $4,900 “Hope Scholarship” is used for her son’s biology curriculum, rock climbing, an AI-aided writing class, and above all, a specialized phonics tutor.  She is optimistic about the future of ESAs for homeschoolers in West Virginia.  



]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/62489899Thu, 24 Oct 2024 15:43:43 +0000Pioneer InstituteThis week on Homeschooling Journeys, we meet Tiffany Hoben from West Virginia. Curious Mike chatted with her twice: once in June 2024, and again in October 2024.  This October episode shows the nature of homeschooling: plans change.  That cuts both...Homeschooling Journeys, we meet Tiffany Hoben from West Virginia. Curious Mike chatted with her twice: once in June 2024, and again in October 2024.  This October episode shows the nature of homeschooling: plans change.  That cuts both good and bad.  One cool opportunity disappeared; but at roughly the same time, a new need emerged, as well as the perfect educator to solve that problem.  Tiffany, like other homeschoolers using Education Savings Accounts (ESAs), has a variety of experiences: she gets to personalize her son's education, but in doing so, experiences friction that comes both from DIY and from the red tape of actually making purchases (software challenges and bureaucratic hoops).  Her $4,900 “Hope Scholarship” is used for her son’s biology curriculum, rock climbing, an AI-aided writing class, and above all, a specialized phonics tutor.  She is optimistic about the future of ESAs for homeschoolers in West Virginia.  



]]>2092alternativeeducation,customcurriculum,diyeducation,educationinnovation,educationreform,educationsavingsaccounts,esas,flexiblelearning,homeschoolchallenges,homeschoolcommunity,homeschoolingjourneys,homeschoollife,homeschoolsuccess,hopescholarship,parentledlearning,personalizedlearning,phonicstutoring,rockclimbingforkids,specializedtutoring,westvirginiaeducationfalse7fullHomeschooling with Hope: Katie Switzer’s ESA Experiencehttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/homeschooling-with-hope-katie-switzer-s-esa-experience--62313865Homeschooling Journeys with Curious Mike, Katie Switzer from West Virginia shares her compelling story as a homeschooling mom navigating the state's Hope Scholarship program. She recounts her pivotal role as a plaintiff in the legal battle that saw the scholarship declared unconstitutional by a West Virginia Circuit Court, only to be appealed to the state Supreme Court. Katie also sheds light on the frustrations and red tape surrounding the reimbursement process, a challenge many parents face when trying to access funds through the scholarship. Despite the hurdles, Katie successfully uses her Hope Scholarship for her children’s education, covering basic curriculum, speech therapy, piano lessons, and online classes with a beloved teacher, Miss Ashley. This episode provides an eye-opening look at the struggles and successes within the evolving landscape of school choice and education savings accounts.  

]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/62313865Thu, 10 Oct 2024 15:09:36 +0000Pioneer InstituteIn this episode of Homeschooling Journeys with Curious Mike, Katie Switzer from West Virginia shares her compelling story as a homeschooling mom navigating the state's Hope Scholarship program. She recounts her pivotal role as a plaintiff in the legal...Homeschooling Journeys with Curious Mike, Katie Switzer from West Virginia shares her compelling story as a homeschooling mom navigating the state's Hope Scholarship program. She recounts her pivotal role as a plaintiff in the legal battle that saw the scholarship declared unconstitutional by a West Virginia Circuit Court, only to be appealed to the state Supreme Court. Katie also sheds light on the frustrations and red tape surrounding the reimbursement process, a challenge many parents face when trying to access funds through the scholarship. Despite the hurdles, Katie successfully uses her Hope Scholarship for her children’s education, covering basic curriculum, speech therapy, piano lessons, and online classes with a beloved teacher, Miss Ashley. This episode provides an eye-opening look at the struggles and successes within the evolving landscape of school choice and education savings accounts.  

]]>2153alternativeeducation,edpolicy,educationalfreedom,educationinnovation,educationreform,educationsavingsaccount,esas,homeschoolcommunity,homeschooling,homeschoolmom,hopescholarship,k12education,legalbattles,onlinelearning,parentadvocacy,parentalrights,reimbursementchallenges,schoolchoice,schoolchoicewins,westvirginiaeducationfalse6fullSurf, Skate, Learn: Hands-On Science for Homeschoolershttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/surf-skate-learn-hands-on-science-for-homeschoolers--62212223Homeschooling Journeys, Curious Mike interviews Uli and Toni, the founders of Surf Skate Science, a unique program that combines beach-based science lessons with surfing and skateboarding activities. The program offers kids hands-on experiences in physics and chemistry, both on land and in the water. They explore how Surf Skate Science highlights the advantages of Education Savings Accounts (ESAs), which allow families to fund specialized, engaging educational experiences. This episode also reflects on how traditional schools often lack the resources, freedom, and partnerships, like those between Uli and Toni, that can make learning truly relevant and memorable for kids. 

]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/62212223Thu, 03 Oct 2024 15:23:18 +0000Pioneer InstituteIn this episode of Homeschooling Journeys, Curious Mike interviews Uli and Toni, the founders of Surf Skate Science, a unique program that combines beach-based science lessons with surfing and skateboarding activities. The program offers kids hands-on...Homeschooling Journeys, Curious Mike interviews Uli and Toni, the founders of Surf Skate Science, a unique program that combines beach-based science lessons with surfing and skateboarding activities. The program offers kids hands-on experiences in physics and chemistry, both on land and in the water. They explore how Surf Skate Science highlights the advantages of Education Savings Accounts (ESAs), which allow families to fund specialized, engaging educational experiences. This episode also reflects on how traditional schools often lack the resources, freedom, and partnerships, like those between Uli and Toni, that can make learning truly relevant and memorable for kids. 

]]>1979alternativeeducation,beachscience,educationinnovation,educationsavingsaccounts,esas,experientiallearning,freedomtolearn,handsonlearning,homeschoolingjourneys,learningoutdoors,learningthroughplay,outdooreducation,personalizedlearning,scienceinaction,stemeducation,stemexploration,stemkids,surfandskate,surfskatescience,unconventionallearningfalse5fullVitamin Parents Part 2: Twin Moms converting a decent traditional school experience into a “Wow” homeschool onehttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/vitamin-parents-part-2-twin-moms-converting-a-decent-traditional-school-experience-into-a-wow-homeschool-one--62116679Homeschooling Journeys features Andreina, twin sister of Mariana (last week’s interview). Using Education Savings Accounts (ESAs), Andreina funds activities like competitive jujitsu, music lessons at School of Rock, and Surf Skate Science. As a "Vitamin Homeschooler” (Curious Mike’s term), Andreina enhances her children's education through independent learning tasks and family projects. While the kids’ desire for homeschooling serves as the foundation for their motivation, she experiments also with small rewards like a little screen time or chocolate. Andreina also benefits from family support with her twin; Mike observes that formal feedback isn't common in homeschooling, unlike in traditional classrooms.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/62116679Thu, 26 Sep 2024 13:40:39 +0000Pioneer InstituteThis week's episode of Homeschooling Journeys features Andreina, twin sister of Mariana (last week’s interview). Using Education Savings Accounts (ESAs), Andreina funds activities like competitive jujitsu, music lessons at School of Rock, and Surf...Homeschooling Journeys features Andreina, twin sister of Mariana (last week’s interview). Using Education Savings Accounts (ESAs), Andreina funds activities like competitive jujitsu, music lessons at School of Rock, and Surf Skate Science. As a "Vitamin Homeschooler” (Curious Mike’s term), Andreina enhances her children's education through independent learning tasks and family projects. While the kids’ desire for homeschooling serves as the foundation for their motivation, she experiments also with small rewards like a little screen time or chocolate. Andreina also benefits from family support with her twin; Mike observes that formal feedback isn't common in homeschooling, unlike in traditional classrooms.]]>2233alternativeeducation,competitivejujitsu,curiousmike,educationsavingsaccounts,esas,familyprojects,familysupport,homeschoolexperimentation,homeschoolingjourneys,homeschoolingtwins,homeschoolmotivation,homeschoolrewards,independentlearning,learningthroughplay,musiclessons,schoolofrock,screentimeincentives,selfdirectedlearning,surfskatescience,vitaminhomeschoolerfalse4fullVitamin Parents Part 1: Twin Moms Converting a Decent Traditional School Experience Into a “Wow” Homeschool Onehttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/vitamin-parents-part-1-twin-moms-converting-a-decent-traditional-school-experience-into-a-wow-homeschool-one--62029031Homeschooling Journeys feature twin sisters, Mariana and Andreina, originally from Venezuela and now living in Florida. Each is a mom of two kids. Curious Mike describes them as "Vitamin Homeschoolers"—they see homeschooling as a way to enhance their children's education rather than addressing any major issues with traditional schooling. They discuss the challenges of balancing time and responsibilities but emphasize the benefits of stronger family bonds and the enriching experiences they've been able to provide through Educational Savings Accounts (ESA). Non-homeschoolers often worry about the socialization of homeschooled kids, but Mariana and Andreina have their children socializing a lot—playing in rock bands, competing at a high level in soccer, and attending in-person, unusual academic classes, like Surf Skate Science and competitive extracurriculars. ]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/62029031Thu, 19 Sep 2024 15:03:11 +0000Pioneer InstituteThe upcoming episodes of Homeschooling Journeys feature twin sisters, Mariana and Andreina, originally from Venezuela and now living in Florida. Each is a mom of two kids. Curious Mike describes them as "Vitamin Homeschoolers"—they see homeschooling...Homeschooling Journeys feature twin sisters, Mariana and Andreina, originally from Venezuela and now living in Florida. Each is a mom of two kids. Curious Mike describes them as "Vitamin Homeschoolers"—they see homeschooling as a way to enhance their children's education rather than addressing any major issues with traditional schooling. They discuss the challenges of balancing time and responsibilities but emphasize the benefits of stronger family bonds and the enriching experiences they've been able to provide through Educational Savings Accounts (ESA). Non-homeschoolers often worry about the socialization of homeschooled kids, but Mariana and Andreina have their children socializing a lot—playing in rock bands, competing at a high level in soccer, and attending in-person, unusual academic classes, like Surf Skate Science and competitive extracurriculars. ]]>2235activehomeschoolers,balancingfamilyandschool,creativeeducation,educationalsavingsaccount,esa,familybonding,homeschoolchallenges,homeschoolextracurriculars,homeschoolingbenefits,homeschoolingexperiences,homeschoolinginflorida,homeschoolingjourney,homeschoolingtwins,homeschoollife,homeschoolsocialization,learningbeyondclassroom,rockbandkids,soccerfamilies,surfskatescience,vitaminhomeschoolingfalse3fullFrom Stress to Success: How Daniella Transformed Her Son’s Learning with ESA Fundshttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/from-stress-to-success-how-daniella-transformed-her-son-s-learning-with-esa-funds--61379930Homeschooling Journeys, Curious Mike talks with Daniella Moreci-Pack, an Arizona mom utilizing her state's Education Savings Account (ESA) to homeschool her son with ADHD. Daniella shares how she spends ESA funds on special needs therapies, curriculum products, and in-person enrichment activities like karate and dance classes. She explores key themes, including the flexibility of homeschooling, the initial anxiety of leaving traditional schooling, and the common shift from structured schedules to more child-led learning. Daniella also discusses navigating ESA red tape, as new rules add bureaucratic hurdles. Tune in to hear highlights of Daniella's approach and resilience in overcoming these challenges to give her child a personalized education.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/61379930Thu, 12 Sep 2024 15:18:33 +0000Pioneer InstituteThis week on Homeschooling Journeys, Curious Mike talks with Daniella Moreci-Pack, an Arizona mom utilizing her state's Education Savings Account (ESA) to homeschool her son with ADHD. Daniella shares how she spends ESA funds on special needs...Homeschooling Journeys, Curious Mike talks with Daniella Moreci-Pack, an Arizona mom utilizing her state's Education Savings Account (ESA) to homeschool her son with ADHD. Daniella shares how she spends ESA funds on special needs therapies, curriculum products, and in-person enrichment activities like karate and dance classes. She explores key themes, including the flexibility of homeschooling, the initial anxiety of leaving traditional schooling, and the common shift from structured schedules to more child-led learning. Daniella also discusses navigating ESA red tape, as new rules add bureaucratic hurdles. Tune in to hear highlights of Daniella's approach and resilience in overcoming these challenges to give her child a personalized education.]]>1994adhdparenting,childledlearning,customlearning,educationalfreedom,educationsavingsaccount,enrichmentactivities,esa,flexiblelearning,homeeducation,homeschoolcommunity,homeschooling,homeschoolingjourney,homeschoollife,homeschoolsupport,parentingtips,personalizededucation,schoolchoice,specialeducation,specialneedseducation,specialneedstherapiesfalse2fullFrom Garden to Table: How Alicia Garcia Reshapes Home Ec with ESAshttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/from-garden-to-table-how-alicia-garcia-reshapes-home-ec-with-esas--61274498https://api.spreaker.com/episode/61274498Thu, 05 Sep 2024 15:38:19 +0000Pioneer InstituteIn the debut episode of Homeschooling Journeys, we meet Alicia Garcia, the founder of Project Flourish Community. Alicia offers an innovative Home Ec experience where students participate in hands-on learning, from picking ingredients in her backyard...2073backyardlearning,creativelearning,edtech,educationalinnovation,educationforall,educationreform,educationsavingsaccounts,familyeducation,homeschooladventures,homeschoolcommunity,homeschooling,homeschoolingjourneys,homeschoollife,newpodcast,parentingtips,personalizedlearning,pioneerinstitute,podcastlaunch,projectflourish,stemeducationfalse1fullWelcome to Homeschooling Journeys with Curious Mikehttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/welcome-to-homeschooling-journeys-with-curious-mike--61213980 Homeschooling Journeys with Curious Mike! This seven-episode series delves into the stories of homeschooling parents who are using Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) to enrich their children’s education with unique learning experiences. Mark your calendars, the first episode is set to air on Thursday, September 5th at Noon!]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/61213980Fri, 30 Aug 2024 19:25:13 +0000Pioneer InstituteWelcome to Homeschooling Journeys with Curious Mike! This seven-episode series delves into the stories of homeschooling parents who are using Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) to enrich their children’s education with unique learning experiences. Mark... Homeschooling Journeys with Curious Mike! This seven-episode series delves into the stories of homeschooling parents who are using Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) to enrich their children’s education with unique learning experiences. Mark your calendars, the first episode is set to air on Thursday, September 5th at Noon!]]>94education,esas,homeschooling,schoolchoicefalsefull