K-12 Public Education Insights: Helping Parents of Color Build Strong Family-School Partnerships

Kim J. Fields
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Education
  • Bimonthly

Raising kids can be tough! I know because I’ve been a single mom who raised two kids on my own. And when they get in the K-12 public education system, learning the ins and outs of that system can get you all tangled up, especially when you’re a parent of color (POC). Navigating K–12 public education can feel overwhelming, but you don't have to do it alone. Hosted by Dr. Kim J. Fields, K-12 Public Education Insights: Helping Parents of Color Build Strong Family-School Partnerships equips parents with the knowledge, confidence, and practical strategies to become effective advocates for their children and trusted partners with their schools. Each episode explores family engagement, parent advocacy, navigating K–12 public education, educational equity, and parent leadership through conversations, expert insights, and practical guidance you can apply in everyday situations. Whether you're preparing for a parent-teacher conference, understanding school policies, supporting your child's learning, or strengthening communication with educators, you'll gain tools that help you take informed action. Produced by Liberation Through Education, this podcast is dedicated to empowering parents of color to build lasting family-school partnerships that help their children thrive in school. Learn more about The Skills Builder Academy™ and additional family resources at https://liberationthrougheducation.com.

  1. 4d ago

    Episode 189: Skip the Math Worksheets and Play Uno

    "Send me a Text Message!" Math can bring up big feelings fast, especially when your child looks at a problem and you’re not sure where to start. I dig into why early numeracy (math literacy) matters so much, how it predicts academic success across subjects, and why building number sense at home can be just as important as daily reading time. I walk through what the research says about home math environments, including studies showing that preschoolers who get frequent, simple math games and number activities at home often see stronger arithmetic growth by the end of kindergarten. I also talk about what “numeracy play” actually looks like in real life: counting, sorting, matching, patterns, measuring during cooking, calendars and clocks, and family favorites like dominoes, Uno, Yahtzee, and other board games that quietly teach sequencing, comparing quantities, and thinking ahead. Then I name the real barrier many families face: math anxiety. When adults carry stress or low confidence in math, kids can absorb that tone and participate less over time. We unpack how math anxiety shows up, why it creates a downward spiral, and what helps instead, including purposeful practice, building fluency, and using pictures and objects to make concepts make sense. I then connect numeracy to future opportunity, since today’s economy demands math skills in careers ranging from trades to tech. If you found this helpful, subscribe for more K-12 education insights, share this with a parent who needs it, and leave a review so more families can find the show. What’s one simple math game or number routine you’ll try this week? Love my show? Consider being a regular subscriber! Just go to https://tinyurl.com/podcastsupport.  Support the show  Thanks for listening! For more information about the show, episodes, and ways to support, check out these websites: https://k12educationinsights.buzzsprout.com or https: //www.liberationthrougheducation.com/podcast Subscribe on Buzzsprout to receive a shout out on an upcoming episodeYou can also support me with ratings, kind words of encouragement, and by sharing this podcast with friends and familyContact me with any specific questions you have at:  kim@liberationthrougheducation.com

  2. Nov 3

    Episode 188: The Four-Day School Week Reality Check

    "Send me a Text Message!" A four-day school week sounds simple: one less day of classes, a little more breathing room, and maybe a better deal for teachers. But once districts make the switch, the real question becomes whether students lose instructional time, whether academic achievement changes, and what families are expected to do on that fifth day. I walk through the latest update on the four-day school week trend, including how widely it’s spread and why some communities love it while others are backing away. I unpack what research says about teacher recruitment and retention, including why a shorter week may be only a slight incentive and why it doesn’t automatically bring in more experienced or more educated teachers. I also get practical about the operational side that district leaders worry about, like transportation, meal service, and scheduling. Then I dig into student outcomes. I share what the evidence shows about academic performance on four-day versus five-day schedules, especially the role of maintaining instructional hours. I also look beyond test scores to non-academic effects that matter to parents, including discipline trends like bullying and fights, plus research raising concerns about health behaviors, food insecurity, and substance use. Finally, I talk parent opinion data, including satisfaction rates and what families report doing when school is not in session. If you want to advocate effectively for your child, this gives you the questions to bring to your school and the context to understand new state rules like Indiana’s waiver requirements and Missouri’s local vote approach.  Subscribe, share this with your community, and leave a review so more parents can find K-12 public education insights that turn research into action. Love my show? Consider being a regular subscriber! Just go to https://tinyurl.com/podcastsupport.  Support the show  Thanks for listening! For more information about the show, episodes, and ways to support, check out these websites: https://k12educationinsights.buzzsprout.com or https: //www.liberationthrougheducation.com/podcast Subscribe on Buzzsprout to receive a shout out on an upcoming episodeYou can also support me with ratings, kind words of encouragement, and by sharing this podcast with friends and familyContact me with any specific questions you have at:  kim@liberationthrougheducation.com

  3. Oct 27

    Episode 187: A Parent's Guide to Raising Digitally Healthy Kids

    "Send me a Text Message!" Your child isn’t “addicted to screens” in a vacuum. They’re growing up inside an attention economy that’s engineered to hook them, steal sleep, and quietly crowd out real friendships, hobbies, and goals. I’m joined by Dr. Sajita Satya, a physician and evidence-based educator focused on digital well-being and youth online safety, to get specific about what parents can actually look for at home and what to do next. We break down how to tell the difference between healthy device use and harmful digital use with a simple, practical framework. We start where the biggest wins usually live: sleep. If your tween or teen is scrolling late at night, running on fumes, and feeling emotionally reactive, screens may be the hidden driver. We also talk about social connection, school engagement, and the importance of having non-screen goals so a phone doesn’t become the only source of comfort, entertainment, or identity. Then we go straight into the newest challenge families are facing: AI. We talk about AI companions, kids treating chatbots like friends, and why “always-on validation” can be risky for developing brains. Dr. Satya shares real-life boundaries from her own family, plus ways to build connection that actually sticks, like using car rides, chores, and shared activities to keep communication open without constant lectures. If you care about mental health, screen time, online safety, and raising resilient kids, this conversation gives you language and tools you can use today. Subscribe for more K-12 public education insights, share this with a parent who needs it, and leave a review telling us what digital habit you want to change first. Love my show? Consider being a regular subscriber! Just go to https://tinyurl.com/podcastsupport.  Support the show  Thanks for listening! For more information about the show, episodes, and ways to support, check out these websites: https://k12educationinsights.buzzsprout.com or https: //www.liberationthrougheducation.com/podcast Subscribe on Buzzsprout to receive a shout out on an upcoming episodeYou can also support me with ratings, kind words of encouragement, and by sharing this podcast with friends and familyContact me with any specific questions you have at:  kim@liberationthrougheducation.com

  4. Oct 20

    Episode 186: Boys Start School Behind Girls And Here's Why

    "Send me a Text Message!" Kindergarten can feel like a simple start, but the research tells a more complicated story: gender gaps between boys and girls can show up as soon as school begins. I break down what the data says about kindergarten readiness, why boys are more likely to repeat early grades, and how early labels around “behavior” or “attention” can quietly turn into lower confidence and long-term disengagement. I also talk candidly about discipline patterns, including the troubling reality that preschool boys are far more likely to be expelled, with even higher risks for Black boys. From there, I zoom out to the big question parents keep asking: are boys less motivated to succeed in school, or is the way school is structured pushing them away? I unpack teacher survey findings on sitting still, focus, and leadership, and connect them to child development and classroom design. You’ll hear why test-driven instruction can backfire, and why real-world learning, movement, healthy competition, and career and technical pathways can make school feel relevant and worth the effort for many boys. I end with practical, parent-centered action steps you can use right away to strengthen family school partnerships. I share why connection matters so much for boys, what to ask teachers about how they build relationships with your son, and what it can mean if they cannot answer with specifics. If you care about boys’ achievement, student engagement, and equitable K-12 education outcomes, this one is for you. Subscribe, share this with another parent, and leave a review so more families can find these tools. Love my show? Consider being a regular subscriber! Just go to https://tinyurl.com/podcastsupport.  Support the show  Thanks for listening! For more information about the show, episodes, and ways to support, check out these websites: https://k12educationinsights.buzzsprout.com or https: //www.liberationthrougheducation.com/podcast Subscribe on Buzzsprout to receive a shout out on an upcoming episodeYou can also support me with ratings, kind words of encouragement, and by sharing this podcast with friends and familyContact me with any specific questions you have at:  kim@liberationthrougheducation.com

  5. Oct 13

    Episode 185: Who Really Benefits When School Choice Goes Federal

    "Send me a Text Message!" I break down what the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit is, how it works, and why the details could reshape school choice options for K-12 families starting in 2027. I also share practical steps to track whether your state opts in, what eligibility could look like, and how to prepare for timelines that may affect access.  • What the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit law does and when it starts  • How donations to scholarship granting organizations turn into student scholarships  • What families can potentially pay for, including tuition, tutoring, technology, transportation, and disability services  • Why governor opt-in decisions determine whether students in a state can receive scholarships  • Income eligibility at 300% of area median income and why “eligible” may not mean “able to use it”  • How homeschool and micro school definitions under state law can affect access  • The $1,700 cap and the difference between a tax credit and a tax deduction  • Equity and access concerns when scholarship organizations can limit who they serve  • Parent action steps, including contacting the governor’s office, state legislators, and local scholarship nonprofits (SGOs)  Did you enjoy this episode? Well, if you don't want to miss out on any of the content that I've provided or what I'll provide next, then be sure to subscribe to my podcast on whatever platform you're listening to this.   And remember to share this podcast with anyone that you think you find valuable. That includes your friends, family, and your community.  Love my show? Consider being a regular subscriber! Just go to https://tinyurl.com/podcastsupport.  Support the show  Thanks for listening! For more information about the show, episodes, and ways to support, check out these websites: https://k12educationinsights.buzzsprout.com or https: //www.liberationthrougheducation.com/podcast Subscribe on Buzzsprout to receive a shout out on an upcoming episodeYou can also support me with ratings, kind words of encouragement, and by sharing this podcast with friends and familyContact me with any specific questions you have at:  kim@liberationthrougheducation.com

  6. Oct 6

    Episode 184: Connect Before Correct For Calmer Parenting

    "Send me a Text Message!" Punishment can feel like the fastest way to stop a problem, but what if it’s also the fastest way to shut down trust? I sit down with Dr. Cheryl Wilson, an educator and former principal with decades of experience and a certified positive discipline parent educator, to unpack what really happens when we use control, threats, or harsh consequences to manage kids’ behavior, and what to do instead when we want lasting change. We get honest about the discipline many of us grew up with, including how easy it is to repeat old patterns when we’re stressed, tired, or triggered. Dr. Wilson explains why punishment may “work” in the moment but often leaves the underlying need untouched, and how that can lead to withdrawal, resentment, or kids simply getting better at hiding things. From a positive discipline lens, misbehavior is communication, and our job is to look past the surface behavior to the unmet need: belonging, significance, safety, attention, or capability. You’ll hear practical, step-by-step strategies you can use right away, including “connect before correct,” calming your nervous system before you address the issue, and shifting from attacking the person to solving the problem. We also talk through real-life scripts for setting boundaries without yelling, plus the 777 connection routine: seven minutes in the morning, seven minutes after school or work, and seven minutes before bed to help kids feel seen and secure. Dr. Wilson also shares why storytelling and cultural identity matter, especially for African-American families raising children in today’s K-12 public education system. Listen, share this with a parent who needs a reset, and subscribe so you don’t miss new Tuesday episodes. After you listen, leave a review and tell me: where could “connection before correction” change the tone in your home? Love my show? Consider being a regular subscriber! Just go to https://tinyurl.com/podcastsupport.  Support the show  Thanks for listening! For more information about the show, episodes, and ways to support, check out these websites: https://k12educationinsights.buzzsprout.com or https: //www.liberationthrougheducation.com/podcast Subscribe on Buzzsprout to receive a shout out on an upcoming episodeYou can also support me with ratings, kind words of encouragement, and by sharing this podcast with friends and familyContact me with any specific questions you have at:  kim@liberationthrougheducation.com

  7. Sep 29

    Episode 183: Are We Fixing Grading Or Hiding Failure?

    "Send me a Text Message!" One missing assignment can wreck a report card, but does that “zero” reflect learning, responsibility, or just a broken math problem? I’m Dr. Kim J. Fields, and I’m unpacking a grading trend that’s showing up in districts across the country: non-zero grading, also called grading floors. You’ll hear why some states and districts push back on 50% minimum grades, why others adopt them as a safety net, and how these policies can change what an A through F really means for your child. I zoom out to the bigger question parents keep asking: what do grades actually measure? I break down how traditional grading often blends academic mastery with behaviors like participation, homework compliance, extra credit, and turning work in on time. That mix can create inconsistency from classroom to classroom, raise concerns about grade inflation, and even magnify inequities when students face barriers outside school. I also explain why many teachers get limited training in grading, which is one reason old systems and unintended consequences stick around. Then we get practical. I walk through equitable grading policies you may be hearing about, including no zeros, no late penalties, and unlimited retakes, plus the strongest arguments on both sides. You’ll leave with clear parent advocacy action steps and the exact questions to ask teachers so you understand whether grades reflect mastery, standards-based grading, or equity-based rules. If you found this helpful, subscribe, share the show with your community, and leave a review so more families can build stronger family school partnerships. Love my show? Consider being a regular subscriber! Just go to https://tinyurl.com/podcastsupport.  Support the show  Thanks for listening! For more information about the show, episodes, and ways to support, check out these websites: https://k12educationinsights.buzzsprout.com or https: //www.liberationthrougheducation.com/podcast Subscribe on Buzzsprout to receive a shout out on an upcoming episodeYou can also support me with ratings, kind words of encouragement, and by sharing this podcast with friends and familyContact me with any specific questions you have at:  kim@liberationthrougheducation.com

  8. Sep 22

    Episode 182: A Parent’s Guide To IEPs In K-12 Public Schools

    "Send me a Text Message!" IEP season can hit families fast, and those three letters often come with a knot in your stomach. I slow the whole process down and make it usable, starting with the basics: what an Individualized Education Program is, why it was created under IDEA, and how it is supposed to protect a student’s right to a Free Appropriate Public Education in K-12 public schools. I also dig into what eligibility actually means, why not every disability results in an IEP, and how schools determine qualification using IDEA categories. Along the way, I talk about what research says drives parent satisfaction, including a strengths-based perspective, solid meeting strategies, teamwork, outside support, and learning the IEP process ahead of time. Then I get practical about parent advocacy and family school partnerships. Many parents feel overwhelmed by education jargon and the emotional intensity of the first meeting, so I share concrete ways to prepare. I also clarify the difference between an IEP and a 504 plan so you can ask for the right supports with confidence. If you want to walk into your next IEP meeting ready to collaborate, ask sharper questions, and protect your child’s needs without losing your voice, press play. Subscribe, share this with another parent, and leave a review so more families can find it. Love my show? Consider being a regular subscriber! Just go to https://tinyurl.com/podcastsupport.  Support the show  Thanks for listening! For more information about the show, episodes, and ways to support, check out these websites: https://k12educationinsights.buzzsprout.com or https: //www.liberationthrougheducation.com/podcast Subscribe on Buzzsprout to receive a shout out on an upcoming episodeYou can also support me with ratings, kind words of encouragement, and by sharing this podcast with friends and familyContact me with any specific questions you have at:  kim@liberationthrougheducation.com

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About

Raising kids can be tough! I know because I’ve been a single mom who raised two kids on my own. And when they get in the K-12 public education system, learning the ins and outs of that system can get you all tangled up, especially when you’re a parent of color (POC). Navigating K–12 public education can feel overwhelming, but you don't have to do it alone. Hosted by Dr. Kim J. Fields, K-12 Public Education Insights: Helping Parents of Color Build Strong Family-School Partnerships equips parents with the knowledge, confidence, and practical strategies to become effective advocates for their children and trusted partners with their schools. Each episode explores family engagement, parent advocacy, navigating K–12 public education, educational equity, and parent leadership through conversations, expert insights, and practical guidance you can apply in everyday situations. Whether you're preparing for a parent-teacher conference, understanding school policies, supporting your child's learning, or strengthening communication with educators, you'll gain tools that help you take informed action. Produced by Liberation Through Education, this podcast is dedicated to empowering parents of color to build lasting family-school partnerships that help their children thrive in school. Learn more about The Skills Builder Academy™ and additional family resources at https://liberationthrougheducation.com.

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