K-12 Public Education Insights: Empowering Parents of Color — Trends, Tactics, and Topics That Impact POC

Kim J. Fields

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). You need to be aware of the current trends, tactics, and topics, as well as the necessary resources to navigate within the system. That’s what the K-12 Public Education Insights: Empowering Parents of Color podcast is all about — providing you with tools, information, and practical actions to help you and your children succeed within the complexities of K-12 public education.

  1. 3D AGO

    Episode 171: When Classroom Behavior Breaks Down, Parents Are Blamed

    "Send me a Text Message!" Classroom disruption isn’t a punchline anymore. Teachers across the country are reporting more disrespect, more disengagement, and, in some cases, behavior that becomes unsafe, and families are being pulled into a tense question: Who is responsible for fixing it when student discipline breaks down? I dig into what the research and recent national data say about declining student behavior in K-12 public education, including how pandemic-era habits and academic gaps can show up as acting out. I also talk about the discipline pendulum swing from zero-tolerance policies to restorative discipline practices, why many educators feel consequences have weakened, and what “restorative” is supposed to look like when it’s done well. You’ll hear why school administrators matter so much in these moments, what teachers need in training and support, and how parent-school relationships can either reinforce expectations or derail them. Then I zoom in on what surprised me most: disruptive behavior can start shockingly early. Pre-K expulsions are occurring at higher rates than in K-12, with serious equity concerns, and we unpack research linking long hours in childcare to later aggression while challenging the idea that a single factor explains everything. I also share a promising approach that uses sibling relationships to build empathy, self-control, and stronger behavior at school. If you’re a parent trying to read the subtle signs your child is struggling, I  close with clear action steps: get involved early, watch for body-language clues, ask better questions, advocate when needed, and don’t defend behavior you know is wrong.  Subscribe for weekly K-12 education insights, share this with another parent, and leave a review with the biggest discipline challenge you’re seeing right now. 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

    31 min

  2. MAR 17

    Episode 170: When States Cut Remediation Classes, Who Pays The Price?

    "Send me a Text Message!" I break down why states are restricting remedial math and English courses in college and what that means for students who still need a bridge to credit-bearing coursework. I weigh the money and completion-rate arguments against what families care about most: real skill-building, fair placement, and a genuine pathway to a degree. • Why California limits remediation through AB 1705 and expands tutoring support • The unanswered questions behind tutoring metrics and “faster completion” claims • How transition courses in high school try to close college readiness gaps • What Tennessee’s results suggest about credits earned versus math knowledge gained • Why remedial education costs students money without earning college credit • How placement tests misidentify students and how transcript-based placement can help • The disproportionate impact of remediation decisions on students of color • Examples that work better, including dual enrollment partnerships and early remediation • My recommendations: keep remediation available, improve placement criteria, start support by middle school, strengthen tutoring partnerships Did you enjoy this episode? Then be sure to subscribe to my podcast on whatever service you're listening to this. Thanks for listening today. Be sure to come back for more insights on K-12 educational topics that impact you and your children. And remember to share my podcast with anyone you think would find it 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 episode You can also support me with ratings, kind words of encouragement, and by sharing this podcast with friends and family Contact me with any specific questions you have at: kim@liberationthrougheducation.com

    31 min

  3. MAR 10

    Episode 169: Why Financial Literacy Must Start Before High School

    "Send me a Text Message!" Money decisions shape futures long before a first paycheck arrives. I take you inside the fast‑growing world of in‑school banking, new district pilots, and the real question parents ask: Does access to accounts actually build financial literacy, or just familiarity with banks? Drawing on current research and on‑the‑ground examples from New York City and beyond, I unpack what these programs change—higher account ownership, better attitudes, more family money talks—and where they fall short without strong instruction. I explore what a high‑quality personal finance course must include to matter in a digital economy: banking fundamentals, credit and debt, taxes and paychecks, investing basics, paying for college, insurance, consumer protection, and fraud awareness. Then I zoom out to timing and method. Starting in elementary school pays dividends when math, civics, and social science weave together to cover budgeting, percentages, needs vs. wants, and everyday trade-offs. By high school, students should run real scenarios—reading account terms, comparing fees, and practicing opportunity cost—so they can make clear choices under pressure. You’ll also hear about a bold pilot that gave students $50 a week on debit cards. Attendance improved, and financial awareness rose at first, even without formal lessons—a sign that real money sparks real learning. Still, results were mixed, reinforcing a simple truth: access accelerates understanding when paired with guidance and safeguards. I close with practical steps for families—co‑research credible sources, build a shared money notebook, use strategy games to rehearse choices, and set weekly budget check‑ins—to turn curiosity into confidence. If this conversation helps you think differently about how kids learn about money, tap Follow, share it with a parent or educator who cares, and leave a quick review telling me the first money habit you’d teach your child. 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

    33 min

  4. MAR 3

    Episode 168: Spell Check Won’t Save Your Kids Forever

    "Send me a Text Message!" Spelling isn’t a throwback to red pens and Friday quizzes; it’s the quiet engine that powers fluent reading and confident writing. I dive into the real research behind spelling instruction—what transfers, what stalls, and how families and teachers can build skills that last beyond a test or a spell checker. I share how letter–sound knowledge, word patterns, and word structures work together to create automatic word recognition, freeing students to focus on meaning and style. I break down the pitfalls of whole-word memorizing, the resurgence of phonics in the science of reading, and why explicit, daily practice still matters. From immediate error correction to cumulative review and right-sized challenge levels, you’ll hear a practical blueprint you can use in class or at the kitchen table. You’ll also get a clear, grade-by-grade roadmap from kindergarten through seventh grade: anchoring letter names and sounds, connecting spellings to speech, grouping irregular words, tackling multi-syllable words, and prioritizing the compound words and academic vocabulary that dominate textbooks. To make it actionable, I close with five simple at-home strategies—short dictations, pattern-focused practice, playful games, word walls, and think-alouds—that turn spelling into a daily habit tied to real reading. If you care about reading fluency, comprehension, and stronger writing, this conversation gives you the tools to help your child crack the code of written language and keep building from there. Subscribe, share this episode with a parent or teacher who needs it, and leave a quick review to tell me which strategy you’ll try 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

    29 min

  5. FEB 24

    Episode 167: They Banned The Dictionary, And Other Wild Book Ban Updates

    "Send me a Text Message!" When a school district pulls 1,600 titles—including the dictionary—you know the fight over books is about more than pages on a shelf. I update you on the latest in the fast-changing world of K-12 book bans, the rise of state-level Freedom to Read laws, and the real-world impact on students, families, and the librarians tasked with navigating it all. Along the way, I unpack surprising parent survey data, eye-opening court rulings, and the hidden mechanics of how school libraries choose, fund, and defend their collections. I start with clarity: which states have passed protections, what these laws actually require, and why some districts still default to removals. From there, I trace legal whiplash that leaves educators cautious and kids with fewer choices. Then I step behind the circulation desk to show how librarians vet titles through professional reviews, committee approvals, and district sign-offs—despite shrinking budgets, sparse state aid, and entire schools with no librarian at all. The picture is stark: unequal access means millions of students, especially in high-poverty and majority-minority districts, miss the literacy boosts and research skills that strong libraries deliver. Parents aren’t a monolith. Large majorities trust librarians to select age-appropriate materials, yet many still want clearer permissions and notifications. That tension fuels a chilling effect that shapes what gets purchased, displayed, or quietly avoided. I offer a path forward that swaps bans for trust-building: six practical moves to make libraries welcoming, diverse, curriculum-connected, community-partnered, and advocacy-ready. I also share classroom strategies for courageous conversations that teach students to listen, question, and hold complexity without shutting down inquiry. If you care about literacy, equity, and the freedom to read, this conversation brings together the policy, the data, and the everyday solutions. Listen, share with a friend, and tell me what values you want your school to champion. If this resonated, subscribe, leave a review, and pass it on to someone who needs to hear 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

    37 min

  6. FEB 17

    Episode 166: Algebra 1 Is Not A Secret Club; It Is A Prerequisite

    "Send me a Text Message!" One course can open an entire future. I dig into why Algebra 1 functions as a true gatekeeper in K–12, how early placement unlocks advanced math pathways, and why high-performing Black and Latino students are still less likely to access eighth-grade algebra—even in the same schools and with scores similar to those of their peers. Drawing on new NWEA and AMES findings, I trace where the pipeline narrows: course availability, biased placement processes, teacher preparation, and the tendency of high-poverty schools to spend more time below grade level. I also look at solutions that actually move numbers. Automatic enrollment policies that place prepared students into eighth-grade Algebra 1—unless families opt out—are raising participation in North Carolina and Texas. The takeaway is clear: policies must follow students, and readiness must be built early so that data-driven placement reflects real potential. Readiness starts long before middle school. I highlight predecessor skills that predict Algebra 1 success and explain why targeted tutoring and extended learning blocks matter. I share how early algebraic thinking in grades 3-5, centered on generalization, equivalence, and functional relationships, gives kids a head start without heavy symbolism. Along the way, I offer simple, practical ways for families to foster math literacy at home. If you want a clearer path for your child or your students—more access, fewer barriers, and instruction that builds true understanding—this conversation is a roadmap. Subscribe, share with another parent or educator, and leave a review to help more families find these insights. Then tell me: should schools automatically enroll prepared kids in eighth-grade algebra? 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

    29 min

  7. FEB 10

    Episode 165: When Fewer Days Promise More — Do Schools Actually Deliver?

    "Send me a Text Message!" Four days of school, five days of life: the tradeoff sounds tempting, but what actually happens to learning, families, and neighborhoods when districts make the switch? I dig into the latest research on four-day school weeks to separate proven benefits from wishful thinking, and  I map out smart guardrails that keep students at the center. I start with the “why”: districts once shaved a day to trim budgets, but today many leaders chase teacher recruitment and retention. From there, I unpack student outcomes. Achievement results are mixed and depend on one variable above all: total instructional time.  Families feel the shift in real ways. Many parents and students report higher morale, more rest, and fewer discipline issues. Yet structured options on the off day are scarce, leaving low-income households to shoulder child care costs and lost access to meals. Equity questions intensify for at-risk students and those with special needs.  I also surface an overlooked impact: home values can fall 2–4% in areas adopting four-day schedules compared with neighboring five-day districts, likely tied to new child care costs and perceived academic risk. If your community is considering a shorter week, design is everything. Protect core instructional minutes, schedule literacy and math earlier in the day, and fund fifth-day supports like tutoring, supervised study halls, and meal access. Track achievement, attendance, and behavior monthly, and course-correct fast. Pair calendar changes with real investments in teacher support and planning time.  Want to help shape the future of your district? Listen, share with a neighbor, and tell me your experience with four-day weeks. Subscribe, leave a review, and send me a message with your questions and stories. 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

    30 min

  8. FEB 3

    Episode 164: Students Are Quiet Quitting in School

    "Send me a Text Message!" What if the rise of “quiet quitting” isn’t just about the workplace, but also the classroom? I dig into why so many teens are doing the bare minimum, why homework time has plunged since 2021, and how parents and educators can turn the tide with strategies that actually stick. Drawing on current data, lived experience as a parent and researcher, and proven frameworks, I connect the dots between motivation, belonging, and achievement in a way that’s practical and hopeful. I start by unpacking what quiet quitting looks like for students: present in class but emotionally elsewhere, completing tasks without curiosity or pride. Then I trace the roots—shifting homework policies, AI confusion, grading changes, and a broader cultural slide in engagement—and show why relationships are the hidden engine of effort. Students learn best when work feels authentic, when they feel like respected members of a school community, and when they can see themselves succeeding. High expectations, paired with support, transform compliance into commitment. Parents leave this discussion with concrete steps to make homework equitable and motivating: confirm understanding, aim for quality, coordinate with teachers for purpose-driven tasks, and add simple, reinforcing practice at home. When learning is designed for authenticity, belonging, and competence, students rediscover purpose and progress. If this resonated, follow the show, subscribe, and share it with a friend or parent who cares about K‑12 success. Your review and your stories help more families find strategies that work—what’s one approach 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

    34 min
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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). You need to be aware of the current trends, tactics, and topics, as well as the necessary resources to navigate within the system. That’s what the K-12 Public Education Insights: Empowering Parents of Color podcast is all about — providing you with tools, information, and practical actions to help you and your children succeed within the complexities of K-12 public education.

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