Learning Curve

Independence Institute
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Education
  • Weekly

Learning Curve breaks down education policy so parents and citizens can understand what’s really happening in their schools. Hosted by Colorado parent and activist Erin Brantley and education policy expert Ross Izard, the show takes listeners inside the world of school choice, funding, legislation, school boards, and the policies shaping K–12 education. Each episode translates complex education policy into plain language, helping parents understand where decisions come from—and how they can get involved before those decisions impact their kids. If you care about schools, education policy, and the future of Colorado classrooms, Learning Curve gives you the insight you need to stay informed and engaged.

  1. 4d ago

    Are Schools Protecting Themselves Instead of Students?

    Are Colorado school districts putting institutional interests ahead of student safety and parental rights? In this episode of Learning Curve, hosts Erin Brantley and Ross Izard sit down with Lindsay Datko of Jeffco Kids First to discuss the growing concerns surrounding parental involvement, transparency, and accountability in Colorado's public schools. What began as a grassroots movement during the COVID-19 pandemic has grown into an advocacy organization with more than 10,000 followers, working to hold school districts accountable through public records requests, community organizing, and direct engagement with education officials. Lindsay shares how her organization has uncovered concerning issues, challenged district policies, and helped parents make their voices heard. In this episode: Why some parents feel ignored by school administratorsHow public records requests can expose district decision-makingWhy Lindsey believes schools sometimes prioritize institutional self-protection over studentsHow a single email can influence school district policyWhat parents can do when school boards aren't respondingWhy Jeffco Kids First turned to federal authorities after exhausting local options Can parents really make a difference in their children's education? According to Lindsey, the answer is absolutely yes. Stay tuned for Part 2, where we dive deeper into student safety concerns, Title IX investigations, and the fight for accountability in Jefferson County schools. Subscribe to Learning Curve for more conversations about education policy, parental rights, and the future of Colorado schools. #LearningCurve #ColoradoEducation #ParentalRights #SchoolAccountability #JeffcoSchools #StudentSafety #EducationReform #JeffcoKidsFirst

    Are Schools Protecting Themselves Instead of Students?

  2. Oct 26

    A New $1,700 Education Tax Credit Is Coming!

    A new federal education tax credit is coming in 2027, and it could create new opportunities for families across Colorado and the country! In this episode of Learning Curve, host Ross Izard breaks down the new $1,700 federal education scholarship tax credit, explaining how the program works, who could benefit, and why it could become one of the most significant school choice initiatives in American history. Unlike traditional school choice programs that focus primarily on private school tuition, this new federal initiative could support a much wider range of educational opportunities, including public schools, private schools, homeschool enrichment programs, and other qualifying educational expenses. Ross explains how taxpayers will be able to receive federal tax credits for eligible donations to nonprofit scholarship organizations, which then provide scholarships to students. He also discusses why the new IRS and Treasury Department rules could have major implications for how states implement the program. In this episode: How the new $1,700 education tax credit worksWhy the program isn't just for private school studentsHow public school and homeschool families could benefitWhat the new federal rules mean for ColoradoWhy 2027 could mark a major turning point for school choice Could this new program expand educational opportunities for thousands of families? Watch to learn more! Subscribe to Learning Curve for conversations about education policy, parental choice, and the issues shaping the future of education in Colorado. #LearningCurve #SchoolChoice #EducationTaxCredit #ColoradoEducation #Homeschooling #EducationPolicy #ParentalChoice #TaxCredits

    A New $1,700 Education Tax Credit Is Coming!

  3. Oct 19

    Are Taxpayers Getting What They Paid For?

    Colorado school districts are asking voters for millions of dollars in additional funding. But are taxpayers getting the results they were promised? In this episode of Learning Curve, host Erin Brantley examines school funding requests across Colorado and raises important questions about accountability, transparency, and whether increased education spending is translating into measurable improvements for students. With Jefferson County, Denver, Douglas County, and Littleton seeking additional taxpayer funding, Erin explores what voters should consider before casting their ballots. In this episode: Why Colorado school districts are requesting millions in additional funding.Whether previous tax increases delivered the improvements voters were promised.How declining student enrollment is creating long-term financial challenges for school districts.Why academic performance and measurable outcomes should be part of the school funding conversation.What taxpayers can do to hold school districts and elected school boards accountable. Colorado schools face real challenges, including teacher compensation, facility maintenance, and rising operating costs. But should approving additional funding also mean demanding measurable results? Erin discusses why voters should look beyond the dollar amounts and ask whether their school districts have demonstrated responsible spending, delivered on previous commitments, and established clear plans for the future. The big question: Are taxpayers getting what they paid for? Watch the full episode of Learning Curve for a closer look at Colorado's school funding debate. Join the conversation: Do you believe Colorado school districts are doing enough to demonstrate results before requesting additional taxpayer funding? Let us know in the comments! Subscribe to Learning Curve for more conversations about Colorado education, school choice, education policy, and accountability. #LearningCurve #ColoradoEducation #SchoolFunding #TaxpayerAccountability #ColoradoSchools #EducationPolicy #SchoolBoard #JeffcoSchools #PublicEducation

    Are Taxpayers Getting What They Paid For?

  4. Oct 12

    Your Child Is Struggling… But Doesn't Qualify for Help

    What happens when a child struggles with reading but doesn't qualify for additional support? In this clip from Learning Curve, hosts Erin Brantley and Ross Izard speak with Anna Libetta and Lindsay Dracos of CO Kid about how children with dyslexia can sometimes slip through the cracks of Colorado's education system. Some students develop strong vocabulary and other compensating skills that allow them to score above the threshold for a READ plan, even when they exhibit characteristics of dyslexia. This can leave parents without a clear understanding of why their child is struggling. The conversation explores how Colorado's new dyslexia screening requirements under SB25-200 aim to identify these students earlier and provide families with valuable information about their children's reading development. Because a child shouldn't have to fall further behind before their struggles are recognized. Learn more about CO Kid and its work to improve literacy outcomes in Colorado at https://cokid.org.

    Your Child Is Struggling… But Doesn't Qualify for Help

  5. Oct 5

    The Delay Was Traumatic for My Daughter

    What happens when parents realize the education system isn’t giving their children with dyslexia the support they need? In this episode of Learning Curve, Erin Brantley and Ross Izard talk with Lindsay and Anna from CO Kid about how their personal experiences as parents led them into education advocacy, and eventually to the Colorado State Capitol. Lindsay shares how her daughter’s dyslexia diagnosis exposed serious gaps in early identification and support. After connecting with other parents facing many of the same challenges, they began organizing, building relationships, approaching lawmakers, and advocating for changes to Colorado’s literacy policies. The work would ultimately take years. Lindsay describes the emotional impact delayed identification had on her oldest daughter and why that experience kept her fighting long after her own children would personally benefit from the reforms. Anna also shares her experience raising children who were identified at very different ages and the striking difference early identification can make. As a foster parent, she also discusses her concern for children who may not have a consistent advocate fighting to make sure they receive the help they need. Erin and Ross explore what Lindsay and Anna learned along the way, from navigating the legislative process and building coalitions to dealing with setbacks, opposition, and the reality that meaningful policy change rarely happens overnight. It’s a powerful conversation about dyslexia, literacy, parent advocacy, and what can happen when a small group of determined parents decides that the system needs to change.

  6. Sep 28

    Would You Hand Them $273 Every Year?

    Would you hand over another $273 every year? Jeffco Public Schools is asking voters to approve two property tax measures—5A and 5B—that would generate a combined $133 million in new annual revenue. For a $600,000 home, the estimated cost comes to about $273 per year. Erin Brantley and Ross Izard break down what Jeffco says the additional money is needed for, including teacher compensation, career and technical education, technology, maintenance, and aging school facilities. They also examine the questions surrounding the measures: declining enrollment, growing administrative costs, concerns over past oversight, and the controversial sale of the former Emory Elementary property. With millions of dollars and a recurring tax increase on the line, what should Jefferson County voters know before they cast their ballots?

    Would You Hand Them $273 Every Year?

  7. Sep 21

    These Homeschool Programs Are GONE

    Colorado’s homeschool enrichment landscape is changing fast—and some programs are already gone. Since our last update, several homeschool enrichment programs have shut down, leaving families searching for alternatives as the school year gets underway. Now, the Colorado State Board of Education is considering new rules that could reshape how these programs operate going forward. Erin Brantley and Ross Izard break down the two options on the table, including new restrictions on how homeschool enrichment programs can work with outside organizations. They also explore what should actually count as “enrichment,” how much control school districts should have, and whether the state can provide stronger oversight without eliminating innovative opportunities for students. Plus, the rulemaking process is still underway. Erin and Ross explain what happens next—and how parents can make their voices heard before the rules are finalized.

    These Homeschool Programs Are GONE

  8. Sep 7

    Are Rural Homeschoolers Getting Left Behind?

    Colorado's homeschool enrichment programs are facing another round of uncertainty as the state begins developing new rules governing how these programs can operate. In this episode of Learning Curve, Erin Brantley and Ross Izard examine two of the biggest issues emerging from the rulemaking process: general availability and private benefit. One key question is whether homeschool enrichment programs should be allowed to offer services that aren't already available through the public school district where they operate. If the state takes a narrow approach, students in larger districts with extensive programming could have significantly more opportunities than homeschool students in smaller or rural districts. Erin and Ross also discuss Colorado's developing interpretation of "private benefit" and what it could mean for enrichment programs that contract with outside organizations for educational services. Schools routinely use outside vendors for everything from special education and therapy to athletics and extracurricular activities, raising questions about whether part-time homeschool programs could be treated differently. They also explain the upcoming rulemaking process, when final rules could arrive, and how Colorado parents can make their voices heard.

    Are Rural Homeschoolers Getting Left Behind?
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About

Learning Curve breaks down education policy so parents and citizens can understand what’s really happening in their schools. Hosted by Colorado parent and activist Erin Brantley and education policy expert Ross Izard, the show takes listeners inside the world of school choice, funding, legislation, school boards, and the policies shaping K–12 education. Each episode translates complex education policy into plain language, helping parents understand where decisions come from—and how they can get involved before those decisions impact their kids. If you care about schools, education policy, and the future of Colorado classrooms, Learning Curve gives you the insight you need to stay informed and engaged.

Information

  • Creator
    Independence Institute
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    34
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Independence Institute
  • Show Website
    Learning Curve