Learning Curve

Independence Institute
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Education
  • Updated 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. 1d ago

    Colorado Is #1 in Education, But What Does That Really Mean?

    Colorado has been ranked #1 in education by U.S. News & World Report, jumping from third place in 2025 to the top spot in 2026. But what exactly does a #1 education ranking measure? In this episode of Learning Curve, Erin Brantley and Ross Izard look beyond the headline and break down the factors behind Colorado's ranking, including preschool enrollment, college attainment and completion, graduation outcomes, and K–12 academic performance. Erin and Ross also discuss Colorado's reading and math proficiency numbers, the relationship between education spending and student outcomes, and the difficulty of reducing something as complex as educational success to a single statewide ranking. What should matter most when evaluating Colorado schools: rankings, test scores, funding, educational access, parent satisfaction, or something else entirely? Hosts: Erin Brantley and Ross Izard

    Colorado Is #1 in Education, But What Does That Really Mean?

  2. Aug 10

    The Education Rules You Never Voted For

    Most people have heard of the Colorado Department of Education, but far fewer understand the State Board of Education that oversees it. In this episode of Learning Curve, Ross Izzard explains how the Colorado State Board of Education is structured, why its members are elected, and the significant authority the board exercises over education policy throughout the state. From hiring the Commissioner of Education and adopting regulations that carry the force of law to overseeing charter school appeals, accountability systems, and statewide education governance, this episode offers an accessible overview of a board whose decisions affect millions of Coloradans—even if most people rarely hear about it. If you've ever wondered who really helps shape education policy in Colorado, this episode is a great place to start.

    The Education Rules You Never Voted For

  3. Aug 3

    1 IN 4 KIDS ARE MISSING SCHOOL

    Nearly one in four Colorado students is chronically absent from school, and the effects extend far beyond missed classroom time. In this episode, Erin Brantley examines Colorado's chronic absenteeism rates, explains how chronic absenteeism differs from truancy, and discusses why attendance remains a major challenge years after the COVID-19 pandemic. The conversation explores the academic consequences of chronic absenteeism, the factors driving higher absence rates, Colorado's statewide attendance improvement efforts, and practical ways families and schools can work together to keep students engaged in learning. If attendance is one of the strongest predictors of long-term academic success, what will it take for Colorado to return to pre-pandemic levels?

    1 IN 4 KIDS ARE MISSING SCHOOL

  4. Jul 27

    Colorado's Next Governor Could Change Education?

    Colorado's gubernatorial race could have significant implications for the future of education in the state. In this episode of Learning Curve, Ross Izard and Erin Brantley discuss what Phil Weiser's primary victory may signal for Colorado's education system. They explore the governor's role in shaping education policy, school finance, Proposition NN, TABOR, school choice, and the federal tax-credit scholarship program, while examining the challenges that could define the next administration. The conversation also highlights why civic engagement extends beyond Election Day and how parents can continue influencing education policy at the local and state levels. If you're looking to better understand where Colorado education may be headed, this episode provides an accessible overview of the major issues likely to dominate the conversation in the years ahead.

    Colorado's Next Governor Could Change Education?

  5. Jul 20

    Colorado's public schools are projected to lose approximately 16,000 students, but what does that mean for school funding?

    In this episode of Learning Curve, Erin Brantley and Ross Izard discuss Colorado's annual School Finance Act, how the state's education funding formula works, and why declining enrollment creates difficult budgeting decisions for school districts. They also explain why schools may continue receiving funding as enrollment changes, how the current funding formula is evolving, and what parents and taxpayers should know moving forward. This episode offers a practical overview of one of Colorado's most significant education policy issues, helping listeners better understand how student enrollment, state funding, and legislative decisions intersect.

    Colorado's public schools are projected to lose approximately 16,000 students, but what does that mean for school funding?

  6. Jul 13

    Who Really Runs Colorado's Schools?

    Many parents assume education decisions come from one place, but the reality is far more layered. In this episode of Learning Curve, Erin Brantley explains how authority is divided among the federal government, the Colorado Legislature, the State Board of Education, the Colorado Department of Education, local school districts, and individual schools. Learn who sets academic standards, who controls funding, who adopts curriculum, and where parents can make the biggest difference when concerns arise. Whether you're trying to understand a new policy, a curriculum change, or a decision affecting your local school, this episode provides a practical guide to navigating Colorado's education system and knowing where accountability belongs. Topics Covered: Federal vs. state responsibilitiesThe Colorado Legislature's role in educationState Board of Education powersColorado Department of Education responsibilitiesLocal school board authoritySchool-level decision makingHow parents can become more effective advocates If you enjoy Learning Curve, be sure to follow the show so you never miss future conversations about education policy and what it means for Colorado families.

    Who Really Runs Colorado's Schools?

  7. Jul 6

    Who's Getting Million-Dollar Contracts?

    As school choice programs continue expanding across the United States, a new industry has emerged to help administer education savings accounts (ESAs), scholarship programs, and other forms of educational choice. But who manages these programs, who competes for the contracts, and what happens when hundreds of millions of dollars are at stake? In this episode of Learning Curve, Ross Izzard and Erin Brantley examine the growing business of school choice administration. They discuss why states increasingly rely on private organizations to manage complex education programs, how competitive government contracts have become, and why lobbying and political influence are beginning to play a much larger role in the school choice movement. Ross and Erin also explore the benefits and potential drawbacks of this emerging industry. While private organizations can provide expertise and innovation that governments often lack, the rapid growth of these programs raises important questions about transparency, accountability, competition, and ensuring families receive the services they were promised. Whether you're interested in education policy, school choice, government contracting, or the future of K–12 education, this episode offers a thoughtful look at an issue that will likely shape education reform for years to come.

    Who's Getting Million-Dollar Contracts?

  8. Jun 29

    Could Jeffco Schools Lose Millions in Federal Funding?

    What happens when federal Title IX requirements collide with Colorado law? In this episode of Learning Curve, Erin Brantley and Ross Izzard unpack one of the most significant education policy disputes currently unfolding in Colorado. Using Jefferson County Public Schools (Jeffco) as a case study, they explain how Title IX has evolved since its passage in 1972, why it has become the center of intense legal and political debate, and what happens when state and federal governments interpret the law differently. Erin and Ross explore how Title IX is enforced, why federal funding has become a key point of leverage, and whether a school district could realistically lose millions of dollars for refusing to comply with the federal government's current interpretation. They also discuss the constitutional questions surrounding federal authority, state law, and the practical challenges school districts face when caught between competing legal obligations. Whether you're a parent, educator, student, or simply interested in education policy, this episode provides a clear, balanced overview of a rapidly developing issue that could have lasting implications for schools in Colorado and across the country. Topics Covered: The history and purpose of Title IXHow Title IX has changed over timeWhy Jeffco is under federal investigationColorado law versus federal Title IX requirementsHow Title IX enforcement worksCould a school district actually lose federal funding?What happens next in the legal process? If you enjoy Learning Curve, be sure to follow the podcast and share this episode with someone interested in education, public policy, and the legal issues shaping our schools today.

    Could Jeffco Schools Lose Millions in Federal Funding?
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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
    24
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Independence Institute
  • Show Website
    Learning Curve