Educating From the Heart

Florida Education Association

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EDUCATION
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Educating from the Heart — the Florida Education Association's monthly podcast — is your source for lively discussion from educators, parents and students on the issues that matter most to public education in Florida. Each episode you will hear the struggles and the successes in our schools directly from rank-and-file educators as well as local union leaders from around the state.

27/04/2023

Examining the Cost and Morals of Vouchers for All

Of all the education legislation passed this session, HB 1, the Universal Voucher bill, is likely to have the greatest long-term impact. In this episode of Educating from the Heart, we are joined by Norin Dollard, PhD, of the Florida Policy Institute and Rev. Dr. Russel Meyer, Executive Director of the Florida Council of Churches. Together, we discuss both the financial and the moral implications of Florida becoming the latest state to offer universal vouchers. * Episode 23 Show Notes: * Guests * Show Resources * Transcript Guests * Norín Dollard, PhD, Florida Policy Institute, Senior Policy Analyst * Rev. Dr. Russell Meyer, Executive Director Florida Council of Churches Resources * Educating from the Heart Episode 7: Vouchers for All, Buyer Beware--In this episode you'll hear why some Florida parents regret pulling their child out of public schools for a chance to grab a private school voucher. * Universal Vouchers in the News * Florida Won't Tell you What's Wrong at its Voucher Schools -- Unless we Pay $10,413 (April 26, 2023) * Arkansas Becomes Fifth State with Universal Education Opportunity. Which State Will be Next? (March 8, 2023): * Arizona: Half of Arizona Empowerment Scholarship Account students left public schools, latest data show (Feb 13, 2023) * What Sweden's Teacher Shortage Says About Privatizing Education. (Dec. 19, 2022) * Sweden: Is Sweden proof that school choice doesn’t improve education? (Feb 28, 2018) * Billionaires v Teachers: the Koch Brothers’ plan to starve public education (Sept. 07, 2018) * Milton Friedman on Vouchers (2003) Transcript Andrew Spar, FEA President: Hi, this is FEA President Andrew Spar. To stay on top of all the latest news and issues impacting our public schools, be sure to follow FEA on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. For more information on this podcast, visit www.feaweb.org/podcast. Announcer: Sharon: You're listening to Educating from the Heart. Thank you for joining our lively conversations with teachers, support professionals, parents, and students as they share issues that matter most in our public schools. Here are your hosts, Tina Dunbar and Luke Flint. Tina, Host: Welcome back to another episode of Educating from the Heart. I'd like to open up with a quote from Mark Twain. No man's life, liberty, or property are safe while the legislature is in session. I don't know if you've noticed it in the news, but Florida lawmakers have been busy at the state capi...
31/01/2023

Parent Power: Defending Children's Freedom to Learn

A growing number of Florida parents are expressing their opposition and concerns over the increasing list of books that are being removed from Florida public school classroom and district libraries. They say it’s another attack on education that could impede student success and push more educators out of the classroom.In this episode, you'll hear how these parents are mobilizing support and fighting back within their local communities. And you'll learn what you can do to become an education activist and join the movement to regain safe schools and the freedom for students to read, learn, and thrive. * Episode 22 Show Notes: * Guests * Show Resources * Transcript GuestsRaegan Miller: Public School Advocate and Parent Activist* email Raegan* Follow Raegan on Twitter* Read Raegan's column, Stand up for Our Public Schools, Don't be Distracted by Fake OutrageJabari Hosey: Parent & President of Families for Safe Schools-Brevard County* email Jabari* Read Jabari's column, Gov. DeSantis talks of freedom while Florida's schools and children sufferJen Cousins: Parent & Education Activist, Co-Founder of Florida Freedom to Read Project * Watch Jen's testimony about academic censorship in Florida to the House Oversight and Reform Subcommittee on Civil Rights * Watch Florida Mom is on a Mission to end Book Banning Resources* PEN America report shows Florida has 2nd highest number of school-related book bans* Florida Library Association (FLA) press statement in support of the freedom to read and the right to free speech. * FL Freedom to Read Project on Youtube * Public Voices for Public Schools TranscriptAndrew Spar, FEA President: Hi, this is FEA President Andrew Spar. To stay on top of all the latest news and issues impacting our public schools. Be sure to follow FEA on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. For more information on this podcast, visit www.feaweb.org/podcast.Announcer: Sharon: You're listening to Educating from the Heart. Thank you for joining our lively conversations with. Support professionals, parents, and students as they share issues that matter most in our public schools. Here are your hosts,
17/11/2022

Learning Political Activism Starts Here

Megan Betche has been teaching since 2004. Much has changed during that time; she notes that it is now harder than ever before to strike a work-life balance. The need to see a positive change led Betche to step outside her comfort zone and run for political office.In this episode of Educating from the Heart, we talk with Betche about her successes, her challenges, and her view of what public service should be about. * Episode 21 Show Notes: * Guests * Show Resources * Transcript GuestMegan Betche, Seminole County ESE teacher ResourcesSee Educators Run Candidate Training, NEAHundreds of Teachers Ran for Office, Education WeekMegan Betche Candidate Profile, Orlando Sentinel Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District TranscriptAndrew Spar, FEA President: Hi, this is FEA president Andrew Spar. To stay on top of all the latest news and issues impacting our public schools, be sure to follow FEA on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. For more information on this podcast, visit feaweb.org/podcast Sharon Nesvig: You're listening to Educating from the Heart. Thank you for joining our lively conversations with teachers, support professionals, parents, and students, as they share issues that matter most in our public schools. Here are your hosts, Tina Dunbar and Luke Flynt. Tina Dunbar, Host: Welcome back to another edition of Educating from the Heart. Thanks for listening. Luke, I have a puzzling question, which I believe you'd be able to provide some clarity. We've recently completed local, state and congressional elections, where we asked educators to identify and select candidates who support students and public education. We urged them to talk with their family and friends to choose the best candidates for their schools for teachers and for support staff, and to talk with those who have some knowledge of the ongoing issues and concerns that educators face. Well, to my surprise, I received pushback from some who stated that school employees should not be actively involved in politics.Well, Luke, that doesn't make sense, especially when you consider every decision made in public education begins with an elected official. I just don't get it. Everyone employed in public service, especially education need to be engaged in the political process to actively advocate for themselves, for their profession and their livelihood.Luke Flynt, Host: You know, Tina, when I started my teaching career, I didn't see myself as a very political person, but what happened is I realized that the over-testing that my students were facing was a policy choice, that my low pay was a policy choice, that Florida being last in the nation and student funding is a policy choice.And when we look at today's current environment, from book banning to the attacks on LGBTQ students and staff, those are policy decisions. And whenever there is a policy decision that negatively impacts you, you really have three choices: number one,
07/10/2022

Episode 20: Freedom to Learn

Like most Floridians, Charlie Crist and Karla Hernandez believe every child in Florida should have the freedom to learn and to thrive. Together, they have a plan to improve the lives of Florida's students and educators alike. In this month’s episode of Educating from the Heart, we talk with them about how they will increase educators’ pay and retirement benefits and lower healthcare costs while also making sure educators have the time, resources and freedom they need to do their jobs. * Episode 20 Show Notes: * Guests * Show Resources * Transcript /*! elementor - v3.10.1 - 17-01-2023 */ body.elementor-page .elementor-widget-menu-anchor{margin-bottom:0} Guests Congressman Charlie Crist, candidate for governor United Teachers of Dade President Karla Hernandez, candidate for lieutenant governor Resources * Crist/Hernandez Freedom to Learn plan* 'Parental Rights' movement leaves out these Florida parents (USA Today)* Ron DeSantis targets teachers with demagoguing and fear-mongering (Florida Politics) * Gov. Ron DeSantis leads a nationwide shift to politicize school board races (Georgia Public Broadcasting)* Protecting Public Education in the 2022 Election (NEA) Transcript Andrew Spar, FEA President: Hi, this is FEA president Andrew Spar. To stay on top of all the latest news and issues impacting our public schools, be sure to follow FEA on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. For more information on this podcast, visit FEAweb.org/podcast. Sharon Nesvig: You're listening to Educating from the Heart. Thank you for joining our lively conversations with support professionals, parents and students as they share issues that matter most in our public schools. Here are your hosts, Tina Dunbar and Luke Flynt. Tina Dunbar, Host: Welcome back to Educating from the Heart. I'm Tina here with Luke, and we've been spending a lot of time thinking about voting, and we're watching for our vote by mail ballots. Luke, have you received your mail ballot?Luke Flynt, Host: I am so excited, Tina, because not only have I received my vote by mail ballot, on my ballot are two people at the top of the ticket who we know will support students, educators, and public education. We sat down with them recently for episode 20 of our podcast with Charlie Crist and Karla Hernandez. Tina: FEA President Andrew Spar kicks off our podcast conversation.Andrew Spar, FEA President: So, it is so exciting today to have the next governor of the state of Florida join us, Charlie Crist. And as an educator what we know about Charlie Crist is when he was governor, he chose to stand on the side of teachers, staff, and students in the state of Florida at a really crucial point in public education in the state of Florida. He understands the importance of pay, being able to pay your rent, pay for your bills. He understands the importance of making sure you have the right to do your job in the classroom.
09/09/2022

Art Makes the World Go Round

We kick off this year in conversation with Alex McKean, an art teacher from St. Johns County. As you’ll hear her explain, even pre-kindergarten art class is not immune from the culture wars certain politicians are waging on public education.Nonetheless, she has a hopeful vision for the future and works to make sure her art classroom is a place where all students have fun while learning new skills and gain confidence in themselves. * Episode 19 Show Notes: * Guest * Show Resources * Transcript GuestAlex McKean, Art teacher, St. Johns County Resources* Arts Curriculum – St. Johns County School District (stjohns.k12.fl.us)* Visual Arts Resources (fldoe.org)* Arts in Education - Division of Arts and Culture - Florida Department of State (myflorida.com)* Arts Education Matters: We Know, We Measured It (Opinion) (edweek.org)* The Arts and Achievement in At-Risk Youth: Findings from Four Longitudinal Studies* New evidence of the benefits of arts education (brookings.edu) TranscriptAndrew Spar, FEA President: Hi, this is FEA president Andrew Spar. To stay on top of all the latest news and issues impacting our public schools, be sure to follow FEA on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. For more information on this podcast, visit feaweb.org/podcast Sharon Nesvig: You're listening to Educating from the Heart. Thank you for joining our lively conversations with teachers, support professionals, parents, and students, as they share issues that matter most in our public schools. Here are your hosts, Tina Dunbar and Luke Flynt. Tina Dunbar: Welcome back to another new season of Educating from the Heart. I'm Tina, here with my cohost, Luke. And we’re kicking off the start of a brand-new school year, as close to 3 million Florida students head back to their classrooms. And I bet you can relate to this, Luke. This is an exciting and busy time of the year for parents, students, and for teachers too.Luke Flynt: You are absolutely right, Tina. As a teacher, there was nothing more exciting to me than the start of a new school year. the first day of school was one of my favorite days of the entire calendar year. It was actually my favorite time of the entire calendar year. There was just no other time where you have that sense of joy and hope and optimism of what a new year can bring. I also really looked forward to the start of a new school year as a student.In particular, I looked forward to my band class with Mr. Sammons. He did such a great job of creating a sense of community, a sense of camaraderie that we all wanted to be back together at the start of a new school year.Tina: That sounds like a really wonderful experience, you know, as a parent, it's all about preparing your child for school and completing all the paperwork at the beginning of the school year. And with the recent changes to the law,
27/05/2022

The Value of Experience

As the third Covid-impacted school year draws to a close, we sat down with two experienced teachers to get their take on this school year and the importance of cultivating positive relationships with parents and students.It's a heartwarming discussion that highlights the passion and dedication of Florida's teachers and shines a light on the value of experience. * Episode 18 Show Notes: * Guests * Show Resources * Transcript /*! elementor - v3.10.1 - 17-01-2023 */ body.elementor-page .elementor-widget-menu-anchor{margin-bottom:0} GuestsMorgan Mousley, English teacher, Creekside High School, St. Augustine Megan Young, English teacher, Tocio Creek High School, St. AugustineResources* Join your local union * Future Educators of America* FEA's 2022 Legislative Session Report TranscriptAndrew Spar, FEA President: Hi, this is FEA President, Andrew Spar. To stay on top of all the latest news and issues impacting our public schools, be sure to follow FEA on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. For more information on this podcast, visit FEAweb.org/podcast.Sharon Nesvig: You're listening to Educating from the Heart. Thank you for joining our lively conversations with support professionals, parents and students as they share issues that matter most in our public schools. Here are your hosts, Tina Dunbar and Luke Flynt.Tina Dunbar, Host: Hello, and welcome back to Educating from the Heart. I'm Tina here with my co-host, Luke.Luke Flynt, Host: Hey, Tina. Tina: Well, Luke, you know, May is a very special month for teachers, and I'm not referring to the end of the school year or summer vacation. I'm talking about a special event that encourages us to pause for a moment and reflect on the people who work in our schools and contribute so much to our children's lives.And while that moment is only a week showing teachers and all educators that we appreciate their work is an act that needs to occur throughout the school year. Of course, Luke, we all know that showing a little gratitude and appreciation really goes a long way.Luke: It really does. And showing that appreciation is important, perhaps now more than ever because when you talk with teachers, you will hear that so many of them, especially experienced educators, feel that this year has been the most difficult of their careers. Between the stress of teaching during a global pandemic, the seemingly endless attacks from certain politicians, outrageous testing policies that negatively impact teaching and outside groups trying to form a wedge between parents and teachers, I can certainly understand why this year has been so hard.Tina: And to complicate the situation, some parents who homeschooled their children during the pandemic now believe they know the teaching experience and understand the pressure points and frustrations that classroom teachers face. Yet during many of our podcasts, Luke, you know our listeners heard from teachers who shared their feelings of being misunderstood, unheard and above all disrespected. Teachers have told us one of the main reasons they walk away is poor working conditions, unreasonable demands,
20/04/2022

Episode 17: Crossing the Divide

While education should not be partisan, it is most definitely political. From dictating what can, and cannot, be taught to developing laws that constrain pay raises for experienced teachers, politicians have inserted themselves into every aspect of public education in Florida.For the past few legislative sessions, members of FEA’s Republican Cadre have been working to build relationships with their legislators in the hopes of influencing legislation in a positive way.On this episode of Educating from the Heart, we sit down with three members of the cadre to discuss their challenges and successes and the importance of every educator joining in union to advocate for what is best for students. * Episode 17 Show Notes: * Guests * Show Resources * Transcript /*! elementor - v3.10.1 - 17-01-2023 */ body.elementor-page .elementor-widget-menu-anchor{margin-bottom:0} GuestsMary Rivera, Marion County Middle School ELA teacher Shiela Watson, Suwannee County PreK-MTSS Coordinator Patrick Strong, President Okaloosa Education Staff Professionals Resources* FEA's 2022 Voter Toolkit* Learn more about the 2022 legislative session by read FEA's 2022 End of Session Report* Look up your elected officials here* FEA's 2022 Legislative Agenda Transcript Andrew Spar, FEA President: Hi, this is FEA president Andrew Spar. To stay on top of all the latest news and issues impacting our public schools, be sure to follow FEA on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. For more information on this podcast, visit feaweb.org/podcastSharon Nesvig: You're listening to Educating from the Heart. Thank you for joining our lively conversations with teachers, support professionals, parents, and students, as they share issues that matter most in our public schools. Here are your hosts, Tina Dunbar and Luke Flynt.Tina Dunbar, Host: Welcome back! I’m Tina here with Luke. So good to be with you again.Luke Flynt, Host: Always great to be with you, Tina. We have made it through another legislative session. Again, this year education was a focus of the governor and of lawmakers and the partisan divide was quite evident, especially when it comes to issues dealing with race, gender, and sexual orientation.Tina: Yes. This session was a bit unusual, especially being a year in which many of these legislators, including the governor, are up for reelection. Normally, it's business as usual: legislators, rush in, quickly move through session and head straight to the campaign trail, but it was quite different this year.I'm telling you, Luke, Florida is caught up in this nationwide trend of public education attacks. And parents are being used as a tool to create a major divide between educators and the communities where they work and live. Even worse, the result could have a negative impact on students, teachers and the entire school community.It's why it's so important for all school employees to feel empowered, to speak up and advocate for themselves throughout the school year, talking about what's going on in their schools and what's happening with their students. It doesn't matter if you’re new to the job or you’re experienced, if you're a teacher,
10/02/2022

Assess the Test, Part II

Our conversation about testing was so robust that we broke it into two parts. Did you miss the first part of "Assess the Test"? Listen to it here.The impact standardized testing has on students, educators and school communities extends long beyond test day.In Part II of Assess the Test, we move beyond talking about the tests themselves and discuss the overall accountability system.Join us for this exploration of how 20 years of "accountability" in Florida have drained the joy out of teaching and learning. * Episode 16 Show Notes: * Guests * Show Resources * Transcript /*! elementor - v3.10.1 - 17-01-2023 */ body.elementor-page .elementor-widget-menu-anchor{margin-bottom:0} GuestsAnthony Colucci, President Brevard Federation of TeachersVicki Kidwell, President Clay County Education Association Bethany Koch, High school English teacher from Clay CountyMatt Yount, Teacher from Brevard County Resources* More information on the legislation that will create the new tests* Beyond the Bubble: Americans Want Change on High Stakes Assessments * Moving Beyond the Failure of Test-Based Accountability* Florida Department of Education: Florida Assessment of Student Thinking (note: many of the promises made on this webpage about the new test are not included in the proposed legislation) TranscriptAndrew Spar, FEA President: Hi, this is FEA president Andrew Spar. To stay on top of all the latest news and issues impacting our public schools, be sure to follow FEA on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. For more information on this podcast, visit FEAweb.org/podcast.Sharon Nesvig: You're listening to Educating from the Heart. Thank you for joining our lively conversations with support professionals, parents and students as they share issues that matter most in our public schools. Here are your hosts, Tina Dunbar and Luke Flynt.Luke Flynt, Host: Welcome to another episode of Educating from the Heart. I am Luke Flynt, along with my cohost, Tina Dunbar. And Tina, you know, schools are the place where a childhood happens, where students get to explore their creativity, learn to think critically and develop the skills they will need to succeed in life and in the workplace. Or at least that's what they should be.Tina Dunbar, Host: You're so right, Luke. And in our last episode, we chatted with four educators about Florida's transition away from the FSA to a new testing system. While many educators are excited about the shift, many also shared their concern that this might be more of the same, a new name without major changes to the test itself.In the second part of our conversation, we'll focus less on the tests themselves and more on the overall accountability system. Our educators even address how testing has transformed our schools from places of joy and creativity to a place filled with anxiety due to the intense focus on standardized assessments.You know, Luke, you are so right. Life is so much more than knowing the right answers to a series of multiple-choice questions.Luke: It absolutely is. There is so much about our students that cannot be measured but is still very important to...

19 min
04/02/2022

Episode 15: Assess the Test

Don't miss part 2 of "Assess The Test": Our conversation about testing was so robust that we decided to continue it to a second episode. Listen to the 2nd part of here.Change is coming to Florida's system of standardized testing. Parents, students and educators alike are wondering if we will see the significant changes that are needed to create a system that actually works towards improving teaching and learning or if this will be just the same old testing regime with a new name. Join us for part one of a two part series where we Assess the Test. * Episode 15 Show Notes: * Guests * Show Resources * Transcript GuestsAnthony Colucci, President Brevard Federation of TeachersVicki Kidwell, President Clay County Education Association Bethany Koch, High school English teacher from Clay CountyMatt Yount, Teacher from Brevard County Resources* More information on the legislation that will create the new tests* Beyond the Bubble: Americans Want Change on High Stakes Assessments * Moving Beyond the Failure of Test-Based Accountability* Florida Department of Education: Florida Assessment of Student Thinking (note: many of the promises made on this webpage about the new test are not included in the proposed legislation) TranscriptAndrew Spar, FEA President: Hi, this is FEA President, Andrew Spar. To stay on top of all the latest news and issues impacting our public schools, be sure to follow FEA on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. For more information on this podcast, visit FEAweb.org/podcast.Sharon Nesvig: You're listening to Educating from the Heart. Thank you for joining our lively conversations with teachers, support professionals, parents and students, as they share issues that matter most in our public schools. Here are your hosts, Tina Dunbar and Luke Flynt.Tina Dunbar, Host Welcome to another episode of Educating from the Heart. I'm Tina Dunbar with my cohost, Luke Flynt. So Luke, can you name your favorite educator, one who had a really big impact on you?Luke Flynt, Host: Oh, absolutely. Mr. Powell was my fifth grade teacher at Glendale Elementary, and he's actually the reason I became a teacher. I wanted to be just like him when I grew up. How about you?Tina: Well, several come to mind, but Señor Milliones, he was my Spanish teacher. He really stands out. He was the best, no matter what was going on with the students, he was always there to inspire you and push you forward. So, can you remember your favorite class?Luke: Favorite class? That's a little tougher, you know, I'm a bit of a nerd. I enjoyed almost all of my classes. If I had to choose one, I would probably be History of the English language. I actually loved it so much, I took it as an undergrad and then again at the graduate level.Tina: Wow, that sounds interesting. I might have to get a lesson from you on that. So, one more question: Can you remember your favorite standardized test? I'm sure you've got a few to choose from.Luke: No, no, absolutely not. “Favorite” and “standardized tests” don't really belong in the same sentence. You know, Tina, I was really fortunate that I graduated from public school in Florida befor...

29 min
07/01/2022

Episode 14: Teaching Accurate History

While some politicians have tried to limit what students can learn when it comes to America’s history, Rep. Geraldine Thompson (D-Orlando) has been advocating for a fuller teaching of Black history in Florida’s schools for years. We sat down with her recently to discuss why this issue is so important to her and why students need to be taught Black history year-round, not just on special occasions like Dr. King’s birthday or Black History Month. * Episode 14 Show Notes: * Guest * Show Resources * Transcript /*! elementor - v3.10.1 - 17-01-2023 */ body.elementor-page .elementor-widget-menu-anchor{margin-bottom:0} GuestRep. Geraldine Thompson (D-Orlando) Resources * HB 51 Required Instruction in the History of the Holocaust and the History of African Americans* Some schools may not be teaching African American history or other courses required by law but there’s no consequences (Florida Phoenix)* Florida School District Curriculum Reports Show Gaps In Black History Education (2020) (WUFT)* HB 233 Academic Freedom Survey Transcript[00:00:00]Andrew Spar, FEA President: Hi, this is FEA President Andrew Spar. To stay on top of all the latest news and issues impacting our public schools. Be sure to follow FEA on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. For more information on this podcast, visit feaweb.org/podcast.[00:00:17]Sharon Nesvig, announcer: You're listening to Educating from the Heart. Thank you for joining our lively conversations with teachers, support professionals, parents and students, as they share issues that matter most in our public schools. Here are your hosts, Tina Dunbar and Luke Flynt.[00:00:43] Sen. James Hargett: One of the greatest privileges I've had as a state Senator in the state of Florida is to have a participated along with Representative Bradley in sponsoring the legislation to require the teaching of African-American history in the schools of Florida. I believe that it will help our young people in the state know their history. As I stated on the floor in the Senate, you can't know where you're going, unless you know where you're coming from. I also believe that you can't teach the history of America truly without teaching the history of African-Americans as a central part of it. And for that reason, I'm very proud to participate.[00:01:28] Tina Dunbar, Host: Those are the words of former state Senator James Hargett who sponsored the 1994 legislation requiring Florida schools to add African-American history to the curriculum. Welcome to Educating from the Heart I'm Tina Dunbar with my cohost Luke Flynt.So, Luke, we began the last episode with a history lesson. So let's start this one with a quick quiz. What do you think about that? Well, you know, you can't work in education without a few assessments here and there. What do you remember learning about African-American history in school? I grew up in another state. And when I think about it, most of my learning came from my family and from within my community.

24 min

10 Episodes

Creator

Florida Education Association
Years Active

2020 - 2023
Episodes

10
Rating

Clean
Show Website

Educating From the Heart

Educating From the Heart

Episodes

Examining the Cost and Morals of Vouchers for All

Parent Power: Defending Children's Freedom to Learn

Learning Political Activism Starts Here

Episode 20: Freedom to Learn

Art Makes the World Go Round

The Value of Experience

Episode 17: Crossing the Divide

Assess the Test, Part II

Episode 15: Assess the Test

Episode 14: Teaching Accurate History

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