AACS Today

AACS
  • 4.8 (17)
  • EDUCATION
  • UPDATED SEMIMONTHLY

AACS Today is the official podcast from the American Association of Christian Schools. In each episode, we'll tackle the tough topics and questions facing Christian school leaders and teachers in the twenty-first century.

  1. 12/22/2025

    Update on the Federal School Choice Program

    On this episode, Matt and Jamison discuss the emerging federal school choice program, which is structured as a tax bill under the Treasury Department—not the Department of Education—and is projected to be a $25 billion annual initiative funded by private donations to Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGOs). The discussion centers on the crucial regulatory phase, where the Treasury Department is currently writing the program's rules and requesting public comments to determine participation criteria. The hosts also explore the political dynamics surrounding the federal program's requirement that governors must opt in annually, noting recent movements in Texas and Colorado. Finally, the efforts of the AACS office are detailed, including advocacy during the comment period and the establishment of the AACS Children's Scholarship Fund, anticipating the program’s effective date for receiving donations starting January 1, 2027. Listeners are encouraged to leave comments about the program by clicking here.

    34 min

  2. 12/08/2025

    Chloe's Story: From Gender Deception to Redemption

    On this episode, Jamison and Matt welcome Chloe Cole, an articulate 21-year-old woman passionately advocating against the practice of transitioning minors. Chloe shares her powerful, true story of undergoing medical gender transition between the ages of 12 and 16, which included puberty-suppressing drugs, high-dose testosterone, and a double mastectomy at age 15. She speaks with firsthand authority on the deeply traumatic effects of these "sex-denying procedures" and the consequences of medical professionals disregarding their oath to "do no harm." Chloe shares the isolation and alienation experienced in public school settings, the challenge parents face when seeking expert advice that often pushed instant affirmation, and the importance of affirming God's design and restoring the sanctity of family. She offers vital counsel to parents, urging them to teach their children critical thinking to inoculate them against ideological deceptions prevalent online. Chloe concludes by discussing her legislative advocacy, including the Chloe Cole Act, a federal effort to allow those harmed as minors to seek legal justice by reforming medical malpractice statute of limitations. Her testimony highlights her journey of healing and redemption found through faith in Christ.

    53 min

  3. 11/24/2025

    Next Steps in the DOE Closure

    In this episode, Matt and Jamison discuss the significant next steps announced by Secretary Linda McMahon in the effort to close the Department of Education. Since permanent closure requires Congress, the department is moving programs through inter-agency agreements with several programs transferring to other agencies including the State Department and Department of Labor. The hosts focus on the consequential move of elementary and secondary education to the Department of Labor, which raises concerns about balancing workforce preparation (like Career and Technical Education) with virtue development and knowledge acquisition. Programs statutorily required to remain at the DOE include the Office for Civil Rights (Title IX), Federal Student Aid, and Special Education. AACS schools are advised to anticipate changes regarding the administration of Title funding. The episode wraps up by celebrating Maureen Van Den Berg's 20-year milestone with AACS.

    26 min

  4. 11/17/2025

    The Ministry of Politics with Texas State Senator Phil King

    In this episode, Matt and Jamison welcome Texas State Senator Phil King—a respected Christian political leader representing constituents in Senate District 10—to discuss the major legislative battles shaping the state and the nation. Senator King provides deep insight into the Ten Commandments bill, which mandates the posting of the commandments in Texas public schools, and the ongoing legal challenges at the Fifth Circuit. The discussion pivots to the often-litigious and complex world of redistricting, including the effort to increase Republican congressional seats in Texas, and why Christians should be engaged in this political process Finally, Senator King details the historic passing of Texas' school choice bill, the largest rollout of its kind in American history, explaining its goal to offer options, competition, and funding to families in poorly performing districts This conversation underscores the "ministry of politics"—the duty of Christian men and women to be actively involved in government, an institution ordained by God for the good of society.

    32 min

  5. 11/10/2025

    Playing Footsies with Fuentes

    This episode of AACS Today dissects a public "dust up brewing" among conservative friends, viewed as a critical fight for the "soul of conservatism." The hosts analyze the debate over the quote "No enemies to my right" amidst current political realignments, discussing controversies involving key figures like Matt Walsh, Tucker Carlson, and the Heritage Foundation. Gain Christian perspective on this spiritual war and learn to discern truth by referencing the parables of the wheat and the tares and the sheep and the goats.

    40 min

  6. 11/03/2025

    The Carrot or the Stick?

    Trump versus Higher Education: Are colleges taking the bait? President Trump is using a high-stakes "carrot or the stick" approach to force reform. The stick? Civil rights investigations and taxing massive multi-billion-dollar endowments. The carrot? The Compact for Excellence in Higher Education. Signatories receive priority research grants for adopting merit-based admissions, freezing tuition costs, and protecting Title IX women's spaces from men. Only nine major institutions were offered this deal, and none have signed on as of yet. Critics claim Trump is politicizing federal funding. Don't miss AACS Today, Episode 103!

    33 min

  7. 10/27/2025

    Supreme Cases

    We analyze crucial Supreme Court challenges that could overturn restrictive state laws preventing professionally licensed counselors from offering therapeutic support that helps clients live peacefully with their biological sex. Hear the shocking reason a planned public rally related to these cases was abandoned—illustrating the dangerous threat of an "assassin’s veto" against conservative speech. Plus, we break down the high-stakes legal fight to protect women's sports by keeping them sex-specific. Protecting your family requires vigilance, and understanding these legal realities is crucial. Consider Christian education as a vital investment and defense against conflicting ideologies!

    35 min

  8. 10/20/2025

    The Third Religious Liberty Commission Hearing

    On this episode, Jamison and Matt celebrate President Trump’s effective diplomatic results in the Middle East while discussing the third Religious Liberty Commission hearing, noting a "remarkable shift" in the administration’s strong support for religious liberty, faith-based offices, and actively addressing bias against Christians. This hearing focused specifically on private and religious education, stressing the importance of learning "virtue" and "truth", while examining how non-discrimination laws concerning sexual orientation and gender identity threaten the essential autonomy of private schools. The episode also included a moving tribute to the late Charlie Kirk, recognizing his tremendous cultural influence and connection to Christian education, having been saved in a Christian school classroom.

    32 min
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4.8
out of 5
17 Ratings

About

AACS Today is the official podcast from the American Association of Christian Schools. In each episode, we'll tackle the tough topics and questions facing Christian school leaders and teachers in the twenty-first century.

Information

  • Creator
    AACS
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2025
  • Episodes
    108
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 AACS Today
  • Show Website
    AACS Today

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