Learning Curve

Independence Institute

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. 6d ago

    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.

  2. 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?

  3. 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

  4. 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?

  5. Aug 31

    Colorado Gave Homeschool Programs DAYS to Survive

    Colorado’s homeschool enrichment programs are facing a sudden deadline that could leave thousands of students and families in limbo. After a major organization responsible for authorizing many of these programs was forced to dissolve, dozens of homeschool enrichment programs were thrown into uncertainty. Programs that spent hundreds of hours seeking approval were told their applications would no longer be reviewed, leaving many scrambling to find a new authorizer before a September 5 deadline. Normally, finding a new school or district willing to authorize a program can take months. Now, some programs are being asked to accomplish it in a matter of days, all while the school year is already getting underway. In this episode of Learning Curve, Erin Brantley and Ross Izard break down how Colorado reached this point, why the deadline is creating so much uncertainty, and what could happen to the homeschool students and families caught in the middle. With tens of thousands of students potentially affected, the bigger question is: how many of these programs will be able to survive?

    Colorado Gave Homeschool Programs DAYS to Survive

  6. Aug 24

    When Does “Free” School Lunch Get Too Expensive?

    Colorado has committed to providing free school meals to students regardless of household income, but what happens when the cost keeps growing? Erin Brantley and Ross Izard examine Colorado’s Healthy School Meals for All program, the additional funding voters have approved, and the difficult question of how much taxpayers are ultimately willing to spend. They also look beyond the price tag. Are students actually eating the meals? Is the food meeting parents’ expectations? And what should families be asking their schools about where the food comes from and how their nutrition programs operate? It’s a conversation about good intentions, rising costs, accountability, and whether Colorado’s universal school meal program can remain sustainable.

    When Does “Free” School Lunch Get Too Expensive?

  7. Aug 17

    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?

  8. 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
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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
    30
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Independence Institute
  • Show Website
    Learning Curve