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. 4d ago

    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?

  2. 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?

  3. 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?

  4. 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?

  5. 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?

  6. Jun 22

    Even The Government Is Confused

    The Colorado legislative session may be over, but the work of education policy is far from finished. In this episode of Learning Curve, Ross Izzard and Erin Brantley explain what happens during the legislative interim, the often, overlooked period between sessions when state agencies, school districts, policymakers, and advocates work to interpret and implement new laws. From changes to school finance and homeschool enrichment programs to the rulemaking process that follows major legislation, the conversation explores why some of the most important policy decisions happen after lawmakers leave the Capitol. The discussion also examines the challenges facing the Colorado Department of Education as it works through a wave of legislative changes, the timeline for rulemaking, and how parents can stay informed about decisions that may affect their children and schools. Just because the legislature adjourned doesn't mean the policy debates have ended. In many ways, they're only beginning. Topics Discussed: What happens after the legislative session endsEducation policy during the interimSchool finance changes and implementationHomeschool enrichment program updatesRulemaking and regulatory guidanceHow parents can follow education policy developmentsWhat to expect before the next legislative session Learning Curve explores the policies, decisions, and debates shaping education in Colorado and beyond.

    Even The Government Is Confused

  7. Jun 15

    If Kids Can't Read By Third Grade

    Mississippi's education system was once ranked near the bottom in the nation. Today, it has become one of the most discussed literacy success stories in America. In this episode of Learning Curve, Erin Brantley and Ross Izzard examine Mississippi's remarkable improvement in reading scores and ask what Colorado can learn from it. The discussion compares Mississippi's Literacy-Based Promotion Act with Colorado's READ Act, explores the controversial issue of third-grade retention, and looks at the challenges of improving literacy outcomes through policy alone. The conversation also highlights the importance of parental involvement, summer learning loss, local control in education, and the difficult balance between accountability, funding, and student achievement. If reading proficiency is one of the strongest predictors of future academic success, what should schools, parents, and policymakers be doing differently? Join us for a thoughtful discussion on literacy, education reform, and the future of student success.

    If Kids Can't Read By Third Grade

  8. Jun 8

    Chaos At The End Of Session

    Colorado's legislative session may be over, but the debate surrounding homeschool enrichment programs is just getting started. In this episode of Learning Curve, Ross Izzard and Erin Brantley unpack the final days of Colorado's 2026 legislative session and the last-minute amendments that dramatically altered the future of part-time funding and homeschool enrichment programs across the state. As lawmakers rushed to finish their work before the constitutional deadline, major policy changes were adopted with little time for families, educators, and program leaders to fully understand their impact. The result is a landscape filled with uncertainty, new restrictions, unanswered questions, and an extensive rulemaking process that is only beginning. Ross explains how the legislature's changes could affect homeschool enrichment programs, charter schools, school districts, and BOCES programs moving forward. The conversation explores new geographic restrictions, funding concerns, grandfathering provisions for existing programs, and why many families may still be waiting for answers despite the session having officially ended. The hosts also discuss the role of the Colorado Department of Education, the upcoming rulemaking process, and why this issue is likely to remain a major education policy battle for years to come. Whether you're a homeschool parent, educator, school leader, policymaker, or simply interested in the future of education in Colorado, this episode provides important context for understanding one of the most significant education debates of the year. Learning Curve is Colorado's education podcast, bringing thoughtful conversations and analysis on school choice, education policy, charter schools, homeschooling, and the issues shaping opportunities for students and families across the state.

    Chaos At The End Of Session
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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
    21
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Independence Institute
  • Show Website
    Learning Curve