What I Want to Know, with Kevin P. Chavous

Stride, Inc.
  • 4.9 (157)
  • EDUCATION
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Welcome to ‘What I Want to Know’, one of the most downloaded K-12 education podcasts in the country! Listen in with our host, Kevin P. Chavous, as he connects with innovators and leaders who share practical, transformative solutions to the biggest challenges in education today. As America rethinks the future of schooling, Kevin explores emerging needs and possibilities, for students and educators alike, through short, stimulating conversations. Subscribe to ‘What I Want to Know’ on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform, and leave a rating and review so we can bring you more of the topics you want to hear about!

  1. 1D AGO

    How Community and School Choice Transformed Denisha Merriweather’s Life

    In this episode, host Kevin P. Chavous introduces Denisha Merriweather, founder of Black Minds Matter and a leading advocate for education freedom. Her path includes failing third grade twice, growing up amid instability, earning a scholarship, and becoming the first in her family to graduate from college before completing a master’s degree. The theme is second chances in education reform, and the promise is access and dignity for every child, especially those too often left behind. Key Moments [00:00] Failing third grade twice and early struggles [03:00] Poverty, instability, and how it shaped her learning [06:00] A godmother’s support and the chance of a scholarship [08:30] Finding a school culture that believed in her [11:30] First in her family to graduate college and earn a master’s [13:00] From personal story to national advocacy [16:00] Founding Black Minds Matter and building a directory of schools [21:00] Why diverse school leaders matter for real choice [25:00] Hopes and concerns for the future of education freedom Guest Denisha Merriweather — Founder, Black Minds Matter; education reform advocate; former U.S. Dept. of Education staffer First in her family to earn a college degree; later completed a master’s Testified before Congress; active national voice on education freedom Founded Black Minds Matter in 2020 to uplift Black school founders Led work documenting 500+ Black-founded schools across the U.S. Resources Mentioned Black Minds Matter — National initiative uplifting Black school founders — https://blackmindsmatter.net Step Up For Students — Florida scholarship granting organization — https://www.stepupforstudents.org National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) — U.S. education data — https://www.nationsreportcard.gov Connect with Denisha Company: https://blackmindsmatter.net Socials: LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/denisha-merriweather-a0521820b X / Twitter — https://x.com/DenishaMweather Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/deni_mweather/ Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/denisha.b.merriweather/   Explore K12-Powered Education & Career Pathways K12’s innovative programs give students a head start on their future. Enrollment is now open! Join over 3 million students who have chosen K12-powered tuition-free online public schooling for a flexible, personalized learning experience—all from the safety of home. ✅ State-certified teachers trained in virtual instruction ✅ Accredited curriculum supporting all learners, including advanced students & those with special needs ✅ Career-focused programs, including healthcare pathways & more ✅ More family time, stronger class connections, and academic success Apply today to secure your spot and see why families trust K12 for their child’s education. 🔗 Learn more about K12’s career pathways: https://go.k12.com/mps/national/podcast/?adobe_mc=MCMID%3D11001665815673379801328021772854664479 🔗 Discover K12 Tutoring for personalized academic support: https://tutoring.k12.com/?utm_source=k12&utm_medium=organic-social&utm_campaign=k12-podcast-tutoring-feb-25 Join the Conversation Got thoughts on virtual learning and special education? 📢 Use #WIWTK to share your perspective. 📱 Follow us: 🔹 Twitter/X – https://x.com/wiwtkpodcast 🔹 Facebook –https://www.facebook.com/wiwtkpodcast 🔹 Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/wiwtkpodcast/ 🎧 Enjoyed this episode? Leave a review—let’s reshape the conversation around education.

    34 min

  2. SEP 24

    Shaka Mitchell on How Federal Legislation Could Transform Education

    In this episode of What I Want to Know, host Kevin P. Chavous sits down with Shaka Mitchell, Senior Fellow at the American Federation for Children and a national leader in education reform. From classrooms to courtrooms, Shaka has been at the center of the fight for school choice, charter schools, and equitable education policy. Together, they explore whether choice truly expands opportunity, how legislation is reshaping access, and what the future of education innovation might look like. Chapters [00:00] Introduction & framing the debate [01:10] Shaka Mitchell’s personal education story [03:50] How inequities sparked the school choice movement [05:31] Is choice enough to ensure quality? [06:36] Why choice can be catalytic for students [09:34] Ensuring access for underserved families [12:50] School choice across rural and urban America [15:22] Regulation, charter schools, and innovation [18:26] What true innovation in schools could look like [24:30] Finding common ground in a divided system [27:51] What’s next for school choice and federal programs Useful Links Learn more about Shaka Mitchell and the American Federation for Children: https://www.federationforchildren.org Explore K12-powered schools: https://www.k12.com/podcast Learn more about Stride, Inc. and online education: https://www.stridelearning.com Follow Kevin P. Chavous on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinpchavous Join the Conversation Got thoughts on virtual learning and special education? 📢 Use #WIWTK to share your perspective. 📱 Follow us: 🔹 Twitter/X – https://x.com/wiwtkpodcast 🔹 Facebook –https://www.facebook.com/wiwtkpodcast 🔹 Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/wiwtkpodcast/ 🎧 Enjoyed this episode? Leave a review—let’s reshape the conversation around education.

    30 min

  3. SEP 10

    From Prison to PhD: David Heiber’s Fight to Change Urban Schools and Inspire Hope

    Every once in a while, there's a story that stops you in your tracks - a reminder of what's possible when someone refuses to let their circumstances define them. In this episode, host Kevin P. Chavous shares one of those stories with David Heiber, CEO and founder of Concentric. David's journey reads like something out of a movie: from serving time in prison to earning a doctorate, from being pushed out of the education system to helping over 70,000 students find their way back in. This isn't just a conversation about second chances—it's about what happens when someone decides to go against the tide, stop waiting for the system to fix itself, and build something that actually works for the kids who need it most. Guest David Heiber - CEO and Founder of Concentric, educational entrepreneur, author, advocate Key Moments [00:00] Prison-to-Doctorate Journey [07:00] The Judge Who Changed Everything [12:30] From Rejection to Reinvention [19:00] Founding Concentric [23:00] 500,000 Home Visits [27:00] Scaling to 20 States [32:00] The Future of Urban Education Resources Mentioned Concentric — David’s education company: https://concentriced.org Lincoln University — The HBCU that gave David his second chance: https://www.lincoln.edu New Schools Venture Fund — Early backer of Concentric: https://www.newschools.org Temple University — Where David studied Afrocentricity under Molefi Asante: https://www.temple.edu Connect with David Heiber Company: https://concentriced.org Book: Available through major retailers; accessible follow-up Eccentricity coming soon Explore K12-Powered Education & Career Pathways K12’s innovative programs give students a head start on their future. Enrollment is now open! Join over 3 million students who have chosen K12-powered tuition-free online public schooling for a flexible, personalized learning experience—all from the safety of home. ✅ State-certified teachers trained in virtual instruction ✅ Accredited curriculum supporting all learners, including advanced students & those with special needs ✅ Career-focused programs, including healthcare pathways & more ✅ More family time, stronger class connections, and academic success Apply today to secure your spot and see why families trust K12 for their child’s education. 🔗 Learn more about K12’s career pathways: https://go.k12.com/mps/national/podcast/?adobe_mc=MCMID%3D11001665815673379801328021772854664479 🔗 Discover K12 Tutoring for personalized academic support: https://tutoring.k12.com/?utm_source=k12&utm_medium=organic-social&utm_campaign=k12-podcast-tutoring-feb-25 Join the Conversation Got thoughts on virtual learning and special education? 📢 Use #WIWTK to share your perspective. 📱 Follow us: 🔹 Twitter/X – https://x.com/wiwtkpodcast 🔹 Facebook –https://www.facebook.com/wiwtkpodcast 🔹 Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/wiwtkpodcast/ 🎧 Enjoyed this episode? Leave a review—let’s reshape the conversation around education.

    34 min

  4. AUG 27

    Corey DeAngelis on Building Political Momentum for School Choice

    Corey DeAngelis joins Kevin P. Chavous to unpack the rapid rise of the education freedom movement. They explore school choice’s impact on public schools, bipartisan momentum, the role of teachers’ unions, and how personalized learning will reshape education’s future. Corey DeAngelis is a leading voice in the school choice movement, a researcher, author, and advocate for giving parents control over their children’s education. He currently serves as a senior fellow at the American Federation for Children and is affiliated with multiple education policy think tanks.   Chapters 00:00 – The Winds Are Shifting 00:13 – What Drives School Choice 01:00 – Corey’s Path to Advocacy 02:10 – Key Research Findings 03:51 – Leaving Academia 05:51 – Growing Support Nationwide 08:48 – Union Resistance 09:30 – Public School Gains 23:20 – The Future of Personalized Learning   Explore K12-Powered Education & Career Pathways K12’s innovative programs give students a head start on their future. Enrollment is now open! Join over 3 million students who have chosen K12-powered tuition-free online public schooling for a flexible, personalized learning experience—all from the safety of home. ✅ State-certified teachers trained in virtual instruction ✅ Accredited curriculum supporting all learners, including advanced students & those with special needs ✅ Career-focused programs, including healthcare pathways & more ✅ More family time, stronger class connections, and academic success Apply today to secure your spot and see why families trust K12 for their child’s education. 🔗 Learn more about K12’s career pathways: https://go.k12.com/mps/national/podcast/?adobe_mc=MCMID%3D11001665815673379801328021772854664479 🔗 Discover K12 Tutoring for personalized academic support: https://tutoring.k12.com/?utm_source=k12&utm_medium=organic-social&utm_campaign=k12-podcast-tutoring-feb-25 Join the Conversation Got thoughts on virtual learning and special education? 📢 Use #WIWTK to share your perspective. 📱 Follow us: 🔹 Twitter/X – https://x.com/wiwtkpodcast 🔹 Facebook –https://www.facebook.com/wiwtkpodcast 🔹 Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/wiwtkpodcast/ 🎧 Enjoyed this episode? Leave a review—let’s reshape the conversation around education.

    29 min

  5. JUL 30

    What It Takes to Run One of America’s Largest Virtual Schools With Kris Stewart

    Kris Stewart leads Ohio Virtual Academy, the largest high school in the state and one of just two virtual schools in the U.S. with a RAMP-certified counseling program. With 17,000 students and 750 staff, she’s proving that online learning can deliver real connection, support, and results. In this episode, Kris joins Kevin to share how her team tracks student well-being daily, supports mental health with wraparound services, and helps students earn industry credentials before they even graduate. She also explains how AI, co-teaching pods, and intentional leadership keep students engaged and why real student success starts with paying attention. If you want to understand what virtual education looks like at scale and how to do it right this is the episode to hear. Chapters 00:00 – OHVA is one of two RAMP-certified virtual schools 01:35 – Kristin’s path into teaching and leadership 04:00 – Leading a school of 17,000 with care and purpose 07:00 – Supporting student mental health 12:00 – Building real community online 14:00 – Why engagement starts with adults 17:00 – Using AI and teaching critical thinking 21:00 – Career paths, certifications, and job readiness 25:00 – Kristin’s vision for modern education Join the Conversation Share your thoughts with #WIWTK Follow us: Twitter/X – @wiwtkpodcast Facebook – facebook.com/wiwtkpodcast Instagram – @wiwtkpodcast Enjoyed the episode? Leave a review and help us rethink what school can be.

    29 min

  6. JUL 16

    How MedCerts Is Training Teens for In-Demand Healthcare Jobs With Jennifer Kolb

    In this episode, Kevin sits down with Jennifer Kolb, Vice President of Workforce Development at MedCerts, to examine a growing question: What if college isn’t the only path to a good career? They dive into how MedCerts is helping high school students land well-paying jobs in healthcare—no four-year degree required. From AI-powered training to employer-backed certifications, Jen shares how this new model is reshaping how students prepare for work, and why school systems—and employers—are paying attention. They also unpack the rise of career exploration in high school, how virtual learning is filling CTE gaps in rural communities, and why more hospitals are looking to students, not job boards, to solve their talent shortages. If the goal is employment—not just education—then maybe it’s time we rethink the route entirely. This might be what you want to know. What You’ll Learn 02:00 – How Jen’s brother’s welding career changed her view on success 04:00 – Why Gen Z is questioning the college-default mindset 07:00 – The TikTok effect: new ambitions, new paths 09:00 – Inside MedCerts: what it is, how it works, and who it helps 12:00 – How schools and employers partner to build career pathways 15:00 – Virtual healthcare training—with AI-powered patient simulations 20:00 – What students gain: faster job access and a foot in the door 24:00 – Jen’s advice to teens unsure about their future Go Deeper with Jennifer Kolb Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-kolb Explore MedCerts: https://medcerts.com Explore K12-Powered Education & Career Pathways K12’s innovative programs give students a head start on their future. Enrollment is now open! Join over 3 million students who have chosen K12-powered tuition-free online public schooling for a flexible, personalized learning experience—all from the safety of home. ✅ State-certified teachers trained in virtual instruction ✅ Accredited curriculum supporting all learners, including advanced students & those with special needs ✅ Career-focused programs, including healthcare pathways & more ✅ More family time, stronger class connections, and academic success Apply today to secure your spot and see why families trust K12 for their child’s education. 🔗 Learn more about K12’s career pathways: https://go.k12.com/mps/national/podcast/?adobe_mc=MCMID%3D11001665815673379801328021772854664479 Join the Conversation Got thoughts on virtual learning and special education? 📢 Use #WIWTK to share your perspective. 📱 Follow us: 🔹 Twitter/X – https://x.com/wiwtkpodcast 🔹 Facebook –https://www.facebook.com/wiwtkpodcast 🔹 Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/wiwtkpodcast/ 🎧 Enjoyed this episode? Leave a review—let’s reshape the conversation around education.

    30 min

  7. JUL 2

    Can AI Tutors Fix What Schools Can’t? With Vida C. Williams

    In this episode, Kevin sits down with Vida Williams, Chief Data Officer at Stride, to explore the promise—and risks—of artificial intelligence in education. From personalized tutoring to curatorial learning, they dive into how AI is reshaping what it means to teach, learn, and build trust in a digital world. They discuss how AI can reduce teacher overload, personalize instruction, and expand access—but also unpack why how we build it matters as much as what we build. And in a world where machines are getting better at guiding student learning, they ask a fundamental question: What’s the role of the human in the future of education? If education is a shared journey, should machines walk with us? This might be what you want to know.     What You’ll Learn 01:30 – Why Vida left energy & healthcare to focus on education 03:00 – What a Chief Data Officer actually does in a K–12 company 05:00 – Why protecting student data is now non-negotiable 07:30 – AI’s real use in classrooms: less grading, more learning 09:00 – “The resurgence of library science” and curatorial learning 11:30 – How personalized AI tutors support (not replace) teachers 13:00 – Socratic learning vs. automation: can AI do both? 16:00 – What young learners really want from AI 18:30 – Guardrails, dialects & equitable access in AI design 21:00 – Why teachers must shape the future of AI tools 25:00 – Are we all becoming cyborgs? And is that a bad thing?     Go Deeper with Vida Williams Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vida-williams/ Learn about Stride Learning: https://www.stridelearning.com Explore Stride Tutoring: https://tutoring.k12.com Read more on ethical AI in education: https://www.edweek.org/technology   Explore K12-Powered Education & Career Pathways K12’s innovative programs give students a head start on their future. Enrollment is now open! Join over 3 million students who have chosen K12-powered tuition-free online public schooling for a flexible, personalized learning experience—all from the safety of home. ✅ State-certified teachers trained in virtual instruction ✅ Accredited curriculum supporting all learners, including advanced students & those with special needs ✅ Career-focused programs, including healthcare pathways & more ✅ More family time, stronger class connections, and academic success Apply today to secure your spot and see why families trust K12 for their child’s education. 🔗 Learn more about K12’s career pathways: https://go.k12.com/mps/national/podcast/?adobe_mc=MCMID%3D11001665815673379801328021772854664479 🔗 Discover K12 Tutoring for personalized academic support: https://tutoring.k12.com/?utm_source=k12&utm_medium=organic-social&utm_campaign=k12-podcast-tutoring-feb-25 Join the Conversation Got thoughts on virtual learning and special education? 📢 Use #WIWTK to share your perspective. 📱 Follow us: 🔹 Twitter/X – https://x.com/wiwtkpodcast 🔹 Facebook –https://www.facebook.com/wiwtkpodcast 🔹 Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/wiwtkpodcast/ 🎧 Enjoyed this episode? Leave a review—let’s reshape the conversation around education.

    28 min

  8. JUN 18

    The Tax Bill That Could Change American Education with John Schilling

    Public dollars. Private schools. Political firestorms. In this episode, Kevin talks with long-time school choice advocate John Schilling about what happens when education funding follows the student instead of the system. They dig into the proposed federal scholarship tax credit: what it is, who it helps, and why supporters say it's about opportunity—not ideology. Opponents fear it's the beginning of the end for public schools. Advocates say it's already helping students, especially those in underserved communities. From Florida’s model programs to Washington’s sharp divisions, this conversation reveals how political will, policy design, and real family needs are shaping the future of school choice. If education is supposed to be about students, then maybe the money should be too. This might be what you want to know. What You’ll Learn 01:30 – Why John Got Into School Choice 04:30 – State Politics vs. Federal Legislation 07:30 – What Is a Federal Tax Credit for Education? 09:00 – Florida as a School Choice Success Story 10:30 – How Federal Credits Could Expand Access Nationwide 12:00 – Will This Hurt or Help Public Schools? 15:00 – Research on Outcomes for Scholarship Students 16:30 – Can We Take the Politics Out of Education? 19:30 – What’s Next for the Legislation? Go Deeper with John Schilling 🔗 Learn about EdChoice research: https://www.edchoice.org/research/ 🔗 Explore the American Federation for Children: https://www.federationforchildren.org/ 9:30 – What’s Next for the Legislation? Go Deeper with John Schilling 🔗 Learn about EdChoice research: https://www.edchoice.org/research/ 🔗 Explore the American Federation for Children: https://www.federationforchildren.org/ ---------------------------------------------------- Explore K12-Powered Education & Career Pathways K12’s innovative programs give students a head start on their future. Enrollment is now open! Join over 3 million students who have chosen K12-powered tuition-free online public schooling for a flexible, personalized learning experience—all from the safety of home. ✅ State-certified teachers trained in virtual instruction ✅ Accredited curriculum supporting all learners, including advanced students & those with special needs ✅ Career-focused programs, including healthcare pathways & more ✅ More family time, stronger class connections, and academic success Apply today to secure your spot and see why families trust K12 for their child’s education. 🔗 Learn more about K12’s career pathways: https://go.k12.com/mps/national/podcast/?adobe_mc=MCMID%3D11001665815673379801328021772854664479 🔗 Discover K12 Tutoring for personalized academic support: https://tutoring.k12.com/?utm_source=k12&utm_medium=organic-social&utm_campaign=k12-podcast-tutoring-feb-25 Join the Conversation Got thoughts on virtual learning and special education? 📢 Use #WIWTK to share your perspective. 📱 Follow us: 🔹 Twitter/X – https://x.com/wiwtkpodcast 🔹 Facebook –https://www.facebook.com/wiwtkpodcast 🔹 Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/wiwtkpodcast/ 🎧 Enjoyed this episode? Leave a review—let’s reshape the conversation around education.

    22 min
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4.9
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About

Welcome to ‘What I Want to Know’, one of the most downloaded K-12 education podcasts in the country! Listen in with our host, Kevin P. Chavous, as he connects with innovators and leaders who share practical, transformative solutions to the biggest challenges in education today. As America rethinks the future of schooling, Kevin explores emerging needs and possibilities, for students and educators alike, through short, stimulating conversations. Subscribe to ‘What I Want to Know’ on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform, and leave a rating and review so we can bring you more of the topics you want to hear about!

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