What I Want to Know, with Kevin P. Chavous Stride, Inc.

More than 7.5 million students in the United States have disabilities that qualify them for individual education plans. However, teachers trained in special education are in short supply.
In fact, a survey found that 65% of public schools report being understaffed in special education.
What is causing this shortage? How is this affecting teachers and students across the country? And what can we do to combat the shortage of special education teachers? 
In this episode, Kimber Wilkerson shares how we can combat the shortage of special education teachers.
Meet Kimber
Kimber Wilkerson is a professor of special education at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. 
She has broad expertise in preparing teachers to provide instruction to students with disabilities and improve their long-term outcomes.
This is, What I Want to Know.
 

Revisit our episode on digital safety featuring Titania Jordan, chief marketing officer and chief parent officer of Bark Technologies.
Technology can open up doors to more information and content than ever before. That can be good – and bad – for kids. How can we teach kids healthy tech habits? What are the risks of cyberbullying, access to predators, image distortion, or self-harm? And how should personal devices be managed in the classroom? 
In this episode, Kevin discusses healthy digital use with tech parenting expert Titania Jordan of Bark Technologies. 

To celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month, revisit our episode on promoting mental health with Anne Brown, President and CEO of the Cook Center for Human Connection.
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, nearly 20 percent of youth in the United States age 6 to 17 experience a mental health disorder and suicide is the second leading cause of death among 10- to 14-year-olds. With so many youth struggling today, most parents are left feeling helpless and concerned. In fact, a report found that mental health is the greatest concern among parents.
How can parents help their children who are struggling? Where can parents turn for support?And how can schools and parents work together to foster positive mental health in their students? 
In this episode, Anne Brown joins Kevin to discuss how parents and caregivers play a crucial role in children’s mental health.
This is, What I Want to Know.

Storytelling is one of the most powerful learning devices. Not only does it play a role in a child’s language and cognitive development, but it can also teach them about the world around them.
What are the benefits of storytelling? How can children’s literature help develop important skills? And how can we encourage a love of storytelling in our students? 
In this episode, Jesse Byrd joins Kevin to discuss the importance of storytelling for children.  
Meet Jesse
Jesse Byrd is an award-winning children’s book author and the youngest African American NPR Foundation Board Member.
Jesse has performed readings of his children’s books to over 25,000 kids and partnered with Airbnb Experiences to provide families and corporations with virtual storytime experiences during the pandemic.
This is, What I Want to Know.

Studies show that every school year almost 3 million public school students receive one or more out-of-school suspensions, while more than 100,000 students are expelled. 
Along with doing little to reduce children’s misconduct, one out-of-school suspension increases a child’s chance of dropping out of school and increases their chances of entering the juvenile justice system. 
How can we keep students out of the school-to-prison pipeline? How can trauma-informed teaching benefit students and schools? And what can we do to help schools address the needs of youth?
In this episode, Dr. Tammy Hughes joins Kevin to discuss what teachers and school leaders can do to combat the school-to-prison pipeline.
Meet Tammy
Dr. Tammy Hughes is a school psychologist and professor. She has devoted her life’s work to keeping kids in school and out of jail. 
This is, What I Want to Know.

Research finds that mindfulness can help decrease stress and anxiety while strengthening resilience and emotional regulation in adults and children. This is why the use of mindfulness programs in schools is becoming more and more popular. 
What exactly is mindfulness? What are the benefits of mindfulness on students? And how can we incorporate mindfulness into the classroom?
In this episode, Linda Ryden joins Kevin to share how we can incorporate mindfulness into the classroom.
Meet Linda:
Linda Ryden is the founder of Peace of Mind, a nonprofit organization dedicated to equipping children with mindfulness tools. 
Linda is also a teacher and the author of six mindfulness-based children’s books. 
This is, What I Want to Know.