In the second part of their conversation, Katie Jones and Dr. Mary Cochron continue exploring the role of assessments in education, with a strong focus on actionable advice for parents. They discuss the signs of test anxiety, ways to support students during testing season, and how parents can advocate for healthier testing environments in schools. Dr. Cochron offers valuable tips for homeschooling parents as well, explaining how assessments can serve as tools for feedback rather than stress points.

Tune in to discover:

• Practical steps for parents to help reduce test anxiety in students.
• The importance of understanding local vs. state testing requirements.
• How homeschool parents can leverage assessments without the stress.
• Tips for advocating for fair testing practices in schools.

Whether you’re a homeschooling parent or a public school advocate, this episode provides a roadmap for making assessments work for students, not against them.

Key Takeaways:

1. Reducing Test Anxiety – Tips for parents to help children handle testing season.
2. Advocating for Change – How parents can influence testing practices in their communities.
3. Homeschooling & Testing – Tailored advice for homeschoolers navigating assessments.
4. Understanding Testing Requirements – Distinguishing between local and state assessment needs.

Follow Mary⁠ at: ⁠https://www.metimured.com/⁠⁠Join One-Room⁠ Education: ⁠https://one-roomeducation.com/⁠

Get coaching with Katie, join the ⁠Foundations for Homeschool Mastery⁠ program: ⁠https://one-roomeducation.com/the-foundations-for-homeschool-mastery-coaching-program/

In this insightful episode of The State of Education podcast, host Katie Jones welcomes back Dr. Mary Cochron, a nationally recognized assessment specialist. They dive into the origins of high-stakes testing, exploring the history and intentions behind standardized assessments and how they have shifted over the years. Dr. Cochron shares her experiences from the classroom to the district level, discussing the impact of assessments on educators, students, and entire school systems. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of: The differences between classroom assessments, district-level tests, and state-mandated exams. How high-stakes testing can impact teaching, funding, and student anxiety. Dr. Cochron’s perspective on why assessments were designed and how they could be used more effectively. Join Katie and Dr. Cochron as they unpack the misconceptions around assessments and why understanding them is essential for parents and educators alike. Key Takeaways: Purpose of Testing – The history and intended use of assessments in education. Types of Assessments – Differentiating classroom, district, and state-level assessments. Challenges of High-Stakes Testing – How high-stakes testing impacts students and teachers. Insights from an Assessment Specialist – Dr. Cochron’s journey and views on improving the testing system.

Follow Mary at: https://www.metimured.com/ Join One-Room Education: https://one-roomeducation.com/

Get coaching with Katie, join the Foundations for Homeschool Mastery program: https://one-roomeducation.com/the-foundations-for-homeschool-mastery-coaching-program/

Summary:

In this episode of the State of Education podcast, Katie Jones discusses the educational policies of the 2024 presidential candidates, focusing on the Republican and Democratic platforms. She emphasizes the importance of being informed voters and understanding how these policies can impact education at both state and national levels. The episode provides a detailed analysis of the Republican platform, highlighting key points such as school choice, parental rights, and civics education, before transitioning to the Democratic platform and its focus on universal education access. In this episode, Katie Jones discusses the Democratic National Platform regarding education, focusing on various aspects such as preschool costs, the impact of the pandemic, funding for schools, community services, chronic absenteeism, special education, and the burden of student debt. She critiques the platform's proposals, questions the effectiveness of certain policies, and emphasizes the need for informed consent in student loan agreements. The conversation highlights the complexities of education policy and the importance of understanding the implications of political platforms on education.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to the State of Education Podcast

01:55 Overview of Presidential Candidates' Educational Policies

06:12 Key Points from the Republican Education Platform

10:08 Discussion on School Choice and Parental Rights

14:04 Republican Views on Safety and Discipline in Schools

18:01 Civics Education and American Values

20:54 Restoring Education to State Control

24:10 The Democratic Education Platform Overview

38:51 Key Points from the Democratic Education Platform

45:09 The Cost of Preschool Education

47:33 Funding and Support for Schools

49:29 Community Schools and Wraparound Services

51:17 Addressing Chronic Absenteeism

53:26 Special Education and Academic Standards

55:31 Opposition to Private School Vouchers

57:55 STEM Education and Equal Opportunity

01:00:40 The Burden of Student Debt

01:04:10 Investments in Apprenticeships

01:06:01 Pell Grants and Financial Support

01:09:46 Democratic Party's Education Platform Overview

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