In this episode we spoke with Alisha Bazemore (Assistant Director of Innovative Work-Based Learning Initiatives for V-TOP), Ashley Crute (Associate for Innovative Work-Based Learning Initiatives for V-TOP), and Amy Corning (Senior Research Asso

Addressing School Bullying Since the Onset of COVID-19

Oct 3rd, 2023 43m 46s

In this episode, we spoke with Christina Alga (High School Counselor in Hanover County Public Schools), Alicia Gaston (Founder of Maximizing Character), and Kim Dupre (Virginia Tiered Systems of Supports Coach) about research-based strategies f

What does the data show about advanced coursework participation across K-12 education?

Feb 6th, 2023 38m 5s

Who gets identified as gifted in elementary school? Who takes Algebra I in middle school? Who takes Advanced Placement classes in high school? In this episode we spoke with Andrea Herndon (Hanover County Public Schools), Beverly Fludd-Flanagan

How can we increase access to student mental health services in K-12 schools?

Jan 23rd, 2023 51m 9s

In this episode we spoke with Dr. Julie Ellis (Bridging Communities Regional Career and Technical Center/Governor’s STEM Academy), Dr. Maggie Hartley (The National WWII Museum in New Orleans), Dr. Therese O’Dea (New Kent County Public Schools),

Why is it important to support mental health in schools?

May 26th, 2022 1h 25m

Among the critical functions of K-12 schools, they are positioned to support the mental health needs of their students, faculty, staff, and families. To discuss how the research on this topic relates to everyday practice, we spoke with Patrice

How has COVID-19 impacted the mental health of PK-12 students?

May 19th, 2022 43m 5s

Authors of a recent systematic literature review discuss their findings related to the mental health impacts of COVID-19 on PK-12 students. Guests include David Naff (MERC Associate Director at Virginia Commonwealth University), Jenna Darby (Re

Who Takes Dual Enrollment Classes?

Mar 31st, 2022 1h 17m

This episode pulled together experts from throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia for a discussion about who takes dual enrollment classes in high school. Guests include: Lori Dwyer (Interim Vice President of Academic Affairs at Reynolds Commun

How coherent are policies about teacher retention?

Jan 7th, 2022 50m 48s

Featuring Jesse Senechal (MERC Director, VCU SOE), Andrene Castro (Assistant Professor, VCU SOE, Department of Educational Leadership), Adria Hoffman (Anna Lou Schaberg Professor, VCU SOE, Department of Teaching and Learning), and Andy Armstron

The Promise of Public Education: College in a New Era

Oct 14th, 2021 46m 59s

Jose Alcaine (Director of Research Services, VCU SOE) spoke with Sera Lee (Pharmacy Student at VCU), Paige Elizabeth (Sophomore at VCU), and Sofia Alcaine (Sophomore at CNU) about the future of higher education during and after the COVID-19 pan

The Promise of Public Education: Special Education in a New Era

Oct 8th, 2021 35m 1s

Michelle Thompson (Occupational Therapist, Richmond) spoke with Tonya Epps (Elementary Intensive Support Self-Contained Teacher, Richmond), Kathryn Smith (Director of Exceptional Education, Henrico), and Serra De Arment (Assistant Professor of

Promise of Public Education: Digital Equity in a New Era

Oct 1st, 2021 59m 31s

David Naff (MERC Associate Director, VCU SOE) spoke with Jon Becker (Associate Professor of Educational Leadership, VCU SOE), Matt Caratachea (Coordinator of Technology Integration and Innovation for Goochland), Andrew Harris (MERC Research and

The Promise of Public Education: School Leadership in a New Era

Sep 17th, 2021 1h 5m

Brian Maltby (Disciplinary Hearing Review Officer in Hanover) spoke with Monica Murray (Principal of John Marshall HS in Richmond), Christopher Martinez (Principal of Patrick Henry HS in Hanover), Robert Lowerre (Director of Maggie Walker Gover

The Promise of Public Education: Student Services in a New Era

Sep 10th, 2021 1h 21m

David Naff (MERC Associate Director, VCU SOE) spoke with James Carrigan (School Social Work Supervisor in Hanover), Erica Daniels (School Counselor at Vernon Johns Middle School in Petersburg), Donna Dockery (Director of Clinical Practice and a

How Can Principals Support Teacher Retention?

Sep 7th, 2021 46m 56s

This episode describes key findings from two MERC reports, one focused on the role of the school principal in teacher retention and the other sharing an analysis of data from the Virginia Department of Education Working Conditions Survey from 2

The Promise of Public Education: Teaching in a New Era

Sep 3rd, 2021 52m 15s

Jesse Senechal (MERC Director, VCU SOE) spoke with Deanna Fierro (Math Teacher at Tuckahoe Middle School in Henrico), Patricia Woodberry (Gifted and Talented Teacher in Richmond), Stacie Taylor (Teacher, Bell Creek Middle School in Hanover), an

The Promise of Public Education: High School in a New Era

Aug 27th, 2021 27m 47s

JoAna Smith (Dean of Students, L.C. Bird HS in Chesterfield) spoke with Caleb Kenney (class of 2021 graduate from Douglas Freeman HS in Henrico), Milagros Torres (Sophomore at L.C. Bird HS in Chesterfield), Mischa Roeung (Senior at Mechanicsvil

Advice for Culturally Responsive Teachers: Learn, Unlearn, and Take Risks

May 27th, 2021 48m 28s

In this episode we discuss the importance of professional reading, self-awareness, and continuous reflection for developing as a culturally responsive educator. Guests include Jesse Senechal (MERC/VCU - Host), Victoria Parent (English/Language

Advice for Culturally Responsive Teachers: Share Ownership of the Classroom

May 27th, 2021 50m 50s

In this episode we discuss the importance of learning from students and centering student voice in the classroom and curriculum. Guests include Fantasy Lozada (VCU/MERC - Host), Elizabeth Murray (Social Studies Teacher, Tuckahoe Middle School -

Advice for Culturally Responsive Teachers: Sustaining the Work of Culturally Responsive Education

May 27th, 2021 51m 40s

In this episode we discuss the importance of building a community of culturally responsive teachers at your school, and taking the long view when doing this work. Guests include Hillary Parkhouse (VCU/MERC - Host), Heather Dawson (English/Langu

Advice for Culturally Responsive Teachers: What the Students Have to Say

May 27th, 2021 20m 52s

In this episode, students share their thoughts on the importance of culturally responsive teaching and why it is important to their success. Guests include Winfred Walker (MERC/VCU - Host),Cyndi Young (MERC/VCU - Host), Abigail Tailor (Monacan

Who Takes AP Classes?

Apr 30th, 2021 59m 44s

Jenna Lenhardt, Mitch Parry, David Naff, and Virginia Palencia from the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Education discuss findings from a recent MERC report titled Analyzing Advanced Placement: Making the Nation's Most Prominent Coll

Do Latinx Students Have Equal Access to AP Classes?

Apr 16th, 2021 33m 57s

We spoke with Dr. Virginia Palencia from the VCU School of Education about her dissertation research focused on access to Advanced Placement (AP) courses across the Commonwealth of Virginia.

How can we promote equitable access and support for advanced coursework across K12 education?

Dec 21st, 2020 1h 13m

Tomika Ferguson (Assistant Professor, VCU School of Education, George Hewan (Assistant Principal, Fairfax), Alison Koenka(Assistant Professor, VCU School of Education), Amy Jefferson (PhD Student, VCU School of Education), John Marshall (Princi

Supporting Student Mental Health During and After COVID-19

Aug 27th, 2020 34m 36s

How can we support student mental health during and after COVID-19? MERC researchers conducted a rapid review of research to help answer this question as we prepare to support students when they return to school this fall in any capacity. Repor

(Part Two) Determined: I am the Class of 2020

Jul 3rd, 2020 29m 15s

What was it like to graduate from high school during COVID-19? We spoke with three members of the class of 2020 to find out: Emma Rice (Midlothian High School in Chesterfield County Public Schools), Paige Lake (Lee Davis High School in Hanover