Today we don’t talk enough about John Dewey’s call to educational equity and its impact on democracy. Instead, small groups of parents (most notably Moms for Liberty) are prompting battles in local school boards to ban books, to fight racially inclusive curriculum, and to limit the rights and constrain the very existence of transgender and questioning youth.

But some other parents – the majority it seems -- are fighting back to say clearly that these are not concerns they care about. What DO they care about? If this episode’s guests are taken seriously, families care about their children’s happiness, curiosity, safety, diversity, relationships – and recess!! It’s not that they don’t want academic learning for their youngsters, but they seem to understand … as most educators do, that happiness, curiosity, etc. will ensure the right academic achievement to power both economic capacity and living well.

00:00 Introduction to the Second Season Dr. Barbara Stengel

01:24 What do we mean when we invoke parents rights? Stengel

04:29 Grandmas for Love challenge Moms for Liberty Stengel; Dr. Shirley Showalter, former President of Goshen College

11:57 Do other parents agree with Grandmas for Love? It seems so! Stengel

12:15 The special view of parents in rural areas Amanda West, expectant mother and Bailey resident; Stengel

18:04 Supporting the Bailey grad who now has adult responsibilities Ithaca Black, Bailey parent and mother of Maia; Stengel

22:40 Committing to the “neediest” neighborhood school Christiane Buggs, President of the MNPS School Board and mother of Christopher; Stengel

29:50 What to do about school when your kids need very different things? Liz Self, educator and mother of Oliver, Emme, and Zola; Stengel

39:32 How a child with multiple disabilities shapes everybody’s experience Becky Peterson, educator and mother of Finn, Hawk, and Lucy; Stengel

47:44 Use the PTA as an entrée to care for your kids Jess Houde, educator and mother of three enrolled in the same district; Stengel

53:33 What do dads want? Stu Smith, father of Stuie and Alana and Johnny Benson, father of Bailey and Jojo; Stengel

1:01.58 What parents want … no surprise Stengel

1:03:00 The link between love and success/achievement Showalter, Stengel

1:04:40 Taking an alternate look at the whys and wherefores of parental choice

1:06:15 Join us next time to dive into “the science of reading.”

Many thanks to the guests who agreed to inform our thinking for this episode! These include Shirley Showalter, Amanda West, Ithaca Black, Christiane Buggs, Liz Self, Becky Peterson, Johnny Benson, and Stu Smith.

As usual, there are references to a variety of social, educational and historical news and commentary. You can pursue our sources and find out more about these issues at our website:

www.chasingbaileypod.com.