Panju provides an in-depth overview of the legal arguments central to Carson v. Makin, highlighting the significance of the Court’s decision to rule in favor of the plaintiffs. This landmark ruling struck down Maine’s prohibition on using state tuition assistance for religious schools, affirming the principle that parents have the right to direct their children’s education without discrimination based on religion.

David Carson shares his personal journey as a plaintiff, offering insights into the challenges and motivations behind his family’s decision to take the case to the highest court. Both guests reflect on the broader implications of the decision for school choice and parental rights across the United States.

This episode sheds light on the potential for Carson v. Makin to serve as a catalyst for expanding educational freedom and ensuring that families have access to the schools that best align with their values and needs.

The post Lead Plaintiff David Carson and Attorney Arif Panju Discuss Landmark Supreme Court Victory in Carson v. Makin appeared first on Thechalkboardreview.

Erin shares how her initial discovery spurred her transformation from a concerned parent to a leader in a growing movement. Recognizing that other parents shared her concerns, she co-founded Power2Parent Union, an organization dedicated to empowering families, advocating for transparency in schools, and safeguarding parental influence over their children’s education.

Throughout the discussion, Erin recounts the challenges and triumphs of building a national network of engaged parents. She emphasizes the importance of grassroots efforts in holding school boards and policymakers accountable and stresses the need for parents to stay informed and proactive in their children’s education.

Erin’s story serves as an inspiring reminder of the impact one determined parent can have in shaping a national conversation about education, transparency, and parental rights.

The post When Sex Ed Crossed the Line: Erin Phillips’ Journey to Activism appeared first on Thechalkboardreview.

Doug explains that Logos School was designed to be “not just another prep school,” but an institution deeply connected to the historical and cultural contexts of America and the church. He highlights the school’s mission to cultivate thoughtful, well-rounded students equipped with a deep understanding of history, theology, and the classical liberal arts.

The conversation delves into the challenges posed by secular curricula in modern education and the need for schools that foster critical thinking and dialogue. Doug emphasizes the value of engaging in open conversations with individuals of differing beliefs, noting that respectful discourse is crucial in education and society at large.

Despite the controversies that have surrounded him, Doug remains steadfast in his commitment to classical education and its transformative impact on students and communities. His work continues to inspire a growing movement dedicated to preserving and advancing this timeless educational tradition.

The post Doug Wilson on Pioneering the Classical Education Renewal Movement appeared first on Thechalkboardreview.

Thompson, a Political Science professor and Executive Director of the Clemson Institute for the Study of Capitalism, brings a wealth of academic experience to the conversation. Holding a Ph.D. from Brown University, he has also served as a visiting scholar at prestigious institutions such as Princeton, Harvard, and the University of London.

In his latest work, America’s Revolutionary Mind: A Moral History of the American Revolution and the Declaration that Defined It, Thompson examines the philosophical roots of the American Revolution and how the Declaration of Independence continues to shape American thought today. His critique of government-controlled schooling aligns with his broader view of individual liberty and autonomy, asserting that true freedom lies in education that is independent from government influence.

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Today, two fundamental principles are under attack—principles that apply to all parents, particularly fathers:

1. Education is the cornerstone of a thriving society.
2. Parents are the primary educators of their children.

These enduring truths are facing increasing scrutiny, especially in my home state of Virginia. Standards in education are declining, and the idea that parents are irreplaceable is being challenged.

James Madison, Virginian and Founding Father, famously said, “A diffusion of knowledge is the only guardian of true liberty.” At its core, the diffusion of knowledge relies on education and grassroots engagement. This was especially evident during the COVID-19 pandemic, which exposed the long-standing decline in curricula and social norms in K-12 public schools—something many of us had taken for granted until the crisis brought it to light.

As schools struggled, the increased visibility of these issues triggered a powerful response from parents. The frustration over educational shortcomings sparked a wave of grassroots activism, with parents demanding accountability from school boards, as seen in Loudoun and Fairfax Counties. Governor Glenn Youngkin’s victory in Virginia was a direct result of this energized movement, which united parents across political lines. His administration has brought significant changes, such as banning “inherently divisive concepts” from classrooms and creating a tip line for reporting inappropriate teaching practices.

While the victory was a significant step, the fight for education freedom is far from over. Even with the strong involvement of parents, there is still a crucial gap—one that needs to be filled by more dads and grandfathers.

Moms and grandmothers are certainly more visible in the education reform movement, but dads are often missing from the front lines. Whether due to a lack of clear involvement opportunities or other reasons, the absence of fathers in this crucial movement is felt. Imagine how much more could be achieved in the fight for education freedom, curriculum transparency, pro-American education, and electing like-minded school board candidates if more dads fully joined the cause.

Despite the movement’s successes, it is clear that dads remain a key missing piece in the education reform efforts. Fortunately, initiatives like FreedomWorks Foundation’s Building Education for Students Together (BEST) have launched campaigns to bring more fathers into the fold. Their “BEST Dads and Dudes” initiative aims to energize and engage men in the fight for education freedom, starting in Virginia and expanding across the nation. But this is just one of many efforts; we need more fathers to get involved.

Dads, this is the moment you’ve been waiting for. It’s an opportunity to transform our education system for the long term and create immediate, tangible results. The principles you hold dear are the foundation for action, and now is the time to act. Will you stand up for your children’s future and join the movement for change?

The post Dads Need to Get More Involved in Their Kids’ Education appeared first on Thechalkboardreview.

However, while this focus on vision is important, there is a critical flaw in the way many school leaders approach the cultivation of culture. While vision is essential, it is not enough on its own. As Peter Drucker famously said, “Culture eats strategy for breakfast,” and a strong strategy can falter when the culture is not strong. The mistake many classical school leaders make is to prioritize vision over the necessary structure and discipline that actually create a healthy school culture. They place too much emphasis on the ends (the ideals) and not enough on the means (the actions and behaviors that drive success). Classical education leaders, passionate about the intellectual and philosophical ideals they defend, often struggle to translate those ideas into consistent, sustainable practices because they are more comfortable with abstract concepts than with the messy, complex world of human relationships.

This tendency to prioritize vision-casting over concrete planning and disciplined operations can be seen in the way some classical schools operate. While many leaders are deeply committed to the ideals of classical education, they often fall short when it comes to the practical aspects of implementation. They might be able to eloquently defend the classical ideal, but they struggle to build the structures needed to make that ideal a reality.

For a school to truly thrive, a shared vision of the good is essential. The leaders of classical schools must be clear about the goals of education and communicate them regularly. However, achieving these goals requires more than just a common understanding of the desired end. A healthy, thriving school culture is not just sparked by vision—it is sustained by consistent behavior. School culture is formed by the accumulation of small, intentional actions and interactions among faculty, staff, and students. The real ethos of a school is shaped by the day-to-day relational dynamics that take place behind the scenes.

The “art of living together” is central to building a strong culture. This is not a sentimental or abstract concept; it is the practice of forming genuine bonds of trust, where vulnerability is welcomed, mistakes can be made, and differing perspectives are openly shared. It’s about creating an environment where conflicts are resolved professionally, decisions are made collectively, and accountability is seen as an expression of mutual respect. True culture is built on clear expectations, transparent tracking of progress, and a sense of shared responsibility for both successes and challenges. It is about fostering a community where individuals work together, support each other, and embrace the discipline required to achieve the school’s vision.

As Pat Lencioni observes, genuine culture cannot be manufactured. It is not something that can be conjured through rhetoric or devotion alone. To understand the true culture of a school, one must observe how the adults within that institution treat one another—particularly the leaders. The way leaders interact with their colleagues day in and day out speaks volumes about the culture of the institution. This is where the ideals of Truth, Goodness, and Beauty either take root and shape behavior or remain abstract, theoretical ideals.

A successful classical school is one where these ideals are not just taught in the classroom but are lived out in the relational life of the school. When the values of classical education are absorbed into the fabric of school operations and interactions, they become more than just lofty ideas—they become a lived reality. This is what makes classical education not just an academic exercise, but a deeply humane, relational, and disciplined way of living and learning.

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Here are a few reasons why keeping a virtual education option is not just a temporary fix, but a vital component for a flexible, future-ready education system.

1. A Tailored Learning Experience

One of the most compelling reasons to keep virtual options is that they offer a level of personalization that traditional classrooms sometimes struggle to match. Online platforms allow students to learn at their own pace, revisit lessons when needed, and access materials at times that work best for them. This is particularly beneficial for students with special needs, those who excel and need more advanced coursework, or learners who benefit from a slower, more deliberate approach.

Additionally, virtual learning can help support diverse learning styles. Visual learners, auditory learners, and those who need more hands-on interaction can all find resources that cater to their needs. For instance, many virtual platforms offer interactive video lessons, discussion forums, and multimedia resources that enhance understanding and retention.

2. Supporting Health and Safety Needs

The pandemic underscored the importance of keeping health and safety a top priority in education. For students who are immunocompromised, have chronic health issues, or live in households where health risks are a concern, virtual schooling remains a lifeline. Continuing to offer a virtual option ensures that these students do not fall behind due to circumstances beyond their control. It allows them to maintain consistency in their education while staying safe at home.

Moreover, as global events such as pandemics or natural disasters can disrupt physical attendance, having virtual education systems in place ensures that education can continue uninterrupted, providing families with peace of mind during uncertain times.

3. Equity in Education

Education should be accessible to all, and virtual learning can help address some of the systemic barriers that students from different backgrounds face. For example, students who live in rural areas or have long commutes to school can benefit from the convenience of attending school from home. Those in underserved communities may lack access to advanced courses, extracurricular activities, or even highly qualified teachers in their local districts. Virtual education, if designed inclusively, can level the playing field by providing access to a wider array of educational opportunities.

In some cases, virtual programs are more affordable than traditional options. By reducing transportation costs, extracurricular fees, and in some cases even textbook expenses, virtual learning can offer families an option that is more financially viable.

4. Greater Flexibility for Diverse Lifestyles

Not every family’s lifestyle fits into the traditional 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. school day. Virtual learning provides more flexibility, allowing students to work around family schedules, extracurricular activities, or part-time jobs. For some, this flexibility may be a game-changer, particularly for students who struggle with traditional school routines or who have non-traditional commitments.

Additionally, for students interested in pursuing unique educational paths—such as entrepreneurship, creative projects, or travel—virtual learning offers the opportunity to combine academic study with real-world experiences. The option to work from anywhere can provide students with unparalleled freedom in how they balance their education and personal goals.

5. The Future of Work

As the world moves toward a more digital and interconnected future, online learning is a valuable skill in itself. Many careers now require at least a basic proficiency in digital communication, time management, and remote collaboration. Students who have had exposure to virtual learning are better prepared to navigate the remote and hybrid workforce environments that are becoming more common in many industries.

Moreover, virtual schooling allows students to explore various digital tools and platforms, giving them experience in a growing range of technologies that will serve them in the workplace. These skills can provide a competitive advantage in an increasingly technology-driven job market.

6. Parental Involvement and Engagement

Virtual learning can also provide opportunities for greater parental involvement. Parents have more visibility into their children’s daily educational experiences, including assignments, progress, and areas of struggle. This visibility enables parents to offer timely support, communicate more effectively with teachers, and play a more active role in their child’s academic success. It can foster a more collaborative approach to education, where families and educators work together to support the student’s needs.

7. Cultural and Social Flexibility

In some cases, virtual learning offers students the ability to engage in diverse learning environments that may not be present in their local schools. Online courses may offer access to diverse perspectives, international connections, and even global networking opportunities. This can be particularly valuable in today’s interconnected world, where students need exposure to various cultures and ideas.

Additionally, while in-person schooling plays an important role in social development, virtual education provides unique opportunities for students to learn and socialize in different ways, such as through virtual study groups, online clubs, and video-based discussions.

Conclusion: A Long-Term Investment

As schools and education systems evolve, keeping a virtual option available is more than just a response to current challenges; it is an investment in the future of education. The flexibility, accessibility, and personalization that virtual learning offers can complement traditional in-person education, creating a more inclusive, adaptable system that serves a broader range of student needs.

By continuing to innovate and adapt virtual learning options, we ensure that every student has the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their circumstances. Let’s not see online education as just a temporary solution but as a permanent, vital part of the educational landscape. The future of education should be flexible, and keeping a virtual option is a crucial step in making that future a reality.

The post Keep a Virtual Option: The Case for Flexibility in Education appeared first on Thechalkboardreview.

She explains how the CLT differs from traditional standardized tests like the SAT, and how it helped her realize that education should be more than just preparing students for exams or worldly achievements. According to Caroline, the SAT focuses primarily on academic skills for success in the modern world, while the CLT, deeply rooted in classical education principles, taught her that education is formative—it shapes a person’s character and purpose in life.

Caroline emphasizes that public education’s mission often revolves around equipping students to excel in secular, material pursuits. In contrast, classical education, she argues, has a deeper purpose: it teaches students not only how to excel academically but also how to live responsibly and with virtue, preparing them to contribute meaningfully to society.

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She shares candidly about her initial excitement to work in the Department of Education, hoping to drive meaningful change in the education sector. However, her experience there left her feeling disillusioned. According to Hudson, the department’s priorities were less about fostering genuine educational improvement and more about maintaining bureaucratic structures and generating profit. This focus on bureaucracy, she explains, often overshadowed the human aspects of education—the very core of why she joined in the first place.

Hudson’s experience in the department led her to reassess the role of government in education and ignited her passion for advocating for educational reforms that put people before profit. She also discusses her newsletter Civic Renaissance, which delves into politics, culture, and the challenges of modern governance, as well as her books and other projects aimed at fostering civic engagement.

Throughout the conversation, Hudson reflects on the tension between the idealism that motivates many educators and reformers, and the often frustrating reality of institutional barriers that prevent real change. Her insights offer a candid and thought-provoking perspective on the state of U.S. education and the ways in which we can better align policy with the needs of students and teachers.

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In recent years, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, mothers across the country have become a formidable political force, refusing to sit idly by while their children’s futures are shaped by policies and agendas they find concerning. From school board meetings to state capitals, mothers are challenging the status quo and demanding a voice in the education system. They are standing up against the imposition of ideologies they believe do not align with their values, fighting for the right to choose how their children are educated, and ensuring that the rights of parents are respected.

A Wake-Up Call for American Moms

For many moms, the wake-up call came in the form of school closures during the pandemic. As schools moved to virtual learning, parents became intimately aware of what was being taught and how it was being delivered. Some were shocked by the content, others by the lack of accountability in online learning, and many by the government’s overreach into their homes and their children’s lives.

This period of remote learning opened the eyes of many mothers to the influence of the education system, often pushing them to become more involved in local school boards and politics. While teachers’ unions fought against returning to in-person learning, parents—especially mothers—mobilized, advocating for the health, safety, and mental well-being of their children.

Their efforts were not without resistance. But as moms began speaking out, they quickly found a united voice, rallying behind the idea that it was not just about academics—it was about ensuring their children grew up in an environment that respected their values, their safety, and their future.

Lions, Not Sheep: The Rise of the Parental Rights Movement

The idea of being a lion rather than a sheep speaks to the courage and determination of mothers who are no longer willing to passively follow what others dictate when it comes to their children’s upbringing. They understand the power of their collective voices and have started taking action to protect their rights as parents.

Across the country, these “lions” are pushing for school choice, the right to opt-out of controversial curriculums, and the ability to be actively involved in their children’s education. School board meetings, once quiet gatherings, have turned into battlegrounds where mothers demand accountability for what is taught in the classroom. From critical race theory to sex education and beyond, mothers are standing up for what they believe their children should and should not learn.

But it’s not just about fighting against policies they oppose—it’s about fighting for policies that protect children. Moms are pushing for increased transparency, better access to educational resources, and opportunities for parents to have a say in how their children’s schools are run.

The Power of the Mom Vote

One of the most striking aspects of this movement is the impact of the mom vote. In Virginia’s 2021 gubernatorial election, for example, Republican candidate Glenn Youngkin made parental rights a central issue of his campaign. The result was a stunning victory, as his message resonated with a large swath of voters—particularly moms—who felt that their concerns about their children’s education were being ignored. Youngkin’s success is a testament to the power of mothers who, when motivated, can change the course of elections and make their voices heard.

This newfound political power is not just about a single election. It’s about mothers finding their voice in a political environment that has long marginalized them. They are realizing that they have the power to influence local, state, and national policy, and they are using that power to create a future where their children’s education is in their hands, not the hands of bureaucrats, activists, or government officials.

Why Moms Are the Future of Education Reform

As America’s moms continue to rise as advocates for their children’s rights, they are proving that they are a force to be reckoned with. Their ability to organize, mobilize, and fight for the future of their children is reshaping the conversation about education in America. They are showing up, speaking out, and demanding change.

Whether it’s through grassroots movements, running for school boards, or organizing protests, mothers are standing firm in their commitment to protecting their children’s education. They are the lions that will lead the way in education reform, not the sheep who blindly follow. And their efforts will continue to reshape the future of education in America for generations to come.

In the face of challenges, it’s clear: America’s moms are not backing down. They are roaring for change, and they are ready to defend their children’s future.

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