Episode 23 - Advancing Education in Indiana: A 50Can Study on School Choice, COVID-19, and Bridging Opportunity Gaps

In this conversation, Sarah, Derrell, and Marc discuss the educational landscape in Indiana, focusing on the work of 50 Can, a campaign aimed at improving educational opportunities for all children. They explore the impact of COVID-19 on school choice and parental satisfaction, the purpose and methodology of their recent study on educational options, and the importance of mental health support in schools. The discussion highlights the need for advocacy at the state level and the significance of understanding parents' perspectives on their children's education. The conversation explores the disparities in educational opportunities and resources available to families, particularly focusing on the impact of income levels on access to tutoring and extracurricular activities. The speakers discuss the importance of extended learning opportunities, the role of information asymmetry in parental engagement, and the varying satisfaction levels among different school types. They highlight the challenges faced by rural families in accessing educational resources and the innovative policy interventions being implemented in states like Indiana to improve educational outcomes. Takeaways The conversation starts with light-hearted ice breakers about favorite colors. 50Can aims to ensure every child has access to a great education regardless of their address. Advocacy at the state level is crucial for educational reform. COVID-19 has shifted the conversation towards school choice and parental needs. The study aims to collect data on educational opportunities and parental satisfaction. Mental health support in schools has become a priority for families post-COVID. Indiana ranks high in parental satisfaction with schools compared to the national average. There are significant gaps in educational support between low-income and higher-income families. The study's methodology involved surveying a representative sample of parents across states. Partnerships with local organizations were essential for contextualizing the study's findings. Raising the floor on educational disparities can benefit more people. Did you find this episode informative? Help us out! Leave a review Share it with your friends Give us a 5 Star rating on your podcatcher of choice Learn more about IQE and MySchoolOptions: https://www.i4qed.org