The State of Immigrant Families, the Learning Recession & Texas School Vouchers

HISD Updates, Learning Recession, Hantavirus & Ebola Outbreaks

On this episode, Dr. Bob Sanborn and co-host Dr. Chris Kulesza, aka "Dr. Data," explore key issues affecting students, families, and public health in Texas. HISD Updates: Megan Menchaca, Senior Education Reporter at the Houston Chronicle, discusses the latest STAAR results, the state takeover of HISD, enrollment trends, and changes to universal free meal programs. The Learning Recession: Dr. Cathy Horn, Dean of the University of Houston College of Education, examines declining student achievement, the future of assessments, and challenges facing higher education. Infectious Disease Outbreaks: Dr. Michael Chang, Professor of Pediatric Infectious Diseases at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth, explains recent concerns surrounding Hantavirus and Ebola, and discusses how experts communicate during emerging public health events. Tune in every Wednesday, live on kpft.org [http://kpft.org]!

The Future of HISD & Fostering Connection for Healthy Communities

On this episode, Dr. Bob Sanborn and co-host Brian Greene, President & CEO of the Houston Food Bank, explore key issues impacting children, families, and communities across Houston and Texas. Community Well-Being & Belonging: Stephen Ives [https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-ives/], President & CEO of the YMCA of Greater Houston, joins the show to discuss children's physical fitness, the impact of screen time and mental health challenges and why fostering connection and belonging is critical for healthy communities. Educational Leadership in HISD: Houston ISD Superintendent Mike Miles [https://www.linkedin.com/in/fmikemiles/] reflects on three years leading the district, discusses student achievement and his vision for the future of public education. Plus, hear Hip Speak with Lucy Lusk and test your knowledge with the Data of the Day Quiz featuring Dr. Chris Kulesza. Tune in every Wednesday, live on kpft.org [http://kpft.org]!

HISD Under Dept, of Ed Investigation, Gen Z Offline, SNAP & Hunger in Texas

On this episode, Dr. Bob Sanborn and co-host Brian Greene, President & CEO of the Houston Food Bank, tackle some of the biggest issues affecting children and families. HISD Under Dept. of Ed Civil Rights Investigation: Megan Menchaca [https://www.linkedin.com/in/meganmenchaca/], Senior Education Reporter at the Houston Chronicle, joins the show to discuss the latest developments in Houston Independent School District, including the federal civil rights investigation into special education changes. Gen Z Offline: Lucy Lusk [https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucy-lusk/], Media Activism Intern (CHILDREN AT RISK) shares why more members of Gen Z are intentionally unplugging from screens and embracing offline hobbies, analog habits, and healthier relationships with technology. SNAP & Hunger in Texas: Jamie Olson [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-olson-5b0282a9/], Vice President of Policy and Advocacy at Feeding Texas, breaks down major conversations around SNAP benefits, federal policy changes, food insecurity, inflation, and the growing strain on food banks across Texas. Tune in every Wednesday, live on kpft.org [https://kpft.org/listen-live-hd1/]!

The State of Immigrant Families, the Learning Recession & Texas School Vouchers

In this episode, Dr. Bob Sanborn is joined by co-host Brian Greene, President and CEO of the Houston Food Bank, to discuss some of the most urgent issues impacting children and families in Texas and across the US. We’re diving into: * State of Immigrant Families: Krystal Gomez [https://txilc.org/meet-our-team/], Managing Attorney at the Texas Immigration Law Council, discusses the growing emotional and mental health toll immigration enforcement is having on children, mixed-status families, and DACA recipients across Texas. * The Learning Recession: Christine Thomas [https://www.linkedin.com/in/csaenzthomas/], Director of the Center for Social Measurement and Evaluation at CHILDREN AT RISK, breaks down alarming new data showing long-term declines in student achievement across the US. * Texas School Voucher Update: Dr. David DeMatthews [https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-dematthews-phd-072b3760/], Professor of Educational Leadership and Policy at UT Austin, examines how Texas’ expanding voucher program is affecting public schools, special education services, and low-income families. Support community radio by donating to Pacifica Radio at kpft.org [http://kpft.org]!

Dr. Data Takeover! AI, Technology & Child Development

In this special episode, Dr. Chris Kulesza (aka "Dr. Data") is joined by co-host Owala Maima, Media Communications Coordinator at CHILDREN AT RISK, to dive into the massive opportunities and challenges surrounding children’s wellbeing in the age of rapid technological change and Artificial Intelligence. We’re diving into: * HB 1481 & School Cell Phone Bans: Texas House [https://www.linkedin.com/company/texas-house-of-representatives/] Representative Caroline Fairly [https://www.linkedin.com/in/caroline-fairly-1b4284147/] (District 87) discusses the breadth of the new law, student and parent reactions, and its intended impact on academic success and student health. * AI & Precision Policies: Dr. Suresh Bhavnani [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sureshbhavnani/], Professor of Biostatistics & Data Science at UTMB [https://www.linkedin.com/school/utmb/], explains how interpretable AI methods can be used to create more precise policy design that directly benefits and protects American families. * Thriving in the Age of Gen AI: Miguel Guhlin [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mguhlin/], Director of Professional Development at the Texas Computer Education Association [https://www.linkedin.com/company/texas-computer-education-association/] (TCEA), breaks down why outright banning ChatGPT is a missed opportunity. We discuss the SOLO Taxonomy, critical thinking skills, and how using new frameworks helps learners thrive. * Human-First Higher Ed AI: Austin Community College [https://www.linkedin.com/school/accdistrict/] Chancellor Dr. Russell Lowery-Hart [https://www.linkedin.com/in/russellloweryhart/] details ACC’s new human-centered AI initiative, supporting at-risk students and empowering small businesses in Central Texas. Support community radio and independent youth advocacy by tuning in to 90.1 KPFT Houston [https://www.linkedin.com/company/kpfthoustontx/posts/?feedView=all] and at kpft.org [http://kpft.org]!