Public Education Unfiltered

Inside Florida's School Choice Revolution

After examining Texas school vouchers, Brian turns his attention to Florida, the state at the center of the school choice movement. In this episode, Brian unpacks Florida's expanding voucher programs, examines what families are choosing, and explores the broader implications for public education. What happens in Florida won't stay in Florida. Tune in to learn what other states can expect as school choice continues to expand nationwide.

Why We (Falsely) Believe Private Schools Are Better

Many Americans believe private schools are inherently better than public schools, but is that belief actually supported by evidence? In this episode, Brian explores how perception, status, and cognitive bias often shape opinions about education more than the data itself. The conversation examines why private schools are often viewed as superior, even when outcomes are shaped more by outside factors than the schools themselves.

2026 Florida School Choice Survey Webinar

Are Florida Parents Really Satisfied With Their Schools?  The answer may surprise you. In our newly released 2026 Florida Parent Survey, parents reveal what matters most when choosing a school, why so many are actively exploring alternatives, and how they really feel about school choice, vouchers, safety, and accountability. Presented by Caissa K-12 CEO Brian J. Stephens, these findings offer a rare look into the mindset of today's families and how Florida compares to parent sentiment nationwide. The webinar recording, presentation slides, and full survey results are now available.  And stay tuned... Texas is next.

Trust In The Age Of AI

AI can make communication faster, more frequent, and more efficient, but trust is still built between people. Schools that rely too heavily on AI risk sounding robotic, impersonal, and disconnected. The organizations that will stand out are the ones using AI to strengthen human connection, not replace it. At the end of the day, AI cannot replace the emotional intelligence, authenticity, and human connection people look for in the leaders and organizations they trust.

The Rise of No Child Left Behind

This episode introduces major school reforms and focuses on the origins of No Child Left Behind. It explains how persistent achievement gaps led to a push for accountability, driven by the belief that higher expectations and transparency would improve outcomes. The discussion highlights the law’s bipartisan support, its roots in the Texas model, and the shift from limited accountability to data-driven oversight, setting up an analysis of where the approach may have fallen short.