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Have you heard of PLCs? These Professional Learning Communities are transforming education by improving student outcomes, enhancing teaching experiences, and fostering stronger school cultures. In this episode, Alexis sits down with Emalee Merell, Coordinator of Professional Learning Community and Tiered System of Supports from the Idaho Department of Education, to explore how Idaho schools are successfully integrating the PLC model.

Join us as we discuss the fundamentals of PLCs, their evidence-based impact on education, and how the Idaho Department of Education is supporting schools in their implementation. From real-world success stories in Idaho to strategies for fostering collaboration among educators, this episode dives deep into the why and how of PLCs. Whether you're an educator, administrator, or a parent simply curious about innovative approaches in education, this conversation is packed with actionable insights. Tune in now!

Are you and Idaho educator and have questions for Emalee Merrell regarding PLCs? Send her an email. emerrell@sde.idaho.gov

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Send Alexis an email with guest requests, ideas, or potential collaboration.
alexis@ourkidsourschools.com

Find great resources and info on school communities:
https://ourkidsourschools.com/

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Alexis sits down with Matt Todd, host of The Ranch Podcast, to discuss three critical topics impacting education in Idaho. First, they dive into the upcoming More Social Less Media Event—an opportunity for teenagers, parents, teachers, district administration, lawmakers, and school community members to come together on Saturday, April 26th, from 10 AM to 2 PM at Eagle High School. Featuring a keynote from Chris McKenna of Protect Young Eyes, plus talks from Dr. Megan Smith of Boise State and insights from The Dignity Index, this event promises to spark essential conversations about social media, technology, and the future of our children.

Next, Alexis and Matt tackle the urgent need to improve communication around education policy in Idaho, particularly with the key decision-makers who need to be at the table to discuss tough topics and find solutions for our schools. The episode wraps up with a deep dive into the hot-button issue of school vouchers in Idaho, and the importance of assessing the current regulations to ensure they’re creating the best learning environment for kids while holding ourselves accountable for public funds.

With around 94% of Idaho kids attending public schools, it’s crucial that we work together to strengthen our system for every student.

Have thoughts? Alexis invites listeners to share their opinions and join the conversation—this is a discussion we all need to be part of.

Tune in for a thoughtful, action-oriented episode on the future of education in Idaho!

Find Alexis on Instagram and JOIN in the conversation: https://www.instagram.com/the_idaho_lady/

Send Alexis an email with guest requests, ideas, or potential collaboration.
alexis@ourkidsourschools.com

Find great resources and info on school communities:
https://ourkidsourschools.com/

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Alexis is joined by Audra Talley, board member of Homeschool Idaho, a homeschool parent, and a passionate advocate for educational choice. Together, they dive into the rich history of homeschooling in Idaho, the good and the ugly, exploring the state's unique approach to this educational model.

DID You Know? Idaho has 9 school choice options...and homeschooling is one of those choices.

Audra shares insights on the benefits and challenges of homeschooling, shedding light on how families navigate both the freedoms and the obstacles that come with it. They discuss how Idaho stands out as one of the states with the fewest restrictions on homeschooling and what that means for families in the state.

The conversation also covers important topics such as:

• The growing trend of homeschooling in Idaho
• How homeschool students can access public school resources, like music classes and extracurriculars
• The debate around vouchers and tax credits and how the homeschool community is responding
• Current trends and future possibilities for homeschooling in Idaho

Tune in for a thoughtful and informative discussion about the evolution of homeschooling in Idaho, and the opportunities and challenges it presents for families today.

Keywords:
Homeschool Idaho, homeschooling history, benefits of homeschooling, challenges of homeschooling, Idaho homeschool laws, Idaho education, homeschool resources, public school resources, homeschool trends, school vouchers, tax credits, homeschool advocacy, Audra Talley, educational choice, homeschooling community

Find Alexis on Instagram and JOIN in the conversation: https://www.instagram.com/the_idaho_lady/

Send Alexis an email with guest requests, ideas, or potential collaboration.
alexis@ourkidsourschools.com

Find great resources and info on school communities:
https://ourkidsourschools.com/

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Alexis welcomes Greg Wilson, Chief of Staff for Superintendent Debbie Critchfield of the Idaho Department of Education, to discuss the proposed changes to high school graduation requirements in Idaho. The conversation revolves around the process and rationale for these updates, which include replacing the speech credit with a digital literacy requirement. Greg outlines the procedure for implementing the changes, starting with a proposal from the Department of Education, approval by the State Board of Education, and final authorization from the Legislature, making this the first overhaul of graduation criteria in over a decade. The discussion touches on the four major proposals, including the addition of digital literacy, updates to the senior project, a guide for aligning electives with future goals, and ensuring students graduate with “currency” for their futures. Greg addresses questions about the quality and rigor of the new digital literacy course, concerns about the loss of essential interpersonal skills, and potential impacts on speech teachers. Throughout the episode, the balancing act between modernizing education and preserving critical soft skills takes center stage. These changes, if approved, are expected to be fully implemented for the graduating class of 2028.

Find Alexis on Instagram and JOIN in the conversation: https://www.instagram.com/the_idaho_lady/

Send Alexis an email with guest requests, ideas, or potential collaboration.
alexis@ourkidsourschools.com

Find great resources and info on school communities:
https://ourkidsourschools.com/

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Join Alexis as she sits down with Dr. Megan Smith, Associate Professor in the School of Public and Population Health at Boise State University and Executive Director for Communities for Youth. Together, they explore the mission of Communities for Youth, which is to empower communities in promoting youth well-being. By taking an upstream prevention approach to youth mental health, Communities for Youth collaborates with communities to identify and address risk and protective factors.

In this episode, they delve into the impactful work Megan is doing across the state to address youth mental health. They discuss combating misconceptions, empowering school community leaders to make data-driven decisions based on locally received data, and equipping school community adults with the tools to create upstream prevention strategies. Megan's creation of a behavior youth assessment survey, now offered by the state Department of Education for FREE to all school districts, is a wonderful resource for schools.

This enriching conversation is packed with valuable insights for parents, school leaders, community members, and teenagers alike. To learn more and connect with Megan, visit:
https://www.communitiesforyouth.org/

Find Alexis on Instagram and JOIN in the conversation: https://www.instagram.com/the_idaho_lady/

Send Alexis an email with guest requests, ideas, or potential collaboration.
alexis@ourkidsourschools.com

Find great resources and info on school communities:
https://ourkidsourschools.com/

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In this episode, Alexis sits down with Jackie Yarbrough, Senior Program Officer of the Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health, to explore how this unique foundation is transforming school communities across Idaho. While it may not seem typical for a health insurance company foundation to be involved in education, the Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation is deeply committed to improving the health and wellbeing of local communities through strategic investments. Jackie, a passionate native Idahoan, shares how the foundation supports Community School models and provides vital grants to numerous districts and nonprofits throughout the state. Tune in to learn more about this innovative approach to community building and hear firsthand the impact these investments are having on school communities in Idaho.

Find Alexis on Instagram and JOIN in the conversation: https://www.instagram.com/the_idaho_lady/

Send Alexis an email with guest requests, ideas, or potential collaboration.
alexis@ourkidsourschools.com

Find great resources and info on school communities:
https://ourkidsourschools.com/

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In this episode, Alexis sits down with Johnny Hullinger, the dynamic principal at Middleton High School, who is now embarking on his second year of leadership. Born and raised in Weiser, Idaho, Johnny embodies the Idaho ethos of strong community connection from the very start of his tenure. With a focused mission to enhance school culture, he has brought together a diverse group of voices—including teachers, coaches, and parents—to collaboratively address school policies and foster an inclusive environment. Despite the intensity of discussions that arise from varying perspectives, Johnny remains steadfast in his dedication to the students. His commitment to ensuring that every student is involved in extracurricular activities has led to a significant expansion of school clubs, with over 20 new options now available, alongside greater involvement from community members.

Join us as we explore how Johnny's innovative approach is mitigating parental frustrations with administration in Idaho, and how other school leaders can emulate this transformative strategy to make a meaningful impact. This conversation is essential listening for both parents navigating challenges with school leadership, and administrators aspiring to cultivate positive school cultures.

Find Alexis on Instagram and JOIN in the conversation: https://www.instagram.com/the_idaho_lady/

Send Alexis an email with guest requests, ideas, or potential collaboration.
alexis@ourkidsourschools.com

Find great resources and info on school communities:
https://ourkidsourschools.com/

Send us a text

Special BONUS Episode: Alexis dives into two pivotal concepts that are shaping the future of education in Idaho. First, she discusses the groundbreaking Tech Bill that has been gaining robust support statewide. Guest Matt Todd, known for hosting The Ranch podcast, authored this impactful legislation aimed at revolutionizing tech education to parents across every district and school in Idaho. But that's not all—Alexis unveils exciting news about the "Our Kids Our Schools" podcast, which is evolving beyond the airwaves. Discover her inspiring new campaign set to launch within Idaho schools, designed to create lasting change. Curious about these developments or want to get involved? Reach out to Alexis at alexis@ourkidsourschools.com. Don't miss this engaging and informative bonus episode that's packed with exciting updates!

Find Alexis on Instagram and JOIN in the conversation: https://www.instagram.com/the_idaho_lady/

Send Alexis an email with guest requests, ideas, or potential collaboration.
alexis@ourkidsourschools.com

Find great resources and info on school communities:
https://ourkidsourschools.com/