Research finds that mindfulness can help decrease stress and anxiety while strengthening resilience and emotional regulation in adults and children. This is why the use of mindfulness programs in schools is becoming more and more popular.  What exactly is mindfulness? What are the benefits of mindfulness on students? And how can we incorporate mindfulness into the classroom? In this episode, Linda Ryden joins Kevin to share how we can incorporate mindfulness into the classroom. Meet...

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in science, technology, engineering, and math are projected to grow by almost 11 percent by 2031 much faster than non-STEM occupations. While numerous students are interested in STEM careers, many do not feel prepared to pursue jobs in the field.  Why is it important for students to understand science? What opportunities are available for students interested in STEM? And how can we make science fun for kids? In this episode, Dr. Kate...

According to the CDC, guns are the leading cause of death among American children and teens.  From mass shootings to isolated incidents, gun violence has emerged as a tragic issue continuously plaguing our schools.   How can we identify the signs of violence? How can students, parents, and educators safely intervene? And how can we prevent violence in schools?  In this episode, Nicole Hockley, CEO of Sandy Hook Promise, joins Kevin to discuss how we can prevent violence in schools.  Meet...

According to the Entertainment Software Association, 76% of kids play video games. With their ability to build problem-solving, communication, and collaboration skills video games are starting to make their way to the classroom. What are the benefits of video games? What role should parents have in choosing the games their child plays? And how can video games be used as tools for learning? In this episode, Stanley Pierre-Louis joins Kevin to discuss how video games can be used as a tool for...

Research shows that girls and young women lose interest in science and math as they move through their school years. And now, women make up only 28% of the STEM workforce. How can we use science to inspire kids? Why is it important for girls to see themselves represented in the field? And how can we encourage an interest in science in young girls? In this episode, Melissa Alderete joins Kevin to share how we can encourage an interest in science in young girls. Meet Melissa: Melissa...

Research shows that girls and young women lose interest in science and math as they move through their school years. And now, women make up only 28% of the STEM workforce. How can we use science to inspire kids? Why is it important for girls to see themselves represented in the field? And how can we encourage an interest in science in young girls? In this episode, Melissa Alderete joins Kevin to share how we can encourage an interest in science in young girls. Meet Melissa Melissa...

We all know that philanthropy is important in education. Many worthwhile organizations rely on the generosity of philanthropic groups who are determined to help kids and schools through their donations. But the needs of schools have changed, particularly following the pandemic. What is the role of philanthropy in education? How has education philanthropy changed in recent years? And where do we expect future philanthropy to focus their support for schools.  In this episode, Hanna Skandera...

Over the past decade, children’s literature has become far more diverse. In fact, research found that in 2022 about 45 percent of kids’ and teens’ books had a nonwhite author, illustrator, or compiler, which was up from only 8 percent in 2014. How can we encourage representation in children’s books? What are the impacts of diverse representation in children’s literature? And why is it important for kids to see themselves in their favorite books?  In this episode, Alliah Agostini joins Kevin...

During the pandemic, 35% of the world increased their reading habits. And now, from book clubs to #BookTok, people have continued to turn to books as an anecdote to isolation and a way to build community.  Why is reading so transformative? How can we ensure everyone has access to books? And how can books build community?  In this episode, Greig Metzger joins Kevin to discuss how books can build community.  Meet Greig: Greig Metzger is the executive director of Little Free Library, a...

According to the Department of Education, more than 8 million Americans are considered functionally illiterate, meaning they cannot read and comprehend short texts or understand basic vocabulary.  Illiteracy often leads to low self-esteem and isolation, as well as higher chances of unemployment and poverty. What are the impacts of illiteracy? What factors influence literacy development? And how can learning to read change lives?  Oliver James joins Kevin in this episode to share how...

A survey found that one in five parents struggle to have meaningful conversations with their children. When it comes to topics like mental health, racism, shame, violence, and more, parents often strain to find the right way to introduce these topics to their children. Could books be the answer to this problem? What challenges are parents facing when it comes to communicating with their children? How can books introduce kids to tough topics? And why is it important to speak to children about...

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, known as ADHD, is among the most common mental conditions in children with an estimated 6 million kids having been diagnosed with the disorder.  Children with ADHD often feel misunderstood, and their parents often feel uncertain about the best way to be there for their child. What is ADHD, and how does it impact children? What should parents and educators know about the disorder? And how can we best support students with ADHD?  In this episode, Dr....

According to a survey by the Pew Research Center, 95% of teenagers reported using social media and more than a third of them use it “almost constantly.”  High social media usage in children has caused concern in parents with many wondering if social media is safe for their kids.  What are the negative and positive impacts of social media? Should parents place a limit on their kids’ social media usage?  Linda Charmaraman joins Kevin in this episode to discuss how we can talk to our kids...

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, nearly 5.9 million Americans were unemployed as of 2022. And as traditional jobs evolve, there is an increasing demand for skills training and personal development.  How can we equip individuals with sustainable employment? What challenges are job seekers and employers facing today? And how can we best support the future workforce? In this episode, Dr. Kathleen St. Louis Caliento joins Kevin to discuss how we can best support the future...

Chronic absenteeism has been a growing challenge for our schools, especially following pandemic learning disruptions. In fact, a report found that chronic absenteeism rates more than doubled from 26% during the 2017–2018 school year to 66% during the 2021–2022 school year. What causes chronic absenteeism? How is this impacting our students and school communities? And how can schools and parents work together to solve this issue? In this episode, Hedy Chang joins Kevin to discuss reducing...

It’s more common than ever now to see adults and children glued to a screen. But when it comes to children and screen time, it is a particularly loaded topic.  A recent study found that since the pandemic, screen time among children has gone up 52 percent globally. This increase has led to concerns about developmental delays, impaired socialization skills, and health issues.  How does screen time impact our children?  Is there good and bad screen time? And how can parents make the right...

Now more than ever, nontraditional learning environments are gaining popularity with parents.  In fact, a 2023 parent survey revealed that nearly half of parents said they would send at least one child to a different school for the 2023–2024 school year. And many states are following suit, with a record 20 states saying “yes” to expanding school choice in 2023.  What is the state of the school choice movement today? What’s leading parents and states to make a shift? And what do parents need...

 Applying for college is often a stressful and complicated endeavor. Students must manage various deadlines and portals, submit resumes and essays, coordinate test scores and letters of recommendation, and so much more.   A recent survey of 16- to 22-year-olds found that more than half of them said applying for college is their most stressful academic experience. Should we rethink the college admissions process? What could a new process look like? And could simplifying the process lead to...

Since the Columbine High School shooting in 1999, more than 338,000 students in the United States have experienced gun violence in school. School shootings lead to an increase in student absenteeism, antidepressant drug usage, and lower test scores. Research also shows that students exposed to school shootings are less likely to graduate high school, go to college, and be employed. What challenges do survivors of school shootings face? What resources are available to help survivors thrive?...

According to the CDC, more than 800,000 high school students skip school at least once per month due to fear for their safety. And almost 200,000 teens miss school each day due to bullying. From fear of bullying and school shootings to facing mental health and behavioral issues, many students are feeling uneasy when it comes to school. What issues are students experiencing in school, and how can we support them? How can we help students feel more connected to their school and peers? And how...

In 2023, Kevin P. Chavous had the privilege to speak with experts, school leaders, teachers, parents, and students about the most pressing issues in education today. The show explored what the future of education could hold and how we can encourage lifelong learning in all students.  To celebrate the end 2023, here are some of our favorite moments from the show this year. Share your favorite moments from the show with us, using the hashtag #WIWTK on social media. To catch full episodes,...

A Rutgers researcher recently found that having a strong sense of belonging at school could mitigate suicidal tendencies among Black students. In fact, the research showed that as Black adolescents’ sense of belonging decreased, their risk for suicidal ideation and attempts increased by as much as 35%.  What does it mean for a child to feel accepted and valued at school? What role do parents and teachers play? And how can we create a sense of belonging for all students? In this episode,...

For the past few decades, there’s been a large push for students to enroll in a four-year university immediately after high school. But according to a recent survey, almost 70 percent of parents would support their children entering the workforce right after high school. What’s causing parents to accept and seek alternative routes for their children? What skills do students need to thrive in today’s careers? And is college the right fit for all students?  Mark Perna joins us today to...

Teachers are leaving the profession in droves amid rising school violence, controversies, and burnout. In fact, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, nearly half of public education employees leaving the profession are not retiring or being laid off—they are resigning. This trend is worsening the already significant teacher shortage across the country. What can teachers do to keep themselves and their students engaged? How can we attract new educators to the profession? And how...