In this episode, Erin Brantley examines Colorado's chronic absenteeism rates, explains how chronic absenteeism differs from truancy, and discusses why attendance remains a major challenge years after the COVID-19 pandemic.

The conversation explores the academic consequences of chronic absenteeism, the factors driving higher absence rates, Colorado's statewide attendance improvement efforts, and practical ways families and schools can work together to keep students engaged in learning.

If attendance is one of the strongest predictors of long-term academic success, what will it take for Colorado to return to pre-pandemic levels?

In this episode of Learning Curve, Ross Izard and Erin Brantley discuss what Phil Weiser's primary victory may signal for Colorado's education system. They explore the governor's role in shaping education policy, school finance, Proposition NN, TABOR, school choice, and the federal tax-credit scholarship program, while examining the challenges that could define the next administration.

The conversation also highlights why civic engagement extends beyond Election Day and how parents can continue influencing education policy at the local and state levels.

If you're looking to better understand where Colorado education may be headed, this episode provides an accessible overview of the major issues likely to dominate the conversation in the years ahead.

This episode offers a practical overview of one of Colorado's most significant education policy issues, helping listeners better understand how student enrollment, state funding, and legislative decisions intersect.

Learn who sets academic standards, who controls funding, who adopts curriculum, and where parents can make the biggest difference when concerns arise.

Whether you're trying to understand a new policy, a curriculum change, or a decision affecting your local school, this episode provides a practical guide to navigating Colorado's education system and knowing where accountability belongs.

Topics Covered:

• Federal vs. state responsibilities
• The Colorado Legislature's role in education
• State Board of Education powers
• Colorado Department of Education responsibilities
• Local school board authority
• School-level decision making
• How parents can become more effective advocates

If you enjoy Learning Curve, be sure to follow the show so you never miss future conversations about education policy and what it means for Colorado families.

In this episode of Learning Curve, Ross Izzard and Erin Brantley examine the growing business of school choice administration. They discuss why states increasingly rely on private organizations to manage complex education programs, how competitive government contracts have become, and why lobbying and political influence are beginning to play a much larger role in the school choice movement.

Ross and Erin also explore the benefits and potential drawbacks of this emerging industry. While private organizations can provide expertise and innovation that governments often lack, the rapid growth of these programs raises important questions about transparency, accountability, competition, and ensuring families receive the services they were promised.

Whether you're interested in education policy, school choice, government contracting, or the future of K–12 education, this episode offers a thoughtful look at an issue that will likely shape education reform for years to come.

What happens when federal Title IX requirements collide with Colorado law?

In this episode of Learning Curve, Erin Brantley and Ross Izzard unpack one of the most significant education policy disputes currently unfolding in Colorado. Using Jefferson County Public Schools (Jeffco) as a case study, they explain how Title IX has evolved since its passage in 1972, why it has become the center of intense legal and political debate, and what happens when state and federal governments interpret the law differently.

Erin and Ross explore how Title IX is enforced, why federal funding has become a key point of leverage, and whether a school district could realistically lose millions of dollars for refusing to comply with the federal government's current interpretation. They also discuss the constitutional questions surrounding federal authority, state law, and the practical challenges school districts face when caught between competing legal obligations.

Whether you're a parent, educator, student, or simply interested in education policy, this episode provides a clear, balanced overview of a rapidly developing issue that could have lasting implications for schools in Colorado and across the country.

Topics Covered:

• The history and purpose of Title IX
• How Title IX has changed over time
• Why Jeffco is under federal investigation
• Colorado law versus federal Title IX requirements
• How Title IX enforcement works
• Could a school district actually lose federal funding?
• What happens next in the legal process?

If you enjoy Learning Curve, be sure to follow the podcast and share this episode with someone interested in education, public policy, and the legal issues shaping our schools today.

In this episode of Learning Curve, Ross Izzard and Erin Brantley explain what happens during the legislative interim, the often, overlooked period between sessions when state agencies, school districts, policymakers, and advocates work to interpret and implement new laws.

From changes to school finance and homeschool enrichment programs to the rulemaking process that follows major legislation, the conversation explores why some of the most important policy decisions happen after lawmakers leave the Capitol.

The discussion also examines the challenges facing the Colorado Department of Education as it works through a wave of legislative changes, the timeline for rulemaking, and how parents can stay informed about decisions that may affect their children and schools.

Just because the legislature adjourned doesn't mean the policy debates have ended. In many ways, they're only beginning.

Topics Discussed:

• What happens after the legislative session ends
• Education policy during the interim
• School finance changes and implementation
• Homeschool enrichment program updates
• Rulemaking and regulatory guidance
• How parents can follow education policy developments
• What to expect before the next legislative session

Learning Curve explores the policies, decisions, and debates shaping education in Colorado and beyond.

In this episode of Learning Curve, Erin Brantley and Ross Izzard examine Mississippi's remarkable improvement in reading scores and ask what Colorado can learn from it. The discussion compares Mississippi's Literacy-Based Promotion Act with Colorado's READ Act, explores the controversial issue of third-grade retention, and looks at the challenges of improving literacy outcomes through policy alone.

The conversation also highlights the importance of parental involvement, summer learning loss, local control in education, and the difficult balance between accountability, funding, and student achievement.

If reading proficiency is one of the strongest predictors of future academic success, what should schools, parents, and policymakers be doing differently?

Join us for a thoughtful discussion on literacy, education reform, and the future of student success.

Colorado's legislative session may be over, but the debate surrounding homeschool enrichment programs is just getting started.

In this episode of Learning Curve, Ross Izzard and Erin Brantley unpack the final days of Colorado's 2026 legislative session and the last-minute amendments that dramatically altered the future of part-time funding and homeschool enrichment programs across the state.

As lawmakers rushed to finish their work before the constitutional deadline, major policy changes were adopted with little time for families, educators, and program leaders to fully understand their impact. The result is a landscape filled with uncertainty, new restrictions, unanswered questions, and an extensive rulemaking process that is only beginning.

Ross explains how the legislature's changes could affect homeschool enrichment programs, charter schools, school districts, and BOCES programs moving forward. The conversation explores new geographic restrictions, funding concerns, grandfathering provisions for existing programs, and why many families may still be waiting for answers despite the session having officially ended.

The hosts also discuss the role of the Colorado Department of Education, the upcoming rulemaking process, and why this issue is likely to remain a major education policy battle for years to come.

Whether you're a homeschool parent, educator, school leader, policymaker, or simply interested in the future of education in Colorado, this episode provides important context for understanding one of the most significant education debates of the year.

Learning Curve is Colorado's education podcast, bringing thoughtful conversations and analysis on school choice, education policy, charter schools, homeschooling, and the issues shaping opportunities for students and families across the state.

In this episode of Learning Curve, we examine the growing controversy surrounding Jefferson County Public Schools and the grassroots movement that emerged in response. As questions about leadership, accountability, student safety, and district governance continue to make headlines, parents have begun organizing, speaking out, and demanding answers.

Hosts Erin Brantley and Ross discuss how parent coalitions form, why local advocacy matters, and how community concerns can eventually influence policy discussions far beyond the school board room. They also explore the resignation of Superintendent Tracy Dorland and what it could mean for the future of Jeffco schools.

This conversation isn't just about one school district, it's about the power of citizen engagement and what can happen when ordinary people refuse to stay silent.

Learning Curve is dedicated to helping parents, educators, and community members better understand education policy and the issues shaping schools across Colorado.

Follow, subscribe, and share to stay informed on the education conversations that matter most.

Connect with Learning Curve:

Website: learningcurveco.org

Email: info@learningcurveco.org

#LearningCurve #JeffcoSchools #ColoradoEducation #ParentAdvocacy #EducationPolicy #SchoolBoard #JeffersonCounty #ColoradoSchools #PublicEducation #CommunityLeadership #ColoradoParents #EducationNews #GrassrootsMovement #SchoolGovernance #ColoradoPolitics

Hosted by Ross Izzard and Erin Brantley, the show breaks down complicated education and political issues in a way that is honest, practical, engaging, and easy to understand. Whether discussing homeschool enrichment programs, public school funding, legislative battles, parental rights, charter schools, curriculum debates, or the broader cultural conversations impacting families today, Learning Curve focuses on how these decisions affect real students, parents, teachers, and communities.

The podcast was created to help parents and everyday citizens better understand what is happening behind the scenes in education policy and government. Too often, important decisions are made through complicated legislation, confusing bureaucratic language, and political narratives that leave families feeling disconnected from the process. Learning Curve aims to bridge that gap through straightforward conversation, thoughtful analysis, and real-world perspective.

Each episode combines policy insight with relatable discussion, helping listeners understand not only what is happening, but why it matters. The show covers current events, legislative updates, school choice developments, homeschool issues, budget debates, education reform, and broader social and political trends impacting children and families across Colorado and beyond.

Rather than focusing on partisan talking points, Learning Curve encourages deeper conversation, curiosity, and critical thinking about the future of education and the role families should play in shaping it.

Whether you are a parent, educator, homeschool family, policymaker, student, or simply someone trying to make sense of the rapidly changing education landscape, Learning Curve provides context, perspective, and meaningful discussion that goes beyond the headlines.

New episodes released regularly.

Subscribe and join the conversation.

They discuss STEM, Core Knowledge, traditional public schools, and charter schools, explaining how each model approaches learning differently and why some students may thrive in one environment more than another.

The conversation also covers Colorado’s READ Act, literacy instruction, school choice, and the importance of parents staying informed and involved in their child’s education.

In This Episode:

• What STEM and STEAM schools focus on
• How Core Knowledge schools teach differently
• Why teaching styles vary between schools
• How charter schools choose their curriculum
• What the READ Act means for parents
• Why reading at home is so important

Key Takeaway

Every child learns differently, and understanding how schools teach can help parents make better educational choices for their kids.

Subscribe to Learning Curve for more conversations about education, parenting, and school policy.

In this episode, Ross Izzard and Erin Brantley break down the legal challenge surrounding UPK, focusing on whether the state’s requirements effectively excluded faith-based providers from participating.

They explore the constitutional issues at stake, the existing Supreme Court precedent, and why this case may already have a predictable outcome.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN

• How Colorado’s universal preschool program works
• Why religious schools challenged the policy
• The legal precedent shaping this case
• What this Supreme Court case could mean going forward
• Why this conflict may have been avoidable

KEY TAKEAWAY

This case isn’t just about preschool, it’s about the limits of government power and the protection of religious freedom in public programs.

FEATURED QUOTE

“We’re either going to solve this, or it’s going to result in litigation. The response? ‘Come at me, bro.’”

FOLLOW & CONNECT

Stay up to date with future episodes of Learning Curve and more discussions on education policy and law.

CONTACT

📧 info@learningcurveco.org

CATEGORY TAGS

Education | Law | Public Policy | Government | News & Analysis

In this episode, Erin Brantley and Ross Izard examine the disconnect between increased school spending and stagnant academic performance. With billions flowing through the system, they ask a critical question: where is the money actually going?

The conversation explores the complexity of school finance, the lack of transparency in spending, and the growing role of administrative costs. They also discuss why funding and accountability are often treated as separate issues—and what that means for students, parents, and taxpayers.

This episode offers a grounded look at one of the most important and controversial debates in education today.

Want to see where the money actually goes?

📊 Full Colorado Education Financial Data:

https://www.cde.state.co.us/cdefinance/financialdatafiles

📈 School Finance Transparency Dashboard:

https://co.schoolfinancedata.org

Charter schools are public, tuition-free, and open to all students, yet many families still believe they operate like elite private institutions. This episode breaks down what charter schools really are, how they function within the public education system, and why they were created in the first place.

You’ll also hear how charter schools are governed, why they have more flexibility than traditional public schools, and what it actually takes to start one, including the surprisingly complex application process.

Whether you’re a parent, educator, or just trying to better understand how schools work, this episode provides a clear and practical explanation of a widely misunderstood topic.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN

• Why charter schools are not private schools
• Whether families pay tuition (and what fees actually exist)
• How charter schools are funded with public dollars
• What makes charter schools different from traditional district schools
• Who governs charter schools and how oversight works
• Why charter schools were originally created
• How charter schools act as “innovation labs” in education
• How parents and communities can start a charter school
• Why the charter application process is so complex
• The most common myths about charter schools

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Charter schools are public schools, not private institutions
• They are tuition-free and open to all students
• They operate independently from traditional school districts
• They were designed to encourage innovation and flexibility
• Starting a charter school is possible, but far more difficult than most people expect

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 Introduction

00:20 How many charter schools exist (and why that matters)

01:05 The biggest misconception: “Are they private?”

02:00 Tuition, fees, and what families actually pay

02:45 Governance: how charter schools are structured

03:20 The purpose of charter schools

03:40 Who can start a charter school

04:20 The reality of the application process

QUOTES FROM THE EPISODE

• “Charter schools are public schools.”
• “There is no tuition, they are free and open to everybody.”
• “They were designed as a place to experiment and see what works.”
• “You can’t just go start a school, you need permission.”

RESOURCES & LINKS

• Learn more about charter schools in your state
• Explore local charter school options
• Research school choice policies and frameworks

ABOUT THE SHOW

Learning Curve is a podcast exploring education, policy, and how school systems actually work, breaking down complex topics into clear, practical conversations for parents, educators, and anyone interested in the future of education.

SUBSCRIBE & FOLLOW

Follow Learning Curve for more conversations on education, school choice, and policy. New episodes released regularly.

In this episode of Learning Curve, Erin Brantley and Ross Izzard break down the complex (and often confusing) system behind education in Colorado. From state standards to local control, they explain the difference between standards vs. curriculum, who influences each level, and where parents actually have a voice.

If you’ve ever wondered why your child is learning certain topics, or felt unsure how to get involved, this episode gives you a clear starting point.

🔑 KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Standards vs. Curriculum:
• The state sets standards (what students should learn), but districts choose the curriculum (how it’s taught).
• Who Really Has Influence:
• Decision-making spans multiple levels, federal government, state board of education, local districts, and even outside interest groups.
• It’s More Political Than You Think:
• What gets taught in classrooms is often shaped by competing ideologies, policies, and advocacy efforts.
• Public Education Isn’t Fully “Public”:
• Many classroom materials (books, tech, tools) are created by private, for-profit companies.
• Local Control Matters Most:
• School districts ultimately decide curriculum and instruction within state guidelines.
• Where Parents Can Take Action:
• Local school boards, teachers, and district leaders are the most direct way to influence your child’s education.

🏛️ TOPICS COVERED

• Colorado Academic Standards explained
• The role of the State Board of Education
• Federal influence on education funding
• How curriculum is chosen at the district level
• The role of advocacy groups and private companies
• School accountability and testing systems
• Why school board elections matter

📍 HOW PARENTS CAN GET INVOLVED

• Attend local school board meetings
• Stay informed on curriculum decisions
• Participate in public comment opportunities
• Pay attention to school board and state board elections
• Communicate with teachers and school leaders

⏱️ TIMESTAMPS

00:00 – Introduction

01:10 – Why this topic is so confusing

02:45 – The politics behind education

04:10 – Who sets the standards?

06:30 – Federal vs. state influence

08:45 – How standards are reviewed and updated

11:30 – Local control and curriculum decisions

14:30 – Accountability, testing, and performance

18:00 – Where parents actually have influence

20:30 – Why school board elections matter

22:00 – Final thoughts

📢 CALL TO ACTION

If you found this episode helpful:

• 👍 Like & Subscribe
• 💬 Leave a comment with your thoughts or questions
• 📩 Email us at: info@learningcurveco.org

In this episode, Ross Izzard and Erin Brantley unpack the state’s $1.5 billion deficit, what’s driving it, and how lawmakers are scrambling to respond. From education funding cuts to debates over raising revenue, they explain how the process works, and why so many bills are currently stuck in limbo.

They also highlight a key takeaway: public engagement is already shaping outcomes. As pressure builds at the Capitol, the question isn’t whether cuts are coming, it’s where they’ll land, and whether citizens will have a say.

If you want to better understand what’s happening, and how to get involved, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.

While national and state politics often dominate the conversation, the reality is that school boards control the vast majority of what students experience day-to-day, from curriculum and staffing to policy and transparency.

The challenge? Most parents don’t know how to engage with the system, or assume they can’t.

This episode breaks down how parents can become informed, involved, and effective advocates within their school districts.

Topics covered include:

• What school boards actually do and why they matter
• How district policies shape classroom experience
• When and how to escalate concerns
• How to effectively communicate with school boards
• The role of elections and low voter turnout
• Using public records requests to increase transparency
• Why even small groups of parents can influence change

The goal isn’t to turn parents into activists, but to help them understand their role, their rights, and their ability to participate in decisions that directly affect their children.

In this episode of Learning Curve, Ross Izzard and Erin Brantley unpack a rapidly developing legal battle over parental notification policies in schools. Sparked by a case out of California, the conversation explores whether schools can withhold critical information from parents, and what the Constitution actually says about it.

We break down:

• The legal foundation of parental rights
• What the courts are signaling (and why it matters)
• How this could impact school policies nationwide
• Why this issue goes far beyond one specific topic

This isn’t just about policy, it’s about the fundamental relationship between families and the education system.

If you’re a parent, educator, or simply want to understand where education law is headed, this episode gives you the clarity you need.

Follow & subscribe to stay updated as this case, and its national implications, continue to unfold.

At the center of the conversation is a key question: Who actually has access to educational opportunities, and who gets left out?

The hosts unpack how federal tax credit scholarship programs are designed to expand access for lower-income families, and why this bill could significantly reshape how those opportunities work in practice. From regulatory requirements to constitutional concerns, this episode explores the complex intersection of policy, politics, and parental choice.

They also dig into the real-world impact: what happens when families want better options for their kids but face financial or systemic barriers?

🔑 WHAT YOU’LL LEARN

• How tax credit scholarships work (and why they matter)
• What HB 261292 proposes and why it’s controversial
• The tension between regulation and school choice
• Potential legal challenges and what comes next

📢 WHY IT MATTERS

As new education policies take shape, the decisions being made today could directly impact thousands of families and students in the years ahead.

🔗 CONNECT WITH US

Have questions or thoughts? Reach out and join the conversation.

These programs allow homeschool families to access public school resources for things like: -agricultural and outdoor education

-music and arts programs

-engineering and construction training

-academic support and experiential learning

But with an estimated $850 million budget deficit, legislators are looking for places to cut spending, and these increasingly popular programs may be on the chopping block. Ross and Erin discuss:

-Why Colorado’s budget deficit is growing

-How Medicaid spending is impacting the state budget

-What homeschool enrichment programs actually do

-Why lawmakers are considering cuts

-How this could impact families across the state, especially in rural communities.

-Why even parents with kids in traditional public schools should pay attention

-They also explain why this proposal could set an important precedent for the future of school choice in Colorado.

If you’re a parent, educator, or Colorado resident interested in education policy, this is an important conversation to follow.

👍 Like and subscribe for more conversations about education policy that impact real families.

📩 Have a question or topic you’d like us to cover? Email us at info@learningcurveco.org

The problem? Many parents only discover these changes after they’ve already been implemented. Erin shares her perspective as a Colorado parent navigating the public school system, while Ross brings years of experience working in education policy, lobbying, and government relations. Together, they aim to make complicated education policies understandable and show parents where they can actually engage in the process. Because when it comes to education policy, self-governance isn’t a spectator sport. If parents want a voice in decisions affecting their children’s education, they need to understand where those decisions originate, and how to influence them. In this episode, we discuss: Why education policy is more complex than ever Where school decisions actually get made How policies from the legislature trickle down to your child’s classroom The role of school boards, state agencies, and federal policy Why parent involvement in education policy matters now more than ever If you're a parent, educator, or concerned citizen who wants to better understand how education policy works, this podcast is for you.

📩 Have a topic you'd like us to cover?

Email us at info@learningcurveco.org

👍 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and follow Learning Curve for weekly discussions breaking down the policies shaping education in Colorado.