OUR PODCASTS

Learning Curve

An expert and a mom discuss the state of education in Colorado. This engaging videocast features Ross Izard, an education policy expert and Erin Brantley, a mom who is passionate about education policy.

Homeschooling, private schools, public schools… we cover it all!

Learning Curve breaks down education policy so parents and citizens can understand what’s really happening in their schools. Hosted by Colorado parent and activist Erin Brantley and education policy expert Ross Izard, the show takes listeners inside the world of school choice, funding, legislation, school boards, and the policies shaping K–12 education. Each episode translates complex education policy into plain language, helping parents understand where decisions come from—and how they can get involved before those decisions impact their kids. If you care about schools, education policy, and the future of Colorado classrooms, Learning Curve gives you the insight you need to stay informed and engaged.

In this episode of Learning Curve, Erin Brantley and Ross Izard explore one of the most overlooked, but most impactful, areas in education: local school boards.

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.