Shows
P.S. WeeklyCan Writing Teachers Fend Off AI?There’s no way to ignore the rise of AI in schools. Students are embracing it. Educators are battling it. Policymakers are trying to get ahead of it. There's no turning back.But are there some classes where AI just doesn't belong?Producers Annie He, a senior at John Dewey High School, and Roberto Bailey, a junior at Hunter College High School, explore how AI use among students is exploding and question its effect on creativity.Writing teachers are especially worried. To combat these new, rapidly evolving tools, some teachers are res...2025-05-0816 min
P.S. WeeklyWhy Do Teachers Leave? We InvestigateWhen schools have high rates of teacher turnover, students lose connections to trusted educators, and new teachers who fill the openings are often less experienced. Producers Mateo Tang O’Reilly, from Central Park East High School, CPEHS, and Katelyn Melville, from the Brooklyn Institute for Liberal Arts, BILA, compare turnover at their schools and examine how turbulent relationships between teachers and administrators might play a role in retaining or losing educators. David Wertz, a former music teacher at BILA, shares how his struggles with administrators ultimately drove him from the school. And Candice Ligator, a teac...2025-05-0130 min
Schoolutions: Teaching Strategies to Strengthen School Culture, Empower Educators, & Inspire Student GrowthThey Gave Schools An Impossible Choice: What You Need to Know with Erica Meltzer of ChalkbeatIn this powerful interview, Erica Meltzer from Chalkbeat discusses the Trump administration's controversial efforts to reinterpret Title VI of the Civil Rights Act and eliminate DEI programs in schools. Learn how recent legal injunctions have temporarily blocked these attempts, why Title I funding for high-poverty schools hangs in the balance, and what this means for students and educators across America. Essential viewing for parents, teachers, administrators, and anyone concerned about educational equity.💫Check out these resources from Erica here:➡️States sue Trump Education Department to defend school diversity efforts (4/25/25)➡️Trump gave st...2025-04-2825 min
P.S. WeeklyWhen Filling Out the FAFSA Feels DangerousApplying to college is stressful enough. Navigating the financial aid process adds a whole new layer. And for children of immigrants, including those with undocumented parents, the process comes with even greater hurdles and anxieties. Producers Jasmyn Centeno, a senior at Uncommon Leadership High School, and Jojo Fofana, a senior at Fordham High School for the Arts, explore the frustrating and complicated experience many students — including themselves — have when navigating the FAFSA process. For students like “Gabby,” whose mother is undocumented, applying for financial aid comes with very real fears at a time of heightened deportatio...2025-04-2421 min
P.S. WeeklyAre NYC Schools Teaching Sex Ed? It's a Touchy SubjectAre New York City students getting the sex education they need? P.S. Weekly’s episode 2 explores the systemic shortcomings and urgent need for comprehensive — and inclusive — sex education in New York City schools.Producers Aponi Kafele, a junior at Manhattan’s Essex Street Academy, and Sanaa Stokes, a senior at Manhattan’s Professional Performing Arts High School, expose the patchwork approach to sex education across schools, from anatomy lessons using gingerbread men to teachers who aren’t trained in the subject.The information gaps are especially concerning for LGBTQ+ youth. One student, who is a member of...2025-04-1025 min
MiseducationP.S. Weekly: The Fight for Ethnic Studies in NYC SchoolsP.S. Weekly airs on Thursdays this spring. Subscribe wherever you get podcasts.Episodes republish Mondays in the Miseducation feed.Episode 1 dives into the state of ethnic studies in New York City schools and how the Trump administration could threaten the recent expansion of Black studies, LGBTQ history, and other diverse curriculums in schools across the five boroughs. Producers Bernie Carmona Pereda, from Beacon High School, and Isabella Mason, from Midwood High School, discuss the critical role of ethnic studies courses — and their uncertain future. Hear from Marame Diop, a soph...2025-04-0330 min
P.S. WeeklyThe Fight for Ethnic Studies in NYC SchoolsOur first episode of Season 2 dives into the state of ethnic studies in New York City schools and how the Trump administration could threaten the recent expansion of Black studies, LGBTQ history, and other diverse curriculums in schools across the five boroughs. Producers Bernie Carmona Pereda, from Beacon High School, and Isabella Mason, from Midwood High School, discuss the critical role of ethnic studies courses — and their uncertain future. Hear from Marame Diop, a sophomore at Yale who created an ethnic studies course while a student at Beacon High School, which gave her peers an alte...2025-04-0317 min
P.S. WeeklyWe're Back with Season 2P.S. Weekly Season 2 is here! The Bell’s student reporters have teamed up with Chalkbeat New York’s experienced education reporters and veteran executive producer Ave Carrillo, to bring you impactful stories from inside New York City schools. Here’s what’s coming up:They tackle issues that are shaping student life today—AI in classrooms, shifts in immigration policy, sex ed in the cross hairs, school politics, curriculum fights, and more. Expect in-depth reporting, fresh youth perspectives, and stories you won’t hear anywhere else.Listen on Thursdays this spring, starting April 4. Subs...2025-03-3103 min
P.S. WeeklyLive from SXSW EDU: Teen Journalists on NYC Admissions, Resources, and Real ChangeWe recorded this bonus episode live at the annual SXSW EDU conference, hosted earlier this month in Austin, Texas. P.S. Weekly’s student reporters spoke on a panel at the event, diving into the pressing inequities of New York City’s school system.Listen to what it’s really like to navigate the largest school system in the country, from the admission process to stark resource disparities within schools — and what students would change if they were in charge.Featuring: P.S. Weekly reporters Marcellino Melika, Bernie Carmona, and Salma Baksh, along with Chalkbeat New York...2025-03-2647 min
Schoolutions: Teaching Strategies to Strengthen School Culture, Empower Educators, & Inspire Student GrowthEducation Cuts Explained: What We All Need to Know with Chalkbeat Senior National Reporter, Kalyn BelshaJoin me as I interview Chalkbeat senior national reporter Kalyn Belsha for an urgent update on the Trump administration's education cuts. This follow-up to Kalyn’s Episode 18 appearance covers the rapid dismantling of the Department of Education. Discover which vital programs have been terminated, how research benefiting thousands of students has been abruptly halted, and what these cuts mean for vulnerable populations including children with disabilities. This conversation reveals how federal education funding is being used as leverage against schools and universities, and why the biggest concerns lie ahead with potential cuts to Title I and...2025-03-1730 min
IndyKids VoicesPhones in Schools with Amy Zimmer from Chalkbeat New York!IndyKids reporters interview Amy Zimmer, the Bureau Chief of Chalkbeat New York, about phone policies in schools. This discussion dives into different policies, and how the treatment of phone use in schools impacts educators, students, and parents.Read "All About Phones" in our latest issue of the newspaper here:https://indykids.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/IndyKids-Issue-89-Winter-2025.pdfIndyKids is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. Get involved or find out how you can support IndyKids here:IndyKids.orgStay informed about what's going...2025-03-1539 min
Talk Out of SchoolConversation with Greg Faulkner, Panel for Educational Policy chairChalkbeat, Some crowded NYC schools want enrollment caps to cut class sizes. Will the city pay for it? https://www.chalkbeat.org/newyork/2025/01/22/overcrowded-schools-seek-enrollment-caps-cut-class-sizes/ Gothamist, Gov. Hochul's NY school cellphone ban gets a warm reception in Albany, https://gothamist.com/news/gov-hochuls-ny-school-cell-phone-ban-gets-a-warm-reception-in-albany Chalkbeat, ‘Everyone is scared’: Deportation fears keep immigrant students home from NYC schoolshttps://www.chalkbeat.org/newyork/2025/01/24/trump-immigration-policy-and-deportation-fears-affect-attendance-for-immigrant-families/ Daily News, New York education officials concerned about cellphone ban amid Trump’s deportations plans, https://www.nydailynews.com/2025/01/23/new-york-education-officials-concerned-about-cellphone-ban-amid-trumps-deportations-plans/Chalkbeat, NYC school board to vote on resolution affirming support for undocu...2025-01-2752 min
Ethical SchoolsNYC high school surveys: Disparities in student stress and support
The authors of a recent Chalkbeat analysis discuss the Department of education’s 2023 high school survey, which shows girls, especially girls of color, have much higher stress levels, and feel less supported, than boys. Michael Elsen-Rooney, an NYC public school reporter; Kae Petrin, a data and graphics reporter; and Liza Greenberg, a Bronx High School of Science senior, unpack the data, which the DOE has largely disregarded.
Overview
00:00-00:51 Intros
00:51-03:10 Annual NYC Dept. of Education student survey
03:10-03:42 Chalkbeat
03:42-06:13 Takeaways from citywide data
06:13-06:39 Bi...2024-11-0224 min
Talk Out of SchoolRoundtable News Recap with NYC Schools PEP Members - Tom Sheppard and Jessamyn LeeMayor Eric Adams Indicted by Federal Grand Jury - The CityMayor Eric Adams faces federal indictment hours after naming new schools chancellor - Chalkbeat NYNYC schools Chancellor David Banks announces he’s retiring amid federal investigations - Chalkbeat NYMelissa Aviles-Ramos, NYC’s next schools chancellor, says she’ll have Mayor Adams’ back - Chalkbeat NY
2024-09-2957 min
Talk Out of SchoolStudent privacy concerns with Teenspace and AIamNYC, Education advocates blast DOE for having ‘no plan’ for smaller class sizes; https://www.amny.com/news/nyc-education-advoactes-doe-plan-class-sizes/ NYC Public School Parents, More evidence in the just-released Mayor's Management Report that DOE has no real class size plan https://nycpublicschoolparents.blogspot.com/2024/09/more-evidence-in-just-released-mayors.htmlChalkbeatNY, AI’s new role in NYC schools? Chancellor Banks teases personalized learning and college counseling; https://www.chalkbeat.org/newyork/2024/09/17/david-banks-ai-state-of-our-schools-2024Chancellor David C. Banks 2024 - State of our Schools Remarks; https://www.is281.com/apps/news/article/1967361New Republic, David Banks’s Dystopian Vision for NY P...2024-09-231h 00
On the BallotSchool cell phone bans – what NYC's policy might look likeOn this episode: New York City–home to the nation's largest public school district–is planning to ban cell phones in classrooms across all of its roughly 16,000 schools. What would such a policy look like at this scale, and how do parents, educators, and students feel about its efficacy?
Chalkbeat NYC Bureau Chief Amy Zimmer joins the show to bring us up to speed on where the policy stands and when it may go into effect. In the second half of this episode, Ballotpedia staff writer Sam Wonacott shares how these policies have played out...2024-08-1531 min
Talk Out of SchoolNYC new math curriculum & the Common Core standardsList of 216 schools whose initial budgets are cut compared to last year’s initial budgets https://onedrive.live.com/edit?id=BE64F542247E68E7!76061&resid=BE64F542247E68E7!76061&ithint=file,xlsx&authkey=!APxYIxA0MIKmTCg&wdo=2&cid=be64f542247e68e7&link_id=1&can_id=e162a5e988b2cf9c89a105c454340eee&DOE revises online guidance to require parent consent in response to our legal appeal https://classsizematters.org/in-response-to-our-legal-appeal-doe-will-now-require-parent-consent-before-assigning-students-to-online-classes/Daily News, NYC public schools revise remote learning policy after advocates ask state to intervene https://www.nydailynews.com/2024/07/05/nyc-public-schools-revise-remote-learning-policy-after-advocates-ask-state-to-intervene/?share=thwawgnhevfaoywnencr...2024-07-081h 00
P.S. WeeklyDrama Over a School Arts Program and Who Gets to Swim?While budget cuts threaten arts and swimming programs in NYC high schools, we talk to students and teachers who are advocating for their importance. In the first segment, hear from P.S. Weekly reporter Sanaa Stokes, as she gives us the inside scoop on her school, Professional Performing Arts High School, and how the community fought to save a beloved drama program.In the second segment, hear from P.S Weekly reporter Marcellino Melika as he explores the critical gaps in swim safety education in New York City — and the impact on underserved communities.S...2024-06-0523 min
MiseducationP.S. Weekly: Cafeteria Chronicles with the Critics Who MatterWhat happens when a teen wants therapy but their parents are unsure? Is NYC’s bold initiative to offer free virtual therapy to teens working? Tune in to find out.News Bulletin — Chalkbeat's Amy Zimmer breaks down top education stories from the past week. (2 min)Segment A — Salma Baksh interviews a mother-daughter duo as they discuss conflicting views on therapy. (11 min)Segment B — Shoaa Khan explores Teenspace, the city's new virtual therapy initiative that provides free services for teens. Hear about the ambitious new program from Health and Mental Hygiene Commissioner Dr. Ashwin Vasan an...2024-06-0400 min
P.S. WeeklyStudent Protests, Free Speech, and NYC Public SchoolsWhile protests over the Israel-Hamas war have gripped New York City college campuses, we look at how high schoolers have reacted — and the student freedom of speech issues being raised.P.S. Weekly reporter Dorothy Ha speaks to Orlena Fella, whose high school was uniquely impacted by recent protests at City College. Then, Dorothy heads over to the New York Civil Liberties Union for an in-depth conversation about student rights with Racial Justice Counsel Camara Stokes Hudson.Finally, Dorothy talks to host Jose Santana about how free speech concerns have shown up at her high sc...2024-05-2921 min
P.S. WeeklyTeens Want Therapy — Are They Getting It?What happens when a teen wants therapy but their parents are unsure? Is NYC’s bold initiative to offer free virtual therapy to teens working? Tune in to find out.News Bulletin — Chalkbeat's Amy Zimmer breaks down top education stories from the past week. (2 min)Segment A — Salma Baksh interviews a mother-daughter duo as they discuss conflicting views on therapy. (11 min)Segment B — Shoaa Khan explores Teenspace, the city's new virtual therapy initiative that provides free services for teens. Hear about the ambitious new program from Health and Mental Hygiene Commissioner Dr. Ashwin Vasan an...2024-05-2223 min
MiseducationP.S. Weekly: Cafeteria Chronicles with the Critics Who MatterIn P.S. Weekly’s food episode, fourth graders visit NYC schools’ test kitchen, high schoolers rate grilled cheese sandwiches, and students dish on having microwave access.News Bulletin — Chalkbeat reporter Julian Shen-Berro breaks down top education stories from the past week. (2 min)Segment A — Student reporter Ava Stryker-Robbins and Chalkbeat reporter Alex Zimmerman visit the NYC Public Schools' test kitchen to learn about the process food items go through before they end up in school cafeterias. Spoiler alert: they have to win the approval of some tough critics. (12 min)Segment B — Student reporter J...2024-05-1600 min
P.S. WeeklyCafeteria Chronicles with the Critics Who MatterIn P.S. Weekly’s food episode, fourth graders visit NYC schools’ test kitchen, high schoolers rate grilled cheese sandwiches, and students dish on having microwave access. News Bulletin — Chalkbeat reporter Julian Shen-Berro breaks down top education stories from the past week. (2 min)Segment A — Student reporter Ava Stryker-Robbins and Chalkbeat reporter Alex Zimmerman visit the NYC Public Schools' test kitchen to learn about the process food items go through before they end up in school cafeterias. Spoiler alert: they have to win the approval of some tough critics. (12 min)Segment B — Stud...2024-05-1528 min
P.S. WeeklyThe Teachers Who Have Shaped UsHappy Teacher Appreciation Week! In this special episode, hear P.S. Weekly and Chalkbeat reporters — and their parents — share stories about the teachers who have inspired, encouraged, and shaped them. Get ready to laugh, or maybe even shed a tear, as you join our reporters on a journey of gratitude for educators throughout their lives. Teachers anywhere and everywhere, we see you, and we appreciate you. Send us a textP.S. Weekly is available on major podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Reach us at PSWeekly@chalkbeat.org. P.S. Wee...2024-05-0814 min
P.S. WeeklyAn Exclusive Interview with Chancellor David BanksIn this special episode, student reporters Shoaa Khan and Jose Santana speak to Chancellor David Banks about a range of important issues that affect students. Hear what the leader of the NYC public school system had to say about a new "Hidden Voices" history curriculum, school start times, the persistence of school segregation, cell phone policies, and more.Send us a textP.S. Weekly is available on major podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Reach us at PSWeekly@chalkbeat.org. P.S. Weekly is a collaboration between Chalkbeat and The Bell...2024-05-0122 min
Dyslexia Journey: Support Your KidDigging Into Dyslexia With Education Reporter Ann SchimkeSend us a textIn this engaging interview with Ann Schimke of Chalkbeat Colorado, we dig into her recent reporting around dyslexia, and learn what has surprised her the most!Ann Schimke covers early childhood issues for Chalkbeat Colorado. Her work has appeared in The Washington Post, The Atlantic, and the Denver Post. She holds a master’s degree in education policy from the University of Michigan. She joined Chalkbeat (then EdNews Colorado) in 2012. You can find her recent articles about dyslexia and literacy here: https://www.chalkbeat.org/colorado/colorado-reading/Heart to...2024-04-2036 min
P.S. WeeklyA High Schooler Working at Bloomberg — Plus "Shotgunning" College ApplicationsWith college admissions in flux and the NYC school system shifting its emphasis toward "career pathways," two students prepare for life after high school.In the first segment, student producer Christian Rojas Linares explores a new apprenticeship program through the eyes of Heidy Torres, a high school junior who works 16 hours a week for Bloomberg, the finance giant and media company.The second segment, produced by Marcellino Melika and Tanvir Kaur, focuses on a student who has devoted enormous energy to getting into a top college — submitting 23 applications requiring 50 supplemental essays.Send us a...2024-04-1720 min
P.S. WeeklyStudents Speak Out About Special EducationMore than 200,000 New York City students have a disability classification that entitles them to specific learning accommodations — but do they always get them? Students share their experiences.Send us a textP.S. Weekly is available on major podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Reach us at PSWeekly@chalkbeat.org. P.S. Weekly is a collaboration between Chalkbeat and The Bell, made possible by generous support from The Pinkerton Foundation. Listen for new P.S. Weekly episodes Thursdays this spring.2024-04-1018 min
MiseducationP.S. Weekly: A New York Chapter on the Banned Books ControversyThe national wave of book bans has been coming ashore in surprising ways in New York City.News Bulletin – Chalkbeat reporter Alex Zimmerman breaks down top education stories from the past week. (1 min)Segment A – Student reporter Salma Baksh interviews her former librarian Lindsay Klemas, who received online backlash for promoting an LGBTQ+ book during Pride month. (8 min)Segment B – Shoaa Khan and Tanvir Kaur take us to an English class at the Academy of American Studies, where students read banned books — exclusively. (6 min)RSVP for "Inside P.S. Weekly" Zoom event on April 17: https://c...2024-04-0400 min
P.S. WeeklyA New York Chapter on the Banned Books ControversyThe national wave of book bans has been coming ashore in surprising ways in New York City.News Bulletin – Chalkbeat reporter Alex Zimmerman breaks down top education stories from the past week. (1 min)Segment A – Student reporter Salma Baksh interviews her former librarian Lindsay Klemas, who received online backlash for promoting an LGBTQ+ book during Pride month. (8 min)Segment B – Shoaa Khan and Tanvir Kaur take us to an English class at the Academy of American Studies, where students read banned books — exclusively. (6 min)Send us a textP.S. Weekly is available...2024-04-0318 min
MiseducationP.S. Weekly: Migrant Students Navigate a New RealityOfficials estimate that more than 36,000 migrant students have enrolled in New York City public schools over the past two years.What challenges are these new students facing? And what are schools doing to support them? This student-reported episode explores these questions through conversations with students, educators, and a journalist who's been covering the issue.Segment AChalkbeat Reporter Michael Elsen-Rooney breaks down the issue and how the broader media narratives don't necessarily reflect experiences on the ground. (6 min)Segment BStudent reporter Jose Santana interviews a Claremont International High School student...2024-03-2800 min
P.S. WeeklyMigrant Students Navigate a New RealityOfficials estimate that more than 36,000 migrant students have enrolled in New York City public schools over the past two years. What challenges are these new students facing? And what are schools doing to support them?Segment A – Chalkbeat Reporter Michael Elsen-Rooney breaks down the issue and how the broader media narratives don't necessarily reflect experiences on the ground. (6 min)Segment B – Student reporter Jose Santana interviews a Claremont International High School student about her transition to the school system and how one program has made a big difference. (9 min)Seg...2024-03-2726 min