Instruction Discussion

40 Episodes
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By: 90.3 WHPC

A weekly look at the latest topics and trends in education, affecting schools on Long Island, and around the world. Whether you are a teacher, parent or student, listen for tips and strategies to help you navigate the education landscape.

Be the Rainbow in Someone Else’s Cloud
Last Monday at 8:00 PM

In the ongoing effort to provide outlets that support our mental well-being, Kevin Boston-Hill speaks with Dean of School Culture and author of the affirmation journals: “Glow Getter and Glow Getter, Jr”, Ellashia Spaulding, about the importance of starting your day with positive self-talk and meaningful reflection on stressful events - no matter the age. Ms. Spaulding also reveals the process of developing a book and having it sold on Amazon.


A Long Talk
04/28/2025

In hopes of expanding the dialogue on race in our schools and our country, Kevin Boston-Hill speaks with Kyle Williams, CEO of A Long Talk About the Uncomfortable Truth, about how to introduce and expand the conversation regarding race in this country. To find out more and join the conversation follow this link: https://padlet.com/ALongTalk2020/a-long-talk-follow-up-info-o6dmkhrj8yac679i


Raising a Resilient Generation
04/07/2025

In a lively conversation, Kevin Boston-Hill and clinical psychologist, Dr. Doug Bolton, discuss the various styles of parenting that have been used  - what works and what doesn’t - and how we should consider about ourselves when raising the next generation of global citizens.


What We SHOULD Focus On In Education
03/31/2025

Kevin Boston-Hill speaks with Raj Goyle, founder of the advocacy group, Phone Free New York, about why we should be in favor of education reform measures like banning cell phones from classrooms rather than dismantling the Department of Education.


Early Learning Strategies
03/24/2025

Kevin Boston-Hill speaks with Dr Amy Jackson, Chief Early Learning Strategy Officer at Primrose Schools, about the importance of having children begin school-based learning as early as possible. Since the brain is 90% developed within the first 5 years, it may be worth exploring getting children in school early.


Defeating Racism and Advancing Freedom
03/17/2025

Kevin Boston-Hill speaks with DEI activist and author of the book, “A Brother’s Insight: Guidance on Defeating Racism and Advancing Freedom”, Dr. Joe-Joe McManus. They discuss the influence his early family life has had on his current attitudes about racism and what can be done to help to end it.


Nobody's Child
03/10/2025

Kevin Boston-Hill speaks with author Tammie Francisque about her book, “Nobody’s Child - A Biography”, and discusses the important themes within that children and adults face in their lives, and how they can work through them.


Exploring the Modern World of Literature
03/03/2025

Kevin Boston-Hill speaks with speaker and author Kevin Blaize about his journey to becoming an author and how students can use his example to explore the world of literature and how teachers can use his books to encourage their students.


Cell Phones, A.I., and other Tech Stuff
02/24/2025

Kevin Boston-Hill speaks with Education Week Staff Writer and Instructional Technology expert Olina Banerji about the latest developments with cell phone bans in school and the use of AI by students, teachers and administrators.


Leaders Look Within
02/10/2025

As people of all ages and stations in their careers try to determine their next steps, Kevin Boston-Hill speaks with Brent Pohlman, CEO of Midwest Laboratories and author of the book, "Leaders Look Within". Their discussion explains that perhaps the best way to build your leadership capacity for others is to first develop your leadership capacity for yourself.


The Freedom Frameworks
02/03/2025

Kevin Boston-Hill speaks with CEO and author of “The Freedom Frameworks”, Jack M. Cohen, about how people of all ages and stages in their careers can develop a plan for career development.


Using A.I. to Improve Math Scores
01/27/2025

As the debate over whether subjects like Algebra should even be taught in schools, Kevin Boston-Hill turns the focus to how schools can help their struggling students regain time lost due to the pandemic as well as other reasons for low achievement. Listen as he and guest Joe Philleo (CEO of EDIA Learning) discuss how the Edia platform uses Artificial Intelligence to overcome barriers such as language to help students learn math, no matter the topic or grade level.


Using A.I. to Assist with Writing
12/09/2024

As educators fight the constant battle of making sure students do not use A.I. to do their assignments, Kevin Boston-Hill speaks with Dr. Marc-Oliver Gewaltig, co-founder of Thesify, an A.I.-driven writing platform designed to tutor and support students through the writing process, rather than produce the final product for them.


The 7 Habits Re-Imagined
12/02/2024

Kevin Boston-Hill speaks with Senior Leadership Consultant at Franklin-Covey, Todd Davis, about the sustained success of “The 7 Habits of Highly Successful People”, 35 years after it was first published. The Habits are applicable to adults and K-12 students alike.


Using Music Playlists to Bring History to Life
11/25/2024

Kevin Boston-Hill speaks with international bestselling author Randy Susan Meyers about her new book, “The Many Mothers of Ivy Puddingston” and how music can be used to help mark a moment in history and to explore difficult topics. We all can curate a playlist to be the soundtrack of our lives, so why not use music to help teach content and make learning more engaging?


Building Relationships with Your Teens
11/18/2024

Kevin Boston-Hill speaks with Susan Caso, licensed therapist and author of the book, The Parent-Teen Connection: How to Build Lifelong Family Relationships. During the conversation they share tips on how to navigate life’s obstacles while building trust.


Kurt Angle - Overcoming Adversity
11/11/2024

Kevin Boston-Hill speaks with WWE Hall of Famer and Olympic Gold Medalist, Kurt Angle, about developing the discipline necessary to hold fast to your dreams. They discuss overcoming adversity and the importance of supporting Olympic athletes to achieve their dreams.


Censorship in Higher Education
11/04/2024

Kevin Boston-Hill speaks with Jeremy Young, Program Director at PEN America, about a recent report that spotlights the various ways state and federal representatives are trying to curtail freedom of academic expression in institutions of higher learning.


Marie Curie - The Petite Giant of Science
10/28/2024

Kevin Boston-Hill speaks with author Dava Sobel about her new book that chronicles the many accomplishments of Madame Marie Curie through the lens of the women, and men, she taught and tutored through the years. Madame Curie’s “science coaching tree” is a marvel to behold and is a testament to her extensive influence.


Popularity of Dance and Dance Lessons
10/21/2024

Kevin Boston-Hill speaks with dancer, English teacher, and author, Lucy Ashe, about her career in dance and her new novel, “The Sleeping Beauties”.  Ms. Ashe also shares advice and insight for anyone interested in dance regardless of ability.


Using Art Journaling to Manage Chaos and Unleash Joy
10/14/2024

Kevin Boston-Hill speaks with Transformational Coach and Author of the book, “Art for Your Sanity”, Susan Hensley about using art journaling as a tool to help cultivate mindfulness, process emotions, and navigate life transitions. This is a strategy for all ages and no matter your aptitude for art.


Child Obesity and its Impact on Academic Health
10/07/2024

Kevin Boston-Hill speaks with Dr. Nadine Gracia, President of Trust for America’s Health, and addresses the growing obesity rates in the U.S. They talk impact, especially on academics, as well as solutions to reverse the trend.


Getting Students Excited About College
09/30/2024

With so many students undecided about their college majors, Kevin Boston-Hill speaks with Dr. Teniell Trolian, Associate Professor in the Department of Educational Policy and Leadership at the University at Albany, State University of New York, about how to get students excited about college. They discuss practical steps that high schools can employ to help their students through the college process and beyond.


How to Get Your Students to Read
09/23/2024

Kevin Boston-Hill speaks with the Director of Teaching Excellence at Columbia University’s Business School, Dr. Kerry O’Grady about her recent article: “How to Get Your Students to Read”. Dr. O’Grady shares some tips and strategies on getting students to do their homework.


Exploring Virtual K-12 Options
09/16/2024

Kevin Boston-Hill speaks with the Executive Director of Insight School of Washington, Myron Hammond, about the benefits of an online K-12 education and how to find free options in your area.


Student Self-Advocacy in IEP Meetings
09/09/2024

Kevin Boston-Hill has a conversation with Ohio educational consultant and Special Education expert, Angie Chapple, about how to encourage more involvement from perhaps the most important element of the IEP meeting - the student.


The Big Lie About Race in America’s Schools
08/26/2024

Kevin Boston-Hill speaks with USC professors and leaders at USC’s Race and Equity Center, Dr. Royel Johnson and Dr. Shaun Harper about the collection of research essays, “The Big Lie About Race in America’s Schools”, and the implications as a nation if we do not have more conversations regarding race - if we don’t learn from history, we are doomed to repeat it.


School Cellphone Bans That Work
08/19/2024

Kevin Boston-Hill tackles the controversial topic of banning cellphone use in schools with Amber Northern, who holds a Ph.D in Education Policy and Evaluation and is the Senior Vice President for Research at the Thomas B. Fordham Institute. She has a simple 3-part plan that shows early promise and can help educators recapture time to do what they love - teach content.


A Conversation with a National Graduate of the Year
08/12/2024

Kevin Boston-Hill speaks with Haley Yegorov, one of six Penn Foster Group National Graduates of the Year, about how online classes in high school and college helped him pursue his dream of international ballroom dancing and pursuit of a career in law.


Combating Teaching Fears and Nightmares
08/05/2024

Kevin Boston-Hill speaks with teacher leader and author of several articles on classroom management, equity, and instructional practice Henry Seton about what teachers (new and veteran) can do to overcome their teaching fears and minimize the impact of their nightmares.


Navigating Financial Aid with the New FAFSA
07/29/2024

Kevin Boston-Hill speaks with education expert Maria Alejandra Canales, Managing Director of Program Implementation at OneGoal, about how families can access and leverage resources to understand the changes in the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and some ways they can find other sources of academic funding.


How I Used Basketball to Help Black Boys (and ALL Children) to Embrace Emotional Wellness
07/22/2024

Kevin Boston-Hill speaks with Master of Social Work and Social Work Supervisor, Clementina Jose, about the "Talk It Out Basketball" program she uses to teach students (particularly young men of color) how to express themselves, take ownership of their actions, and as an alternative to suspension.


Academic Achievement Gap 70 Years After Brown v. Bd. of Ed.
06/24/2024

In recognition of the 70th anniversary of the landmark Supreme Court case of Brown v. Board of Education, Kevin Boston-Hill speaks with Jill Barshay, columnist with the Hechinger Report who has done extensive research regarding the achievement gap between black and white students. Among questions discussed is whether schools have become segregated again due to socioeconomic and environmental factors.


The 5Ls - The Gift of a Balanced Life
06/17/2024

Kevin Boston-Hill speaks with the authors of the book, “The 5Ls - The Gift of a Balanced Life” about how we all can achieve a favorable work-life balance. Authors Sal LaGreca and Mike Mannix use their combined 70+ years of experience along with interviews with leaders in a variety of industries to present an easy-to-follow plan on how to create more mental solace.


Making Asynchronous Classes More Personal
06/03/2024

As more online courses are becoming asynchronous, Kevin Boston-Hill speaks with Dr. Jill Weber, Associate Professor in the Accounting Department at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, about her best practices on bringing more personal interactions to an autonomous course. After all, we want to give all students the best educational experience possible.


Our Children and Mental Health
05/13/2024

In light of the growing numbers of children experiencing anxiety, depression and other mental health issues, Kevin Boston-Hill speaks with Psychologist and Mental Health expert, Dr. Charmain Jackman, about how we can recognize when our children are in need of help and how to teach them coping skills to be able to verbalize what they are feeling.


Preparing Students for the Ever-Changing Workplace
04/22/2024

Kevin Boston-Hill talks with Courtney Savoia, Assistant Director of Communications and Jennifer Pautz, Assistant Vice-President of Policy and Advocacy at NAF, to discuss how NAF Academies go further than apprenticeships to make students workforce ready, no matter the environment.


Why AP Courses are good
04/08/2024

Kevin Boston-Hill speaks with the Vice President in charge of AP Courses at College Board, Terry Redican, about the benefits of AP (Advanced Placement) Courses as well as the different options in course offerings and how anyone can get enrolled in AP courses.


How to Write a Book
04/01/2024

Kevin Boston-Hill speaks with writing professor and award-winning author Philip Chioffari about what it takes to be a writer.  He shares some tips and strategies to help anyone bring out that story that is within all of us.


Healing Our Way Home
03/25/2024

In determining ways to cope with the stressors of life and practice mindfulness, Kevin Boston-Hill speaks with Dharma teacher Kaira Jewel Lingo, one of the authors of the book, “Healing Our Way Home - Black Buddhist Teachings on Ancestors, Joy, and Liberation”. Among topics discussed is how to practice mindfulness with our electronic devices.