Episode 7: Statistics, Superintendents, and Supporting Character Education

Episode 7: Statistics, Superintendents, and Supporting Character Education

From Three in the News by Los Angeles Institute for Restorative Practices & Research

November 21, 2025 · 41 min · Season 1 · Episode 7

About this episode

This episode discusses the decline in U.S. reading and math scores, the superintendent leadership crisis, and highlights a hopeful development in character education.

In this episode, we welcome Dr. Gary Smit to the podcast as we break down three major stories shaping education today. First, new national data shows U.S. reading and math scores have fallen to historic lows, with growing gaps between high- and low-performing students. Second, school districts across the country are facing a leadership crisis as superintendent turnover reaches unprecedented levels, disrupting stability and long-term planning. Finally, we highlight a hopeful development: unive...

People in this episode

Guest: Dr. Gary Smit

Topics covered

  • education statistics
  • superintendent leadership crisis
  • character education
  • student performance
  • national data

Keywords

  • education
  • reading scores
  • math scores
  • superintendent turnover
  • character education

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Los Angeles Institute for Restorative Practices & Research

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