Like a Sponge

by GreatSchools.org

In a world of educational chaos, where can you turn to help your child flourish? Join Carol Lloyd as she dives into the science and stories behind how kids thrive. From how kids become math-phobic to what's going on inside your teenager's brain, it’s the science of learning, fun and unspun. Visit us at greatschools.org/likeasponge for links to resources and more.

8hr 37min

In a small town in rural North Carolina, one district launched a radical experiment to rethink their traditional high school. It worked so well, they’ve become a national model.

December 21, 202125min 40sec36.97 MB

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Like a Sponge takes on the problem — and promise — of high school today

February 24, 202256sec1.36 MB

How can high schools put student aspirations front and center? This Rhode Island high school swept aside the old high school model and sent students out to explore the world — and even sail the high seas.

December 7, 202124min 6sec34.71 MB

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What does it take for a school to be anti-racist? Or even just a classroom? Two very different success stories in Pennsylvania and Texas show how educators are grappling with race, privilege, and the blind spots embedded in our schools.

November 23, 202132min 27sec46.74 MB

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What happens when a high school realizes that their strict behavior rules are doing more harm than good? One Massachusetts charter school revamped their school culture one relationship at a time.

November 9, 202121min 4sec30.34 MB

How can high schoolers sample the future? This public Georgia high school has perfected a pathway program that leads to college, careers, and even stardom.

October 26, 202120min 14sec29.16 MB

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One small Texas high school manages to do what so many high schools try but fail to do: prepare all students for actual college success.

October 13, 202117min 50sec25.7 MB

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Most high schools have been using the same old playbook for more than a century. Why haven’t they caught up with the times?

September 27, 202126min 20sec37.94 MB

Here's why admitting what you don't know is key to success, and why "fake it till you make it" just doesn't cut it.

January 5, 202119min 34sec37.57 MB

The science is in: The best present you can give your child is to raise them to be generous.

December 8, 202018min 39sec35.81 MB

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Kids who feel gratitude for what they have are happier and more engaged with their schoolwork. Here's how to teach it – no nagging necessary.

November 17, 202019min 21sec37.16 MB

How to raise an honest child in a post-truth society.

October 27, 202033min 49sec64.93 MB

A sense of purpose can protect your teen from all sorts of troubles. Here’s how to help them find it.

October 13, 202018min 45sec36 MB

Why teaching kids how to forgive makes them stronger, not weaker.

September 29, 202030min 6sec57.82 MB

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A former white supremacist on how unconditional love changed—and saved—her life.

September 15, 202026min 47sec51.44 MB

How do you raise an honest child in a post-truth …

January 24, 20201min 28sec3.54 MB

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What’s it like to tour 12 elementary schools in s…

April 26, 201831min 35sec45.5 MB

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Nine out of ten parents expect their kids to go t…

January 18, 201825min 40sec36.98 MB

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Tune in as Like a Sponge explores how parents can…

September 27, 201728min 35sec27.45 MB

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In this episode of Like a Sponge, we take a hard …

September 6, 201728min 31sec27.45 MB

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Standardized testing: Is it an irrelevant waste of class time? An essential tool for making sure kids don't slip through the cracks? Like a Sponge looks at the many angles of this debate.

June 11, 201737min 12sec35.73 MB

In the first episode of Like a Sponge, we explore why math fills so many Americans with fear and loathing, and what experts are doing to change the math story for your child

May 3, 201728min 33sec27.42 MB

Radical rethink

December 21, 202125min 40sec

What does it take to turn around a high school with lagging attendance, low test scores, and few resources? Some educators might say, “baby steps.” Instead, North Edgecombe High School launched a radical rethink of the whole student experience, all guided by a design thinking process led by the students themselves.