E463

What Makes Parents Choose Alternative Schools? | Eric Wearne

From Getting Smart Podcast · Hosted by Tom Vander Ark

2026-03-04·00:32:58

Episode summary

In this episode of Getting Smart Podcast: In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Victoria Andrews sits down with Eric Wearne of Kennesaw State University and the National Hybrid Schools Project to explore what research is revealing about hybrid models (often 2–3 days on campus and 2–3 days at home), including facilities and regulatory challenges, who teaches in these settings, and why learner-centered culture matters. They also dig into trust, access, and equity—highlighting creative solutions like…

Listen elsewhere

Original publisher description

In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Victoria Andrews sits down with Eric Wearne of Kennesaw State University and the National Hybrid Schools Project to explore what research is revealing about hybrid models (often 2–3 days on campus and 2–3 days at home), including facilities and regulatory challenges, who teaches in these settings, and why learner-centered culture matters. They also dig into trust, access, and equity—highlighting creative solutions like support-day staffing and community partnerships—plus how expanded options could reduce conflict and better match learners to environments where they can thrive. Outline (00:00) Introduction (03:45) National Hybrid Schools Project (08:07) Facilities and Teacher Hiring (14:33) Learner-Centered Design (18:34) Addressing Access and Equity (24:04) Finding and Choosing Schools Links Read the full blog here Watch the full video here LinkedIn Samuel Everett School of Innovation What Happens When Public School Districts Embrace Hybrid Schools? | The 74 Julian Charter Schools