Episode 2: Learning Wins, Staffing Woes, and the System Strain

Published: October 17, 2025

Length: ~9 minutes

✨ Summary

Dr. Sherri breaks down the week’s education headlines — from student success stories to leadership changes — painting a full picture of what’s really happening inside America’s schools.

⏱️ Timestamps

0:00 – IntroWelcome to The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly – Education Edition!

0:45 – The Good

• Mitchell, SD students earn blue ribbons at the 2025 State Fair (Mitchell Now)

• California test scores show measurable gains in science, ELA, and math (CalMatters)

3:30 – The Bad

• Mississippi launches “REACH MS” virtual-teaching program to fill vacancies (AP News)

• Transportation shortages across Ohio, Arkansas, and Michigan impact daily operations

6:00 – The Ugly

• Leadership shakeups in Georgia and federal staff cuts at the U.S. Department of Education

• Oklahoma withdraws Bible-in-classrooms directive (Politico)

8:00 – Reflection

Progress, strain, and stability all collide in this week’s education landscape — reminding us that schools run on people, not policies.

📎 Sources

• Mitchell Now – Blue Ribbon Wins

• California Dept. of Education – Statewide Assessment Results 2025

• Associated Press – REACH MS Launch (2025)

• WTVG / KATV / WWMT – Transportation Shortage Reports (2025)

• Associated Press – DeKalb Superintendent Resignation (2025)

• LA Times – Federal Ed Staff Reductions (2025)

• Politico – Oklahoma Directive Withdrawn (2025)

💬 Reflection

“Every headline tells a story — but together they tell the truth about where education stands and where it still needs to grow.”