Are cell phone bans in classrooms actually solving the screen time crisis—or are we just swapping one digital distraction for another?

In this episode of the School Rules Podcast, host Dr. Jerry Burkett sits down with Terry Gromes Jr., Founder and CEO of The Canary Project, to unpack the true cost of the attention economy on students and families. From algorithmic dopamine hooks to the "brain drain" caused by physical phone proximity, Terry shares why total tech bans miss the mark and how cultivating timeless virtues like discipline and self-control creates sustainable digital balance.

In this episode, we cover:

• The "Phone Ban" Paradox: Why replacing cell phones with school-issued screens doesn't fix digital dependency.

• The Attention Economy & Gen Z: How social media algorithms target decision-making—and why 83% of Gen Z are actively trying to step back from doom-scrolling.

• The Cognitive Drain: What the University of Chicago proximity study reveals about cell phones sitting on classroom desks.

• The "Traffic Light" Framework: Why technology needs common-sense safety structures to help society coexist with smart devices.

• Actionable School & Family Strategies: How K-12 leaders can bridge the gap between home and school to empower parents and restore household leadership.

Connect with Terry Gromes Jr. & The Canary Project:

• Website: www.thecanaryproject.org

• LinkedIn: Terry Gromes Jr. on LinkedIn

Connect with School Rules:

• Hosted by Dr. Jerry Burkett

• Subscribe for weekly conversations connecting educational research, leadership practice, and school culture!

Welcome back to the School Rules Podcast with Dr. Jerry Burkett! In this high-yield episode, we cut through educational noise and policy confusion to bring you actionable tools for school leadership, instructional technology, and financial literacy.

The Leadership Lens (Before School): Navigating the October Low & DAEP Risks

Dr. Burkett addresses the seasonal strain of late September and October as classroom honeymoon phases fade and behavior referrals surge. We examine the legislative push surrounding Chapter 37 / DAEP removals, the overuse of disciplinary exile for elementary students, and why leaders must protect proactive tier-2/3 behavior systems before default-removing kids.

Hallway Highlights: Sun Ridge Middle School (Socorro ISD)

Shining a 60-second light on Sun Ridge Middle School in West Texas.

Greg Junge, founder of Money Mindset Academy and author of "Teen Money Mindset" and "Parent Money Mindset", steps in to discuss bridging the gap between home and school when it comes to financial education. Greg breaks down why teaching money mechanics isn't enough, how to remove shame around spending, credit cards, and savings, and how parents and schools can collaborate to raise financially confident kids.

Resources Mentioned:ReadingDuck: https://readingduck.comFreeWorksheets: https://freeworksheets.comMoney Mindset Academy: https://moneymindsetacademy.com#k12education

#schoolleadership #edtech #financialliteracy #Principalship #aiineducation #teachersupport #school

How can educators and instructional designers harness the power of artificial intelligence without losing human empathy and connection?

In this episode of the School Rules Podcast, Dr. Jerry Burkett welcomes Jackie Pelegrin, host of Designing with Love and adjunct professor at Grand Canyon University. Drawing from nearly two decades of experience across higher education, corporate learning, and media production, Jackie shares actionable strategies for creating future-ready, adaptive learning environments.

• AI as a Co-Designer: Using generative AI tools with intention while keeping human judgment at the center.

• The Rise of Adaptive Pathways: Why rigid, one-size-fits-all courses fall short and how to build flexible learning paths.

• Ethical AI Audits: Simple steps to evaluate course content for accuracy, bias, and privacy before publication.

• Human-Centered EdTech: Building psychological safety and authentic connection into digital classrooms.

Connect with Guest:

• Website: designingwithloveblog.com

• Podcast: Designing with Love

In this episode of the School Rules Podcast, Dr. Jerry Burkett sits down with Isabella Choi (Founder & President) and Camille Song from the National Substance Prevention Network (NSPN).

For years, school leaders have relied on top-down assemblies, scare tactics, and zero-tolerance removals to combat substance use—methods that rarely shift student culture. NSPN is pioneering a different approach: an evidence-based, student-led network that trains youth to lead honest, research-backed conversations about substance use, mental health, and peer pressure.

Connect with NSPN:

• Website: https://thenspn.org

• Instagram: @TheNSPN

#SchoolRulesPodcast #SchoolLeadership #SubstancePrevention #NSPN #StudentLeadership #PeerToPeer #MentalHealth #Principalship #K12Education

In this quick reaction episode of the School Rules Podcast, Dr. Jerry Burkett analyzes Texas Representative James Talarico’s education reform comments at last night’s CNN Town Hall.

Episode Highlights:

• Fully Funding the Department of Education: Why federal Title I and IDEA dollars matter for local districts.

• Universal Pre-K: The long-term instructional return on early childhood investments.

• Teacher Pay Expansion: Addressing the educator retention crisis with real policy solutions.

Dr. Burkett provides executive "Real Talk" on what it takes to turn political town hall promises into practical campus realities.

Hashtags/Keywords: #EducationPolicy #PublicSchools #TeacherSalary #UniversalPreK #DepartmentOfEducation #SchoolLeadership #JamesTalarico

Welcome back to the School Rules Podcast with Dr. Jerry Burkett! In this high-yield episode, we cut through educational noise and policy confusion to bring you actionable tools for school leadership, instructional technology, and financial literacy.

The Leadership Lens (Before School): Navigating the October Low & DAEP Risks

Dr. Burkett addresses the seasonal strain of late September and October as classroom honeymoon phases fade and behavior referrals surge. We examine the legislative push surrounding Chapter 37 / DAEP removals, the overuse of disciplinary exile for elementary students, and why leaders must protect proactive tier-2/3 behavior systems before default-removing kids.

Hallway Highlights: Sun Ridge Middle School (Socorro ISD)

Shining a 60-second light on Sun Ridge Middle School in West Texas.

Teacher’s Lounge: AI, EdTech & The Future of Learning with Paul McKee

Paul McKee, M.Ed., co-founder of ReadingDuck.com and FreeWorksheets.com, joins Dr. Burkett to talk about the reality of AI in K-12 classrooms. We explore how teachers are actively leveraging technology, how to evaluate EdTech efficacy without overburdening staff, strategies for strengthening AI literacy among educators, and why the world needs skilled coders and critical thinkers now more than ever.

After School: Normalizing Financial Literacy with Greg Junge

Greg Junge, founder of Money Mindset Academy and author of "Teen Money Mindset" and "Parent Money Mindset", steps in to discuss bridging the gap between home and school when it comes to financial education. Greg breaks down why teaching money mechanics isn't enough, how to remove shame around spending, credit cards, and savings, and how parents and schools can collaborate to raise financially confident kids.

Resources Mentioned:ReadingDuck: https://readingduck.comFreeWorksheets: https://freeworksheets.comMoney Mindset Academy: https://moneymindsetacademy.com#k12education

#schoolleadership #edtech #financialliteracy #Principalship #aiineducation #teachersupport #school

Welcome to the kickoff episode of the 2026–2027 academic year! Host Dr. Jerry R. Burkett delivers an packed three-segment episode tackling the full spectrum of educational leadership—from systemic K-12 policy crises to cutting-edge classroom technology and doctoral student success.Segment 1: The Leadership Lens – Fort Worth ISD & State InterventionsDr. Burkett opens the season with an administrative analysis of the state intervention in Fort Worth ISD. He unpacks the real-world operational impacts of state oversight, budget deficits, and campus accountability, offering critical takeaways for K-12 leaders navigating policy shifts, fiscal cliff management, and local control.Segment 2: AI-Powered Literacy & Supporting Neurodivergent LearnersDr. Burkett sits down with David Chalk, co-founder of ReadingRoad.ai, who shares his personal journey of learning to read at age 62. They explore:-How AI is transforming reading intervention for struggling and neurodivergent learners.-Overcoming the shame and masking associated with illiteracy in K-12 classrooms.-Providing private, non-judgmental technology tools that build student confidence and reading fluency.Segment 3: Higher Ed Horizons – Demystifying the Doctorate with Dr. Cody ArvidsonIn the final segment, Dr. Burkett speaks with Dr. Cody Arvidson from Degree Solutions Group (degreesolutionsgroup.com) about her new book, "Demystifying the Doctorate: Your Guide to Survive and Thrive".Their conversation covers:-Practical strategies for doctoral students navigating the academic journey.-Managing AI ethics, literature reviews, and research integrity in higher education.-Emerging trends in post-secondary education and academic career development.#SchoolRulesPodcast #educationalleadership #k12education #highereducation #edtech #schoolleadership #literacymatters #readingintervention #aiineducation #neurodiversity #dyslexiasupport #specialeducation #Readingroad #DemystifyingTheDoctorate #doctoralstudent #phdlife #academictwitter #academicresearch #aiinresearch

In this episode of the School Rules Podcast, I blend discussions from ELDR 6433 and ELDR 5123 to explore what it means to lead with curiosity and purpose. We talk about developing a meaningful leadership philosophy, staying open to new information, and how curiosity shapes the way leaders respond to challenges.

I also dive into trauma‑informed leadership, the mental health realities facing educators, and the deeper reasons teachers leave unhealthy schools and districts. This episode is a practical, honest look at the emotional and intellectual work of leading in today’s schools.

Perfect for principals, aspiring leaders, and educators who want to grow with intention.