In this powerful conversation, Dr. Sean McDowell, President of Lubbock Christian University, challenges the modern education system's failures and offers a vision for genuine transformation. We explore why today's students are underprepared despite grade inflation, how technology addiction is replacing critical thinking, and what it truly takes to restore excellence in education.

Key Topics:

The crisis of underpreparedness in higher education and why even "elite" students struggle with basics like reading comprehension and critical thinking

How prolonged adolescence and decreased maturity levels are affecting student outcomes

Why this generation is returning to traditional values and demanding authenticity from educators

The role of AI in education—and why we must teach it through an ethical and moral framework

Parent involvement as the #1 factor in K-12 success and how we can support working families

The case for aptitude-based education tracks, entrepreneurship programs, and eliminating the stigma around skilled trades

Why "life shared with life" matters: how teacher-student relationships and mentorship change trajectories

LCU's approach: "We walk with you" - custom-made education that meets students where they are

Dr. McDowell reminds us: There is no substitute for competence. When students master real skills and discover their unique gifts, confidence follows—and with it, a love of learning that lasts a lifetime.

If you're a parent, educator, or concerned citizen ready to fight for education that actually prepares students for life, this conversation is for you.

We're sending kids out of high school completely unprepared for the real world, and wondering why they're anxious, directionless, and failing to launch.

This week on The Path Forward, I sat down with LindaGail Walker - a 30-year education veteran, nationally recognized expert in post-traumatic growth, and lead co-author of USC's Trauma Readiness course.

In this episode, we talked about how:

→ Kids are slipping through the cracks while we obsess over college prep for everyone
→ We're missing high-risk students - especially the quiet ones internalizing their struggles
→ Screen time is destroying empathy, communication, and decision-making skills
→ Without financial literacy and employable skills, we're setting kids up to fail

LindaGail's insight hit home: "You can tell kids all day long that they are empowered, but until they have some level of success, they are never going to feel that way."

If you're tired of the education echo chamber and ready for real solutions, this episode is for you.

For more, visit www.ashleybcash.com and www.pathforwardpodcast.com.

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Jackie Fagan Perry joins The Path Forward to discuss the critical challenges facing Texas teachers and practical solutions to keep passionate educators in the classroom. From merit pay and the Teacher Incentive Allotment to early intervention strategies and coaching models, Jackie shares insights on how Texas can recruit, retain, and support the teachers our students desperately need. We explore teacher burnout, the importance of ongoing development over punitive measures, and why bringing retired educators back into schools could transform student outcomes.