In this episode of Beyond the Worksheet, Dr. Jess Laine shifts the focus beyond the classroom to the people who play a critical role in shaping education—parents, community members, and policymakers. Drawing on the findings from her dissertation, she breaks down what the research really says about student engagement, academic achievement, and the role of instructional methods like discovery learning.

Dr. Jess emphasizes that there is no one-size-fits-all solution. While approaches like Montessori can support academic success, meaningful change depends on strong school culture, teacher support, and equitable access to resources. She offers practical guidance for parents on how to advocate for their children and for leaders on how to create policies that support both engagement and learning.

This episode highlights a key takeaw ...