Ep 405: Choosing a School That Actually Works For a Student: What Research Says Children Need to Learn
Tue Feb 03 2026
Parents are overwhelmed with school choices—and most are being asked to decide without the information that actually matters.
Research shows students don’t learn more because a teacher is certified, experienced, or passionate. They learn more when they believe their teacher knows what they’re doing, cares about them, and can actually help them succeed.
In this episode, we break down one of the highest-impact findings in all of education research: teacher credibility, with an effect size of 0.90—meaning it has more impact on learning than class size, homework, or school type.
We’ll explore what builds or breaks credibility, why student perception matters more than adult intention, and the seven evidence-based conditions students need to learn—including safety, belonging, emotional regulation, appropriate challenge, relevance, feedback, and consistency.
If you’re questioning traditional school, exploring alternatives, or trying to understand what actually helps children learn, this episode will give you clarity, confidence, and research-backed insight to make informed decisions.
----more----
Microschool Masterminds: skool.com/microschool-masterminds
Every Thursday from 12-1 pm (EST), join Makenzie Oliver, microschool founder, VELA connector, and instructional coach, along with other founders, parents, and dreamers, as we connect, inspire, and progress through the challenges and celebrations of starting, running, and growing a microschool!
When you join Microschool Masterminds for just $107/month, you get:
Live Weekly Collaborative Sessions to Maintain Your Momentum and Create Community
Instant Access to Over 150+ Resources on Marketing, Finances, Organization, Hiring, and More!
The Key to the Mastermind Vault, with ALL of Our Recorded Presentations since April 2024
EXCLUSIVE Access To Mastermind-Only Discounted Items
Microschool Masterminds is about collaboration and transformation – about helping you become a confident, empowered entrepreneur, ready to take on the world with friends to guide you along the way. Join us on this remarkable journey from overwhelm to success.
Facebook Group: facebook.com/groups/redreameducation
If you’re searching for a community because something in your life, your classroom, your family, your child, or your heart is asking for a new dream. A wiser dream. A ReDream. You belong in ReDream Education’s Microschool Community (Facebook Group). We challenge the old models, rethink what learning can be, and build innovative pathways for children, families, and communities!
Blog: redreameducation.com/blog
It’s time to take the light that’s been dimmed, due to the overwhelming pressures, and spark a flame! Whether it’s starting a homeschooling business, designing a microschool, or even becoming a traveling tutor...teacher friend...the options are here for you to stay in the teaching profession and do what you love.
More
Parents are overwhelmed with school choices—and most are being asked to decide without the information that actually matters. Research shows students don’t learn more because a teacher is certified, experienced, or passionate. They learn more when they believe their teacher knows what they’re doing, cares about them, and can actually help them succeed. In this episode, we break down one of the highest-impact findings in all of education research: teacher credibility, with an effect size of 0.90—meaning it has more impact on learning than class size, homework, or school type. We’ll explore what builds or breaks credibility, why student perception matters more than adult intention, and the seven evidence-based conditions students need to learn—including safety, belonging, emotional regulation, appropriate challenge, relevance, feedback, and consistency. If you’re questioning traditional school, exploring alternatives, or trying to understand what actually helps children learn, this episode will give you clarity, confidence, and research-backed insight to make informed decisions. ----more---- Microschool Masterminds: skool.com/microschool-masterminds Every Thursday from 12-1 pm (EST), join Makenzie Oliver, microschool founder, VELA connector, and instructional coach, along with other founders, parents, and dreamers, as we connect, inspire, and progress through the challenges and celebrations of starting, running, and growing a microschool! When you join Microschool Masterminds for just $107/month, you get: Live Weekly Collaborative Sessions to Maintain Your Momentum and Create Community Instant Access to Over 150+ Resources on Marketing, Finances, Organization, Hiring, and More! The Key to the Mastermind Vault, with ALL of Our Recorded Presentations since April 2024 EXCLUSIVE Access To Mastermind-Only Discounted Items Microschool Masterminds is about collaboration and transformation – about helping you become a confident, empowered entrepreneur, ready to take on the world with friends to guide you along the way. Join us on this remarkable journey from overwhelm to success. Facebook Group: facebook.com/groups/redreameducation If you’re searching for a community because something in your life, your classroom, your family, your child, or your heart is asking for a new dream. A wiser dream. A ReDream. You belong in ReDream Education’s Microschool Community (Facebook Group). We challenge the old models, rethink what learning can be, and build innovative pathways for children, families, and communities! Blog: redreameducation.com/blog It’s time to take the light that’s been dimmed, due to the overwhelming pressures, and spark a flame! Whether it’s starting a homeschooling business, designing a microschool, or even becoming a traveling tutor...teacher friend...the options are here for you to stay in the teaching profession and do what you love.