What if schools were designed to cultivate agency instead of compliance? In this episode, Rod and Jal welcome back Tyler Thigpen for a deep conversation about self-directed learning, human flourishing, and the hidden lessons traditional schooling teaches students about authority, motivation, and identity. It’s a thoughtful and hopeful conversation about what education could become when we stop asking kids to simply comply — and start helping them become fully human.
Dr. Tyler S. Thigpen has worked in innovative district, private, and charter schools in Georgia, as well as national and regional nonprofits. Tyler is co-founder of The Forest School: An Acton Academy in south metro Atlanta, founder and executive director of the Institute for Self-Directed Learning, and instructor at the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education. He also holds a doctoral degree in education leadership from the Harvard Graduate School of Education, a master’s in public administration from the Harvard John F. Kennedy School of Government, and a master’s in theological studies from Regent College of the University of British Columbia. Highlights from the conversation include: why students need meaningful ownership over their learning; a deep dive on the pros and cons of traditional assessment mechanisms; exploring alternative forms of assessment including badges, public exhibitions, and student-led governing councils; the importance of celebrating growth beyond just grade advancement and test scores; why schools should use less "bubble wrap" and allow students to experience and learn from natural consequences; a plethora of sports metaphors; and a lightning round that covers motorcycle rides, beach volleyball, and a push for Free Range Humans swag!
Read Tyler's recent article on high school redesign efforts.
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