About This Episode

Season 6. Episode 9.

In this episode of Education Insight, we’re joined by Dr. Iwunze Ugo, Research Fellow at the Public Policy Institute of California, to unpack the findings from the 2025 Nation’s Report Card on Education. This annual assessment offers a snapshot of how students across the country are performing in key subjects—and what those results reveal about the state of K–12 education.

Dr. Ugo shares his perspective on the biggest takeaways from this year’s report, including where students are making progress and where they continue to struggle. The conversation explores the lingering academic effects of the pandemic, widening achievement gaps between students from different socioeconomic backgrounds, and the growing disparities among states.

We also examine the challenges faced by English learners and students with disabilities and how chronic absenteeism continues to impact performance. Yet amid the data, there are bright spots: districts and communities are finding innovative ways to support students and improve outcomes under difficult circumstances.

🎧 Tune in to learn what this year’s Nation’s Report Card tells us about how America’s students are really doing, and what educators, parents, and policymakers can do to help close the gaps and move education forward.

Featured Guest

Dr. Iwunze Ugo

Research Fellow, Public Policy Institute of California

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Education Insight tells the story of education in the Inland Empire through the diverse voices of those in and around the regional education community. The show is produced by Growing Inland Achievement, a collective impact organization in the Inland Empire with a mission to increase economic prosperity in the region by increasing educational attainment. Hosted by 30-year broadcast veteran Lacey Kendall, monthly shows explore topics ranging from education challenges and shortcomings to innovations and groundbreaking ideas that are driving student success.