Episode 172 | Are We Preparing Students for Life After K-12?

What does it actually mean for a student to be “prepared”?

A diploma? Good grades? College acceptance?

In this episode of Our Classroom, Roberto Germán sits down with educator and parent Will Smith, whose work at the college level has given him a different perspective on what happens after students leave K–12 education.

Their conversation began months ago with a discussion about phonics and foundational reading skills. But it quickly grew into a much bigger question: Are schools and families preparing young people to become increasingly independent, or simply helping them make it to the next milestone?

Together, Roberto and Will explore:

What Will is noticing about students now that he works at the college level

The difference between being academically successful and being prepared for independence

How foundational learning gaps can follow students for years

What schools should reasonably expect from families, and vice versa

Why family engagement shouldn't require parents to become teachers

The difference between supporting young people and rescuing them

Self-advocacy, problem-solving, responsibility, and learning how to struggle