Anchored by the Classic Learning Test

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by Angel Adams Parham, the new President of CLT's Board of Academic Advisors. Angel discusses her background as a Yale graduate and researcher in different countries around the world, and how that gave her greater insight into the classical tradition.  She cites her diverse background as the reason she studied sociology and claims it taught her the virtue of listening well. Angel also discusses her work with Dr. Anika Prather on their new book "The Black Intellectual Tradition and the Great Conversation: Black Writers as Essential to an Education in Truth, Goodness, and Beauty” in collaboration with Classical Academic Press.

On this episode of Anchored Jeremy is joined by Dr. Mathew Smith, founding president of Hildegard College, a new college equipping young people in Knowledge, Conviction, and Action. Dr. Smith discusses why he became a college professor and the inspiration behind creating Hildegard. He explains that the vision for the college was born out of a demand for a return to tradition. He discusses the various programs offered at the college, the curriculum, and the cost to attend. Dr. Smith states that the goal of Hildegard is to provide an affordable education that results in communion with God. 

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by Taryn Murphy, CLT's Digital Marketing Manager. Taryn discusses her homeschool education, her studies at Hillsdale College, and the process of applying to scholarships to graduate debt-free. She shares her journey to being chosen as Hillsdale's 2021 Outstanding Senior Woman, and reflects that attending Hillsdale helped her in the "process of becoming." She explains that graduating from Hillsdale was the start of her education, not the end, and that her goal of life-long learning was the reason she chose to work at CLT.

On this episode of Anchored, Arooba is joined by James Kennerley, a multi-faceted musician and Director of Music for St. Paul's Parish and Choir School. James shares how his love for music led him to study at the University of Cambridge and discusses the history of music as a liberal art. James also reflects on the universality of music across space and time, and the timeless emotions it invokes in people of all religions and backgrounds. He explains how St. Paul's Choir School unites a classical academic and musical curriculum with the Catholic moral tradition. 

Robert P. George, an influential scholar at Princeton University, dives into the effects of abandoning liberal arts education and its implications for unity in society. He shares insights on the E Pluribus Unum initiative, promoting dialogue around justice and the common good. George discusses his unique friendship with Cornel West, showcasing civil discourse through intellectual exchanges. They also explore the importance of reading and philosophy, emphasizing the need for critical thinking and shared values in overcoming societal divisions.

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy and Arooba are joined by King Randall, I. a 22-year-old native of Albany, GA. Seeing a need to help enhance the lives of young men in his community, he took action to combat the high poverty and crime rates by founding the "X" for Boys organization, where the motto is, "Let US Make Man." He discusses what the organization does, such as hosting a variety of workshops teaching life skills and trades such as automotive repair and home improvement. The organization also hosts a weekly book club for boys to improve literacy. He explains the devastating circumstances that young boys in Albany face, and how teaching them skills can not only help them escape those circumstances but make them better men. 

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by Dr. Brad Hadaway and Dr. Lynn Robson to discuss the Oxford Honors Program and the various other programs at Oxford University colleges. They are joined by two students enrolled in the Oxford Honors Program who discuss how they ended up in the program, and what they enjoy about it. Dr. Hadaway and Dr. Robson discuss the tutorial method of teaching at the colleges and how it benefits students. They also explain the structure of the colleges connected to Oxford University and what makes the system unique compared to other colleges. 

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by Kimberly Farley, a CLT all-star. She is involved in managing customer service, the Accommodations department, and involved in many elements of the student's experience. Kimberly discusses why she made the decision to homeschool her kids and the issues within the public education system that led to that decision. She also explains how she incorporated discipleship into her homeschooling curriculum to instill faith in her children. Kimberly discusses her journey of how she started working at CLT and what she loves most about working with students and families. 

On this episode of Anchored, Arooba is joined by Going Godward, the scheduling editor of Chalkboard Review. Recently, Chalkboard Review - a site of education commentary that features a diverse range of voices on all things education, had their Twitter account suspended without explanation. Shortly after, most of their team's accounts, including Going Godward's, were also suspended without explanation. Going Godward discusses the attack launched against Chalkboard review by the NEA for discussing CRT in public school curriculum. She also discusses her personal experience as a social worker with issues that threaten a child's education in public schools. She explains that the Department of Education is working hard to censor individuals that speak out against these issues because it does not want to accept responsibility for failing to provide a good education system for children. 

On our final episode for National Catholic Schools week, Chelsea is joined by Dr. Mark Newcomb, Headmaster at Holy Rosary Academy. Dr. Newcomb shares his childhood education, growing up on a farm, and how it helped him in his leadership role at Holy Rosary. He explains that the hardest part about leading an institution is moving away from being simply inspirational to incarnating. He discusses the importance of personal attention at Holy Rosary, and elevating students in areas that they excel in. Dr. Newcomb states that the key for Catholic schools to thrive is to ask, "what is our fundamental relationship to Jesus Christ."