School Rules Podcast: From Takeovers to PhDs: AI in Reading Support & Navigating Higher Ed

Welcome to the kickoff episode of the 2026–2027 academic year! Host Dr. Jerry R. Burkett delivers an packed three-segment episode tackling the full spectrum of educational leadership—from systemic K-12 policy crises to cutting-edge classroom technology and doctoral student success. Segment 1: The Leadership Lens – Fort Worth ISD & State Interventions Dr. Burkett opens the season with an administrative analysis of the state intervention in Fort Worth ISD. He unpacks the real-world operational impacts of state oversight, budget deficits, and campus accountability, offering critical takeaways for K-12 leaders navigating policy shifts, fiscal cliff management, and local control. Segment 2: AI-Powered Literacy & Supporting Neurodivergent Learners Dr. Burkett sits down with David Chalk, co-founder of ReadingRoad.ai, who shares his personal journey of learning to read at age 62. They explore: -How AI is transforming reading intervention for struggling and neurodivergent learners. -Overcoming the shame and masking associated with illiteracy in K-12 classrooms. -Providing private, non-judgmental technology tools that build student confidence and reading fluency. Segment 3: Higher Ed Horizons – Demystifying the Doctorate with Dr. Cody Arvidson In the final segment, Dr. Burkett speaks with Dr. Cody Arvidson from Degree Solutions Group (degreesolutionsgroup.com) about her new book, "Demystifying the Doctorate: Your Guide to Survive and Thrive". Their conversation covers: -Practical strategies for doctoral students navigating the academic journey. -Managing AI ethics, literature reviews, and research integrity in higher education. -Emerging trends in post-secondary education and academic career development. #SchoolRulesPodcast #educationalleadership #k12education #highereducation #edtech #schoolleadership #literacymatters #readingintervention #aiineducation #neurodiversity #dyslexiasupport #specialeducation #Readingroad #DemystifyingTheDoctorate #doctoralstudent #phdlife #academictwitter #academicresearch #aiinresearch