Why School Isn’t Working: Dr. Kimberly Berens on the Science of Learning, Direct Instruction and Mastery

Dian Griesel, host of the Silver Disobedience® Perception Dynamics™ podcast discusses rising ADD/ADHD diagnoses, frustration with education, and whether the problem lies with kids, teachers, or the system during this interview with learning scientist Dr. Kimberly Berens, author of "Blind Spots." Berens cites NAEP data showing about 70% of students below proficiency and historically low rates for graduating seniors. She argues that the system has long been ideological rather than grounded in the science of learning. Dr Berens calls for a primary-school overhaul: less content; explicit/direct instruction; structured practice with feedback and measurement; and, mastery-based progression rather than exposure-and-move-on and grade fixation. The conversation addresses phonics and decoding versus balanced literacy; critiques of "new math" tricks and over-reliance on calculators, while discussing how better instruction can reduce disengagement and mislabeling of learning disabilities. Dr. Berens further proposes practical steps for schools, including adopting Direct Instruction and building intentional practice into the school day.

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I’m Dian Griesel and in November of 2017 I began blogging as @SilverDisobedience on my website and @SilverDisobedience on ⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠Facebook⁠ and @DianGriesel ⁠X⁠ Career-wise, I am a perception analyst, counselor, hypnotherapist, author of 16 books and a Wilhelmina model. For 30 years, via owning an investor & public relations firm, while being in private practice, I have helped my clients to achieve greater understanding as to how perceptions impact everything we do whether personally or professionally. A couple of years ago I added a podcast. Episodes are unscripted, with plenty of no-holds-barred revelations from fascinating, accomplished guests living diverse lives. Intimate stories about work, play, psychology, relationships, pop culture, trends, B.S. + more are unpacked through thought-provoking questions that spark honest revelations, pivotal moments, and unguarded insights — stunning even the boldest guests with their own “aha” truths. ✨

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LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/diangriesel/⁠ 

Show Run:

00:00 Education Crisis Today

01:23 Alarming Proficiency Data

03:42 Ideology Over Science

05:10 Fixing Primary School

08:22 Practice and Mastery

10:34 New Math Debate

15:17 Science of Reading

20:09 Grades Versus Learning

22:40 Changing the System

24:08 Reforming Teacher Training

26:17 Rethinking Grade Levels

27:36 Asia Drills and Tech

28:13 Reinforcement Over Punishment

29:54 Depoliticizing Education Science

33:02 Defining Education Goals

34:06 Evidence for Math Fluency

37:13 Blind Spots and Teacher Support

40:09 Direct Instruction Blueprint

46:12 Training and Classroom Benefits

48:21 Practice Built Into School

50:11 Streamlining the School Day

52:32 Labels, Accountability, Closing