Project Lead the Way is a proven national leader in science, technology, engineering, and math education, for Pre-K through high school. They strive to help teachers make every student in every grade STEM-successful, through interactive, problem-based learning. Learn more and find a school with Project Lead The Way near you. In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, we learn about "The Solutionary Way" with Zoe Weil, co-founder and president of the Institute for Humane Education. Zoe discusses her innovative approach to education that exceeds older problem-solving by integrating ethical considerations to ensure actions do the MOST good for all involved. We explore how adopting a solutionary mindset can transform education and empower students to tackle more complex global challenges, leading to a more equitable and sustainable world. Zoe Weil introduces listeners to the concept of "solutionaries"—individuals who identify and solve systemic problems through ethical action and strategic thinking. She shares insights from her book, "The Solutionary Way: Transform Your Life, Your Community, and the World for the Better," and discusses practical ways educators can implement solutionary thinking in classrooms. By encouraging a generation of solutionaries, Zoe hopes to prepare young people to become proactive changemakers capable of addressing the world's most daunting issues with compassion, and creativity.   Outline (00:00) Introduction to STEM Education and Project Lead the Way (00:41) Introducing Zoe Weil and The Solutionary Way (02:41) The Impact and Expansion of Solutionary Education (14:46) Understanding the Solutionary Process (15:40) The Importance of Problem Identification (21:54) Implementing Solutionary Thinking in Education Links Watch the full video Read the full blog The Solutionary Way The World Becomes What We Teach: Educating a Generation of Solutionaries Institute for Humane Education Free Solutionary Guidebook for teachers Solutionary micro-credential program Online Graduate Programs with Antioch University  Difference Making  

In this podcast episode, Victoria Andrews gets into the transformative power of community in education. Joined by John Watson and Mawi Asgedom, the three discuss how fostering a sense of belonging and inclusion can lead to innovative learning environments. John Watson, the CEO of Evergreen Education Group, highlights the importance of creating spaces like the Digital Learning Annual Conference (DLAC) where educators can connect, share challenges, and learn from each other. This community-centric approach has helped educators overcome the isolation often felt in digital and hybrid learning environments. Mawi, author and CEO of Inner Heroes, shares his personal journey from a refugee camp to Harvard, emphasizing that true innovation in education begins with relationships. He highlights the need for educators to intentionally see and support "invisible" students, ensuring all learners are valued and empowered to take risks. Through tools like the Inner Heroes app, educators can gain deeper insights into students' strengths and aspirations, fostering a more inclusive and supportive learning environment. This conversation underscores that the key to successful innovation lies not just in technology, but in building strong, empathetic communities that nurture both students and educators. Outline: (00:00) Introduction and Importance of Community (01:27) Defining Community: Perspectives from John and Maui (07:16) Challenges and Innovations in Digital Learning (17:43) Empowering Leadership and Diversity Links Watch the full video here Read the full blog here DLAC John Watson Evergreen Education Group Mawi Asgedom  Recent Podcast with Mawi Beetles and Angels: A Boy’s Remarkable Journey from a Refugee Camp to Harvard Inner Heroes  

In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, we are joined by an inspiring lineup of educational leaders who are at the forefront of transforming Nevada's educational landscape. Our guests are Jhone Ebert, Nevada's State Superintendent, and Jeanine Collins, Chief Innovation Officer at Ed Extraordinary. They discuss their pivotal roles in the creation and implementation of Nevada's State Portrait of a Learner. Alongside them, Brently Garbutt, Principal of Jerome Mack Middle School, and Claire Romzek, Magnet Coordinator at Lied STEM Academy, share firsthand experiences of how this is already reshaping learning environments and empowering students across the state. The episode dives deep into the contents of Nevada's State Portrait of a Learner, exploring how it serves human values and a sense of belonging within educational systems. Through community collaboration and competency-based learning, the initiative shoots to equip students with essential life skills that extend beyond traditional academic knowledge. Our guests discuss the importance of industry partnerships, the integration of design thinking in school projects, and the transformative impact on school culture and student engagement. This episode is evidence of the power of collective vision and action in creating a more inclusive and future-ready educational system. Outline (00:00) Introduction and Welcome (00:11) Nevada's Educational Transformation (04:41) Community Collaboration and School Design (17:23) Reflections and Future Aspirations (23:14) Portrait at LEAD STEM Academy (28:10) Portrait at Jerome Mack Middle School   Links Watch the full video here Read the full blog here Nevada Portrait of a Learner Jeanine Collins Linkedin Jhone Ebert LinkedIn Previous podcast with Jeanine on Nevada Succeeds Brently Garbutt LinkedIn Claire Romzek LinkedIn

In this episode of the Getting Smart podcast, hosts Jordan Luster and Victoria Andrews talk to Desiree Corbin of Mindsprout Montessori, Tiffany Blasingame of the Ferguson School, Kenesha Skaggs of SOAR Academy, Coi Morefield of The Lab School of Memphis, Amar Kumar of KaiPod, and Julia Bamba from the Issaquah School District. Together. The conversation explores the opportunities and challenges of scaling microschools, highlighting different models and success stories. The hosts and their guests discuss both decentralized and centralized approaches to scaling, touching on the importance of community-based, personalized learning experiences. The episode talks about the potential microschools have to drive educational innovation and meet the diverse needs of students and families. Outline (00:00) Introduction and Overview (01:56) Scaling Microschools: Opportunities and Challenges (03:28) Innovative Models and Success Stories (15:21) Decentralized vs. Centralized Scaling (32:22) Conclusion and Future Directions Links Read the full blog Getting Smart Microschools Page Big Push for Small Schools Microschools Town Hall Lab School of Memphis MindSprout Montessori Kaipod Learning The Ferguson School SOAR Academy Issaquah Microschool Subscibe to our newsletter   

In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Tom Vander Ark speaks with Rachelle Dené Poth, an esteemed educator, author, and ed tech expert, about the integration of AI in education. Rachelle shares insights from her latest book, How to Teach AI: Weaving Strategies and Activities into Any Content Area, highlighting the importance of using AI to enhance language learning and foster innovation among students. They discuss the evolving landscape of education with AI tools like Google Translate and ChatGPT, the critical need for professional development to keep up with emerging technologies, and the potential of AI to transform both teaching and learning experiences.  Outline: (00:00) Introduction and Guest Welcome (02:04) Language Learning and AI (09:53) AI in Education: Strategies and Impact (20:23) Relational AI and Voice Interfaces (28:00) Future of AI in Education and Conclusion Links Watch the full episode here View the full blog here Rachelle Dené Poth How to Teach AI: Weaving Strategies and Activities into Any Content Area  Rachelle Dené Poth Getting Smart Posts  

In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Shawnee Caruthers is joined by Carolyn Weir, Executive Director of the McClure Foundation, discussing Vermont's innovative Free Degree Promise. This initiative offers accelerated, debt-free pathways to post-secondary education, particularly benefiting students from rural and underserved communities. Carolyn shares insights on the successes and challenges of implementing such programs, the importance of partnerships, and how these efforts are shaping the future of education and workforce readiness. Tune in to learn how Vermont is leading the way in creating equitable and sustainable opportunities for all students. Outline: (00:00) Introduction and the Blurring Boundaries Between Education and the Workforce (01:24) Vermont’s Free Degree Promise and Its Impact on Rural Students (05:55) Measuring Success and Inclusivity  (10:15) Success Stories and Student Motivations (15:07) Challenges and Future Plans for the 13-Year Promise Links: Watch the Full Video View the Full Blog Accelerate ED Vermont McClure Foundation Vermont’s Free Degree Promise  Vermont’s Early College Program Subscribe to Our Newsletter!  

In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Tom Vander Ark is joined by project-based learning (PBL) advocate Kyle Wagner to delve into the transformative power of PBL in creating student-centered environments. Kyle shares his journey from visiting innovative schools like High Tech High to becoming a global ambassador for PBL. They discuss how these educational models foster creativity, agency, and purpose among students, and explore the broader implications for education systems worldwide. Whether you’re an educator, administrator, or parent, this episode provides valuable insights into how project-based learning can reshape the future of education. Tune in to learn about Kyle's new book, "Where's the Teacher? 12 Shifts for Student-Centered Environments," and discover strategies for implementing PBL in your own educational context. Outline (00:00) Introduction to Project-Based Learning (02:20) The Magic of High Tech High (07:52) Transition to International Education (14:15) Exploring the Global Stage (33:49) The Future of Project-Based Learning Links Watch the full video here View the full blog here Kyle Wagner Transform School Kyle Wagner Author Page on Getting Smart Where’s the Teacher: The 12 Shifts for Student-Centered Environments High Tech High One Stone 12 Shifts to Move from Teacher-Led to Student-Centered Environments by Kyle Wagner Kaleb Rashad on the Getting Smart Podcast Center for Love and Justice Better Leaders Better Schools Subscribe to our newsletter!  

This town hall discussion focuses on the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into the education system, particularly in K-12 settings. Nate McClennen leads this riveting conversation with featured speakers such as Wes Kriesel, Kunal Dalal, and Jerry Almendarez. Listen in as the discuss the growing use of AI tools among students and educators, highlighting the importance of understanding AI’s role in education. The speakers discuss various aspects of AI, including its potential to augment human intelligence and the need to focus on uniquely human competencies in the face of technological advancements. They also emphasize the significance of student agency, with examples of student-led initiatives and feedback sessions that reveal how young learners are already engaging with AI in innovative ways. The episode underscores the necessity for educators and administrators to stay informed and actively participate in the ongoing dialogue about AI to ensure its effective and equitable implementation in schools.  

In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Tom Vander Ark is joined by Rachel Davison Humphries, Senior Director of Civic Learning Initiative at the Bill of Rights Institute. They explore the urgent need for robust civics education amidst a rapidly evolving socio-political landscape. Rachel emphasizes the role of civics in strengthening community ties and fostering democratic dispositions in students. The conversation also explores innovative ways to integrate civics across curricula, the state of civics education, and the invaluable resources provided by the Bill of Rights Institute to support teachers. This episode is a must-listen for educators, administrators, and anyone passionate about preparing students for active and informed citizenship! Outline Introduction to civics education The State of Civics Education Integrating Civics Across the Curriculum The Role of the Bill of Rights Institute Advice for Civics Teachers Links: Watch the full episode here View the full blog here Bill of Rights Institute Rachel Davison Humphries My Impact Challenge Stories from Winners of the My Impact Challenge Subscribe to our newsletter  

In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Shawnee Caruthers is joined by Betsy Revell, Senior Vice President of Career Connected Learning, and Marie Mackintosh, President and CEO of EmployIndy. They discuss the organization's efforts to provide Indianapolis students with access to tech apprenticeships through initiatives like Accelerate Ed, supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.  Outline Introduction and Overview EmployIndy's Role and Partnerships Accelerate Ed and Equitable Pathways Pathways in IT and Cybersecurity Student Experiences and Community Impact Links Watch the full episode View the full blog Accelerate ED Indiana Employ Indy Indy Modern Apprenticeship Betsy Revell Marie Mackintosh TechPoint TalentBound Indiana GPS Diplomas Subscribe to our newsletter  

In this episode of the Getting Smart podcast, Tom Vander Ark speaks with Lisa Gevelber, Vice President at Google and founder of Grow with Google. They discuss the transformative impact of Grow with Google, a program designed to provide alternative career pathways through online certificates in high-demand fields.  The conversation also delves into the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in education. Lisa discusses the launch of the Google Gen AI for Educators course, developed in partnership with MIT. This free, online professional development course aims to help teachers understand and effectively use AI tools in their classrooms. The course covers practical applications of AI, such as customizing lesson plans and creating assessments, while also addressing responsible AI usage. Outline Introduction and Overview Creating Alternative Pathways Structure and Impact of Career Certificates Skills-Based Hiring and AI Integration AI Literacy and Future Directions Links Watch the full conversation here View the full transcript here Lisa Gevelber LinkedIn AI Essentials Course AI for Educators Course Anaheim Union High School District  UT system Google Teacher Center Subscribe to our newsletter!  

In this episode of the Getting Smart podcast, Shawnee Caruthers speaks with Kathy Goodacre, Principal Gabe Oliveira, and Vice Principal Erika Raffo about the transformative work happening in Sonoma County through the CTE Foundation and its partnership with Elsie Allen High School. Kathy discusses the foundation’s mission to invest in and expand career technical education (CTE) programs across the county, emphasizing the importance of connecting classroom learning to real-world applications and high-demand careers.  The CTE Foundation of Sonoma County is a critical part of the Sonoma County California Accelerate ED cohort, supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Accelerate ED is built on the idea that high schools can provide early access to quality higher education in ways that incorporate work-connected learning and have long-term benefits for students. This initiative helps state-based groups plan and build accelerated pathways between K-12 education, postsecondary education, and careers.  Outline Introduction to CTE and Sonoma County's Vision Building Pathways: Elsie Allen High School's Transformation Accelerate ED Initiative and Community Connections Funding and Policy Support for CTE Programs Future Directions and Policy Recommendations Links Watch the full episode here View the full blog post Accelerate ED Sonoma County CTE Foundation Sonoma County Kathy Goodacre Elsie Allen High School Vice Principal Erika Raffo Subscribe to our newsletter    

On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, we’re joined by Todd Smith, past podcast host and guest and CEO of Symphony Workforce, and Stacey Ocander, Senior Director of Workforce and Education Initiatives at Nebraska Hospital Association to discuss their collaborative efforts to address the healthcare workforce crisis in Nebraska. Stacey discusses the innovative statewide curriculum she developed for third to fifth graders, which introduces students to various healthcare professions through active learning and partnerships with local hospitals and nursing homes. This program aims to spark early interest in healthcare careers and create a seamless educational pathway from elementary school through undergrad. The curriculum includes practical, hands-on experiences such as doing buckle swabs and examining cells under a microscope, making healthcare professions accessible and engaging for young students. Outline Introduction to Health Science Pathways Nebraska Hospital Association's Role Addressing the Workforce Crisis Creating Health Science Pathways Expanding Opportunities and Future Vision Links Watch The Full Episode Here Todd Smith Stacey Ocander Find the Why!  Nebraska Hospital Association (NHA) Subscribe to Our Newsletter!    

On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Tom Vander Ark talks to Conrad Wolfram, CEO of Wolfram Research and author of The Math Fix, to discuss the evolving role of computational thinking in education. They explore how the surge in computational power and AI can transform math education by moving away from manual calculations and focusing on real-world problem-solving. Conrad Wolfram shares insights on the necessity of integrating computational tools into the curriculum, emphasizing that modern education should prepare students for complex problem-solving using AI and natural language interfaces. They also discuss the challenges and opportunities in updating math education to reflect these advancements, aiming to equip students with skills relevant to today's tech-driven world. Outline The Evolution of Human-Computer Interaction The Role of Natural Language in AI Revolutionizing Math Education Future of Computational Thinking in Education Links Watch the Full Conversation Conrad Wolfram Website Conrad Wolfram Bio Language Matters, and What Matters Has Changed by Conrad Wolfram Conrad Wolfram on Computational Thinking The Math(s) Fix Review by Rachelle Dene Poth South Fayette Computational Thinking Digital Promise - Computational Thinking US Math Wars by Conrad Wolfram Subscribe to Our Newsletter!

On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Tom Vander Ark talks to Dr. Candy Van Buskirk, Assistant Superintendent of the Career Academy Network in South Bend, Indiana, to discuss her new book, 'Learn Outside. They talk about the innovative educational strategies at Career Academy Network and the goals of the new pathways campaign aiming to link students to economic mobility, focusing on experiential learning through career academies. Outline Career Academy Network: Origin and Vision Experiential Learning and Dual Enrollment Insights from Leading Educational Models Concluding Thoughts and Future Direction Links Watch the full conversation Dr. Candida Van Buskirk Learn Outside Career Academy Network of Public Schools Samueli Academy SEED Academy (Los Angeles) Da Vinci RISE High Tech High Cajon Valley Larry Rosenstock David Miyashiro Bostonia Global RIASEC Recent Ed Hidalgo Blog World of Work Nerel Winter ASA One Stone Growth Transcript Michael Matsuda Podcast Museum School in Grand Rapids Michael Fullan Scott Bess Purdue Polytechnic Dr. Katie Jenner Indiana Diploma Pathway Subscribe to our newsletter!

On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Tom Vander Ark talks with Jean-Claude Brizard, CEO of Digital Promise They talk about the organization's unique congressional mandate and its role in educational innovation.  They explain how Digital Promise has exceptional access to U.S. government agencies, enhancing its impact on educational policy and practice. Brizard discusses the power networks like the League of Innovative Schools have in credentialing and micro-credentials for teachers, and the concept of 'powerful learning' that includes student agency and advanced pedagogies. They explore inclusive innovation processes that integrate voices from all community stakeholders, and reflect on Brizard’s past work on transforming New York City's high schools. This conversation highlights Digital Promise’s commitment to advancing education through research, technology, and innovative practices. Outline Jean-Claude Brizard's Journey Transforming New York City Schools Innovative Networks and Powerful Learning Future of Credentialing and Inclusive Innovation Links Jean-Claude Brizard LinkedIn Digital Promise  League of Innovative Schools Conversation at CoSN Michelle Cahill Joel Klein Springpoint Schools Skills Transcripts at Scale: Why The ETS & MTC Partnership is a Big Deal Christina Luke Luna Indiana Diploma Pathway Click Here to Watch The Conversation Click Here for The Full Transcript Subscribe to our newsletter!  

This episode of the Getting Smart Podcast is part of a new short monthly series where Mason Pashia is joined by Dr. Jason Cummins, a previous guest and a friend of the podcast, to speak with indigenous leaders and academics to discuss how indigenous ways of knowing and leading can, and should, shape the education system.   On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, hosts Mason Pashia and Dr. Jason Cummins are joined by Dr. Shane Doyle, an Indigenous educator and researcher. Dr. Doyle shares his educational background and work in implementing Indian Education for All in Montana. The discussion covers the importance of teaching the deep history of indigenous lands, the role of storytelling in education, and integrating indigenous wisdom in modern land management. Dr. Doyle also talks about the benefits of outdoor activities and the need for a comprehensive curriculum that includes Native American perspectives. Outline Introduction to the Podcast and Hosts Collaborative Education and Indigenous Knowledge The Importance of Place and History in Education Closing Thoughts and Reflections Links: Shane Doyle Podcast Article by Shane Indian Education For All Click Here For The Full Transcript Subscribe to our newsletter!    

On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, we’re joined by two members of the Communities Foundation of Texas team: Chris Coxon, Managing Director of Programs; and Ryan Franklin, Senior Director, Policy & Advocacy. Educate Texas has been in a leadership role in college and career readiness school models for over two decades, and has been the lead intermediary supporting the successful growth of both the Early College High School and P-TECH school models. Outline: Overview of Educate Texas and Its Initiatives Challenges and Strategies in Policy Implementation Funding, Policy, and Sustainability Advice and Conclusion Links: View Full Transcript Accelerate ED Texas Accelerate ED Texas - Bexar County Educate Texas Communities Foundation of Texas Subscribe to our newsletter!

This episode of the Getting Smart Podcast is sponsored by Mrs. Wordsmith, learn more at mrswordsmith.com and save 15% on your order by entering discount code GETTINGSMART15 at checkout, (edited)  On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Shawnee Caruthers is joined by Dr. Gholnecsar Muhammad. You might know her as Gholdy. Dr. Muhammad is an associate professor of curriculum and instruction at the University of Illinois Chicago. She is the author of the essential 2020 book “Cultivating Genius: An Equity Framework for Culturally and Historically Responsive Literacy,” and the 2023 book, “Unearthing Joy: A Guide to Culturally and Historically Responsive Curriculum and Instruction.” Outline Introduction to Joy in Education The Power of Poetry and Freedom Implementing Joy in the Curriculum Links Detailed Shownotes & Transcription Hill Pedagogies Cultivating Genius Interview Cultivating Genius Unearthing Joy Gholdy Muhammad Subscribe to our newsletter!    

On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast Victoria Andrews is joined by Melissa Byrne, Assistant Superintendent of Teaching & Learning at Barrington Community 220 School District in Illinois. We visited Barrington High School a few weeks ago with a team of principals from the Kansas City area. Melissa shared Barrinton’s Learner Profile, Pathways implementation, and Gem program that allows students to self-select competencies for a project. Links: View Full Shownotes and Transcript Learner Profile Framework 220 Melissa Byrne LinkedIn Barrington 220 The Portrait Model Postsecondary Workforce and Readiness Act Juan Jose Gonzalez and Gina Schuyler on EdSystems Chicago Real World Learning School Visits  

On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Mason Pashia is joined by Jennifer Brandsberg-Engelmann to discuss a new approach to teaching economics  and why it is critical to teach economics to K-12 students as a way of understanding the world. Links Regenerative Economics Course Link to the course Recent Webinar on the Generative Economics Curriculum Doughnut Economics Kate Raworth GCSE Requirements Revised GCSE Syllabus Mason’s Biomimicry Blog  

This episode of the Getting Smart Podcast is sponsored by Mrs. Wordsmith, learn more at mrswordsmith.com On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Tom Vander Ark is joined by Dr. Carl Gombrich, the Dean at the London Interdisciplinary School (LIS), to discuss his transition from University College London (UCL) to LIS, motivated by a desire for educational innovation.  Throughout the conversation, Dr. Gombrich shared his experience of fostering interdisciplinary education at UCL and his subsequent decision to establish a new institution dedicated to this approach. He explained that traditional educational structures often inhibit interdisciplinary learning, as they are organized around distinct disciplines that do not reflect the interconnected nature of real-world problems.  

We hope you’ve attended our town halls, but are you looking for even more ways to learn in community? Check out one of the two forthcoming webinars from the Aurora Institute. Learn more here.  This Getting Smart Town Hall focused on pathways in Health Sciences and focus on the following elements of effective pathways:  sector job prospects and entrepreneurial opportunities  career exploration resources  high school pathway examples work-based learning and credentialing opportunities  postsecondary pathway examples. The event highlighted the critical role of education leaders, intermediaries, and thought partners in shaping the future of the healthcare industry and empowering the next generation of healthcare professionals. We were joined by Dr. Kyle Hartung from JFF, then Kate Kreamer from Advance CTE, followed by Dr. Christine Rodriguez from NAF, and we closed with Jason Rausch from Project Lead the Way. For the full shownotes, the recording, the slide deck and links mentioned in the chat, click here. To view our new Health Science publication, click here.

This episode of the Getting Smart Podcast is sponsored by Mrs. Wordsmith, learn more at mrswordsmith.com On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Tom Vander Ark is joined by Dr. Shari Camhi, Superintendent of the Baldwin School District in Long Island. Together, they discuss the need for enhanced media literacy in an age where information credibility is increasingly questioned. Additionally, Dr. Camhi shares insights from her decade-long tenure in Baldwin, highlighting how her personal experiences as a parent and educator have shaped her approach to creating diverse, enriching educational experiences. She stresses the importance of adapting education to ensure each student's unique needs are met, rather than conforming to traditional, one-size-fits-all models. She argues that media literacy is essential for developing critical thinking skills, enabling students to discern between true and false information. The Baldwin School District's strategy, known as Baldwin 2035, focuses on fostering civic engagement and community connections across all grade levels. Links Dr. Shari Camhi Baldwin School District Baldwin 2035  

On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Shawnee Caruthers is joined by two of the leaders leaning into this space, Juan Jose Gonzalez, Managing Director of Pathways & Operations at Education Systems Center at Northern Illinois University (EdSystems) and Gina Schuyler, Department Chair of Career and Technical Education at Grayslake Central High School, a partner of EdSystems. EdSystems is a part of the Accelerate ED initiative, supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Accelerate ED is built on the idea that high schools can provide early access to quality higher education in ways that incorporate work-connected learning and have long-term benefits for students. This initiative helps state- and region-based groups plan and build accelerated pathways between K-12 education, postsecondary education, and careers. Links: EdSystems AccelerateED Edsystems Juan Jose Gonzalez Bio Page Grayslake High School Gina Schuyler  

This episode of the Getting Smart Podcast is part of a new short monthly series where Mason Pashia is joined by Dr. Jason Cummins, a previous guest and a friend of the podcast, to speak with indigenous leaders and academics to discuss how indigenous ways of knowing and leading can, and should, shape the education system.   On this podcast episode, they are joined by Lona Running Wolf from the Piikani Nation to discuss her extensive work in educational reform and cultural preservation. Lona shares insights from her journey, highlighting her current role as the project administrator for Blackfeet ECO Knowledge, a nonprofit organization aimed at reversing the effects of historical trauma on Native communities through cultural, language, and environmental initiatives. Together they discuss the systemic challenges faced by Native students, the impact of policies such as the boarding school era, and the importance of integrating cultural knowledge into educational frameworks to better serve diverse learner needs. Lona also discusses the profound influence of Blackfoot culture on Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, emphasizing a community-centric approach to education and well-being.  

On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast Nate McClennen is joined by Sarah Elizabeth Ippel,  Founder and Executive Director of the Academy for Global Citizenship, a public K-8 charter school that opened in 2008 on the southwest side of Chicago. ACG just moved into a brand new campus in partnership with the Cultivate Collective project — a multi-generational community hub that includes an urban farm, health center, and adult education programs.  Together, Nate and Sarah discuss her journey to founding the Academy for Global Citizenship, how she was shaped by international travel, her observations of both innovative and inequitable education systems, and her non-traditional way of navigating the educational ecosystem. Links: Full Shownotes Sarah Ippel Linkedin Academy for Global Citizenship Cultivate Collective Carnegie Report AGC Model Interview with Sarah La Paz Podcast with Abel McClennen  

On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast Tom Vander Ark is joined by Yu-Ling Cheng,Co-Producer of Remake Learning Days and Director of Kidsburgh and Parents as Allies, (Kidsburgh operates as a project of Grantmakers of Western PA). Remake Learning Days is one of the world's largest festival of hands-on learning where parents and caregivers learn alongside their kids. The festival began in 2016 in southwestern PA and has since taken root in other regions. In 2024, there will be 2,000+ events across 16 regions, including 3 international regions, between the dates April 20-May 31. The festival events are an opportunity for families to learn together, to encourage kids to be curious and to learn about community resources. Links:  Remake Learning Days Remake Learning Yu-Ling Cheng LinkedIn Grable Foundation Kidsburgh Brookings Institution IDEO HundrED Parents as Allies  Grantmakers of Western PA Carnegie Mellon University University of Pittsburgh Northgate School District  

On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast Shawnee Caruthers is joined by Jennifer Mellor, Chief Innovation Officer at the Phoenix Chamber Foundation and Mike Huckins, Senior Vice President of Public Affairs and IT Operations at the Greater Phoenix Chamber. Together, Jennifer and Mike are working on ElevateEdAZ, a remarkable initiative by the Arizona design team that's revolutionizing education and workforce development in the state, is working to be at the intersection of key stakeholders to provide real opportunities for learners.  Links: Full Shownotes AccelerateED Phoenix Chamber Greater Phoenix Chamber  

On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast Tom Vander Ark is joined by, Dr. Lesley-Ann Noel, a professor at North Carolina State University. Lesley-Ann is also author of Design Social Change, a new book from Stanford’s d.School run featuring past guests Sam Seidel and Olatunde Sobomehin on Creative Hustle and Sarah Stein Greenberg on Creative Acts for Curious People. Just the other day we ran an episode we recorded live at SXSW EDU 2024 with some of her colleagues.

This special episode of the Getting Smart Podcast is a live broadcast of a conversation between Tom Vander Ark and authors from the Stanford d.school. Together they discuss four new books that speak to important aspects of this work. This conversation features Sam Seidel and Olatunde Sobomehin of Creative Hustle, Dr. Leticia Britos Cavagnaro of Experiments in Reflection, and Grace Hawthorne of Make Possibilities Happen to discuss what educators can learn and use from these books and the authors' work at the Stanford d.school and beyond. Equal parts inspiration and actionable ideas, this conversation is a great survey of meaningful works. View the full show notes here. 

On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast Shawnee Caruthers is joined by Stacy Wall Schweikhart, CEO of Learn to Earn Dayton. Stacy brings more than 21 years of public sector leadership and a deep network of partners and resources to the CEO role.  We’re also joined by Dr. Thomas Lasley, Director of Policy and Advocacy, Montgomery County Educational Service Center and Founder of Learn to Earn Dayton. Tom focuses on shaping policies and practices that impact P-16 educational attainment.  Links: Stacy Wall Schweikhart LinkedIn Thomas Lasley LinkedIn AccelerateED Ohio Learn to Earn Dayton YouScience PACCE Navigators  

On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast Rebecca Midles is joined by Nell Rosenberg, National Director of Teleservices at Clarke Schools for Hearing & Speech. Links: LinkedIn Clarke School for Hearing and Speech tVisit Teleservices Program National Center for Hearing Assessment and Management,  

This episode of the Getting Smart Podcast is part of a new short monthly series where Mason Pashia is joined by Dr. Jason Cummins, a previous guest and a friend of the podcast, to speak with indigenous leaders and academics to discuss how indigenous ways of knowing and leading can, and should, shape the education system.   In this episode, they are joined by Julian Guerrero Jr., the current Director of the Office of Indian Education (OIE) at the U.S. Department of Education. Together, they discuss the extensive range of grant programs managed by the OIE, which support everything from Native American language immersion programs to college and career readiness initiatives. Guerrero emphasizes the importance of these programs in enhancing educational opportunities for Native students across the U.S., highlighting that a significant majority of Native American students attend public schools outside of reservation systems.  Links:  LinkedIn Office of Indian Education Indigenous Youth Career Exploration Oklahoma State University - Treaties link PUEDE Network The Society of American Indian Government Employees  

On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast Rebecca Midles is joined by two members of the Transcend Usable Knowledge team —Cynthia Leck, and Juetzinia Kazmer-Murillo, to discuss their new report Igniting Agency in Early Learners. Links: Igniting Agency in Early Learners Cynthia Leck Cynthia Leck LinkedIn Juetzinia Kazmer-Murillo Juetzinia Kazmer-Murillo LinkedIn Transcend Transform Learning with Community-Based Design  Agency and Young Children Research Collaborative  

On this special episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, producer Mason Pashia is joined by Timothy Jones. In honor of Poetry Month, Timothy and Mason discuss their deep appreciation and practice of the intersection and language.  Timothy is a long-time educator, coach, mentor and someone who lives and breathes hip-hop. Timothy is the Chief Visionary Officer at #HipHopEd, a digitally-birthed organization with a sprawling membership of brilliant educators and passionate advocates that know just how powerful this intersection can be.  He is also the founder of Techniques4Learning, a company dedicated to utilizing Hip-Hop and Culturally Relevant Pedagogy to develop and implement strategies, curricula and activities to improve teacher student engagement for schools, universities, education organizations and community-based organizations. Links: Timothy Jones #HipHopEd Techniques4Learning What Exactly is an Executive Producer by Mason Pashia The Gift by Lewis Hyde Into Wind | Poems by Mason Timothy Jones on HipHopEd and Techniques4Learning New Pathways Design Principles feat. Tim Jones

On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast Rebecca Midles is joined by Sydney Schaef, Managing Director at reDesign, a nationally recognized, women-led education design lab committed to ensuring every young person is future-ready. reDesign recently released the Future9 competencies, 34 skills across a six-level designed progression. The framework draws on more than a decade of collaboration with schools, districts, and state leaders, alongside extensive research reviews, and feedback sessions with academics, young people, and industry leaders. Together they investigate the  the implementation of developmental-level progressions within learning systems, that operate at a different grain size from standards and are typically independent of specific contexts or curricula.    Links: Future 9 Competencies reDesign Sydney Schaef LinkedIn Future9 Competencies Press Release  

On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Tom Vander Ark and Shawnee Caruthers talk about a recent set of school visits in Minnesota as a part of an ongoing series of Real World Learning field trips.   The Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area is a thriving community of nearly 3 million people. Made up of 7 counties, 182 communities and 2 medium-sized, diverse urban districts (36k and 33k). Additionally, there are a couple big suburban districts like Apple Valley.  Links: School for Environmental Studies  High School for Recording Arts  Dallas School Visits Podcast Episode Cajon Valley Public Schools xello.com Real-World Learning Case Study Sam Seidel - Hip Hop Genius Ford Next Generation  Learning Belton High St Paul Public Schools Shakopee High Burnsville High  School for Environmental Studies High School for Recording Arts  Avalon School  Exploration High School  

On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast Todd Smith, a New Pathways Fellow, founder and CEO of Symphony Workforce and former podcast guest hosts a conversation about an exciting initiative underway in Nebraska. These guests represent the Omaha Taskforce. Joseph Murray, Jesuit Academy. Osuman O. Issaka, Simple Foundation. Links:  Todd Smith Osuman O. Issaka Joseph Murray Symphony Workforce Todd Smith and John Batcher on Helping Students Find Their Why | Getting Smart Simple Foundation Jesuit Academy  

On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Tom Vander Ark is joined by Ryan Lufkin, VP of Academic Strategy at Instructure.   Links: Ryan Lufkin LinkedIn Instructure Portfolium Canvas Credentials Parchment End of last year release - stratification

On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast Shawnee Caruthers is joined by Erika Giampietro, Executive Director at the Massachusetts Alliance for Early College. Erika recently led a design team as a part of the Accelerate ED initiative, supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Accelerate ED is built on the idea that high schools can provide early access to quality higher education in ways that incorporate work-connected learning and have long-term benefits for students. This initiative helps state-based groups plan and build accelerated pathways between K-12 education, postsecondary education, and careers.  We’re also joined by Destiny Egbuta a student at Salem State University. Links:  Erika Giampietro Bio Erika Giampietro LinkedIn Massachusetts Accelerate ED Design Team  

On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast Shawnee Caruthers and Tom Vander Ark discuss a recent set of school visits in Dallas, Texas. These schools do an incredible job of showcasing dual enrollment, pathway management, business partnerships and building culture in their schools.  These schools create radical new pathways to economic mobility and cultures of possibility. Links: BigThought The Future of Learning with Dr. Pamela Moran, Byron Sanders and Dr. Ed Hess Remake Learning Dallas County Promise Economic Mobility High: The New End Game for America’s High Schools 60x30TX Initiative Molina B Tech Adamson P Tech IDEA  Career Institutes St. Vrain Valley Schools Dr. Don Haddad and Dr. Jackie Kapushion on St. Vrain Schools and Innovation Centers San Diego School Visits Blog Fort Osage Cajon Valley  Phoenix Chamber of Commerce CAPS Network | Building and Growing Community Partnerships Paul Quinn College Oppti Skillsline  

On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast Mason is joined by repeat guest Aaron Schorn of Unrulr and two new guests for the Getting Smart Podcast, Kwaku Aning, Director of the Center of Innovation and Entrepreneurial Thinking at the San Diego Jewish Academy and Mike Yates, The Reinvention Lab at Teach for America.  Links: Kwaku Aning LinkedIn Aaron Schorn LinkedIn Mike Yates LinkedIn San Diego Jewish Academy Reinvention Lab at Teach for America Designing Your Life MSCHF Hallcraft School Studio Unrulr Shoelace Learning Julia Dexter Changing the Subject d.school Scott Center for Entrepreneurship Bill Summers - Cañon City High School  Capstone Consortium Big Picture Learning EyeCandy Previous episode with Aaron Schorn Lauryn Hill - Sister Act 2 Performance  

On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Shawnee is joined by New Pathways Senior Fellow Timothy Jones to discuss one of our New Pathways Design Principles: Equitable.  When designing pathways, they must “provide equitable accessible, meaningful accommodation and support the development of social capital needed to access opportunity.   Links: New Pathways View All Design Principles Episodes  

On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Shawnee is joined by New Pathways Senior Fellow Timothy Jones to discuss one of our New Pathways Design Principles: Curated.  When designing pathways, they must be “meaningful sequences of learning experiences linked to opportunity. The result in experiencing success in what’s next: real work experience, college credit, and industry-recognized credentials.”   Links: New Pathways View All Design Principles Episodes  

On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Shawnee Caruthers is joined by New Pathways Senior Fellow Timothy Jones to discuss one of our New Pathways Design Principles: Purposeful. When designing pathways, they must “help learners identify strengths and interests and match them with possible futures. With a growing sense of purpose, learners spot opportunities and develop an entrepreneurial mindset.”     Links: New Pathways View All Design Principles Episodes  

On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Shawnee is joined by New Pathways Senior Fellow Timothy Jones to discuss one of our New Pathways Design Principles: Intentional.  When designing pathways, ensure that they are “co-authored experiences and journeys with personalized and localized guidance and support.”     Links: New Pathways View All Design Principles Episodes  

On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast Shawnee Caruthers is joined by Michael Gonzalez, Executive Director of Rural Schools Innovation Zone, a first-of-its-kind partnership made up of five school districts and five institutions of higher education in South Texas that, like our New Pathways campaign, help students find success in what’s next.  Links: Rural Schools Innovation Zone Michael Gonzalez LinkedIn Progressive Policy Institute  

Join your community March 4-7 in Austin, Texas for SXSW EDU 2024 to help create a new tomorrow for learners everywhere! Go to sxswedu.com/attend/ to learn more. On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Tom Vander Ark is joined by Lydia Logan, Vice President, Global Education and Workforce Development, Corporate Social Responsibility at IBM.  Together, Lydia and Tom talk about the credentialing landscape, the rise of green skills and how IBM is bridging those worlds with SkillsBuilds. Links:  Lydia Logan Press Release IBM SkillsBuild IBM Commits to Train 2 Million in Artificial Intelligence in Three Years, with a Focus on Underrepresented Communities (Sept)  IBM Commits to Skill 30 Million People Globally by 2030 (oct)  Justina Nixon-Saintil on Corporate Social Responsibility and the Rise of P-TECH  

Join your community March 4-7 in Austin, Texas for SXSW EDU 2024 to help create a new tomorrow for learners everywhere! Go to sxswedu.com/attend/ to learn more. On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Mason Pashia is joined by Josh Schachter, Founder of CommunityShare and long-time storyteller of environment and community. CommunityShare is a platform that connects young people to local opportunities and mentors to grow their networks. Their website prompts visitors to “Imagine your community as a human library.” Links: Josh Schachter LinkedIn CommunityShare Praising Dark Places by Yusef Komunyakaa Learning Justice Project Josh Schachter Photography Creative Narrations  

This episode is an overview of a recent contribution to a publication from the Hoover Institute written by Tom Vander Ark. This publication takes a look at the shift from print to digital in light of the 40th anniversary of A Nation At Risk. This era marked a shift from information scarcity to abundance, a shift from searching to sorting. It changed what, how, and where people learn, and not always for the better. In American schools, the shift to digital learning was gradual, uneven, often chaotic, expensive, and, while there was observed improvement in engagement, largely ineffective at boosting traditional outcomes.  The shift to digital learning was marked by four phases: computers in the back of the room, introduction of the World Wide Web, the rise of blended learning, and remote learning. The rise of generative AI in 2022 marks a new era of human-computer interaction.   Links: View Publication  A Nation at Risk +40 | A Review of Progress in US Public Education AI for Education Publication Amanda Bickerstaff on AI for Education Bodo Hoenen on Generative AI for Curriculum Charles Fadel on Education and Competencies for the Age of AI

On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast Nate McClennen is joined by Rachna Mathur, Senior STEM Strategist, CEO/Founder of Stemology Club and Meg Grothman, Director of Arizona Impact and Mathematics Innovation at ASU Prep. We have worked with ASU Prep and ASU over the years, and they both continue to live up to their reputation as innovative organizations that are inclusive rather than exclusive in who they serve. They are organizations that say yes to any solution that will help all students succeed.  Links: Rachna Mathur Website Megan Grothman LinkedIn Rachna Mathur LinkedIn ASU Prep Digit  Teach AI - AI Strategy Deck Si Se Puede Foundation Tempe Innovation Center  

On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast Shawnee Caruthers is joined by Sharif El-Mekki, Founder and CEO of the Center for Black Educator Development. A proud alum of Overbrook High School in Philadelphia, PA and the former principal of Mastery Charter, Shoemaker Campus, Sharif sees education as activism and teachers as civic leaders. Sharif is also the co-host of the 8 Black Hands podcast. His mantra, “We Need Black Teachers” is more than a rallying cry, but a deep desire to give voice to the over 8 million black learners that need to see themselves in their classrooms and community. Links: Center for Black Educator Development Phillys7thWard 8 Black Hands podcast Teaching Pathways LinkedIn Center for Black Educators 2022 Report Dr. Gregg Carr Fugitive Pedagogy by Dr. Jarvis Givens Education of Black People by W.EB Dubois Speeches to the Youth by Malcolm X Black Teachers on Teaching by Dr. Michelle Foster  Dr. Vanessa Siddle Walker Dr. Gholdy Muhammad Dr. Zaretta Hammond  

On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast Tom Vander Ark is joined by Charles Fadel, Founder of Center for Curriculum Redesign. Center for Curriculum Redesign is a leading authority on elementary and secondary outcomes and they recently published a great new book called Education for the Age of AI.  This book is one of the most thoughtful explorations of what skills humans will need to learn to do uniquelly meaningful work alongside AI. It explores how many of the 21st century skills will be impacted by AI while also taking a look at Drivers of meaningful work.  Links:  Education for the Age of AI Portrait Model | Getting Smart Center for Curriculum Redesign  Cajon Valley  

This episode of the Getting Smart Podcast is part of a new short monthly series where Mason Pashia is joined by Dr. Jason Cummins, a previous guest and a friend of the podcast, to speak with indigenous leaders and academics to discuss how indigenous ways of knowing and leading can, and should, shape the education system. On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast Mason Pashia is joined by Dr. Jason Cummins and Dr. Hollie Mackey to discuss her incredibly important work in field building, policy and research and getting beyond marginality.  Dr. Hollie J Mackey is an enrolled member of the Northern Cheyenne nation presently located in Southeastern Montana and Associate Professor of Education at North Dakota State University. Her scholarship empirically examines the effects of structural inequity in Indigenous and other marginalized populations in educational leadership and public policy using multiple critical frameworks and methodologies. As an experienced policy consultant, public speaker, program evaluator, and community educator, she seeks to bridge theory and practice as a means of addressing complex social issues from an interdisciplinary perspective. She is the recipient of the D. J. Willower Center for the Study of Leadership and Ethics Award for Excellence and the Jack A. Culbertson Award for outstanding accomplishments as a junior professor of educational leadership. She serves as the Associate Co-Director for the Barbara L. Jackson Scholars Network at the University Council for Educational Administration and Associate Director of the Consortium for the Study of Leadership and Ethics in Education. She earned her Bachelors and Masters of Science in Public Relations at Montana State University-Billings, Masters of Legal Studies in Indigenous People’s Law at the University of Oklahoma, and Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies at the Pennsylvania State University. Links: Hollie Mackey Website Hollie Mackey LinkedIn Office of Indian Education Susan Faircloth Episode Vox handtalk video, Lanny Realbird Alex Red Corn Episode NIES Setting the Context Report   

How might we design new school models to better serve all young people? What are the skills, and jobs of tomorrow? IFTF’s Foresight Essentials course is great for those looking to build something new or trying to innovate within their current role.  On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast Tom Vander Ark is joined by Amanda Bickerstaff, the Co-Founder and CEO of AI for Education. Amanda has been involved in 10 edtech and impact startups over the past two decades and continues to drive important work to further teacher learning.  Links: Amanda Bickerstaff LinkedIn AI for Education Interview with Amanda The Way It Is by William Stafford Marcus Buckingham Red Threads Wellbeing For Learning OfCom Online Nation Report 2023  

On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Nate McClennen is joined by Derek Wenmoth, Founder of Futuremakers, teacher, principal, distance educator and educational policy adviser in New Zealand and internationally. He’s also joined by Annette Thompson, Chief Executive Officer at Inquire Innovation and, previously, an elementary school teacher and principal for 37 years. She was named Arkansas Elementary Principal of the Year and an NAESP National Distinguished Principal in 2017. Together, Derek and Annette were two of the four co-authors of Agency By Design, a new playbook supported by the Aurora Institute, Future Makers and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.  Links: Research on Agency Agency By Design Playbook Annette Thompson Site Derek Wenmoth Site Derek Wenmoth LinkedIn  

On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Mason Pashia is joined by two individuals from America’s Promise Alliance (APA), an organization that weaves people and organizations together for a positive impact. Mike O’Brien, CEO of America’s Promise Alliance, and Parvathi (Parv) Santhosh -Kumar their VP of Community Impact. Together, they talk about the importance of field building, how uniquely bi-partisan and longstanding organizations like APA can drive change through radical collaboration, what they learned from a 180-organization listening tour across the U.S. and much more.  Links: America’s Promise Parvathi Santhosh-Kumar LinkedIn Mike O’Brien LinkedIn Baratunde with Jon Alexander Kim Smith on Getting Smart Podcast

This episode of the Getting Smart Podcast is a part of our New Pathways campaign. In partnership with American Student Assistance (ASA), the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Stand Together and the Walton Family Foundation, the New Pathways campaign will question education’s status quo and propose new methods of giving students a chance to experience success in what’s next.  On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast we’re joined by Dr. Michael Matsuda, Superintendent of Anaheim Union High School District and author of the great new book: Educating for Purposeful Life: A New Conception of Schooling for the 21st Century. The mission of the Anaheim Union High School District is to prepare high school graduates who possess a clear sense of purpose and the capacity to achieve their goals … talk about a pathways vision.  Links: Michael Matsuda Bio Educating for Purposeful Life: A New Conception of Schooling for the 21st Century Career Preparedness Systems Framework Anaheim Union High School District Ben Wildavsky on The Career Arts: Answering Big Questions About College and Career American Student Assistance New Pathways  

On this Getting Smart Town Hall, we took a look at apprenticeship pathways and tried to answer some of the following questions: What does a modern apprenticeship system look like? How might we set up the necessary systems to create earn-and-learn opportunities in technology and teaching pathways.  We were joined by Erin Mote, InnovateEDU and Maureen Tracey Mooney, Department of Education who talked about Teacher Apprenticeships and Ryan Craig, author of Apprentice Nation as well as Chip Linehan, Co-CEO of Building 21 and Launchpad who discussed tech pathways for secondary students. Our presenters shared great slides overviewing the critical apprenticeship work across the nation.  Links  

This episode of the Getting Smart Podcast is part of a new short monthly series where Mason Pashia is joined by Dr. Jason Cummins, a previous guest and a friend of the podcast, to speak with indigenous leaders and academics to discuss how indigenous ways of knowing and leading can, and should, shape the education system.   Awaachiáookaate’, or Jason Cummins Ed.D is an enrolled member of the Apsaalooke Nation, and recently served as the Deputy Director for the White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity for Native Americans and Strengthening Tribal Colleges and Universities, Office of the Secretary. Previously, he was the principal at Crow Agency Public School. As an Indigenous scholar and school leader he has innovatively worked to lead schools towards authentically serving Native American students PreK-12 and their communities by implementing culturally sustaining, trauma-informed, and restorative approaches.  We are joined by Alex Red Corn, Ed.D, a citizen of Osage Nation, where he is a member of the Tsi.zhu.wah.shtah.geh (Gentle Sky/Peacekeeper) clan. At Kansas State University, he is Assistant Professor of Educational Leadership, Coordinator of Indigenous Partnerships, CoChair of the Indigenous Faculty and Staff Alliance, Executive Director of the Kansas Association for Native American Education (KANAE) and Program Coordinator for the Indigenous Educational Leadership Graduate Links:  A Walk in My Shoes Documentary Alex Red Corn Bio The Rural Educator Journal of American Indian Education Indigenous Steam (Analise and Megan Bang) Osage Ribbon Work Lanny Real Bird Liberating Sovreign Potential  

On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast Tom Vander Ark is joined by Jean Eddy, CEO of American Student Assistance (ASA) and author of Crisis-Proofing Today’s Learners: Reimagining Career Education to Prepare Kids for Tomorrow’s World. Links: Crisis Proofing Today’s Learners Jean Eddy American Student Assistance Cajon Valley Tacoma Washington Schools  

This episode of the Getting Smart Podcast is a part of our New Pathways campaign. In partnership with American Student Assistance (ASA), the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Stand Together and the Walton Family Foundation, the New Pathways campaign will question education’s status quo and propose new methods of giving students a chance to experience success in what’s next.  On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast Tom Vander Ark is joined by Dr. Amanda Stent, director of the Davis Institute for Artificial Intelligence, and Dr Taniya Mishra, founder and CEO of SureStart. Administered by Colby’s Davis Institute for Artificial Intelligence and the Halloran Lab for Entrepreneurship, the summer-long SureStart curriculum at Colby evolved from a longtime friendship between the two guests.  The Davis Institute for AI  facilitates interdisciplinary, human-centered scholarship using rich datasets with real-world consequences and prepares students for a future where AI is transforming industries, careers, and modes of discovery, creativity, and scholarship.  A new generation of ethical AI designers spent eight weeks at Colby this summer for a start-up boot camp called SureStart. In addition to nine rising sophomores from Colby, the program attracted four students from partner school Lincoln University in Pennsylvania, the nation’s first degree-granting historically black college or university. The program aimed to teach students with an interest in AI skills to develop a well-researched and market-ready product that solves a real-world problem with a convenient and cost-effective solution. Students also had the opportunity to work with SureStart mentors including partners from organizations such as Alethea, Lockheed Martin, and Bloomberg Second Measure. This episode highlights the programs and connections that got this initiative started.  Links:  Davis Institute for Artificial Intelligence Sure Start: Getting Ahead on AI Halloran Lab Colby College Centers AI With Summer Program, Curricular Integration 22/23 Davis Institute Annual Report SureStart KEEN Network Fast.AI Playlab.ai AI4All Reinvention Lab from Teach for America Teach AI Toolkit

This episode of the Getting Smart Podcast is brought to you by our recent publication Green Pathways, and makes the case for why ALL pathways need sustainability and green embedded. Find out more here. On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast Mason Pashia is joined by Shiva Rajbhandari, a current freshman at UNC Chapel Hill and avid climate and education activist who is, to date, the first student on a school board in the state of Idaho.  Links: School Board Activist Shiva Rajbhandari  Idaho Climate Justice League The Sierra Club Green New Deal for Public Schools Act  

On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Victoria Andrews is joined by Producer Mickey Breeze, the 10-time Beat Battle Champion of the Twin Cities. He is also a former teacher for the “Twin Cities Mobile Jazz Project.” and a DJ for the Minnesota Timberwolves and Twins. He’s a proud alumni of the High School for Recording Arts in St. Paul, MN.  We’re also joined by Dr. H. Bernard Hall an Assistant Professor of Urban Teacher Education at Drexel University in the Department of Teaching, Learning, and Curriculum. His teaching and research interests include urban teacher education and development, social justice-oriented approaches to secondary English education, hip-hop pedagogy, anti-Black educational policy and practice, and critical qualitative research.  Links:  Mickey Breeze H. Bernard Hall HipHopEd Conference IG: Mickey. Breeze  

On this episode of Getting Smart Podcast Victoria Andrews discusses student entrepreneurship with an awesome group from Frisco ISD. Tommy Thompson teaches Marketing, Entrepreneurship and Finance Classes, as well as the DECA sponsor in Frisco ISD. Before teaching he worked in the corporate world for 18 years, started his own business, and served as an industry volunteer in the INCubatoredu program at Centennial High School which he now teaches.  We’re also joined by two students: Rupa Kumaran, the founder of Infiniti Board, a Board Game for Neurodiverse individuals and Esha Bandi, the founder of MyCourseWay, a company that digitizes a school’s entire course catalog.   Links:  Business Incubator Uncharted Learning Tommy Thompson Frisco ISD MyCourseWay MyCourseWay Website Getting Smart Podcast on Uncharted Learning Frisco ISD Business Incubator Infiniti Board Game  

This episode of the Getting Smart Podcast is part of a new short monthly series where Mason Pashia is joined by Dr. Jason Cummins, a previous guest and a friend of the podcast, to speak with indigenous leaders and academics to discuss how indigenous ways of knowing and leading can, and should, shape the education system.   In this episode, they are joined by Dr. Susan Faircloth to discuss the relationship between education and sovereignty, the National Indian Education Study, identity and home, and indigenous leadership. Awaachiáookaate’, or Jason Cummins Ed.D is an enrolled member of the Apsaalooke Nation, and recently served as the Deputy Director for the White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity for Native Americans and Strengthening Tribal Colleges and Universities, Office of the Secretary. Previously, he was the principal at Crow Agency Public School. As an Indigenous scholar and school leader he has innovatively worked to lead schools towards authentically serving Native American students PreK-12 and their communities by implementing culturally sustaining, trauma-informed, and restorative approaches.  Dr. Susan Faircloth, the former director of the School of Education at Colorado State University. An enrolled member of the Coharie Tribe of North Carolina, she focuses her research on Indigenous education; education of culturally and linguistically diverse students with special educational needs; and moral and ethical dimensions of school leadership. Faircloth has published widely in such journals as Educational Administration Quarterly, Harvard Educational Review, The Journal of Special Education Leadership, International Studies in Educational Administration, Values and Ethics in Educational Administration, Tribal College Journal of American Indian Higher Education, Rural Special Education Quarterly, and Journal of Disability Policy Studies. She has also authored, co-authored, edited and contributed chapters to several books on topics related to Indigenous education. Links: Q&A about the National Indian Education Study Susan Faircloth Scholarship List Dr. John Tippeconnic III Indian Education for All Act National Indian Education Study - Setting the Context  

On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast  Tom Vander Ark is joined by our friend Dr. Chris Unger, a Teaching Professor in the Graduate Programs in Education including the Doctor of Education program and author of the great new book A Revolution in Education: Scaling Agency & Opportunity for All.  Links: Viva La Revolucion Blog Post Amazon Link Season 1:  https://arevolutionineducation.buzzsprout.com Season 2:  https://arevolutionineducation2.buzzsprout.com Season 3:  https://arevolutionineducation3.buzzsprout.com LinkedIn Difference Making at the Heart of Learning One Stone Living in Beta Design 39 Iowa Big NAF Palisades High School Charlotte Lab School High Tech High Tacoma Public Schools Purdue Polytechnic Purdue Polytechnic Podcast - THIS… is the Revolution Podcast Purdue Polytechnic - Getting Smart Podcast Northern Cass School District Project Leo  

On this Getting Smart Town Hall, we took a look at our latest publication, Support & Guidance For All New Pathways Journeys and spoke with practitioners and policy experts to get an overview of the current state of advisory models in U.S. schools. Together, we highlighted some exemplars in the space and discuss how support, guidance and advisory systems are critical parts of building New Pathways that serve all learners. Be sure to check out some of the links that were shared in the deck and the chat at the button below: Watch Recording View Links View Recap Blog

How might we design new school models to better serve all young people? What are the skills, and jobs of tomorrow? IFTF’s Foresight Essentials course is great for those looking to build something new or trying to innovate within their current role.  On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Shawnee Caruthers is joined by Sharhonda Bossier, CEO of Education Leaders of Color (EdLoC) and Carmita Semaan, Founder of the Surge Institute.  EdLoC “supports talented leaders of color in education and related fields to thrive as disruptive and innovative agents of change.” The Surge Institute is “the preeminent pipeline addressing the dearth of leadership of color at decision-making tables. Surge educates, empowers and energizes leaders of color who will create transformative change in the communities they serve.” Links: Sharhonda Bossier Carmita Semaan EdLoC Surge Bridgespan Fellows  

On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Tom Vander Ark is joined by Bob Schwartz to talk about pathways to opportunity and the role of college, specifically community colleges. Bob’s new book is America's Hidden Economic Engines: How Community Colleges Can Drive Shared Prosperity, which argues that community colleges need to be in the center of any national education and skills strategy. “At their best, community colleges are the most nimble, flexible, market-oriented institutions in our higher education system, working closely with employers to meet regional labor market demands.” Links: America’s Hidden Economic Engines: How Community Colleges Can Drive Shared Prosperity Review of America’s Hidden Economic Engines  Bob Schwartz Bio “Gold Standard: The Swiss Vocational Education and Training System” Gallup Poll Work-based learning GPS report Northeastern’s Co-Op Model  

On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast Tom Vander Ark is joined by Ben Wildavsky to discuss his new book The Career Arts: Answering Big Questions About College and Career. This book makes the case for building career success through broad education, targeted skills, and social capital. Ben is also a visiting scholar at UVA and hosts the Higher Ed Spotlight podcast. Links: Amazon Link LinkedIn New Pathways Brookings Institution Higher Ed Spotlight Podcast Ryan Craig on Apprenticeships LinkedIn Study Climb Hire Point Loma Nazarene University Link Support and Guidance Publication Michelle Weise on Long Life Learning  

This episode of the Getting Smart Podcast is part of a new short monthly series where Mason Pashia is joined by Dr. Jason Cummins, a previous guest and a friend of the podcast, to speak with indigenous leaders and academics to discuss how indigenous ways of knowing and leading can, and should, shape the education system.   Awaachiáookaate’, or Jason Cummins Ed.D is an enrolled member of the Apsaalooke Nation, and recently served as the Deputy Director for the White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity for Native Americans and Strengthening Tribal Colleges and Universities, Office of the Secretary. Previously, he was the principal at Crow Agency Public School. As an Indigenous scholar and school leader he has innovatively worked to lead schools towards authentically serving Native American students PreK-12 and their communities by implementing culturally sustaining, trauma-informed, and restorative approaches.  Dr. Robin Zape-tah-hol-ah Minthorn is a member of the Kiowa Tribe of Oklahoma, Apache, Nez Perce, Umatilla and Assiniboine and is currently the Professor and Department Chair at the College of Education at Oklahoma University. At the time of this recording was a professor at UW Tacoma. Prior to her time in Washington, Dr. Minthorn served as Coordinator of Native American Affairs at Oklahoma State University and an adjunct faculty at Pawnee Nation College. Preceding that, as an academic advisor at Comanche Nation College, which is Oklahoma’s first tribal college. Dr. Minthorn also co-founded Gamma Delta Pi, American Indian Sisterhood and RAIN (Retaining American Indians Now) as an undergraduate at the University of Oklahoma. As an academic professional, she co-founded ONASHE (the Oklahoma Native American Students in Higher Education) Conference. Links:  Dr. Robin Zape-tah-hol-ah Minthorn Unsettling Settler Colonialism  Since Time Immemorial Sweeney Winchief Paolo Friere  Dr. Michael Yellow Bird Connie Mcloud Native Student Challenges Indigenizing the Academy  

On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Tom Vander Ark is joined by Elliot Washor, the co-founder of Big Picture Learning and author of the great new book Learning to Leave: How Real-World Learning Transforms Education. This book is the followup to the great Leaving to Learn: How Out-of-School Learning Increases Student Engagement and Reduces Dropout Rates. Elliot is also the co-founder of The Met Center in Providence, RI and has been involved in school reform for more than 50 years as a teacher, principal, administrator, video producer, and writer. He has taught and is interested in all levels of school from kindergarten through college, in urban and rural settings, across all disciplines. His work has spanned across school design, pedagogy, learning environments, new forms and new measures for learning, and is supporting others doing similar work throughout the world. Elliot’s interests lie in the field of how schools can connect with communities to understand tacit and disciplinary learning both in and outside of school. Elliot is deeply committed to imagining Big Picture Learning as a ‘do-think-do’ organization, and persistently pushes the boundaries of its design in order to continually innovate practice and influence in the world of education especially for those youth living in communities furthest from opportunity. Links:  B Unbound Learning to Leave: How Real-World Learning Transforms Education Leaving to Learn: How Out-of-School Learning Increases Student Engagement and Reduces Dropout Rates One Kid at a Time: Big Lessons from a Small School Big Picture Learning  Imblaze Namahana School  

On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast Tom Vander Ark is joined by repeat guest Kim Smith to discuss a landscape analysis, the rise of learner-centered education and the three horizons.  Kim Smith is the founder of the Pahara Institute and co-founder of NewSchools venture fund and Bellwether Education Partners and is widely recognized as an innovative and entrepreneurial leader in education, and was featured in Newsweek’s report on the “Women of  the 21st Century” as “the kind of woman who will shape America’s new century.” On top of the previously mentioned successes, Kim was also a founding team member at Teach For America, created and led an AmeriCorps program for community-based leaders in education, managed a business start-up and completed a brief stint in early online learning at Silicon Graphics. She has helped to incubate numerous education and social change organizations and has served on a range of boards. Links: Cambiar Education Jenn Holleran The Learner Studio Report Khanmigo Inflection (AI) Augmented Humans blog (By Producer Mason and Nate McClennen) Next Education Workforce Opportunity Culture CivixNow Learner Studio Derrell Bradford

This episode of the Getting Smart Podcast is a recording of the latest Getting Smart Town Hall — Agriculture Technology Pathways. On this episode, we heard from a great panel of guests who are running a wide range of programs to help young people connect with the growing field of agriculture technology.  Links: Town Hall Recap Video Link Links  

On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Tom Vander Ark is joined by Dr. Justin Reich, ED of MIT Teaching Systems Lab, host of the Teach Lab Podcast and author of Iterate: The Secret to Innovation in Schools. On this episode, they discuss the two paths to coherence: Invitational Leadership: inviting people into a shared vision Transformational Leadership: As Dr. Reich says, this is ”Bringing People Together around Ideas They Care About;.....start[ing] with understanding, honoring, and respecting what people have already accomplished, and then helping them come together around ideas that will take their work forward.” Links: John Diamond Where the Rubber Meets the Road Tom Daccord EdTech Teacher

On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast Nate McClennen is joined by Sharon Laidlaw, Director of Place Network at Teton Science Schools, to discuss place-based education, a movement that was articulated in the 1990’s and now has become a centerpiece of education innovation everywhere.  This movement is rekindling purposeful and agency filled learning experiences for young people. And while not explicitly named as place-based, these learning experiences that are unbundled, project-based, and real-world  grounded in the tools of competencies and personalized approaches ALL fit within the place-based paradigm - using learning to engage the real world around real experiences and challenges - and this approach teaches critical skills that are a priority for an increasingly disconnected and complicated world.  Links:  The Place Network Tetons Science Schools  Sharon Laidlaw New Schools Venture Fund Roundrock Black Parents Association  Gallup Poll  

We’ve recently released a new publication that synthesizes years of research on AI and its impact on teaching and learning. You can find it at GettingSmart.com/artificial-intelligence/ On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Nate McClennen is joined by Anant Agarwal, MIT Professor, Chief Platform Officer at 2U and Founder and CEO of edX, an online learning platform founded by Harvard and MIT. In 2020, Anant shared the story and vision for EdX from inception to present and its effort to increase access, reduce cost, and implement modularity in the higher education ecosystem. So much has happened in the last three years, that we thought it would be great to hear from Anant again (after his first time on the show)  to get his sense of AI and how it will both play a role in both teaching in higher education as well as a topic for learning in higher education. Links: Microbachelors Pathway Anant LinkedIn Anant Agarwal Y Pulse study 73 Million Learners Anant Agarwal on Extended Access to Education Axim Collaborative Open EdX   Key Takeaways:  Ethics must be taught alongside Ai technology. The next phase of iteration is not only about scale, but about personalization.  

This episode of the Getting Smart Podcast is a part of our New Pathways campaign. In partnership with American Student Assistance (ASA), the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Stand Together and the Walton Family Foundation, the New Pathways campaign will question education’s status quo and propose new methods of giving students a chance to experience success in what’s next.  On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, New Pathways Senior Fellow Trace Pickering is joined by Dr. Tasia Chatman, Director of Learning Experiences at Springpoint and Jeff Sudmyer, Director of School Leadership. As the Director, Learning Experiences, Tasia supports the design, development, and scale of Springpoint Transformative Learning Experiences. Tasia brings over 16 years of teaching and curriculum design experience. Her expertise is in curriculum design reflective of Universal Design for Learning and Culturally Responsive Teaching. As Director of School Leadership, Jeff draws on over twenty years of experience as a teacher and administrator to coach principals and collaborate with leaders and teachers at Springpoint partner schools who are working to create innovative high schools. Together, they discuss the elements of a transformative learning experience, making high school meaningful and much more.  Links: Tasia Chatman Jeff Sudmyer Springpoint  

We’ve recently released a new publication that synthesizes years of research on AI and its impact on teaching and learning. You can find it at GettingSmart.com/artificial-intelligence/ On the recent Getting Smart Town Hall, we were joined by leaders who are thinking about generative AI and its implications and uses in the classroom. Throughout the conversation, we focused on how to ensure that your school is a safe and constructive place that embraces AI, while doing the work to set the proper agreements and expectations up front. We highlighted a few individuals who are working with their teams to address and utilize generative AI, including Steven Eno from Da Vinci Public Schools, Keeanna Warren from Purdue Polytechnic and Jim Newland from Hickman Mills. Links:  Links Chat Video Publication

Are you interested in attending one of the field’s largest gatherings of K-12 education innovators? The Aurora Institute Symposium 2023 promises community, lessons about education innovation from the field, and the latest research and policy to support education transformation. Find out more here.  On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast Rebecca Midles is joined by Laurie Gagnon, CompetencyWorks Program Director and an author on some recent publications from the Aurora Institute: Next Generation Credentials and Work-Based Learning Policy.  Also, as an example of states moving forward, to help advance innovations in its Personalized, Competency-Based Learning (PCBL) pilot program, Utah has partnered with the Mastery Transcript Consortium to provide the learner record and resources to schools and districts making the shift.  We’re also joined by Cory Henwood, Innovation Director at Iron County Schools in Utah to discuss some of this work which was highlighted in the recent Aurora Institute report.  Links:  Laurie Gagnon Cory Henwood CompetencyWorks Blog Going Beyond the Traditional: Next Gen Credentials and Flexible Learning Pathways Expanding Student Access to Work-Based Learning: Federal Policy Recommendations Aurora Institute Iron Essential Eight Kettle Moraine Florida XQ High PSI Mastery Transcript Consortium

On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Shawnee Caruthers is joined by Eduardo Briceño, speaker, author and facilitator. His new book, The Performance Paradox: Turning the Power of Mindset into Action, was selected as a “Must-Read” by the Next Big Idea Club, which is curated by Susan Cain, Malcolm Gladwell, Adam Grant, and Dan Pink. This conversation unpacks what happens when we stay in cycles of performance rather than growth and learning. Links: Eduardo Briceño The Performance Paradox Website How to Get Better at the Things you Care About (TED)

On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast Nate McClennen is joined by Morgan Camu, Head of Programs at Outschool.org and Justin Dent, founding Executive Director of Outschool.org. This non-profit branch of outschool.com is working to ensure not only access to all of outschool.com’s resources to those who are racially or economically marginalized - but is also thinking about how to support this unbundled ecosystem as a whole. Links:  Outschool.org Outschool.com Previous Podcast with Outschool founder Amir Nathoo Morgan Camu LinkedIn Justin Dent LinkedIn Engaged Detroit Outbridge Heritage Homeschoolers Epic Homeschool Network

Are you interested in attending one of the field’s largest gatherings of K-12 education innovators? The Aurora Institute Symposium 2023 promises community, lessons about education innovation from the field, and the latest research and policy to support education transformation. Find out more here.  On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast Tom Vander Ark is joined by Nalukai program director Aaron Schorn and a high school student Sherry Jiang from Kealakehe high school.  The Nalukai Academy Startup Camp is a ten-day intensive entrepreneurship, technology, and design camp for high school students The camp covers a multitude of different subject areas with real-world applications, such as management, digital storytelling, design thinking, and large-scale digital projects. Campers at Nalukai are driven, clever, and innovative.  Nalukai focuses:  Digital storytelling – branding & marketing, content creation, web design Leadership – project management, collaboration, team dynamics Entrepreneurship – networking, investor pitches, business plan development Design thinking –  prototyping, mind-mapping, iteration Technology – coding, web development, digital business tools Links: Nalukai Summer Agenda Nalukai Nalukai Blog Aarons and Trinity Asing Podcast Paul Graham Essay  Difference Making at the Heart of Learning Real World Learning Kwaku Aning Uncharted Learning - Margarita Geleske Notre Dame de Sion Podcast Episode The Knowledge Society Instagram hinaea.hi  

On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast Nate McClennen is joined by Thanasi Dilos, Co-Founder and Chief Growth Officer at Civics Unplugged. Thanasi has been an explorer with Nat Geo, a Venture Fellow and is also the Co-Founder and Founding Champion of DreamDAO - and he is 20 years old. Links: LinkedIn Civics Unplugged Dream DAO Personal Site MIT Talk Design it For Us Sneha Revanur Encode Justice VELA Education Fund

This episode of the Getting Smart Podcast is brought to you by our recent publication Green Pathways, and makes the case for why ALL pathways need sustainability and green embedded. Find out more here.  On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Tom Vander Ark is joined again by Navid Nathoo, a former guest on the podcast. Navid joined us a few years ago to discuss The Knowledge Society, (TKS), one of the most revolutionary problem-based high school supplements that we’ve seen. This time we’re also joined by two TKS Learners, Theodore and Rachel. The group joins us from a sustainability summit in Switzerland.  Theodore is a 15 year old that is focused on solutions to the climate crisis. This has led him to work on climate tech projects in the lithium-ion battery space: working with a PH.D. student on her project of using ultra micro electrodes to increase the ionic conductivity of lithium-ion batteries at University of Quebec (UQAM) battery research labs. Rachel is a 16-year-old activator at The Knowledge Society (TKS), with a deep interest in CRISPR and crop improvement. She is passionate about leveraging agritech to improve agricultural productivity in developing countries.  Links:  Student Episode Foremer Episode with Navid TKS Future Class Villars Institute

Are you interested in attending one of the field’s largest gatherings of K-12 education innovators? The Aurora Institute Symposium 2023 promises community, lessons about education innovation from the field, and the latest research and policy to support education transformation. Find out more here.  On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Tom Vander Ark is joined by Kelly Smith, CEO and Founder of Prenda and author of the great new book A Fire to be Kindled: How a Generation of Empowered Learners Can Lead Meaningful Lives and Move Humanity Forward. Links: A Fire to be Kindled Description Prenda Kelly Smith Linkedin Amazon Link KindlED Podcast episode about the book

This episode of the Getting Smart Podcast is brought to you by our recent publication Green Pathways, and makes the case for why ALL pathways need sustainability and green embedded. Find out more here.  On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Tom Vander Ark is joined by repeat guest Jamie Merisotis, CEO of Lumina Foundation, a foundation committed to making opportunities for learning beyond high school available to all. We spoke with Jamie in 2020 right after the publication of Human Work in the Age of Smart Machines. Links: Lumina Foundation Human Work in the Age of Smart Machines Diverse Teams Smart Tools Blog National Council for Workforce Education

On the recent Getting Smart Town Hall, we were joined by NGLC to discuss their recent report focused on what comes after a school district adopts a Portrait of a Graduate. We also featured two of the educators highlighted in the report, not to mention countless others in our audience who are doing important work on the subject.  These districts have been hard at work on aligning to their Portrait and ensuring that it is a living, breathing document and they had great ideas for how to keep revisiting, revising and ensuring that it is relevant to all stakeholders.  Links:  Mentions in Chat Recap Blog

Are you interested in attending one of the field’s largest gatherings of K-12 education innovators? The Aurora Institute Symposium 2023 promises community, lessons about education innovation from the field, and the latest research and policy to support education transformation. Find out more here.  On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Nate McClennen is joined by Amit Sevak, the CEO of ETS, the largest private educational assessment organization in the world and Tim Knowles, the 10th president of the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. Both Amit and Tim are long-term education leaders and entrepreneurs who have focused their careers on creating better opportunities for more people through education.  Together, they have formed a new partnership to rethink assessment and measurement.  Links: ETS ETS Team Page Carnegie Foundation Timothy Knowles Press Release about Partnership Mastery Transcript Consortium

Are you interested in attending one of the field’s largest gatherings of K-12 education innovators? The Aurora Institute Symposium 2023 promises community, lessons about education innovation from the field, and the latest research and policy to support education transformation. Find out more here.  On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Nate McClennen is joined by Amit Sevak, the CEO of ETS, the largest private educational assessment organization in the world and Tim Knowles, the 10th president of the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. Both Amit and Tim are long-term education leaders and entrepreneurs who have focused their careers on creating better opportunities for more people through education.  Together, they have formed a new partnership to rethink assessment and measurement.  Links: ETS ETS Team Page Carnegie Foundation Timothy Knowles Press Release about Partnership Mastery Transcript Consortium

On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Tom Vander Ark is joined by a high school student Sabrina Zhang. We are also joined by Jack Prater, one of Sabrina’s teachers at Polytechnic School in Pasadena, California. They recently collaborated as a mentor/mentee team in The Earth Prize competition, a $200k global competition for students to create solutions to climate-related challenges.  Links:  Interview with Jack Agrivision The Earth Prize Polytechnic Institute Sabrina’s Blog

This episode of the Getting Smart Podcast is a part of our New Pathways campaign. In partnership with American Student Assistance® (ASA), the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Stand Together and the Walton Foundation, the New Pathways campaign will question education’s status quo and propose new methods of giving students a chance to experience success in what’s next.  On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, New Pathways Senior Fellow Trace Pickering is joined by Jim Bailey, Director and Co-founder of Rock Tree Sky, a self-directed learning center in Ojai, California. Rock Tree Sky provides learner-centered, experiential education space where learners and mentors are supported to follow their unique learning journey. Rock Tree Sky cultivates an inclusive learning community with a goal of developing the whole self through learning in relationship with others. Links: Rock Tree Sky Education Reimagined Free to Learn - Peter Gray John Holt John Dewey Iowa Big Karen Pittman and Gary Briggs Getting Smart Podcast Piaget

This episode of the Getting Smart Podcast is a part of our New Pathways campaign. In partnership with American Student Assistance® (ASA), the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Stand Together and the Walton Foundation, the New Pathways campaign will question education’s status quo and propose new methods of giving students a chance to experience success in what’s next.  On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, we have some returning guests from Notre Dame de Sion. We spoke to these students last year before they went on a transformational trip to Kenya. It was so nice to have Mary, Suzanne, Claire and Ginger back on the podcast.  Links: Previous podcast with Sion Students Notre Dame de Sion Global Impacts EduCatered: Emilie Lai EduCatered: Gabby Dedrick Lewa Wildlife Conservancy

This episode is supported by our recent Artificial Intelligence publication which focuses on the ways in which AI is shaping teaching, leading and learning. On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Nate McClennen is joined by Karema Akilah, founder of the Genius School, Genii DAO and Geniiverse. We met Karema at ASU+GSV and were struck by her creative “genius” in pulling together homeschools, Web3, metaverse worlds and all around commitment to learner agency, purpose and difference making. Links: LinkedIn Personal Site Genii DAO Site Genii DAO Twitter Genius School - Decentralized, Democratic, Self-Directed Robert Kiyosaki, Cash Flow 101 What Can Decentralized Organizations Accomplish in Education? Raising Free People - Akilah Richards Raising Free People Book John Holt - Unschooling

On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast Rebecca Midles is joined by Landon Mascareñaz an educator, writer, and vice president of community partnership at the Colorado Education Initiative. We’re also joined by Doannie Tran, a partner at the Center for Innovation in Education.  Their new book, The Open System: Redesigning Education and Reigniting Democracy makes the case that education is our greatest democracy-building endeavor, and through opening it up to the communities it serves and redesigning public systems, we can reimagine and reinvigorating our democracy and countless other shared pursuits of our society. Links:  The Open System Institute The Open System Book Landon Mascareñaz Doannie Tran Colorado Education Initiative

This episode is supported by our recent Artificial Intelligence publication which focuses on the ways in which AI is shaping teaching, leading and learning. On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast Tom Vander Ark is joined by Ryan Craig, Managing Director of Achieve Partners. Ryan is leading the development of the Hire/Train/Deploy sector, a new category of intermediary organizations that take the friction out of hiring--for companies as well as job seekers.  In his 2018 book , A New U: Faster + Cheaper Alternatives to College Craig made the case that unless you get a free ride to a top school, you should find a free or affordable sprint to a good first job.  Ryan’s upcoming book, Apprentice Nation: How the "Earn and Learn" Alternative to Higher Education Will Create a Stronger and Fairer America, will focus on economic mobility and a more durable American job market. Links: Ryan Craig on Last-Mile Training as an Alternative to Higher Ed How Faster + Cheaper Alternatives Will Replace Much of Higher Ed  Apprenticeships for America Apprentice Nation: How the "Earn and Learn" Alternative to Higher Education Will Create a Stronger and Fairer America Skillstorm Optimum Healthcare IT  Riipen CreatorUp A New U: Faster + Cheaper Alternatives to College Ryan Craig Achieve Partners

Are you interested in attending one of the field’s largest gatherings of K-12 education innovators? The Aurora Institute Symposium 2023 promises community, lessons about education innovation from the field, and the latest research and policy to support education transformation. Find out more here.  On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Tom Vander Ark is joined by Cyane Dandridge, founder of Strategic Energy Initiatives (SEI), an environmental nonprofit that builds leaders to drive sustainability solutions. One of those solutions is a high school model, School for Environmental Leadership  (SEL). The flagship is MarinSEL, a “school within a school” located within Terra Linda High School in the San Rafael City Schools district and we’re excited to be also joined  Karen Madden, a teacher leader from MarinSEL.  Links: 2021 Impact Report SEI School for Environmental Leadership (SEL)  High School Sustainability Curriculum Page Cyane Dandridge Karen Madden

On this Getting Smart Town Hall, we are joined by Erin Mote from Educating All Learners Alliance and Karla Phillips-Krivickas from Think Inclusion to discuss some of the core challenges facing learners with disabilities, some of the most pressing topics circling the learning disability field and to highlight exemplars who are responding well to these pressures and challenges. Links: Slides from the Town Hall Video of the Town Hall Links from the Town Hall Link to Recap Next Town Hall

On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast  Tom Vander Ark is joined by Karen Pittman, Partner at Knowledge to Power Catalysts and Gary Briggs, Director of Systems Impact at New Teacher Center to discuss a recent report The Elephant in the Classroom. This position paper articulates a new, shared purpose for education and paints a picture of what it would look like if our systems were rooted in a vision that centered equity, humanity, justice, and self-actualization for students and adults.  Links: Elephant in the Classroom PDF Karen Pittman LinkedIn Gary Briggs LinkedIn SOLD Alliance Design Principles

We’ve recently released a new publication that synthesizes years of research on AI and its impact on teaching and learning. You can find it at GettingSmart.com/artificial-intelligence/ On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast Tom Vander Ark is joined by Dr Scott Muri, Superintendent of Ector County School District in Odessa, Texas.  Previously, he has served in numerous district leadership roles and is a leader in funding schools, educator prep and much more.  Links: Twitter Link Scott Muri LinkedIn Sal Khan about AI tutoring Ector County School District

We’ve recently released a new publication that synthesizes years of research on AI and its impact on teaching and learning. You can find it at GettingSmart.com/artificial-intelligence/ On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast Tom Vander Ark is joined by Dr Scott Muri, Superintendent of Ector County School District in Odessa, Texas.  Previously, he has served in numerous district leadership roles and is a leader in funding schools, educator prep and much more.  Links: Twitter Link Scott Muri LinkedIn Sal Khan about AI tutoring Ector County School District

Are you interested in attending one of the field’s largest gatherings of K-12 education innovators? The Aurora Institute Symposium 2023 promises community, lessons about education innovation from the field, and the latest research and policy to support education transformation. Find out more here.  On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast Nate McClennen is joined by Orly Friedman Head of School at Red Bridge in San Francisco, a unique learning environment that builds agency in young people. Orly has worked in the DC public schools, Khan Lab School and with Transcend - among many other experiences. We had the chance to catch up with her at ASU-GSV and she was excited to share the story of the school.  Links: Red Bridge Orly Friedman Bogota, Columbia: Colegio Fontán

On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Rebecca Midles is joined by a former guest on the Getting Smart Podcast and a friend of Getting Smart, Stephanie Malia Krauss. Stephanie is the author of multiple books, including Making It and the new Whole Child, Whole Life: 10 Ways to Help Kids Live, Learn, and Thrive. Links:  Whole Child Whole Life Stephanie Malia Krauss Website Past episode with Stephanie

We’ve recently released a new publication that synthesizes years of research on AI and its impact on teaching and learning. You can find it at GettingSmart.com/artificial-intelligence/ On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Nate McClennen is joined by Bodo Hoeden co-founder and CEO of Nolej, a generative AI tool that automatically convert documents (Text, Video, Audio) into dynamic active learning content through the use of our AI. What used to take instructional designers hours, can now be done by anyone in minutes.  Nolej is focused on doing the following:  Creating a tool that can generate bite size e-learning packages from any content in real-time.  Mapping these experiences into a multi-dimensional latent space - almost like a map of ignorance for search and visibility.  Building A GPS to help guide you through these learning experiences and to help you interact with mentors, experts and other learners.  In this conversation, Nate and Bodo discuss the vast potential of AI, the past and future of collective intelligence, the structure of Nolej and much more.   

This episode of the Getting Smart Podcast is supported by the JFF Horizons Summit. Find out more at horizons.jff.org.  On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Tom Vander Ark is joined by Michelle Blanchet, Founder & Director of the Educator’s Lab and author of Preventing Polarization: 50 Strategies for Teaching Kids About Empathy, Politics, and Civic Responsibility  co-authored by Brian Deters. Michelle is also serving as a Senior Fellow for our New Pathways campaign as she helps us to highlight and share stories around keeping sustainability and citizenship at the core of pathways.  Links: Educator’s Lab Michelle Blanchet Civics Through Play The Startup Teacher Playbook  Preventing Polarization Amazon Basehor-Linwood Student designed park  Lies My Teacher Told Me UnTextbooked Podcast

On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Tom Vander Ark is joined by Dr. Scott McLeod, a Professor of Leadership for Educational Organizations at University of Colorado Denver and author of numerous books, most recently Leadership for Deeper Learning. Scott is also a Senior Fellow at Getting Smart.  Links: Different Schools for a Different World Leadership for Deeper Learning Scott McLeod Twitter Scott McLeod Fellow Page LeaderTalk Redesigning for Deeper Learning  Dr. Don Haddad and Dr. Jackie Kapushion on St. Vrain Schools and Innovation Centers New Village Girls Academy Butler Tech CAPS Network

This episode of the Getting Smart Podcast is sponsored by JFF Horizons.  On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, we’re rebroadcasting a recent Getting Smart Town Hall where we discussed various Portraits of a Graduate, Graduate Profiles, and Student Learning Goals with hopes of identifying a set of learner capabilities and skills that will prepare young people for whatever is next. We’re joined by Tim Taylor of America Succeeds who helps shine a light on Durable Skills, conversations with industry leaders and much more.  Links  Links from chat Link to website post  

This episode of the Getting Smart Podcast is brought to you by our new Credentialed Learning Interactive Publication, check it out at GettingSmart.com/Credentialed. On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast Rebecca Midles and Victoria Andrews are joined by Kathryn Kennedy, Executive Director of Wellness for Educators, a nonprofit that is invested in and passionate about supporting educators worldwide with research-based, trauma- and equity-informed trainings, coaching, and strategies for social, emotional, mental, and physical health and wellbeing.  They’re also joined by Dr. Rebecca Itow the Treasurer on the Board of Directors at Wellness for Educators. She is also the Principal of Indiana University High School Online. We recently had the pleasure of meeting Kathryn and her team at the Digital Learning Annual Conference (DLAC) where we hit it off quickly and HAD to learn more.  Links Well4edu Kathryn Kennedy Dr. Rebecca Itow Dena Simmons Well4Edu Podcasts Shomari Jones Unrulr Aaron Schorn Voice for Equity Center for Ed Justice  

On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Mason Pashia is joined for a second time on the podcast by Awaachiáookaate', or Jason Cummins Ed.D. He is an enrolled member of the Apsaalooke Nation, and recently served as a principal at Crow Agency Public School. As an Indigenous scholar and school leader he has innovatively worked to lead schools towards authentically serving Native American students PreK-12 and their communities by implementing culturally sustaining, trauma-informed, and restorative approaches. Dr. Cummins is currently serving as the Deputy Director for the White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity for Native Americans and Strengthening Tribal Colleges and Universities, Office of the Secretary. Links: Department of the Interior: Boarding School Report Dr. Jason Cummins and Mike Ruyle on the School Wellness Wheel Exterminate All the Brutes Lanny Real Bird Difference Making Sweeney Windchief  Alex Redcorn  Ethan Chang: Dangerous Leadership Trail-Cast Podcast

This episode of the Getting Smart Podcast is a part of our New Pathways campaign. In partnership with American Student Assistance (ASA), the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Stand Together and the Walton Foundation, the New Pathways campaign will question education’s status quo and propose new methods of giving students a chance to experience success in what’s next.  On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Shawnee Caruthers is joined by Stephanie Short and David Zasada to discuss Design for Delight’s (D4D) latest case study which highlights core takeaways from the recent D4D camp and course. Earlier this year, America Succeeds and Design4Delight partnered to articulate the effectiveness of Intuit’s Design for Delight program and how well it cultivates Durable Skills. Stephanie Short is Vice President of Partnerships at America Succeeds, a non-profit education advocacy organization committed to improving educational opportunities, outcomes, and equity by harnessing the influence and acumen of the business community in accelerating systems change.  Dave Zasada is Vice President of Education and Corporate Responsibility at Intuit, a global technology firm specializing in software and the creator of the Design for Delight program.  Links Design for Delight: Building Durable Schools with Learners Design for Delight: Durable Skills Case Study Design for Delight Resources Stephanie Short Design for Delight Dave Zasada CompTIA

What would an economy look like that centered justice, regenerativity and collaboration? Want to play a role? Find out more about the Next Economy MBA from LIFT Economy.  On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast Tom Vander Ark is joined by Dr. David Dimmett, President and CEO of Project Lead the Way. Prior to Project Lead the Way he served for over a decade at the Evansville Vanderburgh school district in a variety of roles. Links: LinkedIn PLTW David Dimmett PLTW Project Lead the Way 2022 Annual Report Sam Seidel and Olatunde Sobomehin on Creative Hustle Stoked

We hosted a town hall event called Raise the Bar: Policy Shaping Pathways. We were lucky to be joined by two policy gurus: Dr. Amy Loyd, Assistant Secretary at the Department of Education and Julie Lammers, Senior Vice President, Advocacy and Corporate Social Responsibility at American Student Assistance (ASA). Together, we discussed how recent policies will drive school change through intentionally building and designing pathways toward student success. One of these policies is Raise the Bar: Lead the World, a recent initiative from Secretary Cardona which will focus on: Creating Pathways for Global Engagements Ensure every student has a pathway to college and careers Provide every student a pathway to multilingualism You can find the links from the chat here.

Interested in learning more about the World of Work? We’d love to see you at the summit. Register here.  On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, New Pathways Senior Fellow Trace Pickering is joined by Al O’Bannon. Al is the Executive Director of the LBA Foundation in Cedar Rapids, Iowa and is a Certified School Counseling Leadership Specialist, recognized by the American School Counseling Association.  Al has over 20 years of experience with non-profit organizations.   

This episode of the Getting Smart Podcast is a part of our New Pathways campaign. In partnership with American Student Assistance® (ASA), the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Stand Together and the Walton Foundation, the New Pathways campaign will question education’s status quo and propose new methods of giving students a chance to experience success in what’s next.  On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Shawnee Caruthers is joined by Dr. Dennis Johnston, Senior Director and Chief Research Officer at AVID, a resource for professional development, feedback and continued knowledge sharing. Links: LinkedIn AVID Link to White Paper

On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, New Pathways Senior Fellow Trace Pickering is joined by David Weinberg, a teacher, principal, curriculum director, assistant superintendent, and a founder of EPIC North HS in New York City. He now spends his time working to help schools become more innovative and restorative.   

On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Shawnee Caruthers is joined by Josh Fryday,California’s Chief Service Officer within the Office of Governor Gavin Newsom to lead service, volunteer, and civic engagement efforts throughout California.  Links: Josh Fryday California Volunteers College Corps Climate Action Corps Mission: Joy  On To Greener Pathways: The Future of Work Has New Opportunities for Students

What would an economy look like that centered justice, regenerativity and collaboration? Want to play a role? Find out more about the Next Economy MBA from LIFT Economy.  On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast Tom Vander Ark is joined by Dr. Justin Aglio, the Executive Director of the Readiness Institute at Penn State University. Previously, Justin was a district leader in Montour School District, one of the first districts to pilot the AI+Ethics middle-grade curriculum. Links: Justin Aglio LinkedIn Montour School District Readiness Institute at Penn State University. Mark Cuban Foundation AI Bootcamp Penn State AI Ethics - Media Lab Unbundled Learning Instagram Readiness Institute  

Will we be seeing you this year at SXSW EDU? Register today. On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Shawnee Caruthers is joined by Jenee Henry Wood, a Partner at Transcend Education and David Nitkin, also a Partner at Transcend.  David and Jenee recently worked on an initiative called Conversations with Kids, a research project and culminating paper that analyzed data from 20,000+ students who participated in Transcend's Leaps Student Voice Survey and focus groups. Tons of outstanding themes were identified as a result.  Links Conversations with Kids Initiative Survey Tool Conversation Guide Jenee Henry Wood LinkedIn David Nitkin LinkedIn Northern Cass School District Transcend Education  

On the 2023 edition of our annual “What’s next in learning?” Getting Smart Town Hall, we dug into some of the core drivers impacting learning today: the Pandemic Response, New Pathways and AI Everywhere. We then broke these categories down further into trends that we are seeing that are likely to have a big impact on the education ecosystem in 2023.    See the links that we mentioned here.  

On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, we’re sharing a recent conversation between Tom Vander Ark and Louka Parry. Together they discuss the mission of school, credentials and records, generative AI, shifting towards regenerative models of learning and much more.  Louka Parry is CEO of The Learning Future, a company committed to transforming learning structures, systems and societies so that we better empower individuals to develop the key human capabilities that matter most now and into the future. Louka is also the host of The Learning Future Podcast, which we recommend you check out for more conversations about the future of learning.  Links:  About Louka The Learning Future Podcast Salzburg Global Seminar Thomas Homer-Dixon on Commanding Hope and the Nature of Complexity Podcast Tim Klein and Belle Liang on How to Navigate Life Difference Making at the Heart of Learning Learning Creates Australia Da Vinci Schools Learning Economy Foundation Sam Seidel and Olatunde Sobomehin on the Creative Hustle and Blazing Your Own Path

Schools are supposed to prepare young people for the opportunities ahead of them, but oftentimes the opportunities move faster than the school systems. In the last few years some of the world’s leading countries have made massive commitments to sustainability. Legislation like the Inflation Reduction Act has promised millions of new jobs in sustainability and, currently, our lack of labor force is a huge bottleneck in being able to meet the demands of these urgent legislative wins. What can schools do to create greener education to employment pathways and prepare younger generations for the jobs ahead? Michelle Blanchet from Educator’s Lab and Mason Pashia from Getting Smart recently hosted a roundtable discussion to help spotlight where we are now and where we need to get to. The panelists on this event were: Thomas Riggle, Denver Public Schools Tish Tablan, Generation180 Shonique Banks, Philadelphia Energy Jordan Crolly, Philadephia School District

Interested in learning more about the World of Work? We’d love to see you at the summit. Register here.  On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Nate McClennen is joined by Dr. Julie Evans, CEO of Project Tomorrow, and author of the new book Free Agent Learning. Project Tomorrow runs Speak Up which routinely surveys young people about their perceptions and opinions about school. She is a deep believer in listening to learners and providing agency for their learning. Links: Julie Evans Bio Free Agent Learning Aurora Institute Presentation Project Tomorrow Project Tomorrow Speak Up Research Daniel Pink on Autonomy, Mastery and Purpose Thomas Arnet Bio Blogs by Thomas Arnett 

This episode of the Getting Smart Podcast is a part of our New Pathways campaign. In partnership with American Student Assistance® (ASA), the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Stand Together and the Walton Foundation, the New Pathways campaign will question education’s status quo and propose new methods of giving students a chance to experience success in what’s next.  On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Shawnee Caruthers is joined by a dream team of guests. The first speaker you’ll hear is Kelly Fast, Director of Experiential Learning at Notre Dame de Sion. We then turn to four incredible Sion students: Mary, Suzanne, Claire and Ginger to discuss some of the incredible work and learning they are doing on a local and global level. If you want to support the work, you can send an email to [email protected]. Links: Notre Dame de Sion Global Impacts EduCatered: Emilie Lai EduCatered: Gabby Dedrick Days for Girls Giving Hope and Help Sew Powerful Urbavore

On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast Rebecca Midles is joined by two dear friends and peers: Kelly Niccolls and Abby Benedetto. Kelly Niccolls is formerly a Getting Smart colleague and now leads Secondary Teaching and Learning at Cheney Public Schools.  Abby Benedetto is one of Getting Smart’s Senior Fellows and is also the founder of Core Shifts. Listen in as they discuss the Assessment as Revelation framework. We also recently published a blog by them on GettingSmart.com all about the framework. Check it out! Links: Kelly Niccolls LinkedIn Abby Benedetto LinkedIn Abby Benedetto Pathways Deeper Learning Equity Fellows Street Data Listening Leader Emergent Strategy Core Shifts Cheney Public Schools

On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Tom Vander Ark is joined by repeat podcast guest Sam Seidel Director of K12 Strategy + Research at the Stanford d.school, the Hasso Plattner Institute of Design at Stanford University and Olatunde Sobomehin, CEO of StreetCode Academy to discuss their new book Creative Hustle: Blaze Your Own Path and Make Work That Matters.  Links: Sam Seidel Twitter Sam Seidel LinkedIn Sam Seidel Bio Olatunde Sobomehin LinkedIn Olatunde - Praxis Labs Olatunde Sobomehin Twitter Creative Hustle: Blaze Your Own Path and Make Work That Matters HipHopGenius.org StreetCode Academy Sam Seidel on Design Thinking Sarah Stein Greenberg Podcast Design for Belonging by Dr. Susie Wise New Pathways Rep Mag High School for the Recording Arts Big Picture Learning

On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Tom Vander Ark is joined by Dr. Barbara “Bobbi” Kurshan and Kathy Hurley the co-authors of the new book InnovateHERs: Why Purpose Driven Entrepreneurial Women Rise to the Top. Dr. Barbara “Bobbi” Kurshan, is the President of Educorp Consultants Corporation and Senior Innovation Advisor, the Graduate School of Education, Education Entrepreneurship, University of Pennsylvania, and a former education industry entrepreneur.  Kathy Hurley is a former senior executive for numerous educational publishing and technology companies, including IBM and Pearson. After retiring from Pearson, she was selected as a Fellow of the Advanced Leadership Initiative (ALI) at Harvard University and co-founded a global nonprofit organization, Girls Thinking Global. Links: Amazon Link Barbara Kurshan LinkedIn Kathy Hurley LinkedIn Innovatehers resources EMP Whitepaper Ken Kay on Redefining Student Success Innovation Ecosystem  Newsletter Subscription 

This episode of the Getting Smart Podcast is a part of our New Pathways campaign. In partnership with American Student Assistance® (ASA), the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Stand Together and the Walton Foundation, the New Pathways campaign will question education’s status quo and propose new methods of giving students a chance to experience success in what’s next.  On this Getting Smart Town Hall we took a look at a number of organizations and technologies that enable powerful badging and credentialing opportunities to help students share their stories, their learning and their priorities. Credentialing is the new way to communicate capabilities and provides more reliable and precise capability signaling than courses and grades. We'll explore the secondary and postsecondary learning and employment ecosystems where credentialing is emerging, how it complements skills-based hiring, and the implications for learner records. We were joined by Project Director of Project Zero, David Kidd as well as Director of Product Management at XQ, Rachel Safferstone. These two guests are doing incredible work in the space of credentialing and badging and both the vision and the experience to help us better understand the broader landscape.   Links: Recap Post Links from the Town Hall Getting Smart Town Halls Unbundled Learning: A Getting Smart Publication

Thank you to BetterHelp for sponsoring this episode. Speak with an affordable, licensed therapist at your convenience and save 10% on your first month at BetterHelp.com/GettingSmart. We’ve done it! It’s the season finale of EduCatered. Thank you SO much for joining us through all of these great conversations this first season.   This special season finale is hosted by producer Mason, and he interviews Shawnee Caruthers and previous guest, now Getting Smart teammate, Victoria Andrews. We do things a little differently this time around… we hope you’ll tune in.  Links: Victoria Playlist: Kool Kids Vibes Victoria Playlist: Upbeat Elevator Jams Victoria Playlist: Let’s Ride Big Bang Recap Podcast Valencia Instagram    

On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast Tom Vander Ark is joined by Dr. Ellen Perconti, Superintendent at Goldendale School District. Dr. Ellen Perconti is an experienced education superintendent with a demonstrated history of leading instructional reform and creating cultures focused on engagement. Links: Twitter LinkedIn Goldendale School District Getting Smart Podcast with Joanne McEachen Education Leaders Organization Marc Johnson Sanger Unified 

This episode of the Getting Smart Podcast is a part of our New Pathways campaign. In partnership with American Student Assistance® (ASA), the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Stand Together and the Walton Foundation, the New Pathways campaign will question education’s status quo and propose new methods of giving students a chance to experience success in what’s next.  On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast Shawnee Caruthers is joined by Stephanie Taylor, director of clinical innovation at Presence. Stephanie has worked in education since 2002 as a teacher, a special education teacher/case manager, school psychologist, and director of special education. She is currently working in the private sector to help schools gain access to needed related services through teletherapy.

This episode of the Getting Smart Podcast is a part of our New Pathways campaign. In partnership with American Student Assistance® (ASA), the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Stand Together and the Walton Foundation, the New Pathways campaign will question education’s status quo and propose new methods of giving students a chance to experience success in what’s next.  On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Tom Vander Ark is joined by Dr Paul LeBlanc, president of Southern New Hampshire University and author of the books Students First: Equity, Access, and Opportunity in Higher Education and, most recently, Broken: How Our Social Systems are Failing Us and How We Can Fix Them  Listen in while Tom and Paul talk about the power of stories, the difference between belonging and mattering and how keeping relationships at the center of human systems is the only way to find success.  Links: Students First (Amazon Link) Broken (Amazon Link) Paul LeBlanc Bio Paul LeBlanc and Connie Yowell Harvard Education Press New Pathways

This episode of the Getting Smart Podcast is supported by LME Global’s Learning Blueprint. Find out more at  lme.global/smart. On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Tom is joined by Tanya Sheckley, author of the new book Rebel Educator: Create Classrooms Where Impact and Imagination Meet.  Tanya Sheckley is the Founder and President of UP Academy – a progressive elementary lab school in San Mateo, California. UP Academy is reinventing education by customizing learning for each student, integrating project-based learning throughout its curriculum, and supporting students with disabilities to attend school alongside able-bodied students in mixed-age classrooms. Links:  Tanya Sheckley Rebel Educator Podcast Rebel Educator

On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast Tom Vander Ark is joined by David McRaney, author of the new book How Minds Change: The Surprising Science of Belief, Opinion, and Persuasion and the host of the You Are Not So Smart Podcast. Links: About You Are Not So Smart You Are Not So Smart Podcast How Minds Change How Minds Change Discussion Guide Clash by Caravan Palace James Burke Jay Van Bavel The dress debate SURFPAD Genetic Epistemology by Jean Piaget 

On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Shawnee Caruthers is joined by author and instructional specialist Miriam Plotinsky to discuss her new book Teach More, Hover Less. Miriam is a strong advocate for student-centered learning, she provides coaching and professional development for teachers and administrators. Plotinsky is widely published in Education Week, Edutopia, ASCD Express, The Teaching Channel, EdSurge, K–12 Talk, and Education World. She is also a National Board Certified Teacher with additional certification in administration and supervision. Links: Author website Teach More, Hover Less List of articles by Miriam Miriam Plotinsky Twitter Catlin Tucker - Take Learning Sideways Rachel Portman - Chocolat Soundtrack

This episode of the Getting Smart Podcast is a part of our New Pathways campaign. In partnership with American Student Assistance® (ASA), the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Stand Together and the Walton Foundation, the New Pathways campaign will question education’s status quo and propose new methods of giving students a chance to experience success in what’s next.  On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Tom Vander Ark is joined by Dr. Mike Magee, the president of Minerva University. Previously, Mike spent time largely in edpolicy at Rhode Island School of Design, Rhode Island Mayoral Academies, and Chiefs for Change. Minerva University is a 10 year old independent, non-profit, accredited institution of higher education. It was formed in partnership with a venture-backed startup called the Minerva Project and incubated at Keck Graduate Institute. Links: Mike Magee About Mike Magee Twitter Minerva University Minerva Project Ben Nelson Forum Platform Minerva University Sustainability Minor Seabound Carbon Capture Master of Science in Decision Analysis Some of Mike’s Favorite Poems: Emily Dickinson - I dwell in Possibility Gwendolyn Brooks - Boy Breaking Glass 

This episode of the Getting Smart Podcast is a part of our New Pathways campaign. In partnership with American Student Assistance® (ASA), the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Stand Together and the Walton Foundation, the New Pathways campaign will question education’s status quo and propose new methods of giving students a chance to experience success in what’s next.  The recent Getting Smart Town Hall focused on Education 3.0 (ed3), aka how Web3 will likely empower a new generation of learning. We were joined by founder of K20Education, Vriti Saraf as well as Mike Peck, Vriti’s co-founder of ed3DAO. This event covered how the web has evolved and how that has similarly mapped onto the education model.  NOTES: NEW Unbundled Publication View Full Recap Links From the Town Hall What Can Decentralized Organizations Accomplish in Education? Three Ways Web3 Will Change Education For Good

We're thrilled to bring you an episode of one of our favorite current podcasts: UnTextbooked. In each episode, a young producer talks to a scholar about a topic they’re curious about. We know that you, our audience, care deeply about at least two things: Continuing to learn and challenge yourself, and celebrating others' learning, especially young folks. Get ready for a ride on the power of perspective. UnTextbooked is back with new episodes every Thursday. Follow the show wherever you listen to podcasts, so you never miss an episode.  UnTextbooked Shownotes:  There are more than five hundred federally recognized Indigenous nations in the United States today, nearly three million people, but their stories have largely been omitted from the nation’s history. On this episode of UnTextbooked, producer Gavin Scott interviews acclaimed historian and activist, Professor Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz and takes a look at U.S. History through the lens of Indigenous Peoples and unpacks what we’ve been missing as a nation without their perspective. BOOK: An Indigenous People's History of the United States GUEST: Professor Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz PRODUCER: Gavin Scott MUSIC: Silas Bohen and Coleman Hamilton PRODUCTION: Pod People - Hannah Pedersen, Danielle Roth, Shaneez Tyndall, and Michael Aquino.

On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Tom Vander Ark is joined by Chris McNutt and Nick Covington, two leaders of the Human Restoration Project, an initiative aimed at transforming school systems towards human-centered policies that promote well-being and powerful learning. Links:  Chris McNutt Nick Covington Human Restoration Project Podcast 100 Days of Conversation Podcast Human Restoration Project Conference Human Restoration Project PD  UN Sustainable Development Goals Difference Making | Getting Smart 

This episode of the Getting Smart Podcast is a part of our New Pathways campaign. In partnership with American Student Assistance® (ASA), the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Stand Together and the Walton Foundation, the New Pathways campaign will question education’s status quo and propose new methods of giving students a chance to experience success in what’s next.  On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Tom Vander Ark is joined by Dr. Don Haddad, the Superintendent at St. Vrain Valley Schools and Dr. Jackie Kapushion, the Deputy Superintendent.  Together, they discuss the various pathways initiatives of St. Vrain Valley Schools, the role of a superintendent and how to scale innovation.  Links: Don Haddad LinkedIn St. Vrain Valley Schools Jackie Kapushion Twitter Jackie Kapushion LinkedIn P-Teach P-Tech Career Elevation and Technology Center Bill Ritter Getting Smart Podcast Next-Gen Career Prep at St. Vrain Innovation Center

This episode of the Getting Smart Podcast is supported by LME Global’s Learning Blueprint. Find out more at  lme.global/smart. On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast Tom Vander Ark is joined by Alex Budak, a UC Berkeley Haas faculty member and now the author of a new book called Becoming a Changemaker: An Actionable, Inclusive Guide to Leading Positive Change at Any Level.  Links: Alex Budak LinkedIn Alex Budak Website Becoming a Changemaker (Amazon) Difference Making Bryan Stevenson Changemaker Index Sam McCracken N7 Shoe Dr. Nadine Burke Harris ACEs

On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Tom Vander Ark is joined by a group of guests to discuss the promise of science fairs and why science deep dives should be part of every learner's experience.  In 2020 we spoke with Maya Ajmera, CEO of the Society for Science and host of the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) and Regeneron Science Talent Search. Our three guests for this podcast are: Priscilla Lumbreras is a science teacher in Granbury ISD and an alumni of the Society’s Advocate Program as well as a STEM Research Grantee. Anika Puri is a grad of Horace Greeley High School in Chappaqua, New York and a freshman at MIT. She is also the recent winner of the Peggy Scripps Award for Science Communication at Regeneron ISEF. Laalitya Acharya is a Regeneron Science Talent Search and ISEF alumni, a student at Columbia and an intern at Regeneron. Links: Regeneron Science Talent Search Horace Greeley High School The Nereid Project MozAIrt Maya Ajmera Society for Science Granbury ISD  

This episode of the Getting Smart Podcast is a part of our New Pathways campaign. In partnership with American Student Assistance® (ASA), The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Stand Together and the Walton Foundation, the New Pathways campaign will question education’s status quo and propose new methods of giving students a chance to experience success in what’s next.  On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast Tom Vander Ark is joined by Jennifer Klein and Kapono Ciotti who are here to discuss their new book The Landscape Model of Learning: Designing Student-Centered Experiences for Cognitive and Cultural Inclusion. Jennifer is a former head of school with extensive international experience and over thirty years in education, including nineteen in the classroom.  Kapono Ciotti taught in Honolulu, Hawaii, and Dakar, Senegal, for over a decade before moving into school leadership. Kapono has led schools in the United States and Egypt, where he put into practice the philosophy of "students making the world a better place.” Links: Jennifer D. Klein Bio Principled Learning Strategies Kapono Instagram Kapono bio Recent Getting Smart Blog by Jennifer D. Klein American International School of Egypt NAIS People of Color Conference The Power of Place: Authentic Learning Through Place-Based Education Ken Kay and Yong Zhao on Portrait of a Graduate  The Rise: Creativity, the Gift of Failure, and the Search for Mastery by Sarah Lewis Rightful Presence by Tan and Barton Zone of proximal development What School Could Be Robert G Peters Deliberate Optimism co-authored by Judith Baenen

This episode of the Getting Smart Podcast is a part of our New Pathways campaign. In partnership with ASA, Stand Together and the Walton Foundation, the New Pathways campaign will question education’s status quo and propose new methods of giving students a chance to experience success in what’s next.  On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Tom Vander Ark is joined by Dr David Garcia, Associate Professor in the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College at Arizona State University. A former Arizona Associate Superintendent of Public Instruction, and recent author of Teach Truth to Power: How to Engage in Education Policy. Links:  Teach Truth to Power David Garcia bio Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College at Arizona State University

This episode of the Getting Smart Podcast is a part of our New Pathways campaign. In partnership with ASA, Stand Together and the Walton Foundation, the New Pathways campaign will question education’s status quo and propose new methods of giving students a chance to experience success in what’s next.  On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast Nate McClennen is joined by Rupert Ward, a former Special Adviser and Project Lead for iDEA, one of the world's most successful free educational technologies.  Rupert is a Professor of Learning Innovation and Associate Dean (International) within the School of Computing and Engineering - at the University of Huddersfield, UK. He is also a National Teaching Fellow and Principal Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. Nate and Rupert discuss the importance of trust, how learning fitness could be more like physical fitness and the role of technology in shaping the future of learning.

On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast Nate McClennen is joined by David Rogers from Dual Language Education of New Mexico. The organization began informally in 1997 and formally in 2001, the mission of the organization is to advocate for and support the effective design and implementation of dual language education programming. Providing children with a world class, multilingual education.  David served as Executive Director for 22 years.

This episode of the Getting Smart Podcast is a part of our New Pathways campaign. In partnership with ASA, Stand Together and the Walton Foundation, the New Pathways campaign will question education’s status quo and propose new methods of giving students a chance to experience success in what’s next.  On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, we are re-broadcasting our recent Getting Smart Town Hall that was all about Growth Mindset and school cultures. Led by Getting Smart team members Victoria Andrews and Shawnee Caruthers, this event focused on self-talk, the power of yet, the importance of feedback and much more as we tried to lay the groundwork for building a positive culture in your school building.

On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Tom Vander Ark is joined by someone very familiar to our listeners, Michael Horn. Michael has been on the podcast a handful of times to discuss his many books on college, innovations in higher education and more.  Today Michael is here to discuss his new book From Reopen to Reinvent: (Re)creating School for Every Child.

This episode of the Getting Smart Podcast is a part of our New Pathways campaign. In partnership with ASA, the Gates Foundation, Stand Together and the Walton Foundation, the New Pathways campaign will question education’s status quo and propose new methods of giving students a chance to experience success in what’s next.  On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Tom Vander Ark is joined by Scott Bess, Head of School of Purdue Polytechnic High Schools in Indiana, and Keeanna Warren, Associate Executive Director of Purdue Poly and Founding Principal of Purdue Poly North. Purdue Poly has long been one of the leaders in developing new learning models and innovative pathways for young people and we’re thrilled to have them on the show! 

On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Shawnee Caruthers is joined by Victoria Andrews, a fellow Getting Smart-er. They’re also joined by Dr. Shameka Gerald, the VP of Learning at YELLOW.  Recently the three of them went to Big Picture’s Big Bang Conference which they described as invigorating, foundational and as a “homecoming.”  Links Victoria Andrews YELLOW Dr. Shameka Gerald Big Picture Learning Big Bang 2022 Can’t Miss Education Conferences in 2022 Illtown Sluggaz Edleader21 Dr. Timothy Jones Dr. Chris Emdin

This episode of the Getting Smart Podcast is a part of our New Pathways campaign. In partnership with ASA, the Gates Foundation, Stand Together and the Walton Foundation, the New Pathways campaign will question education’s status quo and propose new methods of giving students a chance to experience success in what’s next.  On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast Shawnee Caruthers is joined by Dr. Dave Richards, the Executive Learning Strategist for Michigan Virtual and a key part of Future of Learning Council, a partner that we’ve loved working alongside over the last year.  We are also joined by two superintendents who are a part of this project - Dr. Christopher Timmis, Superintendent of Dexter Community Schools and Dr. John VanWagoner of Traverse City Area Public Schools.

This episode of the Getting Smart Podcast is a part of our New Pathways campaign. In partnership with ASA, the Gates Foundation, Stand Together and the Walton Foundation, the New Pathways campaign will question education’s status quo and propose new methods of giving students a chance to experience success in what’s next.  On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Tom Vander Ark is joined by Michael Smith, CEO of AmeriCorps, the federal service agency connecting individuals and organizations to tackle the nation’s most pressing challenges. Michael also served as executive director of the My Brother’s Keeper Alliance and as director of Youth Opportunity Programs at the Obama Foundation. Prior, he was the White House’s Director of the Social Innovation Fund. Links: Michael Smith bio AmeriCorps AmeriCorps Fit Finder AmeriCorps Guide for Districts The National Partnership for Student Success The Obama Foundation My Brother’s Keeper Alliance Best Practices Clearinghouse Public Health AmeriCorps Strategic plan

On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast Tom Vander Ark is joined by Dr. Belle Liang, a professor of Counseling Psychology at Boston College, and Tim Klein, an award-winning urban educator, clinical therapist, school counselor and formerly served as the Chief Impact Officer at Project Wayfinder. Tim now works with Belle at the Purpose Lab.  Both are also authors of the great new book How to Navigate Life: The New Science of Finding Your Way in School, Career, and Beyond. 

On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, it’s a family reunion! Nate McClennen is joined by Abel McClennen, the Director and one of the founders of La Paz Community School in Guanacaste, Costa Rica. A PK-12 school on two campuses with a mission to cultivate informed, mindful citizens of the world. Links:  La Paz School Abel McClennen LinkedIn Ted Sizer David Rogers on Dual Language Enrollment

This episode of the Getting Smart Podcast is a part of our New Pathways campaign. In partnership with ASA, the Gates Foundation, Stand Together and the Walton Foundation, the New Pathways campaign will question education’s status quo and propose new methods of giving students a chance to experience success in what’s next.  On the recent Getting Smart Town Hall, the team was joined by Julia Freeland Fisher (Clayton Christensen Institute), Edward DeJesus (Social Capital Builders, Inc.) and Tyler Thigpen (The Forest School) for a discussion of innovative approaches to mapping and analyzing students’ existing networks as a way to build more asset-based pathways. 

This episode of the Getting Smart Podcast is a part of our New Pathways campaign. In partnership with ASA, the Gates Foundation, Stand Together and the Walton Foundation, the New Pathways campaign will question education’s status quo and propose new methods of giving students a chance to experience success in what’s next.  On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast Tom Vander Ark is joined by Bruno Manno, a veteran of education philanthropy and editor of a new collection of essays, The Opportunity to Rise: Rethinking K-12 Education Pathways to Social and Economic Mobility.

This episode of the Getting Smart Podcast is a part of our New Pathways campaign. In partnership with ASA, the Gates Foundation, Stand Together and the Walton Foundation, the New Pathways campaign will question education’s status quo and propose new methods of giving students a chance to experience success in what’s next. On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Tom Vander Ark is joined by Karla Phillips-Krivickas, CEO of Think Inclusion and member of the Arizona state education board in. Karla has spent 25 years leading policy work at KnowledgeWorks and ExcelinEd and is an expert in competency-based education. She also serves as an advisor to Getting Smart.  Let’s listen in as they discuss Karla’s recent policy victories, what truly inclusive education means, Karla’s unique journey and much more. 

On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Nate McClennen is joined by Lisa Lewis, a freelance journalist who focuses on the intersection of parenting, public health, and education and recent author of The Sleep-Deprived Teen: Why Our Teenagers Are So Tired, and How Parents and Schools Can Help Them Thrive.  Let’s listen in as they discuss the problem with the school schedule, research and science around sleep and getting work done at the policy level.  Links The Sleep-Deprived Teen: Why Our Teenagers Are So Tired, and How Parents and Schools Can Help Them Thrive Lisa L. Lewis Start School Later’ Lisa Lewis Twitter

On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Tom Vander Ark is joined by Dr. Valerie Truesdale, the Assistant Executive Director of AASA, the Superintendents Association; and Dr. David Miyashiro, Superintendent of Cajon Valley Unified School District and Dr. Kelly Niccolls Teaching and Learning Asst. Director, Secondary at Cheney School District to discuss next generation school system leadership.  Together they cover: What skills are required today? Who is the next generation of school leaders? What matters to them? Links:  AASA Cajon Valley Unified School District Cheney School District Previous town hall with David Myashiro Previous podcast with Valerie Truesdale Decolonizing Education by Kelly Niccols

On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Tom Vander Ark is joined by Dr. Michael T. Conner, CEO/Founder of the Agile Evolutionary Group. Dr. Conner served as Superintendent of Schools (Middletown, CT), Chief Academic Officer (Norwalk, CT), Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning (Willimantic, CT) and Principal of Augusta Lewis Troup School (New Haven, CT). He is the creator and architect of the Disruptive Excellence Framework. Links:  Agile Evolution Group Dr. Michael Conner Twitter Dr. Michael Conner LinkedIn Thomas Siebel - Digital Transformation What’s Next - Clay Christensen Atul Gwande 

On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Tom Vander Ark is joined by the phenomenal Kaya Henderson. Kaya is the CEO of Reconstruction, a edtech company that delivers k-12 courses that situates Black people, culture, and contributions in an authentic, identity-affirming way. Kaya is a career educator, starting as a middle school Spanish teacher in the South Bronx with Teach for America. Kaya has been a leader in DC for 20+ years, first with TFA, then TNTP and then a decade at DCPS. She co-hosts the popular podcast Pod Save the People, with DeRay McKesson.  Let’s listen in as they discuss representation, hosting a podcast and the importance of culturally responsive pedagogy.  Links: LinkedIn Pod Save the People

On this special episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, producer Mason Pashia is joined by Tom Vander Ark and Shawnee Caruthers to celebrate the approximately 400th episode of the Getting Smart Podcast.  They discuss why Getting Smart started a podcast in the first place, run through a quick lightning round of favorite moments and laugh a lot.  Episodes mentioned in the episode:  Dr. Roberta McFarland on The Magic of Outdoor Education   Joe Erpelding on Magical Schools and Thrively   EduCatered: Ululani Shiraishi 100 Days of Conversation Project and The Importance of Community Agreements Chris Emdin on STEM, STEAM, Make Dream Summit Tech Academy on Learning Pathways Immokalee High School on Entrepreneurship and Projects That Serve Community Embark Education on Embedding Learning in Business Jamie Merisotis on Human Work in the Age of Smart Machines Clifton Taulbert on Habits of the Heart Timothy Jones on HipHopEd and Techniques4Learning Erin Jones on Stories and Strategies for Racial Healing Dr. Trish Scanlon on How Voice Technologies Should Work For Kids Dr. Angela Duckworth on Developing Character The Future of Learning with Dr. Pamela Moran, Byron Sanders and Dr. Ed Hess Stephanie Krauss on Readiness, Opportunity, and The Right to a Decent Life Michelle Weise on Long Life Learning  Chelsea Craig and Dr. Anthony Craig on Indigenous Ways of Knowing and Leading

This episode of the Getting Smart Podcast is brought to you by What If.  On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Tom Vander Ark and Getting Smart Podcast Producer Mason Pashia are joined by Dr. Frank Keil, a Yale Professor of Psychology & Linguistics and author of the new book Wonder: Childhood and the Lifelong Love of Science. When it comes to thinking about thinking … Frank is one of the best.  Together, they discuss the majesty of wonder, how we need to do a better job of instilling wonder on a daily basis and how it is how science is a fantastic avenue for exploring a sense of wonder.  Links:  Frank Keil Bio Wonder: Childhood and the Lifelong Love of Science Excerpt from Wonder: Childhood and the Lifelong Love of Science The Age of Wonder Annie Murphy Paul Podcast Marin Reeves Podcast When You Wonder, You’re Learning Podcast

This episode of the Getting Smart podcast is a part of our New Pathways campaign. Find out more here. On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Tom Vander Ark is joined by Dr. Mark Benigni, the award-winning superintendent of Meriden Public Schools and the co-author of the forthcoming book The Great Equalizer: Six Strategies to Make Public Education Work in America.We’re also joined by Barbara Haeffner, Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Innovation at Meriden Public Schools and co-author.  Together, they discuss Mark’s legacy in Meriden and the book’s strategies for reimagining and building a better public education.  Links Book Link Mark Benigni LinkedIn Mark Benigni Twitter Barbara Haeffner LinkedIn New Pathways Campaign Meriden Portrait of a Graduate Tools For Building a Climate

This episode of the Getting Smart podcast is a part of our New Pathways campaign. Find out more here. This episode of the Getting Smart Podcast is a re-airing of our recent New Pathways Town Hall that breaks down each of the six pillars of pathways. These pillars will help learners find meaning in their personal, professional, and communal lives.  Our New Pathways campaign is comprised of Unbundled Learning, Credentialed Learning, Accelerated Pathways,  New Learning Models, Support and Guidance, and Policies and Systems and steered by our guiding principles of: Intentionality, Equity, Curation and Purpose, the goal of New Pathways is to help learners experience success in what’s next. Find all links mentioned in this town hall here.

This episode of the Getting Smart Podcast is a part of our Green Schools campaign, an initiative to highlight important thinkers and activists in the movement to make schools more sustainable, more green, and more mindful of our relationship with the planet.  On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Tom Vander Ark is joined by his friend and former Governor of Colorado, Bill Ritter. Bill Directs Center for the New Energy Economy, Colorado State University which works with state and federal policymakers to create clean energy policy throughout the country.  During his four-year term, Ritter established Colorado as a national and international leader in clean energy by building a New Energy Economy. Years ago, Governor Ritter authored a book entitled, Powering Forward – What Everyone Should Know About America’s Energy Revolution, which we talk about at length on this episode.    Links Center for the New Energy Economy Powering Forward – What Everyone Should Know About America’s Energy Revolution Bill Ritter LinkedIn Dr. Bryan Willson Senator Tim Wirth Green Cross Justice 40 TerraPower Modular Reactors Boulder Valley School District

On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Deion Jordan is joined by Isaiah Walker, principal at KIPP Philadelphia Prep Academy, where he manages and mentors multiple Principals in Residence.  Isaiah started his teaching career at Saint Charles Borromeo School in Harlem, teaching middle school science. He then transitioned to Newark to teach middle school English language arts at Great Oaks Charter School. Later on, Isaiah spent five years working with KIPP focusing on building teacher coaching and leadership development with KIPP NYC and KIPP School Leadership Programs. As a leader in his building and the KIPP network, Isaiah developed multiple at-risk intervention programs to address social and emotional issues for students that are being used throughout the organization and across the country. Isaiah holds a B.A. from Columbia University, has studied and received certifications from Cornell University and Harvard University and is currently studying at the University of Pennsylvania. Links:  KIPP Philadelphia The Fire Next Time Bettina Love Kim Marshall’s Podcast Center for Black Educator Development - Black Men Educator Conference

On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast Nate McClennen is joined by three incredible students who recently competed in the Regeneron Science Talent Search, an event co-hosted with Society for Science. Check out our podcast episode with Maya Ajmera to hear more about Society for Science. The students are Christine Ye, a student at Eastlake High School Aseel Rawashdeh, a student at Anderson High School, and Elijah Burks, a student at Caddo Parish Magnet High School.  Let’s listen in as they discuss their science projects, what project-based learning has done for them as learners, agency, and much more.  LINKS: Christine’s Project Video Aseel’s project video Elijah video Regeneron Talent Search Society for Science Getting Smart Podcast with Maya Ajmera

On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast Shawnee Caruthers is joined by Nadine Levitt, founder of WURRLYedu and PD Reimagined. She is also the creator of the My Mama Says book series and writer of numerous blogs and education resources.  Nadine has a varied combination of experiences - from lawyer, to opera singer to education advocate and we are thrilled to have her on the podcast. Links WURRLYedu PD Reimagined My Mama Says

On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Nate McClennen is joined by GPS Education Partners (GPS Ed) and representatives of DuPage County Schools to discuss school and industry partnerships and work-based learning. We recently supported GPS Ed in publishing a white paper called Work-Based Learning Ecosystems: Improving OPPORTUNITY for All by Integrating SCHOOL, COMMUNITY and the WORKPLACE.  On this episode, our guests are:  Dr. Darlene Ruscitti, Superintendent of DuPage County Schools  Jovan Lazarevic), Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction of Lake Park HS Jim Campbell, the business partner on this project and VP & General Manager, Fabrication Division of Prince Industries Jeff Ziegler, GPSEd's Partner Development Manager for our Client Solutions Team WBL learning ecosystems have three elements - community, education (cc and K-12), and business partners - and then an intermediary to help bring them together. This episode works to highlight that relationship. Links: White Paper GPS Education Partners DuPage SD Prince Industries DuPage Youth Apprenticeship Program

Producer's Note: This episode had some minor technical difficulties, notably some persisting pops and clicks throughout the recording. On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast Shawnee Caruthers is joined by some innovators in Colorado’s Embark Education program. Embark Education is a micro middle school in North Denver embedded in two small businesses – Pinwheel Coffee and Framework Cycles. Embark supports students to courageously inquire, engage, and discover a sense of self in an environment that is learner-centered, integrated, and embedded.  We’re joined by Brian Hyosaka, an Embark Educator and incoming Head of School. Brian is also accompanied by three students today: Maura(6th), Neela(7th), and Lachlan (8th). Links: Brian Hyosaka Embark Education Iterative pinwheelcoffee.com frameworkcycles.com Blog Post on Purposeful Learning Embark Blog Post on Scheduling Embark Blog Post on Advisory Conferences

On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast Nate McClennen is joined by Adam Geller, CEO and Founder of Edthena — a personalized professional learning and video observation tool.  Nate and Adam discuss a wide range of things from their backgrounds as science teachers, the psychology of performance improvement, embedding culturally responsive pedagogy, and much more.  Links: Adam Geller Zaretta Hammond and Edthena Edthena AI Coach for Teacher Self-Reflective Coaching Style Can the AI Coach Platform Really Help Teachers with Coaching Cycles?  The 3 R’s of Strong Teacher Collaboration within the AI Coach Platform How AI Coach Platform Expands Access To Coaching For All Teachers

On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Tom Vander Ark is joined by Sal Khan, founder of Khan Academy and Amy McGrath, Chief Operating Officer at ASU Preparatory Academy. They recently launched the Khan World School @ ASU Prep - an innovative new online high school opening in August.  For full shownotes, including an announcement blog, check it out here. Links Khan World School Amy McGrath on Learning Under Quarantine Khan World School Announcement Facebook live with Sal and Amy Khan Academy District Partnership ASU Preparatory Academy - Pilgrim Rest Elementary Schoolhouse.World

On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast Tom Vander Ark is joined by Dr Angela Duckworth, a professor at Penn.  She’s a co-founder of Character Lab, the author of Grit, a bestseller that reveals the secret to achievement is passion and persistence; and the co-host with the No Stupid Questions podcast with Stephen Dubner. Links Character Lab No Stupid Questions podcast  Grit US Surgeon General Issues Advisory on Youth Mental Health SXSW Session Sean Talamas James Heckman DSST Shared Values Posts by Bjork and Bjork

On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Shawnee is joined by a superstar team of students and teachers from Immokalee High School. Falia Justima is an educator at Immokalee High School in Collier County Public Schools in Naples, where she has taught for four years. She is also an entrepreneur in the local community where she runs a real estate and small personal finance advising company with her sister. We’re also joined by two seniors cousins from Falia’s IncubatorEDU classroom team. Luz Cantero-Huapilla and Lizbeth Huapilla (Wapiya). Alongside some of their classmates they created the company Harvesting Housing to serve migrant farmers. LINKS:  SXSW Difference Making conversation with Falia Justima Harvesting Housing video Margarita/Uncharted Podcast

This episode of the Getting Smart Podcast is sponsored by What If? Also, if you’re interested in submitting your teacher pledge, find out more here and send a recording to [email protected]. On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Shawnee Caruthers is joined by a few special guests from Project Invent, design thinking and invention programs to empower every student as an innovator. Jordan Mareno is Partnerships and Recruitment Manager at Project Invent, Alexis Lopez is an educator and fellow for Project Invent and lastly, Angel, a student who recently participated in a Project Invent cohort! Links:  Clubhouse network Project Invent Invention Opportunity Angel’s LinkedIn Magis Athletics (Angel’s T-shirt concept) Teacher Pledge

This episode of the Getting Smart Podcast is sponsored by engage2learn. Contact them today! On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Shawnee Caruthers is joined live by the Principal/Director and students from Summit Tech Academy in Lee’s Summit, Missouri.  First, we talk with Dr. Jeremy Bonnesen - the Principal/Director of Summit Tech Academy at The Missouri Innovation Campus. Later in the episode we will be joined by some students to discuss their various interests, pathways and connection to their community.  Links Summit Technology Academy Summit Tech Academy Virtual Tour Missouri Innovation Campus Real World Learning Case Study

Thank you to BetterHelp for sponsoring this episode. Speak with an affordable, licensed therapist at your convenience and save 10% on your first month at BetterHelp.com/GettingSmart. On this episode of EduCatered we’re joined by Heidi Alexander, Founding Principal at ASU Preparatory Academy - Pilgrim Rest Elementary. We love getting to work alongside ASU Prep in a number of ways and are always blown away by their incredible innovations and most of all… their incredible people. Heidi is one of those amazing individuals. Alongside her team, she keeps ASU Prep Academy at the center of their community.  Let’s listen in as they talk about food, belonging and how to best communicate with families.   

We recently recorded a Getting Smart Town Hall that is all about poetry. Over the course of the conversation we discuss why we use poetry to kick-off events, what poetry means to the Getting Smart Team, what poetry means to our audience, what are new methods of teaching poetry and much more.  In this event, we used the following poems:  Poetry by Pablo Neruda The Way it Is by William Stafford 20 lines to turn ‘bird’ into a verb by Mason Pashia See More by Jean E Taddonio This is just to say by William Carlos Williams Ozymandias by Percy Bysshe Shelley You can sign up for Mason’s weekly newsletter featuring an original poem at his website.  Check out the next Getting Smart Town Hall here.  

On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Tom Vander Ark is joined by Erin Jones,  educator, leader, athlete and author of the great book Bridges to Heal US: Stories and Strategies for Racial Healing.   Let’s listen in as Erin reads us an original poem and they discuss athletic leadership, community conversations, the problem with establishing norms and much more.    Links: Linkedin Twitter Bridges to Heal US: Stories and Strategies for Racial Healing  Poetry Unbound: Rita Dove — Eurydice, Turning You Are Now the Host by Tom Vander Ark Bridges to Heal Workbook Afro Educator on Tik Tok Bridges to Heal US TED Talk Passion for Change TED Talk Bridges TED Talk

On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast Nate McClennen is joined by Maggie Favretti and Benjamin Freud, authors, consultants and advocates for the environment, for people and for a more sustainable future. At Getting Smart, we are thinking a lot about Green Schools - sustainable and equitable and inclusive future. Maggie is founder of DesignEd 4 Resilience and is currently working on a new book titled Beyond Futurephobia: Teaching, Learning and Life in the Age of Climate Disasters. Benjamin is the co-founder of Coconut Thinking and has years of experience in international schools, PBL, school leadership and more.  Let’s listen in as they discuss how we need to shift towards kinetic energy, how human beings are actually human becomings, the importance of regenerative learning, the metaverse and much more.  Links Benjamin Freud article Benjamin on the metaverse Maggie LinkedIn Designed4resilience.org Benjamin LinkedIn Coconut Thinking

This episode of the Getting Smart Podcast is sponsored by Difference Making. On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast Rebecca Midles is joined by Zoe Weil, co-founder and president of the Institute for Humane Education, and a pioneer in the comprehensive humane education movement. She is also the author of the book The World Becomes What We Teach: Educating a Generation of Solutionaries, as well as numerous other books and TED Talks. LINKS The World Becomes What We Teach: Educating a Generation of Solutionaries Institute for Humane Education Free Solutionary Guidebook for teachers Solutionary micro credential program Online Graduate Programs with Antioch University  Difference Making

This episode of the Getting Smart Podcast is sponsored by Getting Smart Services.  On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast Tom Vander Ark is joined by Steve Katsouros, founder and CEO of the Come To Believe Network, an inclusive and accessible college model.  The network was inspired by the success of Arrupe College of Loyola University Chicago which has been recognized as a national model for increasing the college graduation rates for low-income students of color.  Let’s listen in as they discuss access, scale, accreditation, affordability and more.  Links: Come to Believe: How the Jesuits Are Reinventing Education (Again) Arrupe College Come to Believe Network Stig Leschly on Innovating Within Higher Education

On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Shawnee Caruthers is joined by Shannon Buerk, the Founder & CEO of engage2learn. Engage2learn is a platform that grows high-performance cultures in public schools to sustain local visions of learning for students. With 28 years of K-12 experience, Shannon has partnered with 225 school districts–impacting 2.3 million public education students to date.

This episode of the Getting Smart Podcast is sponsored by Smart Sprints. Find out more here. On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast Shawnee Caruthers is joined by co-founders of Symphony Workforce, Todd Smith and John Batcher. Symphony Workforce is a gamified solution for career discovery and talent acquisition.  Let’s listen in as they discuss connecting students to their community, what district and workforce partnerships look like and more.  Links: Symphony Workforce Find the Why Todd Smith John Batcher Find the Why Twitter Partnership for kids JAG

This episode of the Getting Smart Podcast is sponsored by our upcoming Smart Sprint, Bring Your Portrait of a Graduate to Life. You can register here. On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Shawnee Caruthers is joined by the one and only Chris Emdin, founder of HipHopEd where he is the colleague of our former guest Timothy Jones. Chris was also the Multicultural Educator of the Year award recipient and is the author of books like For White Folks Who Teach in the Hood... and the Rest of Y'all Too, Ratchetdemic, and most recently, STEM, STEAM, Make Dream. Let’s listen in as Chris and Shawnee discuss Rigor, a new definition of PTSD, STEM education, “ratchet” and much more.  Links: STEM, STEAM, Make Dream Ratchetdemic: Reimagining Academic Success 7 Cs of Reality Pedagogy 7 Rights of the Body Dr. Christopher Emdin Brooklyn Technical High School High Tech High  #HipHopED

This episode of the Getting Smart Podcast is sponsored by our upcoming Smart Sprint, Bring Your Portrait of a Graduate to Life. You can register here. This episode of the Getting Smart Podcast is a recording of a recent Getting Smart Townhall — New Pathways: Every learner on a personalized path to opportunity. This event kicked off our latest campaign which will serve as a road map to the new architecture for American schools, where every learner, regardless of zip code, is on a pathway to productive and sustainable citizenship, high wage employment, economic mobility, and a purpose-driven life. During the event we were joined by some amazing guests including: Dave Schulder, Superintendent of D214, Shatera Weaver of EL Education and Lydia Logan of IBM who all shared the important work they are doing in this space.  You can view the full shownotes here. Check out the links from the chat, here.

We are thrilled to bring you a new podcast from Getting Smart called EduCatered: A Podcast That’s Catered to Educators. Subscribe here! On this episode of EduCatered we’re joined by Elizabeth Herbert, the Social Studies Department Chair at Gateway STEM high school in St. Louis Public Schools. Elizabeth spent some time teaching in Costa Rica and Nicagaragua and you’ll likely find her obsessing over her cats, binge-watching or reading a great thriller.  Shawnee and Elizabeth talk about a range of topics - from food stories and geography to the importance of attention and community organizing. Let’s dig in! Links Elizabeth Herbert Gateway STEM High School Jonathan Pulphus Learn Zawadi

This episode of the Getting Smart Podcast is sponsored by engage2learn. Contact them today! On this episode, Tom Vander Ark is joined by Dr. Harriette Thurber Rasmussen and Dr. Mohammed (Mo) Raei, co-editors of the new book Adaptive Leadership in a Global Economy: Perspectives for Application and Scholarship.  Dr. Rasmussen is an organizational development coach and an assistant clinical professor at Drexel University. Dr. Raei is an independent leadership and organization development consultant, coach, and dissertation coach based in Jordan. He has consulted on strategic planning and 360-degree feedback. Let’s listen in as they discuss solving adaptive problems, the new mutuality, ways to lead and much more.

On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast Tom Vander Ark is joined (again) by Dr. Fernande Raine, the Founder of The History Co:Lab, social entrepreneur and Russia scholar. She also leads The Learning Collaborative, an organization that works to change the way we teach and collaborate around history. LINKS:  The History Co:Lab Dr. Fernande Raine On Using History and Museums to Incubate Changemakers Turning Points: New Mental Models  The Asia Society: International Affairs  Untextbooked Mastery Transcript Consortium XQ Asia Society: Council on Foreign Relations World Savvy: Global Competence Reimagining Migration

On this special episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Tom Vander Ark is joined by Mark Schneider live at SXSW EDU. Mark is the Director of the Institute of Education Sciences (IES), Department of Education. Prior to joining IES, he served as vice president and an Institute Fellow at American Institutes for Research (AIR) and President of College Measures. In 2013, the Chronicle of Higher Education selected him as one of the 10 people who had the most impact on higher education policy that year.   Links:  Mark Schneider Institute of Education Sciences American Institutes for Research College Measures

On this special episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Shawnee Caruthers hosts a live conversation at SXSW EDU with Kenny Rodrequez, Superintendent of Grandview C-4 School District and Paul McCorkle, Associate Executive Director of Cornerstones of Care.   Listen in to hear them discuss essential skills, connecting to communities, economic mobility and much more.    Links: Kenny Rodrequez Paul McCorkle Grandview C-4 School District Cornerstones of Care SXSW Episode Link

On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast Nate McClennen is joined by Jennifer Seydel and David Sobel, co-authors of the new book Trailblazers for Whole School Sustainability. Jenny is the Executive Director of the Green Schools National Network and has decades of experience in the classroom and building new green schools around the world.  David is an avid writer and speaker on outdoor education and play-based learning and is the Professor Emeritus in the Education Department at Antioch University New England. Let’s listen in as they discuss schools that focus on sustainability as a core part of their mission.  Links:  David Sobel Green Schools Town Hall Green Schools National Network Boulder Valley Prairie Crossing Encinitas Union School District

On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Rebecca Midles is joined by Mike Ruyle, a former educator, a recognized voice in trauma-informed care and the recent author of the book The School Wellness Wheel: A Framework Addressing Trauma, Culture and Mastery to Raise Student Achievement.  We are also joined by co-author Dr. Jason Cummins, who is a Crow tribal member and principal from the Crow reservation in Montana. He was also recently the Montana Indian Educator of the Year and is the host of the podcast Trail-Cast. Let’s listen in as they discuss trauma, the medicine wheel, personalized learning and much more.    Links: The School Wellness Wheel: A Framework Addressing Trauma, Culture and Mastery to Raise Student Achievement. Mike Ruyle Trail-Cast Crow Agency School Leading the Evolution Dr. Sarah Laser Dr. Benjamin Bloom  Rachel Yehuda  Zaretta Hammond Pamela Cantor Nadine Burk Harris

On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast Nate McClennen is joined by Aaron Schorn, Head of Growth & Community at Unrulr. He is also a Getting Smart Columnist.  They are also joined by Trinity Asing, the founder of Mauka Market - the world’s first regenerative marketplace.  Aaron supported Trinity’s journey at Nalukai, a youth leadership and entrepreneurship program in Hawai’i. We’re thrilled to talk with these inspiring guests about youth entrepreneurship, sustainability and ecoschools and much more.  Links UnrulrNalukaiMauka Getting Smart articles by Aaron

On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast Tom Vander Ark is joined by one of his favorite podcast hosts… Baratunde Thurston, host of the How to Citizen podcast. Baratunde is an Emmy-nominated host, author of the New York Times bestseller How To Be Black, and creator/host of How To Citizen with Baratunde which Apple named one of its favorite podcasts of 2020. He’s also a founding partner of the new media startup Puck. He will also be keynoting SXSW EDU alongside his friend Priya Parker, author of The Art of Gathering. We appreciate the work that Baratunde is doing to shed light on important people, organizations and methods to turn citizen into a verb.  Links How to CitizenHow to Be BlackSXSW with Priya ParkerCommunity SolutionsFolded Map ProjectSee No Stranger by Valerie KaurEric LiuBuild  Some of our favorite How to Citizen Episodes Fast, Fair, Fun (with Digital Minister Audrey Tang)Building Bridges, Not Walls (With Tonika Johnson)Why Is Our Economy So … White? (with Heather McGhee)

We are thrilled to bring you a new podcast from Getting Smart called EduCatered: A Podcast That’s Catered to Educators. Subscribe here! At Getting Smart, food, education, and innovation are at the heart of our recipe. This podcast mixes it all together to get to know teachers that are doing the work and making a difference.  We start with the appetizer: what makes these educators unique. Then to the main course, stories and experiences that have helped to shape their practice. Finally, dessert, some tips for what you can do next — creating a future of learning that works for everyone. On this episode of EduCatered we’re joined by Dr. Tequilla Brownie. While we try to feature educators on this podcast, the work of Tequilla and her organization is too important to pass up. Tequilla is the recently appointed CEO of TNTP, an organization that is seeking to end the injustice of educational inequality by providing excellent teachers to the students who need them most and by advancing policies and practices that ensure effective teaching in every classroom.  Tequilla will be leading a session at SXSW EDU on March 8th, 2022 on Disrupting Racial Inequities in K-12 Schools and much of the story of racial inequity is Tequilla’s story as well.  Let’s listen in as Shawnee and Tequilla discuss the crossover of education and social work, understanding what motivates young people and more.  Links:  TNTP Session at SXSW Twitter LinkedIn Maslow Full Shownotes

On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast Tom Vander Ark is joined by Joseph South (@southjoseph), Chief Learning Officer at ISTE. Joseph formerly served as the Director of the Office of Educational Technology at the U.S. Department of Education.  Let's listen in as Tom and Joseph discuss the importance of expertise and providing students with the chance to do work that matters to them and their community.  Where to go for more?  Peak: Secrets from the new Science of Expertise  https://www.edsurge.com/news/2017-10-27-mia-in-school-instilling-a-sense-of-purpose-in-students  Esther Wojcicki on Raising Successful People www.learningaccelerant.com or via Twitter @southjoseph

On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast Tom Vander Ark is joined by Caroline Hill, a Washington DC based education entrepreneur and founder of 228 Accelerator. Caroline also is the creator of the equityXdesign framework, a way of building on design thinking and other design processes to ensure human-centered and equitable practices.  Let’s listen in as Tom and Caroline discuss the importance of mindfulness and wellness for leaders, what drives innovation, reimagining black history month, redesigning oppressive systems and much more.   Links:  4.0 Schools228 AcceleratorTwitterequityXdesign PaperBlack Next-Story MonthSomatic BreathingKen Kay and Yong Zhao on Portrait of a Graduate Full Shownotes

On this episode of the podcast, we are running a recent Getting Smart Town Hall recording all about unbundling and re-bundling learning experiences. The conversation covered schools and programs that are reframing learning to credential, credit, and count programs and experiences outside of the traditional pathways in order to better meet the increasing variety of school choice, increasing demand by parents, and increasing quality options. This event was co-facilitated by team members Nate McClennen and Tom Vander Ark and featured a wide range of guests.   More about townhalls Inspiration blog Links from event Full shownotes

This episode of the podcast is brought to you by the Smart Update, our weekly newsletter. Sign up today. On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast Rebecca Midles is joined by a superstar lineup of design thought leaders to discuss liberatory design.  Victor Cary, Senior Director at the National Equity Project (formerly known as the Bay Area Coalition for Equitable Schools) has worked in education for over 40 years, starting as a high school teacher in Richmond, CA.  David Clifford is the co-creator of Liberatory Design. He also founded DSX, an educational non-profit that invites creative courage in all of us to design for equity.  Tania Anaissie is also a co-creator of Liberatory Design. She is the founder of Beytna Design. She is also Faculty at The National Equity Project. Links Building Equitable Learning Environment network#LiberatoryDesign LiberatoryDesign.comequityXdesignDesign for Belonging by Susie Wise  You can view the full shownotes here. 

On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Rebecca Midles is joined by Jenna Mancini Rufo, co-author of Reimagining Special Education: Using Inclusion as a Framework to Build Equity and Support All Students alongside Julie Causton. Jenna is the CEO of empowerED, an education consulting firm specializing in inclusion, special education, and equity.  In addition to being a special education teacher, Jenna has experience as a former Assistant Superintendent, Special Education Director, and Policy Specialist. Today she spends her time supporting organizations and schools in rethinking special education.  Let’s listen in as Jenna and Rebecca discuss learning models, intervention, co-teaching and much more. 

We are thrilled to bring you a new podcast from Getting Smart called EduCatered: A Podcast That’s Catered to Educators. Subscribe here! On this episode of EduCatered we’re joined by Rachael Fenner, a Reading Specialist and Teacher at Carr Lane, a Visual and Performing Arts Middle school in St. Louis. Rachael is fond of walking her dog Mocha, reading young adult fiction and you know our favorite… cooking. Shawnee and Rachael talk about a range of topics - from the difficulties of middle school, to the importance of knowing the context of where you live. Let’s dig in! Links:  The Broken Heart of America by Walter Johnson Stamped From the Beginning by Ibram X Kendi 

You’re listening to the Getting Smart Podcast. I’m Nate McClennen and today I’m joined by Taylor Shead, the CEO of STEMuli. STEMuli is a Dallas-based company that is building technology skills for the workforce in order to build a diverse talent pipeline. They are also the first educational metaverse that has been integrated into public school in the U.S.. Recently, STEMuli was awarded the Transformation Award from Forbes. Let’s listen in as Nate and Taylor discuss what the metaverse is, who it benefits, how far off we are from a full virtual learning ecosystem and more.  Links/Mentions: STEMuliMichael MoeDr. Usamah RogersMoses Estigoy

This episode of the Getting Smart Podcast is sponsored by GettingSmart.com where we recently ran a related post called So You Designed a Profile of a Graduate, Now What? On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast Tom Vander Ark is joined by Ken Kay, founder of Partnership for 21st Century Skills, leading advocate of the 4C’s and its successor EdLeader 21, and co-author of Redefining Student Success, featured on an August episode of the Getting Smart Podcast. We are also joined by Dr. Yong Zhao, a Foundation Distinguished Professor in the School of Education at the University of Kansas and a professor in Educational Leadership at the Melbourne Graduate School of Education in Australia. He is also the author of the new book Learners Without Borders: New Learning Pathways for All Students. Let’s listen in as they discuss Portrait of a Graduate, learning pathways and more. 

You're listening to the Getting Smart Podcast. On today's episode we are sharing a recording of a recent town hall event called What's Next in Learning: 2022, which was led by the Getting Smart Team. Over the course of the conversation we spotlight inspiring audience members, share tons of leading examples and drop links to some of our favorite resources. You can find those links here. We hope you enjoy and register for our next town hall here.

On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Tom is joined by Stig Leschly, Senior Lecturer at Harvard Business School where he teaches entrepreneurship. Stig is a practicing entrepreneur, and is currently the CEO and Founder of College101, an issue advocacy organization focused on US higher education. Let’s listen in as they discuss what can be done to fix higher education, maximizing advocacy and more. 

This episode of the Getting Smart Podcast is brought to you by the upcoming Smart Sprint, which kicks off January 24th. On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Getting Smart’s Educator in Residence Deion Jordan is joined by a few very special guests from Crosstown High in Memphis, TN — Ava, Dallas, and Vera. They are all seniors at Crosstown High school. For the past four years, these students have held various leadership roles and contributed greatly to the Imagineering and envisioning of their school. We will spend our time together discussing co-authorship at Crosstown High.   This conversation was inspired by recent Getting Smart articles like this one that place an emphasis on students leading learning and co-authoring their own learning experiences.  Let’s listen in! 

This episode of the Getting Smart Podcast is sponsored by the spring cohort of Education Reimagined’s Learning Lab Orientation. You can register now!   On this episode, Tom Vander Ark is joined by Dr. Gilda Barabino, the President of the Olin College for Engineering. Dr. Barabino is also the Professor of Biomedical and Chemical Engineering at Olin. She is the president-elect of AAAS, the American Association for the Advancement of Science and previously served as Dean of The Grove School of Engineering at the City College of New York.  Let’s listen in as they discuss chemistry, engineeringunleashed.com, the power of access and affordability and much more. 

This episode of the Getting Smart Podcast is sponsored by What If. On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Tom Vander Ark is joined by Rhonda Broussard, founder of Beloved Community, veteran educator, student of the world and author of the upcoming book One Good Question.  Let’s listen in as they discuss agency, education in 2030, equity audits and much more. 

This episode of the Getting Smart Podcast is sponsored by Smart Sprints. We recently hosted a Getting Smart Town Hall alongside Green Schools National Network to spotlight some of their recent work on establishing a GreenPrint, a framework and philosophy for building an ecosystem of sustainability minded schools and learners.  Check out the full show notes here. Learn more about the GreenPrint.  View links from the event. 

This episode is sponsored by our upcoming Smart Sprint. Find out more here.  On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Tom Vander Ark is joined by Greg Toppo and Jim Tracy, co-authors of the new book, Running with Robots: The American High School’s Third Century. Greg Toppo is a journalist who has covered education for more than twenty years. He is also the author of The Game Believes in You: How Digital Play Can Make Our Kids Smarter. This is Jim’s second time on the podcast. Jim is a Stanford trained historian, and  a Senior Advisor at JFF who has been head of several independent schools.  Let’s listen in as they discuss education in the year 2040, AI and much more.

On this episode of the EduCatered podcast, we're joined by Rachelle Dené Poth, a Spanish and STEAM educator who lives in Pennsylvania. She is also a Getting Smart Columnist and active conference goer, tweeter and the first person to jump into a new tech solution.  Shawnee chats with Rachelle about a range of topics, ranging from the importance of being involved to apple pie. She also expresses gratitude for the work of Katie Martin, a friend of Getting Smart as well! You can check out Katie's episode of the Getting Smart Podcast here. Let’s dig in.

On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast Nate McClennen is joined by Brent Maddin, Executive Director of Next Education Workforce at Arizona State University. Brent leads a team that is collaborating with P-12 practitioners and higher-ed faculty to help design the roles of current educators, expand who enters the education workforce, and rethink how we develop and credential these educators.  Prior to coming to ASU, Brent was a co-founder and Provost at the Relay Graduate School of Education and also founded TeacherSquared—a national center dedicated to increasing collaboration among teacher preparation institutions.

On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Tom Vander Ark is joined by Annie Murphy Paul author of the new book The Extended Mind: The Power of Thinking Outside the Brain.  For the past decade, Annie has been a leading brain science writer on The Brilliant Blog.  Let’s listen in as Tom and Annie discuss the importance of the body in using the mind, how this can be better applied in schools and distributed cognition. 

On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Tom Vander Ark is joined by Kiko Suarez, VP of Higher Education and Workforce Development at Territorium, a global edtech company connecting learners with recommended jobs. Territorium recently launched its AI-powered Comprehensive Learner Record (CLR), into the U.S. to break down the barriers between universities and employers. Let’s listen in as Tom and Kiko discuss why learner records are so important, the state of higher education and who decides which skills are most important. 

This episode of the podcast is a re-publishing of our recent Getting Smart Town Hall we are celebrating the one year bookiversary of Difference Making at the Heart of Learning by Tom Vander Ark and Emily Liebtag. We talked with our live audience about purpose-based learning, getting communities involved and how this ties into the idea of a global citizen. You can find links to the resources mentioned here. For a quick recap you can read it here.

On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Tom Vander Ark is joined by Clifton Taulbert, an acclaimed author, speaker and entrepreneur. His life story, Once Upon a Time When We Were Colored became a critically acclaimed 1996 movie and one of his books was sent to Nelson Mandela as a gift for his release from prison in 1990.  His most recent book, The Invitation, was chosen by the Architect of the United States Capitol as part of the 50 the anniversary celebration of the signing of the 1964 Civil Rights Legislation. Taulbert has written fourteen books in total, produced a major motion picture, and served as a consultant on several documentaries, including the Emmy-award-winning Boomtown: An American Journey, which details the birth of Tulsa, Oklahoma.

On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast Tom Vander Ark is joined by Christine Ricci and Leo Morton, two business leaders from Kansas City who recently met with Tom at a Kauffman Foundation-sponsored real-world learning event.  For the last five years, Christine served as CEO of Phone Medic, also known as UbreakIfix, an electronics repair chain. She has had twenty years of executive leadership in healthcare and tech with companies like HCA, Cerner, Sprint and more.  Leo Morton is a private equity investor and President of DeBruce Companies, a family office managing a diverse investment portfolio. He started his career as an AT&T engineer and has had numerous executive roles in manufacturing and energy. He also served as the Chancellor of the University of Missouri Kansas City for nearly a decade.  Let’s listen in as they talk about connecting school to industry, where entrepreneurship comes from, how to have better school and business partnerships and much more.

On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Mason Pashia is joined by a very special guest — Luke Harris. Luke is a Junior at Horace Mann high school and has described himself as “enjoying  taking things apart and not quite getting them back together.”  For the past two years, he has been developing a design engineering curriculum for kids, created to teach real-world entrepreneurial and engineering skills.  Let’s listen in as they talk about the design process, why problem solving and finding both need to be taught to engineers and much more. 

On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Tom Vander Ark is joined by Carla Marschall, co-author of the new book Worldwise Learning: A Teacher's Guide to Shaping a Just, Sustainable Future, which is a guide focused on supporting K-8 learners in gaining a better understanding of how to be global citizens. Carla has held leadership roles in international schools in Switzerland, Germany, Hong Kong, and Singapore over the past ten years and currently works as the Director of Teaching & Learning at UWC South East Asia, with the mission to make “education a force to unite people, nations and cultures for peace and a sustainable future.

We are thrilled to bring you a new podcast from Getting Smart called EduCatered: A Podcast That’s Catered to Educators. It’ll be on its own podcast feed soon! At Getting Smart, food, education, and innovation are at the heart of our recipe. This podcast mixes it all together to get to know teachers that are doing the work and making a difference. We kick off the podcast series with Ululani (Ulu) Shiraishi, a middle school language arts teacher at Kamehameha Schools Maui. She is also a mother of three and a self-proclaimed laugher. Shawnee chats with Ulu about a range of topics, ranging from salad goulash and listening to the importance of community and habit. She also expresses gratitude for the work of Ekela Kanaiaupio-Crozier, one of the first people to teach the Hawaiian language at the collegiate level. Let’s dig in.

This episode of the Getting Smart Podcast is sponsored by the Getting Smart newsletter: Smart Update.  On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Tom Vander Ark is joined by Robert Simmons III. Robert is a scholar and activist on diversity, equity and inclusion. Robert serves as a Scholar in Residence and a Scholar of Antiracist of Antiracist Praxis in the School of Education at American University and as a member of the Diversity Scholars Network at the National Center for Institutional Diversity at the University of Michigan. Let’s listen in as they discuss new social contracts, longtime DEI advocacy, compounding crises, food programs and much more. 

Be sure to sign up for our Smart Update newsletter to get a weekly round up of what's innovative in learning.  On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast Nate McClennen is joined by Kim Alexander and Alton Frailey from Collegiate Edu Nation (CEN).  Kim is the CEO of Collegiate Edu Nation and has spent most of his career at Roscoe Independent School District where he served as superintendent from 2003 to 2019 before transitioning to lead CEN. Kim has done so much in Roscoe to promote early college and STEM to support disadvantaged rural students. Alton has been in the education world for 35 years, serving as a superintendent for two districts in Texas and one in Ohio. Alton is involved in numerous boards and community organizations both locally and nationally. and He is currently President of Alton L. Frailey & Associates, LLC, specializing in leadership development, community engagement, school board team building, and executive coaching. Let’s listen in as they discuss rural innovation in Texas schools and more about CEN. 

On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Tom is joined by Daniel Pianko and Nasir Qadree. Daniel is the co-founder and managing director of Achieve Partners, an investment fund harnessing digital transformation to build new models for learning and new pathways to good jobs. He also hosts the Better Money, Better World podcast.  Nasir Qadree is the Founder and Managing Partner at Zeal Capital Partners, an inclusive investment vehicle partnering with entrepreneurs to bridge America's Wealth and Skills gaps.  Before Zeal, Nasir led AT&T social impact fund and before that was head of education at Village Capital, an early impact seed fund. Let’s listen in as they discuss investment in learning, why it’s more important than ever and how investments are shifting towards social, as well as financial impacts. 

Getting Smart recently hosted a monthly town hall event called Ask Away: A Getting Smart AMA (Ask Me Anything). We invited the audience to ask us questions about leadership and the future of learning and we did our best to answer them. We recorded the session and you can listen to it now.  You can register for our next town hall on Difference Making here. 

On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast Getting Smart team members Mason Pashia and Shawnee Caruthers are joined by Timothy Jones, a long-time educator, coach, mentor and someone who lives and breathes hip hop. Timothy is the Chief Visionary Officer at #HipHopEd, a digitally-birthed organization with a sprawling membership of brilliant educators and passionate advocates that know just how powerful this intersection can be.  He is also the founder of Techniques4Learning, a company dedicated to utilizing Hip-Hop and Culturally Relevant Pedagogy to develop and implement strategies, curriculum and activities to improve teacher student engagement for schools, universities, education organizations and community based organizations. Let’s listen in as they discuss the role of hip hop in school, how being an MC is like being a minister, what educators can learn from other professions, student engagement and much more. 

On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Tom is joined by Sarah Stein Greenberg, the Executive Director of the Stanford d.school and the recent author of Creative Acts for Curious People: How to Think, Create, and Lead in Unconventional Ways. Sarah has spent the last decade leading d.school and her new book is a masterclass in design activities, design process and creativity. Throughout the episode Sarah and Tom mention "Sam", they are referring to Sam Seidel K12 Lab Director of Strategy + Research. Let’s listen as Sarah and Tom discuss design thinking, a design toolkit, problem solving, community involvement and much more.  

This episode of the Getting Smart Podcast is sponsored by GettingSmart.com. On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Nate McClennen is joined by Amy McGrath, Deputy Vice President of Arizona State University. They discuss Learning Under Quarantine, a new model that is a fully adaptable, just-in-time learning support for students who have been temporarily sent home for any reason.  Amy has spent the vast majority of her career in education, working in education innovation and transformation as well as personalized learning. This exciting new initiative is a natural build on these professional passions. Let’s listen in as they discuss student supports, online learning and what higher education can do for students of all ages. 

On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Rebecca Midles is joined by Dr. Ulcca Joshi Hansen, the Chief Program Officer at Grantmakers for Education. She is also the author of The Future of Smart: How Our Education System Needs to Change to Help All Young People Thrive.  Ulcca has a career built upon learner-centered and inclusive education policies and her new book looks for ways to incorporate those human-centered approaches alongside social justice and large-scale education reform.  Let’s listen in as they discuss identity, definitions of indigenous, codification of learning and more. 

Dr. Roger Weissberg passed away this week after a multi-year battle with cancer. Roger always strove to live social and emotional learning as well as teach it, and he helped to shape much of the present day vision of what education should be. We are deeply grateful for Roger’s leadership and his commitment to making education better for all learners. You can go to this link to read more about Roger’s life and work. We are reposting this 2016 conversation with Roger in his memory.  Roger Weissberg, chief knowledge officer for the Collaborative For Academic, Social and Emotional Learning (CASEL), joins Tom for a discussion around Social Emotional Learning (SEL), and shares more on reasons he feels SEL has become so prominent in education discussions and what the future of SEL in schools might be.  

On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Tom Vander Ark sits down with Roberta McFarland, Director/Principal of Outdoor Environmental Education for Waskowitz Outdoor Programs.  Dr. McFarland has a long career in residential outdoor environmental education and she loves helping young people find magic by engaging on a journey of diversity with people and nature.  Let’s listen in as they discuss the magic of the outdoors, learning by playing, 

his episode of the Getting Smart Podcast is sponsored by our recent publication Designing Microschools: Why Small Learning Environments is a Big Idea On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Tom Vander Ark sits down with Martin Reeves, SVP Boston Consulting Group, BCG, and chairman of the BCG Henderson Institute, Martin recently co-authored a book called The Imagination Machine, an executive’s guide to systematically harnessing imagination for organizational reinvention and rejuvenation. Let’s listen in as Tom and Martin discuss collective imagination, how schools can better empower young people to imagine and how imagination intersects with strategy. 

On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast we’re talking with Michael Levine, Senior Vice President of Noggin, Nickelodeon’s direct-to-consumer interactive learning service for young people.  Michael spent time at Carnegie, Sesame Street, the Joan Ganz Cooney Center and has been a leading advocate for the importance of research in early learning. He is also the co-author of Tap, Click, Read. Let’s listen in as he and Tom discuss the role of digital media in early learning, the importance of learning sciences, and more.  Links Digilearn Gregg Behr & Ryan Rydzewski on When You Wonder, You’re Learning

This episode of the Getting Smart Podcast is sponsored by 20 Invention Opportunities in Learning & Development. On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast Rebecca Midles sits down with Katie Martin, Chief Impact Officer at Learner-Centered Collaborative.  Katie supports school and district leaders to reimagine school. Along with the professional learning team, Katie supports district and school leaders to create the conditions and experiences to shift to learner-centered models of education. Before her time at Learner-Centered Collaborative, Katie was an educator and also served as Director of District Leadership at the Buck Institute for Education. She is recently the author of Evolving Education: Shifting to a Learner-Centered Paradigm.

This episode of Getting Smart Podcast is sponsored by Screencastify.  On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Tom Vander Ark sits down with Richard Culatta, CEO of the International Society for Technology in Education (better known as ISTE), a nonprofit serving education leaders in 127 countries. Richard was appointed by President Obama as the Director of the Office of Educational Technology for the US Department of Education. Richard also is the author of a new book, Digital For Good: Raising Kids to Thrive in an Online World. Let’s listen in as Tom talks with Richard about smart tools, inclusion and more.  

On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Tom Vander Ark sits down with Ken Kay, founder of Partnership for 21st Century Skills and its successor EdLeader 21, and Suzie Boss, long time education writer and consultant. Ken and Suzie recently co-authored the book Redefining Student Success: Building a New Vision to Transform Leading, Teaching and Learning.  On this episode they discuss who should be present for the create of a portrait of a graduate, whether or not PBL is catching on, how to truly center the student and co-author learning experiences alongside them and more.

This episode of the Getting Smart Podcast is sponsored by Screencastify. On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Tom Vander Ark sits down with Amir Nathoo (@AmirNathoo), CEO of Outschool, an education platform that offers live online classes for K-12 learners. Amir earned a Masters degree in Electrical and Information Sciences from Cambridge 20 years ago and has been an entrepreneur and business builder since. Amir led the development of Square Payroll and served as CEO and co-founder of Trigger.io.  Let's listen in as Tom and Amir discuss the opportunity of live online classes and his history in tech.  Navid Nathoo on What Education Can Learn From the Real World Learners From The Knowledge Society

This episode of the Getting Smart Podcast is sponsored by Screencastify. On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Rebecca Midles (@AKRebecca) sits down with Rebecca Wolfe (@rewolfe13), Vice President of Impact and Improvement at Knowledgeworks and Ryan MacDonald, Senior Program Associate on the Student-Centered Learning team at the Council of Chief State School Officers.  They discuss the updated version of the Educator Competencies for Personalized, Learner-Centered Environments, a new customizable toolkit and a district usage map. Listen in to hear more about the competency toolkit, the pandemic’s impact on SEL and equity and what’s coming next. 

This episode of the Getting Smart Podcast is sponsored by Screencastify. On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Tom Vander Ark is joined by John Watson, founder of Evergreen Education Group. John is the leading expert on online learning. He recently hosted the Digital Learning Annual Conference (DLAC). Let’s listen in as Tom and John discuss the promise of online learning, how it is different from remote learning and how educators and districts can better use online learning to serve their learners. 

Be sure to sign up for the Getting Smart Smart Update for a weekly blast about what's next in learning.  On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast Tom sits down with Briony Chown (@BrionyChown), Director of High Tech High Elementary Explorer.  Briony is a seasoned educator who is passionate about creating a better future of elementary education. She is going into her sixth year as Director of High Tech Elementary Explorer and her ninth year with the Explorer team. Let’s listen in as Tom and Briony chat what elementary schools could be, the outstanding student work at High Tech High, international approaches to learning and community connected projects for young learners. Additional Links Episode 217 - How Educators Can Positively Impact a Child’s Cognitive Development with Dr. Pamela Cantor.     

This episode of the Getting Smart Podcast is sponsored by Screencastify.  On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Tom speaks with Dr. Rhoda Mhiripiri-Reed, superintendent of Hopkins Public Schools in southwest Minneapolis and famous school architect Randy Fielding, who is focused on pathfinding efforts and making Hopkins a more collaborative space.   Let’s listen in as Tom, Randy and Dr. Mihiripiri-Reed discuss transformation, pillars of innovation, reimagining learner experience and environment and much more.    Links Twitter: Randy Fielding Twitter: Dr. Rhoda Mhiripiri-Reed Hopkins Public School Royal Report Screencastify

On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast we’re joined by three esteemed guests to discuss the new AASA Report issued by the Learning 2025 Commission, which makes a commitment and a recommendation for whole child design.  Joining us today is Dr. Luvelle Brown who is currently serving as the Superintendent of the Ithaca City School District (ICSD) in Ithaca, New York.  We’re also joined by Dr. Pamela Cantor, founder of Turnaround for Children and currently a governing partner of the Science of Learning and Development Alliance. Lastly, we are joined by Valerie Truesdale, Deputy Director of AASA, The School Superintendents Association.  Let’s listen in as Tom talks with these guests about the findings in the new report and why a commitment to whole child design is more important than ever.  Links:  Learning 2025 Report Twitter: Dr. Luvelle Brown Twitter: Dr. Pamela Cantor Twitter: Valerie Truesdale Science of Learning and Development Alliance Ithaca City School District Turnaround for Children Toolbox AASA

In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Tom speaks with Anthony and Chelsea Craig, leaders in the state of Washington and advocates for indigenous ways of life and leading.  Dr. Anthony Craig has served as a teacher, teacher leader, principal, and central office administrator in suburban and reservation settings in Washington state. He is a Professor of Practice, Educational Leadership & Policy Studies at the University of Washington’s College of Education where he directs the Leadership for Learning program. He is a member of the Yakama Nation. Chelsea Craig is a member of the Tulalip Tribes and has spent her career serving as a teacher at Tulalip Elementary.  Her experiences include being the school librarian, teaching 2nd and 3rd grade and most recently as the Cultural Specialist for Quil Ceda Tulalip Elementary.  Let’s listen in as Tom discusses the current sense of mutuality, sustainability and what the modern world can learn from the wisdom of indigenous practices.  Links: Twitter: Dr. Anthony Craig Quil Ceda Tulalip Elementary Decolonizing Methodologies Highline School District What if?

On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast Rebecca Midles is talking with Randy Weiner and James Bailey about their new book The Daily SEL Leader: A Guided Journal.  Aside from being an author, Randy Weiner co-founded and served as the first Chairman of the Board at Urban Montessori Charter School (UMCS) in Oakland, CA—the nation’s first public Montessori, Arts Integration and Design Thinking school. He is also a co-founder and the CEO at BrainQuake, a two-time U.S. Department of Education Small Business Innovation Award winner.  James Bailey’s career has encompassed teacher, principal, school turnaround, principal consultant, and superintendent roles spanning Texas, Colorado, and Wyoming. As Superintendent in Wyoming,  his district was the first member in the state to join the League of Innovative Schools after reform efforts around personalized learning and social-emotional development. Let’s listen in as they discuss the impetus for a daily SEL practice and the importance of educator self-care and self-efficacy.  Links:  Corwin The Daily SEL Leader: A Guided Journal Twitter: Corwin PressTwitter: James BaileyTwitter: Randy WeinerDebbie Silver on Fall Down 7 Times Get Up 8Mark White and Dwight Carter on Leading Schools in Disruptive Times

On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Tom is joined by Dr. Pedro Noguera and Dr. Frederick (Rick) Hess, co-authors of the new book A Search for Common Ground: Conversations About the Toughest Questions in K-12. Pedro Noguera is the Emery Stoops and Joyce King Stoops Dean of the Rossier School of Education and a Distinguished Professor of Education at the University of Southern California. Frederick M. Hess is a resident scholar and the director of education policy studies at the American Enterprise Institute (AEI), where he works on K–12 and higher education issues. He is the author of Education Week’s popular blog “Rick Hess Straight Up” and a regular contributor to Forbes and The Hill. He also serves as an executive editor of Education Next and the co-host of the “Common Ground” podcast. Let’s listen in as they discuss the importance of disagreement, relationships and some of the biggest challenges in education.  Links:  A Search for Common Ground: Conversations About the Toughest Questions in K-12. Twitter: Rick Hess Twitter: Pedro Noguera Getting Smart Services 100 Days of Conversation Getting Smart Podcast

This episode of the Getting Smart Podcast is brought to you by a new Getting Smart campaign called "What If?" On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Rebecca Midles talks with Antonia Rudenstine about RedesignU and a new approach to k-12 content mapping.  Antonia Rudenstine is a former high school teacher, is now the director of reDesign, LLC, a consulting group that focuses on creating new school designs and program models, in addition to supporting leaders and teachers in the work of instructional and curricular improvement. She has over 25 years of experience supporting schools in thinking deeply about teaching and learning, as it applies both to young people and adults and experience as a school founder and leader, a teacher and a founder of a consulting practice.  Let’s listen in as Antonia and Rebecca talk about curriculum, school models and learning ecosystems.  Links: Antonia Rudenstine RedesignU What if? Twitter: @AMRudenstine

Today, Shawnee Caruthers, the Director of Learner Experience at Getting Smart, is sitting down with Dr. Debbie Silver. Dr. Silver is an award-winning educator with 30 years of experience as a classroom teacher, staff development instructor, and university professor. As a former Louisiana State Teacher of the Year, Debbie is one of the nation’s most popular keynote speakers and professional development presenters, having given presentations around the world (including 49 states, Canada, Mexico, Europe, the Middle East, Australia, Africa, and Asia). In this conversation today, Shawnee and Debbie speak about the second edition of her beloved 2012 bestseller, Fall Down 7 Times, Get Up 8, titled, Fall Down 7 Times, Get Up 8: Raising and Teaching Self-Motivated Learners, K-12, which was released this month (May 2021). They discuss student agency, self-efficacy, what parents should be telling their kids, the importance of failure, and some of the key highlights from her newest book.   Key Takeaways: [:09] About today’s episode with Dr. Debbie Silver. [:41] Shawnee welcomes Debbie to the podcast! [1:01] Debbie shares what inspired her to pursue a career in education. [2:17] How education and humor collide. [3:53] Debbie shares her thoughts on how we can better teach joy and live joyfully. [10:02] Shawnee congratulates Debbie on her new book, Fall Down 7 Times, Get Up 8: Raising and Teaching Self-Motivated Learners, K-12, and Debbie shares what inspired her to write the original edition of the book in the first place. [13:12] Why Debbie jumped on the opportunity to do the new edition of her book. [16:45] How agency and equity both connect and differ. [19:56] Why agency is so powerful and important for children. [23:08] Why “failure isn’t an option” is such a harmful thing for teachers to tell their students. And why, instead, they should be preaching the importance of failure. [27:16] What Debbie wishes she knew earlier as a teacher. [29:41] Shawnee thanks Debbie for joining the Getting Smart podcast!   Mentioned in This Episode: Rashawn “Shawnee” Caruthers | Getting Smart Debbie Silver Fall Down 7 Times, Get Up 8: Raising and Teaching Self-Motivated Learners, K-12, by Debbie Thompson Silver Brené Brown Carol Dweck “‘I Wish You Bad Luck.’ Read Supreme Court Justice John Roberts’ Unconventional Speech to His Son’s Graduating Class” Corwin   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review, and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include “Podcast” in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!

On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Tom sits down with Dr. Fernande Raine, a social entrepreneur who works towards re-imagining how we talk about, teach and use history as well as bringing civics education to the forefront. She currently heads Got history and The Learning Collaborative, two organizations that work to change the way we teach and think about history. Let’s listen in as Fernande and Tom talk about new approaches to history, democracy and changemaking. This episode of the Getting Smart Podcast is sponsored by The Invention Opportunity.  Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review, and subscribe. Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include “Podcast” in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!  

This week, Tom Vander Ark is sitting down with Justina Nixon-Saintil, the Vice President and Global Head of Corporate Social Responsibility at IBM. Justina drives strategic, socially responsible programmatic investments that enable IBM’s technology and talent to address some of society’s biggest challenges worldwide. She also leads initiatives like P-TECH and SkillsBuilds and uses multi-sector partnerships to help create more inclusive and innovative schools and workforces. Justina was also Verizon’s liaison to President Obama’s White House Office of Science and Technology, U.S. Department of the Interior, and U.S. Department of Education. Earlier in her career, she was an engineer for the U.S. Department of Energy. Join in for today’s conversation to learn about how Justina’s unique career trajectory from engineering to social responsibility, the future of IBM, digital credentialing, P-TECH, SkillsBuild, skills-based hiring, how IBM is doing its part in addressing inequities in America, the state of corporate social responsibility, and much more.   Key Takeaways: [:01] About Screencastify, the leading K-12 screen recording solution. [:39] About today’s episode with Justina Nixon-Saintil. [1:33] Tom welcomes Justina to the podcast! [1:57] Justina speaks about her upbringing and early education. [4:10] Justina’s experience as the only African-American to graduate in her engineering class. [5:06] Tom and Justina speak about how we have to do a better job of introducing young people to the STEM field. [6:30] Is Justina encouraged by the response of leading companies like IBM to really live into their corporate social responsibility? [9:15] IBM’s stance on AI. [10:33] Justina’s thoughts on inequities in America (especially for women and People of Color) and how it fits into her role at IBM. [13:35] How IBM has been a leader in moving towards skills-based hiring as a strategy to attack inequity. [16:29] About IBM’s leadership in digital credentials. [17:40] About P-TECH. [20:29] Tom and Justina give a shout-out to Dallas ISD for having a P-TECH as the campus. [21:17] What is Open P-TECH? [22:20] Applications of AI that Justina is most excited about. [24:25] How does Justina continue to learn? [25:52] Tom thanks Justina for joining the podcast! [26:02] Thanks to Getting Smart’s sponsor, Screencastify.   Mentioned in This Episode: Screencastify.com/GettingSmart Justina Nixon-Saintil’s LinkedIn P-TECH SkillsBuild IBM Credentials Open P-TECH Dallas ISD   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review, and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include “Podcast” in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!

Today the Getting Smart team is sitting down with Mark White, an award-winning teacher, Principal, and Superintendent, as well as Dwight Carter, a nationally recognized school leader and Director of Student Support Services at Eastland-Fairfield Career Center in Groveport, Ohio. Recently, Mark and Dwight published the second edition of their book, Leading Schools in Disruptive Times: How To Survive Hyper-Change. With school leaders facing unprecedented disruption, Mark and Dwight draw the blueprint in their book for adapting schools to ever-changing times. They provide practical strategies for identifying and responding to disruptions; an overview of the CAT framework; real-life stories from exceptional educational leaders; tips on guiding teachers, staff, and students through the many lessons learned during the pandemic; and a grounded examination of radical disruptions schools will face in the years to come. Together, Tom, Mark, and Dwight discuss the new edition of their book, what they’ve learned in writing it, key lessons throughout their careers, and how educators can prepare students for a globalized world when many institutions are not ready for the constantly changing 21st century. Key Takeaways: [:08] About today’s episode with Mark White and Dwight Carter. [:45] Tom welcomes Mark and Dwight to the podcast! [:55] Did Mark and Dwight both grow up in Groveport, Ohio? How did they first meet? [2:34] Mark speaks about the challenges he faced becoming a Superintendent during a recession in 2009. [3:52] As a school leader for more than 18 years, Dwight shares his key takeaways for success as a high school leader. [5:41] What Dwight does as a school leader to set the tone in his building. [7:24] Dwight shares a story about hiring a live DJ to kick off the school year right! [8:07] Mark shares what he believes makes Dwight so successful as a school leader. [8:48] Tom congratulates Mark and Dwight on the second edition of their book, Leading Schools in Disruptive Times. [9:02] How did they come up with the idea to write a book on this topic? [11:00] When did Mark and Dwight begin to work on the updated edition? [12:53] Why the testing model in schools may be the one thing that is holding schools back the most. [15:15] How the pandemic pushed agility forward with schools and what that looks like today. [17:38] Mark elaborates on the factors that are shaping the schools of tomorrow. [18:44] Dwight’s hopes for how the pandemic will impact schools going forward. [19:25] In Chapter 1 of Leading Schools in Disruptive Times, it says, “If leaders are going to thrive, they have to use disruption to their advantage.” How can teachers do this? [22:14] Mark speaks about what it means to be globally ready and a post-pandemic world through transparency. [24:18] Dwight’s tips for school leaders on how to stay in closer touch with their communities. [26:56] Mark applauds American teachers on their rapid adaptation to change and shares his take on the importance of technology in education. [29:02] Dwight shares his thoughts on updating your technology so that it supports your learning agenda. [30:44] How does Dwight flip a bad situation into a positive one as a school administrator? [33:06] Mark’s advice for school and system heads leading in disruptive times. [34:17] Tom congratulates Mark and Dwight once again on the second edition of their book and thanks them for joining this week’s episode.   Mentioned in This Episode: Mark White Dwight Carter Eastland-Fairfield Career Center Leading Schools in Disruptive Times: How To Survive Hyper-Change (Second Edition), by Mark White and Dwight Carter Mindset Digital   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review, and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include “Podcast” in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!  

Today Tom is joined by Fred Dust; the author of the new book, Making Conversation: Seven Essential Elements of Meaningful Communication. Fred is a former Senior Partner and Global Managing Director of the legendary design firm, IDEO. And in his new book, he shows how to design conversations and meetings that are both creative and impactful. Join the conversation as Tom and Fred discuss the four pillars of conversation, where conversation interconnects with design, and how we can do a better job of helping young people develop these skills.   Key Takeaways: [:08] About today’s episode with Fred Dust. [:40] Tom welcomes Fred to the podcast and congratulates him on his terrific new book! [:56] Fred shares his thoughts on why design thinking is now more important than ever before. [2:55] Would Fred agree that almost every step of design-thinking involves a conversation or a set of conversations? [5:58] Fred shares what prompted him to write his book, Making Conversation. [9:58] Why does a good and clear conversation start with commitment? [11:30] The second chapter of Making Conversation is on clarity. Fred elaborates on the importance of being metacognitive about what, how, and to whom you’re communicating. [15:31] Fred gives his take on code-switching and whether or not it should be something that we’re teaching. [19:32] The importance of being context-aware. [20:55] What constraints have to do with conversations. [23:24] About Screencastify, the leading K-12 screen recording solution. [24:09] How education can teach conversations and real dialogue in high school. [27:39] In writing, formative feedback is quite important. Is the same true for conversation? And if so, where and how should learners be getting formal or informal feedback on the way that they engage in dialogue? [30:15] The most important place to learn the art of dialogue at the secondary level. [32:15] Fred shares his thoughts on how we can educate the primary grades on dialogue. [34:31] Fred discusses how we can approach reconnecting with kids as fall approaches. [36:23] One conversation every kid should be having right now. [36:42] How Valor’s Powered by Compass program engages students around the country in thoughtful dialogue. [37:09] Tough conversations: how to have them. [40:20] Fred shares his personal mission and how he continues his learning. [41:52] Who should read Fred’s book, Making Conversation. [42:40] Tom thanks Fred for joining the Getting Smart Podcast.   Mentioned in This Episode: Fred Dust Making Conversation Making Conversation: Seven Essential Elements of Meaningful Communication, by Fred Dust High Tech High IDEO Elizabeth Warren The Power of Place: Authentic Learning Through Place-Based Education, by Tom Vander Ark, Emily Liebtag, and Nate McClennen Screencastify.com/GettingSmart Giving Voice to Values: How to Speak Your Mind When You Know What's Right, by Mary C. Gentile ChildArt Magazine Jan 2021 Issue Valor’s Powered by Compass Getting Smart Podcast Ep. 301: “Joe Erpelding on Magical Schools and Thrively”   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review, and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include “Podcast” in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!

Today, Tom is speaking with Dr. Christina Theokas, Chief of Applied Science at Turnaround for Children, about the whole-child design movement and the new Toolbox from Turnaround for Children. The Turnaround for Children Toolbox is an online hub created by educators, for educators — and is backed by science, research, and passion. With this tool, educators will be able to create a supportive environment, cultivate developmental relationships, and build students’ knowledge, skills, and mindsets. Prior to her role with Turnaround, Christina was the Director of Research at the National Center for Urban School Transformation (NCUST) where she studied the teaching practices, systems and structures, and leadership of high-performing urban schools; and worked with educators to implement those strategies in their schools. Join Tom and Christina for this fascinating conversation around why whole-child education matters now more than ever before, how to use the Turnaround for Children Toolbox, and how educators and ed-leaders can get started with implementing these mindsets and approaches in their strategies.   Key Takeaways: [:08] About today’s episode with Christina Theokas. [:52] Tom welcomes Christina Theokasto to the podcast. [1:22] Christina shares about her original introduction to whole-child learning and development. [3:59] What is whole-child learning and development? [6:25] Is social-emotional learning (SEL) a subset of whole-child learning and development? [8:38] As the Chief Applied Science Officer at Turnaround for Children, Christina elaborates on why the team has worked on a toolbox that summarizes the science of learning and development for educators. [12:42] About the tiered support resources within the Toolbox. [14:42] About the Well-Being index that is a part of the Turnaround for Children Toolbox. [16:24] Is there a secondary version and an elementary version of the Well-Being Index? [16:47] How often does Christina recommend that teachers use the Well-Being Index? [18:20] Is the Toolbox for teachers, school leaders, policymakers, parents, or everybody involved with education? [21:21] How will this dynamic resource change over time? [23:32] About Turnaround for Children’s Building Blocks for Learning resources. [25:32] The importance of student agency. [26:27] Christina’s parting words of advice for teachers and school leaders in getting started on their whole-child journey. [27:58] How Christina stays focused and productive as an individual learner. [29:23] Where to learn more about the Turnaround for Children Toolbox. [30:00] Tom thanks Christina for joining the podcast.   Mentioned in This Episode: Christina Theokas Turnaround for Children Toolbox Well-Being Index | Turnaround for Children Toolbox Building Blocks for Learning | Turnaround for Children Getting Smart Podcast Ep. 217: “How Educators Can Positively Impact a Child’s Cognitive Development with Dr. Pamela Cantor”   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review, and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include “Podcast” in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!

Today. Tom is sitting down with author and entrepreneur, Suneel Gupta, to discuss his new book, BACKABLE: The Surprising Truth Behind What Makes People Take a Chance on You. Suneel is the co-founder of Rise Labs, Inc. and teaches innovation on faculty at Harvard University. Using the seven steps inside BACKABLE, Suneel went from being the face of failure for the New York Times to being the “New Face of Innovation” for the New York Stock Exchange. His ideas have been backed by firms like Greylock and Google Ventures, and he has invested in startups including Airbnb, Calm, and SpaceX. Suneel also serves as an emissary for Gross National Happiness between the United States and the Kingdom of Bhutan. Tune in for today’s fascinating discussion as Tom and Suneel discuss how the “it” factor can be learned, what makes someone “backable,” failure, Gross National Happiness, and some of the biggest lessons and key concepts from his book, BACKABLE.   Key Takeaways: [:08] About today’s episode with Suneel Gupta. [:52] Tom welcomes Suneel to the podcast. [1:06] About Suneel’s rich career background. [2:22] Suneel talks about why surveying for Gross National Happiness is important, what initially got him interested in better measurement for societal progress, and key lessons he learned in speaking directly to the researchers in Bhutan who collect the GNH data. [6:05] What Suneel learned about the art of pitching in writing his book, BACKABLE. [9:10] What makes someone “backable.” [10:47] Suneel unpacks the second concept of what makes someone backable: “Put yourself in a story that makes your case memorable.” [14:41] Suneel elaborates on the sixth concept of what makes someone backable: “You can’t just wing it. You have to practice and you have to adjust based on feedback from practice.” [17:27] How high school and college could do a better job in helping people develop the skills necessary in order to become more backable. [21:48] Why everyone can benefit from reading BACKABLE. [22:29] About Screencastify, the leading K-12 screen recording solution. [23:15] How Suneel continues to learn. [25:45] Tom congratulates Suneel for his new book and thanks him for joining the podcast!   Mentioned in This Episode: Suneel Gupta BACKABLE: The Surprising Truth Behind What Makes People Take a Chance on You, by Suneel Gupta with Carlye Adler Rise Labs, Inc. Gross National Happiness TED Talk “Do Schools Kill Creativity?” by Sir Ken Robinson Screencastify.com/GettingSmart Getting Smart Podcast Ep. 302: “Kim Smith on Creating Schools, Companies and the Pahara Institute”   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review, and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include “Podcast” in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!

Today, Tom talks with Nate Kellogg of The Learning Accelerator and Gwen Baker of Bellwether Education Partners about the Strategy Lab — a project of the Always Ready for Learning initiative. The Strategy Lab is a networked learning community from The Learning Accelerator, in partnership with Bellwether Education Partners, working to accelerate the development of a more resilient and equitable education future. This work culminated in the Real-Time Redesign toolkit, an actionable resource for helping districts apply the key learnings and processes from the Strategy Lab work. Listen in as Tom speaks with Nate and Gwen about this important collaborative work within a network of schools and districts. And be sure to stay tuned until the end to hear from some of the participants themselves!   Key Takeaways: [:08] About today’s episode with Nate Kellogg and Gwen Baker. [:52] Tom welcomes Nate and Gwen to the podcast. [1:09] Nate tells the origin story of the Always Ready for Learning initiative as well its three projects: the Parabola Project, the Coaching Network, and the Strategy Lab. [2:34] Gwen shares how she and Bellwether get involved in this project and why they were personally compelled by it. [4:25] Nate shares about the districts they originally focused on when beginning this project. [6:02] Which services to Gwen try to quickly mobilize and offer to these partner districts with the Strategy Lab? [7:33] Was there any learning between these districts? Were they learning together about shifting their education to remote and when/how they might go hybrid or in-person? [8:32] Gwen elaborates on how the networking between districts was one of the most powerful tools for learning and growth. [10:34] Nate explains the Real-Time Redesign toolkit. [11:46] Would Gwen say that the toolkit is still highly useful for not only the participating districts but other districts as well right now? [12:57] Nate shares his predictions and hopes for what may be better or different in the fall with their partnered districts as a result of the work they’re doing. [15:22] Gwen shares her hopes and predictions for the fall as a result of the work that they’ve done with their partnered districts. [16:56] Does this COVID-19 era mark the end of the individual practitioner and the beginning of teaching teams and embracing new strategies and tools around personalized and competency-based learning? And if so, does Gwen see this as a permanent shift going forward? [18:40] Does Nate think that many of the districts that they’ve worked with will continue to have an online or virtual learning program post-pandemic? [19:49] Does Nate believe we will continue to see enriched online programs that incorporate more project-based learning and more community connections, as well as more hybrid programs that stick around long-term, post-pandemic? [21:04] Does Gwen have any predictions for new models that she thinks we’ll see in the fall or beyond? [21:58] Where to find more information about the Strategy Lab and the Real-Time Redesign toolkit. [22:44] Gwen shares some parting words to districts and leaders curious about the projects. [23:02] Tom thanks Gwen and Nate for joining the podcast! [23:19] The districts that participated in the Strategy Lab share their thoughts on the process and answer the questions: 1. What was the most powerful part of the Strategy Lab cohort? 2. What are they piloting as a result of the Strategy Lab and the Real-Time Redesign process? [23:34] The Chief Academic Officer of Indianapolis Public Schools, Dr. Warren Morgan, shares his thoughts on the Strategy Lab cohort. [26:55] The Director of Academics at the Austin Independent School District, Suzanne Newell, shares her thoughts on the Strategy Lab cohort. [30:42] The Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment at Renton School District, Bob Ettinger, shares his thoughts on the Strategy Lab cohort.   Mentioned in This Episode: Nate Kellogg The Learning Accelerator Gwen Baker Bellwether Education Partners Strategy Lab Real-Time Redesign Monterey Peninsula Unified School District Indianapolis Public Schools Austin ISD Mastery Charter Phoenix Charter Academy Cedar Rapids Community School District Warren Morgan Suzanne Newell Balance With Blended Learning: Partner With Your Students to Reimagine Learning and Reclaim Your Life, by Catlin R. Tucker Getting Smart Podcast Ep.293: “Beth Rabbit and Asaf Bitton on the State of Health and the Parabola Project”   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review, and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include “Podcast” in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!

Today, Tom is sitting down with Thomas Homer-Dixon, the author of the new book, Commanding Hope: The Power We Have to Renew a World in Peril. Thomas is also the author of the well-received book, The Ingenuity Gap, and, the Director of the Cascade Institute at Royal Roads University in Victoria, BC, Canada. Additionally, he also holds a University Research Chair in the Faculty of Environment at the University of Waterloo. In this conversation, Tom and Thomas discuss why and how the world is getting more complex, the role of complexity scientists, the focus of the Cascade Institute, the importance of young people developing a sense of agency, what schools can do to educate their students about climate change, and about his book, Commanding Hope.   Key Takeaways: [:08] About today’s episode with Thomas Homer-Dixon. [:38] Tom welcomes Thomas to the podcast. [:55] What is a complexity scientist? And what do they do? [3:51] The observations and systems that led Thomas to spot the ingenuity gap that he wrote about 20 years ago in The Ingenuity Gap. And is it worse today than it was 20 years ago? [7:17] Observations from Getting Smart’s “20 Invention Opportunities in Learning & Development” report. [9:37] Tom highlights how, increasingly, innovation in the public space requires a combination of public, private, and philanthropic funding. [10:17] Thomas highlights an advantage we have today: our capacity to ramp up combinatorial innovation. [11:48] What the Cascade Institute is, what they do, and its mission. [15:00] Tom congratulates Thomas on his new book and reads the opening passage. [16:13] Who is Stephanie May and why was she an inspiration for Thomas’s new book, Commanding Hope? [21:28] How important is helping students develop a sense of agency and knowing that they can have an impact on the world? How do students achieve a sense of agency? [24:29] How and where students should learn about climate change. [26:06] How schools and system heads should engage young people in solutions around climate change. [28:28] Simple cultural efforts schools can make to help create more awareness among their students on their environmental footprint. [29:35] The importance of creating space for young people to take on their own passion projects and go deep with them. [30:04] Thomas shares how he continuously learns. [32:38] Has Thomas read Bill’s new book, How to Avoid a Climate Disaster? [32:57] Tom thanks Thomas for joining the podcast!   Mentioned in This Episode: Thomas Homer-Dixon Commanding Hope: The Power We Have to Renew a World in Peril, by Thomas Homer-Dixon The Ingenuity Gap: Facing the Economic, Environmental, and Other Challenges of an Increasingly Complex and Unpredictable Future, by Thomas Homer-Dixon Cascade Institute University of Waterloo “20 Invention Opportunities in Learning & Development,” by Getting Smart Staff Stephanie Middleton May Elizabeth May Greta Thunberg Difference Making at the Heart of Learning: Students, Schools, and Communities Alive With Possibility, by Tom Vander Ark and Emily Liebtag How to Avoid a Climate Disaster: The Solutions We Have and the Breakthroughs We Need, by Bill Gates   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review, and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include “Podcast” in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!

This week, the Getting Smart team is speaking with Gregg Behr and Ryan Rydzewski about their new book, When You Wonder, You're Learning: Mister Rogers’ Enduring Lessons for Raising Creative, Curious, Caring Kids. Gregg Behr is the Executive Director of The Grable Foundation, a father, and a children’s advocate whose work is inspired by the legacy of his hero, Fred Rogers. His co-author, Ryan Rydzewski, is an award-winning author, reporter, and speechwriter whose science and education stories span everything from schools to space travel to Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. Listen in as they discuss their new book and the themes of community, collaboration, and the enduring lessons of Mister Rogers. “Not only was [Mister Rogers] that loving grandfatherly figure who made us feel loved and capable of loving, but he was also a remarkable learning scientist.” — Gregg Behr   Key Takeaways: [:10] About today’s episode with Gregg Behr and Ryan Rydzewski. [:46] Tom welcomes Gregg and Ryan to the podcast. [1:08] Gregg speaks about his educational background and the thread of ethics and character formation that run through his work. [1:57] How and when did Gregg discover the power of active learning that is behind Remake Learning? What is the origin story of Remake Learning? [5:44] Ryan shares why he decided to teach at East Baton Rouge Parish School System back in 2009 after receiving his Bachelor’s degree in Creative Writing at the University of Pittsburgh. [6:23] Did Ryan have any classes in the Cathedral of Learning at the University of Pittsburgh? [7:01] Gregg shares when and how Mister Rogers entered the picture in his world. [8:28] Ryan speaks about his connection to Mister Rogers growing up and why he found him so inspiring. [9:21] Gregg shares about Fred Rogers’ presence across the Pittsburgh community. [10:39] Ryan elaborates on how the environment of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood was highly engineered to enrich lives and future growth and how every script, song, and story was created in alignment with proven research that benefited children. [12:13] Why warmth and safety are so important in creating space for curiosity, and the ways in which Fred Rogers embodied warmth and safety that unlocked learning for children. [14:19] Gregg highlights other points of intentionality in Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood that they uncovered while writing their book, When You Wonder, You're Learning. [15:04] Why they incorporated many song lyrics into their book. [16:22] Gregg shares what he believes Mister Roger was trying to evoke when he asked, “What might you do?” on his show. [17:54] Mister Roger has said, “Listening is where love begins.” What did Ryan learn about listening in writing the book? [19:33] Gregg shares what he thinks Fred Rogers’ advice would be today about working together and collaboration. [21:35] As a writer, did Ryan find this book easy or hard to write? [22:51] Gregg shares the main mission of their book, who they tried to address, and what they hoped to accomplish by writing it. [24:58] About a powerful new tool that every teacher should be using with their students: The Well-Being Index by Turnaround for Children. [25:50] Ryan shared what he learned about himself from working on this project and how he continues to learn going forward. [27:44] What Ryan is doing to make himself a better writer and his advice for young writers. [28:48] Gregg shared what he learned about himself from working on the book and how he continues to learn about the practice of philanthropy. [30:50] Tom and Jessica thank Ryan and Gregg for joining the podcast!   Mentioned in This Episode: When You Wonder, You're Learning: Mister Rogers' Enduring Lessons for Raising Creative, Curious, Caring Kids, by Gregg Behr and Ryan Rydzewski Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood Gregg Behr’s LinkedIn Ryan Rydzewski’s LinkedIn The Grable Foundation Remake Learning Teach for America The Pittsburgh Foundation Turnaround for Children The Well-Being Index by Turnaround for Children Getting Smart Podcast Ep. 208: “How to Raise Successful People with Esther Wojcicki”   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review, and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include “Podcast” in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!  

Today Tom is sitting down with Dr. Trish Scanlon, CEO and founder of SoapBox Labs. Dr. Scanlon is one of the foremost leaders in voice technology — especially with regards to children’s voices. She has over 20 years of experience working in speech recognition technology, including Bell Laboratories and IBM. In 2018, Dr. Scanlon was named one of Forbes’ top 50 “Women in Tech.” In 2020, she was ranked sixth of seventeen global visionaries in voice by industry-leading publication, Voicebot.ai. Listen in as Tom and Dr. Scanlon discuss the possibilities of voice technologies, why children pose a unique challenge in the field, and how tech can be keeping ethics and well-being at the center. Don’t miss out on this A.I. deep-dive on learning, voice tech, and creating more access for learners with differences.   Key Takeaways: [:08] About today’s episode. [:54] Tom welcomes Dr. Scanlon to the podcast. [1:12] How did Dr. Scanlon become interested in voice technology? [2:32] Was Dr. Scanlon able to find advisors 20 years ago in voice technology? [3:50] Which machine learning tools are most useful in speech recognition? [5:24] When did Dr. Scanlon recognize that speech recognition was particularly challenging for children? [8:20] The origin story of Dr. Scanlon’s company, SoapBox Labs. [10:35] Dr. Scanlon explains the service that SoapBox Labs offers its clients. [12:37] About the Turnaround for Children Toolbox. [13:17] The current and planned applications for voice recognition, speech therapy, and voice tech in learning and development in the classroom. [15:53] How they manage varying accents in speech technology. [19:06] Discussing the challenges around the biases in voice recognition technology. [21:45] Other categories of assisted tech that Dr. Scanlon is excited about with regards to how they can better serve and create more access for learners with differences. [23:53] Is the next generation growing up as voice technology natives? How should we be managing or navigating this next generation of youth growing up as voice natives? [27:04] What Dr. Scanlon thinks students and teachers should know about machine learning today, as well as how and where we should be introducing this topic in school. [28:53] Why is Dublin a hot spot for ed-tech startups? Why have they become a world leader in technology? [31:13] How does Dr. Scanlon continue her learning? [32:26] Tom thanks Dr. Scanlon for joining the podcast.   Mentioned in This Episode: SoapBox Labs Dr. Trish Scanlon Voicebot.ai Toolbox | Turnaround for Children TechCrunch EdSurge Getting Smart Podcast Ep. 258: “Flynn Coleman on a Human Algorithm”   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review, and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include “Podcast” in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!  

This week, Tom Vander Ark is joined by a group of young change-makers and Dr. Erin Raab, Chief Strategy Impact Officer of the Choice-filled Lives Network. Together, they discuss the “100 Days of Conversations” project, a collaborative project organized to catalyze conversations in communities across the country on each of the first 100 days of the new administration. Alongside Erin, three young men are setting the stage for impactful and life-changing conversations in Minnesota. These young men are Jose Perez, Cole Stevens, and Walter Cortina. And together they run an organization called Bridgemakers. Erin, Jose, Cole, and Walter share about the “100 Days of Conversations” project, Bridgemakers, and how it has impacted them, their communities, and the youth, parents, and system heads alike. The Getting Smart team loves the energy and urgency of this conversation as well as the continued emphasis on student voice. You will not want to miss out on this one!   Key Takeaways: [:08] About today’s episode. [:53] Tom welcomes Dr. Erin Raab and the three young men to the podcast. [1:11] Dr. Erin Raab speaks about her career and how reimagining education became a central part of her mission. [2:43] Dr. Raab speaks about where the insight that community conversations are key to unlocking potential comes from. [4:18] Dr. Raab shares about how she ran into the three young gentlemen accompanying her on the podcast today and what led them to work together. [6:00] Walter introduces himself and explains what Bridgemakers is all about. [6:49] Cole introduces himself and continues to share about what they do with Bridgemakers, the achievements they’ve had over the year, and how they tie in with the “100 Days of Conversations” project. [10:40] Jose introduces himself and shares how he connected with Bridgemakers. [12:58] Walter speaks about the other goals Bridgemaker is setting out to achieve. [15:03] Walter shares how he got involved with this work. [15:30] Walter shares how the High School for the Recording Arts (HSRA) has helped him do what he does today. [16:22] Cole speaks about his high school experience and why it has driven a lot of his passion for school. [17:57] Where did Cole’s passion for difference-making and reimagining education come from? [21:17] Dr. Raab shares more about the ins and outs of the “100 Days of Conversations” project. [24:30] Walter shares more about his experience with being both a participant and host with the “100 Days of Conversations” project. [25:42] Jose shares his own experience with the “100 Days of Conversations” project. [28:03] Cole shares his own experience with the “100 Days of Conversations” project and how Bridgemakers helped him with his agency and confidence. [29:28] Walter speaks about how both the youth and the adults come away from these conversations feeling enlightened and empowered. [30:31] Are school administrators and system heads generally sponsoring these conversations? How are they involved and what are the hoped-for outcomes for them as well as the students and parents involved? [33:19] How being a conversation host has changed Walter and the way he thinks about his path forward. Walter also shares what’s next on his roadmap. [35:00] Dr. Raab shares what’s next for the “100 Days of Conversations” project. She also shares what she’s learned through this initiative and the aspirations for change that she hopes will come as a result of it. [38:32] Cole shares about his next steps and how he is going to take his Bridgemakers experience forward. [42:05] Tom thanks all three young men for their leadership at Bridgemakers. [42:17] Tom thanks Dr. Erin Raab for her work and she shares where to learn more about the “100 Days of Conversations” project.   Mentioned in This Episode: Bridgemakers Choice-filled Lives Network Dr. Erin Raab | Choice-filled Lives Network “100 Days of Conversations” Project | Choice-filled Lives Network REENVISIONED Human Restoration Project Local Voices Network Youthprise High School for the Recording Arts (HSRA) Difference Making at the Heart of Learning: Students, Schools, and Communities Alive With Possibility, by Tom Vander Ark and Emily Liebtag   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review, and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include “Podcast” in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!  

Welcome back to the Nevada Succeeds mini-series! This three-part series is all about leadership, innovation, and education opportunities within Nevada Succeeds — a Las Vegas-based education non-profit focused on empowering systems transformation through educator impact, policy, and design-thinking. This third part with Nevada Succeeds marks the finale of the series. Tom is joined by return guest Jeanine Collins, as well as Dr. Marion Smith, Dr. Kaleb Rashad, and Eric Chagala. Jeanine Collins is the founder and Executive Director of Nevada Succeeds; an Adjunct Faculty at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas; and the Founder and Principal at Reflect Forward. Dr. Marion Smith is the Superintendent of Summit School District, Colorado. His Racial Equity Adaptive Leadership framework (R.E.A.L) is key to the Nevada Succeeds fellowship program design. Dr. Kaleb Rashad is the Creative Director of the High Tech High Graduate School of Education. Eric Chagala is the founding principal of the Vista Innovation & Design Academy (VIDA). Together, Kaleb and Eric have been hard at work on a new initiative called Unlocked, a Black-led 501(c)3 education non-profit, where they have had an instrumental influence on the mindset and methodology of the Nevada Succeeds’ InspirED Fellowship. In this episode, Jeanine, Dr. Smith, Dr. Rashad, and Eric discuss the future of leadership, preparation, and development, how they all connected and came to be collaborators with Nevada Succeeds, what human-centered and equity-focused design means to them, the importance of creative leadership, and their thoughts on how we can all become more thoughtful school and community leaders.   Key Takeaways: [:04] About the Nevada Succeeds mini-series. [1:22] About the third and final part of the series. [2:10] Tom welcomes special guest, Jeanine Collins, back to the podcast! [2:44] Jeanine introduces Dr. Marion Smith and shares how they originally connected. [4:29] Dr. Marion Smith shares about his career journey and rich educational history! [5:43] How did Dr. Marion Smith develop his racial equity adaptive leadership framework? What is it about and what does it aim to accomplish? [8:58] Jeanine shares why the framework resonates so much with her and why she wanted to incorporate it into the Nevada Succeeds fellowship. [11:04] Tom welcomes Dr. Kaleb Rashad and Eric Chagala to the podcast! [11:51] Kaleb shares how he and Eric came together to create Unlocked, a Black-led 501(c)3 education non-profit. [14:03] Jeanine shares what she loves about Eric and Kaleb and why she wanted to get them involved with Nevada Succeeds. [16:24] Eric explains what human-centered and equity-focused design means when it comes to VIDA and Unlocked. [18:32] Eric shares some practical examples of human-centered and equity-focused design and the results that it brings. [20:48] Marion speaks about what human-centered and equity-focused design means at a system level. [24:27] What is creative leadership? And why is it more important than ever? [28:22] Jeanine elaborates on how they keep the spirit and message of equity and justice alive amongst the Nevada Succeeds fellows! [30:08] On the Unlocked website, there is a quote about inviting kids to do work that really matters to them and their community. Eric elaborates on this and shares how, at VIDA, they are “tending to the souls of schools.” [31:24] Dr. Smith speaks about the kinds of experiences that people would benefit the most from in terms of preparing them to be thoughtful school and community leaders. [34:58] Kaleb shares about the ways in which we can prepare people to be thoughtful school and community leaders. [39:35] Eric shares how he believes people can become more thoughtful school and community leaders. [41:20] Jeanine shares what is on Nevada Succeeds’ roadmap and what she hopes to accomplish in the future. [43:11] Tom thanks everyone for joining the podcast! [43:40] Shawnee concludes the Nevada Succeeds three-part mini-series!   Mentioned in This Episode: Rashawn “Shawnee” Caruthers | Getting Smart Nevada Succeeds Nevada Succeeds InspirED Global Fellowship Jeanine Collins’ LinkedIn Dr. Marion Smith Jr.’s LinkedIn Summit School District, Colorado Educate to Liberate Consulting Dr. Kaleb Rashad’s Website High Tech High (HTH)Eric Chagala’s Website Vista Innovation & Design Academy (VIDA) Unlocked Getting Smart Podcast Ep. 263: “Kaleb Rashad on Race and Education in America” Difference Making at the Heart of Learning: Students, Schools, and Communities Alive With Possibility, by Tom Vander Ark and Emily Liebtag Getting Smart Podcast Ep. 314: “Up Close with Nevada Succeeds: Origins of the InspirED Fellowship” (Part 1) Getting Smart Podcast Ep. 316: “Up Close with Nevada Succeeds: Leading State Learning Transformation” (Part 2)   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review, and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include “Podcast” in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!

In this week’s episode, Tom is sitting down once again with special guest, Pavel Luksha. Pavel Luksha is a leading education futurist. He’s a Professor of Practice at Moscow School of Management SKOLKOVO, the Director and founder of Global Education Futures, and serves on the advisory board for Whittle School and Studios. What drives Pavel forward is creating a world that works for everyone. He’s a global thinker and change catalyst focused on creating the discipline of social ecosystem gardening. Recently, Pavel contributed to a new future of skills report that is one of the best that the Getting Smart team has seen on the subject! The report was a collaboration between Global Education Future, WorldSkills Russia, and WorldSkills International and is titled, “Future Skills for the 2020s: A New Hope.” It summarizes interviews that Pavel conducted with leaders and experts all over the world and focuses on the three overarching skills that are needed to build a thriving future for all. These skills are: 1) Collaborate, adapt, and transform 2) Embrace future-orientations and technological tools, and 3) Embody well-being of people and planet as our primary purpose. Listen in as Tom and Pavel discuss what learners need to know and why we live in a VUCA place. If you’re working on a new portrait of a graduate (or a graduate profile) and are thinking about the skills that your learners will need in the 2020s, this is a must-listen-to episode!   Key Takeaways: [:10] About today’s episode with Pavel Luksha. [:45] Tom welcomes Pavel back to the Getting Smart Podcast! [1:42] As a world traveler, how has the last year been for Pavel without any international travel? [2:52] How were GEF, WorldSkills, and Pavel able to conduct this study during a global pandemic? [4:05] Pavel talks about the volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) world and how 2020 gave people the experience of a pandemic, one of the aspects of the VUCA world. [4:47] Tom outlines the three overarching skills that the report covers and Pavel speaks about the first of the three, “Collaborate, adapt, and transform,” and why it is so critical. [8:25] Pavel speaks about the increasing mutuality towards embracing well-being, as well as some of the counter-trends that they are seeing during the pandemic. [10:52] Pavel shares about the megatrends in the report that are transforming the nature of the global economy: Digitalization, Globalization, and Environmentalization. [15:03] Pavel elaborates on this idea of life-centered, transformative, regenerative, and circular economies — and why experts see this as a likely scenario. [17:00] Pavel gives advice to education leaders and highlights the factors that they should be thinking about in the 2020s. [20:05] Pavel elaborates on how education leaders should lean into artificial intelligence, big data, and exponential technologies. [22:12] Why Tom loves “Future Skills for the 2020s” report. [23:12] Pavel shares why they went sector-by-sector in the report. [24:12] Pavel has also released an in-depth report on learning ecosystems titled, “Learning Ecosystems: An Emerging Praxis for the Future of Education.” Pavel elaborates on what a learning ecosystem is and why they are worth studying. [30:38] Pavel provides some examples of what a healthy learning ecosystem looks like. [34:30] How does Pavel keep productive and stay focused on his learning even in the midst of a global pandemic? [36:46] Tom thanks Pavel for joining the podcast once again!   Mentioned in This Episode: Pavel Luksha (LinkedIn) Getting Smart Podcast Ep. 223: “Pavel Luksha on Educating for Purpose, Potential, and the Planet” Moscow School of Management SKOLKOVO “Future Skills for the 2020s,” Report by GEF, WorldSkills Russia, and WorldSkills International Global Education Futures WorldSkills Russia WorldSkills International “Learning Ecosystems: An Emerging Praxis for the Future of Education,” Report by GEF and Moscow School of Management SKOLKOVO Dream a Dream   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review, and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include ‘Podcast’ in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!  

Welcome back to the Nevada Succeeds mini-series with your hosts, Rashawn “Shawnee” Caruthers and Tom Vander Ark! This three-part series is all about leadership, innovation, and education opportunities within Nevada Succeeds — a Las Vegas-based education non-profit focused on empowering systems transformation through educator impact, policy, and design-thinking. In this second part of the three-part series with Nevada Succeeds, Shawnee Caruthers and Tom Vander Ark welcome Nevada State Superintendent, Jhone Ebert; Nevada Succeeds Executive Director, Jeanine Collins; as well as two teachers and InspirED Global fellows, Mike Lang and Jordana McCudden. Jhone Ebert is the Superintendent of Public Instruction at the Nevada Department of Education. Previously, she was the Senior Deputy Commissioner for Education Policy of the New York State Education Department and the Chief Innovation and Productivity Officer at Clark County School District. Jeanine Collins is the  Executive Director of Nevada Succeeds; an Adjunct Faculty at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas; and the founder and Principal at Reflect Forward. Mike Lang is a Technology Teacher at Clark County School District who prides himself on innovation and teaching the whole student. Jordana McCudden is a teacher, instructional coach, and project facilitator at the Clark County School District. She has worked in education for 20-plus years and strives to have a positive impact on classrooms across the state. Together, they discuss Nevada Succeeds’s InspireED Global Fellowship, why they find it so valuable as educators and leaders, how it has impacted their future plans and outlook on education, and how it has helped aid their journeys (especially during a global pandemic).   Be sure to tune in (and stay tuned for part three of the series coming next week)!   Key Takeaways: [:04] About the Nevada Succeeds mini-series. [1:23] About the second part of the three-part mini-series. [1:38] Tom welcomes special guests, Jhone Ebert, Jeanine Collins, Michael Lane, and Jordana McCudden. [2:21] Jhone Ebert gives the lay of the land in Nevada and speaks about how many students and schools there are. [3:11] The state of affairs of education in Nevada, particularly in Clark County. [6:53] In addition to the pandemic, what other priorities has Jhone Ebert set for her department as Superintendent? [11:04] Jeanine speaks about Nevada Succeeds and how she and Superintendent Ebert connected. [13:38] Mike shares how he learned about the InspireED Global Fellowship, what he did in it, and why he found it valuable. [16:15] What it has been like for Mike to teach during a pandemic, how he has helped other teachers adjust their practice this year, and important lessons he thinks we should take with us, post-pandemic. [19:04] Jordanna speaks about her role in Clark County, how she became an InspireED Global fellow, and how it has impacted the way she is thinking about her future plans. [23:22] Has helping to shape education policies statewide been a byproduct of some of Jordanna’s leadership activities? [25:01] Jhone Ebert shares her excitement and gratefulness for sharing space with incredible educators and leaders. [26:17] Jeanine speaks more about the incredible Nevada Succeeds InspirED Global Fellowship and why it is so important — especially right now. [28:20] Mike speaks about his week going forward as an educator. [29:28] Tom thanks everyone for joining the podcast.   Mentioned in This Episode: Rashawn “Shawnee” Caruthers | Getting Smart Nevada Succeeds Nevada Succeeds InspirED Global Fellowship Jeanine Collins’ LinkedIn Jhone Ebert’s LinkedIn Mike Lang’s LinkedIn Jordana McCudden’s LinkedIn Las Vegas Sands Getting Smart’s Newest Report: “20 Invention Opportunities in Learning & Development”   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review, and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include “Podcast” in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!  

Today, Tom is sitting down with three outstanding learners who are passionate about difference-making, innovation, and making the world a better place. All three students — Sofia Sanchez, Naila Moloo, and Aaryan Harshith — are a part of The Knowledge Society (TKS); one of Getting Smart’s favorite afterschool programs! Sofia Sanchez is passionate about synthetic biology, biotechnology, and innovation. Currently, she’s attending the Tecnológico de Monterrey high school in Mexico and focuses her studies on exponential technologies so that she can start a company that impacts the world in a positive way. Naila Moloo attends the Elmwood high school in Ontario and is passionate about sustainable energy — specifically where it intersects with nanotechnology. Naila loves to learn about anything related to emerging technology, ranging from quantum physics to space exploration. Aaryan Harshith attends the Lo-Ellen Park Secondary School in Ontario and is working to create a better, healthier world through the things he builds and the research he conducts. For the past two years, his primary focus has been on building a medical device to enhance cancer diagnosis during surgery — currently, he’s in the process of running human trials for it! Listen in as Tom speaks with these learners to hear about their motivations to change the world, the emerging opportunities they see, and how they practice continuous learning. They share about their passion projects, hopes for the future, how they would change high school if they could, their visions for difference-making in this world, and how TKS has aided them in their learning journeys. This is an episode that has left the entire Getting Smart team feeling incredibly inspired so be sure not to miss out!   Key Takeaways: [:08] About today’s episode with three incredible students. [1:38] Tom welcomes the three learners to the podcast! [2:51] Sofia shares how she became so passionate about synthetic biology. [3:31] How did Sofia discover TKS? [4:21] How did Sofia turn her interest in gene editing and the gut microbiome into an incredible project? [5:57] Was there any information on TKS about these topics or was Sofia’s learning self-directed through the internet? [6:32] Was Sofia assisted by a coach at TKS on any of the projects that she worked on? [7:21] Sofia speaks about her motivation for writing on Medium and hosting her own podcast, the 2045 Podcast. [8:51] Naila speaks about her project for a science fair that led to her winning a scholarship for TKS. [10:46] How did Naila become interested in sustainable energy, particularly superconductors? [12:40] Does Naila study these interests at her school, Elmwood, or does she explore them outside of school? [13:53] How did Aaryan find out about TKS? How long has he been in the program? And what kind of projects did he create for science fairs? What was his motivation? [15:55] How is TKS different from traditional learning at Aaryan’s high school? [17:10] What sparked Aaryan’s interest in a universal cancer vaccine? [18:39] Sofia speaks about her evolving philosophy around difference-making. [20:21] About Turnaround for Children’s Well-Being Index. [21:13] How TKS has helped Naila think about where she wants to make a difference in the world. [22:10] Aaryan shares what TKS has helped him with and inspired his vision for difference-making. [22:57] Aaryan shares his thoughts on college vs. other post-secondary options. [24:14] Sofia shares what is next for her after high school. [26:00] Naila shares about the ways in which she thinks that high school could be more valuable. [27:07] Sofia shares how she would change high school. [27:49] Aaryan speaks about the opportunities that high schools should provide their learners with. [28:22] Sofia shares her continuous learning tips for other young learners. [29:38] Naila shares how she continually learns and gives advice to other students. [30:34] Aaryan shares how he keeps learning and gives some advice to other learners as well. [32:05] Tom thanks Sofia, Naila, and Aaryan for joining the Getting Smart Podcast!   Mentioned in This Episode: The Knowledge Society (TKS) Getting Smart Podcast Ep. 305: “Navid Nathoo on What Education Can Learn From the Real World and The Knowledge Society” Sofia Sanchez’s LinkedIn Sofia Sanchez’s Website Sofia Sanchez’s Medium Profile 2045 Podcast by Sofia Sanchez Naila Moloo’s LinkedIn Naila Moloo’s Website Chronicles Of Illusions: The Blue Wild, by Naila Moloo Aaryan Harshith’s LinkedIn “LightIR: Changing the Way We See (and Treat) Cancer Forever,” by Aaryan Harshith | Medium Difference Making at the Heart of Learning: Students, Schools, and Communities Alive With Possibility, by Tom Vander Ark and Emily Liebtag Well-Being Index | Turnaround for Children   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review, and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include “Podcast” in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!

Join hosts Rashawn “Shawnee” Caruthers and Tom Vander Ark in this special Getting Smart Podcast mini-series about the Nevada Succeeds InspirED Global Fellowship! This will be a three-part series all about leadership, innovation, and education opportunities within Nevada Succeeds — a Las Vegas-based education non-profit focused on empowering systems transformation through educator impact, policy, and design-thinking. Dedicated to building a state-wide ecosystem, Nevada Succeeds launched InspireED Global Fellowship in July 2020 in partnership with Las Vegas Sands. The goal of the fellowship is to empower educational practitioners to investigate Nevada education challenges and use design-thinking to develop actionable plans to determine solutions. In this first part of the three-part series with Nevada Succeeds, Shawnee and Tom Vander Ark welcome Jeanine Collins, Mary Jean Gallagher, and Chip Kimball to the podcast. Jeanine Collins is the Executive Director of Nevada Succeeds; an Adjunct Faculty at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas; and the founder and Principal at Reflect Forward. Mary Jane Gallagher is the former Chief Student Achievement Officer and Assistant Deputy Minister of the Ontario Ministry of Education. She also co-authored the book, The Devil Is in the Details: System Solutions for Equity, Excellence, and Student Well-Being. Chip Kimball was the previous Superintendent for Singapore American Schools and is now making his way over to the International School of Prague. In their conversation together, Jeanine, Mary, and Chip discuss the important work that Nevada Succeeds is doing, the challenges of system leadership today, strategies for developing young leaders, insights and advice on how leaders can innovate and be champions for equity in their school system, and much more. The Getting Smart team is honored to partner with Nevada Succeeds on this type of work and is so excited for all of you to listen in to these conversations with the many key players in the initiative! Be sure to tune in (and stay tuned for part two of the series coming next week)!   Key Takeaways: [:04] About the first episode in the three-part series with Nevada Succeeds. [2:03] Tom welcomes Jeanine Collins, Mary Jean Gallagher, and Chip Kimball to the podcast. [2:56] The backstory of Nevada Succeeds, about their mission, and how they have shifted their goals in the last year with COVID-19 by doing meaningful virtual and remote work. [5:09] Jeanine speaks about the amazing and diverse lead learners that they’ve assembled at Nevada Succeeds. [6:28] How did Dr. Kimble originally connect with Nevada Succeeds? And how does he think about the challenges of educator and school leadership today? [9:11] Jeanine elaborates on the learning agenda at Singapore American and how inviting 100 of his faculty members to visit 100 of the best schools in the world impacted their success. [11:36] Mary Jane Gallagher reflects on the challenges of system leadership today. [15:55] Jeanine summarizes how she thinks about leadership development, what it should look like, and how she has incorporated these ideas at Nevada Succeeds. [18:21] Chip speaks about strategies for developing young leaders. [20:32] Mary Jane shares her insights on important experiences for developing leaders. [23:36] Chip shares his thoughts on how leaders can innovate and be champions for equity in their school system. [25:27] Mary Jane shares her insights on leading for innovation while championing for equity. [29:28] Chip shares some additional insights on what they discovered after visiting 100 of the best schools in the world. [31:12] Jeanine shares her key insights on innovation and equity. [34:19] Mary Jane shares what is currently on her ‘shortlist’ for innovation opportunities. [36:04] Chip shares what is on his shortlist for innovation. [38:13] Jeanine shares what is on her own shortlist for innovation. [39:29] Tom chimes in with an innovation of his own and thanks Jeanine, Chip, and Mary Jane for joining the Getting Smart Podcast.   Mentioned in This Episode: Rashawn “Shawnee” Caruthers | Getting Smart Nevada Succeeds Nevada Succeeds InspirED Global Fellowship Jeanine Collins’ LinkedIn Mary Jean Gallagher’s Twitter Chip Kimball’s LinkedIn Reflect Forward University of Nevada, Las Vegas The Devil Is in the Details: System Solutions for Equity, Excellence, and Student Well-Being, by Michael Fullan and Mary Jean Gallagher Ontario Ministry of Education Las Vegas Sands Singapore American School International School of Prague The Knowing-Doing Gap: How Smart Companies Turn Knowledge into Action, by Jeffrey Pfeffer and Robert I. Sutton Getting Smart’s Newest Report: “20 Invention Opportunities in Learning & Development”   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review, and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include “Podcast” in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!  

Today, Getting Smart team member Rashawn “Shawnee” Caruthers is sitting down with Margarita Geleske of Uncharted Learning and Tom Leonard, the Superintendent of Texas’s Eanes Independent School District. Margarita worked with the founding Uncharted Learning to create INCubatoredu, which helps students develop future-ready skills as they build real businesses. She also served as chairperson and trustee for the Barrington 220 Educational Foundation and as well as a trustee for Barrington Youth & Family Services. As a native of Chicago, Illinois, Dr. Tom Leonard served as Superintendent in the Barrington 220 School District in the Northwest suburbs of Chicago for seven years. He has been in his current role as Superintendent of Eanes ISD also for nearly seven years, having first entered the role in 2014. Together, Margarita and Tom talk about student engagement and powerful entrepreneurial experiences within the community. Listen in as Shawnee talks with these incredible guests about INCubatoredu as well as their secret to success in engaging communities and students! “We really need to change what we’re doing in our schools because the traditional curriculum that we’re using is not the world we’re living in now. And if we’re not venturing into entrepreneurial studies … we’re preparing kids for the world of the 1970s — and that’s gone.” — Tom Leonard   Key Takeaways: [:09] About today’s episode with Margarita Geleske and Tom Leonard. [1:10] Shawnee welcomes Margarita and Tom to the podcast! [1:48] Tom introduces himself and speaks about his school district, Eanes ISD. [3:05] How Tom and Margarita met. [4:28] About Uncharted Learning. [6:01] Tom shares about how Eanes ISD connected with Uncharted Learning and about INCubatoredu. [10:25] Why is community such an important focus for Tom and why it is important for Eanes ISD to partner with organizations such as Uncharted Learning? [11:50] Why the INCubatoredu program has been so impactful in particular. [12:29] How to connect your community with your school district. [14:10] How is a volunteer role in Uncharted Learning different from traditional roles? [16:27] How have their relationships with mentors and coaches changed (as well as the relationship between schools and communities) changed since the pandemic? And what have they done to combat any potential negative shifts? [19:54] About Getting Smart’s new report on what’s next in learning! [20:53] The transparent, real-world look into the lives of business owners that students were uniquely provided over the course of the pandemic. [22:09] What do business professionals bring to the student experience? [25:47] The importance of “failing forward.” [27:28] Tom shares why this work is so important to him. [29:09] Margarita shares her “why.” [31:56] How do people volunteer for the kinds of roles that Uncharted Learning offers? [33:24] Tom shares some suggestions on what Superintendents and school districts can do to build or rebuild engagement with their communities. [36:26] Tom and Margarita share some closing thoughts about community. [39:51] Shawnee thanks Tom and Margarita for joining the Getting Smart Podcast!   Mentioned in This Episode: Rashawn “Shawnee” Caruthers | Getting Smart Margarita Geleske’s LinkedIn Uncharted Learning INCubatoredu | Uncharted Learning Tom Leonard’s LinkedIn Eanes Independent School District (Eanes ISD) Barrington 220 Educational Foundation Barrington Youth & Family Services Barrington 220 School District Getting Smart’s Newest Report: “20 Invention Opportunities in Learning & Development” Getting Smart Podcast Ep. 216: “Don Wettrick on Teaching Entrepreneurship”   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review, and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include “Podcast” in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!

Today, Getting Smart team member, Rebecca Midles, is virtually sitting down with Kelley Munger and Megan Marcus of FuelEd. Kelley and Megan are both professional development consultants that specialize in social-emotional learning and relationship building. Megan is the founder of FuelEd. She started her career in research and helped lead the research efforts for the book, The Social Neuroscience of Education: Optimizing Attachment and Learning in the Classroom, by Louis Cozolino. Kelley completed her Ph.D. in Early Intervention and Special Education at the University of Oregon and is a researcher and licensed therapist working in areas of trauma, adult attachment, special education, and human development. Join in the conversation as they talk about the intersections of whole-child and SEL, how to best develop SEL within teachers and leaders, and where educators can get started in their SEL journeys. Key Takeaways: [:09] About today’s episode with Kelley Munger and Megan Marcus of FuelEd. [:55] Rebecca welcomes Kelley and Megan to the Getting Smart Podcast. [1:04] How Kelley and Megan first met and came together with FuelEd. [2:10] The differences (and similarities) between social-emotional learning, trauma-informed practices, and whole-child and whole-person work. [4:52] How and why they incorporate all three lenses (of SEL, trauma-informed practices, and whole-person work) at FuelEd. [5:04] Kelley describes what “attachment stories” are. [7:56] The importance of identity and the differences in SEL practices for educators vs. students. [16:10] About Getting Smart’s new report on what’s next in learning! [16:46] Dos and Don’ts for teaching SEL. [23:11] Key takeaways and advice for scaling, and more on the inception of FuelEd. [26:36] How anti-racist teaching is being supported through SEL and the work that Kelley and Megan are doing at FuelEd. [31:20] Kelley and Megan share some ideas on addressing large-scale trauma/collective stories to help educators and students. [34:47] Rebecca thanks Kelley and Megan for joining the podcast. [36:27] Where to learn more about FuelEd and the work that Kelley and Megan are doing in this world!   Mentioned in This Episode: Rebecca Midles | Getting Smart FuelEd @FuelEdSchools on Twitter Megan Marcus Kelley Munger The Social Neuroscience of Education: Optimizing Attachment and Learning in the Classroom, by Louis Cozolino Getting Smart’s Newest Report: “20 Invention Opportunities in Learning & Development” Getting Smart Podcast Ep. 308 — “Phoenix Charter Academy on The Primary Person Advisory Model”   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review, and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include “Podcast” in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!  

Today Tom is sitting down virtually to speak with Jeremy Keeshin, about his new book, Read Write Code: A Friendly Introduction to the World of Coding and Why It’s the New Literacy. Jeremy has been an innovator from an early age and co-founded CodeHS back in 2012 when he was just graduating from Stanford University with a BS in Computer Science. CodeHS is an online coding education platform that helps schools teach computer science to high school students. Jeremy is an advocate for continuous learning, focusing on emerging technologies, and providing free access to education for all high schoolers. In this episode, Jeremy speaks about his book, Read Write Code, the many benefits of learning to code, why it might be the new literacy, and whether or not students should still be thinking about going to college. He also speaks about the many opportunities that learning coding provides, what CodeHS offers educators and schools, how the rise of A.I. and machine learning is changing what should be taught to students in high school, and advice for students interested in pursuing a career in computer science.   Key Takeaways: [:00] About Project Unicorn. [:33] About today’s episode with Jeremy Keeshin [1:13] Tom welcomes Jeremy to the podcast! [2:02] When did Jeremy originally get hooked on coding? [3:10] Did Jeremy always know that he wanted to focus on computer science? [3:47] Jeremy speaks a bit about his experience studying Computer Science at Stanford University. [5:18] How, why, and when Jeremy started his company, CodeHS. [5:49] Jeremy explains what CodeHS is. [6:51] About CodeHS’s business model. [7:18] What teachers and administrators get in the premium offering that CodeHS offers. [7:49] Why they offer free programming through CodeHS. [9:07] Why what CodeHS offers is so invaluable to so many teachers and schools. [10:15] For students with a deep interest in computer science, what courses should they take in high school? [12:46] What programming languages would Jeremy recommend students focus on? [14:14] Is coding the new literacy or is it just a vocational skill? [17:32] What coding looks like at the elementary level and the best long-term way of teaching programming in a sustainable way for students. [18:55] How the rise of A.I. and machine learning in every sector of the economy has changed what we should teach students in high school. [21:57] Computer science is moving really quickly. How can we give students advice about what careers might be attractive to them and what they should be learning in high school? And how can we help teachers and counselors stay up-to-date on this knowledge? [24:07] Should students go to college for coding with so many great resources online? [26:17] Tom plugs Jeremy’s fantastic book, Read Write Code: A Friendly Introduction to the World of Coding and Why It’s the New Literacy. [26:39] Who should read Jeremy’s book? [26:56] Why secondary teachers would really benefit from reading Jeremy’s book. [27:33] With things moving so fast, how does Jeremy keep up and continually learn? [28:36] Tom thanks Jeremy for joining the podcast!   Mentioned in This Episode: Project Unicorn Jeremy Keeshin Jeremy Keeshin’s Twitter CodeHS Read Write Code: A Friendly Introduction to the World of Coding and Why It’s the New Literacy, by Jeremy Keeshin JavaScript Python Coding in the Wild Getting Smart Podcast Ep. 138: “AI4All Extends the Power of Artificial Intelligence to High School Girls”   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review, and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include “Podcast” in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!  

Today Tom is speaking with Dr. Ron Crutcher, President and Professor of Music at the University of Richmond. He’s also the author of the new book, I Had No Idea You Were Black: Navigating Race on the Road to Leadership. Dr. Crutcher was a founding co-chair of Liberal Education and America’s Promise (LEAP) and a former member of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. His new book, I Had No Idea You Were Black, outlines his success as a Black intellectual navigating highly-charged social issues, his principles for leading and being, his personal and professional journey, his struggles as both an artist and an educator to overcome the blindness and cruelty of racism, and the ways in which we must build colleges and universities as places where learning starts with listening and where courage and character matter. Listen in as Tom and Dr. Crutcher discuss the influence of music, strong leadership, the role of university and college, lessons on life and leadership, and much more.   Key Takeaways: [:10] About today’s episode with Ronald A. Crutcher. [:44] Tom welcomes Ronald A. Crutcher to the podcast and congratulates him on his new book! [:56] How did the cello first enter Dr. Crutcher’s life? [4:28] How an incredibly influential teacher put Dr. Crutcher on a completely different life trajectory. [8:22] How this influential teacher (and the experiences that followed) impacted Dr. Crutcher’s leadership style. [11:44] Dr. Crutcher shares additional insights from his musical and performing arts background that he brings to his work today as an educational leader and President and Professor of Music at the University of Richmond. [14:47] Ron shares the story that resulted in the title of his book, I Had No Idea You Were Black: Navigating Race on the Road to Leadership. [17:20] Ron speaks more on his experience of being one of the few African-Americans involved in symphonies and orchestras and the lessons he learned. [19:05] What began Ron’s dream of leading a university. [21:25] About Getting Smart’s new report on what’s next in learning! [23:05] Important characteristics and values for leaders and those in a role such as a college or a university President. [27:20] How Ron is able to stand by these values in his own role. [28:04] Ron speaks on the importance of being in a diverse community and what that should look like in a college or university. [31:14] Three key lessons from Ron’s book on acknowledging race, controversies, and slowing down to have these important conversations around diversity. [34:42] Ron elaborates what he sees the purpose of higher education as and what higher ed can do to create a shared reality around diversity and equity. [38:20] Ron’s agenda for improving diversity and equity at the University of Richmond. [42:28] Tom thanks Ron for joining the podcast and sharing his invaluable insights!   Mentioned in This Episode: Ronald A. Crutcher’s LinkedIn I Had No Idea You Were Black: Navigating Race on the Road to Leadership, by Ronald A. Crutcher Getting Smart’s Newest Report: “20 Invention Opportunities in Learning & Development” Colleges That Change Lives: 40 Schools That Will Change the Way You Think About Colleges, by Loren Pope and Hilary Masell Oswald Getting Smart Podcast Ep: “Joe Truss on Dismantling White Supremacy Culture in Schools”   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review, and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include “Podcast” in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!  

On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Tom Vander Ark is speaking with Summer Stephens and Nate Waite about district change in the Churchill County School District. Summer Stephens is a longtime educator and superintendent that has successfully implemented systems of blended and online learning, voice and choice, self-paced learning, project-based learning, and design thinking. A specific focus of her work includes bridging the gap between courses traditionally identified as core and CTE, and, working to ensure that systems have opportunities and pathways for all students to engage in future-ready work. Nate Waite has a background in both the classroom and in edtech and is now the Innovation and Professional Learning Facilitator for the region. The bulk of his time is spent right at Churchill, SD, where has been for the last 24 years. Listen in as Summer and Nate talk with Tom about district change, professional learning models, and how they each continue their own learning!   Key Takeaways: [:11] About today’s episode with Summer Stephens and Nate Waite of Churchill County School District. [:58] Tom welcomes Summer and Nate to the Getting Smart Podcast! [1:12] Where the Churchill County Public School is. [2:18] Has Nate been directly working with Summer in the last two years she has been working at Churchill County? [2:36] What was the state of learning when Summer first arrived at Churchill? [4:25] Was the “Profile of a Learner” in place when Summer joined the team or did she develop it? [5:56] About the different Profiles of a Learner: Critical Thinker, Inspired Innovator, Collaborative Learner, Effective Communicator, Global Citizen, and Lifelong Learner. [8:05] Nate provides some background on why they developed the Global Citizen and Inspired Innovator profiles and what it means to be those learners. [11:21] Summer elaborates on their change strategy at Churchill. [13:47] The four elements of Churchill’s instructional model. [18:06] A powerful new tool that every teacher should be using with their learners: the Well-Being Index by Turnaround for Children. [19:01] What professional learning looks like in Churchill. [21:10] Was 2020 the toughest year of Summer’s career? [23:30] Nate shares about the challenges (and the silver lining) that the staff of Churchill has experienced in the last 12 months. [25:50] What is going to be better and different in Churchill 18 months from now? What capabilities and strategies have they implemented in the last 12 months that they will continue to take forward? [28:43] How Nate has continued his own learning. [30:42] How Summer has continued her own learning. [32:28] Tom Vander Ark thanks Summer Stephens and Nate Waite for joining the podcast!   Mentioned in This Episode: Summer Stephens’ LinkedIn Nate Waite’s LinkedIn Churchill County Public School Naval Air Station Fallon Well-Being Index | Turnaround for Children Getting Smart Podcast Ep. 232: “Virginia Superintendent James Lane on Unleashing Innovation”   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review, and subscribe. Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include “Podcast” in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!

In this episode, Getting Smart team member, Rashawn Caruthers, talks with two educators from Phoenix Charter Academy about their Primary Person Model. This model is a one-on-one advisory system that puts mental health and wellness at the forefront of student progress, which now — more than ever — is so important. Phoenix Charter Academy is a member of the Strategy Lab cohort, which is part of the Always Ready for Learning Network; a project from The Learning Accelerator. As storytelling partners on the project, Getting Smart is thrilled to share this vital work that helps districts work together to accelerate the development of a more resilient and equitable education future. Rashawn’s two guests today are Scarlet Im and Marisa Balleani of Phoenix Charter Academy. Scarlet is a Mathematics teacher and Marisa is an Academic Support Teacher and IEP/504 Case Manager. These two educators demonstrate care and a willingness to learn and iterate for the benefit of their learners. In their conversation, Scarlet and Marisa share about the Primary Person Model from its successes to its challenges and the future of the practice. At the end of the episode, Scarlet shares a special one-on-one conversation with her and a scholar to demonstrate what the PPM model looks like on a daily basis.   Key Takeaways: [:11] About today’s episode with Scarlet Im and Marisa Balleani of Phoenix Charter Academy. [1:18] Rashawn Caruthers welcomes Scarlet and Marisa to the podcast. [1:31] Scarlet shares her background and gives an introduction to the Phoenix Charter Academy. [2:56] Marisa speaks about her role at Phoenix Charter Academy. [3:42] About the Primary Person Model and how it originally began. [5:36] How Marisa has witnessed the Primary Person Model create a shift for students. [7:09] Key findings that Scarlet is seeing from these one-on-one meetings with students and educators. [9:19] Marisa shares her personal experience with her PPM caseload and the benefits she is seeing amongst students. [10:06] How are they collecting data from the PPM program to continue to build the program post-COVID-19 and in different reflective practices? [11:35] Scarlet shares how they have used professional development to support the PPM work within their school. [14:21] Marisa shares how they use the data they collect to shift their teaching practices and their level of support for one another. [15:55] Is the PPM model scalable? Can other schools utilize it? [19:38] What would students say about the PPM model? What do they like most about it? [21:44] A special check-in between Scarlet and one of her scholars where they go over his weekly schedule, upcoming goals, and more! [32:46] Rashawn thanks Scarlet and Marisa for joining the podcast!   Mentioned in This Episode: Phoenix Charter Academy Strategy Lab Always Ready for Learning Network The Learning Accelerator Scarlet Im Marisa Balleani Getting Smart Podcast Ep. 217: “How Educators Can Positively Impact a Child’s Cognitive Development with Dr. Pamela Cantor”   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review, and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include “Podcast” in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!  

Joining Tom today is Thomas Hatch, a professor at the Teachers College Columbia University and the Director of the National Center for Restructuring Education, Schools, and Teaching (NCREST). Thomas’s research includes studies of school improvement, district, and national levels. His latest book, The Education We Need for a Future We Can’t Predict, focuses on efforts to create more powerful learning experiences both inside and outside schools in developed and developing contexts. In Thomas and Tom’s conversation, they discuss the future of powerful learning, micro-innovations, and change. Thomas takes listeners through his book, The Education We Need for a Future We Can’t Predict, and shares the key components that lead to school and systems change. This is a fascinating discussion so don’t miss out! Key Takeaways: [:10] About today’s episode with Thomas Hatch. [:42] Tom Vander Ark welcomes Thomas Hatch to the podcast. [:51] Thomas shares the origin story of NCREST as well as its mission. [3:01] Tom shares his appreciation for Thomas’s early work on the concept of coherence. [3:39] Thomas takes us to the early beginnings of his work around coherence and explains what it is and why it is important. [7:26] Tom congratulates Thomas on his new book, The Education We Need for a Future We Can’t Predict, and shares what he loves about it. [7:54] Thomas tells about each of the sections in his book, starting with part 1: “Why Should Schools Change?” He headlines the case for change and provides some suggestions on how to create agreements around them. [11:40] Tom shares the key insights he appreciated in the first section. [12:27] The second section of the book covers barriers to change. Thomas lists some of the barriers and what we can do to make progress in overcoming them. [15:39] In section three of Thomas’s book, he writes about how schools can improve. In particular, he focuses on high-leverage problems. Thomas explains what these are, why they’re critical, and shares some examples. [17:33] The next section of Thomas’s book is on how education can change where he introduces the concept of micro-innovations. Thomas explains what these are and what they can do to move a system agenda forward. [20:18] Tom shares how 4.0 Schools have been teaching this idea of micro-innovations. [21:07] Chapter 5 of Thomas’ book is on systems change. Thomas speaks about two critical elements of systems change that are covered in this chapter: capacity building and collective responsibility. [25:28] Would Thomas agree that it takes a decade-long push on all three of these primary levers to really promote systems change? [27:44] Thomas reflects on his career, professional learning, and how he has seen education change over the years. [30:29] Would Thomas say that writing is part of his learning process? [32:00] What’s next for Thomas? [34:10] Tom thanks Thomas for joining the Getting Smart Podcast!   Mentioned in This Episode: Thomas Hatch’s Website The Education We Need for a Future We Can’t Predict, by Thomas Hatch National Center for Restructuring Education, Schools, and Teaching (NCREST) Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Project Zero ATLAS Communities | Project Zero The New American Schools Development Corporation (JSTOR) Success For All Foundation Linda Darling-Hammond Coalition of Essential Schools Theodore R. Sizer 4.0 Schools Albemarle County Public Schools Getting Smart Podcast Ep. 256: “Jenny Pieratt on Powerful PBL”   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review, and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include “Podcast” in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!

Today Tom is speaking with Stephanie Krauss; an educator, social worker, researcher, and writer. Her work focuses on what young people need in the first quarter of life for them to thrive and be ready for adulthood. She is a senior advisor to JFF and a staff consultant for the Youth Transition Funders Group. In this episode, Tom and Stephanie discuss the ways her childhood ultimately led her to follow up her teaching career with an education in social work. Her new book, Making It: What Today’s Kids Need for Tomorrow’s World, focuses on the rarely discussed but extremely important currencies required for kids today. During the discussion, Stephanie highlights the social and financial realities of kids, the inequities and injustices that exist in the education system, and how adults can equip young people with the competencies they need to survive.   Key Takeaways: [:11] About today’s episode with Stephanie Krauss. [:43] Tom Vander Ark welcomes Stephanie to the podcast! [1:22] Stephanie chose to pursue social work to better understand the social and financial realities of kids. [3:27] The “Readiness is a Right” philosophy. [7:59] Stephanie’s book, Making It: What Today’s Kids Need for Tomorrow’s World, unpacks the complexity and explains the injustice of what is required for readiness. [12:36] Stephanie describes the new currencies she focuses on in her book, Making It. [20:11] Injustices and inequities in social capital and the role it plays in a child’s life. [25:07] How young people can be discerning about choosing credentials and cash. [27:32] Stephanie tackles the lack of access to capital/cash for students living in poverty. [31:44] Specific ways educators and community leaders can be currency builders.   Mentioned in This Episode: Stephanie Malia Krauss Making It: What Today’s Kids Need for Tomorrow’s World, by Stephanie Krauss Who You Know: Unlocking Innovations That Expand Students' Networks, by Julia Freeland Fisher, with Daniel Fisher, foreword by Clayton M. Christensen   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review, and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include “Podcast” in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!  

Today Tom is speaking with Navid Nathoo; an innovator, entrepreneur, and creator of the new program and platform, The Knowledge Society. The Knowledge Society is an after-school program that helps learners navigate interests and encourages them to contribute to their communities as well as the global community with a series of projects. In this episode, Tom and Navid talk about what the future of education could be and how to get learners to find their spark and lean into difference-making. Navid shares about the genesis of The Knowledge Society, its mission, why he decided to create it, and how the program itself works. He also shares some key insights on how you can skill up in a new area, the importance of honing your ability to problem-solve, and the top indicators of what makes someone successful.   Key Takeaways: [:09] About today’s episode with Navid Nathoo. [:48] Tom Vander Ark welcomes Navid to the podcast! [1:25] Navid shares about his background and his upbringing in Canada. [2:21] About the previous companies Navid has founded. [3:19] Navid shares how he first became interested in the space of artificial intelligence and data science. Navid also highlights the importance of honing the ability of problem-solving as well as using emerging technologies to solve problems. [7:10] Navid offers insights on how you can skill up in a new area. [9:47] Why did Navid decide to start The Knowledge Society? [13:20] One of the top key indicators of what makes someone successful, and the mission of The Knowledge Society. [14:35] About The Knowledge Society program and some of its major goals. [16:39] Would Navid say that students have to be self-directed in this program? [18:00] How do they match students with projects? [20:00] How many learners are in the program? And where are they from? [21:36] Navid talks about their business model and scaling aspirations. [23:05] Would it be possible to use this model to rethink high school and college? [26:29] Tom and Navid share what they love about The Knowledge Society. [28:18] Navid shares some examples of impressive student projects. [32:02] Tom thanks Navid for joining the podcast and Navid shares where you can learn more about TKS online!   Mentioned in This Episode: Navid Nathoo’s LinkedIn The Knowledge Society TKS’ Twitter Getting Smart Podcast Ep. 284: “Joanne McEachen on Contributive Learning”   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review, and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include “Podcast” in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!  

Today, Tom is virtually sitting down with Trace Pickering, the Executive Director of Iowa BIG — one of Getting Smart’s favorite learning programs in the country! Trace has a background in community building, has served as the Associate Superintendent of Cedar Rapids Community School District, and has also served as the Associate Director of Education Reimagined. Trace has a legacy of empowering people to pursue interesting and important projects while bringing together an entire community. In this conversation, Tom and Trace discuss the power of community-connected projects, how to scale a program like Iowa BIG, and how to create a culture of project-based learning. Trace also shares about the genesis of Iowa BIG, some incredible student-led projects that have come out of Iowa BIG, and his thoughts on why community-centered learning is more important than ever.   Key Takeaways: [:09] About today’s episode with Trace Pickering. [:55] Tom Vander Ark welcomes Trace to the podcast! [1:05] Did Trace grow up in Iowa? [1:16] Trace and Tom go into the “Way-back Machine” to 12 years ago after the Cedar River covered Cedar Rapids in a flood. Trace shares his reflections from what he learned in the process of a local newspaper inviting him to host a series of community conversations about what was next for Cedar Rapids. He also shares how this series of community conversations led to the creation of Iowa BIG. [6:54] Trace explains what Iowa BIG is, what its mission is, and how long it has been running. [8:46] How does this work for students? How many high schools do they work with? [9:23] Trace shares about how Iowa BIG is learner-centered and how the projects work around this. [11:54] Do many or all of the student projects at Iowa BIG revolve around the concept of “community as classroom”? [12:22] The idea that students should do work that matters to them and their community is really central to every project that’s co-constructed at Iowa BIG. [12:42] Trace shares a recent example of an incredible student project that helped out the community in the midst of the pandemic. [17:05] Trace shares how they incorporated communication expectations into that project and how the organizing students developed and demonstrated communication standards as part of the project. [19:07] Trace shares how they incorporate science and math learning into these community projects and shares a specific example of an amazing student project. [21:50] Trace gives advice to those who want to start up a similar program and become more learner-centered. [23:48] Tom offers further suggestions on how you could begin to implement a similar program. [24:11] What would an Iowa BIG ecosystem look like? What if all high schools were learner-centered? [26:57] Does Trace feel that this sort of work is more important than ever in this current landscape? [29:09] Where to learn more about Iowa BIG and the work that Trace Pickering is doing. [30:01] Tom thanks Trace for joining the podcast!   Mentioned in This Episode: Iowa BIG @IowaBIG Twitter The Iowa BIG Podcast on Spotify @IowaBIG Facebook @IowaBIG Instagram Trace Pickering’s LinkedIn XQ | Iowa BIG The Power of Place: Authentic Learning Through Place-Based Education, by Tom Vander Ark, Emily Liebtag, and Nate McClennen Difference Making at the Heart of Learning: Students, Schools, and Communities Alive With Possibility, by Tom Vander Ark and Emily Liebtag LimoLink Getting Smart Podcast Ep. 265: “Jenny Pieratt on Powerful PBL”   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review, and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include “Podcast” in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!

In this episode, Tom is joined by Kelly Young, President of Education Reimagined, to chat with Randy Ziegenfuss, podcast host and former Superintendent, about his multi-decade influence in the education space. Randy recently retired from the role of Superintendent in the Salisbury Township School District where he served for the past 15 years. Currently, he teaches as a Clinical Adjunct Professor of Education at Moravian College and Delaware Valley University. You can read his blog at WorkingAtTheEdge.org and listen to his podcasts at ShiftYourParadigm.org or TLTalkRadio.org. Listen in as Tom and Kelly reflect on Randy’s influence and experience on leadership and learner-centered education! Key Takeaways: [:09] About today’s episode with Randy Ziegenfuss. [:55] Tom Vander Ark welcomes Randy Ziegenfuss to the podcast! [1:05] Tom thanks Kelly for joining as a co-host in this episode. [1:58] Many people know Randy as the Salisbury Township School District’s Superintendent, which is in Allentown, PA. Did Randy grow up there? Where did he go to school and what did he excel in? [3:56] Tom and Randy highlight the huge role extracurricular activities and the arts often play in being powerful learning experiences for people in their formative years. [5:33] Why every young person deserves an experience in music and the arts in high school, and why these experiences are especially powerful and important. [7:02] Did Randy plan to be a music teacher? What were his early aspirations? [9:50] Did Randy ever take a school group to Broadway? [10:27] When and how did Randy make the shift from music to ed-tech? [12:20] How Randy was first introduced to Education Reimagined and the powerful collaboration that they’ve had over the last several years. [14:05] When did Kelly first hear about Randy? [14:55] What Kelly really likes about Randy’s podcasts. [15:52] Randy reminisces on what led to the creation of his podcasts. [18:24] Tom shares what he really appreciated about Randy’s podcasts. [18:50] The benefits and challenges of having learners involved in many of Randy’s dialogues throughout the years. [19:53] Kelly shares why she believes listening to learners is so vitally important. [20:18] What Randy sees as being really powerful in hearing from young people and what he thinks listeners gained from listening to them. [23:17] Kelly and Randy reflect on learner-centered leadership, what they’ve come to learn about it, and what makes a learner-centered leader. [29:28] What Randy and Kelly would hope to see in a learner-centered ecosystem. [32:30] Would Randy say that last year was the toughest year of his professional career? What would he say was the most challenging aspect? [35:32] Randy highlights some of the cracks, openings, and opportunities that came from this tough last year. [37:50] Tom and Kelly thank Randy for his incredible contributions to the education space. [39:00] Randy gives his thanks to Tom and Kelly. [40:13] Getting Smart thanks Randy and Kelly for joining the podcast!   Mentioned in This Episode: Randy Ziegenfuss’s LinkedIn Randy’s Twitter @Ziegeran WorkingAtTheEdge.org TLTalkRadio.org ShiftYourParadigm.org Salisbury Township School District Moravian College Delaware Valley University Getting Smart Podcast Ep. 170: “Randy Ziegenfuss on Teacher Leadership and Student-Centered Learning”   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review, and subscribe. Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include “Podcast” in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!  

In this week’s episode, Tom virtually sits down with Kim Smith, founder of the Pahara Institute and co-founder of NewSchools Venture Fund and Bellwether Education Partners. Kim Smith is widely recognized as an innovative and entrepreneurial leader in education and has been featured in Newsweek’s report, “Women of the 21st Century,” as the kind of woman who will shape America’s new century. Kim was also a founding team member at Teach for America, created and led an Americorps program for community-based leaders and education, managed a business startup, and completed a brief stint in early online learning at Silicon Graphics. She has helped to incubate numerous education and social change organizations and has served on a range of boards. In Tom and Kim’s conversation today, they discuss investment opportunities, Kim’s impressive career in identifying and supporting innovations in education, and her advice for this year.   Key Takeaways: [:09] About today’s episode with Kim Smith. [1:03] Tom Vander Ark welcomes Kim to the podcast! [2:19] Kim shares how both of her parents were also educators and how they influenced her career. [3:49] How long was Kim at Teach for America? [3:57] What did Kim do after Teach for America? [5:17] The origin story of NewSchools Venture Fund. [6:34] Tom underscores how innovative of an idea the NewSchools Venture Fund was when it was founded in 1998. [7:26] Kim speaks about the early criticisms of the NewSchools Venture Fund as well as the challenges. [7:50] What led to the idea of NewSchools Venture Fund? [10:49] How Kim recruited an incredibly talented team for NewSchools Venture Fund. [12:53] Lessons learned from the incredible success of NewSchools Venture Fund. [16:39] Tom gives John Doerr a shoutout for the role he played in the success of NewSchools Venture Fund. [17:15] Kim’s legacy at NewSchools Venture Fund has certainly resulted in a thousand great schools — all of which are still thriving to this day! Kim shares how she is proud of this accomplishment. [17:51] Tom shares his appreciation for Kim’s early insights and leadership with R&D and ed-tech venture funds. [19:23] Kim’s recent thoughts on philanthropy. [20:50] In 2012, Kim founded Pahara Institute, a non-profit focused on talent. Kim shares the origin story, why she wanted to create it, and its main mission. [24:49] How many leaders have been a part of Pahara over the last eight years? [24:58] What Kim is proudest of with Pahara Institute. [28:34] Kim’s advice for philanthropists in this day and age. [29:57] Advice for system heads. [31:30] Advice for state leaders that would help support families and learners. [33:00] Kim speaks about her hopes for the new Secretary of Education. [33:35] What Kim hopes all of these groups keep in mind as we head into 2021.   Mentioned in This Episode: Kim Smith’s LinkedIn Stanford Graduate School of Business Teach for America Pahara Institute NewSchools Venture Fund Bellwether Education Partners John Doerr Getting Smart Podcast Ep. 212: “Teach for America: Helping All Kids Receive the Education They Deserve, with CEO Elisa Villaneuva Beard”   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review, and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include “Podcast” in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!  

This week, Tom is speaking with Joe Erpelding, a passionate educator and leader who is in the business of transforming schools and students’ lives. Joe served as the Principal at the Poway Unified School District for a number of years before making his way to Design39Campus where he was able to create a magical, one-of-a-kind school experience for every learner. Now, he is transitioning to support the team at Thrively, a tool for helping learners understand their strengths, purpose, and passion. Listen in as Tom speaks with Joe about what makes Design39 a magical place to be, why design thinking matters, and what Thrively can do for education.   Key Takeaways: [:09] About today’s episode with Joe Erpelding. [:44] Tom Vander Ark welcomes Joe to the podcast! [:50] How long has Joe been with Design39? [1:05] What makes Design39 such a magic TK-8 campus. [2:46] How the Design39 building reflects the amazing program and culture. [3:15] How Joe and his colleagues describe what learners should know and be able to do at Design39. [4:53] How they express their learning goals at Design39. [5:53] What design thinking means to Joe and how they practice it at Design39. [7:02] Joe builds a picture of what you would see if you walked into the classrooms of the primary grades. [8:37] About the double classrooms, common spaces, and unique seating options at Design39. [9:58] Joe shares about the unique “learning parties” at Design39 for the intermediate grades. [11:10] The role of the teacher (or “learning experienced designers,” as they’re called at Design39). [13:19] How does Joe think about the role of a school head, now having almost two decades of school leadership? [14:37] Joe describes a difficult challenge that their community went through and how they approached it together, ultimately overcoming it. [16:46] How Joe leads his own learning as a school head. [19:04] How Joe and his colleagues led a new way forward in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. [21:51] About the Thrively app, how it is being used at Design39, and what Joe is hoping to accomplish by joining the team. [24:52] The age range Thrively covers. [25:25] How the feature “sparks” within the Thrively platform helps ignite students’ curiosity. [26:10] How Thrively helps promote social justice. [27:01] The various ways teachers can utilize Thrively. [29:16] Joe’s hopes for joining the Thrively team and what he hopes they can accomplish over the next two years. [30:21] Where to learn more about Thrively, Design39Campus, and connect with Joe online. [30:55] Tom thanks Joe for joining the podcast.   Mentioned in This Episode: Joe Erpelding Poway Unified School District Design39Campus Thrively Education Reimagined Stanford d.school Altitude Learning Big Picture Learning Getting Smart Podcast Ep. 95: “Leadership for School Progress in Poway Unified”   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review, and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include “Podcast” in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!

Today, Tom is talking with journalist and author, Jeff Selingo, about his new book, Who Gets In and Why: A Year Inside College Admissions. This book was published in September 2020 and was named an Editor’s Choice by the New York Times book review. Jeff has written about higher education for more than two decades and is a New York Times best-selling author of three books. He is also a regular contributor to The Atlantic and is a special advisor for innovation and professor of practice at Arizona State University. Additionally, he co-hosts the Future U Podcast, with Michael Horn. Listen in as Tom and Jeff talk about what’s going on under the hood of higher ed and what opportunities there are for a more equitable future. Jeff also shares many tips and advice for learners and their families when selecting and applying for the college and universities that are right for them.   Key Takeaways: [:10] About today’s episode with Jeff Selingo. [:48] Tom Vander Ark welcomes Jeff to the podcast! [:52] What percentage of Americans have a post-secondary degree? And is it better than it was twenty years ago? What should we be aiming for? [1:52] Does Jeff see higher ed changing from something that you do after high school to something that you continue to access throughout life? [4:53] Should colleges be turning their alumni networks into learning networks? [6:14] How many institutions are there for American higher ed? [7:06] The impact that the pandemic is having on these institutions and, in turn, the communities they’re a part of. [8:32] How many universities are selective? [9:47] Is it true that a large percentage of young people actually get into their first-choice college? [10:30] Jeff shares his thoughts on the ACTs and the SATs. Is he pro- or anti-testing? [12:20] Has college lost its return on investment over the last decade? [13:20] Tom congratulates Jeff on his new book, Who Gets In and Why: A Year Inside College Admissions. [13:40] Why did Jeff decide to write this book? [15:06] While researching his book, Jeff spent a lot of time in three universities in particular. How did he choose them and why? And were these universities selective? [15:54] How many students did Jeff track at these universities? [16:15] Is the admissions process better or worse than most would think? [17:37] What does Jeff mean by, “Schools are either buyers or sellers”? [18:48] Jeff’s predictions for the future of “buyers.” [20:32] Jeff’s advice for applicants from his book. [22:59] How big should your college funnel be? And how do you narrow it down? [24:02] Does early admission improve your chances of getting in? [24:33] Is fit or image more important when choosing where to go? [25:12] How Jeff advises learners and their families on the trade-offs between reputation and cost. [27:57] What the parents’ role should be in this process. [28:50] What should the high school experience be so that learners are positioned to make a good choice in selecting which college or university is right for them? [30:27] What would Jeff add to his book now, given the pandemic? [31:43] Jeff’s predictions on what college might look like coming out of the pandemic. [32:14] What does Jeff mean by, “Colleges should recruit all students like athletes”? [33:15] America seems to have fallen out of love with higher ed in the last few years. Is Jeff optimistic about the future of the sector? [35:08] Tom plugs Jeff’s book, Who Gets In and Why: A Year Inside College Admissions and gives his recommendation on who should be reading it. [35:47] Where to learn more about Jeff and his book online. [36:10] Tom thanks Jeff for joining the podcast.   Mentioned in This Episode: Jeff Selingo Who Gets In and Why: A Year Inside College Admissions, by Jeff Selingo Future U Podcast with Jeff Selingo and Michael Horn Lumina Foundation Getting Smart Podcast Ep. 286: “Jamie Merisotis on Human Work in the Age of Smart Machines” Getting Smart Podcast Ep. 297: “Michelle Weise on Long Life Learning” Long Life Learning: Preparing for Jobs that Don‘t Even Exist Yet, by Michelle Weise Getting Smart Podcast Ep. 228: “Michael Horn on Choosing College”   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review, and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include “Podcast” in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!

This week, Tom is joined by special guest, Maya Ajmera, the President and CEO of the Society for Science & the Public and Publisher of its award-winning magazine, Science News. In 1993, Maya founded The Global Fund for Children (GFC), a non-profit organization that invests in innovative, community-based organizations working with some of the world’s most vulnerable children and youth. She is also a celebrated children’s book author with more than twenty books under her belt. Recently, Maya was awarded the 2020 Public Service Award by the National Science Foundation. In this conversation, Tom talks with Maya about social entrepreneurship, why science matters now more than ever, and her extraordinary journey through the world of science and impact. Maya highlights the importance of project-based learning, science fairs, equity in delivering science news, and providing all learners with the opportunity to become a scientist or engineer, and the Society for Science & the Public’s role in pushing these changes forward. Key Takeaways: [:10] About today’s episode with Maya Ajmera. [:53] Tom Vander Ark welcomes Maya to the podcast! [1:00] Maya shares how she first became entranced with the world of science through duckweeds. [3:00] Maya speaks about her experience both attending the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics and now being a trustee. [4:25] About the mentorship program at the NC School of Science and Mathematics that led to Maya being recognized as one of the nation’s leading young scientists. [5:31] Does Maya agree that every learner should have the opportunity to be a part of a science fair every other year from grades 6-12? [6:42] How Maya’s organization has helped lead the science fair movement. [6:59] Why science fairs are so beneficial to students’ learning. [7:42] When and how Maya made the decision to switch from basic science to public policy, and eventually found The Global Fund for Children at only 24 years old. [10:55] Maya speaks about leading the GFC for 18 years and why she ultimately decided to leave and become a professional lecturer and visiting scholar at the Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies at Johns Hopkins University. [13:44] Why and how Maya took on her new role as President and CEO of the Society for Science & the Public. [16:13] Maya further elaborates on the equity of the Society for Science & the Public and how they ensure equitable participation in their programs. [19:02] Having taken over Science News during a time where it was very difficult to be a publisher, Maya shares how she has rethought and reworked the business model into becoming more sustainable and having a broader impact. [22:03] As a society we are facing the challenge of an ever-present general distrust and disregard of science with the rise of social media. Maya shares how she thinks we can regain this trust back and how The Society for Science & the Public is playing a role in rebuilding an interest. [24:17] What science learning could and should look like in school. [27:57] About the incredible International Science and Engineering Fair by The Society for Science & the Public. [28:45] The link between science education, entrepreneurship, and impact; and what we could be doing to introduce more young scientists to impact models (that could provide them with the opportunities to start companies, launch social enterprises, etc.). [31:30] What areas of science is Maya most encouraged by right now? [33:22] Maya’s advice for students that are interested in science. [34:07] Tom congratulates Maya on winning the 2020 Public Service Award by the National Science Foundation. [34:45] What’s next for Maya and The Society for Science & the Public? [35:55] Where to find Maya and The Society for Science & the Public online. [36:54] Tom thanks Maya for joining the podcast.   Mentioned in This Episode: Maya Ajmera Society for Science & the Public Science News Magazine The Global Fund for Children (GFC) International Science and Engineering Fair Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Getting Smart Podcast Ep. 233: “Rebecca Parks on Learning and Exploring Through Nature and Science”   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review, and subscribe. Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include “Podcast” in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!  

Today, Tom is joined by a powerful panel of ed leaders to discuss the future of learning. You will hear from Dr. Pamela Moran, Byron Sanders, and Ed Hess. Dr. Pamela Moran is recognized internally as a leading advocate for contemporary education. She currently serves as Executive Director of the Virginia School Consortium for Learning and routinely consults with higher education, non-profits, and school districts. Byron Sanders is the President and CEO of Big Thought; an organization that serves 150,000 students at more than 400 locations with creative enrichment. Their work is about closing the opportunity gap and building agency, hope, and creativity. Ed Hess has spent more than 20 years in the business world as a Senior Executive at Warburg Paribas Becker, Boettcher & Company: Robert M. Bass Group, and Jones Lang Wooten. He’s the author of 13 books, over 150 practitioner articles, and over 60 Darden cases dealing with innovation, learning cultures, and system processes. Join in the conversation as Tom speaks with his esteemed guests about the invention opportunities in learning, the future of the American high school, and the kinds of learning experiences that are really going to benefit students. This is a deep and powerful conversation with tons of key takeaways, important lessons, and insightful wisdom that you won’t want to miss out on!   Key Takeaways: [:10] About today’s episode with Pam Moran, Ed Hess, and Byron Sanders. [1:18] Tom welcomes his panel of guests to the podcast! [1:44] Ed Hess’s book, Hyper-Learning, suggests that we should learn to do stuff that computers are not very good at (i.e. excel cognitively, behaviorally, and emotionally in ways that technology cannot). Ed elaborates more on this and how it sets the stage for the future of education. [7:53] Byron’s thoughts on we should redefine the purpose of, and goals of, high school. [11:50] Pam shares her insights on how she sees the redefining of the goals and purpose of high school, and whether or not Portrait of a Graduate is a good step in the right direction. [17:35] Tom’s new book, Difference Making at the Heart of Learning, shares the radical proposition that high school should be a place where you figure out who you are, what you’re good at, what you care about, where/how you’re going to make a difference in the world, and that difference-making is the new superpower. Does Ed see this as part of the new core purpose of high school? [19:58] The kinds of learning experiences that Byron sees as really benefiting high school students. [24:20] Pam shares what kinds of learning experiences she sees as benefiting high school students. [25:15] Pam proposes a question for the panel: “What would need to change if what we wanted to do was to move towards kids who understand the concept of ‘quiet egos’ and why that is an important disposition to have success in life?” [26:02] Ed answers Pam’s question. [27:02] Ed shares a prediction on how he sees the future of classrooms within high schools. [29:12] Tom proposes that making an advisory structure and relationships central in both the secondary and post-secondary experience is part of the answer. Ed also shares his thoughts on this. [31:00] Byron answers Pam’s question. [32:12] Byron elaborates on the stakes and challenges that we’re really facing in trying to redefine high school. [33:42] In response to this inequity problem, some would say the answer would be to double down on the current inherited system that is not working for high school students. What is Byron’s response to this? [36:41] Ed shares his thoughts on what he sees as being at stake as we redefine these inherited systems. [38:51] Pam shares her own thoughts and insights on the topic of what we need to be cautious of as we redefine high school. [42:18] Byron shares his thoughts on how we could reorganize the high school experience in a more community-connected way. [49:56] Pam asks Ed for his insights on what it would take to actually start to create an environment for teenagers that doesn’t look like anything that we have right now. [53:23] Tom wraps up the podcast and gives his thanks to Pam, Ed, and Byron for sharing their insights and wisdom.   Mentioned in This Episode: Dr. Pamela Moran Virginia School Consortium for Learning (VaSCL) Byron Sanders Ed Hess Big Thought Hyper-Learning: How to Adapt to the Speed of Change, by Ed Hess Portrait of a Graduate Difference Making at the Heart of Learning: Students, Schools, and Communities Alive With Possibility, by Tom Vander Ark and Emily Liebtag Journeyman Ink: DaVerse Lounge Creative Solutions We Are Crew: A Teamwork Approach to School Culture, by EL Education EL Education Valor Public Schools Getting Smart Podcast Ep. 236: “Listening to Kids and Designing from Scratch for Timeless Learning with Pam Moran” Getting Smart Podcast Ep. 254: “Byron Sanders on Closing the Opportunity Gap in Dallas” Getting Smart Podcast Ep. 283: “Ed Hess on Adapting to the Speed of Change” GettingSmart.com/InventionOpportunity   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review, and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include “Podcast” in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!  

This week, Tom is sitting down with author and advisor, Michelle Weise, to discuss her new book, Long Life Learning: Preparing for Jobs that Don't Even Exist Yet. Michelle is currently serving as an entrepreneur-in-residence and Senior Advisor at Imaginable Futures, a venture of The Omidyar Group. Michelle was formerly the Chief Innovation Officer at Strada Education Network’s Institute for the Future of Work, and Sandbox Collaborative, the innovation center of Southern New Hampshire University. She was also the co-author of Hire Education: Mastery, Modularization, and the Workforce Revolution, with Clayton Christensen. In this conversation, Tom and Michelle discuss her background in the arts and innovation; how and why she came to write her new book, Long Life Learning; what long life learning means to her; what she predicts to be the future of business models for long life learning; and her advice on how we can all make good decisions about what to learn next no matter where we are on our long life learning journey.   Key Takeaways: [:10] About today’s episode with Michelle Weise. [:55] Tom Vander Ark welcomes Michelle to the podcast. [:59] Tom congratulates Michelle on her new book, Long Life Learning. [1:37] When did Michelle’s interest in language, literature, and poetry begin? [2:27] Michelle elaborates on her deep passion for poetry and how both reading and writing it helped her get through the death of her 10th-grade chemistry teacher. [3:07] Michelle’s exploration of Asian-American and African-American poetry and fiction in graduate school. [3:58] Michelle’s favorite African-American poet and what drew her to Asian-American poetry in particular. [4:57] Tom highlights a poet whose work he recently fell in love with: Rita Dove. [5:14] How and why Michelle came to be a Fulbright Scholar in Seoul, South Korea. [6:20] Michelle’s path after coming from Korea and why she decided to join an ed-tech start-up with Gunnar Counselman. [9:15] After a short stint at Fidelis, Michelle joined the Clayton Christensen Institute as a Senior Research Fellow of Higher Education for nearly 2½ years. There, she also had the opportunity to write a book with him called, Education: Mastery, Modularization, and the Workforce Revolution. [9:38] Michelle’s experience working with Clayton on their book together. [10:57] Tom reflects on a past experience with Clay and Michelle shares an important lesson that she learned through working with him. [13:16] After Christensen Institute, Michelle did another three-year stint at Strada, a non-profit impact fund in Indianapolis. [13:50] About Michelle’s role at Strada and how it led to her writing her new book, Long Life Learning. [15:53] At Strada, Michelle had the opportunity to interview hundreds of people. Was this specific to Long Life Learning or was it more for the R&D center at Strada? [17:00] Young people today are not only going to live longer but they’re also going to experience more change in their lifetimes than previous generations. The old model of education and work is already becoming obsolete. As Michelle shares in her book, we need to begin thinking about long life learning. [20:22] With this knowledge, is it becoming less critical to make a decision about where you go to college immediately after high school? [22:44] Would Michelle agree or disagree with the sentiment Ryan Craig expressed in his 2018 book, A New U, that unless you can get a free or subsidized education at a selective university you really should think about a hard sprint to a good first job as an entry point to an earn-and-learn ladder? [25:58] Does Michelle foresee Gen Zrs having careers somewhat resembling her own? I.e. taking a “tour of duty” approach? [28:17] What are the business models for long life learning going to be? [32:03] What advice do people need to make good decisions about what to learn next? [37:24] Does Michelle see AI making it easier for us to learn in the direction we point to? [40:28] Is Michelle optimistic about adaptive learning? [42:17] Some of the other ways Michelle sees AI aiding us in the future. [43:58] Does AI have the potential to make hiring more equitable? Or is Michelle concerned that more inequity will surface in AI-driven systems? [46:11] As a long-life learner herself, how does Michelle continue her journey every day in “getting smart?” [45:56] Would Michelle agree that Louise Glück was a good choice for the 2020 Nobel Prize in Literature? [47:53] Tom plugs Michelle’s book, Long Life Learning. [48:23] Tom thanks Michelle for joining the podcast. [48:48] About Tom and Emily’s book, Difference Making at the Heart of Learning.   Mentioned in This Episode: Michelle Weise’s LinkedIn Long Life Learning: Preparing for Jobs that Don't Even Exist Yet, by Michelle Weise Imaginable Futures The Omidyar Group Education: Mastery, Modularization, and the Workforce Revolution, by Clayton Christensen and Michelle Weise The Power of Place: Authentic Learning Through Place-Based Education, by Tom Vander Ark, Emily Liebtag, and Nate McClennon Emily Dickinson (Poet) The Art of Hunger: Essays, Prefaces, Interviews, by Paul Auster Kamau Brathwaite (Poet) Rita Dove (Poet) Fulbright Korea Gunnar Counselman Michael Horn Strada Education Network Derek Thompson on The Atlantic Crazy/Genius Podcast by Derek Thompson Stanford d.school Harvard Extension School A New U: Faster + Cheaper Alternatives to College, by Ryan Craig David Blake Learn In Louise Glück Wins the 2020 Nobel Prize in Literature Getting Smart Podcast Ep. 285: “Amy Klement on Equity and Imaginable Futures” Difference Making at the Heart of Learning: Students, Schools, and Communities Alive With Possibility, by Tom Vander Ark and Emily Liebtag   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review, and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include “Podcast” in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!  

Joining the podcast in this episode is Marni Baker Stein, Provost and Chief Academic Officer at the Western Governors University (WGU). For over 25 years, Marni has been designing and scaling programs to improve access, affordability, and student success. Prior to joining WGU, she worked for educational institutions in the United States and abroad on the development and administration of pioneering high school, undergraduate, graduate, continuing, and professional programming models delivered through competency-based, online, and hybrid formats. Marni was selected by the Department of Education to serve as a member of the National Technical Working Group, charged with expanding the 2016 National Education Technology Plan and using technology to transform higher education. Join in on today’s conversation as Tom and Marni talk about the future of higher ed and the role of advisors and skills. Marni shares experiences during her education as well as her career, how the learning model at WGU has changed in the last three years (and what’s next on the roadmap), about WGU’s new “achievement wallet” and how it will help transcript students’ competencies, how the education landscape has been shifting away from degrees to more skill-based progression (and what this means for traditional higher education), and much, much more.   Key Takeaways: [:10] About today’s episode with Marni Baker Stein. [1:05] Tom Vander Ark welcomes Marni to the podcast. [1:14] Why did Marni study French and Economics at Penn State University? [2:15] When Marni was pursuing her Ph.D. in Educational Leadership at Penn State, did she already have her sights set on higher ed? [2:43] Marni shares how she came to launch the first English language MBA programming in the former Soviet Union after finishing up her Master’s Degree (and later in Japan and Turkey). [4:01] The big takeaways from Marni’s experiences developing English programs abroad. [5:07] Marni’s experience as a Curriculum Coordinator at UC Santa Barbara. [6:28] In 1998, while helping Penn State launch their online learning program, did Marni have any visibility to Western Governors University (WGU) starting out in Salt Lake City? [8:04] Background on the founding of WGU. [8:33] Highlights from Marni’s four years as Chief Innovation Officer at the University of Texas System. [11:14] Three-and-a-half years ago, Marni became the Provost and Chief Academic Officer at the Western Governors University (WGU). She shares about the state of the university at the time; what she saw that they were doing well and areas she saw as an opportunity for improvement. [14:21] How the learning model at WGU has changed in the last three years and what’s next for the learning model. [15:54] Marni elaborates on the progress they’ve made at WGU with regards to focusing on what learners need to know, how they know what learners know, and how they can communicate and capture that. [16:54] About WGU’s “achievement wallet” that they’re rolling out in the spring and how it will help transcript students’ competencies. [18:42] At WGU, mentors play a really important role. Marni describes this role and how they guide the learning journey for students. [21:01] How a mentor helps a learner find out if they’re in the right academic program. [22:22] If a learner is struggling with a concept in a class, do they go to their mentor or their course instructor? How would they connect to academic support? [23:30] Are they using a Case Management approach? Is software involved in keeping the learner up-to-date? [24:39] With a set of partners, Marni launched the Open Skills Network. She describes what it is and its overall mission and vision. [27:42] Lately the education landscape has been shifting away from degrees to more skill-based progression. What does this mean for traditional higher education? [32:40] Does Marni predict that more learners will be mixing and matching to create unique pathways? [32:59] Have enrollments increased at WGU since COVID-19? How is WGU participating in the lifelong learning space going forward? [34:41] Is WGU the largest school of education in the country? [35:01] Marni gives an update on Mark Milliron, their Senior Vice President and Executive Dean, as well as an exciting initiative that is being worked on right now. [36:25] Where to learn more about WGU. [36:46] Tom thanks Marni for her leadership at WGU. [37:05] How many learners are enrolled right now at WGU? [37:16] Tom thanks Marni for joining the Getting Smart Podcast.   Mentioned in This Episode: Marni Baker Stein’s LinkedIn Getting Smart Podcast Ep. 228: “Michael Horn on Choosing College” The Pennsylvania State University (Penn State/PSU) Western Governors University (WGU) University of Texas System University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) Open Skills Network (OSN) WGU 2019 Annual Report   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review, and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include “Podcast” in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!

Today’s episode features a conversation with Dr. Donna Housman. Dr. Housman is a clinical psychologist and founder of the Housman Institute, a Boston-based, early childhood training, research, and advocacy organization. This institute also features its own lab school, Beginnings. In these challenging times, Dr. Donna Housman has been providing insights to parents who are having to not only adjust to the stress of having to self-quarantine and social distance but also become full-time teachers and caregivers to their children. Listen in as Dr. Housman talks with Rebecca Midles, the Vice President of Learning Design at Getting Smart, about the importance of mental health among parents, teachers, and students.   Key Takeaways: [:10] About today’s episode with Dr. Donna Housman. [:50] Welcoming Dr. Donna Housman to the podcast. [1:02] Dr. Housman shares about her work and background. [2:35] Why teachers are becoming increasingly stressed and burned out; and how they can get the help, support, and feedback they need in order to be able to serve students and their schools. [6:26] Dr. Housman highlights a study. [8:26] A big piece to why teachers are stressed right now and why they need, more than ever, SEL. [9:45] What teachers need to do in order to be available for the children that they teach. [10:38] Strategies, advice, and hope in moving forward during this time. [13:56] The importance of relationships, especially between teachers and their students during this pandemic. [14:48] About Housman Institute’s ECSEL Program and how it benefits both teachers and students. [18:38] Rebecca thanks Dr. Donna Housman for joining the podcast.   Mentioned in This Episode: Housman Institute Housman Institute’s ECSEL Program “Teachers Are Anxious and Overwhelmed. They Need SEL Now More Than Ever.” (YCEI with CASEL) April 7th, 2020 Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence (YCEI)Collaborative for Social Emotional and Academic Learning (CASEL) Getting Smart Podcast Ep. 202: “Jared Cooney Horvath on Cognitive Neuroscience”   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review, and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include “Podcast” in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!

Today the Getting Smart team is joined by Donna McDaniel to discuss professional learning and real-world learning. Donna is a longtime educator who has bridged the world of business and education. Through her experience and numerous school settings, Donna has invaluable experience for knowing the ins and outs of what qualifies as real-world skills. She has taken this knowledge to create the CAPS program in the Blue Valley School District, which has gone on to create a network of more than 70 professional learning-centric schools in the United States. Now, Donna is supporting Kansas City’s Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, as they seek to implement a novel regional movement towards ensuring that all students graduate with valuable professional experiences. Also joining the conversation in this episode is Rashawn Caruthers, the Director at Getting Smart. Previously, she was the Director of Career and Technical Education at Kansas City Public Schools and, prior to that, the Assistant Director of Career and Technical Education at Kansas City Missouri School District. Together, Tom, Donna, and Rashawn take a look at Donna’s journey in business and education, the importance of professional learning and market value assets, the real-world learning initiative she is a part of, and the kind of impact she has seen through real-world learning experiences. The Getting Smart team found Donna’s commitment to the intersectionality of education and the workplace inspiring and is sure you will too!   Key Takeaways: [:10] About today’s episode with Donna McDaniel. [1:00] Tom welcomes Donna McDaniel to the podcast. [1:05] Tom shares that they are also joined by Rashawn Caruthers. [2:35] Going in the “wayback machine,” Donna shares why she decided to study education in Kansas City. [3:40] What attracted Donna to being a teacher (and later, a school leader) as someone who used to personally struggle in school. [4:21] Where Donna started her career in education. [4:59] Rashawn reflects on her early career in education and how her and Donna’s paths have aligned. [5:19] About Donna’s pivot from the world of business to the world of education and why she believes this experience was crucial in her ability to lead in education. [7:26] The origin story of Blue Valley’s program, CAPS. [9:42] Rashawn shares her experience with CAPS. [10:10] How CAPS helps students develop an entrepreneurial mindset. [13:20] CAPS is a next-generation career center. Donna further describes what the program itself looks like. [14:56] Tom shares his appreciation for CAPS and how it has become a national movement in real-world learning. [15:46] How did the idea of “market value assets” from Susan Wally turn into a regional initiative sponsored by the Kauffman Foundation? [20:02] Rashawn speaks of the key pieces in real-world learning and what she most loves about the initiative. [21:00] Donna shares why she believes that this real-world learning initiative has had such strong, positive support across the region. [23:11] Which kinds of high schools are involved in the initiative and how many are involved in the initiative? [24:21] Donna shares a specific example of how the initiative has had an impact on a school that was greater than expected. [26:19] Tom highlights some rural communities and schools that have successfully modeled real-world learning experiences. [27:55] Challenges that high schools have faced trying to expand access to real-world learning. [30:45] As a district leader in Kansas City, Rashawn shares her perspective on the challenges of trying to create real-world learning experiences in a classroom. [33:00] Does Donna find the commissioners of Missouri and Kansas to be generally supportive of what the districts are trying to do? [34:41] Donna elaborates on how she has been a strong advocate across the region for getting students core credits for real-world learning opportunities. [36:03] Could this real-world initiative be replicated in other states? [37:04] What does Donna hope to see in the next five years as it relates to real-world learning? [39:07] Tom underscores one of his favorite parts about the real-world learning initiative. [40:05] Donnas shares how she thinks the pandemic has created even more of an opportunity to create jobs. [41:13] Tom thanks Donna for her leadership and for joining the podcast! [41:51] Rashawn shares some parting thoughts about the real-world initiative. [42:31] Donna shares some parting words and gives her thanks to Getting Smart.   Mentioned in This Episode: Donna McDaniel Blue Valley School District Blue Valley CAPS Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation Rashawn Caruthers Northland CAPS Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation’s Real World Learning Initiative PREP-KC Hickman Mills School District Getting Smart Podcast Ep. 265 — “Corey Mohn and Shameka Montgomery on Next-Gen Career Education”   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review, and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include “Podcast” in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!  

In this week’s episode, Tom is talking with Dr. Beth Rabbitt and Dr. Asaf Bitton about the state of global health, how it relates to schools, and a new initiative called the Parabola Project, which offers education leaders tools and strategies to minimize health risks while maximizing learning when reopening schools. Dr. Beth Rabbitt is the CEO of The Learning Accelerator, a national non-profit that is working to make the “potential” possible and practical for every teacher and learner. Underpinning TLA’s work is a drive to ensure that each student receives an effective, equitable, and engaging education that supports them to reach their full, unique potential. Dr. Asaf Bitton is Executive Director of Ariadne Labs, a joint center for health systems innovation at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. Together, Dr. Beth Rabbitt and Dr. Asaf Bitton have partnered to launch The Parabola Project to help schools minimize COVID-19 health risks while maximizing learning. Listen in as Tom speaks with Beth Rabbitt and Asaf Bitton about what schools should be doing during the pandemic, and what the current research shows.   Key Takeaways: [:10] About today’s episode with Beth Rabbitt and Asaf Bitton. [1:05] Tom welcomes Beth and Asaf to the podcast! [1:24] Dr. Bitton shares about Ariadne Labs; their mission, vision, and what they have accomplished thus far. [2:27] Dr. Beth Rabbitt speaks about The Learning Accelerator (TLA); their mission, vision, and what they have accomplished thus far. She also shares about the origin of The Parabola Project. [6:50] Should kids be in school right now? Dr. Bitton shares his insights. [9:03] What can schools do to safeguard staff members in an in-person school setting? [10:51] Dr. Bitton’s thoughts on the risk associated with staff members’ circles of interaction outside of a school setting. [13:43] Practices that can be put in place to minimize transmission risk. [15:07] Beth offers some suggestions on how superintendents could frame a community dialogue to bridge the gap between parents who want their children back in school and teachers with concerns about returning to a public setting. [18:08] Should schools be paying attention to testing, tracking, and tracing when it comes to COVID-19? And if so, how might they? [20:04] What could school districts and the government be doing better? Does Dr. Bitton see things getting better in the next few months in terms of a coordinated public health response? [23:34] What Beth is telling schools about sports. [25:27] If a school or a district doesn’t have room to bring all of their students back in a safe and distant way, is a hybrid schedule still the best approach? [27:12] Dr. Bitton’s advice for local health officials and school officials on how they can build a sense of trust about the path forward in terms of precautions, protocols, vaccinations, and strategies. [31:31] How should school and system leaders think about the gaps that seem to be accelerated for the most vulnerable students? [34:44] Dr. Bitton offers some holiday advice to keep in mind in the coming months. [36:43] Where to learn more about The Parabola Project. [37:33] Tom thanks Dr. Rabbit and Dr. Bitton for both joining the podcast.   Mentioned in This Episode: The Parabola Project Beth Rabbitt Asaf Bitton Learning Accelerator Ariadne Labs   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review, and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include “Podcast” in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!  

In this week’s episode, Tom is talking with author and thought leader, David Price, on the power of us. David is an author, educator, consultant, and public speaker based in North Yorkshire, UK. He has written two Amazon best-selling books, the latest titled, The Power of Us: How We Connect, Act, and Innovate Together. David has led innovation in education projects around the world for the past twenty years, following leadership roles in community, adult, further, and higher education. David is an advisor to the Mastery Transcript Consortium in the United States, the Canadian Education Association, Learnlife in Spain, and New York-based cultural consultancy, Sparks & Honey. In 2009, he was awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE) by the Queen for services in education. Tune in for the conversation as Tom speaks with David about his most recent book, The Power of Us, and some of its most important takeaways.   Key Takeaways: [:10] About today’s episode with David Price. [1:02] Tom welcomes David to the podcast! [1:10] David speaks about his early life, where he grew up, where he has traveled, life as a freelancer, and growing up as a musician. [4:35] About seven years ago, David wrote a famous book called, Open, which previewed the new age of open source and open talent. He shares what led him to write the book and what he wanted to accomplish by writing it. [6:58] Open both encouraged people and companies to operate in a transparent and open manner. It also outlines the new open economy and how people can lead really fulfilling and productive lives in the freelance and gig space; what John Winsor would call the open talent space. Would David agree that for everyone to be able to step into this space that it would require a new social contract? [9:25] Tom congratulates David on his new book, The Power of Us: How We Connect, Act, and Innovate Together, and reads an excerpt from the introduction. [10:44] David tells the story of his update to The Power of Us and how he came to a conclusion that felt more true than ever. [13:55] A summary of Chapter 2 of David’s book, The Power of Us, on scalable learning. [16:11] An explanation of chapter 3 on people-powered innovation. [18:22] The second part of The Power of Us is on mindsets. David speaks about two mindsets he writes about in the book. [20:12] The next section of the book talks about the operating system; a shorthand way of describing how an organization works (the culture, the structure, and the systems that either collectively inhibit or enable innovation). David elaborates on how organizations either block or promote innovation. [21:41] Part 4 of the book talks about leadership. David argues that it requires a very different kind of leadership to enable bottom-up innovation. He describes what this leadership looks like in practice. [24:20] Part 5 in the book is a great toolkit with sections on trust and transparency, engagement and equity, and mastery and meaning. David elaborates on these sections in the toolkit. [28:07] David offers some advice to school heads on how they can incorporate key ideas from The Power of Us into their schools. [30:02] Tom and David further elaborate on the importance of schools focusing on agency and community. [31:30] Tom and David share what they love about High Tech High. [32:15] Why the work that the Mastery Transcript Consortium does is important to David. [35:19] Tom shares a profound excerpt from The Power of Us. [36:37] Tom thanks David for his book, The Power of Us, and shares why you should pick it up! [37:03] David gives a closing thought that sums up the opportunity that’s available to us right now. [38:14] Tom thanks David for joining the podcast.   Mentioned in This Episode: David Price The Power of Us: How We Connect, Act, and Innovate Together, by David Price Open: How We'll Work, Live and Learn in the Future, by David Price Mastery Transcript Consortium Canadian Education Association Sparks & Honey Learnlife Getting Smart Podcast Ep. 275: “John Winsor on the Open Talent Economy” Garry Ridge | CEO of WD-40 Larry Rosenstock | High Tech High Getting Smart Podcast Ep. 208: “Esther Wojcicki on Raising Successful People” Difference Making at the Heart of Learning, by Tom Vander Ark and Emily Liebtag — Enter code Smart20 to save 20% off the cover price!   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review, and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include “Podcast” in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!

On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast we are giving you a look at a new conversation series led by Getting Smart team member Rebecca Midles. She has been having informative and inspiring conversations with leaders in the field of competency-based education and they are all available to you at GettingSmart.com/CBE. On this episode, she is speaking with Claudette Trujillo Principal of Metropolitan Arts Academy, a PK-8 Arts innovation school in Westminster Public Schools and a longtime advocate of CBE. Claudette Trujillo is in her 21st year in the education field and her 12th year of competency-based implementation.  She also has a Masters in Educational Counseling, in addition to her administration license and Bachelors of English with a secondary endorsement. Today Rebecca and Claudette unpack what it takes to successfully implement a competency-based learning model, share stories from the field and much more.

In this week’s episode, Tom is speaking with Karen Cator and Vic Vuchic. Karen Cator began her career in Alaska as a teacher and a special assistant for telecommunications for the governor of Alaska. This led to Apple, where she directed their leadership and advocacy efforts in education. She then was appointed to lead the office of ed-tech in the Obama administration which culminated in her joining the Digital Promise effort as CEO in 2013. Vic Vuchic is the Chief Innovation Officer at Digital Promise Global. Before his time at Digital Promise Global, Vic consulted with a number of foundations and organizations on education technology, innovation, and philanthropy. Prior to consulting, Vic developed strategies and managed over a hundred million dollars in technology-focused grants at the Hewlett Foundation to launch and grow the open educational resources movement and create and advance the deeper learning strategy. Listen in as Tom talks with these esteemed guests about ed-tech and the invention opportunity.   Key Takeaways: [:10] About today’s episode with special guests, Karen Cator and Vic Vuchic. [1:09] Tom welcomes Karen and Vic to the Getting Smart Podcast! [1:17] Karen reflects on the launch of Digital Promise in 2011. [2:11] Tom shares his appreciation for Karen’s leadership during her role as the Director of the Office of Education Technology for the U.S. Department of Education. [2:44] Karen shares what it was like launching Digital Promise while leading the office of ed-tech. [4:09] Digital Promise has had an important and unique role in the research and development (R&D) space of helping to link science to practice. Was that part of Digital Promise’s initial mission? [8:13] When Vic took a break from studying as an engineer, he picked up the jazz flute! Does he still practice it or have a favorite flutist? [9:54] In Vic’s career, he in part launched the age of open educational resources (OER) during his career at the Hewlett Foundation. [10:37] Karen highlights the innovations in learning and development that she is most excited about and thinks are potentially the most important. [13:28] Has Digital Promise’s work with Verizon Innovative Learning Schools helped to advance technology and reliable internet access into the hands of students? [14:32] Vic highlights and the innovations in learning and development that he is most excited about. [17:45] Originally launched in 2011, the League of Innovative Schools now includes 114 districts and almost 3,900 schools. What is the role that the League of Innovative Schools plays in relationship to innovation? [20:02] All 114 districts within the League of Innovative Schools share the common attribute of stable and effective leadership which indicates that building support for an agenda over a long period is critical in letting innovation take root and be brought to scale. [21:02] Another important lesson from the League of Innovative Schools: the combination of a leader and their own mindset/view of innovation and the leadership of the district is critical. [21:57] Digital Promise and their partner districts have been making a push toward more inclusive leadership. Recently, they announced their Center for Inclusive Innovation. Karen elaborates on its vision and mission. [23:55] Over the last two years, Vic has developed an amazing web of research that is now searchable by case study or symptom. It helps teachers connect with important resources. As Vic thinks about the potential impact that the learner variability project can have, where and how does he think it’s going to make the biggest difference? [28:05] Tom’s lightning round on the theme of innovations (for both Karen and Vic): 1. When you think of the category of “learner experience,” what are the innovations that you’re most excited about? 2. Why are you excited about challenge-based learning? Why is it important? 3. What are you excited about with regard to measurements and credentialing? What about the challenges? [39:35] How Digital Promise has done a fantastic job of leading innovation for equity. [40:03] Learning formats and new school models that Karen is excited about. [41:22] Is Vic a fan of micro-schools or nano-schools? What does he think about new learning formats? [43:19] Tom highlights the incredible work that Karen has done in the last twenty years. [44:13] Vic thanks Karen for the great work she is doing in the world. [44:44] Tom thanks both of the guests for joining the podcast.   Mentioned in This Episode: Digital Promise Karen Cator’s LinkedIn Vic Vuchic’s LinkedIn The Aspen Institute Verizon Innovative Learning Schools National Center for Research in Advanced Information and Digital Technologies League of Innovative Schools Virtual Teaching Academy Session One (with Tom Vander Ark and Dewayne McClary) Dewayne J. McClary | Director of League of Innovative Schools at Digital Promise Center for Inclusive Innovation — Digital Promise Difference Making at the Heart of Learning: Students, Schools, and Communities Alive With Possibility, by Tom Vander Ark High Quality Project Based Learning (HQPBL) Tuva Labs Desmos Newsela Concord Consortium   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review, and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include “Podcast” in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!  

In this week’s episode, Tom is speaking with a father-daughter duo, Mark and Alex Milliron. Mark Milliron serves as Senior Vice President and Executive Dean of the Teachers College at Western Governors University (WGU). In addition to his work with WGU, Mark helps catalyze positive change in education through his Catalytic Conversations blog and podcast series, and through service on boards and advisory councils of leading-edge education organizations. Alex Milliron is a rising senior in the College of Education at the University of Texas at Austin. During her time at Dripping Springs High School in Texas, Alex was an honor student, a three-year varsity basketball player, a high jumper, and a regular community volunteer. Now, both Mark and Alex are co-authors as well with their new book, The Sugar Chair Stories. The Sugar Chair Stories tells three stories on the theme of learning how to “slow down, look around, and figure out how to sweeten things up.” Listen in to learn more about their wonderful new book and what Mark and Alex are up to in the world of education!   Key Takeaways: [:10] About today’s episode with Mark and Alex Milliron. [1:01] Tom welcomes Mark and Alex Milliron to the podcast. [1:10] Mark shares his thoughts and perspective on the current state of American higher education amid a global pandemic. [3:01] With four children, has Mark had a lot of family time during the pandemic? What have they spent their time doing? [4:04] The genesis of Mark and Alex’s book, The Sugar Chair Stories. [4:35] About Mark’s history with WGU and his return to WGU as the Senior Vice President and Executive Dean. [5:10] Is WGU the biggest school of education in America? [6:01] How Mark thinks about the value proposition for learners in the school of education? [6:41] Has Mark seen as big of a jump in the enrollment at the school of education during the pandemic as other parts of the college? [7:48] To what extent has the school of education embraced the idea of competency and focusing on important skills? [9:59] Having grown up with one of America’s great educators, what motivated Alex to pursue education as well? [10:46] What are Alex’s plans post-grad? What would she like to teach? [11:53] What is a ‘sugar chair’ (from their book, The Sugar Chair Stories)? [13:00] The meaning behind The Sugar Chair Stories’ slogan: “Slow down, look around, and figure out how to sweeten things up.” [13:57] How did Alex and Mark come up with the concept of each story being for a different age group? [16:01] Why The Sugar Chair Stories is multi-generational and perfect for the whole family. [17:01] Alex shares how they collaborated on their book together. [17:33] Did Alex bring any of her athletic experience to writing the book? [18:27] Mark shares what he learned about his daughter Alex in the process of writing the book together. [19:15] Alex and Mark share their thoughts and reflections on the editing process of the book. [20:29] Did it feel like it took forever for the book to come out? [21:12] What Alex learned writing a book. [22:15] Be sure to check out The Sugar Chair Stories, by Mark Milliron and Alexandra Milliron! [23:07] Are they planning on launching a virtual book tour? [24:05] Tom thanks Mark and Alex for joining the podcast.   Mentioned in This Episode: Western Governors University (WGU)Teachers College at Western Governors University College of Education at the University of Texas at Austin Catalytic Conversations Blog Catalytic Conversations Podcast Dripping Springs High School The Sugar Chair Stories, by Mark Milliron and Alexandra Milliron MarkMilliron.com TheSugarChair.com @MarkMilliron on Twitter   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review, and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include “Podcast” in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!  

On today’s episode of the Getting Smart podcast, Rebecca Midles sits down with Tom Vander Ark to discuss the new book co-authored by him and Dr. Emily Liebtag: Difference Making at the Heart of Learning. This book stemmed out of our multi-year Future of Work campaign when our team realized that one of the hallmarks of the future of work is purposeful work contributing to communities. Through hundreds of school visits and powerful conversations with inspirational organizations across the globe, we observed changemakers in action and learners who were more ready than ever to make a difference in the world.   Difference Making at the Heart of Learning, is an inspirational, yet practical guide to help educators, counselors, and youth-development leaders build on students’ talents and interests to develop their desire for a better world, entrepreneurial mindset and personal leadership skills — so they can make a difference to their families, their communities, and society. In this episode, they discuss what difference making means, why it is the superpower of the new economy and how more schools can get involved with organizations who are dedicated to difference making. Mentioned in This Episode: Difference Making at the Heart of Learning Difference Making Campaign Ask About AI LEAD Innovation Studio Global Dignity Day Tara C. Chklovski High Resolves, Videos for Change Big Thought, Byron Sanders Olin College, KEEN Network Joanne McEachen Podcast Global Goals 5 Reasons High Schools Should Help Young People Find and Make Their Unique Contribution.

Today on the podcast, Tom Vander Ark is speaking with Deanna Mulligan on the topics of talent, leadership, and the opportunity gap. Deanna grew up in a small town in Nebraska, earned an MBA from Stanford, and became the Principal Engagement Manager at McKinsey & Company. After working there for eight years, Deanna launched a career in insurance where, after a two-year sabbatical, she became the CEO of Guardian Life Insurance, one of the ten largest life insurance companies in America. Additionally, Deanna served on the President’s Advisory Council on Financial Capability for Young Americans from 2014–2015 and was Chair of the Board of the ACLI from 2015–2016. In 2018, Fortune named her one of the “50 Most Powerful Women in Business” and in 2019, Crain’s New York Business recognized her as one of “The 50 Most Powerful Women in New York” — the fifth time since 2011! In her new book, Hire Purpose: How Smart Companies Can Close the Skills Gap, Deanna shares how companies and education institutions can work together to close the skills and opportunity gap. Listen in as Tom talks with Deanna about her career journey and her new book, Hire Purpose.   Key Takeaways: [:10] About today’s episode with Deanna Mulligan. [:55] Tom welcomes Deanna Mulligan to the podcast. [1:00] About Deanna’s life and early education in a small town in Nebraska. [1:18] How Deanna came to work at McKinsey & Company after graduating from Stanford. [2:29] The lessons Deanna learned and the experience she gained during her eight years at McKinsey. [3:22] What drew Deanna to insurance. [4:04] About the two years Deanna took off prior to launching a career in insurance. [7:33] How Deanna came to work for Guardian. [8:11] Did Deanna’s two-year sabbatical shape her views on family leave? [9:44] Deanna shares her reflections as the CEO of Guardian for nearly 10 years; how she thought about her role, as well as the biggest takeaways and lessons from her time as CEO. [12:03] What Deanna learned about talent development as CEO of Guardian. [13:26] Where Deanna’s idea for her book, Hire Purpose: How Smart Companies Can Close the Skills Gap, came from. She also shares how she connected with Greg Shaw, her co-author. [17:40] Tom shares his experience with Greg Shaw and Deanna touches on what the overall process of writing Hire Purpose was like. [18:22] How companies and post-secondary can work together to close the opportunity gap, and examples of organizations that are already doing this. [21:54] While writing Hire Purpose, did Deanna and Greg have the chance to touch on the pandemic before it was released? [23:12] Now that we’re deep in the midst of the pandemic, are there any additional footnotes Deanna would include in Hire Purpose if she were to release it now? [23:56] While writing, did Deanna have any changes in opinion on certain topics or areas? [25:55] Both Deanna and Guardian are very purposeful and values-based. Would Deanna say that establishing partnerships with shared values is the way to overcome and power through any challenges? [26:35] Deanna gives recommendations and advice for young adults and professionals thinking about a career or starting a career during the pandemic. [28:19] Tom thanks Deanna for joining the Getting Smart Podcast and congratulates her on her success with Guardian and her new book.   Mentioned in This Episode: Deanna Mulligan Guardian Life Hire Purpose: How Smart Companies Can Close the Skills Gap, by Deanna Mulligan and Greg Shaw Clayton Christensen Hit Refresh: The Quest to Rediscover Microsoft's Soul and Imagine a Better Future for Everyone, by Satya Nadella and Greg Shaw PTech.org Infosys The Power of Place: Authentic Learning Through Place-Based Education, by Tom Vander Ark and Emily Liebtag Getting Smart Podcast Ep. 280: “Julia Freeland Fisher and Mahnaz Charania on Social Relationships and Networks”   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review, and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include “Podcast” in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!  

This week, Tom is sitting down with the president and CEO of Lumina Foundation, Jamie Merisotis. Jamie is a globally-recognized leader in philanthropy, education, and public policy. Jamie’s foundation, Lumina Foundation, is committed to making opportunities for learning beyond high school available to all. They envision a system that is easy to navigate, delivers fair results, and meets the nation’s need for talent through a broad range of credentials. In this episode, Jamie discusses his newest book, Human Work in the Age of Smart Machines. In his book, Jamie makes that case that the question is not, “What is the future of work?” but, “What is the work of the future?” Jamie and Tom discuss the new paradigm of work (one that consists of learning, earning, and serving), the importance of shifting to a model of teaching and learning about the skills and traits that are uniquely human, and how we can keep equity in the forefront in working toward building a credentialing system that works for everyone.   Key Takeaways: [:10] About today’s episode with Jamie Merisotis. [:43] Tom welcomes Jamie Merisotis to the podcast. [1:07] Jamie has been in the postsecondary policy space for about 30 years. At a young age, he ran a national commission on financing a postsecondary. He shares about how he landed this job and what the experience was like. [3:26] How this commission helped springboard Jamie into co-founding the Institute for Higher Education Policy in 1993. [4:40] In 2008, Jamie joined the Lumina Foundation as the President and CEO. He shares why he was interested in this opportunity. [6:58] Jamie speaks about the work they’re doing at Lumina Foundation with policy advocacy, new learning models, competency-based learning, and impact investing. Jamie elaborates on impact investing as an emerging strategy. [8:59] Jamie highlights some of the major changes he has seen in education since publishing his last book, America Needs Talent: Attracting, Educating & Deploying the 21st-Century Workforce, as well the key observations that led to his newest book, Human Work in the Age of Smart Machines. [13:05] The second chapter in Human Work in the Age of Smart Machines makes the case for the work that only humans can do which blends traits such as compassion, empathy, and ethics; developed skills for problem-solving, and integrative skills. Would Jamie agree that this could also be the summary of a new outcomes framework for learning institutions? [15:53] A core insight from Jamie’s book is that the new paradigm of human work is learning, earning, and serving. He elaborates on what this means and why it is important. [18:10] Jamie’s book challenges the traditional academic disdain for the workplace. It reads, “Our education system does not do a good job of developing skills that human work requires, in large part because we’re often divorced from the settings where human work is actually performed.” Jamie elaborates on this and shares his thoughts on how we can better integrate work and learning. [22:35] The importance of shifting to a model of teaching and learning about the skills and traits that are uniquely human. [25:05] How a transparent system of credentialing could be a part of how learning institutions and work environments connect. Jamie also speaks about how we can get better at credentialing in general (and, in particular, for the skills that matter the most). [27:01] Jamie points to the Europass system as a comprehensive and dynamic system. Should we be aiming for this in America? [28:28] The importance of keeping equity in the forefront to build credentialing systems that work for everybody. [31:12] Jamie closes out with a few thoughts on revolutionizing democratic society. He describes the connection between his view of human work and the contribution that it can make to strengthening a democratic society. [34:33] Tom thanks Jamie for his new book and for imparting his wisdom on the podcast!   Mentioned in This Episode: Jamie Merisotis Lumina Foundation Human Work in the Age of Smart Machines, by Jamie Merisotis Difference Making at the Heart of Learning: Students, Schools, and Communities Alive With Possibility, by Tom Vander Ark and Emily Liebtag Institute for Higher Education Policy (IHEP) America Needs Talent: Attracting, Educating & Deploying the 21st-Century Workforce, by Jamie Merisotis Getting Smart Podcast Ep. 273: “Conrad Wolfram on Computational Thinking” The Math(s) Fix: An Education Blueprint for the AI Age, by Conrad Wolfram Cobots CEW Georgetown — Center on Education and the Workforce World Values Survey (WVS Database) Getting Smart Podcast Ep. 229: “Eric Williams on Empowering Students to Make a Contribution”   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review, and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include “Podcast” in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!    

Today, Tom is speaking with Amy Klement, Managing Partner of Imaginable Futures, a global philanthropic investment firm that believes learning has the power to unlock human potential and aspires to provide every learner with the opportunity and the tools they need to imagine, and to realize, a brighter future. Amy formerly worked for eBay where she served as vice president of relationship marketing and as vice president of product strategy and operations. Joining as one of its earliest employees, Amy also worked for PayPal as vice president of product. She then went on to help lead Omidyar Network’s work in Education, Financial Inclusion, Property Rights, and Consumer Internet & Mobile initiatives in key geographies. Join in on the conversation to hear all about the incredible work Imaginable Futures is doing, the grantees and investments they’re making, and Amy’s overall philosophy on educational philanthropy. Amy also speaks about the recent report she collaborated on with IDEO titled, “Learning Reimagined: Radical Thinking for Equitable Futures,” and touches on the themes of equity, impact investing, and the importance of values. Key Takeaways: [:10] About today’s episode with Amy Klement. [:40] Tom welcomes Amy Klement to the podcast. [1:06] Amy speaks a bit about her time as an early employee at PayPal. [1:24] Amy shares some highlights and key takeaways from her seven years with PayPal and interacting with some of Silicon Valley’s biggest personalities. [5:47] About Amy’s shift from PayPal to eBay and her experience in the VP role. [6:36] About Pierre Omidyar and why Amy decided to help him launch the Omidyar Network. [8:44] Amy and Tom highlight a few of Imaginable Futures’ grantees, starting with Wonderschool. [10:30] What Amy appreciates and loves about Bridge International. [12:56] What Amy appreciates about the innovative African network, SPARK Schools. [14:20] About the incredible global network, Teach For All, and what Amy loves about it. [16:40] About Imaginable Futures; their structure, the work that they do, and more. [18:43] Is Imaginable Futures an impact organization, first and foremost? [18:54] Amy elaborates on how Imaginable Future’s flexibility allows them to structure investments in a way that promotes both scaled impact and sustainability in the most efficient way possible. [20:28] Imaginable Futures has a wonderful but challengingly broad agenda; investing from early learning through post-secondary in America, Africa, and Latin America. What does Amy think about collecting the best ideas and narrowing those down to investment choices? [22:55] Imaginable Futures’ beautiful set of values: where they came from, how they uphold them, and what they are. [24:15] Are Imaginable Futures’ investment 50/50 between return-seeking and philanthropic? And is it by design or did it just work out that way? [24:55] The importance of taking on risk when it comes to philanthropy. [30:10] About Amy’s new report, “Learning Reimagined: Radical Thinking for Equitable Futures”. [31:52] Two key provocations from Amy’s report: 1. What if student agency became the most important measure of learning? And, 2. What if young people connected in new ways, developed voices, organized for change across politics, climate, systemic inequities, and even their own learning? [34:25] Amy and Tom discuss other provocations in the “Learning Reimagined” report: “What if learning progressions were based on competencies?” And: “What if home-schooling became the new school if we learned more about different school formats?” Amy also shares her thoughts on whether she thinks we’ll see home-schooling innovations take off as a result of the pandemic. [35:25] The importance of addressing inequities quickly (and now more than ever). [36:29] Amy’s closing thoughts on what’s next for Imaginable Futures. [37:58] Tom thanks Amy for joining the podcast!   Mentioned in This Episode: Amy Klement Imaginable Futures Pierre Omidyar Omidyar Network Wonderschool Bridge International SPARK Schools “SPARK Schools: Scaling Affordable Excellence in South Africa,” by Tom Vander Ark | Getting Smart “Low-Cost Schools Are Transforming Africa,” by Tom Vander Ark | Getting Smart Teach For All “Teaching Without Internet” on WhatsApp “Learning Reimagined: Radical Thinking for Equitable Futures” IDEO African Leadership Academy Teach for India Kids Education Revolution Difference Making at the Heart of Learning: Students, Schools, and Communities Alive With Possibility, by Tom Vander Ark and Emily Liebtag Getting Smart Podcast Ep. 282: “Shauntel Garvey on EdTech Impact Investing”   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review, and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include “Podcast” in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!

This month on Getting Smart, the podcasts will be focused on the theme of difference-making — which is also the subject of a new book launched just this week by Tom Vander Ark and Emily Liebtag, Difference Making at the Heart of Learning: Students, Schools, and Communities Alive With Possibility. To kick things off, Joanne McEachen is joining the podcast to have a conversation with Tom about her newest book, The Depthvale Detectives and the Great Education Crisis: A Guide to Contributive Learning in Schools. Joanne is the founder and CEO of The Learner First, an international education consultancy. The ‘welcome’ to her new book, The Depthvale Detectives and the Great Education Crisis, promises that all students can learn to contribute and add to the world in all manners of ways. And, when they do, no matter their plans or pursuits, they’ll have what they need to find real success. This book is a story for both educators, parents, and students about using your powers (AKA what you’re learning) for good. These powers can help you discover what it takes to contribute and how to make wellbeing, meaning, and fulfillment the ultimate outcomes of all that you do. In Joanne’s conversation with Tom, they discuss how schools can commit to contributive learning so that all students can learn how to add to the world, what is important to measure, the key elements of deep learning, and the fascinating five-phase change process that she outlines in her newest book, The Depthvale Detectives and the Great Education Crisis.   Key Takeaways: [:10] About today’s episode. [1:06] Tom welcomes Joanne McEachen to the podcast. [1:18] Joanne elaborates on what her email signature, “Meaning and fulfillment is the new wealth, and contribution is the only way to earn it,” means. [2:36] How Joanne thinks about contribution and what it means. [5:06] The ‘welcome’ to Joanne’s new book, The Depthvale Detectives and the Great Education Crisis, where she first made the discovery of the sentiment described, and what it means. [7:27] Contributive learning: the new superpower. [7:49] Joanne shares about growing up in New Zealand and how her education has shaped her current philosophy around education. [8:48] All of Joanne’s books indicate a strong sense of purpose and measuring what matters. She elaborates on how she developed the ideas in these books while leading two schools in New Zealand. [10:54] Joanne shares what is on her list of important things to measure and how she hopes they would be measured. [14:26] Joanne describes the elements of deep learning and what it has been like for her to write with Michael Fullan. [16:35] Joanne elaborates on what she and Michael mean when they speak about deep learning. [17:34] Why did Joanne choose a novel format for her new book, The Depthvale Detectives and the Great Education Crisis: A Guide to Contributive Learning in Schools? [19:28] Joanne cleverly worked in a five-phase change process into the story of her new book. Tom recaps the first two phases (1. Start with yourself; who are we really? 2. Pinpoint your purpose; why are we here?) and Joanne explains why it is important for teams to start with these ideas. [21:45] Joanne elaborates on the next two phases (3. Dive into outcomes; what do we want? 4. Plot your position; where are we now?). [23:22] Joanne explains what the final phase, “5: Invite teams to commit to contribution,” looks like. [25:15] What Karanga is, where to find it online, and why Joanne is passionate about it. [27:29] Where to find Joanne online and learn more about what she is up to. [27:51] Tom closes out the podcast with a beautiful sentiment from Joanne, and Joanne shares how people can incorporate this idea into their school. [28:38] Tom thanks Joanne for the work that she does and for joining the podcast. [29:08] About Tom and Emily’s new book, Difference Making at the Heart of Learning: Students, Schools, and Communities Alive With Possibility.   Mentioned in This Episode: Difference Making at the Heart of Learning: Students, Schools, and Communities Alive With Possibility, by Tom Vander Ark and Emily Liebtag Joanne McEachen The Learner First Twitter @TheLearnerFirst Twitter @JoanneMcEachen The Depthvale Detectives and the Great Education Crisis: A Guide to Contributive Learning in Schools, by Joanne McEachen and Matthew Kane Making the Important Measurable, Not the Measurable Important, by Joanne McEachen and Jane Davidson Measuring Human Return: Understand and Assess What Really Matters for Deeper Learning, by Joanne McEachen and Matthew Kane Michael Fullan Deep Learning: Engage the World Change the World, by Michael Fullan, Joanne Quinn, and Joanne McEachen Dive into Deep Learning: Tools for Engagement, by Joanne Quinn, Joanne McEachen, Michael Fullan, Mag Gardner, and Max Drummy Getting Smart Podcast Ep. 277: “Michael Fullan on Leading in a Culture of Change” Getting Smart Podcast Ep. 151: “Michael Fullan Sees Global Momentum for Deep Learning” Our Iceberg is Melting, by John Kotter and Holger Rathgeber Karanga.org   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review, and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include “Podcast” in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!  

Today, Tom Vander Ark is joined by Ed Hess to talk hyper-learning — one of the new demands of the 21st-Century workforce. After 20 years in business, Ed Hess has spent nearly two decades in academia teaching leadership. He is a professor of business administration and Batten Faculty Fellow at the University of Virginia Darden School of Business. He is the author of eleven books, over sixty articles, and over 60 Darden cases. His new book, Hyper-Learning: How to Adapt to the Speed of Change, suggests that for humans to stay relevant in the workplace, we have to be able to excel cognitively, behaviorally, and emotionally in ways that technology can’t. Join in on today’s conversation with Tom and Ed to learn how you can implement hyper learning in your own life, your organization, or your school!   Key Takeaways: [:10] About today’s episode. [:43] Tom welcomes Ed Hess to the podcast. [:50] After twenty years in business, Ed switched to academia. Ed shares why he decided to make the shift. [2:16] Does Ed teach executive or full-time students at Darden? [3:58] Tom and Ed speak about their experiences teaching students. [6:34] Ed speaks about his 2017 book, Humility Is the New Smart: Rethinking Human Excellence in the Smart Machine Age, and how he landed on that title. [11:17] Why humility is so key for both educators and learners, and Ed’s predictions on technology advancements in the next 10 years. [14:58] Ed defines the term “hyper-learning.” [17:49] Personal behaviors and practices of hyper-learning as outlined in Ed’s book. [22:20] Why daily advisory systems are so effective and mission-critical for learners. [25:03] How to cultivate a culture in your workplace that values hyper-learning. [32:05] Tom thanks Ed for joining the podcast!   Mentioned in This Episode: Ed Hess Hyper-Learning: How to Adapt to the Speed of Change, by Ed Hess Humility Is the New Smart: Rethinking Human Excellence in the Smart Machine Age, by Ed Hess Getting Smart Podcast Ep. 264: “Ryan Craig on Putting America Back to Work” Future of Work | Getting Smart   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review, and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include “Podcast” in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!

In this episode, Tom is talking education venture funding with Shauntel Garvey! Shauntel is a partner and co-founder of Reach Capital, an impact-focused edtech venture fund that was spun out of non-profit NewSchools Venture Fund, in 2015. Since then, they have deployed about $95 million in 61 investments, including some well-known startups such as ClassDojo, Ellevation, NearPod, and Newsela — all while maintaining a focus on education and workplace innovations. Join the conversation to learn more about Reach Capital, how they have evolved since branching out from NewSchools, the amazing companies in their portfolio, what a typical investment process looks like, and all about return, growth, and impact when it comes to venture funding.   Key Takeaways: [:10] About today’s episode. [:45] Tom welcomes Shauntel Garvey to the podcast. [:53] How did Shauntel get to MIT? [2:50] Why did Shauntel decide to go to Stanford and pursue a dual education MBA? [4:01] Was Shauntel aware of how many extraordinary people have gone through this same program when she was going through it herself? [4:49] Shauntel shares about when she first learned about NewSchools Venture Fund and what led her to become involved. [6:35] How and when Shauntel and her co-founder (of Reach Capital) decided to branch out from NewSchools and start their own venture fund. [8:22] About the second fund they’re currently investing in with Reach Capital. [9:04] How Reach Capital has evolved from NewSchools, going beyond K-12 funding. [9:55] Can you run a viable venture fund, looking for both impact and return? How does Reach Capital try to maximize both of those? [11:38] The meaning behind the name “Reach Capital.” [12:08] How Reach Capital is looking to bring more diverse founders into edtech and why Shauntal believes it is so incredibly important. [14:40] Shauntel walks listeners through the venture process in a typical investment. [18:26] What does it mean to lead deals? And do they like to lead deals at Reach Capital? [19:00] After making the investment with a company, what does their relationship look like going forward? How do they continue to support them? [20:54] How many companies in Reach Capital’s portfolio is Shauntel actively involved in? [21:26] The hardest part of Shauntel’s job currently. [21:50] Lightning round of the cool companies in Reach Capital’s portfolio! Shauntel speaks about the incredible work of Abl, BetterLesson, ClassDojo, AdmitHub, Desmos, Ellevation, Hone, Newsela, PeopleGrove, Schoolzilla, Tynker, Nearpod, Outschool, Epic!, and Riipen. [32:12] The gaps Shauntel is currently seeing in education where there’s an opportunity to make a big difference. [35:34] With Reach Capital, do they try to create spaces that can bring together public and philanthropic investments as well as private investments? [37:29] Infrastructure challenges and the inequities that have been amplified during the pandemic. [38:30] Tom thanks Shauntel for joining the Getting Smart Podcast!   Mentioned in This Episode: Shauntel Garvey Reach Capital NewSchools Venture Fund ClassDojo Ellevation Nearpod Newsela Abl BetterLesson AdmitHub Desmos Hone PeopleGrove SchoolMint Schoolzilla WriteLab Julia Freeland Fisher Tynker Outschool Epic! Riipen Getting Smart Podcast Ep. 264: “Ryan Craig on Putting America Back to Work” Raise Your Hand Texas NSBA Getting Smart Podcast Ep. 274: “Rachelle Dene Poth on Charting a New Course”   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review, and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include ‘Podcast’ in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!  

Today Tom is speaking with gaming and esports expert, Mike Sepso. Mike is widely considered the godfather of esports and has been at the heart of esports for nearly 20 years. In 2002, Mike launched Major League Gaming, a professional esports organization. He later sold MLG to game-maker, Activision, in 2015. Last year, Mike launched Vindex to provide infrastructure to the esports industry. And just recently, Vindex acquired Belong Gaming Arenas and plans to open more than 500 Belong locations in hometowns across America. Right now, about half of America is gaming during the pandemic. It might surprise you to know that gaming is bigger than both music and movies combined. This year, video game revenue will likely top $170 billion. Though the percentage of gamers that play professionally is small, it is growing. Esports is approximately a $1 billion business itself. Join in today’s conversation with Tom to hear about Mike’s mission to open local arenas across America to grow esports, as well as what he thinks about esports as a career path (and how high schools, colleges, and educators should play the game).   Key Takeaways: [:10] About today’s episode. [1:06] Tom welcomes Mike to the podcast. [1:11] Having been at the heart of esports for nearly 20 years, would Mike say that he’s always been a gamer? [1:35] The history of when and how esports emerged out of the video game market. [3:35] The origin story behind Mike’s founding of Major League Gaming. [7:11] How Mike thinks about the global gaming market today and why he believes gaming has become so big, so fast. [11:48] The mission behind Mike’s new company, Vindex, and some of the history behind esports. [18:50] The three-pronged strategic approach they’re taking with Vindex. [22:52] Mike shares about their exciting acquisition of Belong Gaming Arenas as well as why they wanted to acquire them. [31:50] Where these gaming arenas will be placed and how big they will be. [33:40] Is esports a viable career path? And what role can or should high schools and colleges play with regards to esports? [37:52] How will esports impact communities? Should economic directors be thinking about esports or working it into their plans? [39:38] How big is the market of esports? Where does Mike see it a couple of years from now? [41:07] How has esports been positively and negatively impacted by COVID-19? Does it only have growth to look forward to in the coming years? [46:26] Tom thanks Mike for joining the podcast!   Mentioned in This Episode: Mike Sepso’s LinkedIn Mike Sepso’s Twitter @MSpeso Major League Gaming Activision Vindex Belong Gaming Arenas Overwatch League Getting Smart Podcast Ep. 238: “Chad Dorsey on Modeling and Data Science in STEM Education”   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review, and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include ‘Podcast’ in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!

In today’s episode, Tom is joined by Julia Freeland Fisher and Dr. Mahnaz Charania. Julia is the Director of Education Research at the Clayton Christensen Institute and the author of the important 2018 book, Who You Know: Unlocking Innovations That Expand Students’ Networks. Dr. Mahnaz Charania is a Senior Research Fellow, also at the Clayton Christensen Institute. Recently, Julia Freeland Fisher and Dr. Mahnaz Charania co-authored an incredibly important new paper together called, “The Missing Metrics: Emerging Practices for Measuring Students’ Relationships and Networks.” The paper outlines how measuring for diversity and social capital can open new doors and perspectives for students at various junctures in their education journey. Through this, education systems can start to build an evidence base for closing the social side of opportunity gaps and ensure that all students are supported equitably in their path to economic prosperity. Join in for the conversation as Tom, Julia, and Dr. Mahnaz discuss the four-dimensional framework for measuring students’ social capital they’ve proposed in their paper, “The Missing Metrics,” and why social capital needs to be taken into account when addressing equity, access, and more.   Key Takeaways: [:10] About today’s episode. [:55] Tom welcomes Julia Freeland Fisher and Dr. Mahnaz Charania to the podcast. [1:28] Dr. Mahnaz Charania shares why she decided to study experimental social psychology. [2:02] What sparked Dr. Mahnaz Charania’s interest in education? [2:43] Did Dr. Mahnaz Charania work with Helene Gayle at the CDC? [3:13] Julia Freeland Fisher recaps her career journey from her early work around blended learning to social capital. [5:48] Dr. Mahnas Charania shares what interests her about the work she is currently doing around social capital. [6:32] Julia shares what she would add to the 2020 epilogue of her 2018 book, Who You Know, with regards to the pandemic. [11: 33] The backstory behind the comprehensive measurement framework that is outlined in Julia Freeland Fishers and Dr. Mahnaz Charania’s paper, “The Missing Metrics: Emerging Practices for Measuring Students’ Relationships and Networks.” [12:50] How Dr. Mahnaz Charania is addressing social capital through a continuous improvement approach. [14:33] The four-dimensional framework for measuring students’ social capital: quantity of relationships, quality of relationships, the structure of networks, and the ability to mobilize relationships. [14:39] How to measure the quantity of relationships and why it matters. [18:44] How to measure the quality of relationships, why it is a key aspect in the four-dimensional framework, and some examples. [22:30] About the structure of networks, why it is important, and how to measure it. [24:39] About Getting Smart’s sponsor this week, Micro-Collegiate Academy by TEL Education. [25:51] About the last of the four categories, the ability to mobilize relationships, and how to measure it. [27:00] The benefits of using extended transcripts or portfolios in helping young people tell the story of who they’re becoming, what they’ve accomplished, what they’ve overcome, and who they’ve connected with. [30:33] Examples of fantastic online digital extended transcripts or portfolios and what great extended transcripts and portfolios should include. [33:04] Why continuous improvement/self-growth is a key component in measuring these metrics. [35:00] How educators and institutions can help students build their networks (especially during the pandemic). [36:59] Dr. Mahnas Charania’s advice for principals and counselors on where to start. [38:25] Julia’s advice for principals and counselors on where to start. [40:07] Are these emerging metrics just as important as your reading or math score? [41:01] Tom thanks both guests for joining this week’s episode.   Mentioned in This Episode: Clayton Christensen Institute Who You Know: Unlocking Innovations That Expand Students’ Networks, by Julia Freeland Fisher “The Missing Metrics: Emerging Practices for Measuring Students’ Relationships and Networks,” by Dr. Mahnaz Charania and Julia Freeland Fisher Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) CARE International Critical Mentoring: A Practical Guide, by Torie Weiston-Serdan The Power of Place: Authentic Learning Through Place-Based Education, by Tom Vander Ark, Emily Liebtag, and Nate McClennen LinkedIn Trovvit Big Picture Learning ASU Local xSEL Labs Micro-Collegiate Academy | TEL Education Greenlight Credentials Climb Hire CareerVillage Nepris Getting Smart Podcast Ep. 165: “Why Youth Need Social Capital and How Schools Can Help” (A 2018 interview with Julia Freeland Fisher)   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review, and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include ‘Podcast’ in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!  

Today’s episode is featuring an interview with Dr. Helene Gayle. Dr. Gayle is the CEO of the Chicago Community Trust; one of the nation’s leading community foundations. The trust works with donors, non-profits, community leaders, and residents to lead and inspire philanthropic efforts that improve the quality of life for the residents of the Chicago region. For 30 years, Dr. Gayle was one of the world’s leading experts on infectious diseases, leading global efforts at the CDC, the Gates Foundation, and CARE International. Dr. Gayle’s global-to-local story gives her a unique perspective on issues of race and class and sets the stage for the trust attack on the racial and ethnic wealth gap. In this episode, she speaks about her role as CEO of CCT and the work they are doing around closing the racial and ethnic gap in Chicago and America; her ideas on what would help improve the quality of (and access to) education in Chicago; and her thoughts and predictions around the impact COVID-19 will have long-term.   Key Takeaways: [:10] About today’s episode with Dr. Helene Gayle [:59] Tom welcomes Dr. Helene Gayle to the podcast! [1:57] Dr. Gayle speaks about her career journey and why she decided to transition from pediatrics to public health. [4:18] About Dr. Gayle’s incredible 30-year career in public health. [8:37] Dr. Gayle’s thoughts and predictions on COVID-19. [10:20] Dr. Gayle elaborates on how we’ve done as a country dealing with COVID-19. [11:56] About three years ago, Dr. Gayle became the CEO of the Chicago Community Trust. She explains what it is and why the role interested her. [16:28] How Dr. Gayle is taking on the equity and wealth gap in Chicago through the Chicago Community Trust. [21:47] How COVID-19 has actually amplified Chicago Community Trust’s message and mission. [23:08] The link to education in Chicago Community Trust’s plan and Dr. Gayle’s thoughts on what would help improve the quality of and access to education in Chicago. [25:23] How Dr. Gayle’s experience and training in public health have shaped her approach in tackling the root cause. [26:40] Dr. Gayle’s thoughts on the guidelines schools should follow in reopening. [28:01] Dr. Gayle’s advice for investors and policymakers at the state and local level. [30:23] Tom thanks Dr. Gayle for her 30-year contribution to public health, for transforming opportunity in Chicago, and for joining the podcast!   Mentioned in This Episode: Dr. Helene Gayle Chicago Community Trust Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation CARE International Getting Smart Podcast Ep. 253: “Lia McIntosh on Community Development”   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include ‘Podcast’ in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!  

In today’s episode, Tom Vander Ark is joined by Gary Funk and Haley Richardson for a discussion on rural schools and rural teachers! Gary Funk has spent 30 years serving and advocating for America’s rural schools. For the last four years, he has served as the Director of the Rural Schools Collaborative. Currently, he’s running a campaign called “I Am a Rural Teacher,” which is a national advocacy campaign that gives voice to rural teachers. Recently, Gary and the “I Am a Rural Teacher” campaign recently highlighted the rural school teacher, Haley Richardson, who teaches second grade at University Charter School (UCS) in Livingston, Alabama. In their conversation, Gary and Haley talk with Tom about the work they are doing to encourage teachers to embrace the power of place to help young people appreciate where they’re from and the opportunities that exist there.   Key Takeaways: [:10] About today’s episode with Gary Funk and Haley Richardson. [:50] Tom welcomes Gary Funk and Haley Richardson to the podcast! [1:01] Haley speaks about her upbringing, family, and early education. [2:20] Why Haley and her brother both decided to pursue a career in education. [3:36] Gary shares about his upbringing, family, and early education. [5:15] What attracts Haley to teaching in rural communities. [6:55] Why rural schools are so important and, in particular, why it has become a focal point in Gary’s career. [9:00] Why schools are integral to the life and community of a rural area. [9:45] Why a community loses a lot when they lose a school and the negative impact of the consolidation of schools. [11:05] The surge of micro-schools during the pandemic and how they’re helping re-conceptualize what schools are. [12:48] At the University Charter School (UCS), Haley had the chance to be a part of the founding faculty. She shares about her experiences there as well as the origin of the school. [14:04] How they’re expanding UCS going forward. [14:22] Is UCS on the campus of the University of West Alabama (UWS)? [14:38] Do they offer student teaching opportunities at UWS? [15:15] About the Black Belt Teacher Corps program at UWS. [16:30] About the Rural Schools Collaborative that Gary runs. [18:45] Why a sense of place is so important to cultivate — especially in a rural school. [21:34] Gary shares his take on why place is so critical for rural schools as well as how they can better embrace where they’re from to deepen their roots and their connection to the towns that support them. [26:20] Further discussing place-based education and Haley’s relationship with the Place Network Schools. [28:51] Some of the challenges with teaching in a rural area. [31:50] Haley shares some words of encouragement for those considering becoming a rural teacher. [33:00] What Rural Schools Collaborative is trying to accomplish with the “I Am a Rural Teacher” campaign. [34:53] Tom thanks Gary and Haley for joining the podcast!   Mentioned in This Episode: Rural Schools Collaborative I Am a Rural Teacher Campaign Haley Richardson’s Rural Teacher Feature on I Am a Rural Teacher University Charter School (UCS) “The Hobbit Effect: Why Small Works in Public Schools,” by Lorna Jimerson Teton Science Schools Place Network Schools The Power of Place: Authentic Learning Through Place-Based Education, by Tom Vander Ark, Emily Liebtag, and Nate McClennen I Am a Rural Teacher: Haley Richardson of Alabama (Video) National Rural Education Association   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include ‘Podcast’ in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!  

Today, the Getting Smart team is bringing you an episode on leading in a culture of change with Michael Fullan. Michael has been the world’s most persistent and persuasive advocate for powerful learning experiences. He is encouraged by the global momentum he sees with whole systems adopting deep learning strategies and policies. Twenty years after his best-selling book, Leading in a Culture of Change, Jossey-Bass released the second edition — certainly a timely resource! In this episode, Tom and Michael discuss the new edition of Leading in a Culture of Change and all that has been updated within its pages. With more than 50% of the words being completely new in the book, it is an incredibly important resource not to miss out on (even if you have read the first edition)! Michael gives listeners a preview of what he covers in this book as well as his views on what is currently happening in the world and how it is impacting the movement to deeper learning.   Key Takeaways: [:10] About today’s episode with Michael Fullan. [:41] Tom welcomes Michael back to the podcast! [:49] When was the first edition of Leading in a Culture of Change released? [1:08] How much did Michael rewrite in this second edition? [2:28] What is a ‘culture of change’? And what does it have to do with education leadership? [5:55] Why you need to read the second edition of Leading in a Culture of Change (even if you’ve already read the first edition). [6:51] Key differences between the first and second edition of the book. [9:20] What being a lead learner means. [10:22] The importance of the phrase, “I don’t know,” in unlocking deeper learning. [11:58] The five components of change leadership. Michael explains the first one, moral purpose. [12:48] Why it is more important to focus on impact than moral purpose. [13:30] Discussing the notion of unintended consequences and how they can come about. [14:32] The second of the five components of change leadership: understanding change. Michael also shares what he means by nuance when it comes to leaders that succeed vs. those that fail. [16:43] Change is complicated and requires us to study the nuances of change and to be prepared for things to occur differently than we had anticipated. Michael unpacks this idea and shares potential mistakes that can be made during change. [20:20] The third of the five components of change leadership: building relationships. [24:22] Reimagining education in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. [27:22] The fourth component of change leadership: creating and sharing knowledge. [32:23] The last of the five components of change leadership: creating coherence. [34:13] Is it easier to create coherence in a new school than an old school? How does Michael engineer coherence in an incoherent system that has layers of inherited policy, structure, and systems? [37:27] Is Michael still optimistic about more deep learning globally? [38:48] Tom thanks Michael for joining the podcast!   Mentioned in This Episode: Leading in a Culture of Change, by Michael Fullan — Grab yourself a copy here! Nuance: Why Some Leaders Succeed and Others Fail, by Michael Fullan Mary Parker Follett “Reimagining Education: From Remote to Hybrid Learning,” by Michael Fullan and Joanne Quinn in collaboration with Microsoft American Journal of Education (AJE) In Search of Deeper Learning: The Quest to Remake the American High School, by Jal Mehta and Sarah Fine Difference Making at the Heart of Learning: Students, Schools, and Communities Alive With Possibility, by Tom Vander Ark and Emily Liebtag Coherence: The Right Drivers in Action for Schools, Districts, and Systems, by Michael Fullan and Joanne Quinn The Devil Is in the Details: System Solutions for Equity, Excellence, and Student Well-Being, by Michael Fullan and Mary Jean Gallagher The Structure of Scientific Revolutions, by Thomas S. Kuhn   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include ‘Podcast’ in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!  

Today on the podcast, Tom Vander Ark is joined by Ron Berger. Ron has been teaching for 40 years and is currently the Chief Academic Officer at EL Education. He’s also the author of some popular books you may have heard of! One of which, Leaders of Their Own Learning: Transforming Schools Through Student-Engaged Assessment, is one of Getting Smart’s favorites. Last year, Ron joined the Getting Smart podcast to discuss a companion piece to Leaders of Their Own Learning. (If you missed it, be sure to check out episode 222, linked below!) In this episode, Ron is joining the podcast once again to discuss his newest book, We Are Crew: A Teamwork Approach to School Culture, that he wrote in collaboration with Anne Vilen and Libby Woodfin. At EL Education, ‘crew’ is the culture and the advisory structure. We Are Crew details secrets to create secondary schools that promote academics and character development. Listen in to hear about how crew as a culture and structure is transforming schools!   Key Takeaways: [:10] About today’s episode with Ron Berger. [1:00] Tom welcomes Ron back to the podcast. [1:07] Ron speaks about the impact his previously published book, Leaders of Their Own Learning, has had on schools, educators, and students. [2:17] How the timing of Ron’s new book, We Are Crew, came out at an opportune time with the current global pandemic. [3:42] What is ‘crew’ as culture? How is it different from traditional public schools? [8:41] What is the structure of crew? [9:43] How the crew model varies between elementary and secondary schools. [11:20] The role that crew fulfills in a high school. [13:29] About crew’s post-secondary planning and goal-setting. [14:42] Why is it hard for homeroom advisories in high school to be done well? And how can they be improved? [17:38] What makes crew particularly successful? [19:45] Chapters 4-7 in We Are Crew cover the specific jobs that crew does for EL Schools. In Chapter 4, the book details how to help young people become effective learners. Ron further elaborates on this and details how crew helps them understand themselves as a learner. [22:15] Chapter 5 in We Are Crew is about becoming ethical people. Ron shares how crew aids in that. [24:55] Chapter 6 is on contributions. Ron elaborates on how crew helps young people understand contributions and begin to make their own, unique contributions. [26:51] Chapter 7 talks about post-secondary. Ron adds his thoughts on how educators can help young people imagine possible futures. [30:04] Tom and Ron reflect on the timeliness of We Are Crew. [31:13] Where to find Ron and access free EL Education resources online.   Mentioned in This Episode: Ron Berger EL Education Leaders of Their Own Learning: Transforming Schools Through Student-Engaged Assessment, by Ron Berger, Leah Rugen, Libby Woodfin, and EL Education Getting Smart Podcast Ep. 222: “Ron Berger on Helping Students Become Leaders of Their Own Learning” We Are Crew: A Teamwork Approach to School Culture, by Ron Berger, Anne Vilen, and Libby Woodfin   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include ‘Podcast’ in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!

Today we’re talking with John Winsor on the open talent economy. John Winsor built a big publishing business around sports and fitness. He saw the business changing and started crowdsourcing articles from athletes. That got him interested in open talent — otherwise known as ‘work outside of full-time employment,’ which includes the freelance and the gig economy. Three years ago, John joined the faculty at Harvard Business School as a visiting executive and founded Open Assembly, an organization that hosts conversations about the future of work. In this conversation with Tom, John describes the shift to open talent. Corporations are interested in this shift because of the potential to get work done faster, better, and cheaper. Individuals like the flexibility and variety. Tom and John also talk about the new social contract that would be needed to support open talent markets.   Key Takeaways: [:10] About today’s episode with John Winsor. [1:05] Tom welcomes John to the podcast. [1:11] John shares how and why he went to Colorado College. [2:28] Is Colorado College still a ‘big block’ school? How did the way that the college was organized aid John in his learning? [3:44] John reflects on receiving his MBA in Marketing at the University of Denver. Tom and John also discuss how both CC and UoD have evolved over time. [7:07] How John got into the publishing business. [9:48] About John’s interest in racing and cycling. [12:33] How and where John became interested in the idea of open talent and the future of work. [15:38] John defines what open talent is. [16:52] Should everyone be in the ‘open talent’ space? Or is it something that complements full-time employment? What does John see, five to 10 years from now, for the open talent space? [19:15] How it could be possible to create an open talent economy that is equitable for everyone. [25:00] Ways to help the open talent economy scale in an equitable way. [27:17] Advertising opportunities available through Getting Smart. [27:47] Three years ago, John founded Open Assembly, an organization that produces content around open talent and more. John shares what they have accomplished so far with Open Assembly and what they’re trying to accomplish, going forward. [31:12] What high school education for a market of open talent should look like. [33:46] Does John agree with Ryan Craig’s advice around giving a “hard sprint to a good first job”? [37:55] Will an open talent economy lead to the widening income and wealth gap? [40:30] How we can all play a part in creating the foundation for an open talent economy. [43:02] Tom thanks John for joining the podcast!   Mentioned in This Episode: John Winsor Harvard Business School Open Assembly Diffusion of Innovations, by Everett M. Rogers Spark: Be More Innovative Through Co-Creation, by John Winsor Flipped: How Bottom-Up Co-Creation is Replacing Top-Down Innovation, by John Winsor Crowdsourcing: Why the Power of the Crowd Is Driving the Future of Business, by Jeff Howe [email protected] — Email Jessica to learn more about sponsorships and advertising opportunities with Getting Smart! Toptal Getting Smart Ep. 264: “Ryan Craig on Putting America Back to Work” “1,000 True Fans,” by Kevin Kelly “One Thousand True Fans: All You Need to Know about Marketing in a Single Article,” by Jeroen Riemens   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include ‘Podcast’ in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!  

Today’s episode is featuring a conversation on computational thinking with Conrad Wolfram. Conrad Wolfram directs global strategy for Wolfram Research, a leader in computational resources. For the last decade, Wolfram has been encouraging educators to teach math(s) as if computers existed. He wants teachers and policymakers to stop fixating on calculations like long division and factoring polynomial equations, and instead, start focusing on computational thinking. Conrad’s newest book, The Math(s) Fix, is the foundation for a revolution in education. It maps out the vision and the solution to change math(s) at its core. Listen in to learn about computational thinking and how it can serve as the solution to the current, detrimental traditional math(s) curriculum.   Key Takeaways: [:10] About today’s episode. [:51] Tom welcomes Conrad to the podcast! [1:27] About Wolfram’s family background with math. [2:41] What the Wolfram language is. [3:47] About this new era we’re in today (what Wolfram considers the ‘AI age’ or the ‘fourth industrial revolution’), especially with regards to computation. [8:42] The two big ideas in The Math(s) Fix: the importance of computational thinking across the curriculum and that we should begin to utilize the powerful supercomputers in our pockets rather than spending all our time in school learning to hand-calculate. [12:20] Defining computational thinking and why it is becoming increasingly important in every field. [17:43] Why the focus on hand-calculation in math(s) education is actually detrimental for learners. [24:24] Advertising opportunities available through Getting Smart. [24:55] Conrad elaborates on his idea of teaching machine learning to students starting in primary school. [28:37] Lightning round! Conrad answers: Is it still useful to memorize the times table? What about fractions and proportionality? Long division? Factoring polynomials? [35:04] Is teaching computational thinking more challenging than the traditional rote memorization way of teaching math(s)? [41:16] Advice for math(s) teachers on how to bring computational thinking into their teaching. [44:56] About The Maths Fix Campaign for Core Computational Curriculum Change (MFC5). [48:05] Be sure to check out Conrad’s book, The Math(s) Fix: An Education Blueprint for the AI Age!   Mentioned in This Episode: Conrad Wolfram Wolfram Research The Math(s) Fix: An Education Blueprint for the AI Age, by Conrad Wolfram Wolfram Mathematica Wolfram Language [email protected] — Email Jessica to learn more about sponsorships and advertising opportunities with Getting Smart! The Maths Fix Campaign for Core Computational Curriculum Change (MFC5) Getting Smart Podcast Ep. 239: “Jo Boaler on the Limitless Mind and Learning Math That Matters”   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include ‘Podcast’ in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!  

In today’s interview, the Getting Smart team is talking to Ada Palmer, a history professor at the University of Chicago. As a historian, Ada studies the long-term evolution of ideas and the history of religious radicalism, science, and freethought, especially in the Italian Renaissance, Enlightenment, and Classical Greece and Rome. In addition to being a historian, Ada is also a composer and an award-winning science fiction author. In Tom and Ada’s conversation, they discuss how we can learn from the past and the future. Ada shares her insights on historical pandemics; how society has changed; how history may influence the future; how sci-fi can help society integrate new, ethical frameworks; and how investigating the past and the future can help us navigate the complex here and now.   Key Takeaways: [:10] About today’s episode. [:41] Tom welcomes Ada to the podcast! [:48] As a historian at Chicago, what does Ada believe that history can teach us about a world that’s currently going through a pandemic as well as the current BLM movement? [6:05] Donald Ferguson has said that historians study crisis. Does Ada think about studying history in this way? [8:21] Ada shares her thoughts on what the Golden Age really means and why it is so incredibly important to study. [12:19] Ada talks about her passion for space exploration, space launches, and the space program and what it all means to her. [13:19] How true social change actually happens (using examples through history). [24:15] About Getting Smart’s resource on equity work. [24:51] Ada shares about her role as a teacher and how she thinks about learning. In particular, she highlights her teachings about the Italian renaissance and why she has her college students reenact the fateful Conclave of 1492. [32:50] Why Ada writes science fiction, particularly ‘big ideas’ science fiction. [35:05] How science fiction can help us create new ethical frameworks and dynamic frameworks for changing the world. [38:10] Ada’s take on the rise of synthetic content such as deep fakes. [40:32] What an ideal high school curriculum looks like to Ada. [48:51] Tom thanks Ada for joining the podcast!   Mentioned in This Episode: Ada Palmer’s Blog GettingSmart.com/EquityWork 1492 Conclave Ada Palmer’s Books Who Owns the News?: A History of Copyright, by Will Slauter   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include ‘Podcast’ in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!  

Today, the Getting Smart team is bringing you a podcast with their friend, Michael Horn, a speaker and writer on the future of education. Michael has spent the last five years leading the higher education consulting practice at Entangled Group. One of their early investments was with Guild Education, a venture-backed startup leading the ‘education as a benefit’ movement. In May, Entangled was acquired by Guild Education and together, they have launched Next Chapter, a new kind of outplacement service to help laid-off workers access the training and job opportunities they really need. In this episode, Tom and Michael discuss Guild Education and Next Chapter. Michael shares his thoughts around how education and work are changing in light of the COVID-19 pandemic (and what they’re doing to help); his advice for high school and college students around entrepreneurship and building social capital; micro-credentialing and cooperative learning pathways; and how remote tech work may begin to change in America, especially with regards to rural states.   Key Takeaways: [:10] About today’s episode. [:45] Tom welcomes Michael Horn back to the podcast. [:57] Michael shares how he has explained what is currently happening in America to his children. [2:41] The 2020 postlude to Michael’s book, Choosing College, that was released in August 2019. Michael also shares the advice that he gives to high school juniors and seniors as they think about their current education pathway considering the COVID-19 pandemic. [7:02] About Michael’s last five years as the Chief Strategy Officer for Entangled Group and what the Entangled Group is all about. [8:17] What Guild Education (a firm Michael was an early investor in that has recently acquired Entangled Group) is all about. [11:00] About Rachel Romer Carlson (one of two founders of Guild Education), her family, and all of the incredible work that they do for education. [14:15] With Guild Education’s acquisition of Entangled Group, they launched Next Chapter. Michael describes what Next Chapter is all about. [16:51] Michael’s thoughts on Ryan Craig’s new venture, Achieve Partners, and how it is a different approach to similar problems that he is also working on. [20:20] Post-pandemic there will be more remote work in tech America. How might rural states help more people skill up to participate in the technology economy and maybe even do it from their hometowns? [23:55] Discussing the possibility of higher ed micro-schools or cooperative learning pathways. [27:23] Michael’s advice for high school and college students regarding entrepreneurship. He also shares his thoughts on how entrepreneurship should be a part of the curriculum and why entrepreneurial skills are incredibly valuable. [31:54] The invention challenges Michael believes we absolutely need to address within this decade. [36:01] Credentialing of learning: the upsides and downsides. [38:06] The importance of leaving high school with a network/set of connections that could provide both insight and opportunities. Michael also shares some policies and tools that could help build social capital for students in high school in more equitable ways. [41:48] About Michael’s podcast, Class Disrupted. [43:02] Where to find Michael online. [43:25] Tom thanks Michael for joining the Getting Smart Podcast!   Mentioned in This Episode: Michael Horn Entangled Group Guild Education Next Chapter | Guild Education Getting Smart Podcast Ep. 228: “Michael Horn on Choosing College” Choosing College: How to Make Better Learning Decisions Throughout Your Life, by Michael Horn and Bob Moesta Global Citizen Year “Global Citizen Year Launches Accessible Gap Year Alternative” Getting Smart Podcast Ep. 264: “Ryan Craig on Putting America Back to Work” Achieve Partners Teton Science Schools ASU Local Who You Know: Unlocking Innovations That Expand Students’ Networks, by Julia Freeland Fisher Class Disrupted Podcast by Michael Horn on The 74 Michael Horn’s Website Michael Horn’s Twitter @MichaelBHorn   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include ‘Podcast’ in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!  

Today’s episode is featuring a recent interview Tom Vander Ark had with Brian Greenberg on creating great schools! Greenberg is an educator, investor, and entrepreneur at the intersection of technology, education, and philanthropy. He is also one of Getting Smart team’s favorite people right now in education!   After teaching high school English in L.A., Brian Greenberg was the founding Principal for Leadership Public Schools in the Bay Area. He coached principals for new leaders and served as Chief Academic Officer for Envision Schools. Eight years ago, with support from the Fischer family, Greenberg opened Silicon Schools; a non-profit that has funded the creation of fifty great new Bay Area schools that foster innovation and personalization in the neighborhoods that need them most.   With the closure of school buildings, Greenberg observed his schools moving slowly to remote learning. He attributes the smooth transition to well-developed academic programs and strong school cultures.   Tune in to learn more about Brian’s work in supporting great new schools as well as his insights about the important role that Silicon Schools play in advancing innovation and equity in education!   Key Takeaways: [:10] About today’s episode. [:56] Tom welcomes Brian to the podcast! [1:35] The best and hardest parts of teaching English in Los Angeles. [4:27] The biggest takeaway Brian learned as a teacher. [5:09] Brian’s experience as the founding Principal for Leadership Public Schools. [8:55] Key pieces to a successful principalship. [9:48] Lessons Brian learned from his experience with mentoring principals for new leaders. [12:48] What Brian learned from serving as Chief Academic Officer at Envision Schools. [16:07] How Silicon Schools was opened with the support from the Fischer family. [16:58] The importance of new school development and why it is high-return philanthropy. [20:33] The challenges with taking good schools to greatness and taking okay schools to good. [24:52] What the formula for success looks like for creating new schools. [29:51] Where you want to be on the spectrum of a proven model vs. an innovative model when it comes to creating a new school. [33:48] Key lessons Brian learned when their fifty schools closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. [41:07] About Brian and Silicon School’s two guidebooks/playbooks; the content they covered and what they were made for. [42:02] The challenges educators face in planning for an uncertain August and September and how they can be solved. [45:38] Tom thanks Brian for all of the incredible work that he does and for joining the podcast!   Mentioned in This Episode: Brian Greenberg Silicon Schools Leadership Public Schools Envision Schools The Gates Foundation Teach Like a Champion: 49 Techniques that Put Students on the Path to College, by Doug Lemov Teach Like a Champion 2.0: 62 Techniques that Put Students on the Path to College, by Doug Lemov California Collaborative for Educational Excellence - The Playbooks Getting Smart Podcast Ep. 259: “Eric Tucker on Reopening Schools with Equity in Mind”   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include ‘Podcast’ in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!

Today the Getting Smart team is speaking with Hardeep Gulati, the CEO of PowerSchool. PowerSchool is a leading ed-tech platform, serving more than 32 million students, 65 million parents, and nearly 100 million users in 70 countries. The company empowers teachers and drives student growth through innovative digital classroom capabilities and real-time communication across any device. Hardeep grew up in Central India, earned a Master’s in Computer Science at IT, moved to the United States, and started a process automation business that was quickly acquired. He spent almost a decade leading product development at Oracle and is now leading the team at PowerSchool. Joining Hardeep in today’s episode is Marcy Daniel, the Chief Product Officer at PowerSchool. In their conversation, Marcy shares more about the platform’s functionalities, what it means to be a unified classroom, and how schools are finding the platform most useful. Listen in to hear how Hardeep and Marcy are helping to unify technology to help schools unlock a classroom's true potential and supporting school districts during the COVID-19 pandemic. Key Takeaways: [1:16] Tom Welcomes Hardeep and Marcy to the podcast! [1:31] Hardeep speaks about his education and career background. [2:31] Hardeep reflects on the startup he created shortly after college; how he came up with the idea and the problems that it solved. [4:05] Key takeaways from Hardeep’s 12-year career in product development at Oracle. [7:26] Hardeep shares the challenges of taking on the CEO role at Powerschool and how his corporate background aided in taking on these challenges. [12:13] The history of Powerschool. [12:39] When and why Marcy joined Powerschool. [13:02] Marcy’s role at Powerschool and the acquiring of Schoology. [13:32] The functionality of the Unified Classroom — the industry’s first solution to empowering teachers with personalized learning tools to improve education outcomes for every student. [14:51] Is Schoology the learning platform in Unified Classroom? [15:03] Marcy explains why the integration of HR with Unified Classroom is important. [17:10] The functionalities of micro-credentialing in Unified Classroom. [18:52] Is there a budget management module in the Unified system? [19:23] The five Es of effectiveness in driving better education outcomes. [21:42] Why all schools should adopt a learning management system in the next 60 days. [24:24] Marcy highlights some trends, key takeaways, and behavior changes from teachers and school leaders in their school districts. [26:27] Marcy and Hardeep’s take on what will be different next school year. [29:48] How the last two months have changed Powerschool’s product roadmap. [30:46] Does the insights platform include some formative assessments or is it a data integration platform? Mentioned in This Episode:PowerSchool Hardeep Gulati Marcy DanielSchoology PowerSchool Unified Classroom GettingSmart.com/GettingThrough Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include ‘Podcast’ in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!  

In today’s episode, Kelly Niccolls, Learning Design Manager from the Getting Smart team, is joined by Kristi Dominguez and Ellen Dorr for a follow-up podcast on leading school systems towards healing with love.   Building upon their first discussion in episode 252, Ellen and Kristi focus on the commitment of leadership practices and tending to the exhaustion of students, staff, and stakeholders. In addition to the uncertainty of the pandemic, Kristi and Ellen also talk about the current state of the nation and how they are taking action as leaders to ensure all students and their families know that they are seen, heard, and loved.   This episode dives into the depths of leading with love; that love is truth, love is commitment, love is being clear and direct, and that love is making tough decisions. This relentless love is what Kristi and Ellen lead with to ensure that all students are the center of decision-making and that they continue to work towards the future of school systems that will heal better. In their conversation, they talk through the leadership challenges of planning for the return to school this fall, in light of COVID-19 safety regulations, discuss the ways that they are learning, how they are leading practices towards anti-racist outcomes, and how they have been finding ways to nurture through such times of pain and peril.   Key Takeaways: [:10] About today’s episode. [2:22] Kelly Niccolls welcomes Kristi and Ellen to the podcast! [4:33] What preparing for the fall semester looks like from dealing with the unknowns to continuing to do the right things for kids and providing relevant, meaningful learning experiences that they’ll want to be engaged in. [9:57] How Kristi and Ellen are taking into consideration the current protests and BLM movement when thinking of their next moves as leaders of school systems. They share how they will be serving the students that are harmed in systemic oppression and racism through being intentional in their actions as leaders and tending to the hearts and souls of those who are hurting. [15:56] About the Getting Through microsite. [16:37] How Kristi and Ellen are identifying the key pillars that they need to lead through and be really diligent about, not making any negotiations to ensure that school systems do come back new and changed in ways that are necessary to uphold the liberties of all children, and to be exemplary of what high-quality teaching and learning really look like. [20:18] How Kristi and Ellen are able to hold the space to honor conflicting important suggestions by stakeholders, students, teachers, leadership teams, and the community while co-designing. [26:35] Bright points of their collaborative work, outcomes that they’re pleased with, and things that are on the horizon for teaching and learning. [29:29] How Kristi and Ellen are leading with love through the work that they’re doing; where they are seeing love, hope, and optimism; and how they are feeling and experiencing love throughout the community. [35:20] Kelly thanks Kristi and Ellen for joining the podcast and sharing their insights!   Mentioned in This Episode: Kelly Niccolls Ellen Dorr Renton School District Kristi Dominguez Bellingham Public Schools Getting Smart Podcast Ep. 252: “Kristi Dominguez & Ellen Dorr: Leading Central Systems Through COVID-19 with Optimism, Hope & Love”   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include ‘Podcast’ in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!

In today’s episode, Tom is sitting down with former Governor Jeb Bush, to discuss all things digital learning. Bush served as the 43rd Governor of Florida from 1999 until 2006. After leaving office, he formed and still chairs the Foundation for Excellence in Education also known as ExcelinEd. The national non-profit organization focuses on state education policy and continues the important work that Bush championed in Florida. In 2010, Bush launched Digital Learning Now, a policy roadmap for the future of education. With his co-chair, former West Virginia Governor, Bob Wise, an all-star group of 100 advisors was formed. And after 100 conversations in 100 days, a policy platform for the future was unveiled. The 10-point platform stressed access to personalized digital learning for all students, including take-home devices and broadband for all teachers and all learners. States and school districts that follow Digital Learning Now’s advice have been serving students well and were well-prepared when the pandemic closed schools back in March. Tune in to listen in to Tom and Jeb Bush’s conversation around digital learning and the initiatives he is driving forward with ExcelinEd and Digital Learning Now!   Key Takeaways: [:10] About today’s episode with Jeb Bush. [1:22] Tom Vander Ark welcomes Jeb Bush to the podcast! [1:31] Jeb Bush shares his take on the current impact COVID-19 is having on the world. [4:19] The silver lining from massive disruption. [5:21] How only two months into the school closures the benefits of digital learning have been made apparent. [5:55] How Jeb Bush’s early views on education were formed, what he learned from visiting schools across America, and how he began to appreciate how technology could assist in serving children (in regards to education) better. [8:49] How Florida’s biggest districts have weathered this crisis through Jeb’s leadership, his team, and their partnerships. [13:32] Going in the ‘Wayback machine,’ Jeb reflects on how the conversation between him and Tom about developing a new education policy framework came about in 2010. [15:56] About the Getting Through microsite. [16:34] Why Digital Learning Now’s first three of the ‘10 Elements of High-Quality Digital Learning’ (1. Student Eligibility 2. Student Access and 3. Personalized Learning) are especially relevant and important today. [18:17] Important, key elements of a high-quality education system (from DLN’s 10 elements): 5. Quality Content 6. Quality Instruction 7. Quality Choice 8. Assessment and Accountability. [20:26] Why this idea of ‘students progress based on demonstrated competency’ is so important to Jeb and ExcelinEd. [23:52] Challenges with the existing education system. [26:19] The progress regarding infrastructures supporting digital learning. [28:28] What’s next for ExcelinEd. [30:37] Tom thanks Jeb for joining the Getting Smart podcast!   Mentioned in This Episode: Jeb Bush The Foundation for Excellence in Education (ExcelinEd) Digital Learning Now The Unthinkable: Who Survives When Disaster Strikes — and Why, by Amanda Ripley Florida Virtual School GettingSmart.com/GettingThrough Digital Learning Now’s 10 Elements of High-Quality Digital Learning   For More on How Florida Districts are Coping with COVID-19, Check-Out: Getting Smart Ep. 255: “Dan Gohl on Leading in Crisis”   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include ‘Podcast’ in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!  

In today’s episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Tom Vander Ark is joined by Corey Mahn and Shameka Montgomery to discuss next-gen career education.   Corey Mohn is the Executive Director of the Blue Valley Center for Advanced Professional Studies (or CAPS for short). This next-generation career center supports five suburban Kansas city high schools with, what they call professions-based learning, an applied project-based learning that immerses young people in the challenges of high wage, high growth jobs. This next-gen career center has inspired a national network that includes more than 60 school districts. And one of these school districts is Little Rock Public Schools where Shameka Montgomery is Director of Career Development.   In their conversation today, Shameka and Corey join Tom to discuss how career education has changed in Little Rock. Corey tells the origin story of Blue Valley CAPS and the impetus for CAPS becoming a national network, how other school districts join their network and upgrade their career education through their affiliation, and what is on the CAPS roadmap. Shameka shares her insights on how their learning opportunities at Little Rock have improved due to their CAPS affiliation and how and why this applied, hands-on, community-connected learning is making a major difference for young people in Little Rock.   Key Takeaways: [:10] About today’s episode with Corey Mohn and Shameka Montgomery. [:48] Jessica shares an email from a recent graduate of the Excel Careers for Advanced Professional Studies high school in Little Rock. [1:40] Tom welcomes Corey and Shameka to the podcast. [1:58] Shameka speaks about her history at Little Rock School District. [2:20] Corey explains what professions-based learning is. [3:50] Corey tells the origin story of Blue Valley CAPS. [7:02] Tom gives a shoutout to Blue Valley’s founding director. [7:50] Shameka shares what spurred her interest in a career in education as well as how she first learned about CAPS and professions-based learning. [10:10] Corey reflects on his six years at Blue Valley and what first interested him in CAPS. [13:51] Corey elaborates on what the impetus was for CAPS becoming a national network. [18:08] Jessica shares an important resource with listeners: the Getting Through microsite. [18:48] Shameka shares her insights on how their learning opportunities now are better for young people because of their CAPS affiliation, compared to five years ago. [20:20] Would Shameka say that there are more young people in career education now more than ever? [21:20] How many students take classes at the Little Rock Technology Park? [22:00] Shameka elaborates on how the impact of being at CAPS is not only classes at the Tech Park but a change and expansion of the offerings at each of the five high schools. [23:15] Corey shares how other school districts join their network and upgrade their career education through their affiliation. [26:47] Shameka explains how and why this applied, hands-on, community-connected learning is making a major difference for young people in Little Rock. [28:36] Corey shares what is next for the CAPS network. [33:00] Shameka reflects on the downsides and benefits of working remotely currently. [33:29] Tom thanks Corey and Shameka for joining the Getting Smart podcast!   Mentioned in This Episode: Blue Valley Center for Advanced Professional Studies (CAPS) Little Rock School District NetWork Kansas Better Together: How to Leverage School Networks For Smarter Personalized and Project Based Learning, by Tom Vander Ark and Lydia Dobyns Northland CAPS Community Park City CAPS GettingSmart.com/GettingThrough Little Rock Technology Park Mainstream Technologies   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include ‘Podcast’ in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!  

This week on the Getting Smart Podcast, Tom Vander Ark is welcoming back a return guest — Ryan Craig! Ryan is the Co-Founder and Managing Director of University Ventures and Achieve Partners. As Managing Director of University Ventures, Ryan was the most important investor in higher education — or, more specifically, last-mile training alternatives to higher education.   In his 2018 book, A New U: Faster + Cheaper Alternatives to College, Ryan made the case that unless you get a free ride to a top school, you should find a free or affordable sprint to a great first job. With his newest fund, Achieve Partners, Ryan has become the most important investor in a new category of intermediary organizations that take the friction out of hiring for both companies and job seekers. Through this initiative, Putting America Back to Work, Ryan plans to put 100,000 people back into work by establishing frictionless pathways to good jobs.   In today’s conversation, Tom and Ryan discuss Ryan’s efforts towards putting America back to work. Listen in to hear how about the work Ryan is doing through his two funds, Achieve Partners and University Ventures; his key takeaways from his 2018 book, A New U; the key factors in helping America get back to work; and his advice for high school students returning to school this fall.   Key Takeaways: [:10] About today’s show with Ryan Craig. [1:06] Tom welcomes Ryan back to the podcast! [1:15] Ryan sheds some light on what just happened to the U.S. economy. [3:10] Ryan shares his prediction on what he believes is going to happen at colleges and universities this fall. [6:24] Ryan shares his thoughts on whether or not he sees several colleges closing permanently due to this impact. He also shares his hopes for institutions and education leaders that want to change. [10:17] Ryan summarizes some of his invaluable advice from his 2018 book, A New U: Faster + Cheaper Alternatives to College. [14:15] Jessica shares an important resource with listeners: the Getting Through microsite. [14:56] If Ryan wrote a 2020 forward for A New U, what would he say or address? [22:22] Is the federal government going to the key actor in getting America back to work? Ryan walks listeners through how states and employers can play a role in helping Americans. [24:15] Ryan explains what University Ventures (UV) is and what they do. [24:48] Ryan explains why he started up his newest fund, Achieve Partners, and shares what it is that they do there and how it is different from UV. [26:35] Ryan highlights a few of the partners they have with their Achieve Partners fund. [27:33] How corporate-connected training and these faster, cheaper alternative options are going to replace a very large percentage of traditional higher ed. He also shares the criteria that they use to determine what they are going to do next within their companies. [31:46] Ryan gives some closing advice for high school juniors and seniors. [33:17] Tom thanks Ryan for joining today’s episode!   Mentioned in This Episode: GettingSmart.com/GettingThrough University Ventures Ryan Craig’s LinkedIn A New U: Faster + Cheaper Alternatives to College, by Ryan Craig Achieve Partners Getting Smart Podcast Ep. 160: “Last-Mile Training as an Alternative to Higher Ed with Ryan Craig”   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include ‘Podcast’ in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!

In this special episode, Tom Vander Ark is speaking with Kaleb Rashad, a leading voice in education and the Director of Creative Leadership at the High Tech High Graduate School of Education.   Over the past 10 years, Kaleb has worked with diverse communities to co-create equity-driven, liberatory school cultures characterized by student-centered pedagogy, trust-rich relationships, and creative leadership practices. Prior to High Tech High, Kaleb taught middle school math and science and served as the site administrator in two middle schools and two elementary schools.   In their discussion together, Tom and Kaleb speak about race and education in America. They center their discussion around the current Black Lives Matter movement and the inequity many young black Americans face in regards to their education. Kaleb shares his thoughts around the racism problem in America, the inequality black people are facing in accessing health care and education, the power of place and the intersectionality of justice in education, current sources of inequity in education, and more. Kaleb and Tom also briefly touch on the important decisions education leaders will have to be making in the next 60 days with the schools opening up back in the fall.   Key Takeaways: [:10] About today’s episode with Kaleb Rashad. [:36] Tom welcomes Kaleb to the podcast and Kaleb shares his thoughts around the current goings-on and how he has been educating his children on these topics. [2:35] Kaleb speaks about BLM, white supremacy, and the history of racism in America. [9:05] The inherent and systematic racism in how we fund schools. [11:47] How tech and AI are being used to further human racist biases and how, instead, they could be used to benefit everyone and eliminate these biases. Kaleb also highlights the importance of teaching a deeper sense of literacy skills and helping children build a deeper sense of purpose within a community. [15:40] Kaleb and Tom briefly discuss the inequality for black people in accessing the health care system and the built-in economic disadvantage that they’re facing. [16:28] Kaleb sheds some light on some of the current sources of inequity in education and what the work ahead may look like for education leaders. He also sheds light on an incredible author, Michelle Alexander, and how she is shedding light on how race was constructed in America and why. [23:40] Kaleb discusses the power of place and the intersectionality of justice in education. [26:55] Kaleb provides some closing thoughts on some of the important decisions education leaders will have to be making in the next 60 days in regards to what school will look like in the fall. [30:05] Tom thanks Kaleb for joining the podcast!   Mentioned in This Episode: High Tech High Graduate School of Education Kaleb Rashad “The White Woman Who Called Police on a Black Man Bird-Watching in Central Park has been Fired,” by Amir Vera and Laura Ly, CNN “Ahmaud Arbery: Third Man Charged Over Death of Black Jogger,” BBC “This is How Loved Ones Want Us to Remember George Floyd,” by Alisha Ebrahimji, CNN Michelle Alexander — The New Jim Crow   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include ‘Podcast’ in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!

Today, the Getting Smart team is bringing you an episode on the innovation opportunity ahead. As we all try to make sense of the health, economic, and education crisis we’re all experiencing, the Getting Smart team has been participating in dialogues with educators from around the world about how to make the best of a bad situation. And now that the end of the school year is here, the team is shifting their Getting Through series from stories and advice to supporting remote learning and long-term closures, to the now challenging work of reopening schools in the fall.   In this episode, Tom Vander Ark and Rebecca Midles (the Vice President of Learning Design at Getting Smart) outline the new infrastructures schools will need in the fall to operate onsite, remote, and online programs. In the second half of the episode, Tom and Rebecca discuss the innovation opportunity to help children thrive, to meet them where they are, and to engage learners in work that matters to them and their community.   Key Takeaways: [:10] About today’s show with Tom Vander Ark and Rebecca Midles. [1:17] Tom welcomes Rebecca back to the Getting Smart Podcast. [2:11] Tom and Rebecca acknowledge the struggles that have come along with the current pandemic. [3:08] Tom reads a relevant and inspiring Parker Palmer quote. [4:05] Tom and Rebecca outline what they will be covering in today's episode. [4:55] Tom and Rebecca give their thoughts on the currently available learning platforms and blending your core academic program. [7:45] Tom and Rebecca discuss the gap regarding competency platforms. [8:25] The good news and the bad news. [8:41] Challenges in the fall and the upcoming need for schools to update their remote strategy. [9:40] The importance of access and what that means. [10:57] Tom and Rebecca discuss what the new look of schools may look like, once they reopen. [13:28] Tom and Rebecca explain the importance of deeply considering starting or partnering with a remote school in your district. [16:50] Tom summarizes the four key basic infrastructure pieces that they encourage schools and district leaders to think about. [17:17] Switching gears, Tom and Rebecca transition to the second topic of today’s episode: the three distinct, important innovation opportunities that can be approached in the coming year. [17:38] #1: Thriving humans: the important success skills. Rebecca describes what they are and how we develop them. [18:53] Jessica shares an important resource with listeners: the Getting Through microsite. [19:31] Rebecca speaks about agency and how educators can help learners develop it. [20:08] Rebecca highlights some of the specific ways that educators can incorporate agency and social-emotional learning more fully into the culture of a school. She also speaks about what ‘teach-again learning’ looks like inside of a school. [21:24] Tom and Rebecca discuss how if a school or district does not have a broad definition of what success looks like, that it is now the time to do. [22:55] Rebecca suggests some next steps to take, regarding developing report cards, transcripts, and helping learners tell their stories. [24:38] #2: Work that matters. Rebecca shares some examples of what interspace learning looks like. [25:08] How educators can go into the fall by incorporating more interspace learning and be more artful about adding more voice and choice while simultaneously packing projects with important skills? [27:35] Tom and Rebecca highlight how to take a space towards work that matters, no matter your role. [28:18] Rebecca outlines the opportunity this fall to better meet learners where they are. [30:25] Rebecca shares how we can learn more into competency-based structures and learning come this fall. [33:50] Tom and Rebecca summarize what they discussed in today’s episode. [35:07] Jessica thanks the teachers and leaders once again for all that they do and gives some recommendations for further listening and guidance.   Mentioned in This Episode: GettingSmart.com/GettingThrough Rebecca Midles Parker Palmer Google Classroom G Suite Microsoft Classroom Microsoft Teams Canvas by Instructure Schoology EMpower Brooklyn Laboratory Charter School Portrait of a Graduate Lindsay Unified Getting Smart Podcast Ep. 250: “Tom Rooney and Scott Rowe: Buildings Are Closing, Learning Goes On!” Getting Smart Podcast Ep. 255: “Dan Gohl on Leading in Crisis”  

This week on the podcast, Tom Vander Ark interviews Dr. Jason Glass, the Superintendent of Jeffco Public Schools!   Serving 84,000 students, Jefferson County is the largest district in Colorado. It encompasses 800 square miles and serves urban, suburban, and rural communities west of Denver. Before Jeffco, Dr. Glass served as Superintendent at Eagle County School and District for four years. And prior to that, he served as the Chief State School Officer for the Iowa Department of Education. Dr. Glass has promoted deeper learning across the 155 site-based diverse school options in Jefferson County.   Dr. Glass was able to anticipate the pandemic closure, so he developed a plan and shared it with his team. Then, on March 13th, when schools closed in Colorado, people knew what to do at Jeffco and the transition to remote learning was relatively seamless for both learners and teachers.   In this episode, Tom and Dr. Jason Glass discuss Jefferson County’s transition to remote learning, how they overcame the challenges associated with school closures, what their strategic vision for the future of Jeffco looks like, and the lessons Dr. Glass has learned as Superintendent.   Key Takeaways: [:10] About today’s show. [1:01] Tom welcomes Jason to the podcast! [1:08] Jason shares how he first become a social studies teacher in Hazard, KY. [2:55] Jason speaks about his career at the Colorado Department of Education in the early 2000s. [4:12] Jason shares about his time as Director of Human Resources at Eagle County Schools. [5:53] Jason explains how he landed the role of Chief State School Officer for the Iowa Department of Education; what brought him back to the Eagle County School District afterward; and finally, how he became Superindent of Jeffco Public Schools. [8:30] Tom and Jason talk about the large student population that Jeffco serves. [10:18] Jason speaks about how he developed his agenda at Jeffco and what became his priorities in such a large district. [13:50] What does Jason hope to see when he visits a Jeffco elementary school? [17:24] Jessica shares an important resource with listeners: the Getting Through microsite. [18:03] Jason speaks about their experience switching to remote learning when they closed schools in Colorado. [21:55] What is it going to look like once they open schools back up? What challenges will be present and how will they overcome them? [25:32] Jason speaks about what kinds of new options Jeffco’s communities will want and form, going forward. [28:52] Tom thanks Jason for his leadership at Jeffco and for joining the podcast! [19:16] Where to learn more about Jeffco and read more about their strategic vision.   Mentioned in This Episode: GettingSmart.com/GettingThrough Jason Glass Jason Glass’ Twitter: @COJasonGlass Jeffco Public Schools Jeffco Generations   For More on School Districts Making the Successful Transition to Remote Learning, Check Out: Getting Smart Ep. 250: “Tom Rooney and Scott Rowe: Buildings are Closed, Learning Goes on!”   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include ‘Podcast’ in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!  

In this episode, you are welcome to join Tom Vander Ark and Greg Shaw for a discussion around reprogramming the American dream.   Greg Shaw is a writer from Bellevue, Washington. He has supported the policy and communication needs of Microsoft and the Gates Foundation for more than 25 years. Three years ago, Greg worked with Satya Nadella on Hit Refresh, a book on the remaking of Microsoft as a leader in cloud computing and artificial intelligence. For the last two years, Greg has been working alongside Kevin Scott on their newest book, Reprogramming the American Dream, which takes a look at the future landscape of AI and how it can be realistically used to promote equitable growth.   In Greg’s conversation with Tom, he discusses the challenges of producing beneficial AI that serves society equitably (from rural America to Silicon Valley); how he sees the future of AI as an open platform for creativity and productivity for anyone, anywhere; the need for local conversations around AI; and what his newest book with co-author, Kevin Scott, hopes to accomplish and add to the conversation.   Key Takeaways: [:10] About today’s show with Greg Shaw. [1:00] Tom welcomes Greg Shaw back to the Getting Smart podcast! [1:39] Greg speaks about what his life has been like during the COVID-19 pandemic. [3:40] Greg tells listeners about his co-author for his book, Reprogramming the American Dream, Kevin Scott, and how they came up with the idea for the book. [6:04] Greg shares why he believes it was important for Kevin to tell his story in their newest book. [8:53] Tom shares what he likes about the book. [9:39] Greg speaks about what he and Kevin hoped the book would accomplish and what communities it would impact. [10:31] Tom shares more of what he appreciates about the book. [11:35] Greg gives his thoughts on the different ways he thinks AI needs to be on the public agenda. [14:14] What Greg thinks is different about AI between now and five years ago. [15:25] Does Greg envision AI as a set of open tools in the future? [17:20] Jessica shares an important resource with listeners: the Getting Through microsite. [18:00] Tom further explains the capabilities of AI and how the entire supply chain of every industry is rapidly being altered. [18:51] Greg shares more about the way that he and Kevin addressed how they think the U.S. will share the wealth and benefits that come with AI in their new book. [21:25] Greg speaks about how he’s seeing AI becoming an open platform for creativity and productivity beginning to happen. [25:25] Does Greg think that this current crisis will bring more awareness to the lack of access to certain technologies in rural areas and schools? [27:51] Greg speaks on the topic of preventing potential negative consequences of AI. [29:44] Greg touches on the need for local conversations and who should be leading these sorts of conversations. [32:30] What is Greg going to work on next? What other areas is he curious about? [34:12] Tom thanks Greg for joining the podcast! [34:24] Where to find Greg online!   Mentioned in This Episode: GettingSmart.com/GettingThrough The Gates Foundation Hit Refresh: The Quest to Rediscover Microsoft's Soul and Imagine a Better Future for Everyone, by Satya Nadella, Greg Shaw, and Jill Tracie Nichols Reprogramming the American Dream: From Rural America to Silicon Valley―Making AI Serve Us All, by Greg Shaw and Kevin Scott Kevin Scott (CTO of Microsoft) Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis, by J.D. Vance AI4All AI4K12 Geneva Conventions Greg Shaw on LinkedIn Greg Shaw on Twitter   Want to Hear More? Tune in to this Getting Smart episode: “The Backstory Behind Microsoft Refresh” with Greg Shaw and Jill Tracie Nichols   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include ‘Podcast’ in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!

In today’s discussion, Tom Vander Ark is speaking with Dr. Eric Tucker, the co-founder and Executive Director of the Brooklyn Laboratory Charter School. Brooklyn Labs is a next-generation college-preparatory 6–12 public charter school that prepares scholars with the academic foundation, digital literacy, and leadership skills necessary to succeed in college and professional life. Recently, Eric created a 10-point plan based on insights and resources from practitioners and experts to help educators reimagine and strengthen education systems. In particular, it was created to encourage school and system leaders to consider how the needs of people of color and individuals with disabilities will be affected by re-entry.   In Tom and Eric’s discussion today, Eric recalls how debate changed his academic trajectory, as well as how he overcame learning disabilities and earned a doctorate at Oxford. They also discuss how Brooklyn Lab responded to the closure of schools and, of course, their 10-point plan for reopening schools with safety and equity in mind! (If you want to tune in specifically for the 10-point plan you can jump forward to minute twenty!)   Key Takeaways: [:10] About today’s episode! [:43] Tom welcomes Eric Tucker to the podcast. [:50] Eric shares why he studied Africana studies at Brown University in ’98. [2:22] Where did Eric’s appreciation for debate come from? And when did it start? [5:30] How and when did Eric end up at Oxford getting his master’s in education research methodology and his doctorate in measurement? [7:23] After leading the National Debate organization and doing a few other things, Eric had an idea of starting a new kind of school in the heart of Brooklyn. Eric tells the origin story of Brooklyn Lab. [10:44] Now a well-known school, Brooklyn Lab serves a diverse group of students. Eric touches on this fact and elaborates on the unique needs of the student population. [15:44] Eric speaks about how they make 1:1 and small group tutoring a priority at Brooklyn Lab. [18:15] Jessica shares an important resource with listeners: the Getting Through microsite. [18:55] Eric provides some reflections on what’s currently happening at Brooklyn Lab concerning the COVID-19 pandemic. [25:50] Eric begins to speak about their 10-point plan for reopening schools with safety and equity in mind. [30:14] Eric highlights some of the permutations that they’re looking at, at Brooklyn Labs, in terms of potential reopening scenarios. [34:49] Eric summarizes their approach to budgeting and staffing when it comes to reopening schools. [39:42] Eric speaks about what the first week back at school might look like and what he encourages school leaders to be thinking about. [43:29] In the 7th and 8th point in the plan, they speak about using data to improve continuity as well as reimagining approaches to core services. Eric further elaborates on these points. [47:52] In the last two points of their 10-point plan, Tom and Eric encourage school and system leaders to iterate and communicate and to consider the worst but model the best. Eric elaborates on what he meant by “consider the worst” and gives his thoughts on how we should think about future possibilities and factor them into our plans while continuing to forge ahead. [52:40] Tom thanks Eric for taking the initiative to launch the 10-point plan and for joining the podcast! [53:22] Eric signs off the podcast and shares his appreciation for Tom’s leadership and the Getting Through microsite.   Mentioned in This Episode: GettingSmart.com/GettingThrough Brooklyn Laboratory Charter School “How to Reopen Schools: A 10-Point Plan Putting Equity at the Center,” by Eric Tucker and Tom Vander Ark i-Ready WAMAP National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD)   Want to Hear More? Check-out: Getting Smart Podcast Ep. 250: “Tom Rooney and Scott Rowe: Buildings are Closed, Learning Goes On!”   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include ‘Podcast’ in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!

In this episode, the team is diving into artificial intelligence and the future of work and learning. Today’s guest, Flynn Coleman, is an international human rights attorney, a professor, and a social entrepreneur. She’s also a former competitive athlete, she speaks five languages, and she has lived and learned in a dozen different countries! Flynn has spoken and written extensively on issues of war crimes, gender equality, behavioral economics, and emerging technologies. Her new book, A Human Algorithm, explores how artificial intelligence is redefining who we are. The Getting Smart team appreciates her focus on equity and inclusion in this innovation age. Listen in as Flynn talks to Tom about the future of work and learning and explore how A.I. will change the future of education! Key Takeaways: [:10] About today’s episode and special guest. [:52] Tom Vander Ark welcomes Flynn Coleman to the podcast! [:59] How and why did Flynn gain the opportunity to study in so many countries during high school and college? [1:56] Did Flynn’s parents value travel or support her in traveling? [2:32] What led Flynn to become interested in human rights? [3:39] If Flynn had to pick out her favorite interesting place to learn, which would she choose? [6:25] Why place-based education is so incredibly valuable for learners. [7:32] After doing a JD at Berkeley, Flynn went on to the London School of Economics and Political Science for a master’s in law. Flynn elaborates on why she took this path. [9:09] Flynn has crafted a life for herself that uniquely combines the practice of human rights law with teaching and writing. What is the thread that runs through it? [10:58] When and how did artificial intelligence come across Flynn’s radar? [11:46] Flynn speaks about her book, A Human Algorithm, and why she decided to write it. [14:19] Flynn shares more about what her book encompasses, the process of writing it, and some of the challenges she faced while working on it. [15:57] Jessica shares an important resource with listeners: the Getting Through microsite. [16:36] Does Flynn feel that A.I. will be the best thing we’ve ever invented or the biggest existential threat we’ve ever faced? [19:09] Why right now, more than ever, it’s easier for young people to make a difference. [21:07] Which should we be most concerned with right now? Discrimination, autonomous weapons, or excessive surveillance? [24:26] Tom and Flynn dive deeper into the human rights legal issue emerging today that is excessive surveillance. [29:19] Tom and Flynn discuss the need for a different economic system moving forward and a more nimble form of governance. Flynn also provides her thoughts on how we could build more nimble political structures that would allow us to be more responsive to certain complex systems. [33:20] What should young people know about artificial intelligence? And what are some of the implications regarding education? [36:30] Does Flynn think it’s a good idea that some leading school districts are beginning to teach their middle school students the ethics of A.I? [39:51] Flynn shares what her new book will be about. [41:21] Tom and Flynn speak about the audience her recently published book, A Human Algorithm, is for. [42:52] Where to find Flynn online! [43:03] Tom thanks Flynn for joining the Getting Smart podcast!   Mentioned in This Episode: GettingSmart.com/GettingThrough Flynn Coleman A Human Algorithm: How Artificial Intelligence Is Redefining Who We Are, by Flynn Coleman The Power of Place: Authentic Learning Through Place-Based Education, by Tom Vander Ark Dr. Sharon Blackie   Want to Hear More? Listen to: Getting Smart Ep. 245: “David Blustein on Working in America”   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include ‘Podcast’ in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!

This week on the podcast, Tony Wagner is joining Tom Vander Ark to speak about his most recent book and all that he has learned throughout his career in education.   Tony Wagner is a former high school teacher, principal, teacher educator, and school coach. For three decades, he’s been an advocate for deeper learning for all students. His books, Change Leadership, The Global Achievement Gap, Creating Innovators, and Most Likely to Succeed, sounded the alarm bell that the new economy requires new experiences and outcomes. In his new memoir, Learning by Heart, Dr. Wagner recounts his own struggles with traditional education and his lessons learned from the last two decades of work exploring the innovation economy.   Listen in as Tony and Tom recall their work together and talk about the path forward for education!   Key Takeaways: [:10] About today’s episode and special guest, Tony Wagner. [:54] Tom Vander Ark welcomes Tony Wagner to the podcast! [1:35] Tom and Tony reflect on some of their history working together. [6:20] Tony speaks about his past experience with traditional education. [7:35] Tony speaks about the college that enabled him to become a teacher. [9:38] Educating for social change/social good was very vibrant in the ’60s. Does Tony find that there has been a resurgence of that ethos today? [10:39] Tony reflects on his time leading schools and some of the biggest takeaways. [15:47] Adaptive challenges: why they’re important for students, teachers, and leaders. [16:52] Fast forward to 1999; Tom and Tony reflect on some of their education adventures and what they learned. [19:25] Tony provides his thoughts on the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) act. [21:31] Tony speaks about why his book, How Schools Change, was important to him. [22:29] Jessica shares an important resource with listeners: the Getting Through microsite. [23:09] Tony explains the main message behind his 2003 book, Making the Grade. [24:18] Tony highlights some of the main lessons from his 2009 book, Change Leadership. [26:08] Tony explains what his next book, The Global Achievement Gap, was about. [29:35] Tony followed up The Global Achievement Gap with Creating Innovators. Who would Tony say this book was written for? And what did it cover? [32:10] Tony speaks about his 2015 book, Most Likely to Succeed, that he co-wrote with Ted Dintersmith. [34:47] Tony speaks about his most recent book, a memoir called Learning by Heart, and whether or not it was harder or easier to write, compared to his previous books. He also highlights some of the biggest takeaways from it. [42:10] As Tony thinks about the teachers and leaders listening to this podcast, what would he want to say to them, in terms of post-pandemic learning? [44:15] Where to find Tony’s newest book, Learning by Heart, and Tony online. [45:05] Tom thanks Tony for joining the Getting Smart podcast!   Mentioned in This Episode: GettingSmart.com/GettingThrough Tony Wagner Tony Wagner’s Books Learning by Heart: An Unconventional Education, by Tony Wagner LIU Global College (originally known as Friends World College) Leadership Without Easy Answers, by Ronald A. Heifetz No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Most Likely to Succeed Film Tom Vander Ark on Forbes Northshore School District   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include ‘Podcast’ in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!  

Today, the Getting Smart team is bringing you an episode focused on project-based learning featuring special guest, Jenny Pieratt. Jenny is the founder and President of CraftED Curriculum, an incredible PBL resource that offers educators and administrators a wide range of training and tools to help them achieve the PBL goals they have set for their organizations. Jenny is also the author of the Keeping It Real With PBL series — a fantastic resource on PBL!   In this episode, Kelly Niccolls from the Getting Smart team is sitting down with Jenny to discuss all things project-based learning, PBL best practices, lessons learned around PBL, and generally how to support every learner and every educator in PBL! Tune in to learn more about how you can get started on your project-based learning journey or further your learning!   Key Takeaways: [:10] About today’s episode. [:30] A note about this episode regarding the coronavirus pandemic. [:56] Kelly introduces and welcomes Jenny Pieratt to the podcast! [1:40] Kelly and Jenny reflect on how PBL has changed over the years. [2:24] Jenny shares why she decided to dedicate her life to PBL. [5:13] Is PBL difficult? [5:55] Jenny highlights some of the important key considerations that those in a leadership position that are looking to start or expand their project-based learning should be considering. [9:06] When Jenny works with schools, is there a specific framework that she uses that helps her collaborate with the leadership and teacher team when they’re new to the whole process? [11:02] Jenny shares some of the things that are commonly misunderstood or commonly taken for granted when people begin their PBL journey. [12:20] How does high-quality professional development for PBL school and district communities look different from more traditional professional development? And what are some of the essential elements or structures that need to be in place for it to be good for a PBL setting? [13:57] What are some of the mindsets and beliefs that teams need to have to be able to really engage in this type of professional development on an ongoing basis? What are some of the key identifiers for what they need to believe and think in order to be successful with this type of professional learning experience? [15:50] Jessica speaks about the Getting Through resource! [16:29] Jenny shares some of the perceived barriers that teachers have about kids and how they learn and then explains how she coaches teams through said perceived barriers and obstacles. [18:12] PBL implementation: is there a best way to do it? [20:08] How does time operate non-traditionally in PBL? What’s the investment of time that school communities implementing PBL need to be aware of in terms of professional development and student outcomes? [23:25] Jenny speaks about the books she has written and how she hopes they can provide as a resource for those in the field of PBL. [28:15] Jenny highlights some of the common “pain and gains” she sees in her work with PBL. [30:08] Jenny recommends the first three steps she thinks any district leader, teacher, staff, or researcher should take in beginning their journey into PBL. [33:17] Kelly thanks Jenny for joining the podcast!   Mentioned in This Episode: GettingSmart.com/GettingThrough Jenny Pieratt CraftED Curriculum Jenny’s Book Page on Amazon High Tech High @PBLChat on Twitter #PBLChat on Twitter New Tech Network   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include ‘Podcast’ in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!  

Today, the Getting Smart team is speaking with Byron Sanders about the opportunity gap in Dallas, Texas.   Byron grew up in Dallas, observing differences in opportunity. He remembers his mother scrambling to find enriching activities for him. Now, he’s doing the same thing for the youth of Dallas County on a much larger scale! As the CEO of the 30-year-old nonprofit, Big Thought, Byron and his team serve 150,000 students at more than 400 locations with creative enrichment. Their work is about closing the opportunity gap and building agency, hope, and creativity.   Since the coronavirus pandemic, Byron and his team have been proactively developing ways to continue engaging youth, families, and the broader community — including distancing, auditory, and tactical learning solutions.   In this episode, Byron speaks about his path to becoming the CEO of Big Thought, how they are working towards closing the opportunity gap through their incredible work in Dallas County, and about the many programs that are helping learners from the elementary level all the way through high school!   Key Takeaways: [:11] About today’s episode with Byron Sanders. [:50] Jessica gives a quick announcement in regards to the coronavirus pandemic. [1:35] Tom welcomes Byron Sanders to the podcast. [2:01] Byron speaks about what it was like to grow up and go to school in Dallas. [6:05] Byron speaks about how his mother inspired his organization, Big Thought. [9:54] Byron shares what he learned about building a business as a young man. [13:00] How to facilitate the innate capacity for growth that a student has. Byron also describes why they prefer that term opportunity gap as opposed to achievement gap. [16:00] Jessica chimes in to let listeners know about the Getting Through microsite by Getting Smart. [16:40] What led Byron to leading the nonprofit organization, Big Thought? [21:52] What does Big Thought do? [25:33] Byron describes their programs at Big Thought. [29:11] Byron describes DaVerse, a program at Big Thought that was created in partnership with Journeyman Ink. [31:21] Tom and Byron describe Deep Ellum in Dallas, Texas. [32:02] Byron describes what Dallas City of Learning is and what their goal is. [35:03] Byron speaks about their Learning Partners program. [36:20] Byron describes Striving Minds, their award-winning afterschool program. [37:52] Is Byron’s work largely in Dallas County these days? [39:19] Tom and Byron give some plugs for all the other good things happening right now in Dallas County! [42:45] What else does Byron hope to come to fruition in Dallas County? [47:40] Tom thanks Byron for all the work that he does and for joining the Getting Smart podcast!   Mentioned in This Episode: GettingSmart.com/GettingThrough Big Thought Byron Sanders Destination Imagination Journeyman Ink Dallas City of Learning Dallas County Promise   To Learn More About the Great Work Being Done in Dallas County, Listen to: Getting Smart Podcast Ep. 218: “Michael Hinojosa on Making Dallas Schools Work”   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include ‘Podcast’ in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!  

In this episode, Tom Vander Ark is speaking with Daniel Gohl. Dan is the Chief Academic Officer at Broward County Public Schools. The district serves the greater Fort Lauderdale area of South Florida and has nearly 270,000 students on 241 campuses. It’s the sixth-largest district in the country. Dan has been a learning leader in Austin, Texas; Washington, D.C.; and Houston, Texas. In his fifth year in Broward, as part of Superintendent Robert Runcie’s team, Dan oversaw the development of a great system of schools with well-developed personalized learning, the biggest speech and debate program, and the biggest computer science program in the country.   In this interview, Dan speaks about their crisis response program, Learning Never Closes. He reflects on leading through crises, including hurricanes and mass shootings, and talks about why this pandemic is far more challenging.   The Getting Smart team thinks that you’ll find Dan to be one of America’s most thoughtful education leaders — just as they do!   Key Takeaways: [:10] About today’s episode. [1:05] Tom welcomes Dan Gohl to the podcast! [1:15] Dan tells the story of opening the McKinley Technology High School in Washington, D.C. [2:35] Dan speaks about his background in science and involvement with the Science Academy of Austin (that led to an opportunity that took him to D.C.). [4:25] Why did Dan end up in Austin in the fall of 1986? And what kept him there? [7:27] Dan speaks about his stint in Zimbabwe. [8:05] Dan shares more about his career after coming back to the States in 1990. [8:52] Dan speaks about his time in Newark in 2010 where he was leading the change effort. [11:28] Tom and Dan talk about when they connected again when Dan was CAO during the PowerUp Initiative in 2013 — America’s biggest move to 1:1 and blended learning. [12:21] Dan shares what he ended up doing after leaving Newark. [14:37] Now five years in as CAO at Broward County, Dan recaps some of the advances he has made thus far and what he’s proud of. [21:45] Jessica chimes in to share an important resource: the Getting Through microsite! [22:25] What happened when the governor closed the schools? What has Broward County Public Schools done to move their learning to digital? [27:37] What advice has Dan given teachers about learning expectations, workloads, and the challenges they may face going forward? What have they employed to aid teachers to continue to teach their students? [31:13] What does Dan mean by a ‘rhizomatic approach?’ [33:56] Dan takes time to remember those who were lost from tragedies in the past. He also shares how this crisis is different from past crises. [39:06] Dan shares some of the lessons in leadership he has learned due to this crisis. [43:03] Tom thanks Dan for joining the Getting Smart podcast!   Mentioned in This Episode: GettingSmart.com/GettingThrough Daniel Gohl’s LinkedIn Broward County Public Schools “How Houston Schools Are Making it a Great Global City,” by Tom Vander Ark (A Getting Smart article covering the PowerUp Initiative launched by Terry Grier) Getting Smart Podcast Ep. 234: “Terry Grier on Developing More Than 80 System Leaders” Code.org   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include ‘Podcast’ in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!  

Join the Getting Smart team today as they explore community development with community expert, Lia McIntosh!   Lia McIntosh is a marketer, organizer, pastor, and most recently, a grant-maker. She leads the Education Fellows Program at the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation in Kansas City, Missouri. The program’s goal is cultivating community leaders who are advocates for education. It’s a nine-month opportunity for 37 civic and faith leaders to learn and travel together.   In the last year, the Getting Smart team has had the opportunity to plan and facilitate several site visits with Ed Fellows and Lia. During this, they visited a remarkable corporation where they learned all about the ‘Lawndale miracle’ — the transformation of a low-income community in West Chicago. It’s a great story of patient and persistent community development sparked by Wayne ‘Coach’ Gordon and the Lawndale Christian Development Corporation (LCDC). When Tom and Lia visited Coach in Lawndale they were fortunate enough to see what he’s building with the Christian Community Development Association (CCDA). And in today’s podcast, you’ll hear snippets from Coach himself from that visit!   Be sure to tune in to hear all of Lia and Coach’s invaluable insights on community development!   Key Takeaways: [:10] About today’s episode! [1:14] Tom welcomes Lia McIntosh to the podcast. [1:21] Did Lia grow up in Missouri? [1:29] Why did Lia decide to study business? [2:04] Did Lia grow up Methodist? [2:17] How did Lia get an internship at Procter & Gamble? [3:33] Lia shares how her internship led to a job opportunity after college. [3:47] Did Lia enjoy her time at P&G? What did the experience teach her? [4:28] Why did Lia choose to go to a seminary? [6:06] Did Lia find that this experience was well-aligned with her personal values? [7:24] Lia shares her perspective on what it is like to lead a church. [9:08] Wayne ‘Coach’ Gordon speaks about CCDA and community development. [9:53] Tom and Lia continue their discussion. [10:20] Would Lia agree with the idea that you’re always “on” as a community leader? [11:18] After a decade of serving several congregations, Lia decided to join the Kauffman Foundation. What originally drew her to the foundation? [13:02] Does Lia feel that all of her prior experience has really prepared her for her role at Kauffman? And how would she describe the work that they do at Kauffman? [14:29] Lia explains what the Education Fellows Program at the Kauffman Foundation is all about! [16:49] How many Ed Fellows are there this year? And when does the program start and wrap up? [17:15] Lia details what the Ed Fellows Program looks like and what they’re advocating for. [18:22] Is the fellowship model scalable? [18:55] Tom speaks about the schools he, Lia, and a group of Ed Fellows have visited together. [20:01] Lia gives an overview of what she saw at Lawndale. [21:21] Jessica shares an important resource: Getting Through on GettingSmart.com. [22:03] Tom provides some background about Lawndale and Lia gives her reflections. [23:08] Lia gives her thoughts on one of the themes Coach talked about during their trip: loving in a holistic way. [24:39] Tom speaks about Lawndale’s pastors’ commitment to community. [25:34] Lia talks about another important theme in Lawndale’s community: empowerment. [27:27] The role ownership played in Lawndale’s success. [28:18] Coach shares his story of moving to Lawndale in 1975 and why he also believes in the importance of committing to place. [29:56] Tom and Lia continue their discussion on the themes of ownership, empowerment, and commitment to place at Lawndale. [31:15] Coach provides his thoughts on community. [31:49] Tom and Lia discuss the Christian Community Development Association (CCDA) Conference and why it is of importance to the Kauffman Foundation. [34:02] Would Lia say that they are listening to community and being responsive to the needs of community in the Education Fellowship’s approach? [35:20] Lia gives advice to other foundations that are trying to approach community development in a thoughtful way. [36:44] Lia gives her closing thoughts on the importance of community during times of crisis. [39:12] Tom thanks Lia for her community-building work and for joining the Getting Smart podcast! [39:52] Jessica closes out the podcast by thanking Lia once again and thanking listeners for tuning in.   Mentioned in This Episode: GettingSmart.com/GettingThrough Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation The Kauffman Fellows Program Lia McIntosh Lawndale Christian Development Corporation Christian Community Development Association (CCDA) Wayne ‘Coach’ Gordon INROADS LEAP Innovations 1871 Cristo Rey Network William Julius Wilson   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include ‘Podcast’ in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!

This week, Getting Smart is bringing you another bonus episode as a part of their Getting Through series. Getting Smart launched this series to support educators, leaders, and families during this uncertain time and extended school closures. They have curated and created resources and inspiration around new learning environments, and are addressing equity and access from a new lens.   Today, the team is bringing you a recent conversation with Kelly Nickels, the Learning Design Manager at Getting Smart. She is joined by Kristi Dominguez and Ellen Dorr — two key district leaders from Washington State. Kristi is the Executive Director of Teaching and Learning at Bellingham Public Schools and Ellen is the Chief Technology Officer at Renton School District.   Listen in to learn more about leading central systems through COVID-19 with optimism, hope, and love. Kristi and Ellen share how central office leadership can really coalesce its talents, insight, and wisdom to do what’s best for kids in the midst of unprecedented challenges and how to lead in a time of crisis.   Key Takeaways: [:11] About today’s episode. [:55] Kelly introduces herself and welcomes on guests, Kristi and Ellen! [1:53] In the midst of a pandemic, what really matters right now? [4:55] In Kristi’s and Ellen’s central leadership roles, have they talked about the impact around test scores, college readiness, and grade level proficiency amid the coronavirus pandemic? [7:08] How have Kristi and Ellen seen their team members care for each other during this crisis? [10:44] What are some ways that Kristi and Ellen are seeing different kinds of connectivity in the community happening? And what are some of the gaps and needs they are currently working on addressing? Additionally, what are some partnerships and collaborations that they would like to see continue, even after the crisis is over? [16:47] How are their teams continuing to nurture students’ connection to learning amid a crisis where schools are shut down? And how are they working with and communicating with the teachers and parents? [22:34] Jessica shares an important resource with listeners: GettingSmart.com/GettingThrough. [23:15] Kelly, Kristi, and Ellen continue their conversation about nurturing students’ connection to learning amid the coronavirus pandemic. [25:42] What are the new possibilities that come from settling into a new normal? And how do we learn from each other? What new openings have been popping up now that never occurred in the previous structures? [29:17] Have Kristi and Ellen given any thought to what returning to school will look like? How might things be different? [35:28] Learning and school are not synonymous. Kristi and Ellen highlight some of the key ways this pandemic has illustrated this. [38:02] How, as district leaders, do they plan on ensuring that the momentum they’ve built with the pandemic continues even after it has ended? [42:43] Kristi and Ellen give their closing thoughts and advice to other district leaders, educators, and parents. [45:42] Kelly thanks Kristi and Ellen for joining the podcast! [46:30] Jessica closes out the Getting Smart podcast and shares additional resources.   Mentioned in This Episode: GettingSmart.com/GettingThrough Bellingham Public Schools Renton School District   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include ‘Podcast’ in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!  

In today’s special bonus episode, the Getting Smart team is sharing two school districts’ success stories that are currently shifting to remote learning after the outbreak of the coronavirus. In these schools, the buildings may have closed but the learning has never stopped! Both of these Superintendents have built great teams and great systems and they are confident that education in their districts (and beyond) will emerge better than ever as a result of this crisis.   First up to speak on the podcast is Tom Rooney from Lindsay Unified, which is located in California’s Central Valley. For the last decade, teachers (called ‘learning facilitators’ in Lindsay) have ensured learners’ success with the performance-based system that promotes agency, transparency, and learner goal setting.   Next up on the podcast, Tom speaks with Scott Rowe, the Superintendent of the Huntley Community School District located in a Northwest Chicago suburb. The Getting Smart team first visited Huntley in 2016, about five years into their transformation, and were very impressed with the high school blended learning program that allowed learners to earn autonomy and make decisions about their own learning. Two years ago, Huntley launched a competency-based micro-school. Both of these developments prepared Huntley to efficiently move learning online in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.   Both of these education leaders were proactive in crisis and quickly rallied their teams to do the best that they could to support every learner right now. They spotted challenges and built solutions to promote equity. Tune in to learn more about all that they’re doing amid the crisis and how they’re furthering personalized learning.   Key Takeaways: [:11] About today’s bonus episode. [1:22] Tom welcomes Tom Rooney to the podcast. [1:27] Tom gives an overview of the core elements of Lindsay Unified. [3:02] Tom Vander Ark shares an experience of his at Lindsay Unified. [3:34] Tom Rooney highlights a few more key components of Lindsay Unified’s personalized learning. [5:19] Tom shares how Lindsay Unified is continuing to teach students since their schools closed their doors. [10:45] Tom shares the core elements of what is different between elementary and secondary. [14:14] Tom shares how they’re working towards assisting students with special needs and learning differences. [16:19] What they’re doing at Lindsay Unified to keep seniors on track. [17:39] How Tom thinks this experience is going to change Lindsay and learning more broadly. [22:04] Tom Vander Ark thanks Tom Rooney for his leadership and for joining the podcast. [22:25] Jessica highlights some other episodes to check out about Lindsay Unified! [22:41] About this episode’s next featured guest, Scott Rowe. [23:15] Tom welcomes Scott Rowe on to the podcast! [23:37] Scott describes what personalized learning looks like at Huntley. [25:18] Scott further describes their earned autonomy model. [26:02] How Huntley converted their gymnasium into a cool learning hub. [27:58] Scott speaks about the competency pilot they recently launched at Huntley. [30:57] Is pacing a big challenge at Huntley? [32:30] How have things changed for Huntley when the Governor closed all of the schools? [34:30] How things are currently going in the elementary vs. the secondary level. [40:24] What Huntley is doing for students with special needs and learning differences. [43:47] Scott shares how Huntley is helping juniors and seniors stay on track for post-secondary planning. [45:09] How Scott thinks this experience may change Huntley as well as learning more broadly. [47:31] Tom thanks Scott Rowe for his leadership and for joining the podcast as well! [47:51] Jessica wraps up this week’s episode.   Mentioned in This Episode: GettingSmart.com/GettingThrough Lindsay Unified School District Getting Smart Ep. 176: “Schools Out: Lessons Learned from Lindsay Unified School District” Getting Smart Ep. 205: “Rebecca Midles on Mobilizing Change to Meet Learners Where They Are” Huntley Community School District iNACOL (now called the Aurora Institute) Competency-Based Education: A New Architecture for K-12 Schooling, by Rose L. Colby PowerSchool Learning Seesaw   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include ‘Podcast’ in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!

Today on the podcast, Tom Vander Ark is speaking with Anant Agarwal, the founder and CEO of edX. In 2012, Anant founded edX, which was created in partnership between MIT and Harvard to extend open access to the courses taught by the best professors in the world. On top of this, Anant is also a Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at MIT. He has also served as the Director of CSAIL, MIT’s Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory. In total, he has worked at MIT for 32 years. Presently, he is also a Commission member on the Education Commission and a member of the Board of Directors of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. In this episode, Anant shares more of his story and speaks about the wonderful work he’s doing to extend access to more learners through edX. He shares the genesis of edX, why they chose to be a non-profit, some of the history behind MOOCs, some of the new and interesting courses on edX, the future roadmap for edX, and more.   Key Takeaways: [:10] About today’s episode. [:37] Tom welcomes Anant Agarwal to the podcast. [:44] Anant speaks about his early education. [1:35] Anant shares what led him to the Indian Institute of Technology Madras. [3:07] Anant speaks about the quality of education he felt he received at IIT Madras. [4:45] After IIT, Anant went to Standford to study Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. He speaks a bit about his experience there. [5:31] Anant speaks about his 32-year career at MIT and the various positions he has served. [6:42] Anant shares the quick origin story of the Computer Science and AI Lab (or CSAIL as it is better known). [7:07] Anant shares the genesis of edX. [9:34] What does Anant believe to be the first real Massive Open Online Course (MOOC)? [11:20] What does Anant think are the pros and cons of making edX an open, non-profit platform? [15:00] Nate McClennon speaks about Getting Smart’s new book, The Power of Place. [16:09] Would Anant say that MOOCs are very much alive and well today? [18:41] Is moving towards shorter skill-oriented certificates and away from degrees a big future trend? [21:27] Are they creating more corporate partnerships with edX? And are they seeing more corporate employers sponsoring online learning? [23:57] Does Anant see the tech giants (such as Amazon, Google, etc.) as new competitors in technical education, partners, or both? [25:32] As a non-profit, does it make it easier to partner with tech giants in technical education? [26:42] How do professionals continuously build tech skills, success/soft skills, and job skills through edX? [28:41] Does edX have any high school partners or high school students on their platform? [30:06] Anant highlights some of the new and interesting courses on edX. [31:22] Anant shares what’s on the roadmap for edX. [33:41] Tom thanks Anant for joining the podcast and for his leadership in this space.   Mentioned in This Episode: Anant Agarwal edX MIT Harvard University The Education Commission Coursera MOOC MIT OpenCourseWare Khan Academy The Power of Place: Authentic Learning Through Place-Based Education, by Tom Vander Ark, Dr. Emily Liebtag, and Nate McClennon MicroMasters Programs — edX   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include ‘Podcast’ in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!  

With schools in a majority of states closes, more than 36 million of about 50 million American students are learning remotely. The pandemic is posing a huge challenge for students and parents. Some parents are trying to figure out how to stay at home with the kids. Others are trying to figure out how to work at home with the kids there. Some are scrambling for child care.  Stress and uncertainty are high for everyone.  To get some advice on this new situation we spoke Rachel Wigglesworth, founder of Growing Great Families, a parent coaching and consulting organization. She holds a Master’s degree in Family Education with a Teaching Certificate in Parent Education. She’s been working with mothers and families for 15 years.  Rachel is also a scientist. Before working as a research biologist, she earned a Master’s in zoology and physiology at the University of Wyoming where she met her husband Nate McClennen. He’s the Vice President for Education and Innovation at Teton Science Schools and the co-author of The Power of Place: Authentic Learning Through Place-Based Education (and featured on this recent podcast).     In this podcast, Rachel and Nate provide some great advice to parents. Highlights of our conversation include:  Start with a family meeting: discuss everyone’s needs and opportunities-- what does everyone want to get out of this time? Develop some new agreements. In fact, starting each day with a morning meeting each day can be a great way to address a dynamic situation.  Create some new routines: you may need to update time to get up, dress code (like, yes, you do need to get out of your pajamas), and schedule for the day--being out of routine can be hard for some kids. But listen to children and try to take their interest into account.  Create some boundaries: if you need to work at home, set some daily rules and routines for scheduled meetings and work blocks. Don’t sweat a “meeting pirate” (a kid showing up in your Zoom conference.) Be realistic about some extra screen time: it’s likely that students (especially older ones) will be doing some school work online and trying to connect with their friends.  Don’t stress: Pick a few resources and work on those. Nate likes Greater Good in Education for social and emotional learning.  On academic work: make time for reading and math every day.  Start a journal: ask children to write (or draw) every day, reflect on the day as a great start.  Go outdoors every day: if safe and possible, go outside, go for a walk, ask children what they see.  Start a passion project: encourage learners to pick up that musical instrument that’s been in the closet, do some painting, produce a podcast, write a blog, plant a garden (even plant box on deck), build something (you can even take something apart and put it together).  Acknowledge what is going well: as author Vicki Hoefle says, identify and anchor in experiences--notice and comment on the progress your kids are making, pay less attention to the goofing off or less productive times.  Encourage responsibility: allow kids to help set guidelines, build solutions and see what they can accomplish on their own (read How to Raise an Adult for more).  Be understanding; start with empathy, try to uncover what’s going on that behind the meltdown. Help them feel felt as Dan Siegel would say. Realize that it will be hard for everyone. Focus on the relationship: Try to enjoy each other’s company, slow down and spend quality time. Connect deeply with each child at least once a day. To the extent you can, spend time together in crafts, games, and time outside.    For more see Episode 247: Emily Liebtag and Nate McClennen on the Power of Place    Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include ‘Podcast’ in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!  

This week on the podcast, join Tom Vander Ark, Dr. Emily Liebtag, and Nate McClennen as they discuss their newly published book, The Power of Place: Authentic Learning Through Place-Based Education! They speak about the main themes they cover, the experiences and examples they share throughout it, and the defining principles of place-based education.   As a refresher, Emily Liebtag is the recently appointed CEO of Boundless, an organization dedicated to highlighting innovations in education. And Nate McClennen is the Vice President of Education and Innovation at Teton Science Schools where he focuses his time on how to scale the impact of place-based education through technology, innovation, design learning, rural education, and school networks. (And you already know Tom Vander Ark, the CEO of Getting Smart, if you listen to this podcast!) Join today’s conversation as the three of them speak about writing, place-based education, and their new book, The Power of Place.   Key Takeaways: [:13] About today’s episode. [1:03] Tom welcomes Emily and Nate on to the podcast. [1:42] Emily shares one of her favorite place-based education moments from the last several weeks. [4:04] Nate also shares a recent favorite place-based education moment that comes to mind for him. [6:06] Tom shares his enthusiasm about Crosstown High centered in Crosstown Concourse in Memphis, Texas. [7:38] When did Emily learn about Crosstown High and the benefits it brings to students. [11:06] Emily shares the origin story of The Power of Place as well as her favorite part about working on it. [12:40] Nate speaks about his career at Teton Science Schools and how he became involved in writing The Power of Place with Emily and Tom. [13:42] Tom speaks about his experience joining the Teton Science Schools’ Advisory Board. [14:18] Nate shares his definition of place-based education. [16:15] Nate speaks about the power of place. [17:25] Emily shares why place-based education is becoming increasingly important in the global conversation. [18:51] Tom speaks about how the shift to digital and the strong focus on standards have made learning more sterile. [20:58] Nate highlights how the themes of agency, equity, and community, connect The Power of Place together. [22:24] Emily continues the conversation around the themes that connect the book and how all learners experience place in a different, unique way. [23:25] Tom shares a recent experience of his at Latitude High and the different ‘place’ can make. [24:18] Nate shares a conversation between him and Tom about the importance of how connecting to place brings everyone together. [25:22] Nate explains what local-to-global means. [27:18] Tom and Nate explain what inquiry-based relates to. [29:08] Emily speaks about why design thinking is critically important when it comes to place. [31:35] What place-based education requires. [32:54] Nate highlights important aspects of place-based education and community as a classroom. [34:34] Tom speaks about Crosstown High’s 901 Project which is a great example of using community as a classroom. [35:48] Emily gives her thoughts on interdisciplinary learning. [38:42] Nate speaks about what readers will get out of their new book, The Power of Place. [39:55] Emily provides her final thoughts on [40:52] Nates gives an update on his recent project: place network. [42:06] Where to find Nate online. [42:31] Where to find Emily online. [42:46] Tom closes out the podcast and gives his thanks to Emily and Nate for joining.   Mentioned in This Episode: The Power of Place: Authentic Learning Through Place-Based Education, by Tom Vander Ark, Dr. Emily Liebtag, and Nate McClennen Emily Liebtag Boundless Nate McClennen Teton Science Schools (TetonScience.org) Crosstown Concourse Crosstown High High Tech High Latitude High School Quote by Wendall Berry: “...our sense of wholeness is not just the sense of completeness in ourselves but also is the sense of belonging to others and to our place; it is an unconscious awareness of community…” Crosstown High - Project 901 Nate McClennen on Twitter: @NMcClenn Emily Liebtag on Twitter: @EmilyLiebtag   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include ‘Podcast’ in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!  

In today’s episode, Tom Vander Ark is continuing the conversation about starting career education early with Ed Hidalgo and Dr. David Bluestein! If you haven’t already, be sure to tune into that conversation first and then come back here to listen to Part Two!   After almost two decades of leadership and high tech human resource staffing, Ed Hidalgo led the development of the career education program called “World of Work.” Ed then joined the Cajon Valley Union School District as Chief Innovation and Engagement Officer and implemented the best K-8 career education program in the country. World of Work is based on a framework developed by John Holland 60 years ago, popularly known by the acronym, RIASEC. The framework includes six personality types: realistic, investigative, artistic, social, enterprising, and conventional. It also includes a set of assessments that helps young people become aware of their unique strengths, interests, and values. What’s great about World of Work is that it’s made up of 54 immersive units of study that create broad career awareness and give young people the opportunity to imagine possible futures.   Ed Hidalgo continues the conversation from last week’s episode by describing the best career education system out there — the World of Work! Tune in to learn all about what makes this framework incredibly special and the importance of starting career education as early as possible!   Key Takeaways: [:10] About today’s episode. [1:43] Tom welcomes Ed Hidalgo to the podcast. [2:25] Why did Ed move from Baltimore to Miami? [2:49] Why did Ed choose human resources to pursue a career in? [3:42] After working at Manpower for seven years, Ed worked at Qualcomm for 10 years. Ed shares some of the challenges in staffing in the years he worked there. [5:23] When did Ed leave Qualcomm? Was he there in the early days of ‘smart hiring’? [6:54] Ed shares some of the big lessons he learned about staffing at Qualcomm. [7:26] When hiring at Qualcomm, did they rely on traditional measures like where applicants went to school or the grades they received? [9:16] How has training and development changed in big tech? [9:57] Ed highlights the importance of the onboarding process for new employees. [11:22] Ed tells the origin story of the World of Work. [14:09] Did Ed find it a bit of a culture shock when he shifted into the world of education? [14:50] One of the core elements of the Cajon Valley model: celebrating differences. [16:44] Why Dr. Blustein starts every chapter in his book, The Importance of Work in an Age of Uncertainty, with ‘Being.’ [18:18] How did Ed develop Cajon’s career education system? And how was it adopted and incorporated at Cajon Valley? [20:16] How did Ed get such good support from teachers for this system and how did he support the teachers as well? [22:32] How did Ed convince the school board at Cajon Valley to adopt this system? [24:06] Tom shares a quick story about the Superintendent of Cajon Valley. [24:58] Ed gives a snapshot of what one of these units of study looks like in their framework. [26:58] Tom tells a story about Nepris. [27:49] Ed elaborates on their partnership with Nepris. [28:44] Dr. Bluestein chimes in with what he thinks career education should look like and gives his praises to Cajon Valley. [29:22] Ed elaborates on the secret sauce in this framework: the belief that career development is a human process. [31:17] Ed speaks about the importance of starting career education early. [34:30] Tom thanks Ed for the work he’s doing at Cajon Valley and for joining the podcast!   Mentioned in This Episode: Dr. David L. Blustein The Importance of Work in an Age of Uncertainty: The Eroding Work Experience in America, by David L. Blustein Ed Hidalgo Cajon Valley Union School District LearnLaunch American Student Assistance (ASA) John Holland Qualcomm Nepris   For More on Career Education, Be Sure to Check Out: Getting Smart Ep. 240: “Jean Eddy on Starting Early with Career Education”   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include ‘Podcast’ in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!

In this week’s episode, Tom Vander Ark is talking with Dr. David Blustein, a Professor of Counseling Psychology at Boston College. Dr. Blustein’s 2006 book, The Psychology of Working, made him a leader in the emerging field of vocational psychology. His newest book, The Importance of Work in an Age of Uncertainty, discusses the eroding work experience in America and how to prepare young people to thrive in a complex world.   Also joining Dr. Blustein and Tom in this episode is Ed Hidalgo from the Cajon Valley Union School District — a leading example of early immersive career education — where he serves as the Chief Innovation and Engagement Officer. Tom, Ed, and Dr. Blustein dive into the topic of working in America, early career education, vocational psychology in the classroom, and how work has drastically shifted since the Industrial Age. Dr. Blustein highlights key learnings from both of his books, gives his thoughts on the current nature of work, and gives his thoughts on when we should begin educating children about the world of work.   This episode is the first in a two-part series on starting career education early! So be sure to tune in next week too, to catch the rest of the conversation!   Key Takeaways: [:10] About today’s episode and special guests. [1:05] Tom welcomes Dr. David Blustein and Ed Hidalgo to the podcast. [1:38] David speaks about his background and why he decided to study psychology. [3:05] David shares what spurred his interest in counseling. [4:39] What drew David to studying the psychology of working. [6:20] Has David read Studs Terkel’s work? And would he consider him one of the first vocational psychologists? [6:55] Has Ed read any of Studs Terkel’s work? [7:02] When did Ed first run into David’s work? [7:16] David shares a bit about his first book, The Psychology of Working, and what the goal of it was. [7:47] Ed speaks about how The Psychology of Working aided his own work at Cajon Valley. [8:26] Was the Industrial Revolution and the conception of the modern corporation the major shift in work? [10:08] David speaks about how work has changed in the last 40 years in the Information Age. [11:44] Is this recent shift from long-term employment to freelancing a good or bad thing? [14:15] Why does David think the nature of work is eroding in America? [15:48] Is it realistic in this age to think that most people could be engaged in work that they care about? [17:20] About Getting Smart’s upcoming book, The Power of Place. [18:25] The paradox of the current nature of work. [19:46] How and when should we introduce young people to the world of work? [22:26] How Cajon Valley is bringing vocational psychology into the classroom. [23:54] David responds to the idea that it is too early to educate children as young as eight about work. [25:49] Is there any danger in typecasting children early (based on these personality types developed by John Holland)? [26:53] Is the idea that your capabilities as a human can grow with effort compatible with a growth mindset? [28:10] Ed elaborates on Cajon Valley’s framework and the typecasting/personality types they use. [29:23] David elaborates on the last chapter which talks about helping more people work with dignity and opportunity. [33:17] Tom thanks Dr. Blustein for joining the podcast. [33:42] About next week’s episode with Ed Hidalgo!   Mentioned in This Episode: Dr. David L. Blustein The Psychology of Working: A New Perspective for Career Development, Counseling, and Public Policy, by David L. Blustein The Importance of Work in an Age of Uncertainty: The Eroding Work Experience in America, by David L. Blustein Ed Hidalgo Cajon Valley Union School District LearnLaunch American Student Assistance (ASA) Studs Terkel The Power of Place: Authentic Learning Through Place-Based Education, by Tom Vander Ark, Emily Liebtag, and Nate McClennen The Other America: Poverty in the United States, by Michael Harrington John Holland   For More on Career Education, Be Sure to Check Out: Getting Smart Ep. 240: “Jean Eddy on Starting Early with Career Education”   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include ‘Podcast’ in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!  

Today, the Getting Smart team is going to learn about a school that is taking student-centered learning global! Rebecca Amis is the co-founder of MUSE School in Calabasas, California. MUSE is a small student-centered P-12 school with a robust sustainability agenda, a great Seed-to-Table program, a vegan kitchen, and climate action integrated across the curriculum. Rebecca and her team are also launching a new initiative called MUSE Global that will provide access to the key elements of the MUSE School model to communities around the world.   Tune in to learn more about MUSE School, what the learning experience is like from P-12, the progress and impact that co-founders Rebecca Amis and Suzy Amis Cameron have made through MUSE School and MUSE Global, and how they are setting a new course for education around the world.   The Getting Smart team really appreciates the thoughtful way that MUSE teachers are weaving learning standards and student passions into community-connected projects, and cannot wait to share today’s episode with you all!   Key Takeaways: [:12] About today’s episode with Rebecca Amis. [:47] Tom Vander Ark welcomes Rebecca Amis to the podcast. [:52] When and why did Rebecca initially get interested in early childhood learning? [3:50] Rebecca shares the history of her career. [6:15] Fastforwarding to MUSE, Rebecca tells the origin story of the school. [10:10] What the learning experience is like in elementary school at MUSE. [11:50] What the learning experience is like in middle and high school at MUSE. [13:10] Where to pre-order Tom’s new book, The Power of Place! [14:12] Rebecca shares the influences that Elliot Washer of Big Picture Learning had on MUSE. [15:19] Rebecca speaks about MUSE’s Seed-to-Table program and how it fits into the life of the school. [17:40] Rebecca elaborates on how MUSE is a plant-based school and what that means for kids on campus and the environment. [21:15] How public schools across Los Angeles are following MUSE’s lead. [21:54] Rebecca’s strategies for sharing what she learned at MUSE with the world and how she’s supporting others doing similar work. [23:00] Rebecca speaks about MUSE Global and what they’re doing to influence schools around the world. [28:14] Where to go online and learn more about MUSE. [28:35] Tom thanks Rebecca for joining the podcast.   Mentioned in This Episode: MUSE School MUSE Global Martin Hoffman — NYU Reggio Emilia Approach Early Head Start UPrep The Power of Place: Authentic Learning Through Place-Based Education, by Tom Vander Ark, Emily Liebtag, and Nate McClennon Big Picture Learning Forks Over Knives (Film, 2011) Rebecca’s Email: [email protected]   For Another Great Episode on Place-Based Learning, Check-Out: Getting Smart Ep. 237: “Giving the Gift of Place with Teton Science Schools”   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include ‘Podcast’ in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!

Today the team is talking with Patricia DeKlotz. Dr. DeKlotz has been Superintendent in the Kettle Moraine School District since 2006. And for the last 10 years, she has been recognized as a national leader in personalized and competency-based learning for students and teachers. In 2016, Dr. DeKlotz was named Wisconsin Superintendent of the Year. It’s also interesting to note that Dr. DeKlotz, like Tom, had a private-sector career before becoming a school administrator!   In this episode, Dr. Patricia DeKlotz describes her innovative approach to high school transformation which includes launching three themed academies inside a traditional comprehensive school.   Listen in to find out why and how Dr. DeKlotz took that approach and why it has worked!   Key Takeaways: [:10] About today’s episode. [:57] Tom welcomes Dr. Patricia DeKlotz to the podcast. [1:05] About Dr. DeKlotz’s previous appearance on the Getting Smart Podcast. [1:21] Dr. DeKlotz speaks about her 20-year private-sector career and what provoked the switch into education. [2:57] Dr. DeKlotz speaks about the communities that she serves as Superintendent of the Kettle Moraine School District. [3:45] Dr. DeKlotz’s early strategic planning in 2006 at Kettle Moraine as it pertains to the high school. She speaks about the condition of the high school and the community conversation she tried to create. [6:25] Dr. DeKlotz shares the origin story of the high school transformation. [8:44] What led Dr. DeKlotz to explore the option of a charter school? [10:15] Where did the proposals that Dr. DeKlotz looked at in these feasibility studies come from? [12:10] Dr. DeKlotz speaks about her experience launching two academies in 2009/’10. [14:05] Was it initially a challenge to support these small teacher teams in these new academies? [17:45] Dr. DeKlotz shares how the learning experience was different for students in the first few years as compared to a traditional school. [22:00] Would it be fair to say that all three academies have a high degree of autonomy? [23:14] The impact that the academies have had on the traditional comprehensive high school. [25:26] Has the facilities’ modernization helped to create a learning environment that supports Dr. DeKlotz’s mission? [28:17] 10 years into high school transformation, how would Dr. DeKlotz say they’re doing? [29:45] Would Dr. DeKlotz recommend her same approach to comprehensive school reform to others? [31:44] Could the approach have been faster than it was? And would that have been a good or bad idea? And if she could have done things differently, what would she have done? [32:40] Dr. DeKlotz describes the path forward for the high school, the three academies, and the comprehensive high school. [33:43] Tom recaps a couple of the things he’s witnessed at Kettle Moraine that they do really well. [34:57] Dr. DeKlotz elaborates on the pieces Tom highlighted. [36:06] Tom thanks Dr. DeKlotz for joining the podcast. [36:18] Where to learn more about the great work being done at Kettle Moraine.   Mentioned in This Episode: Dr. Patricia DeKlotz Kettle Moraine School District Getting Smart S2:E12: “Kettle Moraine’s Pat DeKlotz on Building a Culture of Innovation” TransformEd at Kettle Moraine To learn more out Tom Vander Ark's newest book, publishing in March called The Power of Place, click here.  Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include ‘Podcast’ in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!

This week on the podcast, the Getting Smart team is talking about the past and future of EdTech with Larry Berger!   After his Rhodes Scholarship to Oxford University, Larry Berger served as a Whitehouse Fellow working on educational technology at NASA. In 2000, he co-founded Wireless Generation, an early leader in reading assessment. After being acquired in 2010, the company then became Amplify. And just five years ago, after a spinout, the company became a leader in digital K-8 English, math, and science curriculum.   Tune in as Larry describes the history and the future of education technology, shares the mission and the work that they’re doing at Amplify, and highlights many of the important factors in EdTech today!   Key Takeaways: [:07] About today’s episode. [:43] Tom Vander Ark welcomes Larry Berger to the podcast. [:51] Larry speaks about why he studied English at Yale University. [1:21] Larry shares how he is still involved in poetry to this day. [1:55] Larry speaks a bit about his favorite poems and poets. [2:29] Fastforward to the origin story of Wireless Generation, Larry speaks about what his inspiration was for his career in EdTech. [4:05] Tom and Larry paint a picture of what EdTech looked like around the time he started his company, Wireless Generation. [5:37] Larry speaks about the initial ideas that inspired the creation of Wireless Generation. [9:40] How Larry and his co-founder financed the growth of the company and got it off the ground. [12:20] Would it be correct to say that Wireless Generation quickly became a leader in formative assessment in the early 2000s? [15:18] Fastforward to 2010, Larry speaks about an offer that they couldn’t refuse as a company. [17:31] How the acquisition afforded Wireless Generation to be able to conduct research and development at an entirely new level. [19:11] About Wireless Generation’s pivot to digital. [20:12] Larry speaks about the transition from Wireless Generation to Amplify. [22:53] Larry gives his thoughts on the EdTech landscape today and the shift from print to digital. [28:33] Larry gives his take on those who feel that learner experience is the core design principle. [30:05] Larry speaks about what it is that he does these days at Amplify! [32:35] What’s on the roadmap for Amplify in the next year or two? [35:45] Tom tests Larry with an impossibly difficult lightning round of questions! [43:44] Tom thanks Larry for all the work he’s doing and for joining the Getting Smart podcast!   Mentioned in This Episode: Larry Berger Wireless Generation Amplify Poets.org Apple Classrooms of Tomorrow Accelerated Reader Qualcomm Irwin Jacobs News Corp Emerson Collective Getting Smart Ep. 239: “Jo Boaler on the Limitless Mind and Learning Math That Matters” Google Classroom   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include ‘Podcast’ in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!

In today’s episode, Emily is speaking with Beth Anderson. Beth leads the Hill Learning Center, a K–12 non-profit based in Durham, North Carolina, that has an innovative approach to meeting the needs of students with learner differences. Their mission is to transform students who have learning differences through a variety of programs that are research-based and distinguished by being highly differentiated: direct, small group instruction in reading, writing, math, and executive function. In just the last year, they’ve reached about 1,000 students directly and have trained over 1,200 teachers in their methodologies.   Tune in to learn more about the Hill Learning Center and the amazing impact they’re having on students with learning differences and what Beth hopes to see in the future when it comes to working with these learners and their families.   Key Takeaways: [:07] About today’s episode. [:30] Emily welcomes Beth Anderson to the podcast. [:41] Beth introduces herself, speaks about Hill Center, and explains why it is that she does what she does! [2:03] Beth defines learning differences and explains how differentiation in Hill Center looks both similar and different from what she’s seeing in K–12 schools. [4:11] Does Beth find that a lot of the research-based strategies and practices they’re using at Hill Center would also work well for all learners (whether or not they come to school settings with learning differences)? [5:35] Beth shares some of the ways that they are innovating and pushing the boundaries when it comes to working with learners with differences. [8:08] Does Beth think some of their success with working with learners with differences are attributable to the mastery-based approach? [10:13] Has Beth found that learners at Hill have more agency over their learning both at Hill and in their mainstream classroom setting? [11:28] How Hill’s educators and facilitators are working towards being more intentional in getting to know their learners better. [14:42] Beth speaks about what they’re doing at Hill to create more access and opportunity for learners that cannot attend Hill. [18:20] Beth shares her hopes and dreams for the learners and their families at Hill. [20:55] Beth points listeners to where they can learn more about Hill and its resources. [21:53] Emily and Jessica give their thanks to Beth for joining the podcast.   Mentioned in This Episode: Hill Learning Center   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include ‘Podcast’ in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!

Whether you’re a parent, an educator, or someone who has worked alongside youth, you probably understand the confusion that comes up for learners and their parents when it comes time for college. They’re trying to figure out where to go, what to major in, and how to pay for it. But that’s why American Student Assistance, the non-profit also known as ASA, provides advice and support starting in middle school!   In today’s episode, Tom Vander Ark is speaking with Jean Eddy, the CEO of ASA. She has been a leader in higher education in America for 20 years and has held senior roles at Northeastern, Brandeis, and Rhode Island School of Design — all vibrant institutions. At ASA, Jean has expanded its scope to career exploration for 13-18-year-olds and college and career planning services, as well as advocacy and research on the evolving education and career landscape.   Also joining the Getting Smart Podcast today is Annabel Cellini, the Chief Strategy Officer at ASA! For more than 20 years, Annabel has been a leader in education policy and technology. She knows as well as anyone what’s new and interesting in higher ed!   Together, Tom, Jean, and Annabel are discussing ASA, how it is moving the needle in terms of getting younger and younger learners prepared for college, what they’re currently doing at ASA to expands its work in advocacy and policy, and what’s on their roadmap for the next 1-2 years to continue to support learners, their parents, and their teachers!   Key Takeaways: [:07] About today’s episode. [1:14] Tom welcomes Jean and Annabel to the podcast. [1:26] Jean speaks about her university education and why she decided to study what she studied. [2:41] Why Jean decided to work in higher education. [4:35] Annabel speaks about her university education and what drew her to her major. [6:46] Jean tells the origin story of ASA. [8:50] Why early guidance about college is more important than ever. [10:22] Why does Jean believe that America has fallen out of love with higher ed? [12:02] Annabel speaks about how she thinks about the changing nature of work and the drivers she sees that have the most significant implications for education. [16:06] Annabel highlights some of the important key skills that are becoming more important in this innovation economy. [17:44] As a parent of middle school, what advice does Annabel have for other parents? What kinds of activities, in particular, are most productive for middle school students? [20:37] In 2018, Jean expanded the mission at ASA to start in middle school. She elaborates on why that change occurred and the kinds of services that they now offer for middle school students. [25:17] Tom gives a shoutout to their friends at Cajon Valley! [26:26] Anabel explains what ASA is currently doing to expand its work in advocacy and policy. [28:38] Jean speaks about why ASA supports Learn Launch and what she’s excited about in regards to the work that they do. [30:15] As Jean looks one to two years down the road at ASA, what are her hopes for the future of the organization? And where would she like to see them make an additional impact? [31:47] Annabel speaks about some of the things she’s excited about on ASA’s roadmap. [33:03] Where to go to learn more about ASA! [33:29] Tom thanks Annabel and Jean for joining the Getting Smart Podcast!   Mentioned in This Episode: American Student Assistance (ASA) Jean Eddy Annabel Cellini World Economic Forum LearnLaunch Cajon Valley Union School District   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include ‘Podcast’ in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!  

Today’s episode is all about limitless learning and learning math that really matters with Dr. Jo Boaler!   Dr. Boaler is a Professor of Mathematics Education at Stanford University and the author of fourteen books. Her newest book, Limitless Mind: Learn, Lead, and Live Without Barriers, shares the benefits of a growth mindset, collaboration, and learning from mistakes with a general audience. Based on lessons from research in the U.S. and the UK, Dr. Boaler formed YouCubed.org, which gives teachers, parents, and students the resources they need to excite students about mathematics. YouCubed is now used in about half of American schools. And most recently, Dr. Boaler has joined up with the UChicago Economist, Steven Levitt, in a campaign to add more data science to the high school curriculum!   Dr. Boaler’s 20-year contribution to making math education more applied, collaborative, and fun is both encouraging and incredible. Tune in to hear more about what she is doing for math education, her advocacy for data science, and her recent op-ed with Steven Levitt!   Key Takeaways: [:14] About today’s episode! [1:07] Tom Vander Ark welcomes Dr. Jo Boaler to the podcast! [1:13] Dr. Boaler speaks about where she grew up and her experiences with math early on. [2:46] After studying at the University of Liverpool, how did Dr. Boaler come to teach secondary maths in London? And was it a good experience? [5:08] Dr. Boaler speaks about her experience earning her Ph.D. at King’s College in London. [8:18] Why did Dr. Boaler decide to teach mathematics at Stanford University? [9:40] In 2000, Dr. Boaler was awarded an NSF grant and had the chance to do another long study about teaching maths. Dr. Boaler shares what she learned from this experience. [11:00] Dr. Boaler shares the key takeaways from her course, “How to learn math.” [12:55] Dr. Boaler describes the mission of YouCubed. [13:47] With the work they do at YouCubed, is there more uptake at the elementary level than the secondary? [14:17] How many books has Dr. Boaler written so far? [14:25] Dr. Boaler shares what her newest book, Limitless Mind: Learn, Lead, and Live Without Barriers, covers that her older books did not. [16:52] Why supporting a growth mindset is so important, especially with learning math. [18:11] Dr. Boaler summarizes her findings around the importance of struggle and mistakes. [20:44] Dr. Boaler explains what she means when she says, ‘engaging with a lens of multiplicity.’ [22:08] Dr. Boaler speaks about creative, flexible thinking. [23:32] Dr. Boaler shares her vision for collaborative learning. [25:49] Dr. Boaler shares the backstory of her op-ed with Steven Levitt, “Modern high school math should be about data science — not Algebra 2.” [30:21] Dr. Boaler shares some of her excitement around data science and why she believes it is so vitally important. [33:00] Dr. Boaler addresses some of the political challenges as well as some of the talent development challenges in supporting teachers in this change. [34:12] What goes into the master schedule now regarding math? [35:40] How do we support the current group of math teachers with these changes? [38:08] Where to learn more about this topic! [39:29] Tom Vander Ark thanks Dr. Jo Boaler for joining the podcast!   Mentioned in This Episode: Stanford University Limitless Mind: Learn, Lead, and Live Without Barriers, by Jo Boaler YouCubed.org University of Chicago Steven Levitt Elastic: Unlocking Your Brain's Ability to Embrace Change, by Leonard Mlodinow “Modern high school math should be about data science — not Algebra 2,” by Jo Boaler and Steven D. Levitt YouCubed — Data Science Freakonomics Podcast — “America’s Math Curriculum Doesn’t Add Up (Ep. 391)” Concord Consortium Getting Smart Podcast Ep. 238 — “Chad Dorsey on Modeling and Data Science in STEM Education”   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include ‘Podcast’ in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!  

Today, Tom Vander Ark is speaking with Chad Dorsey about modeling and data science in STEM education! Chad grew up a science geek; he loved the lakes and meadows of summer camp, he studied physics in college, and he did doctoral work in geophysics at Oregon. Later on in life, he taught science in Maine and Vermont before taking on the leadership of the Concord Consortium. For more than a decade, Chad has been leading Concord’s effort to use tech to transform STEM education by empowering learners to ask and answer their own questions. In today’s episode, Chad talks to Tom about the math education that all young people need — which looks like less calculating and more modeling, fewer small problems, and more data science. He also speaks about many of the incredible data science tools from the Concord Consortium and how they’re transforming education for many young learners, helping them to become active agents of discovery!   Key Takeaways: [:14] About today’s episode! [1:00] Tom welcomes Chad Dorsey to the podcast! [1:11] What made Chad a science geek? [1:55] Why did Chad choose to study physics in college? [2:25] How did Chad end up in Oregon? [2:58] What originally drew Chad to geophysics? [4:17] How did Chad get a job in Vermont teaching? [5:02] What interested Chad about the role of leading the Concord Consortium? [6:03] Chad tells the origin story of the Concord Consortium. [8:05] Chad explains how they think about the mission of Concord these days. [9:12] Chad speaks about one of their many focus areas at the Concord Consortium: tools for inquiry. [11:55] Chad elaborates on why a simulation like the molecular workbench is so important. [13:07] How’re the Concord’s simulations similar to or different from the PhET sims from CU? [14:20] Chad speaks about their fun engine that explores heredity and genetics by breeding virtual dragons! [15:05] Why is it important for secondary students to dive into modeling? [18:00] Chad speaks about their data platform, CODAP, a Common Online Data Analysis Platform, and explains what students use it for. [20:14] Chad speaks about one of their really cool tools that models tectonic plates. [22:01] Chad speaks about another one of their cool data science tools. [23:12] Chad speaks about some of their cool engineering design software applications. [24:00] How does math fit into STEM education? And what does Chad believe we should be doing less and more of in education regarding it? [28:20] Why are we still teaching math using the same old pathway (i.e. memorizing a set of rules and formulas)? And is there a better way to organize a secondary math sequence? [33:32] Chad describes what STEM education should actually look like for students. [37:23] Chad gives his ideas and thoughts on how to help teachers be successful in this new environment approach to teaching. [38:58] Are school and classroom visits beneficial for teachers that are trying to implement big changes in instruction? [40:50] Is Chad seeing lots of uptake on the tools that Concord is sharing? And is he optimistic about the future? [43:21] Tom thanks Chad for joining the podcast!   Mentioned in This Episode: Chad Dorsey The Concord Consortium PhET Simulations from the University of Colorado Boulder CODAP   For More on the Topic of Place-Based Education, Listen to: Getting Smart Season 2, Episode 16: “Experiencing Place-Based Education at Teton Science Schools”   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include ‘Podcast’ in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!  

Today, the Getting Smart team is bringing you another fantastic throwback episode from the Getting Smart Podcast vault! And given that it’s the holiday season, it only makes sense to share an episode that’s all about giving the gift of place.   This special episode was recorded while Tom and Emily spent time in Jackson, Wyoming, at a writing retreat with Nate McClennon, the VP of Education and Innovation at Teton Science Schools.   When Tom and Emily arrived at the school, they got to speak with both Nate McClennon and Cristen Girard, the host of the Murie Ranch in Grand Teton National Park. Together, they dive into the six aspects of place-based education at Teton Science Schools and discuss the guidebook they’re writing. They also explain their hopes for the impact that Murie Ranch will have on students, what all educators should know about place-based learning, what exactly defines “place” education and all the reasons why place-based education is so powerful, impactful, and relevant today.   Key Takeaways: [:14] All about today’s throwback episode! [1:18] Cristen introduces herself and explains what the Murie Ranch is. [2:48] The famous people that have spent time at the Robin’s Nest cabin at Murie Ranch. [3:38] Cris explains the kind of learning that happens at the ranch. [4:48] What Cris hopes for the impact that the Murie Ranch will have. [6:10] What should all educators know about place-based learning? [7:24] Is place-based learning worth all the extra effort? [9:46] Nate describes place-based education. [10:21] The community impact that place-based education has. [10:55] The three components Teton Science Schools defines “place” as. [11:26] Emily explains how place-based education relates to high-quality project-based learning. [13:28] Nate runs through the six design principles of Teton Science Schools, starting with the first: that the community should be viewed as the classroom. [16:46] Nate explains the second of the six design principles: learner-centered. [18:16] The third design principle: inquiry-based. [20:45] Emily explains the fourth design principle: local to global. [24:20] The fifth design principle: design thinking. [25:38] Teton Science Schools’ view on design thinking. [27:42] The sixth, and last, design principle: an interdisciplinary approach. [28:56] How to get involved with Tom and Emily’s guidebook that they’re writing on place-based education. [29:52] Where to learn more about Teton Science Schools.   Mentioned in This Episode: Teton Science Schools Murie Ranch in Grand Teton National Park Big Picture Learning Getting Smart Episode: “What’s Up With All the Design-Focused Schools?” PlaceSchools.org   For More on the Topic of Place-Based Education, Check Out: Season 2, Episode 16: “Experiencing Place-Based Education at Teton Science Schools”   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include ‘Podcast’ in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!  

Today the Getting Smart team is bringing back a past episode of an interview they did with Dr. Pam Moran.   Last summer, Pam wrapped up 32 years with Albemarle County Public Schools. Starting as a science teacher and concluding with a dozen years as superintendent, Dr. Moran quietly became one of America’s leading educators because the work she leads is so compelling. With two of her Albemarle colleagues, Moran published a book of lessons learned called, Timeless Learning: How Imagination, Observation, and Zero-based Thinking Change Schools.   In this interview, Tom talks to Pam about the process of writing her book with her co-authors Ira and Chad, their collective philosophy on education, and the contents of the book. Pam also talks about why she originally wanted to become a teacher, some of her key focuses in education, and her thoughts on multi-age spaces and the ways in which schools can help ready students for adulthood.   Key Takeaways: [:14] About today’s throwback episode! [:54] Tom welcomes Pam to the podcast and she describes her passion for her career. [3:42] When did Pam decide she wanted to be a teacher? [5:56] When and why Pam decided to write her book, Timeless Learning with co-authors. [15:10] Pam talks about one of her key focuses: seeing children more clearly. [17:30] About Pam’s and her co-authors’ collective philosophy. [25:22] Pam talks about multi-age spaces and the benefits of children learning in these spaces. [31:10] About an initiative Pam is working on, and one of the major ways schools can help ready students for college and career. [36:10] If Pam were going to write a headline for each of her co-authors, what would they be? [38:25] How did Pam and her co-authors write the book? [42:01] Why Pam and co-authors decided to include the “take action” section at the end of each chapter. [45:06] Pam reflects on and gives her thoughts on Better Together.   Mentioned in This Episode: Albemarle County Public Schools Timeless Learning: How Imagination, Observation, and Zero-based Thinking Change Schools, by Ira David Socol, Pam Moran, and Chad Ratliff Virginia School Consortium for Learning MakerEd.org Better Together: How to Leverage School Networks For Smarter Personalized and Project Based Learning, by Tom Vander Ark and Lydia Dobyns Wiley Publications   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include ‘Podcast’ in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!

Today, the Getting Smart team is bringing you an episode with an innovative leader and celebrated education disrupter for more than two decades, Julie Young! Julie is the CEO of ASU Prep Digital and Deputy Vice President of ASU Educational Outreach. Before leading ASU Prep Digital, Julie was the founding CEO and President of Florida Virtual School, the world’s first statewide virtual school and one of the nation’s largest K-12 online education providers.   ASU Prep Digital is a part of the ASU Preparatory Academy (a network of a dozen PreK-12 schools sponsored by Arizona State University.) ASU Prep Digital is now in its 3rd year and has grown to over 20,000 enrollments both nationally and internationally, which includes 600 fulltime students across the country! The school is striving to equip all students with the knowledge and training needed to graduate high school and be successful in college.   In today’s episode, you will get to hear directly from Julie and learn more about ASU Prep Digital’s history, features, and how they’re serving learners worldwide!   Key Takeaways: [:15] About today’s episode. [1:28] Tom welcomes Julie Young to the podcast! [2:02] What interested Julie about online, digital learning 25 years ago? [4:29] In the early years of Florida Virtual School, what does Julie think they got right? [8:22] Julie speaks about her legislature during these early years and some of the unique incentives that ended up driving major change in her work. [13:07] Does Julie agree that partnering with other school districts led to major success for Florida Virtual School? [16:57] Julie provides some background on ASU Prep Digital and her current role with them. [20:00] In addition to supporting the ASU Prep Academy, Julie offers full and part-time learning opportunities to kids in Arizona across the country and even around the world. Julie elaborates about this work she does (on a part-time basis) for both high school and college courses. [23:40] How does ASU balance its offering of more than 100 college courses? [27:30] How do students enroll and gain college credit through ASU Prep Digital? [28:55] Do the online course offerings give ASU a leg-up in admissions? [30:48] Julie describes what their fulltime program is like at ASU Prep Digital. [35:13] Julie speaks about their course roadmap! [40:40] Is Julie encouraged by the way high school innovators and innovative programs are helping to inform or transform higher ed? [44:26] After 24 years of teaching and leading online, is Julie optimistic about the future of online learning? [46:15] Tom and Jessica thank Julie for joining the podcast!   Mentioned in This Episode: ASU Prep Digital ASU Educational Outreach Florida Virtual School ASU Preparatory Academy Arizona State University (ASU) Getting Smart Ep. 123: “Julie Young on Providing Online College Prep” iPrep Academy Broward County Public Schools District Franchises of Florida Virtual School (FLVS) President Michael Crow of ASU Prep Digital ASU Prep Digital Course: BioBeyond “ASU Prep: Blended College Prep with a Little Extra Kick,” by Getting Smart Staff “Arizona State Accelerates Progress with Adaptive Active Courses,” by Tom Vander Ark   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include ‘Podcast’ in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!  

This week, Tom is speaking with Terry Grier! Terry is known as America’s Superintendent coach and was a big district superintendent for over 20 years in four different states. He made Houston the best big urban district in the country. And as Tom says, has done more to develop educational talent than anyone in history! But, his most important legacy is that, to-date, 81 women and men who have worked for him have gone on to lead school districts themselves.   In this episode, Terry takes listeners through his journey in each of these large systems he led and recounts some of his biggest leadership lessons from each of them. Tom and Terry also discuss his hiring philosophy, the keys to developing talent, and some of his proudest moments during his time in education.   Key Takeaways: [:14] About today’s episode! [:42] Tom welcomes Terry on to the podcast! [:51] Terry speaks about where he went to high school. [1:19] When and why did Terry decide to become a biology teacher? [2:52] After teaching, when and why did Terry decide to lead a school and then a system? [5:52] Terry recounts his time as Superintendent of Williamson County Schools from ’96 to 2000. [10:17] Tom and Terry speak about a prominent figure in education, Cecilia "CeCe" Cunningham. [10:51] Tom and Terry reiterate the lessons learned from Williamson County Schools. [12:40] Terry speaks about his time spent as Superintendent at Guilford County Schools in North Carolina from 2000-2008 and shares some of the lessons that he learned. [16:10] Next up in Terry’s superintendent journey, he speaks about his time leading the San Diego Unified School District, and recalls the challenges he faced and the lessons learned. [8:27] In his last role as superintendent, Terry reflects on his time spent at Houston ISD and shares some of the lessons that he learned. [24:21] Terry and Tom discuss the change of Houston state taking over Houston ISD. [28:11] Terry elaborates on his hiring philosophy; what it is that he looks for when he’s trying to hire someone in a leadership role in a district. [36:17] Terry speaks about his ‘talent first’ approach in hiring. [39:42] Terry speaks about what he is most proud of during his time in education: the 81 women and men who have worked for him that have gone on to lead school districts for themselves. [42:29] Tom thanks Terry for joining the podcast!   Mentioned in This Episode: Terry Grier Williamson County Schools Cecilia "CeCe" Cunningham Guilford County Schools San Diego Unified School District Houston Independent School District (Houston ISD) Terry Grier’s Twitter: @TGrierHISD Union County Public Schools Spring Independent School District (Spring ISD)   Want to Learn More? Listen to Getting Smart Ep. 218: “Michael Hinojosa on Making Dallas Schools Work”   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include ‘Podcast’ in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!

In today’s episode, Tom Vander Ark is joined by Rebecca Parks and Dr. William Nicely. Dr. Nicely is the Superintendent of Kearney School District and Rebecca is the leader of two schools within the district — Southview Elementary and LENS. Southview is a great K-5 school, serving 550 learners, and LENS (Learning and Exploring through Nature and Science), located just right next door, is a new place-based program for about 50 3rd and 4th graders.   What is so fascinating about LENS is that it was inspired by a local Paleo Artist by the name of Gary Staab. In his work, Gary finds and recreates fossil records like King Tut, the iceman frozen in Europe 5,000 years ago, and the 54’ megalodon shark in the Smithsonian. As you can imagine, this type of work can really help bring history to life for learners! Place-based learning means taking advantage of local opportunities to bring learning to life. Recognizing this, Dr. Nicely jumped at the opportunity to create an innovative pilot program around this local resource. LENS serves as a fantastic example of leveraging a local asset to engage students in inquiry-based learning as well as place-based learning!   Join in for today’s conversation as Tom speaks with Rebecca Parks and Dr. William Nicely about place-based learning and their efforts to add more work-based learning, community-connected projects, and industry credential opportunities!   Key Takeaways: [:14] About today’s episode! [1:55] Tom welcomes Rebecca and William to the podcast. [2:01] Rebecca speaks about her role as Principal at Southview Elementary and LENS. [2:25] Rebecca tells the backstory of LENS. [2:45] What does it mean to Rebecca to be a place-based school? [3:12] Rebecca speaks about the inspiration that Gary Staab is to their school district. [4:17] Bill gives the backstory of how they came to partner with Gary. [5:55] Why does Bill think place-based learning is important for students? [7:49] Rebecca shares her enthusiasm for place-based learning! [8:31] Why place-based learning is so successful in getting kids excited about learning. [10:06] Why is teaching more real-world learning such a timely initiative in today’s day and age? [11:35] About the real-world experiences that are place-based at Kearney School District and how they’ve been building more and more towards it every single day. [14:42] What would Rebecca like LENS to be three to five years from now? [15:36] What would Bill like to see graduates leaving Kearney with, three to five years in the future? [16:06] Tom thanks Bill and Rebecca for the work they do at Kearney School District!   Mentioned in This Episode: Rebecca Parks Southview Elementary LENS — Learning and Exploring through Nature and Science Gary Staab — Staab Studios Smithsonian Dr. William Nicely Kearney School District Kauffman Foundation Iceman Reborn on PBS (Gary Staab) Recreating King Tutankhamun (Gary Staab)   Want to Learn More About Place-Based Education? Take a listen to Getting Smart Episode 168: “Giving the Gift of Place with Teton Science Schools”   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include ‘Podcast’ in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!  

Today on the podcast, Tom Vander Ark is speaking with Dr. James Lane, the State Superintendent of Public Instruction at the Virginia Department of Education. Dr. Lane started his career in education serving as a band teacher, a school leader, and then System Head in two districts before finally ending up at the Virginia Department of Education. He really wanted to see more engaging approaches to learning and truly believes that the best decisions are made as close to the child as possible. He’s even announced that his office, which some thought of as the ‘Tower of ‘No’’ would soon be the ‘Tower of ‘Yes.’’”   In this discussion with Tom, Dr. James Lane describes the Virginia is for Learners Innovation Network (a collaborative effort of over 60 school districts), the work being done in VDOE, and the work being done in partner districts with the help of Virginia! Later in this episode, you’ll also get to hear from investor-turned-advocate, Ted Dintersmith, who joins Dr. Lane to lend his support for all of the innovation lining up in the Commonwealth!   Tune in to hear from both Dr. Lane and Ted Dintersmith on how Virginia is unleashing innovation!   Key Takeaways: [:14] About today’s episode! [1:17] Tom welcomes Dr. James Lane and Ted Dintersmith to the podcast! [1:43] Dr. Lane speaks about where he grew up, his early education, and how that all led to him becoming Superintendent in Virginia. [3:03] What attracted Dr. Lane originally to the role of State Superintendent? [4:45] Has the Portrait of a Graduate proven to be useful infrastructure in Virginia? [6:11] How Virginia has gotten this delicate balance — of both signaling a new era and avoiding mandates — right. [7:11] Tom congratulates Ted Dintersmith on his most recent book, What School Could Be. [7:31] Ted shares some of the feedback he’s received from speaking around the country about his new book. [8:13] Is Virginia Ted’s adopted home state? [8:45] What does Ted think is heading in the right direction in Virginia? [10:11] Ted speaks about Albermarle County Public Schools and the growth he has seen there. [11:18] Dr. Lane speaks about the newly launched Virginia is for Learners Innovation Network! [14:40] Tom highlights some of the fantastic work that is being done in Loudoun County Public Schools. [15:48] What kind of learning would Ted hope to see from some of the high schools that are a part of the districts in this movement? [19:27] Dr. Lane speaks about how other partners in this initiative are becoming involved in this work. [21:30] Ted gives advice on the best ways to mobilize this work for other regional leaders and state leaders. [24:37] What’s next for Virginia? What does the roadmap look like for the next couple of years? [26:55] Tom and Dr. Lane both thank Ted for all of the work he’s done! [27:56] Where to learn more about Virginia is for Learners Innovation Network, Virginia Department of Education, and the other partner districts! [28:35] Where to find out more about Ted and his book, What Schools Could Be. [29:28] Tom thanks both Ted and Dr. Lane for joining the podcast!   Mentioned in This Episode: James Lane’s LinkedIn James Lane’s Twitter: @DrJamesLane Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) Aurora Institute Symposium Virginia is for Learners Innovation Network Ted Dintersmith Portrait of a Graduate What School Could Be: Insights and Inspiration from Teachers Across America, by Ted Dintersmith Albemarle County Public Schools Virginia is for Lovers Loudoun County Public Schools Getting Smart Podcast Ep. 229: “Eric Williams on Empowering Students to Make a Contribution” Innovation Playlist   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include ‘Podcast’ in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!  

Today’s topic is all about trends! Tom is flying solo this episode to outline 20 global trends that learning leaders need to consider. These trends are impacting not only elementary and secondary but higher education as well! This podcast summarizes a blog series Tom wrote in August in September (linked below) — so be sure to check out the blog series after you’re done listening to today’s episode! Buckle up and get ready for 20 trends in (approximately) 20 minutes!   Key Takeaways: [:14] About today’s episode! [1:06] Tom starts by highlighting four mega-trends that everybody should be considering: new goals, active learning strategies, competency-based progressions, and integrated services boosting learner success! [6:28] Tom highlights four emerging trends: contribution, immersive learning, success skills, and guidance. [12:20] Four trends influencing education: inclusion and equity, lifelong learning, quantified life, and mindfulness. [15:51] Four future trends: responsiveness, becoming lean, the social economy, and growth communities. [19:55] Tom speaks about the last important trend category: the climate crisis. [25:06] Tom closes out the podcast and asks school leaders, system heads, and learners to get started on taking action with these trends!   Mentioned in This Episode: “Four Emerging Trends in Learning,” by Tom Vander Ark “Four Trends Influencing Education,” by Tom Vander Ark “What’s Next in Learning? Four Future Trends,” by Tom Vander Ark iNACOL Purdue Polytechnic Institute Teton Science Schools Minerva Project Seth Godin Mastery Transcript Consortium The Fifth Discipline: The Art & Practice of The Learning Organization, by Peter M. Senge What School Could Be: Insights and Inspiration from Teachers Across America, by Ted Dintersmith Getting Smart Podcast Episode 229: “Eric Williams on Empowering Students to Make a Contribution” What is Place-Based Education and Why Does it Matter?, by Getting Smart and Teton Science Schools High Tech High Google Expeditions App Big Picture Learning Big Picture Learning — ImBlaze App Valor Collegiate Academy New Tech Network EL Education EL Education — Purposes of Crew Cajon Valley Union School District NewSchools Venture Fund Carlos Moreno of Big Picture Learning America Succeeds Age of Agility (Presented by America Succeeds) Seth Godin’s altMBA The Uninhabitable Earth: A Story of the Future, by David Wallace-Wells Greta Thunberg   For More Learning Trends, Listen to: Getting Smart Episode 223: “Pavel Luksha on Educating for Purpose, Potential, and the Planet” and Episode 225: “Katherine Prince on Navigating the Future of Learning”   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include ‘Podcast’ in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!

Today’s episode is coming to you right from Getting Smart’s backyard — Bellevue, Washington! Recently, the Getting Smart team went to Bellevue to talk with DreamBox Learning’s CEO and President, Jessie Woolley-Wilson. Jessie has been with DreamBox since 2010 and has been a leader in ed tech for more than two decades! She has always been driven by a singular belief that all children need and deserve high-quality learning opportunities, regardless of who they are or where they live.   At DreamBox Learning, Jessie Woolley-Wilson has overseen the growth of the adaptive math learning platform that now serves 3.5 million students! Their innovative software solution adapts to every individual learner, provides personalized instruction from intervention through enrichment, helps to develop skills and close gaps fast, and integrates assessment with instruction.   Listen in as Jessie and Tom talk about the origin of DreamBox, how DreamBox helps teacher teams use DreamBox effectively at school, the product roadmap for the future of DreamBox, what Jessie sees for the future of formative assessment, and what she has learned as a woman of color from leading a huge organization!   Key Takeaways: [:15] About today’s episode! [:52] Tom welcomes Jessie Woolley-Wilson to the podcast! [:57] Jessie speaks about her experiences at the University of Virginia and Harvard Business School. [2:26] Why did Jessie decide to study Ed Tech at Harvard? [4:24] Jessie speaks about her previous jobs before DreamBox and highlights her favorite one: LeapFrog! [5:58] Jessie tells the origin story of DreamBox. [7:00] What DreamBox means by intelligent adaptive learning. [8:47] What drew Jessie to DreamBox Learning? [11:02] How would Jessie describe what DreamBox is to someone who’s never heard of it before? [11:56] How would Jessica compare DreamBox to the other similar products that are out there? Why is it a better product? [14:24] How does DreamBox help teacher teams use DreamBox effectively at school? [16:10] Jessie speaks about the datasets they see coming out of DreamBox — both from the side of it not being implemented correctly vs. when it is being implemented correctly. [18:24] Jessie speaks about the DreamBox Nation platform and how it is being used for teachers to share their experiences with each other. [19:11] How investments have helped DreamBox Learning. [22:11] What’s on the product roadmap for DreamBox? [27:29] What does the future of formative assessment look like? How might it be better in the future? [29:45] Jessie shares her thoughts on leadership and what she has learned as a woman of color from leading a huge organization such as DreamBox.   Mentioned in This Episode: Jessie Woolley-Wilson DreamBox Learning LeapFrog DreamBox Nation The Rise Fund’s Investment into DreamBox Learning Hidden Figures (Film, 2016) Black Girls Code Bryan Stevenson   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include ‘Podcast’ in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!

Today’s episode is all about contribution and empowering all students to make meaningful contributions to the world! At Loudoun County Public Schools that is their motto! LCPS is a big Virginia district west of Washington, DC, serving about 84,000 students in 94 schools.   In today’s episode, Tom Vander Ark gets to speak with the Superintendent of Loudoun, Dr. Eric Williams. Dr. Williams has been Superintendent in Loudoun for just over five years. While many districts reference citizenship as a goal, Williams prefers the term ‘contribution,’ as it incorporates careers in the private sector, civic engagement, and community service. He believes in engaging students in solving authentic problems as a means of developing knowledgeable critical thinkers, communicators, collaborators, creators, and contributors.   Join the conversation today to hear all about Loudoun, how Williams is driving authentic learning from the elementary level to high school, and his focus on empowering all students to make meaningful contributions to the world!   Key Takeaways: [:15] About today’s episode! [1:00] Tom welcomes Dr. Eric Williams to the podcast! [1:07] Why did Dr. Williams study history at William & Mary? [2:33] How and when did Williams realize teaching was for him? When did he start his career as an educator? [3:23] Tom and Williams speak about when they first met. [3:37] Williams speaks about the work he was proud of when he served as Superintendent at York County School Division. [4:14] What attracted Williams to work at Loudoun? [5:44] How was Williams able to keep the focus at Loudoun on teaching and learning and not let himself and his board get preoccupied with simply managing growth? [7:00] Do William and his board end up redoing their boundaries every year? And if so, how do they do it in a way that doesn’t drive the community crazy? [8:21] William describes their improvement agenda at Loudoun. [10:15] How did Williams’ belief in empowering students to make meaningful contributions become so prominent in his work as an educator? [13:30] Williams talks about Loudoun’s emphasis on the four Cs and why they don’t add the fifth C, citizenship. [16:20] What a day of authentic learning looks like in the elementary schools of Loudoun County. [18:40] What a day of authentic learning looks like in the middle schools of Loudoun County. [19:55] What a day of authentic learning looks like in the high schools of Loudoun County. [21:36] Williams gives some examples of students contributing in Loudoun County, both in and out of school. [25:43] Williams speaks about his recent statement about equity in Loudoun County. [26:35] What’s next in Loudoun? [27:22] Does Williams anticipate seeing changes in the traditional master schedule in secondary schools? [29:15] Tom thanks Williams for joining the Getting Smart Podcast!   For More on Authentic Student Work, Listen to: Getting Smart Ep. 222: “Ron Berger on Helping Students Become Leaders of Their Own Learning”   Mentioned in This Episode: Loudoun County Public Schools Dr. Eric Williams’ LinkedIn The Kern Family Foundation Fairfax County Public Schools   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include ‘Podcast’ in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!  

Today on the podcast, Tom Vander Ark is joined by Michael Horn! Michael has been a thought leader in education from the day Clayton Christensen took him on as a co-author of Disrupting Class: How Disruptive Innovation Will Change the Way the World Learns. After the book came out in 2008, Michael went on to lead the education practice at the Christensen Institute for a dozen years. Four years ago, after writing a paper called, “Disrupting College,” with Christensen, Michael shifted the majority of his time to advising higher education leaders. Horn’s newest book, Choosing College: How to Make Better Learning Decisions Throughout Your Life, informs college choosers as well as college leaders.   In this episode, Tom and Michael speak about Michael’s books — from the process of writing them to the biggest takeaways from them. Michael also speaks about his time spent at Christensen Institute, what disruptive innovation is and why it is so important, and why college may not be the right choice for all students right away after high school. He also touches on how the higher ed landscape is changing.   Tune in for Michael’s thoughtful analysis of the complex college landscape!   Key Takeaways: [:15] About today’s episode with Michael Horn! [:50] Tom welcomes Michael Horn to the podcast! [1:15] Where did Michael go to high school? [1:28] Why did Michael decide to go to Yale University? [2:30] What was Michael’s musical interest that drew him to Yale? [2:58] What job did Michael want a Harvard MBA for? [4:12] Is Harvard Business School where Michael met Clayton Christensen? [5:08] Tom and Michael speak about the early process of writing Disrupting Class. [5:57] Michael speaks about the experience of working on Disrupting Class with Clay. [6:43] Michael speaks about his time spent at Christensen Institute. [7:12] Michael’s biggest takeaway from a dozen years spent at Christensen Institute. [8:08] Tom and Michael discuss what disruptive innovation is and why it is so important. [9:12] Why did Michael make the shift from K-12 to higher-ed in the last four years? [10:57] Tom and Michael discuss how reimagining higher ed may be the key to transforming the secondary school experience. [13:18] Why college may not be the right choice for all students right away after high school. [14:52] Why Michael decided to write a book more for college seekers rather than college operators. [17:50] Michael outlines the five reasons why students decide to go to college from his book, Choosing College. [20:12] Michael speaks about the guidance gap in high school and how he thinks high school advisors, educators, and guidance counselors understand this. [23:55] What high school should be at its core. [26:24] Michael responds to criticism of his book, Choosing College. [27:00] Tom and Michael speak about why high schools should be helping students understand their sense of purpose and the importance of making a contribution to the world. [29:40] Tom and Michael speak about the shift to life-long learning in education. [31:25] Michael gives his take on Ryan Craig’s book, A New U. [36:30] How the higher ed landscape is changing and how the lines are blurring between high school and college. [38:04] Lightning Round! Tom asks Michael: ‘Why didn’t online learning transform secondary education,’ ‘Why hasn’t blended learning completed transformed K-8 education,’ ‘Why hasn’t competency-based learning transformed K-12 yet,’ ‘Will AR and VR be a big part of the education and training landscape in 2025,’ ‘Will everyone have a blockchain profile in 2025?,’ ‘What percentage of high schools in 2025 will not be structured entirely around traditional courses and credits,’ and ‘Will there be a larger percentage of post-secondary options that are competency-based by 2025?’ [46:40] Tom thanks Michael for joining the Getting Smart Podcast!   Want to Learn More About Higher Education? Listen to: Episode 215: “Connie Yowell and Paul LeBlanc on Extending Access to Higher Ed from Chicago to Rwanda”   Mentioned in This Episode: Disrupting Class: How Disruptive Innovation Will Change the Way the World Learns, by Michael Horn, Clayton Christensen, and Curtis Johnson “Disrupting College” Paper by Michael Horn, Clayton Christensen, Louis Soares, and Louis Caldera Choosing College: How to Make Better Learning Decisions Throughout Your Life, by Michael Horn and Bob Moesta Yale University Harvard Business School Christensen Institute Michael B. Horn Clayton Christensen Gisèle Huff Who You Know: Unlocking Innovations That Expand Students' Networks, by Julie Freeland Fisher A New U: Faster + Cheaper Alternatives to College, by Ryan Craig Dallas ISD Dr. Michael Hinojosa Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance, by Angela Duckworth   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include ‘Podcast’ in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!  

Today the team is speaking with Scott Looney, the Head of School at Hawken as well as the founder of the Mastery Transcript Consortium (better known as MTC). MTC is made up of 150 schools that are working together to change the high school system of assessment, crediting, and transcripting.   Recently, MTC has had the super exciting announcement that in 2020, the Mastery School of Hawken will open and be run and operated by Hawken School! The two high school campuses will be 12 miles apart and will have very different programs, but, will share some co-curricular programming. The Mastery School will be organized around three things: students solving real-world problems, mastery-and-apprentice-style instruction, and mastery crediting.   Listen in as Emily and Scott talk about building the ideal high school, exploring new grading systems, collaborative teams, and student-led projects — all which will be taking place at the Mastery School of Hawken!   Key Takeaways: [:15] About today’s episode with Scoot Looney. [1:21] Scott speaks about their recent exciting announcement about the Mastery School of Hawken. He touches on their plans for the school, details of the programs within the school, and the differences between it and a traditional school. [13:25] Scott further elaborates on how the Mastery School of Hawken is being developed. [17:17] How they’re sharing the journey of MTC and the Mastery School through ReDesigning High School. [20:16] Scott shares some more information about the future Mastery School curriculum and why they believe it will be successful. [21:37] The problem with modern assessment in traditional schools. [26:26] All kids are capable and interested in learning — here’s how MTC and the Mastery School can support this immensely. [29:19] Jessica closes out the podcast and thanks Scott for joining!   Mentioned in This Episode: Mastery Transcript Consortium Hawken School ReDesigning High School   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include ‘Podcast’ in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!

Today’s episode features the story of Eagle Rock School — a residential high school for young people that haven’t been successful in other environments. Located on a square mile of mountain wilderness in Estes Park, Colorado, Eagle Rock is supported by American Honda Motor Co. Inc.   In 1995, Dan Condon was an intern at the innovative new school. Today, he holds the title of Associate Director of Professional Development and leads the professional development center that shares lessons from the Eagle Rock model with educators nationwide.   In this episode, Tom gets the chance to sit down with Dan to speak about Eagle Rock and all of the unique opportunities and experiences that are offered there! Listen in as Dan describes the sustained engagement model that makes Eagle Rock so special!   Key Takeaways: [:14] About today’s episode. [:50] Tom welcomes Dan Condon to the podcast. [:56] How did a kid from Wisconsin arrive in Estes Park, Colorado? [2:07] Dan speaks about his career journey after he first arrived at Eagle Rock School. [3:03] Dan speaks about what the learner experience is like at Eagle Rock. [6:02] Dan describes the academic program at Eagle Rock. [6:36] Dan talks about the advisory program at Eagle Rock. [7:33] Dan speaks about the unique experience new students do in the first trimester once they arrive at Eagle Rock. [8:27] Dan’s experience working with kids who are not experienced campers and what he thinks they gain from such an experience. [8:52] About the opportunities for expression in the arts at Eagle Rock and why it is so important. [9:27] How and when do students graduate from Eagle Rock? [10:15] How is the school program is organized? And how long do the students attend? [10:21] Dan speaks about the various courses that are offered at the school and how the curriculum is organized. [11:06] How much voice and choice do students get at Eagle Rock in terms of what they can study? [12:11] Dan speaks about the professional learning practice that he runs. [13:45] Do they work with any big, traditional public schools that are trying to embrace some of their practices? [14:36] Is Dan encouraged by what he sees happening with American education? And is he seeing more educators and schools adopting some of the practices that they’ve honed here at Eagle Rock? [16:01] How is Eagle Rock paving the way for learner-centered environments… and why you should come down to visit the school for yourself! [17:47] Tom and Jessica wrap up this week’s episode!   Mentioned in This Episode: Eagle Rock School Dan Condon Public Allies All Who Dare (Documentary, 2018) Big Picture Learning   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include ‘Podcast’ in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!  

Today we’re listening in on a conversation Tom had with Katherine Prince. Katherine leads the foresight practice at KnowledgeWorks as the Vice President of Strategic Foresight. In this role she has held for the last 9 months, Katherine leads their exploration of the future of learning, creates the strategy for their strategic foresight work, speaks and writes about the trends shaping education over the next decade, and helps education stakeholders strategize about how to become active agents of change in shaping the future.   An important part of KnowledgeWorks’ foresight practice is its 10-year forecasts. Every couple of years since 2006, they issue a new one. Their fifth one was released last year and is called, “Navigating the Future of Learning.” And just this past June, they recently released a strategy guide that is responding to that forecast. The strategy guide emphasizes what education stakeholders can do to respond to these changes and trends outlined in their forecast.   Listen in to hear Katherine describe the strategy guide with Tom, explaining the five driving trends and five opportunity areas for building effective strategies!   Key Takeaways: [:14] About today’s episode with Katherine Prince. [:46] Tom welcomes Katherine to the podcast. [1:01] When and why did KnowledgeWorks begin forecasting the future of learning? [2:10] Katherine and Tom dive right into the first key-driver category outlined in the strategy guide: automating choices. [3:40] Katherine gives an explanation of the second category: civic superpowers. [5:09] Katherine speaks about the third category: accelerating brains. [6:37] Katherine explains the fourth category: toxic narratives. [8:27] Katherine speaks about the fifth category: remaking geographies. [9:14] How does climate crisis fit into KnowledgeWorks’ forecast? And how does Katherine think about learning to mitigate the climate crisis as well as learning how to adapt to it? [11:33] In the strategy guide, they outline five opportunities for moving toward a shared horizon in education. Katherine begins by explaining their first opportunity: civic engagement for the smart age. [12:54] Katherine explains the second opportunity: a learning lifestyle. [14:40] Katherine explains the third outlined opportunity: systemic interdependence. [16:16] Katherine explains the fourth opportunity: smart technologies for all. [18:49] Katherine explains the fifth and final opportunity: many selves, many stories. [20:37] What can learning communities start to address to begin taking advantage of these opportunities? [22:27] In the guide, under “Taking Action Now,” they ask: “How might you modify these strategies to reflect how your organization or your ecosystem’s vision, values, and context?” Katherine answers this question from her own perspective. [23:05] Would Katherine consider this guide as a collective action plan? [23:52] The last set of questions they ask under “Taking Action Now” are around resources. Has Katherine seen any interesting trends there about people developing new resources or reallocating resources? [24:51] How KnowledgeWorks’ forecasts have had major impact. [26:54] What should people do next? Katherine gives her recommended next steps, whether you’re a civic leader or a teacher, to catalyze change in your community. [28:18] Where to find the strategy guide, Katherine, and learn more online!   Mentioned in This Episode: KnowledgeWorks Strategic Mindset at KnowledgeWorks Katherine Prince on LinkedIn Katherine Prince’s Profile on KnowledgeWorks KnowlegeWorks’ 2018 Forecast: “Navigating the Future of Learning” “Navigating the Future of Learning: A Strategy Guide” “Greta Thunberg, 16-Year-Old Swedish Environmental Activist, Has Been Nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize” Better Together: How to Leverage School Networks for Smarter Personalized and Project Based Learning, by Tom Vander Ark and Lydia Dobyns Smart Cities that Work for Everyone: 7 Keys to Education & Employment, by Tom Vander Ark with Mary Ryerse KnowledgeWorks’ Twitter: @KnowledgeWorks Katherine Prince’s Twitter: @KatPrince   For a Review of Seven Important Books on the Topic of Climate Change, Listen to: Getting Smart Episode 210: “Exploring Climate Change Education with Greg Smith”   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include ‘Podcast’ in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!

Today on the podcast, Tom is speaking with Diane Tavenner and Mira Browne from Summit Public Schools. With the backing of a group of parents, Diane Tavenner formed Summit Public Schools in 2003. Now, a network of secondary schools in the Bay Area in Washington State, the thirteen cohorts of Summit graduates have all graduated college-ready. As a mother, teacher, and network builder, Diane has learned a lot about getting kids ready for college, for work, and for life. Since 2011, Mira Browne has served as the Chief External Officer at Summit Public Schools. With the launch of Diane’s new book, Prepared: What Kids Need for a Fulfilled Life, Mira is stepping into a new role of leading an initiative called ‘Prepared Parents’ to share what they’ve learned about youth development and powerful parenting. In this episode, Tom and Diane sit down together to talk about her new book, Prepared: What Kids Need for a Fulfilled Life, and some of the key ways they implement the ideas in her book at Summit. Mira also joins the conversation throughout to share more about Prepared Parents.   Key Takeaways: [:14] About today’s episode and guests, Diane Tavenner and Mira Browne. [1:12] Tom welcomes Diane to the podcast! [1:22] Diane gives a quick origin story of Summit Public Schools. [2:15] Diane describes the Summit learning model. [4:02] The kinds of learning you’ll see if you walk into a Summit Public School! [4:55] Diane shares about the incredibly unique opportunity Summit offers for students: two-week expeditions four times a year! [7:00] Mira joins the podcast and talks about why and when she first joined Summit. [8:30] What’s Mira’s favorite thing to show people at Summit when they first come to visit? [9:50] Why did Diane write her book, Prepared: What Kids Need for a Fulfilled Life? [12:06] Tom outlines the three sections of Diane’s book as well as the first two chapters. Diane explains what the second chapter titled, ‘Because it’s a solvable problem,’ means to her. [14:57] Diane explains why she thinks the third chapter of her book, on real-world and project-based learning, is important. [16:42] Tom highlights more of what is covered in Chapter three of Diane’s book, and Diane speaks about why projects can be easy to take on but hard to do well. [18:17] Tom and Diane speak about Summit’s incredible teacher-to-teacher collaboration, why it is so successful, and how it makes a difference at Summit. [19:21] Why is Chapter four’s topic on self-direction important in education? [20:52] Diane speaks about chapter five’s topic on reflection and the role mentors play at Summit. [22:04] Chapter six is on collaboration — what does collaboration look like at Summit? [23:20] Chapter seven is on success habits — why are they important? And how do they help develop them at Summit? [26:26] Chapter eight is on curiosity — how do they provoke curiosity with their learning model at Summit? [28:22] In chapter nine, Diane talks about a set of universal skills and identifies a set of cognitive skills that are key in learning. How do teachers assess each of these cognitive skills? [30:42] In Prepared, the epilogue provides a blueprint for parents. How has this become so important for Mira and what is her new journey going to be about? [32:57] What will the Prepared Parents initiative look like at Summit? [34:55] Mira speaks about the self-directed cycle in the epilogue of the book and how a parent can make that a part of their child’s day.   Mentioned in This Episode: Summit Public Schools Prepared: What Kids Need for a Fulfilled Life, by Diane Tavenner Mira Browne (LinkedIn) Diane Tavenner (LinkedIn) Turnaround for Children Dr. Pamela Cantor Getting Smart Podcast Ep. 217 with Dr. Pamela Cantor PreparedforSuccess.org (The Prepared Parents initiative)   For More on the Building Blocks of Success, Listen to: Episode 217 with Dr. Pamela Cantor!   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include ‘Podcast’ in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!

Pavel Luksha is a leading education futurist. He’s a Professor of Practice at Moscow School of Management SKOLKOVO, the Director and founder of Global Education Futures, and serves on the advisory board for Whittle School and Studios.   What drives Pavel forward is creating a world that works for everyone. He’s a global thinker and change catalyst focused on creating the discipline of social ecosystem gardening. Recently, Pavel and Tom met in Europe and talked about trends driving the future of learning, their work together advising the new Whittle School and Studios network, and an exciting new (potential) project Pavel is working on. They also discussed his knowledge about learning ecosystems, global trends in education that are providing more meaningful learning experiences, and the sorts of learning experiences that are helping young people discover and cultivate a sense of purpose. Tune into this episode to hear the entire conversation!   Key Takeaways: [:18] About this week’s episode with guest, Pavel Luksha. [:45] Tom welcomes Pavel to the Getting Smart Podcast. [1:30] Pavel describes how he came to be a global education futurist. [5:00] Pavel expands on his earlier statement that we need to do more to ask our civic leaders why we’re spending so much on preparing to kill each other rather than raising our children. [6:15] Pavel highlights some global trends in education that are providing more meaningful learning experiences. [12:51] Pavel gives his thoughts on the opportunity for a global network like Whittle School and Studios. [16:05] Pavel shares his knowledge about learning ecosystems. [23:00] The different levels of learning ecosystems and how they interact. [27:59] What kinds of learning experiences help young people discover and cultivate a sense of purpose? [31:48] What’s next for Pavel? What is he beginning to think about with his work? [33:50] Pavel shares some information about a potential upcoming project he is incredibly excited about. [37:07] Tom thanks Pavel for joining the Getting Smart Podcast!   Mentioned in This Episode: Pavel Luksha (LinkedIn) Moscow School of Management SKOLKOVO Global Education Futures Whittle School and Studios Kauffman Foundation The Grable Foundation Remake Learning The Commit Partnership   If You Want to Learn More on Trends in Learning, Check Out: Episode 183: “Let’s Make Sure America Succeeds in the Age of Agility”   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include ‘Podcast’ in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!

This week, Tom is speaking with Ron Berger, the Chief Academic Officer at EL Education. Ron has been with EL Education since 2003 and is responsible for leading EL Education's vision of teaching and learning. Bringing with him 40 years of experience as a teacher and professional development designer, with 28 of those years teaching public school, Ron is highly regarded in the education space.   Going back to the beginning of Ron’s journey, he began teaching in a little town in Western Massachusetts. Just about everyone under the age of 50 in Shutesbury, MA, was one of Ron Berger’s students. The fact that his nurse, plumber, and accountant had all been in his class helped him understand the bigger picture. It made him ask himself, ‘Do they understand high-quality work? Do they have courage? Do they have quality values? And do they use critical thinking? Would I trust my life to that person?’ These became Ron’s principles in what he hopes for his students to achieve. When he went on to develop the Expeditionary Learning School model — a project-based community-connected approach focused on doing authentic, quality work — these principles remained at the forefront. Now, EL Education is helping more than 50,000 students become great scholars and active, ethical citizens with the capacity to build a better world.   Listen in to Tom’s and Ron’s conversation about the incredible impact EL Education is having on students, teachers, and schools; Ron’s journey in education and how it has impacted his life personally and professionally; about his upcoming book, a sequel to his 2014 release, Leaders of Their Own Learning; and some incredible examples of how students are building quality character through the framework Ron has helped build through EL Education.   Key Takeaways: [:14] About this week’s episode. [1:19] Tom welcomes Ron Berger to the podcast! [1:33] Why and how did Ron become a teacher in Shutesbury, Massachusetts? [5:04] How did Ron build his own house in Shutesbury, MA? [6:16] Ron expresses his appreciation of craftsmanship and why it is so important in education. [9:04] Along with his passion for craftsmanship, is it true that Ron also has a passion for disco? [10:48] Is it true that Ron also remains a student of popular culture? [11:38] When did Ron discover Expeditionary Learning (EL Education)? [13:28] Ron speaks about his contribution to some of the early design principles at EL Education. [15:15] Would Ron agree that around 2010 EL Education shifted to focus more on curriculum than developing a school network? [18:55] Around 2011, Ron started a project with Harvard called ‘Models of Excellence.’ Ron explains the thought process behind it and what it means to him. [21:22] Under what conditions do students do world-class work? [25:02] Why does Ron’s character framework put the idea of contributing to a better world at the center? [28:40] How Ron defines ‘character.’ [29:15] Ron gives an incredible example of students with character and breaking out of the standard curriculum. [31:06] In 2014, Ron authored Leaders of Their Own Learning along with several other authors. He explains the impetus of that book and what it means to him. [32:50] Why has Ron decide to write a sequel to Leaders of Their Own Learning? What does he hope to accomplish with it and how is it going to help teachers? [34:37] Ron shares some of the ways he hopes to see people use his book. [36:43] Where to find Ron online and learn more about EL Education. [37:30] Tom thanks Ron for joining the Getting Smart Podcast!   Mentioned in This Episode: Ron Berger (LinkedIn) EL Education Leaders of Their Own Learning: Transforming Schools Through Student-Engaged Assessment, by Ron Berger, Leah Rugen, Libby Woodfin, and EL Education Revisionist History Podcast, by Malcolm Gladwell Project Zero Outward Bound Gates Foundation EL Education’s Models of Excellence For More on Provoking Deeper Learning, Listen to: Episode 203: “Jal Mehta on Provoking Deeper Learning in High School”   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include ‘Podcast’ in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!  

Today, the Getting Smart team is bringing you an interview with Benno Schmidt. Benno served as President of Yale University, the Dean of Columbia University Law School, and the CEO and Chairman of Edison Schools (now EdisonLearning). Currently, Benno serves as the Co-Chair of the Global Advisory Board at Whittle School and Studios. He also currently chairs the Board of Trustees of the City University of New York, the largest urban public university in the world.   30 years ago, Chris Whittle convinced Benno to join him in, and together they built Edison Schools — a pioneer in the charter school movement. Three years ago, they founded Whittle School and Studios. And this month, they’ve opened schools in Washington, DC, and Shenzhen, China.   Join today’s conversation to learn more about Benno’s 40 years in education leadership!   Key Takeaways: [:14] About today’s episode with Benno Schmidt. [:50] Tom welcomes Benno to the podcast! [:55] Benno speaks about his education background and how it affected his career path. [8:12] Benno speaks about his time spent at Yale University and all that he accomplished there. [10:40] Benno elaborates on his time spent at the City University of New York. [15:58] About Benno’s fateful meeting with Chris Whittle. [18:25] What Benno thinks about the opportunity of being the Co-Chair of the Global Advisory Board at Whittle School and Studios. He also speaks about what they’re working to accomplish, going forward. [26:48] Benno speaks about what makes Whittle so special. [28:40] Tom thanks Benno for his 40 years of education leadership and for joining the podcast this week!   Mentioned in This Episode: Benno Schmidt Whittle School and Studios Chris Whittle Yale University EdisonLearning (Edison Schools) City University of New York Warren Court   For More on Place-Based Learning, Listen to:Episode 168 for a discussion with Nate McClennen from Teton Science Schools   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include ‘Podcast’ in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!  

Today the team is talking with Abby Falik, the founder and CEO of Global Citizen Year. Abby grew up with parents committed to traveling the world — and never the usual tourist traps. After high school, she wanted to get close to the issues that she really cared about but couldn’t get into the Peace Corps without a college degree. Abby quickly realized there just wasn’t a good option for high school graduates to learn and serve abroad, and soon, it became her life’s mission to fix that. Ten years ago, Abby started Global Citizen Year to expand access to life-changing global immersion experiences between high school and college. She knew these experiences were uniquely well suited to unlock courage, shape identity, and develop leadership. Every year, Global Citizen Year places about 150 learners in an international internship. They live with a local family and are a part of a regional cohort. The results are transformational and lifelong. We live in a world where there’s an urgent need for kids of all backgrounds to connect with themselves, their peers, and the context around the world to shape values, identity, and build the courage to change the world — and Global Citizen Year strives to assist in that goal. Listen in as Abby describes her journey, the program that has transformed a thousand lives, and all of the incredible opportunities that Global Citizen Year provides.   Key Takeaways: [:14] About today’s episode with Abby Falik! [1:14] Tom welcomes Abby to the podcast. [1:20] Abby speaks about her education. [7:18] Abby tells the story of Global Citizen Year. [9:47] The mission of Global Citizen Year. [11:35] How Global Citizen Year works and how to get involved! [14:21] How Global Citizen Year impacts learners’ language acquisition. [15:28] How much choice do the students have in choosing the place they would like to travel to and the type of learning experience they would like to have? [16:20] Do the fellows get the opportunity to travel freely in their host country? [17:33] Are fellows ever placed together? Or do they all get placed individually? [18:05] Abby highlights some of the important qualities fellows gain from this experience. [19:40] Abby speaks about the ever-increasing importance of the outcomes that Global Citizen Year provides for young people. [22:03] Abby’s thoughts on how to begin blending informal learning experiences (such as those that Global Citizen Year offers) with formal classroom learning. [26:55] How can colleges incorporate Global Citizen Year or programs like it? [29:44] Is Global Citizen Year seeking financial partners for the program? [30:44] How many students are there in Global Citizen Year’s upcoming cohort? [30:55] Where to learn more about Abby and Global Citizen Year online! [32:02] Tom thanks Abby for joining the Getting Smart Podcast!   Mentioned in This Episode: Peace Corps Global Citizen Year Rosetta Stone Duolingo   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include ‘Podcast’ in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!  

Today the Getting Smart team is bringing you an episode with none other than Susan Patrick, the President and CEO of iNACOL. For the past 14 years, Susan has led the international advocacy organization known as iNACOL. At iNACOL, they seak the transformation of education systems and advocate for breakthrough policies and practices that ensure high-quality learning for all. Their fall symposium is one of Getting Smart’s favorite conferences of the year, with well-curated sessions on whole child personalization, competency-based progressions, and systems leadership.   In today’s interview with Tom, Susan reviews five global learning trends and previews the 2019 symposium, which is happening October 28th-31st in Palm Springs, California.   Key Takeaways: [:14] About today’s episode with Susan Patrick! [1:03] Tom welcomes Susan to the podcast. [1:10] Susan tells the story of how she got to the office of Ed Tech at the Department of Education. [2:14] Susan tells the origin story of iNACOL. [3:17] Susan speaks about the shift of iNACOL’s focus to blended and personalized learning. [6:05] Susan speaks about the partnership between iNACOL and Next Generation Learning Challenges. [6:52] Susan speaks about the fellowship she did in New Zealand and Australia in 2016 and summarizes what she learned there. [10:04] Susan summarizes the mission of iNACOL today. [10:42] Susan and Tom look at some of the top trends that are driving education globally today, starting with the idea of being ‘fit for purpose.’ [13:00] Is the work of districts reconsidering their graduate profile and updating their learning outcomes encouraging to Susan? [15:03] Susan highlights some of the trends she sees with regard to modernizing the workforce in educator development and professional learning. [17:45] Susan gives her thoughts on micro-credentials. [19:04] Susan speaks about what she’s seeing globally in terms of innovating for equity and prioritizing diversity in education. [23:43] As learning environments are innovating, how does Susan suggest we create aligned pathways from early childhood to college? [28:03] How Susan sees schools being redesigned based on learning science. [30:18] Susan highlights some of the key lessons she has learned from the last 5–10 iNACOL Symposiums. [34:58] What to look forward to at the 2019 iNACOL Symposium! [36:27] Tom thanks Susan for joining the Getting Smart Podcast!   Mentioned in This Episode: iNACOL iNACOL Symposium 2019 U.S. Department of Education Next Generation Learning Challenges Innovation Lab Network | CCSSO The League for Innovation in the Community College Digital Promise “Quality Principles for Competency-Based Education,” by Chris Sturgis and Katherine Casey (Published by iNACOL and CompetencyWorks)   Want to Learn More? Check Out These Getting Smart Episodes! Season 2, Episode 12: “Kettle Moraine’s Pat DeKlotz on Building a Culture of Innovation” and Episode 181: “How the Micro-Credential Revolution is Transforming Professional Learning”   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include ‘Podcast’ in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!  

Today’s guest is Michael Hinojosa, the Superintendent of Schools in Dallas, Texas. Dallas, Texas is also where Michael grew up and went to school, the same town his own children went to school in, and also where he has taught and coached for many years. DISD is a rapidly growing school district with 150,000 students in 230 schools. Hinojosa has a thoughtful Board, a strong team, and is in his 10th year as Superintendent — all reasons education in Dallas keeps on getting better! Tune in to learn more about what’s going right for education in Dallas in Michael Hinojosa’s own words! Michael speaks about why they’ve made early learning a priority; their incredible initiatives that are greatly helping underserved and underrepresented students; the partnerships they have that also aid students in receiving better, more accessible education; and how they work with teachers to improve their practice.   Key Takeaways: [:14] About today’s episode! [:52] Tom welcomes Michael Hinojosa to the podcast. [:57] Michael speaks about growing up in Dallas and becoming Superintendent in his hometown. [1:44] Michael talks about the huge population that makes up DISD. [3:13] As Michael thinks about leading this huge district, what are his main priorities? How does he think about the work in general? [4:49] Why has Michael made early learning a priority? What are some of the things they have accomplished within it? [6:03] Why Michael supports public school options. [7:03] What is a P-Tech program? [8:38] How many P-Techs DISD currently has and how they’re planning on expanding. [9:47] Michael speaks about the incredible partnership DISD has with the Dallas County Promise and what it means for students. [11:22] Michael’s view on teacher preparation and development. [13:03] How does DISD work with teachers to try and improve their practice? [14:20] Michael speaks about his pros and cons for the state test and the accountability system in Dallas. [16:39] Michael elaborates on one of DISD’s new strategic initiatives: their race equity agenda. [17:48] Michael expresses his enthusiasm for his position as Superintendent and his love for the community in Dallas. [18:42] What Michael has learned about the importance of learning environments and what he has done to update the physical school plans. [20:04] How does Michael keep learning about this work? What is he doing to stay informed about the work that he does? [21:20] Tom thanks Michael Hinojosa for joining the Getting Smart Podcast!   Mentioned in This Episode: Dallas Independent School District (DISD) More About DISD’s P-Tech Programs Dallas County Promise Teach for America Urban Teachers Austin ISD Tulsa Public Schools Council of the Great City Schools Texas Urban Council of Superintendents   For More on Good Governance and Innovation in Texas Schools, Listen to: Season 2, Episode 72: “”   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include ‘Podcast’ in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!  

In today’s episode, Tom Vander Ark is speaking with Pamela Cantor, M.D., a leading expert on childhood development. Dr. Cantor has practiced child psychiatry for nearly two decades and originally studied the impact of trauma on childhood development at Cornell. After 9/11, New York City asked her to counsel children struggling in the aftermath. That effort became Turnaround for Children, a non-profit provider of tools and services supporting children that had experienced trauma, of which Dr. Cantor is the founder and Sr. Science Advisor. Additionally, Dr. Cantor has over seven million views on her videos about childhood development, which were developed with colleague Linda Darling-Hammond. Listen in as Dr. Cantor talks to Tom about the impact of stress on children, childhood development, productive practices that unlock brain chemistry that can counter the toxic effects of stress, and how educators can help positively impact a child’s cognitive development. Dr. Cantor also speaks about Turnaround for Children and the impact they have on children; Building Blocks for Learning, Turnaround for Children’s framework; and her thoughts on a variety of topics from modeling regulation, maker space, and movement breaks to mindfulness, malleability, and mindset. Key Takeaways: [:14] About today’s episode! [1:02] Tom welcomes Dr. Pamela Cantor to the podcast. [1:15] Why did Dr. Cantor decide to go to Cornell to study trauma and childhood development? [4:22] Dr. Cantor highlights some important things for educators to know about childhood development, toxic stress, and the developmental impact that education has on children. [10:36] What drives a child’s cognitive development and how educators can help positively impact it. [13:45] Dr. Cantor gives the origin story of Turnaround for Children. [18:22] Dr. Cantor describes Turnaround for Children’s framework (in collaboration with K. Brooke Stafford-Brizard): Building Blocks for Learning. [22:25] Dr. Cantor gives her take on what sorts of experiences and environments help produce agency in students. [27:36] Lightning round! Dr. Cantor gives her thoughts and opinions on these subjects: malleability, mindset, modeling regulation, mindfulness, movement breaks, and maker space. [36:48] If you visited Cantor Elementary School, what would you see? [38:54] If Dr. Cantor visited Cantor High, what would she hope to see? [40:48] What is Dr. Cantor excited about now? What is next for her at Turnaround for Children? [43:17] Tom thanks Dr. Cantor for joining the Getting Smart podcast! Mentioned in This Episode: Cornell University Medical College Turnaround for Children Dr. Pamela Cantor Linda Darling-Hammond Gates Foundation Building Blocks for Learning (Turnaround for Children in collaboration with K. Brooke Stafford-Brizard) The Science of Learning and Development Initiative Teach for All To Learn More About Schools Incorporating Cantor’s Lessons, Check-Out: Episode 179: “What 100 School Visits Taught Us This Year” Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe. Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include ‘Podcast’ in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!

In today’s episode, the team will be speaking with Don Wettrick, the founder and President of STARTedUP Foundation! Don’s father was a teacher, and after attempting career #1, he decided to go back and follow in his father’s footsteps and become a teacher too. Don found that he enjoyed growing things and becoming entrepreneurial. After watching Dan Pink’s 2009 TED Talk entitled, ‘The Puzzle of Motivation,’ he knew similar principles could be utilized in the classroom and decided to apply them to his own teaching methods. Don doesn’t believe that every student should become an entrepreneur, but he does believe that they should all think like one. They should be able to think critically, reframe problems, and collaborate — and that’s what led Don to start STARTedUP Foundation. STARTedUP Foundation has the incredible mission to empower students by immersing them into an entrepreneurial way of being, inspiring them to start something new, and mentoring them through new ventures. Their goal is to prepare students to be enterprising contributors in this changing world!   Tune in to hear Don as he talks to Tom about what students should be learning and future plans for the foundation!   Key Takeaways: [:14] About today’s episode! [1:01] Tom welcomes Don to the podcast. [1:05] Why did Don originally decide to become a teacher? [1:50] About Don’s secondary education. [2:01] When did Don’s fascination with innovation occur? [3:11] Don talks about the innovation program that he’s run for the last 6 years at Noblesville Schools. [4:35] Don speaks about the length of his career and what he’s looking forward to after leaving classroom teaching. [5:09] About the STARTedUP Foundation! [8:17] Is Don contemplating an incubator? [9:15] Does Don anticipate that they’ll be expanding and working through multiple partner organizations nationally? [10:59] Are they contemplating raising a venture fund? [12:05] Don highlights the important skills young people need these days to be successful. [15:43] Don highlights some more important characteristics for students and educators to have. [19:43] About Don’s teaching of what the entrepreneurial mindset is and the basics of entrepreneurship. [21:18] What are Don’s long-term goals for STARTedUP? [24:42] STARTedUP Foundation’s mantra! [27:10] Don describes how basic skills fit into their program. [28:14] Don’s view of human development. [29:14] How soon Don sees that this way of looking at human development will become the new norm for education. [32:14] Where to find out more about what Don Wettrick is doing!   Mentioned in This Episode: STARTedUP Foundation Don Wettrick (LinkedIn) Pure Genius: Building a Culture of Innovation and Taking 20% Time to the Next Level, by Don Wettrick ‘The Puzzle of Motivation,’ TED Talk by Dan Pink Noblesville Schools Innovate WithIN Seth Godin Linchpin: Are You Indispensable?, by Seth Godin Akimbo (Seth Godin’s Podcast) Sarah Hernholm — Whatever It Takes (WIT) Richard Miller (Olin College’s President) Gary Vaynerchuk StartEdUp Podcast   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include ‘Podcast’ in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!

Today’s episode features a fascinating interview with Connie Yowell and Paul LeBlanc.   In the most interesting deal of 2018, Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU), the leading online university, and LRNG, the leading out-of-school learning platform, merged. Connie Yowell, CEO of LRNG and EVP of SNHU, saw the merger as an opportunity to establish meaningful pathways to the middle class for youth that needs them most. And as the SNHU President, Paul LeBlanc saw LRNG as an opportunity to extend access to underserved youth in new ways.   Since the merger 10 months ago, SNHU and LRNG have launched pilot programs in Chicago and Bermingham and they’ve mapped over 30 LRNG badges that count for SNHU credit. SNHU is also actively serving refugees in five countries. And recently, Paul and Connie have returned from a trip to Africa to review programs and consider additional service opportunities.   Listen in as Tom talks to Connie and Paul about how they came into their leadership roles, how and why the merger happened, and where they’ll go from here!   Key Takeaways: [:15] About today’s episode! [1:34] Tom welcomes Connie Yowell and Paul LeBlanc to the podcast! [1:42] Connie speaks about how she originally became interested in the public policy of youth development. [2:43] What gave Connie hope that philanthropy was a path to better policy and better systems for youth development? [3:28] Paul speaks about his past formal education. [5:24] Early on in his career, how did Paul get from his graduate studies to leading a liberal arts school? [8:07] Paul speaks about when he took over SNHU in 2003 and their growing online presence. [9:17] Did Paul have a sense 16 years ago that SNHU could be a real innovator and leader in the online space? [11:10] Connie speaks about some of her early insights into digital credentials and out-of-school learning experiences. [14:28] Connie explains how and why LRNG came to be. [16:12] When did Paul start to get the sense that some learning could be organized differently than traditional courses and that we could begin to use badges and micro-credentials for shorter bursts of learning? [19:43] Connie and Paul speak about the merging of their two organizations (SNHU and LRNG) 6 months ago, and how they’ve figured out how they fit together organizationally and conceptually. [22:38] How does LRNG fit in with SNHU? What does the roadmap look like for rolling out new badges for SNHU? [23:38] Connie gives some examples of what these badges look like and what kinds of experiences make them up. [24:50] Paul speaks about the benefits of badges and the implementing of badges at SNHU. [29:06] Connie speaks about how they’re trying to support the work of the Museum of Contemporary Art’s Youth Design Workshops. [32:32] Peter explains how SNHU is serving refugees and speaks about their global education initiative. [37:03] What did Connie learn during her experience traveling to Africa with the team? [39:07] Peter gives his closing thoughts on what the merging of SNHU and LRNG will be like several years in the future. [41:09] Tom thanks Peter and Connie for joining him this podcast!   Mentioned in This Episode: Connie Yowell (LinkedIn) Paul LeBlanc (LinkedIn) LRNG Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) SNHU + LRNG One Summer Chicago Youth Design Workshops by MCA Chicago   To Learn More About Southern New Hampshire, Listen to: Podcast 122 that was recorded back in 2017, when Tom first talked to Paul LeBlanc!   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include ‘Podcast’ in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!

Today the team is talking with Peter Janzow, the current Vice President of Business Development for Credly, and the co-founder of Winterlake Press.   Peter started his education career as a textbook salesman, 35 years ago. When it looked like the digital revolution would bring print to an end, Peter built an auto-grading platform and licensed it to publishers. He sold the company and then got laid off. He found himself with a lot of skills and great experiences but no credentials. That fueled a passion for lifelong learning and ways to communicate new capabilities. In 2014, Peter helped Pearson VUE launch a claim: a credentialing platform based on the open badge standard. Last year, venture-backed Credly acquired a claim, making the combined entity a global leader in digital credentialing. Now, Peter leads business development and partnership development, including businesses like Dell, IBM, and Oracle, which use Credly to turn knowledge, skills, and abilities into a common, verified language. They enable colleges and industry associations to help learners connect with employers. Credly is at the forefront of a global movement toward lifelong learning and skills-based hiring.   Peter works with a lot of corporate clients where digital badges have really become the way that people are framing their lifelong learning and communicating their capabilities. There’s plenty of evidence that badges are already catching on in both the corporate and the education side. Tune in to hear today’s conversation with Peter and Tom Vander Ark to learn all about how badges are used and why they are a big deal!   Key Takeaways: [:15] About today’s episode. [1:30] Tom welcomes Peter Janzow to the podcast. [1:37] How did a history major become a textbook salesman 35 years ago? [2:24] Peter reflects on his experience building Brownstone Learning. [5:23] When did Peter first start thinking about and learning about badges and micro-credentials? [8:27] Peter talks about his experience with helping Pearson launch a claim around 2014. [9:00] With Credly being around since 2012, did Peter have any visibility to them at the time? [10:18] Was there some investment when Credly acquired a claim? [11:55] Peter provides some evidence and examples that micro-credentials and badges are really catching on in both corporate and education. [18:23] Peter speaks about the importance of badges for work-readiness skills that can be added to a transcript and the projects they are working on to help push them forward. [20:08] Does Peter see micro-credentials and badges replacing courses and grades as the primary way that we communicate capabilities or are they complementary? [21:19] Peter gives his take on the perspective by critics that micro-credentials and badges are inherently reductionist; that they work for a few technical skills but they don’t work well for deeper learning and critical thinking. [23:17] When Peter thinks about designing learning experiences and creating digital credentials around those, what does he think would be the right grain size? [26:06] About ACE and Credly’s Working Transcript Project and how it can be applied. [27:06] What’s next for Credly? What is Peter working on? [29:00] Where to learn more about digital credentials and Peter Janzow!   Mentioned in This Episode: Peter Janzow Winterlake Press Pearson VUE Credly ACE/Credly Working Transcript Project Twitter @Credly Twitter @PJanzow   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include ‘Podcast’ in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!  

Today, Tom Vander Ark is speaking with Richard Barth, CEO of KIPP and Chairman of the Board at Braven. Prior to these roles, he also worked with Teach for America from 1989-1996, was President of District Partnerships for Edison Schools for seven years, and served as a Member of the Board at General Assembly.   After helping Teach for America get off to a good start, Richard Barth married the founder and CEO, Wendy Kopp. Richard went to work for a school developer and in 2005, he joined a foundation supporting a fledgling charter school network called KIPP. Richard has facilitated the growth from 40 schools to 224 schools, serving almost 100,000 students, nationwide. Along the way, Richard and the KIPP team have learned a lot about getting young people into and through college. They learned about the importance of helping students, as well as how to help them leave high school with a passion, a purpose, and a plan.   Listen in to today’s conversation as Richard speaks to Tom about the lessons he has learned while leading KIPP!   Key Takeaways: [:14] About today’s podcast with Richard Barth. [:58] Tom welcomes Richard to the podcast! [1:12] Why did Richard originally joined the start-up, Teach for America, in 1989? [5:28] Richard recounts the KIPP origin story from when it was first founded in 1994. [8:03] Richard explains how he has seen the KIPP organization mature over the years since he joined in 2005. [13:16] Since 10 years ago, KIPP began to get their first college completion data but it wasn’t as high as they had anticipated. Since then, how have Richard and his colleagues worked towards improving college-going rates as well as college completion rates? [19:07] About KIPP’s incredible commitment to supporting graduates while they’re in college. [22:01] What could higher institutions be doing to help KIPP’s students and other students finish college? [25:48] In addition to KIPP’s efforts to improve college completion, KIPP has also made efforts to improve teaching and learning. Richard summarizes some of the strides they’ve made there! [28:50] Richard gives his thoughts on how serving as a Board Member of General Assembly has made him think differently about learning and post-secondary opportunities. [34:58] As more and more students move into work and learn ladders, how does KIPP help them in school and make good decisions about their career once they’re out of school? [36:30] Richard speaks about the exciting non-profit he is the Chairman of the Board for — Braven. [39:12] Tom thanks Richard for joining the Getting Smart Podcast!   Mentioned in This Episode: Richard Barth (LinkedIn) Teach for America KIPP Foundation Gates Foundation General Assembly Braven Edison Schools (now Edison Learning)   For More on Teach for America, Check Out Last Week’s Episode: Episode 212: “”   If You’d Like to Hear More on Productive Charter Schools and District Relationships, Listen to Episode 65: “Backstabber to Lovetrain: Don Shalvey on District-Charter Relations”   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include ‘Podcast’ in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!  

Today the Getting Smart team is speaking with Elisa Villanueva Beard, Teach for America’s CEO since 2015.   Imagine following one of the most recognizable CEOs in the world and taking on an organization that was shrinking and was facing financial and political pressure. Elisa did just that in 2013, following Wendy Kopp as CEO of Teach for America. She cut 40% from the central budget and rejuvenated the organization, ensuring that all 51 TFA programs are connected to their local community. Today, more than 7,000 members reach more than 400,000 students in 2500 schools across America. Of the 53,000 alumni, 85% work in education or careers serving low-income communities — that includes over 1200 school leaders, 400 school system leaders, 500 policy and advocacy leaders, and 200 social entrepreneurs! TFA has an amazing legacy of leadership. And for Elisa, it all started by responding to the opportunity to teach in Phoenix, Arizona, in 1998.   Tune in to hear all about Elisa’s unique journey; what she has learned over the years working at TFA in her roles as Chief Operating Director, Co-CEO, and CEO; some of the early challenges she faced with the organization and how she has overcome them; what she has learned about organizational leadership; and what she believes are the key elements for effective teacher preparation and development today.   Key Takeaways: [:14] About today’s episode with Elisa Villanueva Beard. [1:25] Tom welcomes Elisa to the podcast! [1:33] How did Elisa make her way to Bethune Elementary School in 1998? [2:15] Why did Elisa decide to stick with Teach for America and take on a leadership role? [4:39] What does Teach for America offer to college students today? [6:53] Elisa explains what Teach for America’s mission is all about. [9:43] During Elisa’s years as the Chief Operating Officer from 2001-2013, what were some of the big challenges? [13:30] Around 2013, Elisa took over as Co-CEO for Wendy Kopp. What does she remember from that time and her transition into the role as CEO? [15:28] Elisa speaks about some of the early challenges she faced as a new CEO to the organization. [19:52] How does Elisa think about TFA’s movement today? [20:54] Having been in the education space for almost 20 years, how does Elisa think about effective teacher preparation and development today? What does she believe are the key elements? [23:35] What has Elisa learned over the last decade about organizational leadership? [27:34] What kinds of talents and dispositions does Elisa look for in regional leaders? [29:52] What’s next for TFA? [31:51] Where to learn more about TFA!   Mentioned in This Episode: Elisa Villanueva Beard (LinkedIn) Teach for America   For More on Teacher Preparation, Listen to: Episode 191 with leaders from Northeastern University and Episode 188 with James Tracey from Woodrow Wilson Academy of Teaching and Learning at MIT.   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include ‘Podcast’ in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!  

Today on the Getting Smart Podcast, the team is speaking with Paul Johnson, the 17th President of the Colorado School of Mines. Paul is also a global leader in education and research in engineering and science. He’s set out to solve the world’s challenges related to earth, energy, and the environment!   Johnson began his career at Shell Development Company in Houston, working as a Senior Research Engineer on environmental projects over six years. After that (and prior to Mines) he taught and served as the Dean at Arizona State University for 20-plus years.   In today’s discussion with Tom, Johnson describes dramatic improvements in student learning experiences across the campus — including more interactive and project-based learning, as well as having more students engaged in the issues of ethics and social responsibility.   Key Takeaways: [:15] About today’s episode. [1:04] Tom welcomes Paul to the podcast! [1:11] Paul speaks about his early education and why he decided to go to UC Davis for his B.S.E. in Chemical Engineering. [3:30] What initially attracted Paul to work at Shell? [4:43] What kind of problems did Paul work on at Shell? [6:04] Did Paul get any exposure to Shell’s scenario planning (which it became widely known for)? [6:49] What drove Paul’s career shift back to academia? [7:50] What is it like to go to school today — and particularly at Mines? [9:46] Who goes to school now? How has the student body changed over the years? [11:23] About the complex issues and systems Mines’s graduates are getting into, and how Mines prepares them for that. [15:45] Innovation often triggers a set of ethical issues or tough community choices. What role do engineers play in helping to inform the public dialogue about innovation? [17:57] 40 years ago, there wasn’t a lot of focus on humanities or communication abilities in the curriculum — how has that changed today? [19:14] What is Mines’s perspective on the subject of sustainability? [21:33] What developments or coming innovations is Paul most excited about? [25:35] What did Paul learn from Michael Crow at ASU? [26:37] What does it mean to Paul that Mines is a part of the KEEN network? [31:09] Having been with Mines for four years now, what is Paul particularly proud of that he has accomplished with the team so far?   Mentioned in This Episode: Paul Johnson (LinkedIn) Colorado School of Mines Shell Development Company Arizona State University Michael Crow from ASU KEEN   Want to Learn More? Check out Episode 191 on Northeastern University and how they’re transforming educator preparation. For more about computing across the curriculum, listen to Episode 190 with Dr. Amon Millner from Olin College.   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include ‘Podcast’ in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!  

In this week’s episode, Tom Vander Ark is speaking with Greg Smith, a former Professor of Teacher Education at Lewis & Clark for 28 years.   Greg’s background with teaching in a Quaker school in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains gave him a powerful sense of place — both in meaning and community. It drew students into mutual responsibility, social justice, peace, and environmental responsibility. He took that spirit into his Ph.D. studies at the University of Wisconsin and then into a teaching career at Portland, Oregon’s Lewis & Clark, where he taught ‘Envisioning a Sustainable Society’ and the ‘Theory and Practice of Environmental and Ecological Education.’   Together, Greg and Tom serve on the Advisory Committee at the Teton Science Schools — a leader in place-based education. At an April meeting, Tom noticed a new sense of urgency about climate change in Greg’s advice. When he inquired, Greg said that he had been part of a climate change study group for several years and that a growing number of books said the situation is far worse than people think. In addition to climate change, Greg has compiled a list of several important books and papers that he reviews with Tom in this podcast. Listen in as they discuss his background, climate change, and these several important books and papers!   Key Takeaways: [:14] About today’s episode. [1:28] Tom welcomes Greg Smith to the podcast! [1:45] Greg speaks about the Quaker school in California that led to his appreciation of the power of place. [3:32] Greg speaks about his observations over the last two years and his growing concern about climate change. [6:06] Greg summarizes and gives his thoughts on David Wallace-Wells’ book, The Uninhabitable Earth: Life After Warming. [8:54] Tom and Greg discuss Elizabeth Rush’s book, Rising: Dispatches from the New American Shore. [12:25] Greg explains both Dahr Jamail and Jem Bendell’s vision of our future due to climate change. [16:36] Greg and Tom look at a slightly more helpful vision of climate change: The Archipelago of Hope. [20:36] Greg gives his thoughts on perhaps the most optimistic book on climate change: Drawdown: The Most Comprehensive Plan Ever Proposed to Reverse Global Warming, by Paul Hawken. [25:15] As a longtime teacher of ecology, Greg gives his advice to teachers on how they can better educate and inform students about the world they are going to inherit. [30:18] Greg explains the sentiment — that his crisis should be responded to in love rather than in fear — that he expressed at the recent Advisory Committee meeting at Teton Science Schools.   Mentioned in This Episode: Greg Smith Quaker Education University of Wisconsin Lewis & Clark Teton Science Schools John Woolman School The Uninhabitable Earth: Life After Warming, by David Wallace-Wells New America New York Magazine Rising: Dispatches from the New American Shore, by Elizabeth Rush Brown University The End of Ice: Bearing Witness and Finding Meaning in the Path of Climate Disruption, by Dahr Jamail Dahr Jamail on Truthout Jem Bendell on Deep Adaptation (Video) “Deep Adaptation: A Map for Navigating ClimateTragedy,” by Jem Bendell (Paper) The Archipelago of Hope: Wisdom and Resilience from the Edge of Climate Change, by Gleb Raygorodetsky Falter: Has the Human Game Begun to Play Itself Out?, by Bill McKibben Drawdown: The Most Comprehensive Plan Ever Proposed to Reverse Global Warming, by Paul Hawken Blessed Unrest: How the Largest Social Movement in History Is Restoring Grace, Justice, and Beauty to the World, by Paul Hawken “100 Solutions to Reverse Global Warming,” TED Talk Video by Chad Frischmann The City of Portland’s Climate Action Plan   Want to Hear More? Check out episode 168 where Tom, Emily, and Nate McClennon give you a tour of the Teton Science Schools and its important history in environmental education!   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include ‘Podcast’ in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!

Today, the Getting Smart team is speaking with Dr. Scott McLeod, an Associate Professor of Educational Leadership at the University of Colorado Denver. Scott has been in the ed-tech space and an advocate for many years and is widely recognized as one of the nation’s leading experts on technology in learning. Most of his work with schools and leaders across the globe have been focused on transformation for the demands of the 2000s and beyond, as well as how to adapt traditional schooling systems to a global innovation society. Scott is also the Founding Director of the UCEA Center for the Advanced Study of Technology Leadership in Education (CASTLE), which is the only university center focused on future-ready leadership needs and supporting school leaders and systems to do that work (not just teachers in the classroom.)   In today’s podcast, Scott argues for four big shifts that are transforming learning: moving from recall to more complex problem solving, doing authentic work, adding voice and choice to build student agency, and infusing technology in powerful ways. He also describes the work that he did helping schools nationally implement technology, shares his thoughts on leadership and deeper learning, and how technology can help create powerful learning experiences.   Key Takeaways: [:15] About today’s episode. [:49] Tom welcomes Scott to the podcast! [:54] How did Scott become a middle school teacher in Charlotte? [1:12] Where did Scott go to high school? [1:20] When did Scott know he wanted to become a teacher? [1:42] Why did Scott get his Ph.D. at Iowa? [2:35] How has Scott’s law degree given him a unique perspective on the work he does today? [3:24] Why has the shift from print to digital in the last (approx.) 30 years not been the huge transformation in learning Tom once thought it would be? [5:36] Why hasn’t this shift to digital been able to create a new shared vision of learning for teachers? [7:29] Would Scott describe this shift in education as more of a technology integration rather than a transformation? [10:30] Scott describes the work that he did at Iowa (and internationally) to implement technology. [13:02] Scott explains why he wrote his recently published book, Harnessing Technology for Deeper Learning. He also elaborates on what limitations he wanted to address through the book. [16:30] Why is deeper learning taking off? [20:50] What does the 4 Shifts Protocol look like in an elementary lesson? [23:13] How might Scott redesign a secondary Social Studies lesson? [25:47] How would Scott summarize Chapter 6 from his book on mind-shifts teachers need to have. [27:01] Lightning round: Does Scott think these things are overrated or underrated? Augmented reality, automated scoring, adaptive learning, assistive technology, artificial intelligence, and anywhere-anytime learning! [30:35] What is Scott optimistic about right now in education? [32:12] Where to go to learn more about Scott and his work.   Mentioned in This Episode: Scott McLeod’s LinkedIn Education Week’s Technology Counts Survey Different Schools for a Different World, by Scott McLeod and Dean Shareski Harnessing Technology for Deeper Learning, by Scott McLeod and Julie Graber Getting Smart Ep.151: “Michael Fullan Sees Global Momentum for Deep Learning” 4 Shifts Protocol Mystery Skype “Contribution: Schools Alive with Possibility,” by Tom Vander Ark on Getting Smart DangerouslyIrrelevant.org   Want to Hear More About Deeper Learning? Check out Episode 203 with Jal Mehta that features a discussion based on his new book: In Search of Deeper Learning: The Quest to Remake the American High School.   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include ‘Podcast’ in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!  

In this week’s episode, Tom Vander Ark is speaking with Esther Wojcicki, an internationally-known educator, consultant, and speaker with a demonstrated history of working in the e-learning industry. She is the Chief Learning Officer at Planet3, the Founder of the Journalistic Learning Initiative in collaboration with the University of Oregon, an Advisory Board member at THNK, The Amsterdam School of Creative Leadership, a Plenary Speaker at UNESCO, and a teacher at Palo Alto High School since 1984 who shaped their journalism program from the ground up! On top of all this (and many more organizations and initiatives she is a part of), she is also the author of two successful books, Moonshots in Education: Launching Blended Learning in the Classroom and How to Raise Successful People: Simple Lessons for Radical Results.   Esther’s most recent book, How to Raise Successful People: Simple Lessons for Radical Results, published just this May, outlines the key values of successful homes (or schools, programs, or companies) through the principles of her acronym: T.R.I.C.K: Trust, Respect, Independence, Collaboration, and Kindness. And while honing her craft as an educator, Wojcicki was raising three daughters using these same principles.   In this podcast, Esther discusses how she helped shape writing and journalism at Palo Alto High School as a teacher; what she believes to have been the key ingredients to the current success of Palo Alto and its journalism program; the conditions at Palo Alto that allow a world-class journalism program to exist; and how to create a culture of tradition and excellence in both the home, in the classroom, and in your business. She also shares important key takeaways from her new book and the important life lessons she has shared with her children that have helped shape them into the successful individuals they are today!   Key Takeaways: [:12] About today’s episode and Getting Smart’s new team member, Mason Pashia! [:29] Mason speaks about the values of his family that have impacted his life and career today. [1:10] About today’s guest, Esther Wojcicki. [1:54] Tom welcomes Esther to the podcast! [2:36] Where and how did Esther’s passion for journalism first begin? [4:29] Does Esther recall having good writing instruction in high school? [5:59] Did Esther have good writing experiences at Berkeley? [6:38] Why did Esther decide to begin studying French? [7:41] What was the state of student writing and journalism when Esther began as a teacher at Palo Alto High School in 1984? [10:44] About the physical space Esther was teaching in back in 1984 at Palo Alto. [11:22] About the current incredible space that is Palo Alto! [12:12] What does Esther believe to have been the key ingredients to the current success of Palo Alto and its journalism program. [14:03] Esther describes how students can progress into leadership roles in the various publications. [17:11] Esther summarizes the conditions that allow a world-class program such as the journalism program at Palo Alto to exist. [19:55] Esther speaks about the culture at Palo Alto where students receive the majority of their feedback from their peers. [21:35] Tom and Esther discuss how Palo Alto’s academic programs create a culture and tradition of excellence. [23:17] Esther speaks about her first book, Moonshots in Education, and explains what the Moonshot Manifesto is all about! [24:52] Esther speaks about the Journalistic Learning Initiative she created in collaboration with the University of Oregon. [26:49] From her book, How to Raise Successful People, Esther explains her important acronym, T.R.I.C.K, that are the key values crucial to raising successful children, a successful classroom, and managing a successful company. [34:42] Should parents set high expectations for their children with regards to both behavior and achievement? [36:50] Have Esther and her family traveled a lot? If so, has it benefited them? [38:02] Have Esther or her daughters developed useful tech management tools around screen time? [39:44] How are the performing arts and visual arts important for children? [40:54] Esther gives her recommendations on when and how to expose children to the world of work. [42:45] When did Esther let her girls know that she was writing a book on how to raise successful people? [44:10] Tom thanks Esther for joining him this podcast!   Mentioned in This Episode: Mason Pashia — Getting Smart’s new Growth & Marketing Manager How to Raise Successful People: Simple Lessons for Radical Results, by Esther Wojcicki ASU GSV Summit Palo Alto High School Moonshots.org Moonshots in Education: Blended Learning in the Classroom, by Esther Wojcicki, Lance Izumi, and Alicia Chang Journalistic Learning Initiative   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include ‘Podcast’ in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!

This week, your host Caroline Vander Ark is speaking with Dr. Robert Dillon about learning space design. Robert is an author, speaker, consultant, educator, and a lifelong learner. He has served as an educational leader throughout the Saint Louis area over the last twenty years as a teacher, principal, and Director of Innovation. Currently, he serves the students and community of the School District of University City as Director of Innovation Learning.   Robert Dillon has a passion to change the educational landscape by building excellent engaging schools for all students. He is also the author of four books on best practices in learning, with his newest being, The Space: A Guide for Educators, which focuses on how to create creative spaces for learning. In this book, he pulls from his experiences as a middle school principal for 15 years at an expeditionary learning school. There, he saw that students were able to take their learning opportunities at EL and expand them into other parts of their lives. Aside from sharing great information, the book is also beautifully designed. It’s the type of book where you want to doodle in it, jot down ideas, and share it with others!   Be sure to tune in to listen to Caroline’s and Robert’s conversation as they talk more about designing systems that work for all learners! You don’t want to miss Robert’s take on why space matters and how it plays such a big role in learning, where you can start as an educator who wants to create a learning space with their students, how a great learning space addresses the needs of all learners, and the design principles Robert thinks all fantastic learning spaces should have.   Key Takeaways: [:14] About today’s episode. [1:01] Caroline welcomes Robert to the Getting Smart Podcast! [1:17] Robert shares a bit of the process behind the creation, layout, and design of his book, The Space. [2:08] Why does space matter? Why does it play such a big role in learning? [2:58] Where can you start as an educator who wants to create a learning space with their students? [5:27] What does it mean to have students as co-designers of the space? [6:50] What happens if the space you create with your students does not contribute to their learning in a positive way? What step should you, as the educator, take then? [8:15] How classroom culture plays a big role in building a space. [8:50] How has Robert seen great learning spaces address the needs of learners? And how has he seen great teachers use space to focus on equity? [10:10] Robert offers tips and resources for teachers on how to manage their space and build classroom culture. [11:39] Why are learning spaces an important part of students sharing their learning? [14:40] Robert highlights an important component of learning spaces: time for quiet and building reflection time. [16:02] Robert shares some of his favorite examples of learning spaces around the country. [17:49] Basic design principles or structures Robert thinks each classroom should have. [19:21] Robert gives advice for educators that maybe need to convince the leadership at the school to pilot a revamp of the learning space in their classroom. [20:55] Robert speaks about how he sees technology woven into the design of great learning spaces. [22:37] How has Robert seen some of the principles from learning spaces apply to communities? [26:41] How can parents begin to think about learning spaces in the home? [29:44] Where to learn more about Robert and his work online.   Mentioned in This Episode: Dr. Robert Dillon The Space: A Guide for Educators, by Rebecca Lousie Hare and Robert Dillon The University of Melbourne, Australia @DrRobertDillon on Twitter #LearningSpaces on Twitter #ActiveLearning on Twitter Menlo Park Academy St. Andrew's Episcopal School Dr. Robert Dillon on LinkedIn   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include ‘Podcast’ in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!

Today the team is talking with Vince Bertram, the President and CEO of Project Lead The Way (PLTW), a nonprofit organization that provides transformative learning experiences for PK–12 students and teachers across the U.S.   Vince grew up in a small town east of Indianapolis, where his teachers inspired him to study education. After serving as a Principal in several schools, Bertram served as Superintendent in a southern Indiana district. Eight years ago, Bertram took on the leadership of Project Lead the Way, which began as a small nonprofit STEM curriculum provider. Today, PLTW serves 12,000 U.S. PK–12 schools and helps prepare millions of young people for high wage employment.   In today’s episode, Tom Vander Ark and Vince Bertram the growing impact that PLTW has on millions of students and the details of each of their pathways and programs from PreK–grade 12. They also speak about the work they’ve done to make PLTW more accessible and equitable, some of the new assessments they will be piloting this year (and how they will become a part of the core offering), the power of STEM and transportable skills, and key learnings from Vince’s book, Dream Differently.   Vince is absolutely dedicated to transforming the PK-12 education system to ensure it prepares students to succeed in work and life. Tune in to hear all that he is doing and get the inside scoop about PLTW!   Key Takeaways: [:14] About today’s episode. [1:00] About Vince’s upbringing and early education. [2:14] How Vince became a high school principal. [3:30] How Vince became a superintendent. [4:54] Vince looks back at the incredible growth he helped orchestrate at PLTW and elaborates on some of the things that played a role in it. [7:11] Why PLTW started their elementary program, Launch. [8:32] What the Launch curriculum looks like. [9:46] Vince speaks about PLTW’s middle school program, Gateway. [10:30] About PLTW’s high school pathways: computer science, bio-med, and engineering. [11:20] How many school district partners does PLTW have that are PK–12? [12:03] How Vince has aided in making Project Lead the Way more accessible and equitable. [14:42] Say a Principal wants more of a STEM focus at his school, why should he consider Project Lead the Way? [17:02] Vince speaks about some of the new assessments they may be piloting this year. [19:09] Will these assessments become a part of the core offering? [19:26] What else PLTW has done to help accessibility and equity. [19:52] Vince summarizes some of the key learnings from his book, Dream Differently. [23:13] Why PLTW focuses on STEM as well as helping students build transportable skills. [24:01] What PLTW believes that STEM is all about. [25:15] Tom thanks Vince for joining him this episode!   Mentioned in This Episode: Vince Bertram Project Lead the Way (PLTW) PLTW Launch (PreK–5) PLTW Gateway (6–8) PLTW Computer Science (9–12) PLTW Biomedical Science (9–12) PLTW Engineering (9–12) Better Together: How to Leverage School Networks For Smarter Personalized and Project Based Learning, by Tom Vander Ark and Lydia Dobyns “The Power of Transportable Skills: Assessing the Demand and Value of the Skills of the Future,” Report by PLTW and Burning Glass Dream Differently: Candid Advice for America's Students, by Vince Bertram   If You Want to Learn More About STEM Studies, We Recommend Listening to Episode 193 with teacher David Platt and the students from Covina High Tech Squad!   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include ‘Podcast’ in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!  

Today, the Getting Smart team is speaking with Rebecca Midles, the Executive Director of Implementation of Mesa Valley County School District 51. She is an internationally recognized leader in designing systems that work for all learners. She has guided and led schools and districts to a Performance-Based Learning System as well as provided support and coaching to instructional leaders, site leadership, and district leadership. She has launched an innovative school and mobilized two school district change efforts that have become nationally important models.   The Getting Smart team has long appreciated her contributions to competency education, and this summer she is formally joining them to extend her impact through system and learning design work with the team!   In this episode, Rebecca talks with Tom Vander Ark about designing systems that work for all learners. She speaks about her career and the transformative work she has done from Highland Tech High in Alaska to Lindsay Unified in California to District 51 in Colorado. Rebecca also gives her vision of what powerful learning looks like for students of all ages; her thoughts on what educators should be doing to build up their knowledge, skills, and disposition; and the key tenets to transforming schools and systems.   Key Takeaways: [:14] About today’s episode. [:44] Tom welcomes Rebecca to the podcast! [:47] When did Rebecca decide that she wanted to become a teacher? [3:58] When did Rebecca finish her Master’s? What work did she do after that? [5:28] Rebecca tells the formation story of Highlander. [8:02] How did Rebecca get from Highlander in Alaska to Lindsay Unified in California? [11:50] How many years was Rebecca with Lindsay Unified for? And what were some of the major takeaways she learned from working there? [13:02] Tom speaks about Lindsay and some of the incredible changes they have helped create there for learners. [14:47] What were some of the changes that Rebecca saw when she visited Lindsay again? [16:26] What attracted Rebecca to work at Mesa Valley Country School District 51 after Lindsay? [19:32] Did Rebecca see similar efforts at D51 to that of Tom’s work in Lindsay? [23:03] Rebecca gives her vision of what powerful learning looks like and what she would like to see a week of school looking like for her own children. [24:22] When Rebecca thinks of high school students, what would she hope to see school looking like for them? [27:44] What should educators be doing to build their knowledge, skills, and disposition for the work ahead? [30:24] Tom and Rebecca discuss keys to transforming schools and systems. [33:35] Tom thanks Rebecca for joining him in this podcast!   Mentioned in This Episode: Rebecca Midles (LinkedIn) Mesa Valley County School District 51Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Highland Academy Charter School (Highlander) Quality Schools International (QSI) Lindsay Unified School District Virgel Hammonds — KnowledgeWorks Washington Elementary (Lindsay Unified School District)   For More on Building a Performance-Based System in Mesa County Colorado, Check Out:Episode 196: “5 Reasons High Schools Should Help Young People Find and Make Their Unique Contribution”! Or, if you’d like to learn more about Lindsay Unified, you can listen to Episode 176 for a discussion with Superintendent Tom Rooney!   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include ‘Podcast’ in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!  

Today, Tom Vander Ark is speaking with Dr. Francisco Gaujardo! Francisco is a leading voice in bilingual, biliterate, and bicultural education and a noted expert in place-based education. Like Tom, Francisco is also an advisor to the Teton Science Schools. As a Professor of Education at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV), Dr. Guajardo introduces young people to the history, anthropology, and culture of ‘place.’ With colleagues of his at UTRGV, they built the B3 Institute — a university-wide office that facilitates the process through which UTRGV becomes a bilingual, bicultural, and biliterate institution — where he serves as the Executive Director.   In today’s conversation, Tom and Francisco discuss his work and interest in place-based education; the role place should play in primary-aged kids, middle school children, and teenagers in high school; how he’d like to see children interacting with their communities; and his roles at the B3 Institute, UTRGV, and Teton Science Schools.   Listen in to learn more!   Key Takeaways: [:14] About today’s episode. [:51] Tom welcomes Francisco to the podcast! [1:19] Francisco speaks about his upbringing and early education. [1:57] About Francisco’s later education and current career. [4:33] As a noted expert in place-based education, when did Francisco become conscious of the power of place? [10:13] About Francisco’s role as Executive Director of the B3 Institute where he explores bilingualism, biliteracy, and biculturalism! [12:27] Why does Francisco serve on the advisory board at Teton Science Schools? [13:57] When Francisco thinks of primary-aged kids, what role should place play? [14:50] What pictures come to mind when Francisco considers the role place plays with grade 4-5? [15:36] How should high school kids be interacting with their communities? [16:30] Where to learn more about Francisco’s work!   Mentioned in This Episode: University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) B3 Institute at UTRGV Teton Science Schools Getting Smart’s Place-Based Education Series Francisco’s Email: [email protected]   For More on Place-Based Education, Check Out:Episode 168: “Giving the Gift of Place with Teton Science Schools”   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include ‘Podcast’ in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!  

Today, Tom Vander Ark has a conversation with Dr. Jal Mehta! Dr. Mehta grew up in Baltimore and is the son of a school administrator and a college professor. Now, as an Assistant Professor at Harvard’s Graduate School of Education, Mehta is a leading advocate for deeper learning. Dr. Mehta appreciated that his mentor, Richard Elmore, was always a knowledgeable person in the room because he spent time in schools every week. Dr. Mehta followed suit, and visited the best high schools in the country and co-authored a new book, In Search of Deeper Learning: The Quest to Remake the American High School.   In today’s conversation, Dr. Jal Mehta shares his observations and expertise with Tom from the many schools he has visited. He also gives examples of powerful deeper learning in the primary grades, middle school, and high school.   Key Takeaways: [:14] About today’s episode. [1:00] Tom welcomes Dr. Jal Mehta to the podcast. [1:08] About Mehta’s upbringing and early education. [4:06] Dr. Mehta speaks about his mentor, Richard Elmore, and what led him to spend time in other schools. [6:05] How the hundreds of years of tradition in schools have impacted education today. [9:09] What powerful deeper learning looks like in primary grades. [12:15] What powerful deeper learning looks like in middle school. [14:18] What powerful deeper learning looks like in high school. Dr. Mehta also gives some of his favorite examples he has seen. [18:11] Should we have discipline-based courses? Is that still the best way to organize high school? [25:48] Is Dr. Mehta optimistic about the new exercises being built around what graduates should know and be able to do (AKA a ‘portrait of a graduate’)? [28:00] Tom gives his take on the ‘portrait of a graduate’ processes. [28:56] Tom and Dr. Mehta discuss how communities need to choose the way in which they work together with other people to build new learning experiences and new learning organizations. [32:57] Dr. Mehta gives his advice on visiting schools; how to pick them and how to learn as much as you can when you visit them. [37:00] Did Dr. Mehta leave this anthropological project of his optimistic about the direction of the American high school?   Mentioned in This Episode: In Search of Deeper Learning: The Quest to Remake the American High School, by Jal Mehta and Sarah Fine Better Together: How to Leverage School Networks For Smarter Personalized and Project Based Learning, by Tom Vander Ark and Lydia Dobyns No Child Left Behind Act 4.0 Schools The Allure of Order: High Hopes, Dashed Expectations, and the Troubled Quest to Remake American Schooling, by Jal Mehta   For More on Deeper Learning, Check Out: Episode 187 with Jemar Lee, a graduate from the Iowa BIG; or Episode 163 about designing from scratch for timeless learning with Pam Moran!   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include ‘Podcast’ in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!

Today, Tom is speaking with Jared Cooney Horvath, a cognitive neuroscientist from the University of Melbourne. Jared specializes in human thought, learning, and brain stimulation, and holds the position of Director at both LME Global and The Science of Learning Group. He also has a new book titled, Stop Talking, Start Influencing: 12 Insights from Brain Science to Make Your Message Stick, that was just recently published in March of this year! It’s not only great for a general audience, but for educators as well — providing tons of key insights on the best ways to teach so that the learning will stick.   In this episode, Jared takes Tom through the 12 insights in his book. He speaks about why multitasking is not beneficial, whether it’s better to read or to listen when learning, how accompanying images can help impact memory and learning, whether or not cramming works, the impact spacial layouts have on a learner, and why we should embrace errors. Beyond that, he shares many more of his findings through neuroscience around learning and education. It’s a fascinating episode that you’ll want to tune in for!   Key Takeaways: [:14] About today’s episode. [:41] Tom welcomes Jared Cooney Horvath to the podcast! [:47] Jared speaks about his early childhood education. [1:21] Why did Jared originally study cinema at USC? [1:48] How did Jared go from film into teaching? [2:11] When did Jared get the spark to begin studying education? [3:00] Why did Jared decide to do his Ph.D. in Melbourne? [3:55] Jared and Tom begin going through the 12 insights from Jared’s book, Stop Talking, Start Influencing, starting with the first: “Don’t try reading and listening to someone at the same time.” [5:11] Is text-to-voice or voice-to-text assisted technology helpful in aiding children in education? [6:33] Jared and Tom discuss the second insight: the idea of having images to accompany speech and how it can help memory and learning. [7:47] Is it better to read or to listen? Or does it depend on the learner? [8:30] Jared speaks about the third insight around spacial layouts. [9:43] Jared explains the fourth and twelfth insight around practice. [11:55] Does cramming work? [12:12] Insight #5: does multitasking work? [13:49] Jared explains insight #6 on interleaving skills. [15:26] Would the idea of interleaving skills be beneficial for project-based learning in schools? [16:20] Why should we embrace errors? [19:00] Insight #8: why is recall important? [20:17] Jared explains insight #9: reactivating facts or expectations. [21:32] Tom and Jared discuss insight #10, which is about using stories. [23:23] Insight #11: why moderate stress can actually be helpful. [25:20] Lightning round! What’s better for learning: a lecture or a challenging activity? [25:47] What’s better for learning: online or face-to-face? [26:40] What’s better for learning: listening or reading? [26:48] What is Jared’s favorite podcast? [27:50] What’s a healthier brain activity: sleeping or running? [28:10] What other neuroscientist and/or researchers is Jared learning from? [28:49] What is next for Jared and his research? [30:01] The power of relationships and community in learning. [31:05] Jared’s recommendations for where to learn more online.   Mentioned in This Episode: Jared Cooney Horvath (LinkedIn) LME Global The Science of Learning Group Stop Talking, Start Influencing: 12 Insights from Brain Science to Make Your Message Stick, by Jared Cooney Horvath Revisionist History podcast The Moth podcast Jason Lodge (Professor at the University of Queensland) ScienceofLearning.com.au: Jared’s Videos on his 12 Insights   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include ‘Podcast’ in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!

This week, the Getting Smart team is bringing you an episode with Nick Donohue, the CEO and President of Nellie Mae Education Foundation.   Nick went from teacher to trainer to Deputy Commissioner, then to Commissioner in New Hampshire. A dozen years ago, Nick took over the Nellie Mae Education Foundation where he developed a strategy focused on student-centered learning. The team’s focus on personalized learning, student agency, progress on mastery, and anywhere-anytime learning was about 10 years ahead of the sector. And now, the foundation is leading again. In January they announced a new strategy that recognizes that racism in many forms — personal, institutional, and structural — is a big part of the education problem.   Listen in to hear Tom and Nick’s conversation about the implications for New England schools and communities of a renewed focus on race equity!   Key Takeaways: [:14] About today’s episode. [1:10] Nick starts off the podcast by recalling his youth where he was familiar with wealth but living in poverty. [3:58] When and how Nick decided to work in education and how he came to be Deputy Commissioner. [7:00] Fast forward to the Nellie Mae Education Foundation; Nick speaks about the influences that led to his strategic plan in 2010 around student-centered learning. [12:04] Tom summarizes Nick’s definition of student-centered learning. [13:48] How Nick’s national strategy has had an international impact. [14:51] Tom praises Nick’s approach to student-centered learning. [16:32] Nick gives a summary about what he has learned about demand development activity — both public demand and educator demand. [19:03] Why New England seems to be an anomaly in that they don’t join school networks at the same rates seen in other parts of the country. [21:00] Nick talks about his new strategy as well as his personal and organizational journey over the last 24 months. [24:00] Nick speaks about what his new focus on racial inequities will mean for his support of student-centered learning. [34:28] Tom and Nick close out the podcast by summarizing and speaking about the new mission for Nellie Mae Education Foundation.   Mentioned in This Episode: Nellie Mae Education Foundation No Child Left Behind Act New England Secondary School Consortium Great Schools Partnership Better Together: How to Leverage School Networks For Smarter Personalized and Project Based Learning, by Tom Vander Ark and Lydia Dobyns   For More on How Intentionally Designed Competency-Based Learning Can Promote Equity: Listen to: Episode 177 which outlines equity-focused strategies for policy and practice! You can also check out Getting Smart’s Equity & Access topic on GettingSmart.com!   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include ‘Podcast’ in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!

Today’s episode is a little extra special — it is Getting Smart’s TWO HUNDREDTH episode of the podcast!   This week, the team will be hearing from Tara C. Chklovski, the CEO and founder of Iridescent. Tara grew up in a small town outside Delhi India. Inspired by a tinkering father, Tara wanted to be an aerospace engineer. After a master’s degree at Boston University, Tara launched into a Ph.D. at USC. But the pull to help more girls experience powerful science, engineering, and technology education drew her away. In 2006, she launched the non-profit Iridescent, to create and deliver powerful STEM learning to empower underrepresented young people everywhere. Iridescent’s newest initiative, the AI Family Challenge, invites families to learn about Artificial Intelligence and use it to solve a problem in their community. Over 7,500 people from 13 countries participated in the first year of the program!   Join Tom and Tara to hear about the strides Iridescent is making for thousands of young people, about their incredible programs and initiatives, as well as Tara’s advice for educators on how they also can become more involved with AI and begin incorporating it into their teaching!   Key Takeaways: [:15] About today’s episode. [1:57] Tom welcomes Tara to the podcast. [2:04] Tara speaks about her early education and what first drew her to STEM. [4:02] What originally prompted Tara to launch Iridescent? [5:48] How did Tara go about launching a global campaign for a new non-profit? [9:06] About one of Iridescent’s programs, Technovation. [10:03] About one of Iridescent’s initiatives, the AI Family Challenge. [12:25] When did Tara begin to realize that AI was having profound implications in the world? [14:07] Is it realistic for young adults and their parents to learn enough about AI in 15 weeks to deploy simple models and solve real community problems? [15:36] Tara’s advice for educators in getting more involved with AI and incorporating it into their teaching. [17:45] About the AI for Good Global Summit that Tara will be in attendance for! [19:05] Where to find Tara online.   Mentioned in This Episode: Iridescent AI Family Challenge Technovation Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence AI for Good Global Summit (May 28th-31st) Tara’s Twitter: @TaraChk Tara’s Email: [email protected]   For More on Spreading Equitable Access to Computer Science: Listen to: Episode 190 with Amon Millner on exposing engineering to underrepresented groups!   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include ‘Podcast’ in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!

Today the Getting Smart team is bringing you a conversation with Andrew Frishman.   From the minute Andrew Frishman met a student from the flagship Big Picture Learning school, he knew he would be involved in crafting education one student at a time. He became a Big Picture advisor at (the now world famous) Met in Providence and then the internship coordinator at Met Sacramento. For the last six years, Andrew has been co-director of Big Picture. One of his initiatives is Imblaze, an internship management platform that helps young people connect with work-based learning and helps teachers monitor their location and progress.   Tune in to learn more about Andrew’s backstory and all the work that he has done at the Met, Big Picture Learning, and Imblaze in this conversation with Tom Vander Ark!   Key Takeaways: [:15] About today’s episode. [1:06] About Andrew’s upbringing, early education, and the genesis of his interests in teaching and biology. [4:21] What inspired Andrew to get started at the Met. [7:54] Tom and Andrew give some background on the Met. [8:57] About Andrew’s past roles and current role at the Met and some of the benefits and challenges that come with it. [10:44] How Andrew came to work at the Met in Sacramento. [11:41] About Andrew’s work as the co-director of Big Picture Learning and how he and his co-director are thinking about the future of the network. [13:42] Andrew proposes the hypothetical question: Why affiliate — or not — with Big Picture? [15:30] How Andrew thinks about the services Big Picture provides. [18:00] How Andrew thinks about his aspirations for the network. [20:54] Why are so many people in the Alt Ed space turning to Big Picture Learning? [25:17] Andrew’s thoughts on how public policy could better recognize the value-add of alternative schools? [28:47] What is Imblaze? [30:40] Where to learn more online!   Mentioned in This Episode: Big Picture Learning Met High School (in Providence) Met Sacramento Imblaze New England Secretary School Consortium Deeper Learning Equity Fellowship The Upstream Collaborative   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include ‘Podcast’ in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!  

Today, the Getting Smart team is talking with Kimberly Mitchell about her new book, Experience Inquiry: 5 Powerful Strategies, 50 Practical Experiences, that explores five strategies any teacher or parent can use to promise inquiry and curiosity.   Kimberly Mitchell experienced her first inquiry-based lesson watching a colleague at an international school in Quito Ecuador — and been hooked by the power of inquiry ever since! After working with teachers around the world on developing great inquiry practices, she started Inquiry Partners in 2014 to broaden her reach. Kimberly now teaches several undergraduate courses at the University of Washington’s College of Education, where she continues to ‘walk the talk’ of inquiry.   In this episode, Kimberly speaks about her book, Experience Inquiry, and the five key strategies within it: 1) get personal, 2) get curious, 3) ask more, talk less, 4) explore evidence, and 5) extended thinking time. She gives her thoughts on why teachers should make the time for inquiry, why these five strategies are incredibly important for getting started with inquiry, and why inquiry is such a powerful concept.   Key Takeaways: [:15] About today’s episode. [1:05] About Kimberly’s early education. [3:00] When and where did Kimberly find her calling to teach? [5:00] How did Kimberly originally get to Quito Ecuador? [6:55] What was so inspiring and unique about Kimberly’s time in Quito Ecuador? [8:04] How long was Kimberly at the International School of Athens for? [8:51] How have Kimberly’s experiences teaching internationally helped form her ideas about inquiry? [12:37] Why has inquiry become such a focal point for Kimberly? [15:55] Why ‘getting personal’ and making a connection is the first strategy listed in Kimberly’s book, Experience Inquiry. [17:27] The second strategy of Kimberly’s book: get curious. [18:07] Kimberly’s tips for staying curious. [20:00] Kimberly’s third strategy from her book: ask more, talk less. [23:02] Kimberly’s thoughts on how coaching and ed talk will help teachers become more metacognitive about the balance between questioning and telling. [25:14] The fourth strategy of Kimberly’s book: explore evidence. [27:48] The fifth strategy in Kimberly’s book: extended thinking time. [30:40] Kimberly thoughts on whether or not a mixture of project-based learning and open-ended activities promotes inquiry. [32:55] How and where should teachers make time for large-scale inquiries? [35:56] Why place is powerful — especially paired with inquiry. [37:16] Where to learn more about Kimberly’s work.   Mentioned in This Episode: Inquiry Partners Experience Inquiry: 5 Powerful Strategies, 50 Practical Experiences, by Kimberly L. Mitchell University of Washington’s College of Education International School of Athens Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Argentina Teach for All “Dan Finkel: 5 Ways to Share Math with Kids,” Ted Talk Video “New School Formula: Harder Questions and Fewer Answers,” blog post by Tom Vander Ark Teaching As a Subversive Activity, by Neil Postman and Charles Weingartner Teaching with Your Mouth Shut, by Donald L. Finkel The Earshot App Common Sense Media The Wonderment Kimberly’s Twitter: @InquiryFive   For More on Reinventing Teacher Preparation, Check Out: Episode 188 with Jim Tracy of Woodrow Wilson Academy of Teaching and Learning!   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include ‘Podcast’ in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!  

Today, the Getting Smart team will be exploring the future of work, artificial intelligence, and how all students can be prepared for what’s ahead. Joining the podcast to discuss this is Dr. Christina Gardner-McCune, an Assistant Professor in the Computer & Information Science & Engineering Department in the Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering at the University of Florida.   Christina stresses that the one key to getting students hooked on computer science is to allow them to follow their passions and to drive their learning based on something they are interested in or that they see as a problem or challenge that they can solve with technology. In this episode, she expresses her thoughts on this topic and tells several stories of students who didn’t initially connect with computer science, but came to love it. She also breaks down the five big ideas from AI4K12 that every K-12 student should know about AI, how she is working to change perceptions around computer science (especially for girls and students of color), her advice to students who feel intimidated by the subject, and gives her predictions on the future of work and AI.   Key Takeaways: [:15] About today’s episode. [:50] Janice of Getting Smart welcomes Christina to the podcast. [1:11] How and why Christina ended up getting into computer science. [3:25] Christina speaks about her current role at the University of Florida. [6:03] Christina tells a story that illustrates her purpose as a professor as well as the perseverance of a motivated student. [11:35] Christina breaks down the five big ideas from AI4K12 that every K-12 student should know about AI. [37:14] How does Christina envision these big ideas being taught, getting into schools, and shaping education? [42:00] When does Christina believe that these national AI guidelines will come out? [43:27] How Christina is working to change perceptions around computer science for girls and students of color, and her advice to students who are feeling intimidated by the subject. [52:23] What are Christina’s predictions on the future of work and how it's going to impact people and communities? [59:36] To sign off, Christina shares a message to all students and teachers.   Mentioned in This Episode: University of Florida Getting Smart’s The Future of Work series AI4K12   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include ‘Podcast’ in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!  

Today’s episode is all about contribution, featuring Getting Smart’s very own Tom Vander Ark and Dr. Emily Liebtag.   High school has always been thought of as preparation for college and careers. But what if it were a time when teenagers actually started making a difference in their community? What if young people had the chance to figure out what they’re interested in, what they’re good at, and how they could start making a contribution? Tom and Emily argue that students contributing to their community might be the best form of preparation there could be!   In this episode, Tom and Emily give their five reasons high schools should focus on contribution. They also provide several examples of schools doing just that; engaging young people in making the world better starting right where they are!   Key Takeaways: [:14] About today’s episode. [1:05] Emily and Tom chat about today’s discussion. [2:58] What the Getting Smart team sees as the most valuable skills in the future and the types of experiences youth need in order to develop these skills. [5:33] The importance of contribution for young people leaving high school. [8:05] Examples from Tom Vander Ark of contribution. [10:11] Emily shares a great quote on the importance of contribution. [12:05] Why schools (especially high schools) should focus on contribution. [13:13] Schools that are great examples of agency and collaboration by dealing with real community problems. [14:16] The second reason why schools should focus on contribution: students become more motivated and engaged through making a contribution. [15:31] Emily and Tom’s third reason in favor of contribution: their impact on pressing issues such as climate change and AI. [20:42] Some more examples of schools where these contribution experiences are happening. [24:00] A new project that provides a terrific entry point for contribution: The Purpose Project. [25:45] About Getting Smart’s guidebook in collaboration with Teton Science Schools. [26:30] Emily poses this question to listeners: Think about a memorable learning experience you’ve had (99% of the time people will share an example of a time they made a contribution!) [27:52] The best example of contribution Tom and Emily have seen. [28:30] How we can help aid students in contributing. [29:31] What to follow-up on after listening to this week’s episode!   Mentioned in This Episode: “Ask About AI,” by Getting Smart HQPBL.org SXSW The Kern Family Foundation KEEN Conference Seth Godin Health Leadership High School ACE Leadership High School Circulos High School (in Santa Ana) Gloo (Analytics for Personal Growth) AI4ALL Tess Posner of AI4ALL Iowa BIG UN Sustainable Development Goals Latitude High School Crosstown High School Purdue Polytechnic High School Design Tech High School Olin College One Stone High School One Stone’s One Event The Purpose Project Getting Smart’s Guidebook in collaboration with Teton Science Schools to be released in 2020 Teton Science Schools PlaceSchools.org Larry Rosenstock (CEO of High Tech High) Cajon Valley Union School District   To Learn About Colleges Engaging Learners in Applied Learning, Check Out: Episode 191 where leaders from Northeastern University talk about a new Ph.D. program where candidates immediately begin action research, and episode 190 where Amon Millner from Olin college talks about extending access to coding and computational thinking from kindergarten to college.   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include ‘Podcast’ in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!

In today’s episode, the Getting Smart team is exploring why environment matters — more specifically, why your learning environment matters. Joining the podcast today is Randy Fielding, the founding Chairman of Fielding Nair International — a global leader in designing learning communities. He is also the founder of DesignShare, a facilitator of ideas and resources about best practices and innovation in schools from early childhood through the university level.   Recently, Randy and Tom found a quiet corner on the Microsoft campus to talk about agency and how spaces and experiences can help learners cultivate and develop their own agency. They discussed why vistas are important to school architecture, the rise of flexible spaces and learning community concepts, variables and principles that are important in Randy’s architecture work (especially when designing school buildings), and more.   Listen in to hear more about how Randy and Fielding Nair are transforming education through design!   Key Takeaways: [:15] About today’s episode with Randy Fielding. [1:15] Tom welcomes Randy to the podcast. [1:46] Randy talks about his education experience and what led him to become an architect. [4:10] How did Randy come to focus his architecture practice on schools? [5:38] Randy asks Tom how he originally became interested in poetry and what made him include poetry in his talks. [7:59] Randy reads a small piece of poetry by Kipling and explains why it particularly strikes him and relates to architecture. [9:38] Why are vistas important to school architecture? [10:38] Randy’s favorite school building vista. [12:29] The most important principles for Randy’s work when designing school buildings. [15:25] What variables are important in Randy’s architecture work? [16:39] Randy speaks about their contribution in helping Albemarle County Public Schools. [17:33] The rise in flexible spaces and learning community concepts. [19:46] Where did the idea of Pathfinder Spaces come from and how does Randy see communities using them going forward? [23:52] Randy speaks about the importance of seating for students’ physical wellbeing. [26:52] Why student agency is so important to Randy and to our future as a culture.   Mentioned in This Episode: Fielding Nair Microsoft Flagship Schools The Death and Life of Great American Cities, by Jane Jacobs William Stafford Early Morning: Remembering My Father, William Stafford, by Kim Stafford Rudyard Kipling Strathcona Tweedsmuir School Design 39 Campus High School for Recording Arts (“Hip Hop High”) Larry Rosenstock Albemarle County Public Schools “Designing for Student-Centered Learning” (Video of Canadian space) Singapore American School Pathfinder Spaces: An Action Research Project At Singapore American School   For More on Learning Spaces, Check Out: Episode 163 where the Getting Smart team talked with Pam Moran about her book, Timeless Learning: How Imagination, Observation, and Zero-Based Thinking Change Schools.   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include ‘Podcast’ in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!

This week, Tom Vander Ark is speaking with Hanna Skandera, the former Secretary of Education for the state of New Mexico. Prior to moving to New Mexico, Hanna served as the Deputy Education Commissioner for Florida as well as the Deputy Chief of Staff at the U.S. Department of Education.   Hanna learned a lot about agency and initiative from an early age. She began homeschooling at the sixth grade, continuing on through grade twelve. Hanna also began taking courses at her local community college at the age of just fourteen. She speculates that these experiences are likely what helped her accelerate through expansive career; teaching her how to be a self-learner, provided her with the curiosity needed, and helped her find a drive for what matters. Join her and Tom today to discuss student agency, new education pathways, employability, as well as her new initiative: Pathway 2 Tomorrow, which is focused on transforming the current education system.   Key Takeaways: [:15] About today’s episode. [1:07] Tom welcomes Hanna to the podcast. [1:12] Hanna talks about her early childhood experiences in education. [6:10] Hanna speaks about why and how she got into education policy, as well as her various career experiences and opportunities. [9:36] Local education issues in New Mexico and what Hanna tried to accomplish while she was the Secretary of Education there. [11:55] Hanna’s take on education policy in the U.S. [14:36] The challenges of getting education policy right. [17:54] About Hanna’s initiative, Pathway 2 Tomorrow. [22:29] What the winners’ proposals were for Pathway 2 Tomorrow. [23:36] What’s Hanna’s ideas for post-secondary solutions? [25:05] Hanna’s ideas about how to get young people to get the benefits of both post-secondary liberal arts education and employability. [27:26] What Hanna is seeing on the horizon for transformation in higher education. [28:32] Hanna asks an important question: “How do we … think about the role of social capital in the stewardship of our education and employability opportunities?” [29:36] Why does Hanna think it’s important that we set a discourse on this subject today?   Mentioned in This Episode: Hanna Skandera No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) Gates Foundation Tim Taylor Pathway 2 Tomorrow (P2T) A New U: Faster + Cheaper Alternatives to College, by Ryan Craig In Defense of a Liberal Education, by Fareed Zakaria America Succeeds   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include ‘Podcast’ in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!  

Today, the Getting Smart team is bringing you a conversation with David Platt and a group of students on tech tips, podcasting, and computer science — live, from Covina High School.   So who is David Platt? David started out as a German teacher at Covina High School in Southern California. After a few sections of German were canceled, Platt scrambled to reinvent his teaching career. David started teaching keyboarding and then moved on to computer applications in the early 2000s. The rising prevalence of computer science led him into coding and he began to view Java as a third language. He earned a certificate for teaching Computer Science and is in his second year teaching Advanced Placement Computer Science Principles.   Soon after that, Platt recruited the Tech Squad — a group of students that provide tech support across the school. Two of Platt’s students, Gabriel and Kayla, launched a podcast — Tech Tips With Tech Squad. A podcast recorded in Covina High School focused on discussing tech, events, and tech tips, from a student’s point of view.   In today’s conversation, Tom talks with David, Gabe, and Kayla to learn more about this cool way for kids to learn about technology and share it with the world.   Key Takeaways: [:15] About today’s episode. [1:19] Tom welcomes David onto the podcast. [1:49] David introduces the students he has with him today, Gabriel and Kayla. [2:14] How long has Covina High School had a podcast? How did it come to fruition? [3:37] What does David teach at Covina? [6:13] What year are Gabe and Kayla in? [6:33] What computer classes have Gabe and Kayla taken? And how did they meet? [7:44] Why Kayla originally wanted to do a podcast focused on technology. What has she learned since working on it? [8:34] Gabe talks about his interest in technology, background in computer science, and dreams for the future. [10:25] Who of the three first spotted the rise of artificial intelligence? [12:21] Gabe’s sense of what artificial intelligence could mean for his life. [13:05] Gabe speaks about his interest in hardware rather than software. [14:13] Tom, David, Kayla, and Gabe shed some light on their favorite ed-tech podcasts. [16:17] David speaks more about how his teaching career and how it has evolved over the years. [17:28] Learning tools and tips David recommends for teachers. [19:31] What’s next for Kayla after she graduates. [21:13] Where to find Tech Tips with Tech Squad online.   Mentioned in This Episode: Covina High School Covina High School’s Tech Tips With Tech Squad Podcast @CovinaHTechTips on Twitter Advanced Placement Computer Science Principles Check This Out Podcast, with Ryan O’Donnell and Brian Briggs Detroit: Become Human (Videogame) Command Line Heroes Podcast Future of Life Institute Podcast Linear Digressions Podcast TOSAs Talking Tech Podcast The 10-Minute Teacher Podcast, with Vicki Davis (CoolCatTeacher) Google Teacher Tribe Podcast, with Matt Miller and Kasey Bell   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include ‘Podcast’ in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!  

On today’s podcast, Tom speaks with Hank Stratton and Ted Kraus from the University of Arizona. Hank teaches acting and Ted Kraus is the Technical Director at the School of Theatre, Film, and Television. Together, they represent performance and production.   Tom and Hank both see the theater as a place for problem-based learning, where students learn soft skills that translate into every profession. They believe that theatre teaches self-awareness and empathy, as well as project management skills, and would like to see all young people participate in the performing arts, from elementary school through college.   Listen to today’s conversation to hear their stories, experiences, and collaborations in the theatre that illustrate how performing arts experiences are a great example of deep learning.   Key Takeaways: [:15] About today’s episode. [1:02] Tom welcomes Hank and Ted to the podcast! [1:09] Hank speaks about when he first began acting and his experiences in high school theatre. [2:20] Did Hank participate in other arts outside of acting? [2:43] The similarities in theatre and music performance. [4:17] Ted speaks about his path to the theatre. [5:55] What originally drew Ted to the “back to the house” (AKA production). [7:14] Would Ted consider himself a capable project manager? [8:07] About the High Quality Project Based Learning project. [9:01] Ted and Hank discuss the parallels between production and performance, as well as self-assessment and soft skills. [12:05] How does Hank make the case for theatre for visiting students? [14:47] What young people learn about empathy from both acting and behind-the-scenes production. [17:05] What kind of participation would Hank see in K-12 education for the performing arts if he could just wave a magic wand? [21:35] Does Ted believe that every student should participate in at least two performing arts in every grade span? [23:52] Do Hank and Ted agree with the sentiment that teenagers who do world-class work are a result of really tough feedback in a safe space. [25:24] How Hank and Ted help students develop a picture of “good.” [31:26] Hank and Tom’s recommendations to where listeners should follow-up on to learn more!   For More on the Global Momentum for Deep Learning, Listen to: Episode 151 with Michael Fullan on GettingSmart.com!   Mentioned in This Episode: University of Arizona Project Management Institute (PMI) High Quality Project Based Learning (HQPBL.org) Buck Institute for Education The Man Who Came to Dinner TFTV.Arizona.edu   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include ‘Podcast’ in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!

For more than 120 years, Boston-based Northeastern University has been known for experiential education. A third of the 26,000 enrollments are graduate students served by a network of campuses around the country and a thriving online program. Building on this tradition and footprint, The Northeastern Graduate School of Education has been rethinking educator preparation. In this week’s episode, Tom speaks with two STEM graduates that became teacher educators and — with the backing of Northeastern University — are reinventing preparation. They are Professor Kelly Conn and Professor Cherese Childers-McKee. Professor Kelly Conn has been with Northeastern University for the last eight years. She leads professional development pathways, including a cool program called NExT, which is a global platform of educators connecting practice to more innovative workplace-based learning. Professor Cherese Childers-McKee leads the new Doctor of Education curriculum (which results in a Dissertation in Practice at Northeastern University). The program is for practitioners that want to tackle real problems. It has a strong social justice component that encourages budding leaders to become change agents.   The two professors talk with Tom today and discuss their careers in education; their areas of focus; their ideas and thoughts around experiential learning; project-based learning, and student-centered learning; what and how they teach at Northeastern University; and much more!   Key Takeaways: [:15] About today’s episode. [1:33] Tom welcomes Kelly Conn to the podcast. [1:37] Where Kelly’s love for science came from. [2:26] How and when Kelly made the pivot to becoming a teacher educator. [4:40] Cherese talks about what her early education was like. [5:22] When did Cherese know that she’d be a teacher? [6:28] What was Cherese’s area of focus at UNC Greensboro? [7:36] What drew Cherese to the topic of race relations. [8:40] Kelly explains where Northeastern’s long history of experiential education came from and what it means today. [10:06] Kelly describes the framework for experiential learning and the design principles that are important to her and her colleagues. [11:14] Kelly highlights some of the ideas that are well-aligned with the philosophy at Northeastern. [12:44] Why project-based learning is so important. [14:17] Useful design principles and approaches to project-based learning. [15:18] About NExT — Northeastern University’s Network for Experiential Teaching and Learning. [17:50] Will a certificate be available for Experiential Teaching and Learning? [20:16] Could a school district or network turn this into a series of micro-credentials that could earn a certificate from Northeastern? And could these credentials stack into a Master’s Degree? [22:27] How and why Northeastern is updating its approach to their EdD. program. [24:55] With this program, will it be possible that several people will be able to work simultaneously on a problem, but take a different approach? [26:26] What makes Northeastern University’s education degree programs so unique? [29:52] What attracted Cherese to Northeastern University? [31:26] How online learning with experiential learning work together. [33:44] How this new dissertation and practice are different from how the program used to be. [35:53] Cherese responds to a critique of Doctoral programs and explains how their program is different — allowing students to focus on important and relevant problems. [38:24] Cherese talks about the potential of a team-based EdD., and the collaboration that happens currently at Northeastern. [40:18] Is Cherese making an effort to encourage her Doctoral students to communicate their work earlier and in different ways than just a dissertation? [42:02] Having come to Northeastern with interests in race relations and social justice, has Cherese been able to maintain a focus on these subjects and encourage other people to take up these issues? [43:30] Tom and Jessica close out this week’s podcast.   For More on Reinventing Educator Preparation, Check Out: Episode 188 with Jim Tracy of the Woodrow Wilson Academy at MIT!   Mentioned in This Episode: Northeastern University NExT | Northeastern University Kelly Conn Cherese Childers-McKee UNC Greensboro   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include ‘Podcast’ in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!  

In this week’s episode, Tom joins Dr. Amon Millner at the Olin College of Engineering campus to discuss the importance of accessibility relating to computing.   Dr. Millner is an Assistant Professor of Computing and Innovation at the Olin College of Engineering in Needham, MA (which was recently recognized as the most well-regarded school of engineering in the world.) He also has earned his Ph.D. at the famous MIT Media Lab, studied and taught Computer Science at USC, and earned a Master in Human-Computer Interaction at Georgia Tech.   With the rise of artificial intelligence, Millner thinks it’s critical to engage diverse voices to ensure equitable treatment. He also believes to get more underrepresented groups into engineering schools, it is better to start early, like Kindergarten, with coding and problem-solving.   Amon Millner’s insights are timely and important in the fields of Computer Science and machine learning. In this episode, he addresses the issues of access and empowerment and talks about why teaching at Olin is so important in his mission to expose to engineering groups that have been historically underrepresented.   Key Takeaways: [:15] About today’s episode. [1:09] Tom welcomes Dr. Millner to the podcast. [1:11] About Millner’s education. [5:18] Why Human-Computer Interaction, empowerment, and teaching at the Olin College of Engineering is so important to Millner. [8:53] Millner talks about the future of machine learning and asks some important questions. [15:15] Millner describes the approach to education in Olin and some of the key elements. [17:28] How Millner would describe the approach to Computer Science at Olin. [19:55] How they prepare students at Olin to go past the introductory experience. [21:33] The importance of accessibility and how Millner thinks we can do better in American high schools and colleges to expose groups that have been historically underrepresented to engineering. [26:00] What is an experience at school that Millner would like to see all kids have? [29:03] Millner expresses his optimism and excitement by the work happening at Olin.   Mentioned in This Episode: Dr. Amon Millner Olin College of Engineering University of Southern California (USC) MIT Media Lab Georgia Tech Lifelong Kindergarten The University of Texas at El Paso   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include ‘Podcast’ in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!  

Today, the Getting Smart team explores tips on talent development with Iveta Brigis. Iveta is a Commissioner for California’s Little Hoover Commission, but previous to that, she worked nearly a dozen years for Google as their lead Human Resources business partner.   In this episode, Tom chats with Iveta and learns more about talent development and Google’s efforts to share lessons learned with educators. She also talks about what talent development looks like at Google, the important skills that are required to be successful at Google, HR best practices for schools and networks, and how machine learning is being incorporated into HR. Later on in the episode, Iveta also describes her work as Commissioner on the Little Hoover Commission where she co-authored a recent report on how California should respond to the rise of artificial intelligence.   Listen in to hear Iveta’s lessons on talent development and policy advice on A.I.!   Key Takeaways: [:15] About today’s episode. [1:20] Iveta talks about her early education. [2:21] How Iveta began to work for Google. [3:55] As Iveta looks back at her career in Human Resources at Google, she shares what she has learned about hiring great people. [7:50] During Iveta’s time at Google, did their standards of hiring move away from pedigree? [9:31] What Iveta learned about the skills that are required to be successful at Google. [12:36] What talent development looks like at Google. [15:07] The importance of being self-directed while working at Google. [16:26] Iveta’s take on working remotely. [18:40] HR best practices for schools and networks. [21:22] The surprising finding Iveta made when Google was conducting research on what makes a great team. [24:22] How machine learning is being incorporated into HR. [26:06] What are the implications from an HR perspective with using machine learning and A.I.? [27:33] Iveta gives a recap of the recent Little Hoover Commission report that gave advice to the State of California. [31:48] Some of the challenges of attracting talent skilled in machine learning. [33:21] What’s next for Iveta?   Mentioned in This Episode: “Promoting Psychological Safety in Classrooms for Student Success,” by Getting Smart Little Hoover Commission “Artificial Intelligence: A Roadmap for California,” by Little Hoover Commission America Succeeds “The Age of Agility,” by America Succeeds   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include ‘Podcast’ in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!  

In today’s episode, the Getting Smart team takes a look at Woodrow Wilson Academy of Teaching and Learning to learn more about the up-and-coming competency-based academy. The mission of the academy is to reinvent American teacher preparation. Formed in 2015 at MIT, the Academy offers a competency-based Master’s in education in secondary-school STEM. Other programs will be added later, as well.   In today’s episode, Tom will be interviewing James Tracy, the President of the new teacher preparation program (since 2018). This Stanford Ph.D. is a leading voice on innovation, a board member at Boston’s LearnLauch, and former Head of a respected Rhode Island prep school. They discuss the distinctive design features of the teacher preparation program at Woodrow Wilson Academy, what Jim hopes to accomplish in his role as the President of the new teacher prep program, and the importance of making changes in education scalable and adaptable at zero cost to even the least-resourced school.   Listen in to hear Jim’s unlikely path to education leadership and why he is as passionate about empowerment as innovation!   Key Takeaways: [:16] About today’s episode. [1:02] Tom welcomes Jim to the podcast. [2:05] About Jim’s early education growing up and how he went from high school drop-out to Stanford History Ph.D. [7:07] Jim’s experience as a white male studying African American struggles for progress. [10:53] How did someone, such as Jim, with a passion for individual and collective empowerment and appreciation for social justice, end up as a leader in private schools? [12:42] Jim talks about some of the innovative programs he launched at Rocky Hill. [20:17] Does Jim remember when Arthur Levine published “Educating School Teachers” in 2006? Jim also speaks about the key driver Arthur’s work has been for him. [23:33] Jim talks about the importance of making these changes scalable and adaptable at zero cost to even the least resourced school on the planet and why he feels so driven to work in education and help make these changes possible. [26:23] Jim talks about what he hopes to accomplish in his role as the President of the new teacher preparation program at the Woodrow Wilson Academy. [28:34] What Jim thinks are the distinctive design features of the teacher preparation program at Woodrow Wilson Academy. [33:30] Jim talks about his stance on teacher prep and his challenge right now as the President of the new teacher prep program at Woodrow Wilson Academy. [37:35] Where to learn more about Jim and Woodrow Wilson Academy online.   Mentioned in This Episode: James Tracy (LinkedIn) Woodrow Wilson Academy of Teaching and Learning Museum of Fine Arts, Boston MIT Rocky Hill Private School Cushing Academy Arthur Levine The Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship Foundation “Educating School Teachers,” by Arthur Levine @WoodrowAcademy on Twitter   Want to Learn More About Competency-Based Education? Listen in to Episode 177 — “Scaling Competency-Based Education: Equity-Focused Strategies for Policy and Practice” where Tom and Mary Ryerse dive into the show-what-you-know landscape!   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include ‘Podcast’ in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!  

In today’s episode, Emily sits down with Jemar Lee, a former student from the Iowa BIG School in Cedar Rapids. Iowa BIG is a place-based school in Cedar Rapids that is very learner-centered. It is a Next-Generation Learning Challenge and XQ Super School winner.   The power of hearing student stories of transformation is just incredible. If you don’t believe students can, meeting young men like Jemar can change that. Learner-centered education at Iowa BIG helped Jemar craft his own path and provided him incredible opportunities that have propelled him to where he is today (just wait until you listen, he is doing amazing things in his work and school life.   Tune in to this week’s episode to hear Jemar’s thoughts on why this type of learning has had an impact on him and what he is up to now!   Key Takeaways: [:16] Jemar’s experiences in school prior to Iowa BIG. [5:48] About Jemar’s transition from a regular public school to Iowa BIG. [7:17] Jemar’s first community-based project. [8:55] When Jemar first started out, could he see the parallels in learning through the community and addressing content standards? [11:13] How it felt for Jemar to be doing work that he knew was actually going to have a purpose. And how was it working with people in the community? Did Iowa BIG fully prepare him for this experience? [13:31] Other key elements that made Jemar’s experience so impactful at Iowa BIG. [14:50] The effect agency has on students and what Jemar is up to now. [19:42] Jemar describes the power of learning experiences outside of the four walls of a school.   Mentioned in This Episode: Iowa BIG Iowa State University Community Design Lab Education Reimagined Alliant Energy Jemar Lee (LinkedIn) Be sure to follow @Getting_Smart and #PlaceBasedEd for updates and details around Getting Smart’s new book coming in 2020!   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include ‘Podcast’ in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!  

In today’s episode, the conversation is all about being fearless. Recently, the Getting Smart team has had the opportunity to interview Jean Case about her new book, Be Fearless: 5 Principles for a Life of Breakthroughs and Purpose. Jean’s book weaves together stories about ordinary people who set out to change the world.   While reading her book and speaking with her today, Caroline learned that fearlessness is not just about quitting your job and taking a massive leap of faith; there are many ways to be fearless every day and make an impact, simply by deciding to do so. Through the five principles outlined in her book, readers are given a clear road map to ignite change at work, in life, and in their community.   Jean has not only researched being fearless but has lived a fearless life. She serves as the CEO of the Case Foundation — investing in people and ideas that can change the world. She is also the first female Chairman of the National Geographic Society and has had a successful career in the private sector.   Key Takeaways: [:16] About today’s podcast. [1:38] How Jean defines fearlessness. [2:41] Jean shares her thoughts on how we can all be more fearless in our everyday lives and some of the examples featured in her book. [3:55] Jean talks about one of her core principle about fearlessness: the idea of letting urgency conquer fear. [7:05] How Jean thinks both students and teachers can act on this principle (of letting urgency conquer fear). [9:39] How fearlessness can have an impact in a variety of ways and the main message of Jean’s book. [10:12] Jean speaks about her thankfulness regarding Jane Goodall writing the forward in her book. [11:32] Jean highlights another important message in her book: being a ‘sponge.’ [12:44] Why Jean decided to support National Geographic Society’s work and how their work has proven to be fearless. [14:39] Where Jean’s interest in difference-making came about. [16:02] How the Case Foundation is supporting change-makers and people being fearless. [17:36] Characteristics Jean has found that change-makers often have in common. [18:28] Jean’s advice for how we can all start being more fearless. [20:01] Share with the Getting Smart Podcast the ways you’re being fearless and making an impact in your community by sending them a note at [email protected] to be featured in an upcoming blog post.   Mentioned in This Episode: Be Fearless: 5 Principles for a Life of Breakthroughs and Purpose, by Jean Case UCLA — Swipe Out Hunger Case Foundation Jane Goodall of National GeographicThomas Edison on being more of a ‘sponge’ than an inventor National Geographic Society   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include ‘Podcast’ in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!

Today’s episode is all about health. And though the theme is a bit different then a regular Getting Smart episode, it still ties in perfectly to schools and better education.   What if every student had access to a doctor at school? It might help reduce the chronic absentees of the seven million students that are absent from school more than 10% of the time. In today’s conversation, Tom speaks with Josh Golomb, whose mission is to transform lives by providing all children with access to healthcare.   Josh Golomb is the CEO of Hazel Health, a telemedicine startup serving 10,000 young people in 12 school districts. The program allows students to see a doctor (virtually, or in person). They partner with schools to keep kids healthy and ready to learn; and they need no appointment, insurance, or immigration check to provide healthcare in schools at no cost to students.   Tune in to this week’s episode to hear all about the strides Hazel Health is making for students in school!   Key Takeaways: [:17] About today’s episode! [1:01] When did Josh’s interest in biology begin? [2:33] Where Josh’s passion for making a difference came from. [3:35] What spurred Josh’s interest in kidney disease, ultimately leading him to co-found DaVita? [5:11] What sparked Josh’s interest in taking over a home healthcare provider (Paladina Health)? [7:04] How Hazel Health came about. [8:53] How the Hazel Health model works. [12:10] Why Hazel Health is a school-paid model opposed to an insurance-model. [13:03] How attendance and healthcare access are tied together. [15:30] About Hazel Health’s partners. [15:45] As a private company, does Hazel Health have plans to raise money? [16:06] Hazel Health’s top priorities in the coming years. [17:31] The importance of technology, school partnerships, and school nurses in helping Hazel Health accomplish their mission. [18:45] Many thanks to Josh for joining Tom this episode!   Mentioned in This Episode: Hazel HealthDaVita Paladina Health   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include ‘Podcast’ in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!  

In today’s episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Emily Liebtag is joined by Danish Kurani, a learning space architect and professor at Stanford and Harvard University. He’s also the Director of Kurani.us, a company that uses deep research on education and architecture to create spaces that improve learning outcomes. They design campuses, buildings, and interiors for K-12, university, and education initiatives for all ages.   Together, Emily and Danish discuss learning spaces that inspire; how the learning model makes a difference on the space (and vice versa); and the good, the bad, and the ugly of learning spaces. Danish also shares what he feels is important in a learning space and why, what creates a learning space failure, and how the process of design needs to really include the people who will be using the space vs. just the outcomes you want that space to elicit.   Danish sheds light on what he’s seen across the country (and around the world!) in terms of how schools are transforming their spaces so that they’re more conducive to the type of learning they want to see from students.   Key Takeaways: [:15] About today’s episode. [:48] Emily welcomes Danish to the podcast. [1:07] Danish introduces himself and talks about his background in education. [3:00] Danish sheds some light on how education became a part of his work. [5:33] Danish describes the good vs. the bad in learning spaces, giving several examples. [17:38] Learning spaces — they’re not just about the furniture (and look and feel) but also incorporating who the students are. [20:43] Danish elaborates on how he feels the learning model makes a difference on the space and vice versa. [24:45] Danish talks about some learning space failures. [27:33] Some aspects of great learning spaces that Danish wants to see more of. [31:03] Where to find Danish and his work online.   Mentioned in This Episode: Danish Kurani (LinkedIn) Danish on Twitter @Kurani_Us and @DanishKurani Kurani.us Stanford University Harvard University “TEDx — Danish Kurani — Designing Places for Learning” (Video)Code Next Lab Khan Lab School   Want to learn More about Learning Spaces? Check out, “Three ways to design better classrooms and learning spaces,” a blog Danish published with the team on GettingSmart.com.   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include ‘Podcast’ in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!

In this week’s episode, Tom is joined by Tim Taylor. Tim is the Cofounder and President of America Succeeds, a national network of business organizations working to improve and modernize the education system. Prior to launching America Succeeds, he served as the founding President of Colorado Succeeds. Both Colorado Succeeds and America Succeeds are based on the core principles of business that apply to education: transparency, return on investment, accountability, competition, and customers first.   In fall 2017, America Succeeds released their report, “The Age of Agility: Education Pathways for the Future of Work,” to call attention to the misalignment between what is being taught in schools (both K-12 and higher education) and the knowledge, skills, and behaviors required by the modern workplace.   Join Tim and Tom as they discuss “The Age of Agility” report and discuss the conscious effort America Succeeds is making to ensure that educators are valued and equipped with the agility to succeed in a rapidly changing workforce.   Key Takeaways: [:19] About today’s episode! [1:51] Tom welcomes Tim to the podcast. [2:03] Tim talks about his early education. [4:00] Tim’s speaks about his path to advocacy. [6:55] Is there something about Denver that attracts a lot of advocates? [8:08] What led Tom to become an education advocate. [9:08] From Colorado Succeeds to America Succeeds; Tim’s journey launching America Succeeds. [12:00] Tim describes the mission of America Succeeds. [13:12] The changes in the economy Tim began to see that have some important implications for education. [15:54] Why Tim describes the period that we’re in as “The Age of Agility.” [18:35] Tim highlights some of the key drivers of change. [23:14] Why entrepreneurship is more important than ever for young learners. [25:11] Tim speaks about the Agility Tour and its implications. [27:19] Does Tim predict a standard response emerging in terms of agility or will every community be specially crafted? [29:50] Does Tim see States standardizing a standard approach or each crafting a unique approach based on need and opportunity? [31:14] The importance of business partnerships. [32:58] How schools can adapt to these changes around the world. [34:55] How can businesses that want to get involved help? [36:14] On the Agility Tour, is the importance of work-based learning and partnering with schools to help them become more agile talked about? [36:46] Tim shares a policy example that they’re super excited about right now at America Succeeds. [40:45] Tim gives a quick look forward at 2019 — what’s in store for America Succeeds, going forward. [42:30] Where to find Tim and his work online.   Mentioned in This Episode: America Succeeds Colorado Succeeds Albertson Foundation EDVenture Summit (in Boise) “The Age of Agility: Education Pathways for the Future of Work” Colorado Children’s Campaign Jamie Casap (Chief Education Evangelist for Google) Agility Tour   Want to learn More about Getting Smart’s Future of Work Campaign? Head to: GettingSmart.com/FutureofWork and follow #FutureofWork on social media!   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include ‘Podcast’ in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!  

The Getting Smart team has learned a lot about opening successful, new schools in communities that need them but they’re still learning about transforming inherited factory-model schools into design studios — and it definitely provides many challenges.   To make things better, it’s necessary to name and frame the problems faced — that’s the first step in design thinking. The next step is empathy research; it’s time to make the problems real by talking to kids and teachers about what’s really going on. Then comes the fun stuff — ideating and prototyping updated goals.   In this week’s episode, Tom is flying solo as he enumerates some of the problems that school systems are facing. He digs into some of the problems with his list of top 10 — from reworking goals and basic requirements for addressing the complexity of transformation and the lack of research and development.   Key Takeaways: [:16] About today’s episode. [1:21] Tom kicks off this week’s episode by talking more about today’s topic. [2:12] The first problem at hand: transforming an inherited factory-model school into a design studio. [2:57] Problem #2: the rules at these factory-model schools and moving beyond basic requirements. [3:56] Problem #3: the gravity of the factory-model system inherited. [5:48] Problem #4: the business model. [7:54] Problem #5: the complexity of transformation. [9:06] Problem #6: the technology/invention problem; the need for new measures of learning and better ways to capture and communicate expanded human capabilities. [11:31] Problem #7: the serious lack of research and development (R&D). [12:53] Problem #8: the speed problem — work is progressing too slow! [14:36] Problem #9: the flaws of well-intentioned efforts. [15:46] Problem #10: the challenges of poverty and inequality.   Mentioned in This Episode: Orbiting the Giant Hairball: A Corporate Fool's Guide to Surviving with Grace, by Gordon MacKenzie The Promise and Practice of Next Generation Assessment, by David T. Conley Mastery Transcript Consortium Virginia School Consortium for Learning   If You’d Like to Learn More About Great Schools and Lesson Learned from Visit, Check Out: “What 100 School Visits Taught Us This Year” — where Tom and Emily talk all about their last year of school visits!   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include ‘Podcast’ in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!

Today’s episode is all about competency-based education and professional development. Professional development in education is notoriously bad. BloomBoard was co-founded by Jason Lange in 2010 to try to fix the problem by powering the micro-credential revolution. The team behind BloomBoard are dedicated to empowering schools, districts, and states to help meet these needs by providing educators professional learning with purpose. They know how important teachers are to student growth and learning — and through micro-credentials, they can be empowered to take control of their own growth and advancement. Back in November, Tom caught up with Jason at the iNACOL Symposium in Nashville. There, he described the different ways that states are collaborating withBloomBoard to move professional learning to a more personalized and competency-based approach, teacher induction programs, what kinds of micro-credentials exist, and his advice for those who are interested in micro-credentials but have yet to take the leap.   Key Takeaways: [:35] About today’s episode. [1:35] Tom welcomes Jason to the podcast. [1:44] Tom asks, “What’s new in micro-credentials?” [2:26] Jason summarizes some of the different ways that states are collaborating with BloomBoard to move professional learning to a more personalized and competency-based approach. [4:42] Jason explains how the many teacher induction programs generally work. [5:58] How many micro-credentials might an induction program include? [7:26] Jason highlights some teacher micro-credentials. [8:31] WorkBloomBoard is doing in regards to leadership development. [9:27] About Harmony Public Schools’ commitment to micro-credentials for teachers and leaders, and their partnership withBloomBoard. [11:36] HowBloomBoard’s honeycomb chart (that shows how these school clusters are related to different levels of learning leadership) helps them build a partnership with a district or a network. [13:57] Jason’s advice to those who don’t know where to start with micro-credentials. [16:12] Could a district get content fromBloomBoard? And can they author their own micro-credentials? [17:42] Jason gives a sneak peek of what’s next in micro-credentials and BloomBoard.   Mentioned in This Episode: BloomBoard iNACOL ILead Harmony Public Schools Getting Smart Blogs on Competency-Based Learning   For More on Competency-Based Learning, Check Out: Episode 177: “Scaling Competency-Based Education: Equity Focused Strategies for Policy and Practice”   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include ‘Podcast’ in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!  

Today, the Getting Smart team is throwing it back to an interview they did at High Tech High in San Diego back in 2017. While there, they got the chance to chat with HTH leaders, Larry Rosenstock, Jeff Robbins, and Kalem Rashad — who all have such a contagious passion for their students. In today’s interview, they discuss projects, starting new schools, hiring teachers, and why making the city the text is so important. First to be interviewed by Tom is Larry Rosenstock, a carpenter from Massachusetts who started HTH on a run-down navy base. Larry describes how to get started with a school like HTH, how they communicate the work happening at HTH with the community and parents, how students create such incredible, high-quality work, what the enrollment process is like, and how to apply. After Larry, Tom interviews Jeff Robin, a Fine Arts teacher at HTH. In their discussion, he shares a description of the Staircase to Nowhere project (where students design full-size models of staircases to nowhere around the school.) And lastly (but certainly not least), Tom speaks with Kaleb Rashad, Director at HTH, about starting schools.   Key Takeaways: [:15] About today’s episode. [1:10] Larry describes how to get started with a school like HTH. [2:22] Larry talks more about the incredible art the students produce at HTH. [3:10] Larry elaborates how HTH recruits, grows, and keeps teachers at HTH. [5:10] Larry shares how they communicate the work happening at HTH with the community and parents. [6:15] Larry talks about the students at HTH, the enrollment process, and what it’s like to apply. [7:30] Larry explains the process that creates the high-quality work the students create. [7:50] Tom asks where students get feedback. [7:58] Larry tells a story about skepticism around HTH’s achievements around learning and how he helped clear that. [10:07] Next up, Tom speaks with Jeff Robin, who explains the Staircase to Nowhere project at HTH. [13:12] Larry talks about the culture at HTH and how they include advisory at the high school level to truly deepen the community on campus. [14:34] Kaleb Rashad speaks on the topic of starting up a school similar to HTH. [17:20] Jessica wraps up this week’s episode.   Mentioned in This Episode: High Tech High Staircase to Nowhere Project JeffRobin.com San Diego Museum of Art Professional Learning that Transforms: Meet High Tech High Graduate School of Education Promising Practices in Deeper Learning and Equity High Tech High: Student Engagement Leads to Deeper Learning Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include ‘Podcast’ in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!  

The Getting Smart team visits a lot of schools, well north of 100 this year. Most were primarily public urban schools, about half were purpose-built schools opened in the last 20 years, and the other half were (at least partially) transformed schools. More than half were district schools, some were charter schools, and there were also a few private schools. And the key factor that tied them all together was that they almost all had some kind of “next generation” characteristics, such as personalized and competency-based learning, project-based learning, and encouraging of design-thinking and maker activities. The team has learned a lot from these school visits and believe they are the best form of professional learning.   In this podcast, Tom and Emily summarize 10 lessons from this year’s school visits.   Key Takeaways: [:15] About today’s episode. [1:05] Emily and Tom discuss what they have been up to. [1:27] Emily elaborates on why she believes school visits are so key to professional learning. [1:58] Emily summarizes what Getting Smart looks for in school visits. [3:25] Emily kicks off the first of 10 lessons learned: culture is key. [6:09] The second important lesson: students are known and cared for. [8:14] Lesson number three: great schools have a foundational set of ideas. [11:50] Lesson four: getting really intentional about outcomes. [14:36] Lesson five: it’s important that the structures support deep work. [16:36] Lesson six: shared, public work. [19:38] Lesson seven: talent matters. [22:02] Lesson eight: distribute and broaden leadership roles. [23:59] Lesson nine: learning environments matter. [26:28] Lesson ten: establishing partnerships is key. [28:34] Emily and Tom reflect on their top ten list and wrap up this week’s episode.   Mentioned in This Episode: “100+ Middle and High Schools Worth Visiting,” by Getting Smart Staff “70 Elementary Schools Worth Visiting,” by Getting Smart Staff Science Leadership Academy Thrive Public Schools High Tech High Learner-Centered Innovation: Spark Curiosity, Ignite Passion and Unleash Genius, by Dr. Katie Martin Portrait of a Graduate Katherine R. Smith Elementary School Big Picture Philadelphia The Workshop School Share Your Learning @ShareYourLearn Singapore American School Opportunity Culture Envision City Arts and Tech School Sarah E. Goode STEM Academy Purdue Polytechnic Institute XQ Super School Who You Know: Unlocking Innovations That Expand Students' Networks, by Julie Freeland Fisher   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include ‘Podcast’ in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!

The Getting Smart team has been focusing on (and writing a lot on their blog) about artificial intelligence (AI) and its implications on the future of work and learning. This week, they’re bringing you an episode published back in October of 2016 on what AI means for our kids; featuring Tom, Emily, and thought-leader, Gerald Huff.   This episode is dedicated to Gerald Huff, giving honor to both his life and his incredible body of work. Gerald passed away a few weeks ago on November 17th after a short battle with cancer.   Gerald was a software engineer by trade but was very invested in education. He was especially concerned about the growing income divide in the country and the prospect of technological unemployment. This inspired him to write a novel, Crisis: 2038, a techno-thriller with a moral imperative, which was just published posthumously and is available on Amazon.   Key Takeaways: [:15] About today’s episode. [1:23] Tom recaps his predictions on AI. [3:50] Tom’s predictions on what we’re doing now in education and learning that we may not be doing in the future. [5:30] Gerald Huff introduces himself on the podcast and gives his thoughts on the applications of AI in the transportation industry and where he sees the future of human labor headed. [12:09] Tom speaks about some of his findings on the future of AI and the connection to education. [16:30] Tom and Emily talk about the importance and implications of adding coding to schools. [17:53] The future of AI and its implications on higher education. [20:02] What AI means for career technical education (CTE). [23:40] Why should parents and teachers be talking about this? What should educators be following to learn more? [25:18] About Getting Smart’s #AskAboutAI campaign and the areas (within AI) they are exploring. [27:03] AI’s progress and potential risks in health and healthcare.   Mentioned in This Episode: Crisis: 2038, by Gerald Huff i-Ready “Intelligence Unleashed: An argument for AI in Education” Planet3 “Artificial Intelligence is Reshaping Life on Earth: 101 Examples,” by Tom Vander Ark The Master Algorithm: How the Quest for the Ultimate Learning Machine Will Remake Our World, by Pedro Domingos #AskAboutAI campaign on GettingSmart.com Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists #FutureofWork on Twitter #AskAboutAI on Twitter   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include ‘Podcast’ in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!  

In this special episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Erik Day and Mary Ryerse are (temporarily) kicking Caroline and Jessica out of the studio to talk about what they’ve learned (and shared) about competency-based education at the this year’s iNACOL Symposium.   Getting Smart staff recently published a landscape report on the state of competency-based education (CBE), entitled: “Show What You Know: A Landscape Analysis of Competency-Based Education,” which was discussed at a panel with Mary and a fantastic group of education thought leaders at the iNACOL Symposium. Following that, Mary had a conversation with Tom where they recapped their findings of the report, as well as some of the leading schools and districts that are personalizing learning and pacing.   In this episode, the Getting Smart team will be sharing portions of the panel and Mary’s subsequent conversation with Tom. You will be hearing from Michele Cahill, Managing Director of School Success, at XQ; David Ruff, Executive Director of Great Schools Partnership; and Shatoya Jordan Ward, the Principal of Purdue Polytechnic High School (at XQ). Tune in to hear their takes on competency-based education!   Key Takeaways: [:14] About today’s special episode. [1:16] Tom and Mary set the stage for the report. [1:34] Mary’s favorite examples of competency-based learning in her own life. [3:17] Mary and Tom discuss the premise of the report and how it all came to be. [5:00] Why competency-based is more appropriate than measuring learning through grade levels. [6:18] The importance of keeping equity at the forefront of competency-based learning. [7:24] Mary introduces the thought leaders involved in the panel. [7:38] Michele speaks about her time in New York City. [8:45] What Shatoya has learned about competency-based learning. [9:38] David shares his thoughts and passion for competency-based learning. [10:17] Mary summarizes the five key themes they explored in the panel about competency-based learning. [10:43] Mary and Tom discuss noteworthy model schools and networks. [13:49] The panel’s thoughts on what makes a noteworthy model school or network. [19:01] Tom and Mary discuss competency learning processes and tools. [20:15] Tom mentions some promising partnerships where model schools are being developed in conjunction with toolsets. [20:58] Mary talks about the importance of utilizing tools. [21:25] Shatoya elaborates more on the tools and model at Purdue Polytechnic High School. [24:11] Michelle talks about competency tools and their goals at XQ. [27:38] The panel discusses well-informed assessments. [29:41] The panels discusses some of the challenging parts of competency-based learning and some of the significant barriers involved. [34:44] The importance of sharing and getting feedback. [35:23] The panel discusses policy and advocacy around competency-based education. [38:57] Michele and David answer an audience question about scaling competency-based education. [43:39] Tom and Mary discuss how to best prepare teachers for (and support them in) competency-based environments. [44:46] The panel’s observations on the subject of teacher prep. [47:34] Mary’s final words for wrapping up this week’s episode and Erik’s recommendations for further listening.   Want to Listen to More on This Topic? Take a listen to Episode 151 where Tom talks with Michael Fullan about how schools worldwide are redefining learning outcomes, and Episode 158, where Tom and Lydia Dobyns discuss why and how schools should work together in networks.   Mentioned in This Episode: iNACOL iNACOL Symposium XQ Institute “Show What You Know: A Landscape Analysis of Competency-Based Education” Great Schools Partnership Purdue Polytechnic High School Lindsay Unified School District League of Innovative Schools Nokomis High School Empower Learning Teton Science School DSST Public Schools   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include ‘Podcast’ in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!

For the past two episodes, the Getting Smart team have envisioned what the future of learning might look like with the authors of Education Reimagined’s new paper, “School’s Out.” On their final episode of their three-part series, Tom speaks with Tom Rooney, the Superintendent of Lindsay Unified Public Schools.   Lindsay Unified is located in the central valley of California. They are situated in one of the highest poverty areas in the nation. 100% of their learners are on free or reduced lunch, 53% come to their doors not speaking English, and about 33% come from the migrant farming community. They have a deep understanding that many learners have not been receiving the level of education that leads to success in life. With that in mind, their work focuses on meeting learners at their level, with student-centered and performance-based work to lead them to success — and it’s proven successful! They’ve gone from having a 67% graduation rate to a 94% graduation rate this past year.   In today’s episode, Tom and Tom speak about lessons learned from Lindsay Unified and how the community can play an active role in the future of learning, as well as key learnings from Tom’s paper: “School’s Out: Who Takes Responsibility for the Education of Young People?”   Key Takeaways: [:14] About today’s episode. [1:00] Tom welcomes Tom Rooney to the podcast. [1:09] Tom explains the origin story of the student-centered, performance-based work he’s doing at Lindsay Unified Public Schools. [6:06] About Lindsay Unified’s vision of meeting learners at their level and how that guarantees success. [8:36] How Lindsay Unified’s teachers seamlessly work together and the incredible benefits of that. [11:06] Tom speaks about the support they’ve received from various organizations and how it has helped Lindsay Unified. [13:52] The work that Tom and Lindsay Unified have accomplished with the help of Empower Learning. [15:30] Tom and Tom dive into Tom’s paper: “School’s Out: Who Takes Responsibility for the Education of Young People?” Tom first speaks about the role professional educators might play if the current system was reimagined. [19:33] Tom’s ideas (from his paper) on the two new roles of personal life coaches and opportunity creators. [22:04] Barriers and opportunities to Tom’s vision for the future of learning in Lindsay. [24:49] Will there be any transportation barriers in Tom’s vision? [26:55] As Tom thinks about the School’s Out conversation, he offers some practical pieces of advice for those in education could work on this week.   Mentioned in This Episode: Previous episode: Episode 174 — “School’s Out: Engaging Families and the Community” Previous episode: Episode 175 — “School’s Out: Anywhere, Anytime Learning, and the Role of Technology” Education Reimagined “School’s Out: What if Schools, As We Know Them, Didn’t Exist?” “School’s Out: What if School Didn’t Exist?” “School’s Out: Who Takes Responsibility for the Education of Young People?” (Tom’s paper) Lindsay Unified Public Schools Gates Foundation iNACOL Transcend Education Columbia University Empower Learning   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include ‘Podcast’ in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!

Today, and for the next three weeks, the Getting Smart team is going to explore a new initiative from Education Reimagined.   Education Reimagined recently released a paper entitled, “School’s Out,” which set out to explore how we could alter our perspective on the meaning, feel, and delivery of learning. Tom had the opportunity to sit down with the education leaders who authored “School’s Out,” and over the next three episodes, he will be digging deeper into what the future of learning may look like for students. This is part two out of three. For the first episode in the series, take a listen to: “School’s Out: Engaging Families and the Community,” with Amy Anderson and Scott Van Beck.   In today’s episode, Tom interviews Nate McClennen, Vice President for Education and Innovation at Teton Science Schools; and IT Consultant, Oscar Brinson. Nate and Tom discuss anywhere, anytime learning; the community as a classroom; the differences between learning and school; and the importance of guidance of advisory for learners. In Tom and Oscar’s conversation; they explore how education keeps up with the technological advances; the role A.I. and automation will play in the future of learning and work; and what he sees as technology’s role, along with the role of advisory and guidance relationships.   Key Takeaways: [:16] A recap on last week’s episode (and the first part of this series.) [1:05] About today’s episode. [1:25] Tom welcomes Nate to the podcast, and Nate gives a bit of background on how his childhood has helped inform how he thinks about place-based education now. [2:45] Nate and Tom discuss his School’s Out paper. [4:17] Nate’s ideas on how we could reimagine learning and community. [6:30] Nate’s thoughts on where and how we can test some of his ideas. [9:28] The importance of guidance through a ‘learning coach’ in anywhere, anytime learning. [10:20] The challenge around equity and scale when making sure every student has access to a great learning coach. [13:15] The changing role of teachers. [14:45] The differences between learning and school, and how learning could be introduced through the community rather than school. [17:22] Nate shares some final thoughts on the evolution of learning. [19:23] About Oscar Brinson, Tom’s next guest. [19:49] Does Oscar anticipate something that looks like schools or community facilities where students and adult mentors would meet on a regular basis? [21:23] The caveat: the custodial aspect of school being crucial as long as parents have to go to work. [23:46] A potential A.I. system solution to the important custodial aspect of school, and the other ways technology and A.I. will help progress and change how learning is done.   Mentioned in This Episode: Previous episode: Episode 174 — “School’s Out: Engaging Families and the Community” Education Reimagined ReSchool Colorado Teton Science Schools “School’s Out: What if Schools, As We Know Them, Didn’t Exist?” “School’s Out: What if School Didn’t Exist?” “School’s Out: How a ‘No School’ Society is One of Many Learner-Centered Possibilities” (Nate’s paper) “School’s Out: Why Embracing Technology Will Only Expand What’s Possible” (Oscar’s paper)   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include ‘Podcast’ in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!  

Today the Getting Smart team is bringing you a bonus episode! Recently, they got the chance to interview a ton of great people at the recent iNACOL conference and want to bring it to you early as a little holiday gift this season.   In this special bonus episode, Tom interviews Nicole Assisi and Shelly Kurt of Thrive to talk all about how they are building community and doubling proficiency rates for children from low-income neighborhoods.   Nicole and Shelly originally met at a San Diego Starbucks five years ago and went on to create one of the nation’s most thoughtfully design K-12 networks serving diverse low-income neighborhoods — Thrive. From the first napkin of that fateful day, they outlined the key elements that make Thrive so special — project-based, personalized, and social-emotional learning. They wanted to create a place that helps develop good humans that solve problems with discernment, empathy, and agency — and they did. They picked two underserved neighborhoods in east San Diego, City Heights, and Linda Vista, and set to work combine all of these elements that make Thrive so special.   Key Takeaways: [:15] About today’s bonus episode. [1:27] Tom welcomes Nicole and Shelly to the podcast. [1:45] About Nicole’s high school education and early career. [2:21] Where Shelly grew up, her high school experience, and when she decided to pursue education as a career. [3:01] The story of how Nicole and Shelly first met. [5:01] The core teachings and transformative education Nicole and Shelly focus on at Thrive. [6:09] Nicole discusses the underserved communities they decided to focus on in San Diego. [8:16] Nicole and Shelly discuss their newly opened k-8 campus. [9:01] How the new space compliments their program. [11:50] Jessica takes a moment to explain a campaign Getting Smart is supporting this winter called ‘Share your Learning.’ [12:31] About the flexibility and functionality of their space. [14:00] Shelly and Nicole discuss their project-based learning and social-emotional learning that they implement at Thrive, and how [16:25] Nicole and Shelly describe their organizational learning. [18:23] What else Nicolle and Shelly are doing to share their lessons outside of Thrive. [20:49] Nicole and Shelly’s learnings about high school. [22:16] Does Thrive have ambitions to grow a giant network? [23:16] What Nicole and Shelly are most curious about right now and want to work towards. [26:00] A big thanks to Nicole and Shelly for joining Tom this episode!   For More on Great Schools, Check Out: Episode 88 — “Making the City the Text at High Tech High” with founder Larry Rosenstock, and Episode 95 — “Leadership for School Progress with Poway Unified” with School District’s Superintendent and Principal from Design 39.   Mentioned in This Episode: Thrive iNACOL High Tech High Share your Learning Corte Madera School District Next Generation Learning Challenges Silicon Schools Fund   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include ‘Podcast’ in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!

Today, and for the next three weeks, the Getting Smart team is going to explore a new initiative from Education Reimagined.   Education Reimagined recently released a paper entitled, “School’s Out,” which set out to explore how we could alter our perspective on the meaning, feel, and delivery of learning. Tom had the opportunity to sit down with the education leaders who authored “School’s Out,” and over the next three episodes, he will be digging deeper into what the future of learning may look like for students.   In this particular episode, Tom interviews Amy Anderson, Executive Director of ReSchool Colorado; and Scott Van Beck, former Executive Director for the educational non-profit, Houston A+ Challenge. Tom and Amy talk about family participation in learner advocate networks, flexibility within the learner’s day, and what a reimagined model for education may look like for rural students; Tom and Scott Van Beck discuss the expanded role the community could play in offering learning opportunities for students, how teachers and community members could shift into the role of learning designers, and how parents could use their expertise to design learning experiences.   Key Takeaways: [:15] Caroline and Jessica introduce today’s topics and guests. [1:01] Tom welcomes Amy Anderson to the podcast, and she talks about her early education. [2:05] Amy’s past roles in education, and about her current role with ReSchool Colorado. [3:01] How the idea that ‘learning occurs everywhere’ became a core part of ReSchool Colorado. [4:39] Amy’s ideas on what is central to education and how she’d rethink schools. [5:43] How and why guidance is so crucial in education. [7:38] What a learning week might look like in Amy’s reimagined school. [9:55] What might this reimagined education look like in a rural environment? [11:05] Amy’s ideas on how schools can better equip students to show/demonstrate their expanded skills (i.e. an alternative to report cards.) [13:40] How Amy invites educators to be a part of the conversation of reimagining school. [16:41] An introduction to this week’s next guest: Scott Van Beck. [17:24] Tom welcomes Scott to the podcast. [17:33] How and why Scott originally became a teacher. [19:14] Scott summarizes his insights in his “School’s Out” paper. [21:30] What Scott sees as the new backbone to learning. [23:22] How learning coaches would work and develop. [28:13] Scott’s take on how we should think about career preparation now. [34:29] The importance of getting to know kids, connect them to community opportunities, and how those outcomes can become more important than the traditional skills schools currently teach.   Mentioned in This Episode: Education Reimagined ReSchool Colorado Houston A+ Challenge “School’s Out: What if Schools, As We Know Them, Didn’t Exist?” “School’s Out: What if School Didn’t Exist?” “School’s Out: Exploring a Family-Anchored Strategy to Transform Education” (Amy’s paper) “School’s Out: How This Learner-Centered Society Would Liberate Parents” (Scott’s paper) Teton Science Schools Donnell-Kay Foundation HopSkipDrive GripTape CottageClass iNACOL Who You Know: Unlocking Innovations That Expand Students’ Networks, by Julia Freeland Fisher   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include ‘Podcast’ in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!    

Today, the Getting Smart team is going international. Tom recently visited the Singapore American School (for his second time!) and is incredibly excited to share all about the signs of progress happening over there.   With a tradition of academic excellence, Singapore American School serves 4,000 preschool to 12th-grade students. After serving as a District Superintendent in Washington State, Dr. Chip Kimball joined SAS as Superintendent in 2012. The board asked Kimball to make the school as good at life prep as it was at college prep. The six-year transformation that ensued is a remarkable story of reinvention at scale.   In this episode, Tom speaks with Dr. Chip Kimball, along with Deputy Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Sparrow, who has deep roots at SAS and has been with them for 20 years (10 of those having led the academic team). Together, they tell Tom the SAS story and all of the exciting progress that has been happening — from talent, to care and guidance, to high-impact instructional strategies.   Key Takeaways: [:15] About today’s episode with Tom, Chip Kimball, and Jennifer Sparrow. [1:10] Tom welcomes Chip and Jennifer to the podcast. [1:21] Tom’s and Chip’s background together, and why Chip decided to join SAS in 2012. [2:50] Chip’s progress in shaping SAS’s education and facility. [5:26] Jennifer’s background as an international educator, and what originally drew her to SAS. [8:12] Tom highlights some of the remarkable progress at Singapore American School since he last visited (two years ago), such as the talent agenda. [11:18] Jennifer’s and Chip’s thoughts on fostering talent and the importance of their institutional commitments. [14:18] About SAS’s professional learning communities (PLC.) [15:20] Jennifer speaks about how they continue to support, encourage, and monitor their PLC practices. [17:05] Chip speaks about some of the investments that they’ve made to strengthen their PLC practices. [20:44] Tom highlights another sign of remarkable progress at Singapore American School: care and guidance (such as adding more social-emotional programming). Jennifer and Chip speak about their work towards this and the progress they’ve made. [22:53] Two more signs of remarkable progress at Singapore American School: better response intervention and PLC (What if kids don’t get it? How do we intervene? And if they do get it, how do we accelerate their learning?) [26:11] Why Chip decided to break the roles of college counseling and pastor of care into two. [30:27] Jennifer and Chip speak about the next step to the work that starts with responsive classrooms: advisory. [32:29] A focal point of SAS: mentoring (both for students and from students). [34:24] Jennifer and Chip talk high impact instructional strategies at SAS. [37:40] What is “try time” for students in middle school? [43:23] About SAS’s three tiers of inquiry-based learning. [45:33] About SAS’s personalized inquiry catalyst graduation requirement. [47:45] One of SAS’s most ambitious changes: becoming a leading AP factory and then scaling that back by strategically replacing AP courses with more advanced topic courses created by teachers and college faculty. [52:10] Another academic area SAS is making huge progress in — competency-based learning. [56:03] About SAS’s new learning spaces on campus. [1:02:57] Tom congratulates Chip and Jennifer in the progress they’ve made at SAS.   If You Enjoyed Learning about Singapore American school, be sure to check out: Episode 162: “Personalize Learning and Build Agency by Using the 4 PLC  Questions,” featuring Tim Stuart.   Mentioned in This Episode: Singapore American School   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include ‘Podcast’ in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!  

Today Tom Vander Ark is flying solo — literally, he’s flying right now on a trip between SoCal and Singapore. Just this past week he visited twenty amazing personalized learning schools in Southern California and can’t wait to share everything he learned on personalized learning today.   In this episode, Tom covers five main attributes of personalized learning, five ways teachers can support personalized learning, ten ways administrators can build systems for personalized learning, and some thoughts on spaces and architecture for personalized learning environments.   Key Takeaways: [:14] About today’s episode. [:35] What Tom will be discussing today around personalized learning. [:54] What personalized learning is and the five main attributes of it. [4:55] Five things teachers can do to support personalized learning. [6:58] Ten ways administrators can help build systems for personalized learning. [11:47] Tom closes this podcast with a few thoughts on space and architecture for personalized learning environments. [16:48] Tom and the Getting Smart team would love to hear from you! Let them know what you think about this episode by emailing [email protected] or leaving a review on iTunes.   Mentioned in This Episode: Todd RoseThrive Public Schools District 51 Albemarle Public County Schools Salisbury Township School District Cajon Valley Union School District High Tech High Larry Rosenstock Randy Ziegenfuss on Teacher Leadership and Student-Centered Learning Listening to Kids and Designing from Scratch for Timeless Learning Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include ‘Podcast’ in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!    

In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, the Getting Smart team is throwing it back to one of their favorite episodes from Season 1 where they explore and listen to some student stories around their experiences with project-based learning (PBL); have an interview with a project-based learning STEM teacher of Flight by Design; as well as hear from education leaders in the project-based world, Bob Lenz and John Larmer of Buck Institute for Education (BIE).   The students in Flight by Design, an engineering and math course at Raisbeck Aviation High School in the Highline School District, are immersed in a year-long project to design an airfoil. In the process, the students are learning about engineering, math, and science while also collaborating and communicating effectively with their team.   In today’s episode, you can look forward to hearing answers to questions such as: how do projects make students feel? What is it like, from a student’s point of view and a teacher’s point of view, to participate and lead meaningful projects? What skills do projects teach? And why is project-based learning, perhaps, a necessity for our democracy? You can also look forward to hearing BIE Executive Director Lenz discuss his inspiration for the work he does to spread high-quality project-based learning across the country (and the world); and John Larmer, author and BIE editor in chief, telling the team exactly what constitutes a high-quality project.   Key Takeaways: [:16] About today’s rerun episode from season 1! [:48] What Megan thinks about when she hears the word “project.” [1:50] Did Megan do any cool and meaningful projects back when she was a student? [2:40] About the students in the Flight by Design class and their latest project. [3:20] FbD students explain their project assignment and what it has taught them. [4:50] The students' career goals and how this project has helped them come one step closer to reaching those goals. [6:00] The importance of the skills these students are learning with project-based learning. [6:55] What these students would tell their future selves. [7:44] How mentors that partner with Flight by Design have helped students learn. [8:30] How this student learns best. [9:05] What the student likes best about project-based learning. [10:40] An introduction to the teacher who teaches the students who were just interviewed. [11:03] The teacher introduces himself and explains the Flight by Design class and how their projects work. [17:01] The teacher’s recommendations to other teachers on creating a better class environment and more effective projects. [20:25] About Getting Smart’s next few interviews: Bob Lenz and John Larmer of Buck Institute for Education (BIE). [20:56] John describes what a good student project is. [22:18] Bob talks about an impactful project he did in the 5th grade under the instruction of his teacher, Mr. Cooper. [23:37] Bob’s thoughts on the way students most effectively learn. [24:23] Why Bob started working as Executive Director at BIE and his excitement for PBL. [26:14] What people should do if they want to learn more.   Mentioned in This Episode: Buck Institute for Education (BIE) Raisbeck Aviation High School Highline School District Westwood High School PBL World (#PBLWorld)   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include ‘Podcast’ in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!

If you follow education social media, you’ve probably heard of Salisbury Superintendent, Randy Ziegenfuss. Randy has been the Superintendent for almost four years but prior to that held different roles in education, teaching music and technology. Over the last few years, he’s become a leading advocate of learner-centered education and blogs all about it at WorkingAtTheEdge.org. With his Assistant Superintendent, Randy has also produced more than 40 episodes of the Shift Your Paradigm podcast, where he explores learner-centered education and leadership. Recently, Tom got the chance to catch up with Randy to find out what motivates and informs his leadership. Tom and Randy discuss his earlier roles in education, his current role as Superintendent, the shift in education to more student-centered education (rather than school-centered), the framework his district is using to help shape this, more about his podcast with co-host, Lynn Fuini-Hetten, and what they set out to accomplish with it. Key Takeaways: [:16] About this week’s guest, Randy Ziegenfuss. [1:06] About Randy’s early education. [4:11] Does Randy think that music teachers have a special appreciation for personalized and competency-based learning? And that every learner is on a different journey? [8:43] How being a band director teaches you humility. [10:48] How Randy moved from his position teaching music, to teaching technology, to becoming Superintendent. [15:17] About next week’s iNACOL Party in Nashville. Email [email protected] to get your name on the list! [15:36] Randy speaks about the analog-to-digital learning shift in education and how it has helped to provide perspective on the current shift from school-centered to student-centered. [19:26] When student-centered learning really clicked for Randy. [21:13] Did Randy adopt Education Reimagined’s student-centered learning principles as part of his strategic plan at Salisbury? [23:55] Randy’s journey at Salisbury and his progress in shifting the schools to more student-based learning. [31:44] How Randy’s framework is helping to shift the mindsets and allow time for reflection. [33:25] Randy’s thoughts on the tension between innovation and equity (when progress is happening at different speeds in the district). [35:35] About Randy’s podcast, Shift Your Paradigm, and what he’s trying to accomplish with it. [41:37] Looking forward, what is Randy most curious about in transforming education? [44:22] Parting words and thanks from Tom and Randy. Mentioned in This Episode: Randy’s Twitter Randy’s LinkedIn WorkingAtTheEdge.Org Shift Your Paradigm Podcast Lynn Fuini-Hetten’s Twitter (Randy’s podcast co-host) Social Good Summit Johns Hopkins University Education Reimagined Pioneering Newsletter If you want to hear another great discussion with a student-centered leader, listen to: Episode 63: Listening to Kids and Designing from Scratch for Timeless Learning with Pam Moran Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe. Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include ‘Podcast’ in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!  

In this episode of the Getting Smart podcast, Tom interviews Sam Seidel, the Director of K12 Strategy and Research at the Stanford d.school, to discuss how he and his team are teaching design thinking in order to hack school and prep youth for complexity.   They talk about Sam’s early education and whether or not he had any experiences that resembled design thinking, what the K12 lab at Stanford d.school does, about his previous work at the Business Innovation Factory (BIF), and his (and d.school’s) definition on design thinking. They also discuss the importance of maintaining flexibility when it comes to using design thinking, some of the cool projects that d.school has launched in K12 in the last few years, the “shadow a student” challenge, what the deeper learning puzzle bus is, and what a school that fully incorporates design thinking might look like.   Key Takeaways: [:49] About Sam’s early education. [5:12] Did Sam have any experiences in high school or college that resembled design thinking? [7:06] Sam talks about the work he did at the Business Innovation Factory (BIF). [12:00] What the K12 lab at the Stanford d.school does. [13:02] Sam explains d.school’s “crash course” on design thinking (from their Discover Design Thinking workshop). [15:36] D.School’s definition of design thinking — is it a mindset or methodology? [17:40] The importance of maintaining flexibility when it comes to teaching/using design thinking. [18:48] Sam speaks about their proposed equity-centered design framework. [20:43] Sam talks about one of the cool projects that d.school has launched in K12 in the last few years: ‘School Retool’. [26:36] About the “shadow a student” challenge. [29:22] About the active shooter drill Sam experienced while shadowing a student in a classroom. [31:37] What is a deeper learning puzzle bus? [35:35] Sam describes what a school that fully incorporates design thinking might look like. [38:38] How Sam thinks about design thinking in writing, as an English teacher. [40:00] Areas that Sam is thinking about, going forward, in the K12 lab at the d.school.   Mentioned in This Episode: Stanford d.school Business Innovation Factory Gates Foundation High Tech High Getting Smart episode: “Apple Exec on Rewiring Education” Digital Promise Association for High School Innovation (AHSI) Rhode Island Department of Education Next Generation Learning Challenges (NGLC) 360 High School Edutopia School Retool Discover Design Thinking Olin College Hewlett Einhorn Family Charitable Fund 4.0 Schools Shadow a Student Challenge Tom’s article on Getting Smart: “32 Ways AI is Improving Education”   If you’re excited about design thinking and its impact on education, take a look at these resources on GettingSmart.com: Building Transferable Skills: Design Tech High at Oracle Campus What's Up With All the Design-Focused Schools? Design Thinking as Pedagogy For Students and Educators Design Thinking and its Impact on Education Innovation   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include ‘Podcast’ in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!  

Today, Tom and Emily are taking you on a virtual field trip to Murie Ranch in Grand Teton National Park. Over the last year and a half, you may have seen a ton of blogs (from the Getting Smart website) on place-based education. The Getting Smart team is extremely passionate about this topic — so passionate in fact, that they’re currently writing a field guide to place-based learning, and they’re doing it with experts in the field at Teton Science Schools in Jackson, Wyoming.   Tom and Emily take you to Jackson, to speak with Nate McClennon, VP of Education and Innovation at Teton Science Schools and Cristen Girard, the host at the Murie Ranch in Grand Teton National Park. Together, they dive into the six aspects of place-based education at Teton Science Schools and discuss the guidebook they’re writing. They also explain their hopes for the impact that Murie Ranch will have on students, what all educators should know about place-based learning, what exactly defines “place” education and all the reasons why place-based education is so powerful, impactful, and relevant today.   Key Takeaways: [:14] All about today’s episode. [1:08] Cristen introduces herself and explains what the Murie Ranch is. [2:43] The famous people that have spent time at the Robin’s Nest cabin at Murie Ranch. [3:38] Cris explains what happens the kind of learning that happens at the ranch. [4:38] What Cris hopes for the impact that the Murie Ranch will have. [6:00] What should all educators know about place-based learning? [7:14] Is place-based learning worth all the extra effort? [9:36] Nate describes place-based education. [10:11] The community impact that place-based education has. [10:45] The three components Teton Science Schools defines “place” as. [11:16] Emily explains how place-based education relates to high-quality project-based learning. [13:18] Nate runs through the six design principles of Teton Science Schools, starting with the first: that the community should be viewed as the classroom. [16:36] Nate explains the second of the six design principles: learner-centered. [18:06] The third design principle: inquiry-based. [20:35] Emily explains the fourth design principle: local to global. [24:10] The fifth design principle: design thinking. [25:28] Teton Science Schools’ view on design thinking. [27:32] The sixth, and last, design principle: an interdisciplinary approach. [28:46] How to get involved with Tom and Emily’s guidebook that they’re writing on place-based education. [29:42] Where to learn more about Teton Science Schools.   Mentioned in This Episode: Teton Science Schools Murie Ranch in Grand Teton National Park Big Picture Learning Getting Smart Episode: “What’s Up With All the Design-Focused Schools?” PlaceSchools.org   For More on the Topic of Place-Based Education, Check Out: Season 2, Episode 16: “Experiencing Place-Based Education at Teton Science Schools”   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include ‘Podcast’ in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!  

Today, Tom has a discussion with Rie Nøorgaard. Growing up in Denmark, Rie found design integrated into her life. After completing a design degree at the Danish School of Media and Journalism, she spent a decade as a Creative Director for several agencies. Three years ago, she joined San Francisco-based SYPartners, a consulting firm that behaves like a design firm. Clients of SYPartners include AT&T, eBay, Facebook, IBM, Google, and non-profits such as PBS and Planned Parenthood. What led her to SYPartners was her passion for design as an active service — from designing more inclusive organizations to reimagining how an ordinary product could become extraordinary for its users.   This episode, Tom talks to Rie about design thinking and her new podcast, Designing for Humanity. They discuss a typical day at work with SYPartners, the kinds of transformations she is helping the organizations she works with to achieve, all about the complexity of transformation, what “design being an active service” means, where and how design could be incorporated into schools, and her recommendations for further learning on the topic.   Key Takeaways: [:18] About today’s episode with Rie Nøorgaard. [1:20] Tom welcomes Rie to the podcast. [1:33] The origin story of Rie’s interest in design. [2:38] Rie’s experience at the Danish School of Media and Journalism. [3:17] About Rie’s role at SYPartners. [4:13] Is it more of a structured process or a set of tools that SYPartners brings into every engagement with each client or partner? [5:45] What SYPartners’ tools look like in terms of structuring a conversation or designing an experience. [6:37] What it’s like to work at SYPartners; a typical day for Rie at work. [9:39] Does SYPartners have a number of clients and partners at one time? [10:17] The kinds of organizations that Rie works for and the kinds of transformations she’s helping them to achieve. [13:02] Rie explains the complexity of transformation. [14:54] Are design and design thinking becoming more important? [17:13] Rie’s thoughts on how and where design could be incorporated into schools (particularly secondary schools.) [20:58] What does “design being an active service” mean to Rie? [22:37] The purpose and goal of Rie’s Designing for Humanity podcast. [25:56] Online resources Rie recommends for learning more about design and design thinking. [27:26] Where to learn more about Rie and SYPartners online.   Mentioned in This Episode: Danish School of Media and Journalism SYPartners Designing for Humanity Podcast Stanford D.School IDEO U Hello Design Thinking by IDEO U “Designing for Humanity: Do we need a new design frame?” by Rie Nøorgaard   Want More Episode on Design? Check Out: “What’s Up With All the Design-Focused Schools?” and “Design Thinking and Its Impact on Education Innovation”. Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include ‘Podcast’ in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!  

In this episode, Tom interviews David Conley, a professor at the College of Education at the University of Oregon.   For more than 20 years, Conley has been a leading authority in American education policy. His seminal book, College Knowledge, outlined what students need to know and be able to do to succeed in college and careers. His famous Think, Know, Act, Go outcome framework was foundational for Summit Learning and My Ways from NGLC. Conley’s new book, The Promise and Practice of Next Generation Assessment, offers 10 principles for better assessment — and a vision for how assessment can be integrated into learning and be a positive experience for learners.   In this conversation with Tom, David discusses his new book in-depth, explaining the 10 principles of next-generation assessment — five of which are student-centered and the last five which are school-centered. David also outlines a good week in a dream middle school that uses next-generation assessments and explains how students becoming good help-seekers is critical to being successful in post-secondary or careers.   Key Takeaways: [:15] About today’s episode with David Conley. [1:10] Tom welcomes David to the podcast. [1:58] About David’s education in Bilingual Education and Curriculum Studies. [3:07] How David’s Ph.D. in Curriculum Studies helped inspire his new book, The Promise and Practice of Next Generation Assessment. [4:34] About the start of David’s book; from blog to fully-fledged book. [5:05] David talks about the 10 principles of next-generation assessment he outlines in his book, starting with the first one on how “next-generation assessment is focused on learners’ needs first and foremost.” [8:37] David describes the 2nd principle: “next-generation assessments view development from a novice to expert continuum.” [9:58] David elaborates on the 3rd principle: “learners understand the structure of knowledge, not just the facts. Online assessment interrogates the structure of knowledge.” [12:24] David expands on his 4th principle: “good assessments would promote ownership of learning and help develop self-knowledge.” [14:23] Tom asks about the second half of David’s principles, which are more school-centered. He starts with the 6th, which focuses on how good assessment can make information actionable for teachers in schools. [17:04] David talks about making assessment information more useful for learners and describes the two ways that schools generally aggregate information now. [19:34] How becoming good help-seekers is important to be successful in post-secondary or careers. [22:04] About the iNACOL Book Party for Tom’s new book, Better Together. [22:45] David’s sense of what actionable information for teachers in schools would look like. [25:06] Why David and Tom are so excited about David’s 7th principle on how next-generation assessments will have high cumulative validity. [29:01] David explains the 8th principle on how assessment should acknowledge once you pass the basics understanding of something, learning becomes more context-specific. [31:35] How David views the 9th principle on “harmonizing instructional improvement and accountability.” [33:34] David answers his 10th principle: “How do good assessments take equity into account?” [36:57] David talks Tom through a good week in a dream middle school that uses next-generation assessments.   Mentioned in This Episode: College of Education — University of Oregon College Knowledge: What It Really Takes for Students to Succeed and What We Can Do to Get Them Ready, by David T. Conley Think, Know, Act, Go outcome framework Summit Learning My Ways from NGLC The Promise and Practice of Next Generation Assessment, by David T. Conley Berkeley University of California JFF Blog The End of Average: How We Succeed in a World That Values Sameness, by Todd Rose International Baccalaureate Better Together: How to Leverage School Networks For Smarter Personalized and Project Based Learning, by Tom Vander Ark and Lydia Dobyns Dark Horse: Achieving Success Through the Pursuit of Fulfillment, by Todd Rose and Ogi Ogas “How I Know” Series   Want to Attend the iNACOL Book Party? Send a message to [email protected] and let them know you want on the guest list!   Want to Learn More About Formative Assessment? Check out the “How I Know” series of blogs and podcasts about the great work being done in Austin, Dallas, and Tulsa.   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include ‘Podcast’ in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!

This episode, Tom interviews Julia Freeland Fisher, the Director of Education at the Clayton Christensen Institute. For a decade, since Clay Christensen and Michael Horn published Disrupting Class: How Disruptive Innovation Will Change the Way the World Learns, the team at the Clayton Christensen Institute has been known as a leader in blended and personalized learning — as well as the idea of disruptive innovation.   In Julia’s new book, Who You Know: Unlocking Innovations That Expand Students’ Networks, she explores the importance of social capital. She emphasizes the idea that who you know matters greatly in terms of a child’s success in the future.   In this podcast, Julia shares information about her new book and describes innovative approaches to helping young people develop social networks. She also speaks about the process of writing the book as well as her journey that got her to this point.   “Children's networks — their reservoir of social capital and ability to bank on that capital for support, advice, or opportunities down the line — remains largely determined by random luck: the luck of where children are born, whom their parents know, and whom they happen to end up sitting next to in class.” — Julia Freeland Fisher (Who You Know: Unlocking Innovations That Expand Students’ Networks)   Key Takeaways: [:19] About today’s topic and guest. [1:19] Tom welcomes Julia to the podcast. [1:40] About Julia’s early education. [3:49] Where Julia’s interest in Latin studies came from. [5:07] Why Julia went to law school. [6:12] Where Julia’s interest in education came from. [7:55] What led Julia to the Clayton Christensen Institute. [9:07] Julia gives a brief explanation on what disruptive innovation is. [10:32] How did the leading voice for personalized and blended learning decide to study social capital? [13:03] What Tom was surprised to learn from Julia’s book, Who You Know. [14:54] Tom reads a quote from Who You Know that sums up the equity issue and Julia explains it more thoroughly. [16:02] Innovations Julia has seen that have helped to expand students’ networks. [18:02] Julia’s thoughts on virtual mentoring networks. [20:10] About the iNACOL Book Party with Lydia, Tom, and Julia. [20:35] Does Julia think virtual reality is going to play a role in introducing young people to career opportunities? [21:56] Julia explains online connecting offline. [23:10] Julia explains integrated student services. [25:19] How do we make social capital more important? How do we create time in busy, secondary schedules for things like mentorships and work-based learning? [27:26] Julia describes key differences between a traditional high school and one that is aiming toward building social capital. [33:54] About Julia’s experience co-authoring with her husband. [35:19] How, when and where did Julia write? [36:15] What is Julia’s next book on? [37:29] What has been humbling for Julia while she has been giving talks on the book?   Mentioned in This Episode: Julia Freeland Fisher’s LinkedIn Clayton Christensen Institute Disrupting Class: How Disruptive Innovation Will Change the Way the World Learns, by Clayton Christensen, Curtis W. Johnson, and Michael B. Horn Who You Know: Unlocking Innovations That Expand Students’ Networks, by Julia Freeland Fisher and Daniel Fisher Better Together: How to Leverage School Networks For Smarter Personalized and Project Based Learning, by Tom Vander Ark and Lydia Dobyns NewSchools Venture Fund Community Share ImBlaze LRNG.org Del Lago Academy One Stone   Want to Attend the iNACOL Book Party? Send a message to [email protected] and let them know you want on the guest list!   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include ‘Podcast’ in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!  

Today, Tom interviews thought leader, author, and Apple Executive, John Couch. For 16 years, John served as Apple’s Vice President of Education. He launched some great programs and saw a lot of cool stuff but was left a bit disappointed by the reductive and ineffective uses of technology. In his new book, Rewiring Education, he urges a full rewiring of education. It is a call-to-action to parents and teachers to help them realize that the technology that’s now in place can empower both teachers and the students if deployed correctly. He believes the classroom needs to be completely rewired to become more relevant, creative, collaborative, and challenging. In this conversation with Tom, John explains what makes him enthusiastic about project-based learning and the future of learning technology, why design is such an important concept, what challenge-based learning is and why it is also important, and his take on technology today and how it can best be used in schools. John also talks about some of the key points from his book, Rewiring Education, how teaching is all about helping students recognize their natural talents, and moving from being a conveyor of information to a facilitator of information.   Key Takeaways: [:20] About some upcoming changes to the Getting Smart podcast in the next couple of weeks. [1:05] About this week’s guest, John Couch. [1:41] How John originally got interested in computers. [4:07] What was the impetus behind John’s most recent book, Rewiring Education? [6:03] John explains the title of his book, Rewiring Education. [7:04] Why design is an important concept. [9:58] About the chart in chapter 5 that illustrates the difference between education and learning, and where to find John’s other charts and slides for Rewiring Education. [11:34] John describes what challenge-based learning is, gives some examples, and explains why it’s so important. [16:50] About the great team of people John has worked with. [17:47] John’s take on coding. [19:55] What’s the new role of the teacher John described in his book. [21:57] John talks about how teaching is helping students recognize their natural talents and moving from being a conveyor of information to a facilitator of information. [23:50] John’s current take on technology and how it can best be used in schools today. [26:18] John answers Tom’s lightning round questions about new technology! [32:57] Where to find John and his work online.   Mentioned in This Episode: Rewiring Education: How Technology Can Unlock Every Student’s Potential, by John Couch and Jason Towne Compiler Construction: Theory and Practice, by John Couch and William A. Barrett RewiringEducation.com DigitalPromise.org CBL.DigitalPromise.org   For More on Design Thinking: Listen to Getting Smart’s episode: What’s Up With All the Designed-Focused Schools?   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include ‘Podcast’ in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!

Today, Tom talks with Pam Moran, who just wrapped up 32 years with Albemarle County Public Schools as she transitions into a leadership role at the Virginia School Consortium for Learning.   Starting as a science teacher and concluding with a dozen years as superintendent, Pam has quietly become one of America’s leading educators because the work she leads is so compelling. With two of her Albemarle colleagues, Moran just published a book of lessons learned called, Timeless Learning: How Imagination, Observation, and Zero-based Thinking Change Schools.   In this interview, Tom talks to Pam about the process of writing her book with her co-authors Ira and Chad, their collective philosophy on education, and the contents of the book. Pam also talks about why she originally wanted to become a teacher, some of her key focuses in education, and her thoughts on multi-age spaces and the ways in which schools can help ready students for adulthood.   Key Takeaways: [:15] About the guest today, Pam Moran. [:52] Tom welcomes Pam to the podcast and she describes her passion for her career. [3:40] When did Pam decide she wanted to be a teacher? [5:55] When and why Pam decided to write her book, Timeless Learning with co-authors. [15:00] Pam talks about one of her key focuses: seeing children more clearly. [17:28] About Pam’s and her co-authors’ collective philosophy. [25:20] Pam talks about multi-age spaces and the benefits of children learning in these spaces. [31:10] About an initiative Pam is working on, and one of the major ways schools can help ready students for college and career. [36:06] If Pam were going to write a headline for each of her co-authors, what would they be? [38:23] How did Pam and her co-authors write the book? [41:59] Why Pam and co-authors decided to include the “take action” section at the end of each chapter. [45:03] Pam reflects on and gives her thoughts on Better Together.   Mentioned in This Episode: Albemarle County Public Schools Timeless Learning: How Imagination, Observation, and Zero-based Thinking Change Schools, by Ira David Socol, Pam Moran, and Chad Ratliff Virginia School Consortium for Learning MakerEd.org Better Together: How to Leverage School Networks For Smarter Personalized and Project Based Learning, by Tom Vander Ark and Lydia Dobyns Wiley Publications   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include ‘Podcast’ in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!  

Today, Tom speaks with Tim Stuart. Tim is an international educator who has lived in France and has taught in Turkey and Switzerland. After being the principal of a New Mexico school serving Native Americans, Tim was one of the first to earn a Ph.D. as a Gates Millenium Scholar. As Head of School in Jakarta, he was introduced to professional learning communities by Rick Dufour. Since then, Tim has used professional learning communities to create exemplary schools in Singapore and Ethiopia. And in Tim’s first book for Solution Tree, Global Perspectives, he outlines the use of PLCs in International Schools.   In this podcast, Tim talks to Tom about his journey, why he thinks professional learning communities (PLC) 2.0 is a big deal, the three shifts in personalized learning schools must make, the vision he has for schools around the world, and the main takeaways from his books on personalized learning and PLCs. Tim also gives his insight on turning the four critical PLC questions around and inviting students to become active agents of their own learning.   Key Takeaways: [:16] About the guest for today, Tim Stuart. [1:28] Tom welcomes Tim to the podcast. [2:40] About Tim’s experience as one of the first to earn a Ph.D. as a Gates Millenium Scholar. [3:08] What kicked off Tim’s leadership career as an international educator? [4:00] Tim’s experience as an international educator before working in Jakarta. [4:26] About Tim’s introduction to the professional learning community concept. [5:46] Why Tim decided to visit schools around the world. [8:00] How visiting schools supercharged Tim’s PLCs. [8:34] The thesis of Tim’s (and colleagues’) book, Global Perspectives. [9:56] Tom summarizes the four professional learning communities (PLC) questions. [10:28] Tim’s thoughts on the four PLC questions. [11:15] The origin of Tim’s idea to rework the PLC framework to include students. [15:10] About Tim’s other recently published book: Personalized Learning in a PLC at Work, and how he connected with the other authors of the book. [18:10] Tim explains how PLC and RTI come together as critical allies in student learning. [20:54] Tim speaks about the three shifts in personalized learning schools must make. [27:42] How highly effective learning progressive schools are schools that are highly collaborative. [29:20] Tom reads the thesis summary from Personalized Learning in a PLC at Work. [29:48] About Tim’s first year at the school in Ethiopia and the work he’s doing there. [33:44] Is it still the vision of the International Community School of Addis Ababa to be the best in (and for) Africa?   Mentioned in This Episode: Global Perspectives: Professional Learning Communities at WorkTM in International Schools (Fully Institutionalize Behaviors Consistent with PLC Expectations), by Tim Stuart and colleagues Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Jakarta International School Singapore American School The Global Achievement Gap: Why Even Our Best Schools Don't Teach the New Survival Skills Our Children Need — and What We Can Do About It, by Tony Wagner The MET School High Tech High Personalized Learning in a PLC at Work™: Student Agency Through the Four Critical Questions (Develop Innovative PLC- and RTI-Based Personalized Learning), by Tim Stuart, Sascha Heckmann, Mike Mattos, and Austin Buffum USAID Peace Corps Save the Children Food for the Hungry International Community School of Addis Ababa   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include ‘Podcast’ in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!

Today, Tom has a conversation with David Michael Slater. David is a teacher at Pine Middle School in Reno — he’s also an author of dozens of children’s books and has been writing and teaching for over 20 years.   David believes that having another passion beyond the classroom is helpful for a teacher. In his first nonfiction work, Slater enumerates many of the bad, obsolete, and corrupted ideas that have become part of the basic operating system in American elementary and secondary education. The book is called, We’re Doing It Wrong: 25 Ideas in Education That Just Don’t Work—And How to Fix Them. In pithy, short chapters Slater exposes some bad assumptions and makes the case for how good ideas have gone bad.   Join David and Tom today as they go through several chapters of his book and discuss issues such as age-based education, why teachers are leaving the field, regarding the student as the client, helicopter parents and absent parents, the guidance gap, the writing crisis, and more.   Key Takeaways: [:16] About today’s episode with David Slater. [1:11] David’s educational background. [4:35] When did David start his writing career? And why? [5:40] How and when David writes. [6:14] Does David write by-hand or on the computer? [6:26] The background on his latest nonfiction book, We’re Doing It Wrong. [8:05] Why is age-based education a problem? [9:13] One of the reasons why David wrote this book, and one of the main reasons why teachers are leaving the field. [10:41] David’s take on chapter 6 of his book around student-centered learning. [12:19] What’s wrong with the metaphor: the student is the client. [13:44] David’s take on “helicopter parents”. [15:05] David’s thoughts on absent parents. [16:25] David and Tom discuss the guidance gap. [17:40] David talks about the immense issue that is the writing crisis, and how David combats this within the school where he teaches. [23:43] David’s concerns about automated writing feedback systems. [25:29] David shares some of the other topics and issues in his book, We’re Doing It Wrong. [27:30] What David’s next book is on. [28:35] What David is currently teaching at Pine Middle School and his other endeavor: We’re Doing It Wrong website and podcast.   Mentioned in This Episode: Pine Middle School We’re Doing It Wrong: 25 Ideas in Education That Just Don’t Work—And How to Fix Them, by David Michael Slater David Michael Slater’s Amazon Book Page Health and Science School Smart Parents: Parenting for Powerful Learning, by Tom Vander Ark, Bonnie Lathram, and Carri Schneider We’re Doing It Wrong Website & Podcast   For More on Reimagining K-12: Listen to: Season 3, Episode 18 “What School Could Be: Ted Dintersmith on Powerful Learning”.   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include ‘Podcast’ in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!  

In today’s episode, Tom interviews Ryan Craig. Ryan is an attorney, an entrepreneur, and a venture investor — he’s also a leading critic of higher education. When he sees half of the people attending post-secondary failing to earn degrees (and many of them leaving with piles of debt) he sees an emergency. As he would say, “the patient is bleeding out on the table.”   Ryan is the co-founder of University Ventures, an organization that is reimagining the future of higher education and creating new pathways from education to employment. They’re working to make higher education more affordable, helping employers think differently about how and where they discover talent, and pioneering entirely new approaches to learning. His new book, A New U: Faster + Cheaper Alternatives to College, also outlines a radically different post-secondary landscape — one where everyone has access to free, or at least debt-free, training for a high-paying first job.   Tom and Ryan dive into discussions about his book, A New U; his organization, University Ventures; and why he has set his focus on post-secondary affordability and employability. Ryan also describes the last-mile training programs from UV and how they differ from higher ed courses; gives his 60-second solutions to several big problems in education today; and lets us know if he thinks online learning, microcredentials, and artificial intelligence in education are overrated or underrated.

Recently, Tom went to Europe to visit the founders of MyMachine. MyMachine is a 10-year-old nonprofit in Belgium that helps brings dreams to life by recruiting college design students and high school prototypers to help bring to life the dreams of elementary students.   While visiting MyMachine, Tom asked the three co-founders — Jan Despiegelaere, Piet Grymonprez, and Filip Meuris — about the origin story of MyMachine and how they’ve scaled up to help over half a million students worldwide gain creativity, entrepreneurship, and agency. Tom and the founders also discuss some of their favorite, standout answers to, “If we can build a dream machine for you, what would that machine do?”; the steps and educational levels involved in the process; the growth they hope to see for MyMachine in the educational system; and all about the skill benefits students gain from MyMachine.   Key Takeaways: [:14] About today’s podcast and guest. [1:20] The MyMachine founders introduce themselves. [1:44] Co-founder Jan describes the location of MyMachine. [3:21] Do the co-founders feel that the education system is not keeping up with the thriving economy in Europe? [4:25] Filip tells the story of the origin of MyMachine. [6:30] When did Piet hear about this idea and come to think about it as an organization? [8:25] What is the prompt MyMachine gives to elementary students in the classroom? [9:30] Some of the answers from elementary students and the values and agency it builds for them. [12:10] One of the MyMachine answers that stood out most for Jan. [13:50] One of Filip’s favorite MyMachine ideas. [15:33] Why are three groups of students (elementary, secondary, and higher ed) involved in the MyMachine process? [18:13] The skill benefits that the students gain from MyMachine. [21:07] What benefits do Jan’s corporate and philanthropic partners see in the program? Why do they support MyMachine? [23:11] What does success look like to the founders? How will the world be better 5-10 years from now with the growth and success of MyMachine? [25:10] Does Jan see MyMachine making schools better and different in the future? [26:48] Filip’s thoughts on what success looks like a few years from now.   Mentioned in This Episode: MyMachine-global.org “Teaching Students How to Bring Their Dreams to Life” (Piet’s blog post on GettingSmart.com)   For More on Design Thinking, Check Out: S3:E35 “What’s Up With All the Design-Focused Schools?” for a review on design-focused schools and S3:E32 “Michael Fullan Sees Global Momentum for Deep Learning” to learn why Michael Fullan is so optimistic that deeper learning is a global trend.   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include ‘Podcast’ in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!  

This week, Tom Vander Ark speaks with Lydia Dobyns, CEO of New Tech Network, to talk about their new book, Better Together: How to Leverage School Networks for Smarter Personalized and Project-Based Learning. Tom and Lydia are excited about the potential of personalized and project-based learning but worry about the degree of difficulty for teachers. Their book suggests that schools working together in formal (or informal) networks to share models, tools, and professional learning to achieve their goals.   In this episode, Tom and Lydia discuss and share their ideas on a variety of topics from their book, Better Together; talk about some of their favorite school districts that use networks; and how the use of networks is transforming schools.   Listen in to learn more about their work, ideas, and their new book, Better Together!   Key Takeaways: [:14] About today’s podcast and guest. [1:11] About Tom and Lydia’s early careers and changes in the industry from technology. [5:20] When Tom and Lydia started thinking about networks and education. [7:06] How and when Lydia found out about New Tech Network. [9:43] About Tom and Lydia’s book, Better Together. [10:36] Tom and Lydia’s opinions on the Platform Revolution. [18:04] Lydia describes what a typical New Tech looks like it and how it works. [21:50] Lydia’s favorite team-taught courses. [23:13] What it’s like to teach at New Tech, how teachers are connected, and how learning is promoted across the network. [26:45] The networks Lydia has collaborated with over the last several years. [29:25] Mentionable charter management organizations. [30:59] Mentionable school districts that operate like networks. [32:10] Districts that use a portfolio strategy and use multiple networks. [32:49] What makes a good district and the next big learning for district leaders. [36:00] Lydia summarizes how leading in a network is different. [38:38] Tom and Lydia summarize their book, Better Together.   Mentioned in This Episode: New Tech Network Better Together: How to Leverage School Networks For Smarter Personalized and Project Based Learning, by Tom Vander Ark and Lydia Dobyns High Tech High New Tech High New Tech Network Hewlett Big Picture Learning EL Education New Visions for Public Schools Brooklyn Lab School Kettle Moraine School District Denver Public Schools DSST Public Schools STRIVE Preparatory Schools Rocky Mountain Prep Beacon Network Schools League of Innovative Schools Remake Learning Avonworth School District El Paso Independent School District   To Learn More: Check out GettingSmart.com/BetterTogether and NewTechNetwork.org for a ton of great blogs and information about working in a network.   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected] and include ‘Podcast’ in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!   Over the next year, The Getting Smart team will be pulling together workshops to explore the power of school networks. Email [email protected] or click on the Services tab on GettingSmart.com to learn more.

This episode is the second in the two-part series from Getting Smart’s time spent at SXSW EDU. Getting Smart was a media partner at the conference and while there got to meet and interview thought leaders, change makers, and even a few students. If you haven’t listened to part one yet, you can find it on GettingSmart.com.   Emily Liebtag interviews SXSW EDU attendees on why they attended the conference and what their predictions are about the future of work and learning. This episode she interviews Stephen Turnipseed, Executive VP and Chief strategy officer at Pitsco; Dr. Elaine Metcalf, Principal of Summit Technology Academy; and Saro Mohammed, partner at the Learning Accelerator. They discuss blended learning, their hopes for the future of learning, and why they love SXSW EDU. Lastly, Emily sits down with students from the MET School who share their experiences at the project-focused school. They talk about why they believe in the power of projects, the skills they think are the most valuable for graduates, and why they love the MET.   Key Takeaways: [:33] About today’s podcast and guests. [1:28] About Stephen’s Turnipseed’s work and his thoughts on education becoming increasingly more connected. [4:05] Why Dr. Elaine Metcalf loves SXSW EDU. [4:54] What Dr. Elaine Metcalf sees as the diploma of the future. [6:50] Saro Mohammed’s educational background and role at Learning Accelerator. [7:46] Why Saro is at SXSW EDU. [8:50] The skills Saro sees as necessary for students to be equipped with when facing college or career. [10:25] What skills should the diploma of the future include? [12:04] What could shift in education to get us to Saro’s ideal future classroom? [14:15] Emily interviews student from MET and they all introduce themselves. [15:25] What the MET is all about and why these students love it. [17:50] What they’re passionate about and investigating through their internships and projects. [20:14] How working on projects has helped develop their agency and learn about what they’re passionate about. [22:28] What skills these students believe are going to most benefit them as a graduate.   Mentioned in This Episode: SXSW EDU First part of episode Sugata Mitra on Self-Organized Learning Environments Summit Technology Academy The MET High School [email protected]   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected], Tweet @Getting_Smart, or leave a review. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!

Over the next two weeks we'll be bringing you a special edition two-part episode from our time spent at SXSW EDU. Getting Smart was a media partner at the conference and while there, we got to meet and interview thought leaders, change makers, and even a few students. These episodes come just in time to help inspire and encourage you to submit your proposal to present at next year's conference. Check out SXSW's Panel Picker site and get your submission(s) in before July 20th! During the episode, you'll hear interviews with SXSW EDU attendees on why they attended the conference and what their predictions are about the future of work and learning. First, we speak with Connie Lie, a teacher, and founder of Project Invent — a program working to bring more invention programs and high-quality projects to high school students. Then, you'll hear from Jessica Millstone, Director of Engagement at BrainPop. Jessica shares why she loves SXSW EDU and what she believes the future of learning should look like. During the episode, Caroline on our team speaks with Tessa Simmons, a high school senior who attended and spoke at SXSW. Tessa shares how her education has been influenced by learning that happens outside of school hours and how having autonomy in her learning is important to her education. Next up, an interview with Ulcca Joshi Hanson — Associate Director of Education Reimagined — who speaks about schools she has worked with and the future of education. Lastly, we wrap up with a quick interview with Michael Crawford, Director of Strategy and Partnership at Real World Scholars, who shares his thoughts on why the future of learning will be connected. Stay tuned for part two of this episode next week, to hear more featured voices from SXSW EDU! Key Takeaways: [:17] About today’s podcast and guests. [1:35] Connie Lie introduces herself and speaks about her work background. [2:19] About Connie’s program, Project Invent, that helps bring real, authentic learning opportunities to students. [3:30] Are students managing projects on their own at Project Invent? [5:36] Did Project Invent’s genesis come about from a high-quality learning experience of Connie’s? [7:46] Why is it hard to do project-based learning well? How did Connie overcome these challenges? [10:03] Connie’s tips for those getting started in a similar field as herself. [11:43] Jessica Millstone introduces herself and explains what she does. [12:18] Why Jessica is at SXSW EDU and why she loves it. [13:50] About the well-designed sessions and meet-ups at SXSW EDU. [15:51] The future of learning for students bringing strong connections even with the increasingly technological social media world. [19:02] What Jessica thinks is on the horizon for learning. [22:02] Tessa Simmons introduces herself and talks about the school she attends — One Stone. [23:54] How Tessa’s education has been influenced outside the classroom, at One Stone. [25:26] About the student leadership at One Stone. How getting involved and having a say at the school has helped shape Tessa’s learning. [26:45] How preparing material for the board of directors at One Stone has helped Tessa prepare for her future. [28:29] How has failure propelled Tessa forward? [30:11] Where Tessa has been able to take risks in her education at One Stone. [31:07] What is Tessa’s hope for the future of learning and students just going into high school? [33:07] When Ulcca Joshi Hanson thinks about the future of education, what does she see? [34:30] Ulcca talks about Education Reimagined and explains what they do. [37:43] An example of a school Ulcca is working with that is competency-based learning, student agency, personalized, social and contextualized learning. [39:33] Ulcca’s experiences growing up and how that helped lay down the path to her future. [43:14] Michael Crawford introduces himself and explains his work at Real World Scholars. [45:10] What does Michael see for the future of learning? [46:01] Would Michael describe a future grad of Real World Scholars as a ‘connected individual?’   Mentioned in This Episode: SXSW EDU Project Invent BrainPOP Education Reimagined Real World Scholars One Stone The MET High School Iowa BIG   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected], Tweet @Getting_Smart, or leave a review. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!  

Today, your host Jessica Slusser and Tom Vander Ark discuss the Pacific NW LX Summit at the Science and Math Institute (SAMi) that the Getting Smart team co-hosted a few weeks ago. There, they explored what powerful learning experiences for kids look like, how you create them, and why they’re so important. Throughout the day, with Puget Sound educators, they explored what good learning design looks like.   In this episode, you’ll hear from a variety of veteran educators describing what powerful learning experiences mean for kids and teachers. Tom speaks with Rebekah Kim, title; Juliana Finegan, title; Julie Kinzer, who develops and supports instructional coaches in Tacoma Public Schools; instructional coach, Ryan Prosser; Jason Lee Middle School Principal, Christine Brandt; Jason Kettler, title; and Tawnya, Coordinator of the Early Learning Center at SaMI.   Key Takeaways: [:15] About today’s topic of discussion. [2:18] What does Rebekah Kim think of when it comes to powerful learning experiences? [3:04] What does Juliana Finegan think of when it comes to powerful learning experiences? [3:54] What does Woody Sobey think of when it comes to powerful learning experiences? [4:45] The key to making the makerspace at One Stone (the Foundry) such a magical place. [5:41] Woody speaks about the creation of makerspaces in the Renton School District. [6:40] What does Julie Kinzer think about when it comes to powerful learning experiences? [7:46] How Julie thinks of designing powerful learning experiences for instructional coaches. [8:26] What comes to mind for Christine Brandt when she thinks of powerful learning experiences. [9:41] What Ryan Prosser thinks about when it comes to powerful learning experiences. [10:43] How often Ryan gets the chance to work with teams, programs, and spaces. [13:35] What does Kelly Tanner think about when designing powerful learning spaces? [14:52] Kelly describes what she loves about the Science and Math Institute. [16:26] John Kettler and Tawnya describe the Environmental Learning Center (preschool) at SAMi. [18:43] What classes are in the makerspace at SAMi? [19:20] What kind of collaboration is there between the zoo and SAMi staff? [20:00] What does the mini theatre provide at SAMi? [20:34] John describes the space upstairs at SAMi.   Mentioned in This Episode: Science and Math Institute (SAMi) One Stone Makerspace: the Foundry Renton School District Tacoma Public Schools Environmental Learning Center (SAMi) Albertsons Companies Foundation Jason Lee Middle School [email protected]   Want to Learn More About Hosting One of These Workshops at Your School? Send an email to Adam Kulaas, Getting Smart’s Director of Learning Design. [email protected]   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected], Tweet @Getting_Smart, or leave a review. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!  

This week on the Getting Smart Podcast, Tom is talking to his colleague, Emily Liebtag. Emily is the Director of Advocacy at Getting Smart. Emily has been a teacher, and a learner, in a myriad of different classroom spaces — ranging from K-12 public schools to online institutes of higher education.   In the last several weeks, The Getting Smart team has visited so many unique, innovative schools. They’ve been to cities across the country, visiting well over a dozen different schools — all of which serve as great examples of successfully implementing deeper learning, design thinking, and student agency.   In this episode, Tom and Emily talk all about their favorite design-thinking schools, positive trends happening in schools across the country, and the changes they have observed in schools after implementing design-thinking. They also discuss design-thinking across the curriculum, supporting design with skill-building, formative assessment, and extended challenges.   Key Takeaways: [:14] This week, Tom is talking to Emily Liebtag to discuss all of the amazing, innovative design-focused schools they have had the pleasure of visiting in the last several weeks. [:31] Emily’s favorite school from the last several weeks: Agnor-Hurt Elementary. [3:40] About Tom’s recent visit to Tacoma Public Schools’ Science and Math Institute. [4:46] Why The Getting Smart team thinks design focus is so important in today’s education. [6:50] How design-thinking has changed in education from years ago to now. [8:47] One of Getting Smart’s favorite schools is One Stone, that is a great example of well-structured design-thinking methodology. [10:09] An example of a successful project by a student, that came out of a design-thinking school. [11:51] Positive trends taking over schools across the country. [14:28] All about D39 — a school that embodies these new, innovative trends. [15:36] What Emily loves about Del Lago Academy. [16:47] About VIDA school — a school that was going to shut down but reinvented themselves as a design-thinking school. [17:38] What Emily and Tom love about High Tech High in San Diego. [19:55] Tom’s thoughts on Purdue Polytechnic Institute. [21:18] How the design-thinking frame helps students to incorporate different skills. [23:26] Some elements of design-thinking in Albemarle County Public Schools that have really stood out to Tom and Emily. [27:27] SAMI and other schools in the Pacific Northwest that Tom would like to shed a light on. [29:30] Recapping this week’s episode. [31:25] Where to learn more about school visits.   Mentioned in This Episode: Emily Liebtag Agnor-Hurt Elementary School Albemarle County Public Schools Tacoma Public Schools: Science and Math Institute (SAMI) One Stone Design39 (D39) Del Lago Academy VIDA High Tech High High Tech High International El Paso School District Purdue Polytechnic Institute Carnegie Mellon University of Pittsburgh Grable Foundation Woodbrook Elementary School Design Tech High School [email protected] (Emily’s email)   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected], Tweet @Getting_Smart, or leave a review. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!  

Today, Tom has a conversation with Dr. Susan Bell, Superintendent of Windsor Locks Public Schools, a Connecticut district moving to mastery-based learning where students show what they know and progress when they demonstrate mastery.   Next month, after 17 years working with Windsor Locks, Dr. Bell will be joining the Mastery Transcript Consortium. There she will be helping schools and districts adopt new competency-based transcripts that help learners better communicate their capabilities and accomplishments.   In this episode, they discuss Windsor Locks’s goals and efforts to becoming a mastery-based district, Susan’s work at Windsor Locks and the strides she has made in her 17 years as Superintendent, and all about her new position at Mastery Transcript Consortium and the work she hopes to accomplish there.   Key Takeaways: [:15] About today’s conversation with Dr. Susan Bell. [:50] About the community of Windsor Locks in Connecticut. [2:59] About Susie’s early life and education. [3:40] Did Susie go to MCLA with the intentions of becoming a teacher? [4:23] Susie’s start as a counselor at Windsor Locks, in 2001. [5:29] What did Susie study at the University of Hartford? [6:17] The importance of building a rich path to principalship. [7:52] About Windsor Locks’s goals and how they were formed. [10:00] Windsor Locks’s graduate profile. [11:09] Windsor Locks’s efforts to become a mastery-based district and where the idea originated. [13:53] The challenge of becoming more competency-based and student-centered. [16:07] Did Dr. Susan Bell start in K-8? [17:20] How Susie’s work has helped her reimagine high school. [21:09] Supporters that have helped Windsor Locks. [25:15] The progress being made through Susie’s hard work. [27:11] Susie’s new position at Mastery Transcript Consortium. [29:05] Why a new transcript and the work at MTC is so important.   Mentioned in This Episode: Windsor Locks Public Schools Mastery Transcript Consortium Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts University of Hartford Great Schools Partnership Hartford Foundation for Public Giving Connecticut Center for School Change Nellie Mae Education Foundation High Tech High Most Likely to Succeed film   Want to Learn More About Another Fantastic Connecticut Superintendent? Listen to: “S3: E16 Leading A Student-Centered Agenda: 10 Lessons from Mark Benigni”   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected], Tweet @Getting_Smart, or leave a review. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!

Today on the Getting Smart Podcast, Tom interviews Jeff Dieffenbach, Associate Director of the MIT Integrated Learning Initiative (MITili). Prior to joining MIT, Jeff worked in strategy, product management, business development, sales, and marketing roles for a variety of traditional and digital education companies.   With Jeff’s current role at MIT, he works with his team to better understand learning and education — and using that knowledge to better enable students and learners around the world to reach their fullest potential. MITili funds, connects, and shares research investigating learning effectiveness.   In this episode, Tom and Jeff discuss his current role at MIT at the ILI center as well as their overall mission. Jeff elaborates on how they conduct literacy assessments, he describes what he has learned about how learners grow and develop, and how they can help improve children’s education.   Key Takeaways: [1:07] Welcoming Jeff Dieffenbach to the podcast. [1:13] Where Jeff went to high school and how he got hooked on to sailing. [2:15] How did Jeff get to MIT? [2:45] The interesting range of topics that Jeff studied at MIT (Tech policy and materials science) and why he chose to study them. [3:33] About Jeff’s extensive career in education, ed tech, and business development and he made the switch from art engineering sciences. [4:39] About Jeff’s current work at MIT’s Integrated Learning Initiative and it’s overall mission. [5:40] How they conduct literacy assessment at the Integrated Learning Initiative center. [7:07] About MIT’s work with the Learner Positioning Systems at Digital Promise. [8:20] Jeff describes what he has learned about how learners grow and develop — particularly younger children. [9:55] Helping kids access information and re-apply it. How memory and storing information works and why we need to take advantage of it to teach more effectively. [11:46] Jeff’s thoughts on deliberate practice. [14:45] At the policy level, what can states do to help improve children’s educational experience? [16:17] The changes being made towards generative systems that take advantage of learning and moving away from the traditional, four-year degree and command and control teaching. [17:35] Does Jeff think that there’s a reduced return on higher education? [19:38] Should we be optimistic about these new forms of learning? [21:13] The new movement towards education continuing into the workplace. [23:01] If we had better high school diplomas what would they signify, how would they be earned, and what kinds of experiences would go into them? [24:35] How might we express what a learner should be able to know and be able to do? [25:31] Anything new on the roadmap for MITili? [27:12] Where to learn more about the work Jeff is doing.   Mentioned in This Episode: Materials Processing Center at MIT MIT Integrated Learning Initiative Harvard Graduate School of Education Learner Positioning Systems (Digital Promise) Getting Smart’s Blog Post on Melina Uncapher (from UCSF) “S3: E15 The Science of Deliberate Practice: What it Means for Education” (Gene Kerns)   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected], Tweet @Getting_Smart, or leave a review. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!  

Today, The Getting Smart team is super excited to bring you a conversation with Michael Fullan. As Tom would say, Michael is Canada’s gift to education. For half a century and with 45 books to his credit, Michael has been the world’s most persistent and persuasive advocate for powerful learning experiences. Michael is encouraged by the global momentum he sees with whole systems adopting deep learning strategies and policies.   If you’ve been on Getting Smart’s blog recently, you know the team has started a project around rethinking the high school credential — so asking Michael about this topic was an incredible opportunity for the team.   Listen to this episode to hear Tom and Michael discuss the potential for better high school credentials and how the assessment system is changing — moving away from standardized tests and towards global competencies. Michael goes into detail, outlining the signs of progress and describing why he thinks the focus should be “life readiness” rather than college and career readiness. He also talks about the many books he has authored and co-authored and explains his ideas and theories from them and how they’ve shown up in education today.   Key Takeaways: [:16] About today’s episode with Michael Fullan. [1:00] Tom welcomes Michael to The Getting Smart podcast! [1:06] About Michael’s upbringing in Toronto, where he went to high school and college, and where he formed his deep interest in education. [2:26] About Michael’s most recent book — his autobiography, Surreal Change: The Real Life of Transforming Public Education. [3:44] How Michael’s book, Change Forces: Probing the Depths of Educational Reform, influenced Tom as a Superintendent in the 90s, and Michael’s views on his ideas and theories in the book. [5:05] How The Challenge of Change and All Systems Go were pivot points for Tom. [5:51] About Tom and Michael’s connection over Stratosphere. [6:30] More about some of the fantastic books and topics covered by Michael in previous publications. [8:48] How Michael thinks about the potential for a better high school credential, how the assessment system is changing (moving away from standardized tests), and the concept of global competencies. [11:56] About the shift from standardized tests to global competencies. [16:51] How should educators be certifying and helping students communicate their growth, capabilities, and accomplishments to employers and institutes of higher learning? [22:27] The importance of “life-readiness” and hands-on skills for students. [24:09] Is Michael interested in microcredentials or badges as a part of a system of communicating capability? [25:37] Michael’s views on the world’s current shift to deeper learning. [27:22] Michael’s prediction for the next 12 months.   Mentioned in This Episode: Routledge Corwin High Tech High Surreal Change: The Real Life of Transforming Public Education, by Michael Fullan Change Forces: Probing the Depths of Educational Reform, by Michael Fullan The Challenge of Change: Start School Improvement Now!, by Michael Fullan All Systems Go: The Change Imperative for Whole System Reform, by Michael Fullan Stratosphere: Integrating Technology, Pedagogy, and Change Knowledge, by Michael Fullan The Power of Unstoppable Momentum: Key Drivers to Revolutionize Your District (and Integrate Technology in the Classroom), by Michael Fullan and Mark A. Edwards Coherence: The Right Drivers in Action for Schools, Districts, and Systems, by Michael Fullan and Joanne Quinn Deep Learning: Engage the World Change the World, by Michael Fullan, Joanne Quinn, and Joanne J. McEachen   Want to Visit a Deeper Learning School? Listen in to The Getting Smart team’s walking tour of Design Tech High: “S3: E25 Building Transferable Skills: Design Tech High At Oracle Campus“ For even more on deeper learning, take a look at all of the blog posts on GettingSmart.com.   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected], Tweet @Getting_Smart, or leave a review. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!

Today, Tom speaks with Chris Minnich of the Northwest Evaluation Association — more commonly known as the NWEA. Chris was named the new CEO of NWEA in the fall of 2017. In his new role at NWEA, Chris will help invent the future of assessment. Currently, about 1 in 5 students in America already monitors their academic using the NWEA assessment tests.   Previously to his new position at NWEA, Chris served as the Executive Director of the Council of Chief State School Officers. During his decade there, Chris led the chiefs through the update to federal education policy that brought an end to a decade of unprecedented federal control and investment in K-12 education.   In this episode, Tom talks to Chris about where he’s been and where he sees the future of education and assessment heading. Chris describes a future where we combine adaptive assessment and performance assessment to know how all kids are doing in real time.   Key Takeaways: [1:06] Chris talks about his educational background and whether or not it impacted his career choice. [2:33] How Chris made it to the Oregon Department of Education. [3:37] About Chris’ work in becoming an early leader in online assessment. [4:25] Why and when did Chris join the Council of Chief State School Officers? [5:51] About Chris stepping in to become the Executive Director at CCSSO after the time of strong federal involvement. [7:49] Why Chris decided to join the NWEA and what he wants he’s looking forward to working on. [9:19] About NWEA, their goal, when the tests are given, and the subjects covered. [10:29] Does Chris see a way to use multiple forms of assessments together to both improve learning and to make mastery judgments? [14:00] The benefits of assessment. [15:25] Is there anything that could help teachers combine multiple forms of assessment? [17:09] About Chris’ interest in assessment literacy and helping teachers make better use of formative data. [19:02] What Chris is looking to accomplish with NWEA in the near future.   Mentioned in This Episode: Oregon Department of Education No Child Left Behind Act Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) Northwest Evaluation Association (NWEA) Dreambox Learning iNACOL   Want to Learn More About High-Quality Formative Assessment? Listen in to the conversation with experts and teachers from Austin, Dallas, and Tulsa in: “S3: E14 What is Formative Assessment? Voices from the Field”   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected], Tweet @Getting_Smart, or leave a review. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!

This episode, Tom speaks with Maura Marino — CEO of Education Forward DC. Before helping launch Education Forward DC, Maura held a number of positions at NewSchools Venture Fund where she worked for 8 years. There, she learned a lot about the national picture and how the trends around entrepreneurship and scaling success looked in public education. She was able to see, up close, organizations that were making huge changes in education.   For the last 20 years, NewSchools Venture Fund has really been the epicenter of education entrepreneurship. Originally founded by Kim Smith, NewSchools really took the idea of designing and incubating new school models to the next level. Since leaving NewSchools, Maura started up Education Forward DC to help support visionary leaders in the city who are working to ensure that all students have equitable access to excellent public education.   In their conversation, Tom and Maura talk about her education; studying at Stanford University, Harvard Business School, and Teachers College of Columbia University; as well as her prior careers, teaching at East Palo Alto and working with NewSchools Venture Fund. She discusses the work and progress made at NewSchools, her work and mission with Education Forward DC, and their work with Education Cities and harbormaster organizations.   Key Takeaways: [:33] Tom welcomes Maura Marino to the podcast. [:36] About Maura’s upbringing and education in New Jersey. [1:39] How and why she ended up going to Stanford University in California. [2:31] About Maura’s teaching career after college in East Palo Alto, CA. [4:40] Why Maura decided to go to Harvard Business School, after getting her Masters from Columbia. [5:50] Was going to Harvard Business School a good experience for Maura? [7:04] The different positions Maura held at NewSchools Venture Fund (where she stayed for 8 years). [8:19] More about NewSchools and the visionary work of the early leaders. [10:52] About the two-year-old organization Maura helped launch called Education Forward DC, and about its mission. [11:52] Does Maura’s work with Education Forward DC build on any cities in particular? [13:25] Does Maura see NewSchool development remaining an important part of creating a healthy ecosystem in DC? [16:29] How the DC Public Charter School Board are an important part of the success story. [17:44] Is school improvement an important part of Education Forward DC’s agenda? [18:33] NewSchools relationship with the district now. [19:34] Does Maura have the sense that these ecosystem leaders (or “quarterback organizations”) can help bring sustainability to an urban innovation and improvement agenda? Can they be part of the bridge that keeps things together in a city when the district may be undergoing change? [21:46] Does working with like-minded schools in a network resonate with Maura and her work with Education Forward DC?   Mentioned in This Episode: Stanford University East Palo Alto Academy Harvard Business School NewSchools Venture Fund NewSchools Summit U.S. Department of Education Education Forward DC Education Cities New Schools for New Orleans DC Public Charter School Board   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected], Tweet @Getting_Smart, or leave a review. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!

The Getting Smart team takes a digital trip to Tulsa, Oklahoma to take a look at their vibrant education community.   In 1998, Oklahoma passed a law providing free access to pre-kindergarten. Since then, families in Tulsa have benefited from leading-edge programs, supported by the George Kaiser Family Foundation and the Schusterman Family Foundation. Improvement and talent development efforts are coordinated by ImpactTulsa; a regional non-profit.   In this episode, Tom speaks with Kathy Seibold, Executive Director at ImpactTulsa, and Jessica Smith, Director of Early Learning at Impact Tulsa. Also joining the conversation is Sophia Pappas, who led Early Learning in New York City before joining the Kaiser Family Foundation to advance early learning in Tulsa. The three experts discuss the expanding access to programs and ongoing efforts to improve quality — including building the capacity of early learning teachers.   Listen in to learn more about early learning in Tulsa with Tom, Kathy, Jessica, and Sophia.   Key Takeaways: [1:27] About ImpactTulsa efforts as a member of the Strive Together Network. [3:10] About Jessica’s work as the Director of Early Learning at ImpactTulsa. [4:18] How Oklahoma’s law of providing free preschool for all children for all four-year-olds came to pass. [5:58] About Sophia’s background in early learning and how she got to her position in Tulsa. [8:10] Where Kaiser’s commitment to early learning came from. [9:03] About Kaiser’s early learning focus on children from pre-conception through age eight. [11:22] How this comprehensive early learning manages to work with the funding provided. [13:18] The Kaiser Family Foundation’s investment agenda — how do they invest and what do they focus on? [15:18] About Tulsa’s scaling and their continuous improvement model. [18:00] What does good early learning look like? [21:54] Their views and strategies for improving the quality of home-based childcare. [23:35] Would Jessica like to see an even higher percentage of children in quality preschool? [24:11] What would be a good goal for a community to achieve (in terms of the percentage of children attending pre-k)? More about ImpactTulsa’s upcoming initiatives and efforts to spread the message of the value of pre-k. [26:07] Sophia’s and Kathy’s views on strategies to train and compensate early childhood workers and teachers. [30:31] If a community came on a field trip to Tulsa, where would Kathy take them to learn more? [31:20] If an advocate in another community were thinking about where to get started, what advice would Sophia give them? [32:44] Online resources Sophia recommends to those who want to learn more. [34:02] More about the CAP Tulsa program and Tom’s talk with Steven Dow, CAP Tulsa’s Executive Director.   Mentioned in This Episode: George Kaiser Family Foundation Birth Through Eight Strategy for Tulsa (BEST) Schusterman Family Foundation ImpactTulsa ImpactTulsa.org/PreKTulsa Strive Together Network Teach for America University of Oklahoma Tulsa Community College Center on the Developing Child (Harvard University) National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER) Child Trends CAP Tulsa   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected], Tweet @Getting_Smart, or leave a review. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!

Today, the Getting Smart team dives into a conversation about industry-defined student competencies at Del Lago Academy in Escondido, just north of San Diego — with Alec Barron and Brett Goldsmith.   Alec Barron is a Science Coach in the Escondido Union High School District and has taught a variety of science subjects for grades 6-12. He is one of the founding teachers of Del Lago since it first opened in 2013 and was part of the team that helped set up the school. At Del Lago, he developed a program called Competency X that provides the opportunity for students to develop a digital science portfolio to track and reflect evidence of their competency with science and engineering practices. The students earn badges that are validated by industry experts — like Brett Goldsmith, from Nanomedical Diagnostics — who joins Alec on this podcast.   Brett Goldsmith is the co-founder and CTO of Nanomedical Diagnostics — a nanotech company building biosensors that speed up medical research and diagnostics; The first such tool in the world. He’s also one of Del Lago’s business partners that help define what STEM graduates should know and be able to do.   Join Tom, Alec, and Brett as they discuss their backgrounds in the sciences; Del Lago’s genesis and current goals and focus; Brett’s nanotech company, Nanomedical Diagnostics; Alec’s program, Competency X; and all about the use of digital badges and how they help support authentic, competency-based learning and work experiences that help students build rich, digital portfolios to support their college applications and career aspirations.   Key Takeaways: [:17] An introduction to the topic and guests today — Alec Barron and Brett Goldsmith on industry-defined student competencies. [2:15] Tom welcomes Alec and Brett to the podcast. [2:22] How Alec came to study chemistry in college. [3:08] About Brett’s physics background in college. [3:35] How Alec went from hard sciences to student-centered learning. [6:10] Do Alec and Brett see science as a field that lends itself to competency-based progressions rather than a set of linear progressions? [9:50] How did Alec get to Del Lago? About the genesis of Del Lago and their main focus. [10:54] How Brett made the switch-up from working in the Navy to starting up a nanotech company. [12:16] How did Brett make the contacts needed to start and run his new nanotechnology business? What his company currently does and has accomplished. [13:47] What Brett looks for in hiring new talent for his team at nanotech company, Nanomedical Diagnostics. [15:38] Alec explains what his program Competency X sets out to do. [17:47] How Brett got involved at Del Lago. [18:41] Does Brett see the world of science and engineering moving towards more authentic forms of evidence (i.e. digital badges)? [19:35] How Alec has developed badges in terms of grade sizes in comparison to each other. [21:39] Are widespread are the badges use? Are they being used outside of Del Lago? [22:54] Could the badges work with other subjects (such as english or Math)? [23:52] How winning the recent Assessment for Learning Project grant has helped advance the work at Del Lago. [25:37] Brett speaks on how internships are involved in Competency X. [26:52] An example of what a good internship experience would be like. [30:42] Do Brett and Alec see the possibility of more subjects in the future being taught in this way (with digital badges and authentic learning experiences)? [33:55] What’s on Alec’s roadmap for Competency X.   Mentioned in This Episode: Del Lago Academy Brett Goldsmith Alec Barron Nanomedical Diagnostics Competency X LRNG Escondido Union High School District University of Colorado Center for Collaborative Education Assessment for Learning Project   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected], Tweet @Getting_Smart, or leave a review. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!  

Today, the Getting Smart team is discussing the future of transcripts with Matt Pittinsky, CEO of Parchment. In high school, Matt considered himself to be a lousy student — but the experience made him think that education could be different and better. So, after College, he co-founded Blackboard, which became the leading learning management system. Fourteen years later it was acquired for $1.6 billion. Matt then went back to school and earned a Ph.D. in Sociology at Columbia, then later moved down to Phoenix to teach at Arizona State University. While in Arizona, Matt discovered Docufide; a transcript service. He invested in the company, became the CEO, and rebranded the company in 2011 as Parchment — what it is known as today.   Matt is passionate about turning credentials into opportunities. He believes the academic record is not as effective as it could be in admissions, employment, or even in licensing. In this new world where anyone can learn anything, anywhere — how we track, verify, and share capabilities is becoming a big deal.   Listen in as Tom interviews Matt about credentialing and the future of transcripts.   Key Takeaways: [:15] About today’s topic and guest: the future of transcripts with Matt Pittinsky. [1:35] Matt’s early education. [2:26] Why did Matt initially want to become a teacher? [2:56] How Matt ended up at Columbia University. [3:48] How Matt originally got connected to Parchment. [4:29] The mission of Parchment. [5:20] What Parchment does and how it works. [6:09] Parchment’s customer base and where their revenue comes from. [6:34] The focus of Parchment’s upcoming annual conference. [7:45] The current programmatic and technology trends in credentialing that are influencing Parchment. [8:54] The global shift of transcripts becoming more useful but complicated. [9:35] Why Matt feels as though there’s a great opportunity for a credential management platform. [11:11] How does Matt feel about the Mastery Transcript Consortium (a group of independent high schools that are trying to build a new transcript format)? [15:30] Does Matt think more authentic, evidence-based transcripts are making an impact on his business? [18:41] Is Matt optimistic or skeptical on the current tech trends in credentialing? [21:59] Matt’s case for how a distributed ledger — particularly Parchment — verifies and shares credentials more conveniently and less expensively than traditional approaches. [24:55] Does Matt see an extensive learner record belonging on Blockchain in the future? [29:18] The two holy grails: Longitude record and an extensible learning record, pulling from a broader set of educational service providers. [30:20] Does Matt see these extensible learner records as distributed databases?   Mentioned in This Episode: Parchment Blackboard Columbia University Arizona State University Mastery Transcript Consortium Blockchain Coursera Dreambox Scottsdale Unified School District Khan Academy   Want to Learn More About Innovations in Higher Ed? Listen to “S3:E3 Accessible, Affordable, Achievable HigherEd for Working Adults”, which features Paul LeBlanc; President of Southern New Hampshire University.   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected], Tweet @Getting_Smart, or leave a review. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!

Four years ago Satya Nadella took the helm at Microsoft. Under his leadership, the value of the company has tripled, and some think it could be the first company worth a trillion dollars. The story of the culture and strategy refresh are told in Satya’s new book, Hit Refresh, co-authored by Greg Shaw and Jill Tracie Nichols.   In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Tom interviews Greg and Jill, who have both have impressive careers beyond co-authoring. Greg and Jill both worked with the last three CEOs at Microsoft and have a great perspective on the ups and downs of the company. Greg also managed public relations at Microsoft in the ’90s after serving as a speechwriter in the Reagan white house. In the 2000s, Jill Tracie Nichols led communications for Steve Ballmer and — after a quick transition — became Satya Nadella’s Chief of Staff. Tracie is also the founder and CEO of Tracie Group — a company that helps kick-start new companies and helps them build their vision, voice, and brand to successfully make an impact in today’s competitive market.   In this conversation, Greg and Jill discuss the importance of the cultural refresh at Microsoft (based on Carol Dweck’s growth mindset), the challenge of meeting the unmet — and often unarticulated — needs of customers, and valuable tips on writing and publishing.   Key Takeaways: [1:26] Tom welcomes Greg and Jill to the podcast, and Greg gives some background about himself. [2:59] What made Greg think of himself as a writer in High School and College? [4:04] How did Greg land his position at the U.S. Department of the Interior in Washington, D.C.? [5:26] How Greg came to manage public relations for Microsoft. [6:35] Greg’s move from Microsoft to The Gates Foundation. [7:43] The first project Greg and Tom worked on together at The Gates Foundation. [8:58] About Jill’s schooling background. [10:23] What made Jill think of herself as a communicator and writer? [12:04] The delicate balance between the challenges and passion for writing. [12:55] What Greg has discovered about himself as a writer. [15:57] The challenges of the writing processes and what Jill and Greg enjoyed about working together. [17:42] Jill’s transition from working with Steve Ballmer to Satya Nadella. [19:52] The origin story behind Hit Refresh. [21:26] About the growth mindset culture that Satya shifted Microsoft towards. [22:40] Jill gives some examples of how Satya attempted to incorporate a growth mindset into the culture, signaling that growth mindset was a priority. [25:48] The tech optimist Greg sees in Satya. [27:56] Can technology can boost inclusion and be disruptive? What Greg sees as the future of technology and mankind. [31:47] How writing Hit Refresh has helped Greg think about civic infrastructure and the engagement we need to help communities be successful in the future. [35:30] Jill’s thoughts on the evolution of machine intelligence and companies looking to build technology for the future. [37:40] How did Greg manage the process of writing Hit Refresh with all of his other projects. [39:34] How has Greg’s writing changed since working collaboratively? [41:48] Jill and Tom’s views on working collaboratively. [42:55] Jill’s editing tips for writing. [44:33] Jill and Greg’s advice and tips and secondary school teachers in helping teenagers become better writers and communicators. [49:08] Where to find Jill and Greg online.   Mentioned in This Episode: Hit Refresh: The Quest to Rediscover Microsoft's Soul and Imagine a Better Future for Everyone, by Satya Nadella, Greg Shaw, and Jill Tracie Nichols The Gates Foundation Tracie Group The Writing Life, by Annie Dillard Mindset: The New Psychology of Success, by Carol Dweck Steve Gleason Greg Shaw’s Linkedin   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected], Tweet @Getting_Smart, or leave a review. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!

This episode, the Getting Smart team continues on their road trip, heading towards Tulsa, Oklahoma to chat with Dr. Deborah Gist.   Dr. Gist grew up in Tulsa, earning her bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education at the University of Oklahoma. After teaching in Texas and Florida — earning a couple of east coast masters degrees and a Ph.D. from Penn — she ran Serve DC; an extension of the D.C. mayor’s office. She went on to lead the Office of the State Superintendent of Education in DC. Three years later, she became Chief in Rhode Island where she ran, what Tom called, “the most innovative and inclusive state planning process.”   Now back in Tulsa, Dr. Gist is serving as the school’s Superintendent, where — despite some of the lowest funding in the country — she is leading an agenda to Create powerful learning experiences for all students; cultivate safe, supportive, and joyful school cultures; attract, develop, and retain a highly effective and empowered team; and incubate and implement innovative classroom, school, and district designs.   The Tulsa team is serious about dramatically improving the secondary school experience. Listen in to learn more about Dr. Gist’s work at Tulsa Public Schools, the challenges they’re working to overcome from being underfunded, the improvement strategies they’re implementing, and how they are planning to redesign secondary learning entirely.   Key Takeaways: [:14] Some background on Dr. Gist’s career and work with Tulsa. [2:54] Three years in as Tulsa’s Superintendent, what does Dr. Gist see headed in the right direction? [4:33] About Tulsa’s efforts to reimagine secondary learning entirely. [5:55] Overcoming the challenges of being underfunding through incredible resources. [7:03] About the great team they have in place at Tulsa. [8:08] One of Tulsa’s biggest challenges from being underfunded — attracting and developing a teaching core. [10:52] Why schools joined the Summit Learning Network in Tulsa. [12:00] The other improvement strategies they’re using across the city. [13:07] Why receiving support from the Michael and Susan Dell Foundation for the formative assessment project is important. [13:50] Collective impact — alive and well in Tulsa. [15:49] Tulsa’s work and focus towards high school redesign.   Mentioned in This Episode: “Inclusive and Iterative Plan Drives Rhode Island Forward,” by Tom Vander Ark Serve DC Chiefs for Change Tulsa Public Schools Impact Tulsa XQ Super School Project Summit Learning Network Tulsa Teacher Corps   Want to Learn More? During the podcast, Dr. Gist mentions the formative assessment project sponsored by the Michael and Susan Dell Foundation. To learn more about that, check out: “S3:E14 What is Formative Assessment? Voices from the Field”. For another example of a great new school, listen to: “S3:E9 iLead: Student-Centered, Career Focused, Accelerated Learning”. To read more on Impact Tulsa, check out the blog featuring this podcast on GettingSmart.com.   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected], Tweet @Getting_Smart, or leave a review. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!  

Recently, Tom and Adam spent 3 days in Boise, Idaho touring One Stone — an innovative school rooted in Design Thinking. Tom and Adam were joined by the school’s National Advisory team, including; Eduardo Briceño, Julia Freeland, Sasha Barab, Tony Lewis, and Alex Hernandez.   While celebrating and reflecting upon this innovative high school’s growth and development, the team was able to sit down and unpack the ‘why,’ ‘how,’ and ‘what’ of measuring what matters. Listen in as the advisory team shares their thoughts on this topic — taking a look at mindset assessment tools, qualitative vs. quantitative feedback, the challenges of measuring feedback, and much more.   Key Takeaways: [:51] An introduction to One Stone and their desired learning outcomes. [1:34] Eduardo’s thoughts on the extent to which we can and should measure a growth mindset. [3:35] The importance of qualitative feedback vs. quantitative. [5:13] How and when Eduardo believes One Stone’s mindset assessment tools should be used. [6:10] Is that information from those results aggregated? [6:58] Does Alex see any schools that are doing a good job at providing formative feedback around mindset? [8:50] Providing qualitative feedback and the difficulties of measuring it. [11:54] Julia’s thoughts on mindset and how to make it important in education. [14:02] Thoughts on measuring mindsets in a quantitative way. [16:13] Opinions on measuring and quantifying Social Emotional Learning skills and feedback. [19:19] Thoughts on giving and receiving feedback, and the challenge of measuring it. [20:38] How much of the mindset, creativity, and skills category should be part of a competency-based system? [25:29] Does Sasha see gamification as a part of the answer to measuring hard stuff? [26:09] What kinds of feedback can be given to young people about difference-making? [27:56] Ways to help prepare people to make a difference and help them build confidence in their impact-making skills.   Mentioned in This Episode: One Stone “S2:E56 Student-Led One Stone is Transforming Boise” DSST Public Schools Michael Crow, ASU’s President ASU: School for the Future of Innovation in Society   Want to Learn More About One Stone? Check out “S2:E56 Student-Led One Stone is Transforming Boise”.   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected], Tweet @Getting_Smart, or leave a review. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!  

Today Tom Vander Ark is talking with Dr. Carmen Coleman and Dr. John Marshall. Carmen serves as Chief Academic Officer and John as Chief Equity Officer, of Jefferson County Public Schools. The two have worked together to shape powerful, equitable, high-quality learning experiences for the over 100,000 students in Louisville, Kentucky and are united in their thoughts and beliefs on how to address urban school district needs.   Even though they’ve only known each other for seven months, Carmen and John’s partnership is already strong and is deeply rooted in the notion that all students deserve a richer set of challenging experiences that prepare them for the innovation economy — also known as Deeper Learning. Listen in to learn more about the work John and Carmen are doing for the community and students of Louisville.   Key Takeaways: [1:26] About John’s pathway to getting to JCPS, how he became Chief Equity Officer and the history behind the position. [3:42] About the focus on Deeper Learning in Louisville. [6:34] Why Deeper Learning and equity are central to JCPS’s equity agenda. [8:05] The challenge of making Deeper Learning central to a high-challenge community. [9:01] How JCPS finds the middle ground between personalized and rigorous project-based learning. [13:01] What does a Chief Equity Officer do? John’s role at JCPS. [15:05] How Carmen’s role at JCPS intersects with John’s. [17:40] What tasks and challenges would John work on with a Chief Academic Officer? [19:04] Is John a problem-finder or a problem-solver? [20:10] What John and Carmen have learned about leadership and promoting equity and Deeper Learning simultaneously. [22:50] How John describes his leadership approach. [25:03] What Ms. McCormick (one of JCPS’s teachers) is doing, in relation to Deeper Learning. [25:45] The process of funding $800,000 for digital learning proposals. [27:32] John’s progress on reducing suspensions and removing subjective code of conduct rules.   Mentioned in This Episode: Jefferson County Public Schools Deeper Learning Eastern High School New York Performance Standards Consortium Ed Week   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected], Tweet @Getting_Smart, or leave a review. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!

In today’s episode, Mary Ryerse sits down with Eric Schneider, Assistant Superintendent of Minnetonka Public Schools, which serves over 10,000 students and is located in the greater Minneapolis area. Eric and his team have taken a unique approach to gathering input for strategic planning that drives innovation, including the use of a platform to crowdsource ideas. This process has been used by districts in several states now under the umbrella of the nonprofit, InnovateK12.   If you’d like to learn more about the district’s approach to innovation success, join Mary and Eric as they discuss how Eric and his team helped build Minnetonka’s strong culture of innovation, how other districts are starting to use some of the strategies they’ve developed, what Eric is doing with InnovateK12, and how he’s making a difference in Minnetonka and beyond.   Key Takeaways: [1:03] Eric talks about his background in education and his role currently in Minnetonka. [3:48] The district’s process of planning activities that engage the whole district in innovation challenges and strategic planning. [9:00] How this process has evolved and what it looks like today. [12:55] How this model has migrated to other districts and environments, the difference between traditional strategic planning and innovation strategic planning, and whether or not most districts tend to replace their current strategic planning process or not. [16:23] How their model also doubles as a talent development strategy and helps breed teachers into leaders. [20:29] Indicators and metrics Eric uses to determine success. [24:00] An idea that came out of this process that is directly impacting learning in a classroom today. [29:52] Where to learn more about the model.   Mentioned in This Episode: Minnetonka Public Schools InnovateK12 St. Cloud State University United Health Group’s Optum @TonkaEric (Twitter)   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected], Tweet @Getting_Smart, or leave a review. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!

Adam Kulaas and Emily Liebtag from The Getting Smart team sit down to chat about school coaching. As more and more schools work to shift their models of teaching and learning, coaching is becoming the key component to driving that change. When coaching is done right it can be really transformative for educators alike.   Listen in to hear Emily and Adam unpack school coaching and discuss what Adam has learned in both the past and present in the school coaching space — and what he hopes will come in the future. Adam and Emily further discuss what he has seen unfold in schools with good teaching models, how he believes schools can transform to make their learning become more student-centered, what motivated him to get into school coaching, to begin with, and what effective coaching looks like to him.   Key Takeaways: [1:30] What school coaching looked like back when Adam started coaching (two decades ago). [4:47] What motivated Adam to get into school coaching and what the sorts of change he wanted to see were. [5:42] What Adam has seen unfold and evolve in school coaching that has led to good teaching models today. [6:38] The importance of instructional coaches being able to build strong, transparent relationships. [9:14] What effective coaching looks like to Adam and Emily. [13:00] Adam unpacks how schools can transform their learning to become more student-centered. [16:02] One of Emily’s favorite leaders that she finds most inspiring. [17:13] How does Adam customize coaching to each new school or educator. [20:18] Where Adam sees learning and education headed with tech in the coaching space. [24:24] Where Adam sees coaching headed and what he thinks leaders need to know next. [28:26] The four lessons about coaching Emily learned from Adam during the duration of the podcast! [29:30] Where to find out more about the work Adam is currently up to.   Mentioned in This Episode: “S2:E55 Coaching for High-Quality Project-Based Learning” Daniel Pink @AdamKulaas on Twitter The Getting Smart Team Page   Want to Learn More About Coaching and its Effects on Education? Listen in to “S2:E55 Coaching for High-Quality Project-Based Learning” to hear from New Tech Network coach, Andrew Biros on coaching for PBL.   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected], Tweet @Getting_Smart, or leave a review. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!  

On today’s episode, Tom is talking with Tess Posner, Executive Director at Al4ALL — a new Oakland nonprofit that is introducing artificial intelligence to high school students — and, more specifically — girls. The goal is to help high school students learn to use AI for good and to increase diversity and inclusion in computer science.   AI4ALL is really aligned to one of the recommendations from Getting Smart’s December report, “Ask About AI,” which focused on the future of work and learning. In the report, Tom called for connecting experts and high school students to close the guidance gap and help more people use AI for good. AI4ALL is a great example of the solution Tom was envisioning — and as he says, he’s nearly “doing jumping jacks” out of excitement for this conversation!   Listen in to hear more about Tess and the work she’s doing at AI4ALL, how her interest in AI and computer science formed, how she connected with Samasource and AI4ALL, her take on integrating new tech and AI into schools, and her current mission and goals for AI4ALL.   Key Takeaways: [1:47] In 2015, Tom started noticing the rise of AI and made it his personal study topic for 2016. He reads some excerpts from his “Ask About AI” paper and how he discovered AI4ALL. [5:47] Where Tess went to high school and how that helped give her an interest in the education field. [6:43] Why Tess studied math at St. John’s College. [8:27] What sparked Tess’ interest in social entrepreneurship. [10:26] The importance of traveling as a learning experience. [10:52] How Tess came about connecting with Samasource. [12:44] How Tess’ interest in AI formed. [15:32] When and how Tess spotted the guidance gap in STEM careers (including AI). [18:11] The founding story of AI4ALL and what the alumni have gone on to accomplish. [20:55] How Tess sees AI4ALL’s mission today. [22:00] About AI4ALL’s current focus: After-school and summer camp programs. [23:03] What’s on AI4ALL’s roadmap. [24:16] The challenge of educating teachers on AI and integrating new tech into schools. [27:15] Tess’s take on the current ‘coding for all’ trend. [29:25] Where to find out more about Tess and AI4ALL. [29:46] About Tess’s SXSWedu panel and SXSW Interactive panel.   Mentioned in This Episode: If you’ll be at SXSWedu, tweet the team @Getting_Smart and use #SXSWedu, or email Jessica at [email protected] to set up a time to meet!   SXSWedu Events: Join Tom on Tuesday for a meetup on The Rise of AI & What It Means for Education. And join Tess on Wednesday for her panel on AI in Education: Opportunities & Challenges.   AI4ALL “Ask about AI: The Future of Learning and Work,” by Tom Vander Ark Hewlett Foundation Smart Cities That Work for Everyone, by Tom Vander Ark with Mary Ryerse South Shore Charter Public School St. John’s College In Defense of a Liberal Education, by Fareed Zakaria Samasource Samaschool Tech Hire Initiative IBM Watson Stanford University University of California, Berkeley Princeton University Carnegie Mellon University CreAIte Code.org CSforALL   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected], Tweet @Getting_Smart, or leave a review. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!

You may remember back in 2015, SXSWedu had a special screening of Most Likely to Succeed, a film produced by Ted Dintersmith. Well, he’s also the author of Most Likely to Succeed: Preparing Our Kids for the Innovation Era, along with Tony Wagner. And his new book, What School Could Be: Insights and Inspiration from Teachers across America, comes out on April 17th, outlining everything he has learned from the 50-state tour following the release of Most Likely to Succeed. In this episode, Tom talks with Ted about this journey to advocating for next-generation education.   Ted’s work as a venture investor put him in the middle of the formation of the new innovation economy. He uniquely appreciates the impact of exponential technology and the future of work. It has given him real urgency about promoting quality education — especially engaging project-based learning where young people build agency, creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration skills.   Tune in to hear more of Tom and Ted’s fascinating conversation on their hopes and goals for the future, the process of filming Ted’s movie — as well as the process for writing his new book, his own education growing up, what attracts him to next-gen learning, and his thoughts on where he sees education headed in this new innovation era.   Key Takeaways: [:15] Introduction to the guest today and upcoming events for the Getting Smart team. [2:04] Where Ted went to high school and the experience he had there. [3:28] Ted’s college experience at the College of William and Mary. [5:46] Ted’s support for the undergrad research at William and Mary. [7:50] How Ted got to Stanford and why he decided to make the switch from physics to engineering. [10:22] About Ted’s Ph.D. in engineering. [11:31] Emerging in the information age. [12:55] Spending more than 20 years in venture capital, Ted reflects on the timing of when he got out of school linked with the opportunity of becoming an investor. [15:14] Ted’s thoughts on us being in a new era of artificial intelligence. [23:14] Where Ted learned about Larry Rosenstock, the President of High Tech High. [26:34] What initially attracted Ted to High Tech High? [28:21] The process of creating his film Most Likely to Succeed with Greg Whiteley. [33:31] How Ted now thinks about the purpose of school. [36:00] The remarkable changes in education in the last 25 years. [41:23] About Ted’s new book coming out this spring, What School Could Be. [43:55] Where to learn more about Ted’s new book. [45:18] Where to find more about the film, Most Likely to Succeed. [47:03] Embracing change. [49:40] An important message that Ted wants to triple underline for all listening.   Mentioned in This Episode: If you’ll be at SXSWedu, tweet the team @Getting_Smart and use #SXSWedu, or email Jessica at [email protected] to set up a time to meet!   SXSWedu Events: ‘Don’t Let Data Hold You Back’, ‘Why Innovate Alone? Harness the Power of Networks’, and ‘The Rise of AI & What It Means for Education Meet Up’.   What School Could Be: Insights and Inspiration from Teachers across America, by Ted Dintersmith Most Likely to Succeed: Preparing Our Kids for the Innovation Era, by Ted Dintersmith and Tony Wagner Most Likely to Succeed (Film) The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation William and Flora Hewlett Foundation High Tech High New Tech Network Big Picture Learning Expeditionary Learning The College of William and MaryStanford University Larry Rosenstock John Dewey Ted Sider Rudy Crew Tony Wagner Waiting for Superman Greg Whiteley No Child Left Behind Act Mitt Harvard Graduate School of Education Tugg.com Most Likely to Succeed film Innovation Playlist on mltsfilm.org   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected], Tweet @Getting_Smart, or leave a review. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!

Today, Emily, the Director of Advocacy from the Getting Smart team, sits down with Jen McMillan of Detroit Prep. Jen is the Co-Founder and Head of School at Detroit Prep Academy — an elementary school located in the Indian Village neighborhood in Detroit’s east side. They’re a proud expeditionary learning school, with an intense focus on multiple dimensions of student achievement and a commitment to mastery of knowledge and skills, character development, and high-quality student work. After years of teaching in different schools across the country, Jen has learned key lessons in leading a school and is truly focused on putting students and families first.   Emily is super energized this episode and ready to share about her recent trip to Detroit Prep, so join her and Jen to hear more about the current education climate in Detroit, all about what’s working well at Detroit Prep, and all the great things Jen is putting forward.   Key Takeaways: [2:00] All about Jen’s background and current role at Detroit Prep. [2:52] How Jen got to where she is currently at Detroit Prep. [4:43] What Jen has seen this past couple of years in Detroit’s education system. [7:25] About Detroit Prep’s diverse student body and individualized support to give all children a first-class education. [9:23] Detroit Prep’s current building hosting. [10:19] All about Detroit Prep’s deeper learning experiences. [11:11] Detroit Prep’s six habits of character and weekly goal student goals. [13:17] The element of community and bringing the community experience to the school. [15:11] What the switch to the new curriculum has been like for teachers. [19:00] What a culturally responsive classroom looks like day-to-day for teachers and students. [23:49] What brings Jen hope and joy about teaching and learning in 2018.   Mentioned in This Episode: Detroit Prep Getting Smart Blog   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected], Tweet @Getting_Smart, or leave a review. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!

Today, Tom Vander Ark is chatting with Superintendent of Meriden Public Schools, Mark Benigni. As a long-time resident and former Mayor of Meriden, Mark is committed to bringing about positive change in the local schools. In fact, they’ve already accomplished a lot so far. Mark has been Superintendent for over seven years and Meriden has been nationally recognized as a blended and personalized learning leader.   In this episode, Mark and Tom discuss the shift to student-centered learning, more voice and choice through personalized learning and experiences, extended learning time in several of their elementary schools, and the creation of a highly collaborative leadership climate and culture.   Key Takeaways: [1:18] Where they’re located in Connecticut and a little bit about the schools. [1:39] The changes Mark has seen in both the city of Meriden and the school system. [2:10] Their school system that serves an economically challenged population. [2:57] What Mark thinks he got right in his first couple of years as a new Superintendent. [5:13] Working collaboratively with other school districts — Mark’s take on working with other urban Superintendents and districts in Connecticut. [6:34] Looking back, what Mark would do differently in his years as a Superintendent. [7:38] Personalized learning efforts at Meriden Public Schools. [9:20] How Mark framed and managed the shift of becoming a blended and personalized learning leader. [11:32] Background on the initiative from a few years back when they refocused on student-centered learning. [13:30] What a good example of student-centered learning looks like in Mark’s district. [15:10] How are Meriden schools thinking about the shift to competency-based learning. [16:41] How competency-based learning is a long-term shift and the steps they’re taking towards it. [19:45] What’s on the horizon for Meriden. [21:07] Would Mark encourage other people to take on the position of a Superintendent? [21:49] What Mark would encourage people to learn if they’re interested in becoming a Superintendent.   Mentioned in This Episode: Meriden Public Schools John Barry Elementary School   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected], Tweet @Getting_Smart, or leave a review. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!

Today, Tom sits down with Gene Kerns, Vice President and Chief Academic Officer at Renaissance Learning, to discuss his recently published book Unlocking Student Talent: The New Science of Developing Expertise. The book is based on the growing body of evidence around purposeful practice and implications for K12 education and is made up of three main sections: student engagement, how deliberate practices can be incorporated into general education, and the process of developing independent learners.   Throughout today’s episode, Gene and Tom discuss each section of the book in-depth, covering topics such as: coaching for excellence, the importance of motivation when it comes to deliberate practice, bringing purposeful practice back to education, striving for higher levels of expertise, and Gene’s recommendations for implementing deliberate practice from the elementary to the high school level.   Key Takeaways: [1:42] Where Gene first began teaching. [2:05] Educational Leadership: The focus of Gene’s studies at Delaware. [2:33] How Gene became Chief Academic Officer at Renaissance Learning. [6:00] When Gene’s interest in deliberate practice formed. [8:00] Gene’s goal when creating his book: bringing purposeful practice to education. [9:55] What Gene learned about deliberate practice, motivation, and striving for higher levels of expertise while writing his book. [12:50] Diving into the second section of the book: Gene summarizes what he learned about practice and its role in education. [14:45] The importance of coaching deliberate practice. [17:20] The challenge of gathering a deeper understanding of each learner’s motivational profile. [19:03] Helping teachers find the balance between ‘drill vs. scrimmage.’ [22:31] The magic of myelin: Not just psychology; but biology. [25:03] Resistance, results, and the new term: reachfulness and its meaning. [27:40] The importance of recovery (between deliberate practice). [29:31] Gene’s recommendations for deliberate practice from the elementary to the high school level. [32:34] Coaching for excellence: What it means in education. [34:25] The importance of student agency. [36:52] The implications for Gene and Renaissance as a result of writing his book. [39:47] It’s all about feedback: The importance of providing feedback to teachers and learners to improve performance. [41:17] Where to learn more about the work Gene is doing.   Mentioned in This Episode: Renaissance Learning Unlocking Student Talent: The New Science of Developing Expertise, by Gene Kerns Outliers: The Story of Success, by Malcolm Gladwell The Talent Code: Greatness Isn't Born. It's Grown. Here's How., by Daniel Coyle Talent Is Overrated: What Really Separates World-Class Performers from Everybody Else, by Geoff Colvin Anders Ericsson Brainology (Carol Dweck) When: The Scientific Secrets of Perfect Timing, by Daniel Pink Steven Pinker Doug Lemov Mike Schmoker   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected], Tweet @Getting_Smart, or leave a review. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!

Recently, Tom Vander Ark and Mary Ryerse of the Getting Smart team were with teachers and administrators from the Austin, Dallas, and Tulsa School Districts, talking about formative assessment. These districts are all part of the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation sponsored initiative called “How I Know,” which aims to design meaningful, formative assessment practice. This is a multi-year project that will support teachers’ development and implement formative assessment practices in the classroom.   In this podcast, Tom interviews the “How I Know” project team and asks them two main questions: What is formative assessment? And, what are your hopes for the project? You’ll hear from over half a dozen project participants on each topic, including Michael & Susan Dell Foundation’s Project Lead, Cheryl Niehaus; Project Lead, Danielle Neves; Executive Director of Teaching and Learning from the Tulsa Public Schools, and Dallas Teacher Residency Co-Founders, Robert Dehaas and Elizabeth Kastiel; Nancy G. of WestEd; first grade teacher, Stephanie Peppers from Tulsa; Administrative Supervisor of Academics, Katie A. from Austin, Texas; and Tracy Nájera from Education First.   Key Takeaways: [1:28] Tom asks Cheryl what formative assessment is and why it’s important now. [3:28] Danielle’s thoughts on formative assessment. [4:46] Formative assessment; broader than reading, writing, and problem-solving. [5:15] What formative assessment is to Elizabeth. [5:48] A variety of strategies; Robert’s thoughts on formative assessment and the importance of teachers working with the students. [6:27] How Elizabeth views formative assessment from both the students’ and teachers’ perspectives. [6:37] Nancy speaks about the process of formative assessment and teachers’ role in the process. [7:30] How Stephanie works with primary school students in regard to formative assessment. [8:11] The tools and strategies that formative assessment includes. [9:30] Katie speaks about the different forms formative assessment can come in. [10:14] Katie’s thoughts on extended challenges, promoting deeper learning, and rethinking learning experiences. [12:14] What Danielle, Robert, and Elizabeth want from the initiative and their hopes for the next couple of years. [15:04] Further thoughts from Nancy, Stephanie, and Tracy on formative assessment. [16:14] How Stephanie sees the “How I Know” initiative helping in her classrooms in the future. [17:14] Hopes for the future for the school districts as a result of the initiative. [18:22] Why this initiative is so timely right now and how it complements other initiatives. [19:19] How formative assessment practice is critical to creating more personalized learning models. [20:19] What success will look like, if all goes as planned.   Mentioned in This Episode: Michael & Susan Dell Foundation Tulsa Public Schools Dallas Teacher Residency Education First   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected], Tweet @Getting_Smart, or leave a review. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list.

In today’s episode, Tom interviews Marie Bjerede, a former tech executive who is an advocate for student agency. Marie was a former Vice President for Chip Maker Qualcomm and is a 25-year veteran of high tech and wireless communication. She has pioneered new management strategies, has led a design center for Qualcomm, and has a unique appreciation for jobs of the future. She’s the President of Agentic Learning and since leaving the tech field she’s been doing work for the One-to-One Institute and CoSN (the Consortium for School Networking).   In this discussion, you’ll hear Marie describe the skills that will be important in five years from now and what schools can do to plan for these skills that will be necessary for students to have mastered. Tom and Marie also discuss the importance of student agency, as well as her recommendations for launching successful initiatives to promote both teacher and student agency.   Key Takeaways: [:51] Tom welcomes Marie to the podcast and she speaks a bit about her upbringing and what brought her to the States from Sweden. [1:50] Marie’s current work with organizations on education technology. [2:25] The story on Marie becoming Qualcomm’s Vice President and the skills it took to get the position. [4:47] Marie’s perspective on being one of the few female managers and executives in technology. [5:35] The key to Marie’s development in her career. [7:21] The genesis of Marie’s interest in human development and education. [8:34] Preparing young people for the future; Marie’s advice to teenagers as they enter the workforce. [10:00] The importance of agency today and why it’ll be even more important five years from now. [15:21] Why high agency learning initiatives can end up not being as successful as hoped and where typical district initiatives launching project-based learning are falling short. [19:06] Why Marie believes it’s key to first develop teacher agency. [20:47] Marie’s view on teacher’s focusing on either; remaining devoted to a handful of identified outcomes, or being open to a new set of new possibilities. [23:05] How Marie describes her ideal high school learning experience. [25:05] Self-organizing teams: Marie’s alternative to constructing organizations where teachers don’t feel oppressed or abandoned. [28:00] Marie’s suggestions for how to construct the self-organizing team initiative in a sustainable way. [32:30] Where to find out more about Marie’s work.   Mentioned in This Episode: One-to-One Institute CoSN Qualcomm Tony Wagner P21 Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us, by Daniel Pink AgenticLearning.org Marie’s Getting Smart Blog Posts   Suggested Reading: If you enjoyed this conversation and want to learn more, check out: “What is Agentic Learning and Why is it Important,” by Marie Bjerede and Michael Gielniak   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected], Tweet @Getting_Smart, or leave a review. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!  

During Tom’s recent trip to Europe, he stopped in Paris to talk with one of the most innovative, international educators out there; Lower School Director Daniel Kerr, of the American School of Paris. Originally a Canadian, Daniel made the decision to go to College in Maine and take a teaching job in Abu Dhabi. There, he met a Counselor, originally from Nova Scotia, who later became his wife. Together they became hooked on international education and accepted positions at the Jakarta Intercultural School, where they taught at for 7 years. After that, they led a school in Shanghai, Ecuador, and now in Paris, where they currently work.   When asked about his nomadic lifestyle, Daniel replied that he really enjoyed becoming a citizen of the world. He speaks five languages and his kids, who are 10 and 12, have visited a dozen countries. It’s safe to say that the Kerr family is hooked on the benefits of international education!   In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Tom sits down with Daniel to learn more about his life as an international educator, the American School of Paris, Daniel’s goals and challenges in international education, and what he thinks all American educators should know about international education.   Key Takeaways: [2:09] Daniel’s background: where he went to school, how he got to Abu Dhabi, how he made the move from Abu Dhabi to Jakarta and met his wife, meeting Tim Stuart, his first school leadership role in China, and his move to Ecuador. [7:29] The languages Daniel has basic proficiency in and what life is like as an international educator. [8:59] The opportunities presented to Daniel’s kids as an international educator. [10:00] Where Daniel calls home. [10:25] Daniel describes some of the best teaching conditions he’s seen in international schools. [12:00] Goals and challenges in international learning. [14:50] What it is like leading an international school; the turnover rate and creating a cohesive plan and team. [16:18] The education needed for the parental community. [18:45] What the American School of Paris is trying to improve on. [21:03] What the ASParis design thinking labs are about. [21:54] Their goals, curricular wise. [22:19] What American educators should know about international educators. [23:52] What Daniel has learned about America.   Mentioned in This Episode: American School of Paris Jakarta International School (Now Jakarta Intercultural School) Tim Stuart   For More Information on International Education Read Getting Smart’s report on Creating the Future of Learning — a story of the transformation of the Singapore American School.   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected], Tweet @Getting_Smart, or leave a review. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list.  

Today’s topic is design thinking. Design thinking is everywhere in education right now — or, at least it should be. It’s on a ton of Getting Smart’s blogs and they even use it internally to help their partners reach their goals — whether it be designing a new school, helping to turn around an existing school, or working on resources for educators and school leaders. But what is design thinking?’, ‘How does it play into the work of school design and leadership?’, and ‘How does someone get started?'.   The Getting Smart Team’s Director of Advocacy, Emily, and Director of Coaching, Adam, get together in this episode to discuss all aspects of design thinking. A lot of educators are just now getting familiar with design thinking, so Emily and Adam dive into the topic to explain what exactly it is, how it can improve their practice, and to rethink how they facilitate learning. Adam has been using the design thinking approach for years and has lots to share, so tune in to this week’s episode to join the conversation.   Key Takeaways: [1:00] Emily explains why they want to discuss design thinking and welcomes Adam to the podcast. [1:37] What is design thinking and why is it coming to be a really hot topic in education today? [3:48] Some fun examples Adam has seen throughout the years. [4:26] The many different ways that design thinking can be applied. [5:38] How Adam has seen design thinking used in his years of leading schools. [10:50] The element of empathy in solution-based learning and design thinking. [12:00] The importance of having seen the world through a design-based lense. [15:10] The design thinking Adam has seen in his kids’ games that encompass collaboration, creating, and iterating as they go. [16:46] Where Adam recommends getting started with design thinking. [21:15] Adam’s favorite resources when it comes to finding design thinking inspiration. [22:45] How purpose is key in engaging in design thinking.   Mentioned in This Episode: Stanford D.School One StoneSeth Godin Poke the Box: When Was the Last Time You Did Something for the First Time? by Seth Godin Daniel Pink Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us, by Daniel Pink   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email [email protected], Tweet @Getting_Smart, or leave a review. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list.   Twitter-Specific Quotes:   “[Design thinking] is one of those ‘simply-complex’ concepts that there are lots of iterations of.” — Adam   “Design thinking itself can be applied in PBL classrooms or … in a playspace setting — There are lots of different ways it can be used.” — Emily   “[Design thinking] almost becomes this foundation for how you see the world.” — Adam   “I would definitely establish a sense of ‘why’ [in design thinking].” — Adam   “Our team embraces the idea that we’re constantly learning.” — Adam  

Innovation is a new way of doing something — a new way of delivering value. It’s different than improvement, which is doing what you’re already doing, better. Schools need to do both. Schools can dramatically improve learning and education for students just by finding a balance between the two — innovation and improvement — and focusing on implementing these changes.   As Tom Vander Ark describes, “In an improvement strategy, you’re seeking incremental improvement in a traditional set of outcomes. In innovation, you’re seeking step function improvement — usually on traditional — but often on new metrics.”   In this episode, Tom looks back at his years of serving as a superintendent and how new technology and innovations affected the schools within the district he worked in. Listen in, as he speaks about how focusing on innovating and improving within the school environment can dramatically improve learning, the roles leader-teachers and principals should serve, the various obstacles and barriers schools face looking to innovate, and Tom’s recommendations on where to start when it comes to innovating.   Key Takeaways: [1:13] Introduction to this episode’s topic, innovation and improvement. [3:33] Some examples of ways innovation and new ideas have dramatically improved learning. [4:11] How and why innovation spread throughout the school and the school’s district. [7:15] Some of the challenges that the innovations presented to the individual schools within the district and how Tom saw the leaders of the schools overcoming these challenges. [11:57] Innovation vs. improvement, and the importance of leaders putting their ideas and visions on a timeline. [13:49] The role of supporting innovation that the principal and leaders hold within the school. [15:49] The importance of distributed leadership within the school system. [17:51] The professional development that needs to go into preparing teacher-leaders for the role of actively leading in their school. [21:20] How Tom sees teachers gaining the skill set needed to be great teacher-leaders: connecting adults and using a structured approach to learning together. [23:13] The specific obstacles and barriers schools face and how they can overcome them. [29:37] How much innovation a system can handle and taking cautions to not push too much, too quickly. [31:47] How systems can monitor to see if the current and past innovations are having the intended impact on student learning. [34:49] How school districts and teacher-leaders can help bring parents along. [38:41] How the successful schools that have embraced innovation have had to change their structures and the allocation of their resources — the set of challenges that make it easier to start a new school rather than to transform an existing school. [45:33] Tom’s recommendations for where a school leader should start when introducing a new change or innovation. [49:03] Tom’s final thoughts on innovation and innovation diffusion.   Mentioned in This Episode: Project Management for Education: The Bridge to 21st Century Learning, by Bernie Trilling and Walter Ginevri Carnegie Foundation Leap Innovations Digital Promise Highlander Institute Gates Foundation Tony Wagner Profile of a Graduate (EdLeader21) The Mastery Transcript Consortium Great Schools Partnership Design39Campus New Tech Network Smart Cities That Work for Everyone: 7 Keys to Education & Employment, by Tom Vander Ark with Mary Ryerse   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the GettingSmart podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.   Do You Have Somebody in Mind That You’d Like to Learn From? Submit your ideas to [email protected]. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list.  

In today’s episode, Tom interviews iLEAD Academy’s Director, Larisa McKinney, iLEAD Academy teacher Jessica Crenshaw, and Ohio Valley Educational Cooperative Director of Innovation, Alicia Sells.   Tom was in Kentucky last month and took a visit to iLEAD Academy — a new school developed out an idea from five western Kentucky Superintendents who wanted to create a cooperative high school that offers a STEM focus with Project Lead The Way (PLTW) courses. Alicia Sells, OVAC Director of Innovation, was asked to work on it and she went above and beyond expectations.   iLead Academy is an Early College High School where the goal is to help students earn an associate's degree, or, at the very least, a significant amount of credit towards college. In a career-focused accelerated pathway, they are preparing students to succeed in an increasingly project-based and global economy, and are creating opportunities to help students develop a competitive advantage.   Listen in to this episode to learn more about iLEAD, why it’s successful, the obstacles Jessica, Larisa, and Alicia have overcome, and their advice for other communities looking to start a new, innovative, career-focused school much like iLEAD.   Key Takeaways: [1:14] Clips from Tom’s tour of the iLEAD’s woodshop. [2:58] About the shop at iLEAD. [3:46] The concept behind iLEAD, the process students go through, and how many students go there. [4:50] About iLEAD’s accelerated learning experience and the different pathways students can take. [6:15] iLEAD’s small-focused learning environment that also allows students to maintain affiliation with their traditional, home school district. [7:49] Alicia introduces herself and she explains where the idea of iLEAD came from. [10:33] Jessica, a teacher of World Civ and English, introduces herself and explains how she teaches her classes. [11:27] What it has been like for Jessica to teach English using the Summit Learning Platform. [12:58] The benefits to Jessica’s blended-learning classroom with an emphasis on teacher-involvement and the growth she sees in her students. [14:56] The project-based elements in the courses. [15:42] How Larisa manages to balance it all: Summit learning, Project Lead The Way, and interfacing with five districts. [18:06] ‘Owning their own learning’; the many choices the students have at iLEAD and how Larisa cultivates this level of agency. [19:58] Jessica’s mentorship to a group of students. [21:39] Alicia’s favorite part about iLEAD and her advice to other communities wanting to start an innovative school like iLEAD. [23:24] Students’ strength in overcoming the absence of parents to pursue education. [23:46] Larisa’s advice to communities that want to start an innovative, career-focused school like iLEAD. [25:30] Jessica’s advice to classroom teachers.   Mentioned in This Episode: iLead AcademyGovernor's Scholar Program Summit Learning Platform Project Lead The Way   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the GettingSmart podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.   Do You Have Somebody in Mind That You’d Like to Learn From? Submit your ideas to [email protected]. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list.  

Today’s episode features a discussion between Tom Vander Ark and Dr. Caitlin McMunn Dooley, Deputy Superintendent for teaching and learning at the Georgia Department of Education. Dr. Dooley’s been involved in education for over 20 years. She has worked in schools and has led a number of initiatives.   When her husband’s career took them to Texas, Dr. Dooley’s only requirement was that she go back to school to obtain her Ph.D. and learn more about how to be a better teacher and thinker about everything she was learning as technology expanded in education. Their next adventure took them to Georgia, where Dr. Dooley got a job as a professor at Georgia State, educating new teachers at their schools. Fast forward 12 years later, Dr. Dooley is now leading a statewide effort to supercharge virtual learning with an open technology architecture that will improve learner experience, credit transfer, and more. In addition to that, Dr. Dooley and her team are working hard to integrate computer science into every Georgia school using a framework she co-authored.   Listen in to this week’s episode of Getting Smart to learn more about the work Dr. Dooley is doing in the state of Georgia, GVL’s new learning architecture, their new online learning platform TOOL, the importance of computer science, and their various partnerships that aid them in continuing to improve learning and education for all Georgia State students.   Key Takeaways: [1:41] Caitlin Dooley runs down the list of things she is currently working on, starting with Georgia Virtual Learning. [5:54] About Total Learning Architecture. [7:10] Their partnership and involvement with the Advanced Distributed Learning lab. [9:48] Georgia Virtual’s use of the IMS CASE: Competencies & Academic Standards Exchange; One of the elements of the Total Learning Architecture. [10:20] The improvement on the old-fashioned, pdf transcripts and other parts of the Architecture. [11:46] What a Learning Record Store (LRS) is and how students and teachers will use it. [12:39] GVL’s new, online learning platform, TOOL, and how it is benefiting teachers. [15:05] How Caitlin sees TOOL benefiting teachers compared to traditional forms of PD. [17:14] Other states and peers moving in the direction of adopting a new learning architecture. [18:51] The importance of computer science for students. [22:52] Computer science is more than just coding; it’s about a broader set of competencies. [24:48] What Caitlin sees for the ideal high school sequence. [26:18] How the Department of Education in Georgia is working to advance computer science education. [28:15] Caitlin's colleagues in other states that are also working to advance computer science education. [29:53] The importance of outside support and partnerships.   Mentioned in This Episode: Georgia Virtual Learning Total Learning Architecture Advanced Distributed Learning IMS: Competencies & Academic Standards Exchange CASE Georgia Virtual Learning’s TOOL National Science Foundation Computer Science Teachers Association Code.org National Math + Science Initiative K12cs.orgCS for Georgia GADOE.org   Suggested Listening: If you’re enjoying this podcast, you may also enjoy:“S2: E7 The Future is Here: Artificial Intelligence & What it Means for our Kids”   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the GettingSmart podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.

Today’s episode features a discussion between Tom Vander Ark and Dr. Caitlin McMunn Dooley, Deputy Superintendent for teaching and learning at the Georgia Department of Education. Dr. Dooley’s been involved in education for over 20 years. She has worked in schools and has led a number of initiatives.   When her husband’s career took them to Texas, Dr. Dooley’s only requirement was that she go back to school to obtain her Ph.D. and learn more about how to be a better teacher and thinker about everything she was learning as technology expanded in education. Their next adventure took them to Georgia, where Dr. Dooley got a job as a professor at Georgia State, educating new teachers at their schools. Fast forward 12 years later, Dr. Dooley is now leading a statewide effort to supercharge virtual learning with an open technology architecture that will improve learner experience, credit transfer, and more. In addition to that, Dr. Dooley and her team are working hard to integrate computer science into every Georgia school using a framework she co-authored.   Listen in to this week’s episode of Getting Smart to learn more about the work Dr. Dooley is doing in the state of Georgia, GVL’s new learning architecture, their new online learning platform TOOL, the importance of computer science, and their various partnerships that aid them in continuing to improve learning and education for all Georgia State students.   Key Takeaways: [1:41] Caitlin Dooley runs down the list of things she is currently working on, starting with Georgia Virtual Learning. [5:54] About Total Learning Architecture. [7:10] Their partnership and involvement with the Advanced Distributed Learning lab. [9:48] Georgia Virtual’s use of the IMS CASE: Competencies & Academic Standards Exchange; One of the elements of the Total Learning Architecture. [10:20] The improvement on the old-fashioned, pdf transcripts and other parts of the Architecture. [11:46] What a Learning Record Store (LRS) is and how students and teachers will use it. [12:39] GVL’s new, online learning platform, TOOL, and how it is benefiting teachers. [15:05] How Caitlin sees TOOL benefiting teachers compared to traditional forms of PD. [17:14] Other states and peers moving in the direction of adopting a new learning architecture. [18:51] The importance of computer science for students. [22:52] Computer science is more than just coding; it’s about a broader set of competencies. [24:48] What Caitlin sees for the ideal high school sequence. [26:18] How the Department of Education in Georgia is working to advance computer science education. [28:15] Caitlin's colleagues in other states that are also working to advance computer science education. [29:53] The importance of outside support and partnerships.   Mentioned in This Episode: Georgia Virtual Learning Total Learning Architecture Advanced Distributed Learning IMS: Competencies & Academic Standards Exchange CASE Georgia Virtual Learning’s TOOL National Science Foundation Computer Science Teachers Association Code.org National Math + Science Initiative K12cs.orgCS for Georgia GADOE.org   Suggested Listening: If you’re enjoying this podcast, you may also enjoy:“S2: E7 The Future is Here: Artificial Intelligence & What it Means for our Kids”   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the GettingSmart podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.  

Today, Tom Vander Ark talks with Tom Arnett about adult education. Tom recently spoke at the Arizona Department of Education Adult Education Institute where he caught up with Tom Arnett. Tom Arnett is a Senior Research Fellow at the Christensen Institute — the disruptive innovation folks that helped popularize blended learning.   In this episode, Tom and Tom speak between sessions at the AdultEd conference in Phoenix — a meeting that represents the breadth of adult education in America — from high school completion to career training; with instructors from school districts, community colleges, and juvenile justice. At the conference, Arnett talked about making blended learning work for teachers and Tom Vander Ark talked about trends in AdultEd. In this conversation, they compare notes and Tom Arnett talks further in depth about making blended learning work for teachers, and Tom Vander Ark speaks further about trends in adult ed. They are both excited to see the new learning options being made available to adults that need access the most, the new technology coming to adult ed, entrepreneurship in the curriculum, and organizations adopting blended learning.   Key Takeaways: [1:28] Tom Vander Ark welcomes Tom Arnett to the podcast, and he gives an overview of his session at the Arizona Department of Education’s Adult Education Conference about the teacher’s experience with blended learning. [2:56] The key ways blended learning can improve a teacher’s experience in a classroom. [4:24] Teaching adults; questions raised and topics touched at Tom’s session at the conference. [6:09] The discussions around helping organizations adopt blended learning. [7:58] Trends in adult education. [9:28] Broader aims in adult education, K-12 vs. adult ed. [10:16] The importance of supporting teachers in the effort of adult education. [11:39] Interesting, new technology coming to adult ed. [14:19] The value of learner supports, and how adult learning in a blended setting is different than it used to be. [17:00] The benefits of when employers are supportive of adult learning. [18:34] The important trend of programs pulling more entrepreneurship into their curriculum — moving into a project-based world. [19:35] 50/50 on College; Millennials views on entrepreneurship. [20:31] AI behind everything — what it means for adult ed.   Mentioned in This Episode: Arizona Adult Education Institute Christensen Institute Guild Education   Suggested Listening: If you enjoyed this conversation, check out: “S1: E40 Getting the Right Data to the Right People in the Right Way”   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the GettingSmart podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.

In this episode, Tom speaks with Andy Calkins, director of Next Generation Learning Challenges — more commonly known as NGLC. They recently released a new outcome framework called MyWays, which Tom describes as the best and most robust definition of what high school students should know and be able to do. It builds on their early design principles, what they’ve learned from their grantees and the best work in the sector. NGLC recently released a comprehensive set of resources that will help more communities discuss and adopt their own graduate profiles.    NGLC was created seven years ago and has since transformed secondary school environments. NGLC is one of the best and freshest expressions of student learning outcomes with their new MyWays framework — comprised of 20 competencies in four categories — that’s set out to improve communication, collaboration, and critical thinking amongst students. Tom and Andy discuss MyWays’ framework, their goals, and how school and system leaders can work to better education through MyWays.    Key Takeaways:  [1:06] Tom welcomes Andy Calkins to the podcast and Andy gives the backstory on NGLC.  [3:00] Andy Calkins’ post-secondary challenge and higher education grantees.  [3:50] Starting as a national grant program and developing into a set of regional funds.  [5:37] The cities where the regional funds are active.  [6:02] The transformation of secondary environments emerging from the regional funds work.  [7:05] The initial goals of the program.  [8:44] Outcome framework of MyWays; what the project is designed to do.  [10:35] Becoming a network of networks.  [13:03] The MyWays framework — 20 competencies in four categories, and the difference between it and what schools have been focusing on; core curricular areas.  [15:04] The competencies in ‘creative know-how’; one of MyWays’ main categories.  [16:46] ‘Habits of Success’ category.  [18:36] Project-based learning and extended challenges and team-based work curricula.  [21:05] 21st-century skills and learning.  [23:13] The progression of assessment from regurgitation of content knowledge and proficiency over growth.  [24:48] MyWays’ fourth category: ‘Wayfinding’.  [29:51] What school and system leaders should do next, and defining the ‘why’ and ‘what.’  [35:36] Where you can find out more about Andy and MyWays.    Mentioned in This Episode:  NextGenLearning.org  MyWays  GatesFoundation.org  Hewlett.org  College for America  The Colorado Education Initiative  Leap Innovations   New Schools for New Orleans  Rogers Family Foundation  Education Week  David T. Conley  Julia Freeland Fisher    Suggested Listening:  If you enjoyed this conversation, check out:  “S2: E49 It’s Time to Update Your Graduate Profile — Here’s How”  You can also visit: ProfileofaGraduate.org    Get Involved:  Check out the blog on GettingSmart.com.  Find the GettingSmart podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe. 

Today we’ll hear from Julie Young, CEO of ASU Prep Digital, a new College prep option that started in August of 2017 and supports districts in Arizona and students worldwide. Julie founded and led Florida Virtual in the 90s and has been a leader in online and blended learning for 30 years. Her new gig, ASU Digital Prep, combines online high school and university classes to provide a really unique learning opportunity for students. The ASU Digital Prep students have the chance to explore College majors and careers with ASU centers and staff. Qualified high school students will be concurrently enrolled at ASU, giving them a real leg up on enrollment at ASU, or acceptance at leading universities worldwide.    In this episode, Tom talks with Julie about Florida Virtual and ASU Prep Digital and gets her predictions on the future of online learning. They discuss in-depth about what made FLVS and ASU both huge successes and the future implementations for ASU, as well as her reflections on FLVS.    Key Takeaways:  [1:27] Tom talks with Julie to learn more about her background with Florida Virtual, her current work with ASU Prep Digital, and her predictions for the future of online learning.  [6:19] The goals and differences between Florida Virtual School and other online charter schools.  [8:39] Julie’s pioneering of the performance-based funding model.  [11:47] The keys to success in scaling and academics during Julie’s time at Florida Virtual School.  [14:45] Why Julie thinks iNACOL is an important organization in kids education.  [17:39] Julie on leading ASU Prep Digital and the success she’s had with her team.  [20:15] The value of the concurrent ASU online credit vs. the dual enrollment college credit.  [21:19] Personalized pathways and the unlimited possibilities for students.  [22:47] Serving part-time, full-time, and international students and the goal to connect students to other students around the world.  [24:46] Connected collaborative and project-based learning online.  [26:33] Concurrent enrollment and how they know when a student is ready to take a college class.  [28:15] ASU’s business model for Arizona students and international students.  [30:23] The future of online learning and Julie’s take on game-based learning and engaging students through the latest technology.  [32:21] Data-driven student supports and A.I. technology.  [33:16] Julie closes with some reflections from her first year at ASU.    Mentioned in This Episode:  ASU Arizona State University  ASU Prep Digital  Florida Virtual School  Miami Dade College  Adobe Connect  iNACOL    Suggested Listening:  If you enjoyed this conversation, check out:  S3: E1 “The Getting Smart Team on the Future of Learning”    Get Involved:  Check out the blog on GettingSmart.com.  Find the GettingSmart podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.    Twitter-Specific Quotes:    “[The performance-based funding model] really changed how we viewed our roles in our industry.” — Julie Young    “[ASU Prep Digital will have] a mastery-based model, so students do not move on until they’ve mastered the material.” — Julie Young    “I think we have finally gotten to the point where … online learning is just part of learning.”[Text Wrapping Break]— Julie Young    “I think the instructional methodology was totally our secret sauce [for the success of FLVS].”   — Julie Young    “My belief at this point is that every classroom should be a blended learning classroom.”[Text Wrapping Break]— Julie Young    “Blended learning is not new — it shouldn’t be new. But it requires a … highly-trained teacher.”  — Julie Young    “ASU actually launched the network of charter schools back in 2008.” — Julie Young    “We’re changing the conversation and creating a new category of school.” — Julie Young    “We’re combining high school and college in … a ... way that really gives kids the flexibility to work at their own pace.” — Julie Young    “If we teach it and students don’t learn it, we haven’t taught it; we haven’t done our job.” [Text Wrapping Break]— Julie Young    Quotes:    “Students take the courses for all kinds of reasons. Wonderful opportunity for kids who are accelerating, kids who are strugglings, kids who are pursuing their dreams … We’ve had athletes, we’ve had kids on The Voice, we’ve had kids who are pro golfers, kids who have been in the Olympics...” — Julie Young    “[Florida Virtual School was] just a wonderful opportunity to meet the students where they are and provide a learning environment that is all about them.” — Julie Young    “ASU’s new online high school program … allows students to actually take university-level courses and earn credit towards both a diploma and a university degree at the same time.” — Julie Young 

Under Paul LeBlanc’s leadership, Southern New Hampshire University has become one of the most important innovators in higher education in the world. Paul took over SNHU in 2003 when there were 2,500 students and currently today they have over 80,000 students. SNHU is the second largest nonprofit online provider in the world. Paul has also developed a program called ‘College for America’ — a business partnership program that’s project- and competency-based where you can move at your own pace — as well as Motivis, SNHU’s unique learning platform.    In this episode, Tom interviews Paul LeBlanc, the President of Southern New Hampshire University. Paul and Tom discuss how SNHU’s became one of America’s leading nonprofit online universities and how Paul turned it into the innovative program that it is today. Paul also further elaborates on what he has learned about students’ experiences, his personal practices that feed his innovative mindset, and what he has learned about building a culture of innovation in the nonprofit sector.    Key Takeaways:  [:24] Tom provides some background on Paul LeBlanc.  [1:59] Tom welcomes Paul LeBlanc and asks how Southern New Hampshire University became one of America’s leading online universities. Marketing and keeping the needs of potential students close by (The four Cs: Convenience, Cost, Credentials, and Completion time).  [9:18] What Paul has learned about the student learning experience that makes online the ‘way to go’ and the benefits of going online.  [12:54] More about the University: Asynchronous courses with an emphasis on convenience.  [14:45] About ‘College for America,’ a competency-based and project-based program and how it came to be, and scaling it out.  [21:40] High schools partnering with ‘College for America’  [22:52] Developing SNHU’s platform: Motivis  [25:14] The creation of Rethink Education: Investing in people, ideas and companies that are rethinking the way we learn and teach.  [28:01] What Paul LeBlanc has learned about building a culture of innovation in the nonprofit sector.  [32:42] Paul’s personal practices that feed his innovative mindset.    Mentioned in This Episode:  Southern New Hampshire University  Rise High LA  Met’s School in Providence  Match Beyond  Motivis Learning  Rethink Education  UMUC  University of Florida    Suggested Listening:  If you enjoyed this conversation, check out:  “S2: E45 HigherEd Reinvented: Minerva Goes Global”    Get Involved:  Check out the blog on GettingSmart.com.  Find the GettingSmart podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.    Twitter-Specific Quotes:    “10 years ago I would argue that online was not nearly as good as traditionally delivered education.” — Paul LeBlanc    “I would argue today that the best online [schools] … are better than most face-to-face.”[Text Wrapping Break]— Paul LeBlanc    “The secret sauce for us … is not the platform … it’s student support —  student coaching.”[Text Wrapping Break]— Paul LeBlanc    “If you’re doing truly disruptive innovation you probably want to keep it at arm’s length.”[Text Wrapping Break]— Paul LeBlanc    “I think the great impediments to genuine innovation are status and money.”    “If you are an institution that’s neither wealthy or high status there’s a hunger to be better … different.” — Paul LeBlanc    “The world is moving faster and in a more volatile way than it ever has before.” — Paul LeBlanc    “Everyone is going to have to be more innovative.” — Paul LeBlanc    Quotes:    “[You have to be] your institution’s greatest cheerleader externally, but internally you have to be the most hard-nosed analyst. ”— Paul LeBlanc    “If you build rigid institutions that can’t be flexible and fluid and changeable …  you are … much more vulnerable than you would’ve been in Higher Ed 20 years ago.” — Paul LeBlanc   

In this episode, CEO of Getting Smart, Tom Vander Ark interviews Mario Basora, Superintendent of Yellow Springs School in Ohio. Mario explains his journey from being an average student on the West Coast to becoming a successful Superintendent in Ohitical pedagogy, new tech schools, strategic planning, and the various projects children at his school have o. As well as learning about Mario’s background, Mario and Tom discuss project-based learning, critaken pride in.   Mario was born in the Bronx, New York, but raised by his single mother in Santa Ana, California from a young age, along with his sister. Growing up was tough — he lived in a poor neighborhood and had no father-figure — and he was an uninspired C-Student all the way from Elementary to High School. After High School, he went to College, down in San Diego, for a year but ended up dropping out and coming back to Orange County and enrolling in a community college. It was while in his second year of community college that he had an epiphany from several inspirational professors: He had to become the change he wanted to see in the world. After that, he traveled between Northern Kentucky as a camp counselor and Ohio to earn his Dual Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science at Cal State Fullerton, and Social Studies Degree in Northern Kentucky. He then began teaching in Cincinnati at Princeton High School while earning his Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership at the Miami University. Presently, Mario Basora’s main focus is on Yellow Springs School — where he is Superintendent — to continue to work on strategic planning and develop an innovative teaching model based around the idea of PBL (project-based learning) with the help of his fellow staff, teachers, and students.   Key Takeaways: [:42] Tom welcomes Mario and Mario gives more insight into his background of growing up as a C-Student. [3:14] Mario’s wake up call: Becoming the difference he wanted to see in the world. [3:38] Becoming interested in education through several inspirational professors and turning his life around. [4:22] The 180° that occurred from the combination of ‘getting serious’ and powerful learning experiences. [5:45] Mario getting to Northern Kentucky, becoming a camp counselor, earning his Dual Bachelor’s Degree, and beginning to work at Princeton High School in Cincinnati. [7:07] Mario’s passion for student engagement and becoming enlightened to critical pedagogy. [8:39] Starting out as a Principal, visiting a New Tech School in Indiana, and becoming even more inspired to pioneer the sort of school he would want all kids to go to. [10:55] Receiving the opportunity to work at Yellow Springs School, working on the strategic planning process from scratch, and the bend towards project-based learning. [12:42] Identifying the “big rocks” in the planning; Creating a school with a new, innovative teaching model. [14:02] Tom asks Mario to unpack who was driving the direction of their new strategic plan. Tom describes the consensus the community had on their plan (for project-based learning). [15:47] Tom asks how Mario plans to make the project-based learning successful in Yellow Springs. [18:03] Mario discusses the training they’ve had: Buck, High Tech High, as well as visiting expeditionary learning schools and multiple High Tech High Schools. [18:55] Tom and Mario take a look at projects at each level. First, Elementary. [22:28] Mario outlines several projects at the 7th Grade level, and the recognition they’ve gotten from the community. [27:32] Mario talks about the project, ‘Is it Too Late to Save the Planet?’ for the High School students. [30:40] Mario’s advice to those who want to learn more about PBL (project-based learning).   Mentioned in This Episode: New Tech Network Buck Training High Tech High Trouble Don’t Last, by Shelley Pearsall   Get Involved: Check out the blog on GettingSmart.com. Find the GettingSmart podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.   Twitter-Specific Quotes:   “No one is going to change your life but you. You have got to be the one that makes a difference in your world.” — Mario Basora   “I wanted teaching to be an opportunity to really, really help kids learn and do great things with their lives.” — Mario Basora   “One of the things I found with PBL is our teachers are tapping into their creativity more than ever.” — Mario Basora   “Having teachers as part of the planning process and design process from inception — I think — is critical.” — Mario Basora   “We want teachers to take risks … to move from a culture of ‘failing is not an option,’ to one of ‘failing forward.’” — Mario Basora   “Teachers have to be allowed to take risks if they’re ever going to be innovative and change our culture.” — Mario Basora   “In order to get [education] to move forward, it’s going to require a cultural shift towards innovation and risk-taking.” — Mario Basora   Quotes:   “I felt like I had a spark that happened with me in College and it made a difference in my life. I felt like I really wanted to be able to do the same for other kids and I wanted to really, truly make a difference.” — Mario Basora   “If this is the kind of school I want my kids to go to … I should do whatever I can to make this the kind of school that all kids can go to.” — Mario Basora   “Bringing teachers… in as part of the planning process [for a new strategic learning plan] … is critically important to success.” — Mario Basora  

Kicking off Season 3, The Getting Smart team discuss what’s next in learning and how each of them is playing a role in the development of better education. In this episode, you will hear CEO Tom Vander Ark, Director of Strategic Design Mary Ryerse, Director of Advocacy Emily Liebtag, COO Caroline Vander Ark and Getting Smart’s new Project Manager Janice Walton’s thoughts on where education is now and where it is headed. The team reflects on the exciting developments they’ve recently seen in learning as well as makes predictions on the future of learning and share how they’re all working to help support these positive changes to the country’s education system.   The discussion begins with CEO Tom Vander Ark speaking about the global shift of personalized learning and the development of schools becoming more interesting, engaging and inspiring. He highlights the importance of having a network to create a rich learning ecosystem as well as a competency-based learning system. Next up, Mary Ryerse discusses a more sophisticated approach to academic development and the future of Social-Emotional Learning and developing a way to measure it. Emily Liebtag then shares her insights on classrooms today and what she sees for the future of learning from her recent school visits. She predicts more high-quality learning experiences through a wayfinding, informal learning approach with guidance. After that, Caroline speaks about focusing on the individual student, building a professional network, and amplifying teaching and learning innovations through storytelling. And lastly, Janice — the newest member of the Getting Smart team — shares her predictions on the future of technology and how she’s involved herself in these advancements. Key Takeaways: [:16] Introduction to Season 3 [1:08] Tom and Mary speak about what they’re most excited about in the world of learning today. [4:30] What Tom sees on the horizon for ‘what’s next’ in the education system. He describes a competency/demonstrated-based system rather than grade-based. [6:50] Tom’s insights on Getting Smart [8:30] Tom’s views on social and emotional learning and how to measure this progress [9:47] What Mary is most excited about in learning today: Increased focus on broader aims for students and straying away from the grade-based system and the elevation of the teacher role. [11:25] Mary’s views on ‘what’s next’: A more sophisticated approach to academic development: SEL (Social-Emotional Learning) and finding a way to measure it. [12:25] The future of SEL: Teaching networks prioritizing SEL skills [14:04] How Mary is helping people and organizations adopt a broader range and incorporating more thoughtful Social-Emotional Learning [16:00] Emily discusses her insights about learning today from her school visits. [17:40] What Emily sees for the future of learning: More informal learning and students crafting their own paths through guidance [19:50] Emily’s role in Getting Smart: Unpacking how we can see more high-quality learning experience in schools [20:50] Emily shares the improvement she has seen within schools and educators. [22:09] Caroline shares with Janice what she sees going on in today’s learning that she’s excited about: Technology in schools and the learning needs of both students and teachers. [25:10] What Caroline sees is next in learning: Focusing on the individual student. [26:35] Educating both the teacher and student: Building a professional network [27:50] Caroline’s role in Getting Smart: Amplifying teaching and learning innovations through storytelling [29:57] Janice’s hopes for the future of learning and what she has seen recently in education: Global education and virtual connections [32:34] What’s next in learning? Janice predicts virtual reality and hopes that all students will have access to technology to be able to participate in the future of learning. [34:39] Janice’s role in Getting Smart: Talking with organizations about these advancements and helping them get involved.   Mentioned in This Episode: Network Effect Smart Cities That Work for Everyone, by Tom Vander Ark with Mary Ryerse   Get Involved: Check out the blog on GettingSmart.com Share your thoughts on Twitter with the team using #futureoflearning Find the GettingSmart podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.

Timothy Shriver, nephew of John F. Kennedy and chair of the Special Olympics, discusses his part in helping define social and emotional learning and his dream of launching a dignity revolution for all.

Several years ago, Gregg Behr heard many teachers saying, “I’m not connecting with kids they way I used to.” Here he shares more on his journey to help create the Pittsburgh Remake Learning Network, a professional network of educators and innovators working together to make these connections with today's students and shape the future of teaching and learning. Remake Learning Playbook: http://remakelearning.org/playbook/ Learning Together Ten-Year Impact Report: http://downloads.sproutfund.org/remakelearning/Learning-Together_digital.pdf

Michael Moe, co-founder of GSV, discusses how artificial intelligence is being used in human resources to "obtain, train and retain talent," and what this means for education.

Chris Sturgis of CompetencyWorks and Tom Vander Ark share their thoughts on what Mastery (or competency-based learning) is, what it does and why it's important as part of the continuing conversation sparked from the recent National Mastery Communication Week.

Katherine Prince, Senior Director of Strategic Foresight at Knowledgeworks, shares more on the future of learning and what it means to redefine readiness from the inside out. The Future of Learning: Redefining Readiness From The Inside Out can be found here - http://www.knowledgeworks.org/redefining-readiness

iNACOL's Symposium is an excellent opportunity for education leaders to meet up with like-minded peers to discuss ways they're working to impact the future of education. Listen in as we interview several of the attendees about why they choose to attend the Symposium, what sets the event apart from others and what they were taking away from the event to use back in their school, district or organization. The iNACOL Symposium is being held October 23rd-25th at the Swan & Dolphin Resort in sunny Orlando, Florida. Registration is open for the event, so be sure to reserve your spot today: www.inacol.org

Juan Cabrera, superintendent of El Paso Independent School District, shares more with Tom on what he feels the trustees' role is in implementing the innovation agenda in a school district.

Katie King of KnowledgeWorks interviews Tom Vander Ark about EdReform, EdTech, EdLeaders and what learning will look like a decade from now.

Nate McClennen of Teton Science Schools and Neva Geisler of student-led One Stone school take you on a walking tour of downtown Boise to talk place-based education, learner experience and the power of community connections.

Adam Kulaas reflects on 21 lessons learned during a decade of leading schools, sharing insights on everything from encouraging student voice to supporting your staff.

Erin Mote and Erik Tucker, co-founders of Brooklyn LAB, discuss building a school that is both durable yet flexible enough to be future-ready, as well as a customized learning platform from scratch.

Following the release of a research report, Getting Smart shares findings connecting Minecraft and student SEL outcomes. This podcast features educator and student voices and results from a global survey.

Barry Schuler, entrepreneur and partner at the DFJ Growth Fund, chats more with Tom Vander Ark about his part in the creation of the internet, the future of smart machines and the power of networks.

Don Shalvey, Deputy Director of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Founder of Aspire Public Schools, talks school networks, district-charter relations and the 70s songs that describe them.

This podcast is the final entry in a three-part series, on which Getting Smart is proud to have partnered with the Learning Assembly. Designing a pilot process to experiment with a new strategy or EdTech tool is complicated. New communication channels must be established, goals and strategies must be agreed upon, and a diverse range of stakeholders (from teachers to EdTech vendors) must be brought on board and set up to work together effectively. One component that all of these details share is the involvement of teachers, and in keeping with that idea, one of the key themes that has emerged in this series has been the importance of teacher voice and engagement to the success of a pilot program. In this podcast, we hear from Kristen Howell, Pilot Network Director of LEAP Innovations (a Learning Assembly member), and Jessica Kertz (who has participated in two of LEAP’s pilots), Assistant Principal of Talcott Fine Arts and Museum Academy. They share more about how important teachers are to pilot program success, and the three key lessons they’ve learned in their time organizing and implementing pilots.

In this podcast, Dr. Bernadette Musetti shares benefits of bilingualism, programs or innovations in education that move emerging bilingual students forward and common myths or misconceptions about teaching emerging bilinguals and English learners.

So you’ve decided that you want to plan a pilot for a new EdTech tool. Where to start? There are a number of factors that affect the outcome of, and reliability of information obtained in, a pilot, from the cultural right down to the technical. In this podcast, we learn more about these factors from Laura Jackson and Joshua Marland (Project Manager and Director of Data & Analytics, respectively) of Highlander Institute, an organization that cultivates and disseminates innovative education solutions that improve educator and system capacity to provide personalized experiences for every learner. We also hear from Cameron Berube, Director of Curriculum and Instruction for Providence Public Schools (a participant in one of Highlander’s pilots). For more on pilots, see the first entry in this podcast series: http://www.gettingsmart.com/2017/06/podcast-pilot-programs-foundation-for-innovation/

Barriers to getting into, paying for and persisting through college inhibit many students and adults across the country from achieving their dream of graduating from college. Hear from a mother and daughter about their journey to post-secondary education.

This podcast is the first in a three-part series produced in partnership with the Learning Assembly. In this series, we are exploring the most important lessons that the members of the Learning Assembly have learned in their work developing pilot programs for districts and schools looking to try new personalized learning and EdTech programs. In this installment of the series, we speak with Megan Smallidge (Professional Development Project Manager of LearnLaunch’s piloting initiative, which is part of the Learning Assembly), Lynda-Lee Sheridan and Cathy Lyons (Principal and second-grade teacher, respectively, at Franklin D. Roosevelt K-8 School, which is part of Boston Public Schools and a participant in one of LearnLaunch’s pilots) about what a pilot is, and what it takes to lay the foundation for an initiative that can provide the data its organizers are looking for. For more, see the podcast on our blog: http://www.gettingsmart.com/2017/06/podcast-pilot-programs-foundation-for-innovation

The Getting Smart team visits Oso New Tech in El Paso, Texas to learn more about how EPISD and New Tech Network are personalizing learning for all students. In this podcast, you’ll hear from: Nick Kappelhof, New Tech Network Director, District and School Development Scott Gray, New Tech Coordinator, Innovation Design and Development Celeste Cano (Algebra teacher) Mauricio Olague (Art teacher in an Art and Biology combination class) Diego Medina (English teacher in a World History and English combination class)

Dr. Philip Hickman, superintendent of Columbus Municipal School District in Columbus, Mississippi, shares more about the K-16 Instructional and Technology Integration Model (K-16 ITI)--a new blended instructional model he created that is transforming his district.

Sandy Husk, CEO of AVID, discusses how this nonprofit college and career ready system was created by one teacher more than 30 years ago in her classroom, evolving into today's organization that creates college-going cultures in schools worldwide.

One Stone is a student-led school in Boise, Idaho, that we think is one of the coolest schools in the country. Listen in as students who attend this innovative school share the benefits and lessons they've learned serving on its student-led board.

Andrew Biros, longtime educator and current New Tech Network Coach, joins Getting Smart team member Emily Liebtag to discuss what he feels is essential when it comes to improving PBL practices, and shares some best practices for PBL teaching and learning. Visit www.hqpbl.org to learn more and share your thoughts on PBL!

Dr. Marian Kim-Phelps, Poway Unified School District Superintendent, and Joseph Erpelding, Principal of Design39, discuss leading for progress, empowering students and families to succeed and how to spread great ideas within a district.

Curtis Ogden, Senior Associate at the Interaction Institute for Social Change, discusses how networks are part of the education solution. Mixing Credit: Kyle Bishop

Parent and student perspectives are often left out of the conversation when it comes to teaching & learning, so in this episode we capture ideas and insights from members of these two important education audiences about language learning.

In this podcast, we hear from Michael Soguero, Director of Professional Development at Eagle Rock (a full-service not-for-profit educational reform organization offering professional development around the country), about Eagle Rock's strategy for leading high-quality learning experiences for teachers. Read more on our blog: http://www.gettingsmart.com/2017/04/podcast-professional-development-eagle-rock

Jennie Taranovich shares more about her success teaching language learning after shifting to a personalized and competency-based classroom environment that helps individual students meet their respective academic goals.

Ken Kay, CEO of EdLeader21, shares more about the Profile of a Graduate campaign they created to help educators, students and parents envision the essential competencies for a successful graduate in their community. The campaign site (www.profileofagraduate.org) provides free tools and resources to support schools and districts in this process as they customize their profiles.

Dr. Lisa Frumkes, Senior Director of Language Learning Products at Rosetta Stone, shares how learning a language at any age can be fruitful, providing opportunities for life and career experiences that you never imagined. This podcast series is sponsored by Rosetta Stone Education. The Rosetta Stone® Language Learning Suite for K12 provides flexible e-learning solutions that are easily integrated with the teacher’s in-class instruction. Their solutions are designed for all proficiency levels to fit your students‘ learning needs—from blank-slate students with limited exposure to new languages to those building intermediate and advanced level language skills for college and careers. For more, visit Rosetta Stone.com or see the Get Language Ready site.

Larry Rosenstock, Jeff Robins and Kaleb Rashad of High Tech High share musings about student projects, starting new schools, hiring teachers and why the city the school is located in is so important.

Jim Detwiler, Boone County School District’s Assistant Superintendent, shares how they designed their global competency program and exactly why it is such a priority for this diverse region of Kentucky. This podcast is part of a series sponsored by Rosetta Stone. The Rosetta Stone® Language Learning Suite for K12 provides flexible e-learning solutions that are easily integrated with the teacher’s in-class instruction. Their solutions are designed for all proficiency levels to fit your students‘ learning needs—from blank-slate students with limited exposure to new languages to those building intermediate and advanced level language skills for college and careers. For more, visit RosettaStone.com or see the Get Language Ready site.

Ben Nelson, founder and CEO of Minerva, discusses this unique college's innovative undergraduate program that combines four years of world travel with interdisciplinary study to prepare its students for success in the global future.

Jeff Sandefer, co-founder of Austin-based Acton Academy, shares more with Tom Vander Ark about this K-12 student-centered private school where adults rarely make an appearance in the classroom, and students are tasked with "finding a calling to change the world."

Paul Castro, Director of School Performance for Houston A+ UP, discusses the challenges and rewards of innovating outside the box when creating a new school, and what that can mean for families, teachers and students.

Gordon Jones, Dean of Boise State University’s College of Innovation and Design, discusses how the college focuses on incubating the most innovative and exciting ideas in higher education today.

Greg Ponikvar and Alex Horowitz of Summit Olympus in Tacoma, Washington, share more about their school's personalized learning program for ninth and tenth graders designed to empower them to drive their own learning and prepare them for college and career success.

Ginger Noyes, Quest Early College High School principal, discusses how the Early College system works and how their students are performing in both high school and college. Four Quest students also share why they love attending this school and compare their current experience to attending a traditional high school.

Denver Public Schools Superintendent Tom Boasberg; Board Members Barbara O’Brien and Happy Haynes; and KIPP Colorado Executive Director Kimberlee share why DPS continues to lead when it comes to providing school choice for students and families.

Rob Mancabelli, Co-founder, Chairman of the Board & Chief Strategy Officer at BrightBytes, chats with Tom Vander Ark about providing educators with the right data when they’re making important decisions that can boost student achievement.

In this episode of the podcast, we share the voices of several education leaders at the 2016 iNACOL Symposium on why they attend this annual event and their most exciting takeaways.

Matt Candler, CEO and founder of 4.0 Schools, shares segments from his recent Community Summit keynote as well as Tom's personal interview with him afterward on the #FutureofSchool.

College Spark senior program officer Heather Gingrich and Bob Wise, president of the Alliance for Excellent Education, discuss the importance of helping today's students become college, career and life ready, and how a partnership approach to this goal is really the best option.

Sandy Speicher, partner and managing director of education at IDEO, chats with Tom around what design thinking is and why it’s so important for teachers and education leaders right now.

Sangeet Paul Choudary, founder of Platformation Labs and the author of Platform Scale and Platform Revolution, joins Tom Vander Ark on the podcast to discuss what platforms are and what their future looks like in education.

The second podcast in our Place-Based Education campaign shares the perspectives of the teachers, leaders and learners at Teton Science Schools, with advice on how to implement PBE in the classroom, school, campus and community.

David Young, CEO of Participate, sits down with Tom Vander Ark to discuss the importance of developing global competencies, providing quality teacher professional development and dual language learning for today's students. We challenge you to join us in creating a #SmartPlanet. Be a globally connected educator and invite others to join too. Sign up at https://www.participate.com/ to access FREE online resources and join in the conversation with other globally aware educators.

High-quality project-based learning is not easy to implement, so the Getting Smart team is supporting a coalition of over 100 organizations and people to create guidelines to help educators do so. At a recent steering committee meeting, we asked ten EdLeaders about the benefits of project-based learning and the challenges to more high-quality PBL at scale, and share their thoughts in this podcast.

Dr. Philip Hickman, Superintendent of the Columbus Municipal School District in rural Mississippi, chats with Tom about how Columbus is proof that personalized learning and innovative education can happen anywhere. Check out his free "Ultimate Field Guide to Personalized Learning and OER Adoption" published in partnership with adaptive learning platform Fishtree: https://s3.amazonaws.com/fishtree-downloads/Field-Guide-to-Personalized-Learning-and-OER-Adoption.pdf

Steve Schultz, Superintendent, and Rebecca Midles, Executive Director of Performance-Based Systems, share background, lessons learned and next steps around Mesa County Valley School District 51's efforts to shift to a competency-based education model.

Jaime Casap, Chief Evangelist at Google, shares his thoughts with Tom about inquiry-based learning, technology in education, bridging the digital divide and how a boy who grew up on welfare in Hell's Kitchen was able to beat the odds and succeed as an education leader.

David Rattray, president of Unite LA, chats with Tom about workforce readiness, the need for continued lifelong learning and how schools must adapt to prepare young people for a new economy and a changing world.

Zoran Popovic, Director of the Center for Game Science at the University of Washington, chats with Tom Vander Ark about computer science, gaming, virtual reality and how we can help today's students be successful using artificial intelligence.

In 2007, Joel Rose began developing an idea for an innovative, blended strategy for teaching middle school math. Over the course of the next nine years, it would develop into a program with over 40 partner schools positively impacting over 13,000 students. In this podcast, Tom Vander Ark talks to Joel about the program and where it's headed. For more, see: Let’s Talk Math: Two New Resources to Help Promote Mathematical Discourse (http://www.gettingsmart.com/2016/12/2-resources-mathematical-discourse/) Personalized Math at Fulton's Bear Creek Middle School (http://www.gettingsmart.com/2017/01/personalized-math-fultons-bear-creek-middle-school/) Middle Grade Math: Comprehensive and Open (http://www.gettingsmart.com/2016/10/middle-grade-math-comprehensive-and-open/)

In this podcast, Tom chats with Seth Andrew about the journey that led him from teaching special education, to founding one of the most successful schools in New York City, to developing that model into a network of schools serving 5000 students, and eventually to becoming one of Washington DC's leading EdTech influencers. For more, see: Visiting Schools: Transformative Professional Learning (http://www.gettingsmart.com/2016/05/transformative-professional-learning/) School Networks Scale Innovation (http://www.gettingsmart.com/2015/12/school-networks-scale-innovation/)

McGraw is a leader in adaptive learning. In this podcast, Stephen Laster, Chief Digital Officer at McGraw-Hill Education, chats with Tom Vander Ark about the "Platform Revolution" in technology.

Dr. Paul Kim, Chief Technology Officer and Assistant Dean at Stanford University Graduate School of Education, chats with Tom about the importance of inquiry-based learning as well as how Artificial Intelligence and machine learning will impact the future of education.

Rody Boonchouy, Senior Director of Innovation and Strategic Partnerships and Brandon Wiley, Chief Program Officer, at Buck Institute for Education, discuss the importance of global, high-quality PBL in the future of education with Bonnie Lathram at the 2016 iNACOL Symposium Voices Hub.

Olin College of Engineering students chat with Tom about what makes Olin different, their higher education project-based learning experiences and how they feel these experiences have made a difference in their college education.

iNACOL's 2016 Symposium featured a Student Plenary Panel keynote where a group of diverse students shared how they reimagined and personalized their own educations to overcome barriers and succeed. We were able to capture their amazing stories and experiences for our podcast, so listen in on the voices of tomorrow's leaders.

Andrew Frishman is co-executive director of Big Picture Learning, where the mission is the education of our nation "one student at a time." Listen to Andrew and Tom Vander Ark as they chat about what that means in real terms in schools across the United States.

Nate McClellan, VP of Education & Innovation at Teton Science Schools, takes Getting Smart's Carri Schneider on a tour of the four TSS campuses to speak with students and staff about their experiences and show her firsthand this school's powerful place-based approach to learning.

David Ross, the new CEO of the Partnership for 21st Century Learning, sat down with Bonnie Lathram to talk about global education, artificial intelligence, parenting, lifelong learning, how this is the golden age for project-based learning and how it connects to the importance of social and emotional learning.

Mona Mourshead and Tom Vander Ark discuss how the Generation social initiative she leads is closing the global youth unemployment gap by placing disconnected young adults in jobs and giving them the skills and support they need for continued success.

University Academy (UA) is a K-12 charter school, located in Kansas City, Missouri, that we think is one of the best college prep schools in the country. Here we chat with UA Chairman Bush Helzberg, Superintendent Tony Kline and Asst. Superintendent Rebeccas Gudde about why UA was founded and what continues to make it unique.

Dr. Dan Siegel of Mindsight Institute chats with Mary Ryerse about the importance of promoting strong relationships in the learning process while working with young students, focusing efforts to grow their Social-Emotional and Academic Development (SEAD).

Patricia DeKlotz, Superintendent of the Kettle Moraine School District, discusses the variety of achievements she has accomplished in her district so far, and the one thing she focuses the majority of her efforts on to ensure success.

Senator Howard Stephenson shares more on Utah's legislative efforts to incentivize adoption of high-quality adaptive learning products for reading intervention, English language acquisition and elementary and secondary math.

Laurel Barrette, director of dropout prevention and high school initiatives at K12 Inc. and a former high school dropout herself, shares how K12 supports dropout prevention efforts, as well as strategies for how communities can support our most vulnerable students.

Drew Perkins, director of PD for TeachThought, chats with Emily Liebtag about project-based learning as the catalyst for a positive and widespread ripple effect in schools that results in positive community change.

Get a free ebook! A year ago we launched the book "Smart Parents: Parenting for Powerful Learning," and we're celebrating in this episode by revisiting the book, discussing back-to-school prep in several parent interviews and sharing a download code with our listeners for a free ebook copy.

Emily LIebtag sits down with Getting Smart CEO Tom Vander Ark and Gerald Huff, a senior Silicon Valley software engineer, to discuss the economic and educational implications of artificial intelligence.

David Woods, Curriculum Manager for Dreambox Learning, helps Megan Mead to better understand how technology and blended learning can be leveraged to cultivate young mathematicians.

Teachers and students from Bulldog Tech in San Jose, California students discuss qualities and characteristics of great PBL teachers and why they think learning through projects is powerful. There are many voices on this podcast, but it is remarkable how they share similar thoughts and ideas about teaching and learning. It is clear there is commitment to a similar vision.

Roger Weissberg, chief knowledge officer for the Collaborative For Academic, Social and Emotional Learning (CASEL), joins Tom for a discussion around Social Emotional Learning (SEL), and shares more on reasons he feels SEL has become so prominent in education discussions and what the future of SEL in schools might be.

Eric Westendorf, CEO of LearnZillion, shares how the instructional math videos he created as a principal turned into today's company over the past five years. With the help of a teacher Dream Team, LearnZillion connects and aligns curriculum, assessment and professional development for today's educator.

Solution Tree assessment experts Cassandra Erkens, Tom Schimmer and Nicole Dimich Vagle chat about the new Solution Tree Assessment Center, a resource designed to help educators boost hope, efficacy and achievement for students.

Rob Waldron, CEO of Curriculum Associates (CA), has a unique employment position: when hired, he agreed to sign a 20-year contract. The results of this arrangement have been immensely beneficial for both sides, and Rob shares more with us on this unique story and the leadership lessons he has learned along the way.

Mark Milliron, CEO of Civitas Learning, discusses how degrees still matter, the state of the current higher ed landscape and how colleges and universities are using data to improve learning, persistence and degree choices.

Dr. Nicole Assisi, Thrive founder, and Jaclyn Vasko, teacher leader, share how back-to-school time looks a little bit different for teachers at Thrive Public Schools than in other districts.

Ashanti Branch of Ever Forward Club, Gia Truong from Envision Education and Bob Lenz from Buck Institute of Education share why they are invested in PBL.

Juan Cabrera, superintendent of El Paso Independent School District, shares his personal story of how growing up bilingual helped him succeed in his life and career, and his belief that dual language programs are a necessity for all students.

Virginia Edwards, Education Week's chief editor and president of Editorial Products in Education (EPE), shares more on what she has witnessed in education transformation over the three decade span of her career.

Mike Feinberg, co-founder of the Knowledge is Power Program(KIPP), discusses what is important when opening great new schools as part of our #NewSchools series. KIPP has opened 183 schools over the last two decades, and currently serves more than 70,000 students.

Getting Smart's Bonnie Lathram and Emily Liebtag had the opportunity to hear powerful stories from students, parents and educators at PBL World. In this podcast, they share discussions with some of the people they spoke with about why they are vested in project-based learning.

Michael Moe, co-founder of GSV, shares his thoughts about the future of learning and innovation in education.

Victoria Bergsagel, president of Architects of Achievement, has helped envision successful programs and inspiring spaces for hundreds of schools. She shares more about her experiences here as part of our #NewSchools series.

Dan Domenech, executive director of AASA, discusses personalized project-based learning as the path to readiness for college, work and life.

Jonathan Martin, Strategic Implementation Advisor to ProExam Tessera™, discusses the importance and benefits of schools measuring students' noncognitive skills.

Author Paul Tough discusses his new book, Helping Children Succeed, which includes combining personalized and project-based learning in next-gen learning models, building relationships and pedagogy.

Andrea Wien, author of Gap to Great: A Parent’s Guide to the Gap Year and the founder of Gap to Great, the world’s first global gap year community, chats with us more about leveraging this important time.

Highline Public Schools and Federal Way Public Schools district leaders share how they are working to support English Language Learners in their schools.

R.L. Stevenson Elementary principal Michael Corneau shares how he helped his teachers help students by designing better curriculum using Literacy Design Collaborative (LDC).

Voices from education leaders at the 2016 Deeper Learning Conference sharing their thoughts on deeper learning and the impact educators can have on students’ lives.

Tim Stensager is a lifelong educator and EdLeader in Washington State. He now serves in the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI). In this episode, we talk with Tim about the role that guidance plays in college and career readiness

Inspired by #OERStories, this episode is all about Open Educational Resources (OER). Tom Vander Ark leads our examination of what the shift to digital means when it comes to content. We talk about what the difference between free and open resources, the impact of the rise of Chromebooks and the role of learning platforms with OER, as what all this means for teachers, districts and states.

Napa New Technology High School was created when local businesspeople came together in 1996 to develop a school in which students would learn the skills necessary to succeed in the new economy. Fast forward to 2016 and the New Tech Network supports nearly 200 schools, 90% of them in school districts.

In this episode we talk with Intrepid Learning who are making the case that when it comes to professional learning to deliver value not only to businesses with innovative approaches to PD, but also to employees with credentialing that can be carried throughout their careers.

Liz Whisnant, Principal at Horace Mann Elementary in Washington, D.C., led the most interesting pedagogy to facilities translation that we’ve encountered, and she shares more with us about this journey.

Author Trenton Goble discusses sharing candid and powerful stories of his own time teaching and leading schools as a principal in his new book--Reclaiming the Classroom: How America’s Teachers Lost Control of Education and How They Can Get It Back

In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, we feature student stories about their experiences with project-based learning (PBL), an interview with a PBL STEM teacher and interviews with education leaders Bob Lenz and John Larmer of Buck Institute for Education about PBL and the impact PBL has on student achievement.

At its core, the purpose of the personalized learning framework is to open student pathways and to encourage student voice in their education. As we shift to next-gen education models, ones that place students at the center and in control of learning, student voice can serve as a catalyst for this change. This episode was sponsored by The J.A. and Kathryn Albertson Family Foundation and iNACOL. Correction: David Haglund is now deputy superintendent in Santa Ana Unified Schools District.

Predicting the future is difficult but we can build useful frameworks that help update our mental models and assist us in making better decisions. In a recent episode of Driven 2 Educate hosted by Linda Buchner, Tom Vander Ark, CEO of Getting Smart, frames emerging issues and invites experts and practitioners to contribute stories and examples. These crowdsourced thought leadership campaigns help illuminate the path forward and promote better decision making. The three recent campaigns -- Smart Cities, Smart Parents and GenDIY.

If you are an educator these days you’ve probably heard of blended learning. Odds are you’re blending in some capacity already. So in this episode we look at the future of blended learning, from the current issue of its multiple definitions to schools leading in next-gen models, from the importance of blended and personalized learning for educators to the growing importance of having a guiding vision for implementation.