Educationally Speaking

Studies Have Shown That Early Childhood Education Programs Can Prepare Children To Develop The Academic, Social And Emotional Skills They Need To Succeed And Graduate High School. 

Other Long-Term Benefits Of Early Childhood Education Can Include Earning Higher Grades And Having A Lifelong Love For Reading And Learning.

Studies Have Also Shown That Children Who Attend High-Quality Early Childhood Education Programs Can Develop An Improved Attention Span Which Can Lead To More Productivity In Their Adult Lives.

So What Programs Are Offered To Families With Children Aged Birth To Kindergarten?

What Does An Early Childhood Learning Environment Offer Its Students?

And How Is It All Funded?

We’ll Explore Those Topics And More In This Episode Of Educationally Speaking!

Host: Mark Edwards, Oakland Schools' Communications Specialist

Guests: Oakland Schools’ Director of Early Childhood Dr. Dawn Koger and Early Childhood Consultant Dr. Krista Shambleau

Research shows that the fine arts enhance brain function by impacting brain wave patterns, emotions, and the nervous system while also raising serotonin levels. By using our creative abilities, we tap into multiple intelligences that support how we learn.  Evidence suggests that students improve in math, reading, science, and other subjects when the arts are infused into a school's curriculum. So what artistic opportunities do K-12 students have available to them, how are these programs funded and what career opportunities do the fine arts provide? We’ll explore those topics and more in this episode of Educationally Speaking.

Host: Mark Edwards, Oakland Schools' Communications Specialist

Guest: Hedy Blatt, Oakland Schools’ Fine Arts Consultant

Producer: Brian Beck, Oakland Schools' Media Production Specialist

At some point in our life we have envisioned ourselves working in our dream job! To get there students need engaging, cutting-edge instruction that is rigorous and relevant. So what are the necessary steps needed to ensure that today's learner can achieve their career goals? Is Career and Technical Education the answer when it comes to landing a high-wage, high-skill, high-demand career? We’ll explore those topics and more in this episode of Educationally Speaking!

Host: Mark Edwards, Oakland Schools' Communications Specialist

Guest: Jarrad Grandy, Oakland Schools’ Executive Director of Student Services

Producer: Brian Beck, Oakland Schools' Media Production Specialist

We have all faced and overcome many challenges during the past couple of years. It’s safe to say our overall health and wellness are the most important aspects of our lives!

So how are Intermediate School Districts and Educational Service Agencies partnering together to ensure the overall well-being of staff and students is a long-term priority?

Host: Mark Edwards, Oakland Schools' Communications Specialist

Guest: Christina Harvey, Health Education Consultant for Oakland Schools

Producer: Brian Beck, Oakland Schools' Media Production Specialist

For over a century the greater Detroit area has served as a hub for designing and building automobiles and the region is poised to continue to be an automotive leader into the future.

With that said vehicles are not getting any simpler, they are equipped with computer chips and advanced technology making it nearly impossible to perform any personal maintenance outside of putting air in the tires.

It is important to have a certified auto technician to perform and oversee the maintenance on your vehicle.

Host: Mark Edwards, Oakland Schools' Communications Specialist

Guest: Juwan Willis, OSTC-NE Automotive Technology Instructor 

Producer: Brian Beck, Oakland Schools' Media ProductionSpecialist

National Apprenticeship Week is a nationwide celebration where industry, labor, equity, workforce, education, and government leaders showcase the successes and value of registered apprenticeship for rebuilding our economy, advancing racial and gender equity, and supporting underserved communities.

Host: Mark Edwards, Oakland Schools' Communications Specialist

Guests: Paul Galbenski, Dean OSTC-Northeast

Producer: Brian Beck, Oakland Schools' Media Production and Distance Learning Manager

We live in the information age. A world filled with modern technology has paved the way for multi-functional devices like the smartwatch and smartphone. Computers are increasingly faster, more portable, and higher-powered than ever before. With all of these advancements, information technology has also made our lives easier, faster, and overall better, it has especially increased the effectiveness and efficiency of the educational system. So where does productivity and security intersect? Information technology departments are tasked with creating digital security plans, backing up data, and checking for vulnerabilities to ensure the safety of users on their network.

Host: Mark Edwards, Oakland Schools' Communications Specialist

Guest: Dwight Levens, Oakland Schools’ Executive Director of Technology

Producer: Brian Beck, Oakland Schools' Media Production and Distance Learning Manager

The National School Lunch Program serves nearly 30 million children every school day.

Balanced nutrition throughout the day is one of the leading factors when it comes to student success. Research has proven that school meal programs play an important role in obesity prevention, overall student health and academic achievement.

Host: Mark Edwards, Oakland Schools' Communications Specialist

Guest: Lori Adkins, Oakland Schools’ Child Nutrition Consultant

Producer: Brian Beck, Oakland Schools' Media Production and Distance Learning Manager

It's been said that the only constant in life is change itself. That also holds true in the education world, as it is always evolving. Groundbreaking ideas, cutting-edge curriculum, innovative technologies, and the list goes on.

As we head into a new school year one variable remains constant, education professionals are gearing up for the 2022-23 school year with the goal of serving every student, every day!

Host: Mark Edwards, Oakland Schools' Communications Specialist

Guest: Kenneth Gutman, Oakland Schools’ Deputy Superintendent 

Producer: Mark Hansen, Oakland Schools' Media Production and Distance Learning Manager

In today's world, public perception can make or break your brand. So who is responsible for telling your organization's story? What are the most efficient ways to deliver a message? How do you evaluate whether or not your communication was effective? We’ll explore those topics and more in this episode of educationally speaking.

Host: Mark Edwards, Oakland Schools' Communications Specialist

Guest: Sheri Stuart, Oakland Schools’ Communications Director

Producer: Mark Hansen, Oakland Schools' Media Production and Distance Learning Manager