In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Tom Vander Ark delves into the innovative educational approaches of Tacoma Public Schools, highlighting their commitment to integrating college and career readiness into a unified pathway. Partnering with Tacoma, Tom speaks with Adam Kulaas, Director of Innovative Learning, who shares insights on how the district is empowering students for life readiness. The focus is on engaging learners in meaningful work today while preparing them for future opportunities through practical, real-world applications. This approach is not just about bridging the gap between education and industry but fostering a mindset that values both the "now" and "next" stages of a student's journey.

The conversation also explores Tacoma's strategic partnerships and the diverse pathways available to students, such as the Jobs 253 program and dual-credit opportunities. These partnerships, including collaborations with local industries and educational institutions, are key to providing students with hands-on experiences and credentials that are relevant to the current job market. Tacoma's approach embodies an asset-based model of education, where existing resources are leveraged to create robust, personalized learning experiences. This episode serves as an inspiring example of how intentional pathways can transform education, ensuring all students have access to high-wage employment and lifelong learning opportunities.

• (00:00) Introduction to New Pathways
• (00:29) Tacoma Public Schools' Innovative Learning
• (02:07) Life Readiness and Career Tech Education
• (08:51) Comprehensive High Schools and Pathways
• (17:46) Future Projects and Community Partnerships

• Watch the full video here
• Read the full blog here
• Adam Kulaas Linkedin
• Tacoma Public Schools

In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Tom Vander Ark delves into the intricacies of workforce development and public leadership with Jennifer Purcell, the director of Future Ready Oregon. This state-level initiative represents a groundbreaking approach to aligning education and workforce systems, with a strong emphasis on equity and access. Jennifer shares insights into how Future Ready Oregon has successfully secured over $200 million in funding to support diverse learners and workers, creating pathways that connect education and high-demand career opportunities. The conversation highlights innovative programs like Workforce Navigators, which address broader needs such as transportation and childcare, ensuring equitable access to education and training.

• (00:00) Introduction to Key Topics
• (00:58) Deep Dive into Workforce Development
• (02:12) Exploring Future Ready Oregon
• (10:59) Innovative Programs and Grants
• (28:22) Public Leadership and Personal Journey

• Watch the full video here
• Read the full blog here
• Jennifer Purcell LinkedIn
• Future Ready Oregon
• Health Pathways Publication

In this episode of the Getting Smart podcast, Tom Vander Ark is in conversation with Laura Slover and Mike Flanagan, focusing on the transformative initiatives in education being spearheaded by ETS and the Mastery Transcript Consortium (MTC). The discussion gets into the Skills for the Future initiative, emphasizing the shift from traditional education models towards competency-based education that aligns with the demands of a rapidly evolving workforce. This initiative, a collaboration between ETS and the Carnegie Foundation, seeks to broaden educational goals beyond conventional academics to include essential skills like communication, critical thinking, and civic engagement. By embedding innovative assessment tools in several states, the program aims to capture authentic evidence of student learning both in and out of the classroom, thus preparing students more effectively for future challenges.

• (00:00) Introduction and Guest Welcome
• (01:26) The Role of Achieve and the Standards Movement
• (06:11) Mastery Transcript Consortium: Origins and Goals
• (09:33) Skills for the Future Initiative
• (22:05) Future of Education: Assessments and Signals

• Watch the full video here
• Read the full blog here
• Laura Slover LinkedIn
• Mike Flanagan LinkedIn
• Skills Transcripts at Scale: Why The ETS & MTC Partnership is a Big Deal
• Skills for the Future announcement
• States Announcement
• Skills for the Future Press Release
• A New Visio for Skills-Based Assessment Paper

In the podcast episode featuring Laurie Gagnon, the focus is on the transformative potential of Competency-Based Education (CBE) in reshaping K-12 learning environments. Laurie discusses how CBE moves away from traditional seat-time-based models, emphasizing mastery of skills and knowledge at an individualized pace. This approach not only personalizes learning but also aligns with the Aurora Institute's vision of equitable education. By centering on explicit, measurable learning objectives, CBE empowers students to take charge of their educational journeys, promoting a deeper, more engaged form of learning. Laurie highlights examples of districts successfully implementing CBE, showcasing practical applications and the systemic changes required to support this educational model.

Outline

• (00:00) Introduction and Guest Welcome
• (00:31) Understanding Competency-Based Education
• (04:16) Visualizing Competency-Based Education
• (07:54) Real-World Examples of CBE in Action
• (20:07) Addressing Equity and Future Directions

• Watch the full video here
• Read the full blog here
• Laurie Gagnon
• Laurie Gagnon LinkedIn
• Laurie Gagnon and Cory Henwood
• Illustrating the Competency-Based Education Definition
• CompetencyWorks

In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Victoria Andrews takes us into the transformative world of eSports alongside Danny Martin, co-founder and CEO of eSposure. With eSports growing into a $250 billion industry, it's more than just competitive gaming; it's a thriving ecosystem that fosters community, teaches valuable workforce skills, and opens pathways to entrepreneurship. Victoria shares how eSports has redefined the way students engage with education, offering opportunities for personal and professional growth. Danny talks about how programs like eSposure are bridging gaps, particularly for economically disadvantaged communities, by integrating technology and innovation into learning experiences.

Outline

(00:00) Introduction to Project Lead the Way

(00:40) Discovering the World of eSports

(03:29) The Community and Industry of eSports

(09:03) Entrepreneurship and Education in eSports

(17:55) Future of eSports and AI Integration

Links

• Watch the full video here
• Read the full blog here
• Danny Martin
• esposure 
• Britney Seals

In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Nate McClennen and Tim Dasey delve into the multifaceted impact of AI on education, exploring both the challenges and opportunities it presents. As AI becomes a larger part of various educational contexts, it prompts a reevaluation of traditional teaching methods and calls for the creation of new strategies to ensure students are prepared for an AI-driven world. Tim Dasey, drawing on his extensive experience in AI and education, emphasizes the need to shift from rote memorization to experiential learning approaches that foster critical thinking, adaptability, and problem-solving skills. This transformation is crucial for what Dasey refers to as "wisdom factories," where students not only acquire knowledge but also develop the intuition and judgment necessary to apply it effectively in diverse situations.

The discussion highlights three innovative strategies for enhancing educational practices: integrating games to build experience and intuition, adopting "upside-down learning" that prioritizes problem-solving over traditional subject compartmentalization, and implementing "productivity therapy" to tailor AI tools to individual learning and teaching styles. By embracing these approaches, educators can create dynamic learning environments that encourage experimentation and adaptability, essential traits in a rapidly changing technological landscape. The conversation also touches on the importance of agile methodologies in education, advocating for iterative cycles of implementation and feedback to keep pace with evolving educational technologies and methodologies. Together, these insights provide a roadmap for educators and school leaders seeking to navigate the complexities of integrating AI into educational settings effectively.

• (00:00) Introduction to Elevating Innovation Virtual Conference
• (01:00) AI and Education: A Fundamental Question
• (02:27) Tim Dacey's Journey and Insights on AI
• (09:26) Building Wisdom Factories: Skills for the Future
• (32:20) Practical Steps for Educators and Future Projects

• Watch the full video here
• Read the full blog here
• Tim Dasey Website
• Tim Dasey LinkedIn
• Wisdom Factories: AI, Games, and the Education of a Modern Worker
• Gallup Report on Management Skills and Readiness
• Agile Methodology
• Sweet Graipes Substack

In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Shawnee Caruthers gets into a profound discussion with Dr. Christopher Emdin and Sam Seidel about their latest work, "From White Folks Who Teach in the Hood." This conversation is essential for educators who are ready to challenge their own biases and rethink their roles in marginalized communities. Emdin and Seidel explore the importance of cultural competency and equity in education, asking educators to not only impart academic knowledge but also to create inclusive environments where all students feel seen and valued. They emphasize the need for educators to become agents of change, taking accountability for their impact and actively working to dismantle systemic inequities in the classroom.

• (00:00) Introduction to Elevating Innovation Virtual Conference
• (01:04) Discussing 'From White People Who Teach in a Hood'
• (03:04) Challenges and Reflections on Cultural Competency
• (10:20) Practical Steps and Final Thoughts

• Watch the full video here

• Read the full blog here

• Chris Emdin

• STEM, STEAM, Make Dream

• sam seidel LinkedIn

• sam seidel Bio

• From White Folks Website 

• sam seidel and Olatunde Sobomehin on the Creative Hustle and Blazing Your Own Path

• Getting Smart and the d.school: Live from SXSW

• Chris Emdin on STEM, STEAM, Make Dream

• For White Folks Who Teach in the Hood ... and the Rest of Y'all Too

• From White Folks Who Teach in the Hood

• Joy James

• Imprisoned Intellectuals

• Justin Coen on Reframing the Holiday Dinner

In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, hosts Jordan Luster and Victoria Andrews dive into the world of microschools, exploring how these small, adaptive learning environments are making education more accessible and equitable. The conversation touches on the different strategies employed by micro school leaders across the country, emphasizing their commitment to overcoming challenges like financial barriers and geographic limitations. Through real-world examples, listeners gain insight into how microschools are expanding their reach through unique funding models, education savings accounts, and community partnerships that ensure inclusivity for all students, regardless of their background.

Outline

• (00:00) Exploring Micro Schools and Their Impact
• (02:56) Challenges and Opportunities in Micro Schools
• (05:41) Real Stories from Micro School Leaders
• (16:42) Future of Micro Schools and Accessibility

• Scalability Episode
• Town Hall Recap: Microschools: Sustainability, Scalability and Accessibility
• Vita Schools of Innovation
• KaiPod Learning
• The Ferguson School
• Black Microschools Atlanta
• Elements Academy

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.

• (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

• 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