Getting Smart Podcast

In today's rapidly evolving educational landscape, Arizona is pioneering a transformative approach through unbundled learning. This model breaks down traditional educational silos, integrating K-12, higher education, and workforce readiness to equip students with the skills necessary for the 21st century. By leveraging partnerships with local businesses and educational institutions, initiatives like those led by ASU Prep and the Greater Phoenix Chamber are providing students with real-world learning experiences that extend beyond the classroom. These efforts not only enhance students' academic understanding but also prepare them for future career opportunities, ensuring they are both college and career ready. As Arizona continues to innovate, it serves as a model for other states aiming to reform educational pathways to meet the diverse needs of all learners.

• (00:00) Introduction to Unbundled Learning Series
• (00:56) Levels of Education Unbundling
• (03:28) Guest Introductions and Personal Experiences
• (10:10) Challenges and Solutions in Arizona's Education System
• (21:39) Policy Barriers and Innovations
• (33:00) Future Directions and Closing Remarks

Links

• Watch the full video here
• Read the full blog here
• Jennifer Mellor LinkedIn
• Greater Phoenix Chamber
• Chad Gestson LinkedIn
• Arizona Institute for Education and the Economy
• Whitney Marsh LinkedIn
• ASU Prep
• ASU Prep Digital Plus
• Khan World School
• Family Choice Friday

In Colorado, the unbundled learning movement is reshaping how education is delivered, bridging the gap between traditional schooling and real-world experiences. This initiative is driven by the need to provide students with relevant, career-connected learning opportunities that prepare them for future success. By integrating work-based learning, internships, and community projects, Colorado is fostering a learning ecosystem where students can earn credentials and develop skills directly applicable to the workforce. Organizations like Reschool Colorado, Jeffco Open School, and Colorado Succeeds are at the forefront, partnering with local businesses and communities to expand access to education beyond the classroom walls. This approach not only enhances student engagement but also builds a robust talent pipeline for the state's economy. However, overcoming legacy systems and ensuring equitable access remain significant challenges. Colorado's efforts exemplify how states can innovate to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving educational landscape.

• (00:00) Introduction to Unbundled Learning
• (00:49) Challenges and Opportunities in Unbundled Learning
• (02:33) Spotlight on Colorado's Initiatives
• (03:49) Personal Stories of Impactful Learning
• (07:31) Organizational Efforts and Programs
• (20:09) Future Directions and Final Thoughts

• Watch the full video
• Read the full blog
• Unbundled Research Doc
• Getting Smart Unbundled Publication
• JeffCo Open School Blog
• Jeffco Open School
• Melyssa Dominguez LinkedIn
• Amy Anderson LinkedIn
• Reschool Colorado
• Colorado Succeeds
• Shannon Nicholas LinkedIn
• MySpark
• Embark
• Resources from ReSchool Colorado
• Design Lab - resource to support people who want to co-design and co-create with communities that also includes sound clips sharing how RESCHOOL has used these resources and what it resulted in overtime
• REVOLVE - interactive game designed to build empathy for young adults navigating learning and life and to access and map resources, skills and experiences gained across a variety of settings within a competency-based learning framework.
• DISCOVER Learning - search-based tool to find out-of-school learning providers aligned with a family's/child's interests, age, needs
• Family Choice Journal - family-facing resource to guide parents in making decisions with their children about schools and out-of-school experiences
• Resources from Colorado Succeeds
• Homegrown Talent Initiative case study
• Path4Ward case study

The podcast episode "New Hampshire Unbundled" explores how New Hampshire has become a leader in unbundled and competency-based learning, offering students personalized educational pathways that extend beyond traditional school environments. By embracing initiatives like the Virtual Learning Academy Charter School (VLACS) and Learn Everywhere, the state provides learners with opportunities to earn credits through real-world experiences, ranging from internships to independent projects, thus fostering a learning ecosystem that is adaptable to individual student needs and aspirations. The discussion highlights the importance of flexible learning models that prioritize student engagement and mastery over seat time, and it emphasizes the critical role of policy and technology in expanding access to diverse educational opportunities. Through these innovative approaches, New Hampshire is paving the way for a future-ready education system that prepares students for success in an ever-evolving world.

• ​​(00:00) Introduction to Unbundled Learning
• (03:17) Personal Stories of Impactful Learning
• (06:39) Innovative Education Policies in New Hampshire
• (21:02) Opportunities for Growth and Education Reform
• (23:12) Challenges and Barriers to Educational Innovation
• (30:21) Future Directions and Student-Centered Approaches

• Watch the full video
• Read the full blog here
• Partnership to Advance Youth Apprenticeship
• Learn Everywhere
• New Hampshire Learning Initiative
• Portrait of a NH Learner
• Virtual Learning Academy Charter School

In this engaging episode of the Getting Smart podcast, hosts Jordan Luster and Victoria Andrews dive into the world of micro schools with Coi Morefield, the innovative founder of the Lab School of Memphis. Morefield introduces Microschool Masters, a groundbreaking platform designed to address the unique challenges of microschool education by transforming teaching teams into exceptional educators and leaders. With a focus on adult learning, Morefield emphasizes the importance of mindset shifts and sustainable practices to retain educators and decrease costly turnover. The conversation highlights how microschools, with their small, personalized settings, require a distinct approach to teacher training and professional development compared to traditional models. Morefield shares how her platform is akin to MasterClass, offering high-quality, digestible courses that not only cover essential educational strategies but also critical areas like compliance and governance. This episode is a must-listen for those interested in the future of education and the transformative potential of microschools.

• (00:00) Revolutionizing Education at SXSW EDU 2025
• (01:06) Introduction to the Getting Smart Podcast
• (02:31) The Vision for Adult Learning in Micro Schools
• (03:50) Challenges and Solutions in Micro School Education
• (08:32) Building Community and Ensuring Compliance

• Watch the full video here
• Read the full blog here
• Coi Morefield LinkedIn
• Coi Morefield Instagram
• The Lab School of Memphis
• The Rise of Millennial-Powered Microschools
• Microschool Masters

The recent "What's Next in Learning 2025" Town Hall highlighted pivotal trends poised to redefine education, emphasizing the growing impact of artificial intelligence (AI), governance shifts, and literacy. AI is revolutionizing classrooms by offering personalized learning experiences but also posing challenges such as plagiarism and ethical use. The discussion underscored the need for thoughtful governance and equitable access to these technologies. Additionally, the shift from federal to localized governance offers opportunities to innovate educational goals, like Portraits of Graduates, and address declining public school enrollments with alternative models like micro-schools. Literacy, encompassing reading, media, and civic literacy, remains crucial in preparing students for an information-rich world, fostering critical thinking, and active citizenship. These trends align with Getting Smart's mission to provide challenging, purposeful, and joyful learning experiences, encouraging educators to embrace innovations in teaching and learning.

In this episode, Shawnee Caruthers explores the innovative approach of the Blue Sky Institute to redefining healthcare education through its partnership with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee and East Tennessee State University. This initiative addresses workforce shortages by offering accelerated pathways that integrate technology with hands-on experience, preparing students for leadership roles in the healthcare industry. Brad Leon, the Blue Sky Institute's executive director, shares how this model ensures students graduate debt-free and fully equipped to meet the demands of the modern workforce.

The conversation highlights the importance of experiential learning, with programs like the Game Design Challenge inspiring students to pursue careers in technology. Through the Accelerate Ed initiative, Blue Sky transforms educational practices and impacts communities by providing long-term benefits through early access to higher education and work-connected learning. This partnership exemplifies how bridging education with industry needs can empower students and create a sustainable talent pipeline for the future.

• (00:00) Welcome to SXSW EDU 2025
• (01:10) Introduction to the Blue Sky Institute
• (03:07) Challenges and Solutions in Healthcare Education
• (05:46) The Blue Sky Institute's Unique Approach
• (10:48) Student and Community Engagement
• (15:18) Future Prospects and Advice

• Watch the full video here
• Read the full blog here
• Brad Leon LinkedIn
• Blue Sky AccelerateED
• Article on BlueSky Institute
• Bluesky / ETSU

In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, we explore LEGOs exciting new venture into science education with their latest K-8 curriculum. Tom Vander Ark chats with Bo Stjerne Thomsen, head of LEGO Education, about how this innovative, inquiry-based learning approach is set to transform classrooms by integrating hands-on science experiences aligned with NGSS standards. Designed to reignite students' curiosity and creativity, these engaging kits are perfect for fostering critical thinking and collaboration. Join us as we delve into how LEGO's playful learning strategies can make science fun and accessible, ensuring that every child can experience the joy of discovery and learning. Listen in to find out how these resources are reshaping the educational landscape for both traditional and micro-schools.

• (00:47) LEGO's New Science Curriculum Announcement
• (01:31) Insights from Bo Stern Thompson on LEGO Education
• (05:05) Details of the New Curriculum and Its Implementation
• (21:22) Future Prospects and Conclusion

• Read the full blog here
• Watch the full video here
• LinkedIn
• Bo Stjerne Thomsen
• EdWeek Feature
• LEGO Education Science
• LEGO Education Science Press Release

In today's episode, we're diving into the transformative world of career-connected learning with two pioneers leading the charge. Joining us are Dannyelle Austin, the executive director at Launchpad, and Lisa Richardson, the project lead of Catalyze. Catalyze is dedicated to reshaping how students interact with potential career pathways by fostering a community of practice that connects educational innovation with real-world career opportunities. Since its inception, it has awarded over $14 million to numerous organizations, impacting over 65,000 students nationwide. This initiative empowers students by enhancing their agency and readiness for future careers, particularly in tech, through innovative programs like Launchpad.

• (00:00) Introduction and Guest Welcome
• (00:18) Understanding Catalyze: Mission and Impact
• (03:26) Spotlight on Launchpad: Mission and Approach
• (11:34) Student Experiences and Success Stories
• (19:22) Future Directions and Advice for Educators
• (27:15) Student Perspectives: Voices from the Program

• SXSW Edu
• Watch the full video here
• Read the full blog
• Dannyelle Austin
• LaunchPad
• Catalyze Challenge
• Gallup/Walton Family Foundation report

In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Tom Vander Ark sits down with Dennis "Doc" Littky, an educational innovator whose work with Big Picture Learning and College Unbound is reshaping the landscape of personalized and experiential education. From the inception of Big Picture Learning, which challenges conventional schooling with its "leaving to learn" model, to the founding of College Unbound, a transformative institution serving adult learners, Littky shares his journey and insights. He discusses the importance of making education relevant and personalized, with each student following their unique path. Tune in to discover how Littky's visionary approach is influencing schools worldwide and paving new pathways for students of all ages.

• (00:00) The Beginnings of Big Picture Learning
• (00:59) A Conversation with Dennis Littky
• (04:58) Innovative Education Models
• (17:08) Expanding the Vision: College Unbound
• (27:01) Reflections and Future Plans

• Watch the full video here
• Read the full blog here
• Dennis Littky Bio
• The MET High School
• Big Picture Learning

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