Getting Smart Podcast

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
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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

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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

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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.

• 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

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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

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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."

• Introduction to Joy in Education
• The Power of Poetry and Freedom
• Implementing Joy in the Curriculum

• Detailed Shownotes & Transcription
• Hill Pedagogies
• Cultivating Genius Interview
• Cultivating Genius
• Unearthing Joy
• Gholdy Muhammad

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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.

• 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.