In this episode, I sit down with Kami Welch, president of the Arvada Chamber of Commerce and the new board chair for the Association of Colorado Chambers of Commerce Executives.  Over the past three years, Kami has led an innovative talent pipeline initiative called ArvadaWorks, a call for employers to play an expanded leadership role as “end-customers” of education and workforce partnerships.

In our conversation, Kami discusses how the businesses who have expressed concerns about the quantity and quality of talented workers in their industries has led to the creation of ArvadaWorks.  She talks about how the program is convening the players of the system to build a wider network of support and working as a champion in supporting the community’s businesses in playing bigger roles in preparing new workers for their industries.  She discusses the past and current challenges in engagement of partners and how perseverance and advocacy for change is leading to increased commitments from business owners as well as strong involvement from local and state policy makers.

Kami and ArvadaWorks are paving the way in learning what really needs to happen to bridge the gaps in talent needed by businesses in our ever-changing world.  It was an honor to discuss this cutting edge program and much more with humble badass Kami Welch.

Today’s guest is Dr. Scott McLeod.  Scott is an Associate Professor of Educational Leadership at the University of Colorado Denver and the founding director of CASTLE, the only university center in the U.S. dedicated to the technology needs of school administrators.  He is the author of the books Harnessing Technology for Deeper Learning, Different Schools for a Different World, and What School Leaders Need to Know About Digital Technologies and Social Media.  Scott is the co-creator of the video series Did You Know? and operates the blog Dangerously Irrelevant.

In our conversation, Scott discusses the reasons behind the trending data in reduced engagement in school as students progress from elementary to high school and what we can do to better bring inquiry and joy to learning at all levels.  He talks about each of the four shifts - deeper thinking, authenticity, agency and technology infusion - that he believes educators can make in redesigning lessons, units and projects.  He also offers his thoughts on leadership, policy reform, spreading ideas and much, much more.

My guest today is Brian Lightfoot.  Brian is a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Colorado-Boulder and hopes to earn a doctorate in Educational Foundations, Policy and Practice.  He is working on a project involving social capital in hopes of helping students better understand their social connections and to develop skills that will counteract the unequal social networking systems that currently exist.

In this episode, Brian discusses his ideas about taking a community-based research approach that creates a mutually beneficial relationship between communities and researchers.  He advocates for the idea of focusing on student-led programs that can elevate voices and help us really identify which outcomes families and communities really want as we consider how the education system can create better metrics and measurements.   He also argues for taking a larger look at the multiple systems - not just the education system - that are so intertwined in working together to create inequitable barriers for families and communities.

Thank you for tuning in to today’s conversation with Brian Lightfoot.

Today’s guest is Kristin Wiedmaier, the principal at the phenomenal William Smith High School in Aurora, Colorado.  William Smith is an EL Education school that focuses on challenging, adventurous, and meaningful learning experiences.  They embed Project-Based Learning as a primary modality in a model that provides students with voice and choice in which highly engaging cross-curricular courses they take throughout their high school career.

In our interview, Kristin describes the school’s journey over her 18 years at William Smith and what has led them to develop such an innovative model.  She shares some of her thoughts about how both teachers and students have found connection and a sense of family at the school and what conditions have made this so strong.  Kristen also discusses how one of the most important components in success at William Smith lies in the collective mind and placing high priority on trust in others.

If you ever want to see an example of a truly transformative school that is making Project-Based Learning truly work, check out William Smith.  Thanks for tuning into today’s interview with Kristin.