In this episode of Learning Unboxed, I’m joined by Jefferson Pestronk, Executive Director at Modern States, to discuss how their free online courses and College Board’s CLEP exams make college credit accessible to everyone. Learners can take self-paced courses, earn vouchers, and bring passing CLEP scores to nearly 3,000 colleges—no tuition required on the Modern States side.

Jefferson shares how this model supports high schoolers, college students, and adult learners alike through flexible, scalable pathways. We also talk about AI tutoring, virtual cohorts, and statewide programs like Ohio’s new policy recognizing CLEP in diploma metrics.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

• How Modern States + CLEP unlocks free, transcripted college credit for learners anywhere.
• Who it serves—from teens to comebackers—and flexible ways schools embed it.
• Funding the path: philanthropic support, employer benefits, and state policies.
• New supports for self-paced success: AI tutoring and virtual cohorts.
• Ohio’s policy shift elevating CLEP in accountability and diploma seals.

Resources:

• Modern States — Create a free account and browse the full course library; look for the green “Sign Up” buttons.
• College Board CLEP — Check which colleges accept which exams and the score needed to earn credit.
• Connect with Jefferson Pestronk on LinkedIn

Produced by NOVA

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we’re joined by Danny Bauer, host of the Better Leaders, Better Schools podcast and a champion for reimagining education through leadership. Danny shares how his journey from assistant principal to leading a global community of “ruckus makers” has been fueled by a belief that leadership is service and schools must evolve beyond the status quo. His perspective challenges us to think differently about what school is for and how leaders can inspire students and educators alike.

We explore the importance of creating schools that kids actually want to show up for, the role of curiosity in shaping the future of learning, and why agency and authenticity are essential in leadership. From transforming abandoned spaces into learning labs to helping principals embrace bold, creative choices, Danny illustrates how disruption can open doors to new possibilities.

This conversation dives into leadership, agency, AI in education, and reimagining what makes school meaningful for both learners and leaders. Join us as we unpack how to build communities of growth, create irresistible learning environments, and embrace the power of disruption in education.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

• Leadership as service in transforming education
• Creating schools that inspire students to “opt in”
• How curiosity and agency drive meaningful learning

Resources:

• Better Leaders, Better Schools
• Learning Unboxed Podcast
• Follow Danny Bauer on Instagram: @betterleadersbetterschools

Produced by NOVA

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, I’m joined by Craig Randall, author of Trust-Based Observations, to explore how great teaching thrives when educators feel psychologically safe. We look at why traditional evaluation systems—rubrics, ratings, and high-stakes observations—stifle innovation, and how Craig’s trust-first model creates space for teachers to take risks and grow.

Craig shares his three-part approach: short, unannounced, strengths-based classroom visits; reflective conversations that begin with questions rather than judgments; and concrete, teacher-chosen support. From asking permission before offering suggestions to co-teaching or modeling strategies, each step builds trust so educators feel safe to experiment.

We also talk about scaling impact—aligning professional learning to core pedagogy, tapping in-house expertise, and working within mandated systems without losing sight of trust. The result is what John Hattie calls “collective teacher efficacy in action”—a culture where teachers share wins, iterate openly, and drive stronger student learning.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

• Why ratings of pedagogy erode trust—and how mindset-focused feedback changes the game.
• The mechanics of a strengths-based observation cycle (short, unannounced, reflective, supportive).
• “Marbles in the jar”: lowering vulnerability to unlock risk-taking and innovation.
• Turning observations into ongoing PD and collective teacher efficacy.
• Practical ways to work within evaluation mandates while centering trust.

Resources:

• Learn more at TrustBased.com
• Read Trust-Based Observations by Craig Randall
• Connect with Craig on LinkedIn

Produced by NOVA

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we dive into reading skills development with Tim Waldron, CEO of Readable English. We explore why so many students—especially in upper elementary, middle, and high school—are still reading below grade level and what it takes to close that gap quickly. The stakes are high: student confidence, classroom participation, and long-term success in college, career, and beyond.

Tim explains how English’s irregular spelling makes decoding harder than in phonetic languages. Readable English offers a research-backed approach—adding syllable breaks, grayed-out silent letters, and 21 glyphs tied to English phonemes—to reduce cognitive load and speed fluency and comprehension. This method supports the science of reading and Scarborough’s Rope by freeing up brainpower for meaning-making.

We also look at implementation: browser-based tools that mark up any digital text, short daily “reading power-ups” aligned to CTE pathways, and a light lift for teachers through two virtual trainings. Tim shows how schools can help students make up to two years of growth in a semester. Getting kids reading at grade level opens doors to deeper learning, authentic participation, and real opportunity.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

• The decoding problem: why English spelling slows fluency—and how glyphs reduce cognitive load.
• A multi-sensory, research-backed approach that accelerates accuracy, rate, and comprehension.
• Practical school rollout: minimal PD, browser tools, and daily practice that scales.
• Supporting multilingual learners and older struggling readers without derailing core instruction.
• Career-connected literacy: CTE-aligned reading “power-ups” to build relevance and motivation.

Resources:

• Readable English — Explore the methodology, research, and request a demo
• Classroom Browser Extension — Let students double-click any word for markup, pronunciation, definitions, and L1 translation; pilot it with a small group to see immediate impact

Produced by NOVA

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we welcome David Solomon, CEO of Lightspeed Technologies, to unpack “instructional audio”—low-volume, high-clarity sound that makes the teacher’s voice equally intelligible in every seat. We explore why clarity beats volume for attention, language development, and early learners, and how speaking in a natural tone calms the room and boosts comprehension.

We also dig into real-world use: integrating classroom audio with displays, computers, PA, and security so pages and emergencies cut through, and teachers can route any audio evenly across the room. David shares quick-win adoption tips—from simple in-class demos to funding paths like bond measures, Title I, and local foundations—and how Lightspeed’s Activate tool supports small-group instruction by letting teachers listen in and jump in at the right moment.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

• What “instructional audio” is and why clarity beats volume for K–12 learning.
• How to integrate classroom audio with displays, computers, PA, security, and phones.
• Funding routes: bond measures, Title I, and school foundations.
• Avoiding sound bleed and creating an even sound field in every seat.
• Small‑group instruction with Activate and boosting student agency.

Resources:

• Learn more: Lightspeed Technologies
• Connect with David on LinkedIn

Produced by NOVA

When it comes to student behavior, punishment often gets mistaken for progress. In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we sit down with Nicholas Bradford, founder of the National Center for Restorative Justice, to explore a better path: restorative practices that build relationships, invite accountability, and strengthen school communities. Nicholas shares why “punishing our way to good behavior” doesn’t work—and how restorative approaches help students understand impact, repair harm, and reintegrate with dignity.

We unpack what real implementation looks like, from relationship-building circles to conferences scaled to the level of harm. Nicholas also highlights how schools can transform detention into a space for reflection and repair, and why accountability must go beyond a private apology to include the larger community.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

• Why punitive systems fail—and what it means to center relationships and repair
• How to design restorative responses that scale from low-level conflicts to serious harm
• The power of peer voice and student social capital in changing behavior
• Turning detention into development: reflection, mentoring, and accountable next steps
• True accountability vs. coercion, and making repair visible so communities learn

Resources:

• National Center for Restorative Justice
• Connect with Nicholas Bradford on LinkedIn

Produced by NOVA

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we welcome Dr. Aimee E. Ketchum and Dr. Crystal Corle Loose, co-authors of The Early Childhood Promise. With a wealth of experience in pediatrics, occupational therapy, early education, and community outreach, they guide us through the transformative power of early childhood through evidence-backed strategies and a commitment to equity.

Throughout our conversation, Aimee and Crystal shed light on how play shapes children's brain development, language, and emotional resilience—and why high-stakes accountability and underfunded early childhood systems have eroded these critical opportunities. They also offer inspiring solutions for educators, parents, and policymakers to restore play, support vulnerable communities, and revitalize early learning ecosystems.

Join us as we explore tangible, research-informed steps—from engaging families at birth to nurturing play-based environments—that champion every child’s potential to thrive.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

• The science behind play and its role in brain development, language, and problem-solving
• How federal policies and high-stakes testing pushed play out of classrooms—and why it must return
• The undervaluing of early childhood educators and its impact on children’s futures
• Why risky play and unstructured time are critical for building resilience
• Practical steps for schools and communities to engage families from birth and support early learning

Resources:

• Read: The Early Childhood Promise: Sparking Change for Parents, Early Childhood Professionals, and Policymakers
• Learn more at developingchild.harvard.edu

Produced by NOVA

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we sit down with Christie McKelvie, co-founder and director of Rooted & Free Nature School, to talk about the transformative potential of place-based education. Christie shares her journey from classroom teacher to nature school founder, explaining how hands-on outdoor learning can nurture children’s confidence, agency, and love of nature.

We explore how Rooted & Free uses nature as its primary teacher, the benefits of “risky play,” and the unique way the school blends free exploration with guided learning. Christie also offers practical tips for traditional educators who want to bring more outdoor experiences into their own classrooms, even with limited resources.

If you’re curious about creating more meaningful and connected learning opportunities for kids, you’ll be inspired by Christie’s insights and her vision for education rooted in community and nature.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

• The philosophy and mission behind Rooted & Free Nature School
• How place-based, experiential education fosters agency and environmental stewardship
• The value of risk and “risky play” in children’s development
• Practical strategies for bringing outdoor learning into traditional classrooms
• Building community partnerships and increasing access to nature-based programs

Resources:

• Learn more at Rooted and Free Nature School
• Follow Rooted & Free on Instagram: @rootedandfreenatureschool

Produced by NOVA

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, I’m joined by Jeff Utecht, co-host of the Shifting Schools podcast and a consultant focused on generational change and AI in education. We explore how different generations—Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, Gen Z, and even Gen Alpha—bring unique values and expectations to both learning and work, and why understanding these differences is crucial for educators navigating today’s evolving classroom and workforce.

Jeff shares practical insights on adapting to digitally native students who expect gamified, collaborative experiences and discusses how tools like generative AI can help educators meet these changing needs.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

• How generational experiences shape learning styles and values
• Navigating the challenges of four generations in the workplace and classroom
• Why Gen Z and Alpha learners expect gamification and collaboration
• The importance of authenticity and embracing failure in education
• Leveraging AI to bridge generational gaps and support new approaches to teaching

Resources:

• Listen to the Shifting Schools Podcast – Weekly conversations on modern schooling, leadership, and educational innovation.
• Connect with Jeff Utecht for consulting or speaking via his website or on LinkedIn
• Read: Generations by William Strauss and Neil Howe

Produced by NOVA

Welcome to our special series where we’ll explore four learning sites that are part of the Education Reimagined Ecosystem Lab. Usually, we take the month of July off, but this year we’re going to re-examine past episodes and big conversations.

The traditional educational ecosystem is not built to reflect kids’ lived experiences and development. It has almost arbitrary divisions: School, after school, and summer; school districts and nonprofits; test scores and behavior. Byron Sanders and Big Thought want to change that ecosystem.

Big Thought is a Dallas-based organization that creates youth programming, convenes other educational organizations, and consults on best practices. Through experiential learning, they provide kids from marginalized communities the opportunities they need to identify and pursue their passions, build 21st skills, and exercise their agency.

Byron explains everything in terms of an ecosystem: How direct youth feedback of programs eventually impacts systems change, how creating more opportunities for youth changes the way they interact with the current system, etc. How he talks about our field might just change the way you look at everything.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

• How youth’s program feedback should inform advocacy for systems change
• Why skills should supplement grades
• Understanding the education as an ecosystem 

Resources:

• Learn more at BigThought.org
• Read “Ecosystems for the Future of Learning” report commissioned by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching

Produced by NOVA