Learning Unboxed

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

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.

In 2015, Norris School District came to Johnna Noll with a learner-centered educational consultant’s dream request. The tiny school district’s residential population consisted of a treatment center for kids, and it asked Johna to help it transform into a learner-centered, trauma-invested, constantly-evolving program. Of course, she said yes.  

Johnna joins the show today to tell us about what the school district has built. It uses a very clear learning design process: Profile, Plan, Pathway, Progress, and Proof. Students create their own unique learning paths based on their hobbies, talents, and interests. Then it’s up to the learning specialists to make sure academic competencies are tied into it.

The foundation of the entire learning environment is students and staff deeply learning about each other, building agency and confidence. From there students are connected to resources in the community to learn about what they are specifically interested in. 

We also talk about how truly empowering students and staff goes hand-in-hand with scaling up. Authentic success stories for students and communities, plus a healthy workplace for educators, is necessary to sustain the growth rate needed to one day benefit all students across the state, country, and world.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

• Building student and staff profiles 
• Tying academic competencies in with community-based learning
• Changing job descriptions and workplace policies to support learner-centered education

Resources:

• Learn more at NorrisAcademyWI.org

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 most important thing adults can provide young people in their learning journey is a caring relationship. That is the fundamental belief that drives Jim Bailey in his work as co-founder and executive director at Rock Tree Sky, a self-directed learning community. In this episode, Jim and Annalies discuss adults’ roles in making space for young people to tap their innate curiosity and problem-solving skills.

At Rock Tree Sky, adults roll up their sleeves and get inspired along with students. They act as guides, not knowledge holders– after all, most young people hold the world’s knowledge on a phone in their pocket. Rock Tree Sky is a learning space free from constant evaluation and purposefully designed for building relationships.

Jim also gets into some of the nuts-and-bolts of running this kind of organization. For example, Rock Tree Sky partnered with its local California school district to create an independent study model: Young people can get public funding to attend Rock Tree Sky twice a week. In return, the school district gets more enrollees and more per-pupil funding. Tune in to learn more about this model and what Jim is working on for the future.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

• The role of adults in young people’s learning journey.
• Rock Tree Sky’s learning facilities and philosophy.
• Partnership with school systems and inspiring conventional teachers.
• Thinking about assessment, especially in order to get public funding.
• Making these spaces financially accessible for all families.

Resources:

• Rock Tree Sky: A Self-Directed Learning Community
• Follow Rock Tree Sky on Instagram: @rocktreesky

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.

Steve Heath calls himself a “professional confuser.” In a world where kids are defined by grades, test scores, attendance, and behavior, Steve’s organization asks them what they want to do and then helps them do it.

Steve is executive director and co-founder of FabNewport. FabNewport provides underserved youth with the opportunity to learn how to code, sew, design, prototype, run CNC machines, and imagine new possibilities. In the 10 years, he’s served more than 20,000 middle and high school students, maintained long-term relationships with 3 school districts, and trained hundreds of educators to be better engaged.

Join us as we discuss how to develop ecosystems of personalized learning by connecting home bases, learning hubs, and field sites.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

• How to scale up an organization while still providing an individualized approach for each learner.
• The concept of ecosystems of learning and the role of community in education.
• The importance of building a lasting mentorship team around each kid.

Resources:

• Learn more about FabNewport
• Follow FabNewport on Instagram: @fabnewport
• Watch Education Reimagined’s Big Idea video

Produced by NOVA

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we explore the transformative power of internships with Aya Belouadah, a college student at The Ohio State University and PAST Foundation Intern. Aya shares her journey from early high school internships to her current college experiences, highlighting how hands-on opportunities have shaped her approach to learning and professional growth.

We dive into the importance of authentic, work-based learning and how it builds not just technical skills but also confidence, communication, and agency. Aya reflects on the differences between high school and collegiate environments, emphasizing why building community, embracing critique, and advocating for yourself are essential for both personal and professional development.

Together, we discuss strategies educators can use to create meaningful internship experiences and foster collaborative, well-rounded teams. Aya’s insights are a compelling reminder of why early, real-world experiences matter—and how students can harness them to chart their own unique paths.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

• The impact of internships on student agency and career direction
• The value of authentic, work-based learning over traditional classroom assignments
• Building community and communication skills within internship programs
• Navigating team dynamics and the challenges of collaborative work
• Strategies for educators to foster student growth, agency, and resilience

Resources:

• Read Hacking School: Five Strategies to Link Learning to Life by Annalies Corbin

Produced by NOVA

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we welcome Marshall Escamilla, co-host and music creator for the Tumble Podcast, a show that brings the wonders of science directly to kids and families. Marshall shares how Tumble was born out of a desire to make science accessible, fun, and genuinely engaging—not just for future scientists, but for every curious young mind, even those who might think science isn’t “for them.”

We dive into how Tumble crafts episodes that spark curiosity by focusing on the stories behind real scientific discoveries. Marshall explains their process of sourcing wild and wonderful questions from kids—everything from “Why is underwear funny?” to “Can robots think like humans?”—and connecting those questions with active researchers to show that scientists are, at their core, just people trying to figure things out. He also highlights their efforts to support inclusive science education, including tools and curriculum to help students create their own podcasts and build scientific literacy in creative, accessible ways.

Tune in as we explore the impact of inviting kids to see themselves as scientists, no matter their background or career path, and why nurturing curiosity and scientific thinking is essential for preparing thoughtful citizens for the future.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

• How Tumble Podcast uses real stories to spark scientific curiosity in kids
• The process of turning children’s questions into episodes with scientists
• Supporting blind and low-vision students through accessible podcasting
• Empowering students and classrooms to create their own podcasts
• Why building scientific literacy matters for all, not just future scientists

Resources:

• Tumble Podcast: Listen to stories of discovery and curiosity-driven science.
• MakeClassroomPodcast.com: Explore Tumble’s podcast creator tool and curriculum for classrooms.
• Brains On! Podcast: Another leading science podcast for kids mentioned by Marshall.

Produced by NOVA

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we’re joined by Dr. Lisa Strohman, founder of Digital Citizen Academy and author of Unplugged: Raising Kids in a Technology Addicted World and Digital Distress: Growing Up Online. Dr. Strohman brings a wealth of expertise as a clinical psychologist, sharing her journey from hands-on clinical practice to building research-based programs that empower students to navigate technology with confidence.

We dive into the real-world impacts of technology overuse in classrooms and at home, exploring why conversations around digital citizenship have never been more urgent. Dr. Strohman walks us through the creation and success of Digital Citizen Academy, highlighting how intentional, scaffolded programs can reduce technology-related infractions and help students become leaders and decision-makers in their digital lives.

Together, we discuss the physiological and social effects of constant connectivity, the importance of critical thinking in the age of AI, and what it looks like to equip young people—and their parents—with the tools to define their own “brand” and values as they move through a digital world. Dr. Strohman shares both professional insights and personal experiences, emphasizing agency, self-trust, and the need to help students shape their futures with intention.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

• The urgent need for digital citizenship education and why it matters now more than ever
• How Digital Citizen Academy’s research-based programs are transforming school culture and student behavior
• The impact of personal devices and social media on learning, mental health, and self-image
• Preparing students for a tech-driven world without losing critical thinking and self-regulation skills
• The role of parents and educators in helping kids define their own values and navigate digital challenges

Resources:

• Digital Citizen Academy: Learn more and bring programming to your school or community at dcakids.org
• Get free copies of Dr. Lisa Strogman’s books at https://drlisastrohman.com/free-ebooks/

Produced by NOVA

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we sit down with Steven Sell, Assistant Director at MAP Academy, an alternative charter high school in Plymouth, Massachusetts. MAP Academy’s mission is to serve students who haven’t found success in traditional schools by offering a personalized, student-centered approach with strong academic, social, and emotional support.

Steve shares how MAP’s interdisciplinary, mixed-age learning studios break away from grade levels and allow students to progress at their own pace. Teachers work collaboratively, and both students and staff have the freedom to shape their experience, making learning more meaningful and connected to real life.

We also explore MAP’s career-focused opportunities and wraparound support, including paid career exploration and ongoing guidance even after graduation. It’s a flexible, holistic model that helps students discover their strengths and build real pathways to future success.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

• The origin and mission behind MAP Academy and its focus on disconnected youth
• The design and impact of interdisciplinary, competency-based learning studios
• Student and teacher agency in an asynchronous, nontraditional environment
• Robust wraparound supports and partnerships for academic and life success
• Career exploration, wayfinding, and post-graduation support for alumni

Resources:

• MAP Academy website: Learn more about their approach and student resources
• YouthWorks Massachusetts: Explore paid career exploration and job training for young people
• Mass Robotics: See the types of career field trips and partnerships MAP students experience

Produced by NOVA

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we’re joined by David Harris, President and CEO of Christel House International, a global nonprofit breaking the cycle of poverty through an 18-year, full-circle education model. Christel House operates nine tuition-free schools across five countries and supports students from early childhood through age 23. With a mission to create better life outcomes—not just academic success—Christel House boasts a remarkable track record, with 97% of its graduates employed or pursuing further education.

David walks us through the origins of Christel House, rooted in founder Christel DeHaan’s belief that every child deserves “a seat at the table of life.” We dive into what makes this model unique: the long-term commitment to students, the comprehensive wraparound services provided at no cost to families, and the ripple effects of lifting communities through sustained investment in education. David also shares insights into their expansion efforts, including partnerships with other schools and an innovative college and careers coaching program that supports students well into adulthood.

This conversation is a deep look into how educational models can and should be evaluated based on life outcomes rather than test scores. If we want to truly transform education, we must be willing to reimagine success—and that starts with staying in it for the long haul.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

• The origin story of Christel House and its founder’s vision
• A unique 18-year model that follows students through school and into the workforce
• How wraparound services—from nutrition to college coaching—change life trajectories
• Expansion efforts and cross-school partnerships in Indianapolis
• The power of measuring success through long-term life outcomes

Resources:

• Learn more at christelhouse.org

Produced by NOVA

Welcome to a bonus edition of Learning Unboxed, where we will spend two weeks revisiting innovative case studies of student-centered learning. We know that the one-size-fits-all sit-and-get strategy is not the most effective for students. Join us in moving to a system that deeply values the individual. Tune in to get inspired and walk away with tools ready to champion student-centered environments in your own community.

There’s a good chance your state’s policies actually allow for more innovative and student-centered learning than you think. Sonn Sam is the National Director of Partnerships at Big Picture Learning and he’s our guest on the show today. He explains how they have been able to create more space for innovative student-centered learning over the last 30 years.

Big Picture Learning’s mission is to activate the potential of schools, systems, and education through student-driven, real-world learning with a vision that all students live lives of their own design, nurtured by supportive mentors, meaningful relationships, and equal opportunities to succeed. Big Picture Learning now has 111 schools in the US and 150 internationally.

Sonn explains Big Picture Learning’s emphasis on locally-infused school design, working through everyday obstacles to community-based learning like transportation issues, and helping teachers become well-connected generalists.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

• The difference between a school model and a school design
• What it means to say “the student is the curriculum” 
• Why it’s important for teachers to be well-connected generalists

Resources:

• Learn more at BigPicture.org
• Read Education Reimagined’s research, “Progress and Possibilities to Support Learner-Centered Education and Ecosystem Design.” 
• BPL Guided Experience
• Getting to Know BPL:  a document that can help explain who BPL is, what they value, and how they do their work for and with young people. 
• BPL OARIA

Produced by NOVA