As one of the most linguistically diverse regions in the nation, Los Angeles County is home to over 228,000 English learners in grades K-12.

In this episode of Let Me Add to That, we learn why the elementary years are such a pivotal window for multilingual learners, what’s working for elementary educators of multilingual learners, what’s challenging about the experience and how beneficial dual language immersion programs can be for young students.

Joining us in the studio is LACOE’s Multilingual Academic Support Unit Project Director, Roberta Gonzalez, and Nancy Hong, Ed.D.,  Director of Dual Language Immersion Programs and English Learner Services at Glendale Unified School District to share findings from a study they led alongside principal researcher and co-author Natasha Newmann, Ed. D., titled, Understanding the Classroom Experiences of Elementary English Learners, which looks closely at what’s happening in elementary classrooms across L.A. County.

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About Let Me Add to That: An Education Podcast

Nearly 2 million students and 80 school districts make up the Los Angeles County education system – as you can imagine, the experiences, the success and the challenges vary from district to district as it does student to student. The Let Me Add to That Podcast, presented by the Los Angeles Office of Education will feature education experts including superintendents, administrators, teachers and students themselves who will highlight various hot topics that the county faces on a day-to-day basis. Let Me Add to That is titled and modeled after the inclusion of different perspectives, experiences and challenges. New episodes will be released on the first Wednesday of every month.

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In recognition of National Foster Care Month, this episode centers the experiences, challenges and needs of foster youth across Los Angeles County. 

Leading this conversation is Dr. La Shona Jenkins, Director of Foster Youth Services at the Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE), and Dr. Kanika White, LACOE’s Chief of Human Resources, for a powerful conversation that brings both systems-level insight and lived experience to the table. Dr. White shares her personal journey of growing up as a foster youth and reflects on how that experience shaped her leadership and her work supporting foster youth as a former school principal. 

Together, they discuss what the foster youth population looks like in Los Angeles County today, the educational challenges foster youth often face, including school stability and transitions, and the resilience and strengths that too often go unrecognized. They also highlight how LACOE partners with school districts and community agencies to support our foster youth, areas where meaningful progress has been made and where systems still fall short.

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About Let Me Add to That: An Education Podcast

Nearly 2 million students and 80 school districts make up the Los Angeles County education system – as you can imagine, the experiences, the success and the challenges vary from district to district as it does student to student. The Let Me Add to That Podcast, presented by the Los Angeles Office of Education will feature education experts including superintendents, administrators, teachers and students themselves who will highlight various hot topics that the county faces on a day-to-day basis. Let Me Add to That is titled and modeled after the inclusion of different perspectives, experiences and challenges. New episodes will be released on the first Wednesday of every month.

Follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn.

STEM education has expanded beyond its traditional focus to include creativity, design thinking and real-world problem solving, often referred to as STEAM. But what does this evolution look like in practice for our education communities?

In this episode, Tanvir Dhillon, LACOE’s STEM Education Project Director III, and Deborah Atwell, LACOE’s STEM Special Projects Project Director, share how STEM / STEAM is transforming teaching and learning. They discuss how integrating the arts and humanities can deepen student engagement, and what high-quality STEM instruction looks like in action, where inquiry, reasoning and problem solving take center stage and classrooms are active, collaborative and even a little “noisy.”

The conversation also highlights the importance of fostering belonging for girls and historically underrepresented students and creating meaningful pathways into STEM. Tanvir and Deborah also share how programs like LACOE’s Math Field Day and Girls in STEM bring learning to life for students and discuss the grants that are also supporting this work. 

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About Let Me Add to That: An Education Podcast

Nearly 2 million students and 80 school districts make up the Los Angeles County education system – as you can imagine, the experiences, the success and the challenges vary from district to district as it does student to student. The Let Me Add to That Podcast, presented by the Los Angeles Office of Education will feature education experts including superintendents, administrators, teachers and students themselves who will highlight various hot topics that the county faces on a day-to-day basis. Let Me Add to That is titled and modeled after the inclusion of different perspectives, experiences and challenges. New episodes will be released on the first Wednesday of every month.

Follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn.

"Every Ability Belongs” celebrates the power of inclusive education and the students who remind us what’s possible when learning environments are designed with belonging at the center.

In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Jovan Jacobs, Director of the Division of Special Education at the Los Angeles County Office of Education, who shares how Los Angeles County is helping lead systems-level change to expand inclusive pathways for students with disabilities. We’re also honored to hear from Gabby Shapiro, a third-year student in the UCLA Pathway Program, an inclusive college program supporting students with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Through Gabby’s lived experience as a college student and Dr. Jacobs’ perspective on policy, access and innovation, this conversation explores how inclusive college programs are growing across California, why choice matters for students and families and the critical role educators play in preparing students for life beyond high school.

This episode is a celebration of student voice, expanded opportunity and the belief that every learner belongs at every level of education. Access the Year 1 report on the California Center for Inclusive College discussed in this episode. 

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About Let Me Add to That: An Education Podcast

Nearly 2 million students and 80 school districts make up the Los Angeles County education system – as you can imagine, the experiences, the success and the challenges vary from district to district as it does student to student. The Let Me Add to That Podcast, presented by the Los Angeles Office of Education will feature education experts including superintendents, administrators, teachers and students themselves who will highlight various hot topics that the county faces on a day-to-day basis. Let Me Add to That is titled and modeled after the inclusion of different perspectives, experiences and challenges. New episodes will be released on the first Wednesday of every month.

Follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn.

Social media gets blamed for a lot—but is it really the bad guy? In this episode, we’re talking honestly about how social media shows up in students’ lives and why it’s not as simple as labeling it “good” or “bad.” While it can spark creativity, connection and self-expression, it can also bring pressure, comparison and the feeling of always needing to be scrolling.

To help us unpack all of this, we’re joined by Dr. Anna Heinbuch from LACOE’s Mental Health and School Counseling Unit and Melissa Gillespie, a school counselor from Las Virgenes Unified School District and the 2025 L.A. County School Counselor of the Year. Together, they share what they’re seeing on school campuses, how they’re using social media in positive ways with students and what actually helps when kids start feeling overwhelmed or stuck in comparison mode.

We talk about recognizing the signs of social media stress, having real conversations with students about boundaries and balance, and how educators and families can guide young people toward healthier digital habits without fear, shame or doom scrolling. 

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About Let Me Add to That: An Education Podcast

Nearly 2 million students and 80 school districts make up the Los Angeles County education system – as you can imagine, the experiences, the success and the challenges vary from district to district as it does student to student. The Let Me Add to That Podcast, presented by the Los Angeles Office of Education will feature education experts including superintendents, administrators, teachers and students themselves who will highlight various hot topics that the county faces on a day-to-day basis. Let Me Add to That is titled and modeled after the inclusion of different perspectives, experiences and challenges. New episodes will be released on the first Wednesday of every month.

Follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn.

Welcome to Season Four of the Let Me Add to That podcast — and for the first time ever, we’re on camera! This episode looks a little different because you can now watch the conversation on YouTube, or continue listening wherever you stream your podcasts.

In this episode, we dive inside the world of charter schools and the important role they play in expanding educational opportunities across Los Angeles County. We’re joined by two of LACOE’s charter school experts: Indra Ciccarelli, Director II of LACOE’s Charter School Office, and Darryl Brown, Coordinator III in the Charter School Office.

Together, we break down what charter schools are, how they differ from traditional public schools and how LACOE supports them through oversight, accountability and equity-focused practices. The conversation explores what makes a strong charter school and the role county offices of education play behind the scenes. We also discuss common questions around parent involvement, how charter schools and traditional districts can learn from one another and what the future may hold for collaboration across public education systems.

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About Let Me Add to That: An Education Podcast

Nearly 2 million students and 80 school districts make up the Los Angeles County education system – as you can imagine, the experiences, the success and the challenges vary from district to district as it does student to student. The Let Me Add to That Podcast, presented by the Los Angeles Office of Education will feature education experts including superintendents, administrators, teachers and students themselves who will highlight various hot topics that the county faces on a day-to-day basis. Let Me Add to That is titled and modeled after the inclusion of different perspectives, experiences and challenges. New episodes will be released on the first Wednesday of every month.

Follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn.

The holiday season can be joyful for some, but overwhelming, stressful or isolating for others. In this episode, we explore what this time of year really feels like for students, educators and families, and how schools can help create supportive, inclusive environments during this holiday season.

We’re joined by two experts: Kanchi Tate, Mental Health Program Manager with the Los Angeles Department of Mental Health, and Kim Griffin Esperon, Project Director III with LACOE’s Mental Health and School Counseling Unit. Together, they share practical insights, warning signs to look for and simple ways we can foster connection and care across our school communities.

Whether you’re navigating seasonal stress yourself or supporting others through it, this conversation offers grounding, compassion and hope as we move through the holiday season together.

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About Let Me Add to That: An Education Podcast

Nearly 2 million students and 80 school districts make up the Los Angeles County education system – as you can imagine, the experiences, the success and the challenges vary from district to district as it does student to student. The Let Me Add to That Podcast, presented by the Los Angeles Office of Education will feature education experts including superintendents, administrators, teachers and students themselves who will highlight various hot topics that the county faces on a day-to-day basis. Let Me Add to That is titled and modeled after the inclusion of different perspectives, experiences and challenges. New episodes will be released on the first Wednesday of every month.

Follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn.

More than 61,000 K–12 students in Los Angeles County experience housing instability each year. Behind every number is a young person trying to learn, grow and thrive while facing incredible challenges.

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Jennifer Kottke, Project Director of LACOE’s Homeless Education Programs, and Dr. Denise McCain, President and Founder of Our Community Los Angeles, to discuss how schools, districts and communities can work together to support students experiencing homelessness.

Dr. Kottke shares how LACOE’s initiatives—like the Stuff the Bus drives and Homeless Education Symposiums—help ensure resources reach students in need. Dr. McCain introduces the WIN app, a digital platform connecting youth and families with shelters, food, health care and other critical services across the region. Together, they explore barriers to education, the power of collaboration and practical steps educators and liaisons can take to make a difference.

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About Let Me Add to That: An Education Podcast

Nearly 2 million students and 80 school districts make up the Los Angeles County education system – as you can imagine, the experiences, the success and the challenges vary from district to district as it does student to student. The Let Me Add to That Podcast, presented by the Los Angeles Office of Education will feature education experts including superintendents, administrators, teachers and students themselves who will highlight various hot topics that the county faces on a day-to-day basis. Let Me Add to That is titled and modeled after the inclusion of different perspectives, experiences and challenges. New episodes will be released on the first Wednesday of every month.

Follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn.

October is Head Start Awareness Month: a time to celebrate one of the nation’s most impactful programs for children and families. In this episode, we’re joined by Luis Bautista, Executive Director of LACOE’s Head Start program; Dr. Ruth Pérez, LACOE Deputy Superintendent and proud Head Start alum; and Dr. Maribel Garcia, Superintendent of El Monte City School District and also a Head Start alum.

Together, they reflect on how Head Start goes far beyond the classroom—providing health services, social-emotional and mental health support, family resources and strong community connections. They discuss the current political climate and what it means for the program, as well as the long-term impact of Head Start in setting children up for success. Dr. Pérez and Dr. Garcia share their own journeys from Head Start students to becoming two of our County’s top education leaders, proving the program’s power to transform lives and strengthen communities.

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About Let Me Add to That: An Education Podcast

Nearly 2 million students and 80 school districts make up the Los Angeles County education system – as you can imagine, the experiences, the success and the challenges vary from district to district as it does student to student. The Let Me Add to That Podcast, presented by the Los Angeles Office of Education will feature education experts including superintendents, administrators, teachers and students themselves who will highlight various hot topics that the county faces on a day-to-day basis. Let Me Add to That is titled and modeled after the inclusion of different perspectives, experiences and challenges. New episodes will be released on the first Wednesday of every month.

Follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn.

September is Attendance Awareness Month, a reminder that every day in school matters, and that improving attendance takes a community effort. In this episode, L.A. County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Debra Duardo and L.A. County Department of Public Health Director Dr. Barbara Ferrer dive into the current landscape of school attendance and the rising challenge of chronic absenteeism.

Together, they unpack the barriers that keep students from class, from health concerns to systemic inequities, and highlight strategies and data that point toward solutions. Their conversation enforces a powerful message: attendance is a community issue. Teachers, parents, health providers and even local business owners all play a vital role in creating the conditions for student success.

Listen to hear actionable ideas on how each of us can help, and what it looks like when schools, families and communities come together to ensure every student has the opportunity to thrive.

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About Let Me Add to That: An Education Podcast

Nearly 2 million students and 80 school districts make up the Los Angeles County education system – as you can imagine, the experiences, the success and the challenges vary from district to district as it does student to student. The Let Me Add to That Podcast, presented by the Los Angeles Office of Education will feature education experts including superintendents, administrators, teachers and students themselves who will highlight various hot topics that the county faces on a day-to-day basis. Let Me Add to That is titled and modeled after the inclusion of different perspectives, experiences and challenges. New episodes will be released on the first Wednesday of every month.

Follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn.