More Than A Test

In this episode, our host Laura Glaab sits down with Rajen Sheth, CEO & Co-Founder of Kyron Learning. They discuss the transformative power of education and the innovative use of technology to enhance learning. Rajen takes us on a journey exploring the realm of personalized tutoring and its potential to provide equitable access to education. As they delve into the importance of authenticity in education and the challenges of adoption and product-market fit, they uncover fascinating insights into the impact and effectiveness of their work. 

Join us as we dive into education, AI, and the pursuit of empowering students on today’s episode of More Than a Test with Rajen Sheth!

Timestamps

[00:00:52] How Kyron Learning aims for equitable access in education.

[00:07:30] Building confidence in students is crucial. Encouraging mistakes and providing affirming feedback. Checking in on students' emotional well-being. Diverse teachers and languages enhance learning.

[00:10:00] Students are open to mistakes, and a growth mindset is encouraged.

[00:15:18] Positive results from early pilot and efficacy studies.

[00:18:08] The similarities between Peloton and Kyron Learning.

[00:22:31] The Chromebook team envisions computer access for all students, transforming learning and enabling EdTech success with high-impact and emerging technologies like AI.

[00:28:46] Interacting with educators, respecting teachers, and learning.

[00:30:57] Working with cutting-edge technology is challenging, especially for a startup without a brand name to attract users.

[00:33:37] The impact of Kyron Learning affects generations.

[00:42:12] Amira Learning and Kyron Learning both help kids read aloud.

[00:43:35] Superintendents need to continue investing in field trips for students.

[00:46:44] Rajen’s favorite book is the Harry Potter series.

Connect with Rajen Sheth

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rajensheth/ 

Website: https://www.kyronlearning.com/ 

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About More Than a Test

Our goal is to take a hard look at the shortcomings in literacy education and tech while still finding a sense of hope in what's possible in education through learning and technology.

Our guests include non-profit leaders, tech CEOs, state and district leadership, research leaders from top institutions, and a few teachers with stories that might bring you to tears.

Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0JWhVG2nXZfC3FxOviFoR0 

Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/more-than-a-test/id1685012543 

Listen on Other Platforms: https://more-than-a-test.captivate.fm/ 

About Amira Learning

Amira is the world’s first intelligent reading assistant that provides personalized tutoring to students at school, after school, or at home. Students working with Amira experience significant improvements in their reading fluency.

About your Host, Laura Glaab

Laura Glaab is a VP of Strategy at Amira Learning. She is a lifetime educator following behind educator parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents.

She's worked as a teacher and leader in public, private, and charter schools in places as far as India and as close to home as Boulder, Colorado. She holds degrees from Stanford, the University of Wyoming, and Kellogg School of Management.

She thinks everyone should read Saint Joan by George Bernard Shaw and the entire Piggie and Elephant Collection by Mo Willems.

Connect with Laura

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-glaab/ 

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Visit Amira Learning: https://www.amiralearning.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/amira-learning 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@amira-learning

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amira_learning/?hl=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Amira-Learning-App-100064672554061/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AmiraLearning 

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Produced by Old Soul: https://bit.ly/3KuYfrD 

In today's episode, Nadia Madan Morrow joins us to share her insights on the grade-level text and tasks, urging educators to explore innovative methods, such as incorporating word problems into math lessons. Nadia, who has a strong coaching background and a wealth of experience in Denver Public Schools, emphasizes the need to scaffold and differentiate within classrooms, ensuring that no student is left behind.

She also reveals valuable strategies to facilitate effective communication, including paraphrasing and practicing deep breathing techniques to stay calm during difficult conversations. Nadia later opens up about her involvement in a major project with Denver Public Schools, where she played a crucial role in evaluating and holding schools accountable for meeting the requirements of a federal court order.

Timestamps

[00:00:51] Colorado's education system is impacted by various issues.

[00:04:56] Experience and connections aided multilingual learners.

[00:08:27] From teacher to coach to impacting kids.

[00:11:03] School work extends beyond academics, it impacts lives.

[00:14:46] An evaluation system created for a multilingual learner program.

[00:18:42] The ideal school with a bilingual program is finally available.

[00:28:20] Start with hard stuff, have a well-rounded education, motivate kids, and bring back fun learning.

[00:34:33] "I hear you, feel you, and understand."

Connect with Nadia Madan Morrow

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nadiamadanmorrow/ 

Website: https://www.dpsk12.org/ 

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About More Than a Test

Our goal is to take a hard look at the shortcomings in literacy education and tech while still finding a sense of hope in what's possible in education through learning and technology.

Our guests include non-profit leaders, tech CEOs, state and district leadership, research leaders from top institutions, and a few teachers with stories that might bring you to tears.

Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0JWhVG2nXZfC3FxOviFoR0 

Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/more-than-a-test/id1685012543 

Listen on Other Platforms: https://more-than-a-test.captivate.fm/ 

About Amira Learning

Amira is the world’s first intelligent reading assistant that provides personalized tutoring to students at school, after school, or at home. Students working with Amira experience significant improvements in their reading fluency.

About your Host, Laura Glaab

Laura Glaab is a VP of Strategy at Amira Learning. She is a lifetime educator following behind educator parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents.

She's worked as a teacher and leader in public, private, and charter schools in places as far as India and as close to home as Boulder, Colorado. She holds degrees from Stanford, the University of Wyoming, and Kellogg School of Management.

She thinks everyone should read Saint Joan by George Bernard Shaw and the entire Piggie and Elephant Collection by Mo Willems.

Connect with Laura

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-glaab/ 

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Visit Amira Learning: https://www.amiralearning.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/amira-learning 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@amira-learning

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amira_learning/?hl=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Amira-Learning-App-100064672554061/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AmiraLearning 

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Produced by Old Soul: https://bit.ly/3KuYfrD

In today's episode, we are joined by Hailey Carter, an educator with a unique journey and a passion for making a difference in students' lives. Hailey shares her experiences of being inspired by her students within the confines of the classroom, but also realizing the limitations of traditional teaching methods. Later on, Hailey discovered the potential to scale her impact globally, reaching students beyond the walls of her own classroom. 

Join us as Hailey discusses her excitement about the opportunity to make a different type of impact in emerging markets and how partnering with actively involved founders is crucial for success. We also delve into the challenges of integrating technology into teaching practices and the need for comprehensive data to understand students' learning gaps.

Timestamps

[00:02:47] AI in education supports teachers and students.

[00:05:36] Tech solutions tackle pain points in education, but lack scale.

[00:06:51] Optimism about various methods of classroom support.

[00:12:34] Students with different skill levels inspire growth.

[00:15:36] Teaching limited impact and excitement to scale globally.

[00:17:15] Starting business school is overwhelming, but connecting with like-minded students is important.

[00:20:08] How a graduate student organization connects students with startups.

[00:23:55] Being a teacher while in venture funding is a tough job.

[00:29:56] Teachers need integrated data solutions for EdTech.

[00:31:21] Students' interconnectedness and challenges in education. Attendance is difficult for teachers.

[00:36:45] Teachers are busy and connecting with them is hard.

Connect with Hailey Carter

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hailey-m-carter/ 

Website: https://owlvc.com/ 

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About More Than a Test

Our goal is to take a hard look at the shortcomings in literacy education and tech while still finding a sense of hope in what's possible in education through learning and technology.

Our guests include non-profit leaders, tech CEOs, state and district leadership, research leaders from top institutions, and a few teachers with stories that might bring you to tears.

Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0JWhVG2nXZfC3FxOviFoR0 

Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/more-than-a-test/id1685012543 

Listen on Other Platforms: https://more-than-a-test.captivate.fm/ 

About Amira Learning

Amira is the world’s first intelligent reading assistant that provides personalized tutoring to students at school, after school, or at home. Students working with Amira experience significant improvements in their reading fluency.

About your Host, Laura Glaab

Laura Glaab is a VP of Strategy at Amira Learning. She is a lifetime educator following behind educator parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents.

She's worked as a teacher and leader in public, private, and charter schools in places as far as India and as close to home as Boulder, Colorado. She holds degrees from Stanford, the University of Wyoming, and Kellogg School of Management.

She thinks everyone should read Saint Joan by George Bernard Shaw and the entire Piggie and Elephant Collection by Mo Willems.

Connect with Laura

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-glaab/ 

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Visit Amira Learning: https://www.amiralearning.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/amira-learning

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@amira-learning

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amira_learning/?hl=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Amira-Learning-App-100064672554061/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AmiraLearning 

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Produced by Old Soul: https://bit.ly/3KuYfrD 

In today's episode, we'll explore the power of storytelling and how it can give voice to the untold stories and unspoken experiences of individuals. We'll learn how Ruta Sepetys, initially hesitant to share their writing, embarked on a journey to discover their family's untold story and ended up creating a novel that became a New York Times bestseller.

Sepetys’ transition from the music industry to writing was not an easy one, but their former music clients supported their decision and encouraged them to pursue their passion. We'll hear about the challenges and triumphs they faced while slowly transitioning careers and infusing their own personal story into their writing. But it's not just about Sepetys’ journey. We'll also delve into the transformative power of experiences, such as the speaker's immersion in a gulag for research purposes. We'll explore the impact it had on them and how it ultimately influenced their own writing, giving them the ability to preserve the stories of survivors.

Timestamps

[00:00:02] Internationally acclaimed author, Ruta Sepetys, shares about an inspiring school visit.

[00:05:04] Hidden family secret inspires bestselling music editor.

[00:07:34] Seeking mentors, including younger generations, shaped Sepetys.

[00:11:25] "Do not try this… Immersion experience in a gulag."

[00:15:25] Sepetys’ favorite book is set in Spain. Meticulous research and firsthand experiences.

[00:19:58] Books hold immense power, shaping and comforting.

[00:23:58] Steps to becoming a novelist summarized.

[00:26:33] Book inspires unity through personal storytelling.

[00:32:31] Motherhood anxiety, finding validation, embracing oneself.

[00:33:08] Resilient, creative parents embraced life and opportunity.

[00:39:48] "Incredible book, funny story, multiple copies."

Connect with Ruta Sepetys

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rutasepetys/ 

Website: https://rutasepetys.com/books/ 

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About More Than a Test

Our goal is to take a hard look at the shortcomings in literacy education and tech while still finding a sense of hope in what's possible in education through learning and technology.

Our guests include non-profit leaders, tech CEOs, state and district leadership, research leaders from top institutions, and a few teachers with stories that might bring you to tears.

Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0JWhVG2nXZfC3FxOviFoR0 

Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/more-than-a-test/id1685012543 

Listen on Other Platforms: https://more-than-a-test.captivate.fm/ 

About Amira Learning

Amira is the world’s first intelligent reading assistant that provides personalized tutoring to students at school, after school, or at home. Students working with Amira experience significant improvements in their reading fluency.

About your Host, Laura Glaab

Laura Glaab is a VP of Strategy at Amira Learning. She is a lifetime educator following behind educator parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents.

She's worked as a teacher and leader in public, private, and charter schools in places as far as India and as close to home as Boulder, Colorado. She holds degrees from Stanford, the University of Wyoming, and Kellogg School of Management.

She thinks everyone should read Saint Joan by George Bernard Shaw and the entire Piggie and Elephant Collection by Mo Willems.

Connect with Laura

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-glaab/ 

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Visit Amira Learning: https://www.amiralearning.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/amira-learning

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@amira-learning

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amira_learning/?hl=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Amira-Learning-App-100064672554061/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AmiraLearning 

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In today's episode, we are joined by a special guest, Shelly Spiegel-Coleman, as we dive into the world of education advocacy and the power of collective action. Shelly is a seasoned advocate and the president of an organization that has been making waves in the education sector. We'll explore how their organization started, their impact on policy changes, and the importance of supporting English learners. From the successes to the challenges faced along the way, Shelly paints a vivid picture of what it means to be part of a community dedicated to uplifting the needs of students.

So grab your headphones and get ready to be inspired by the incredible work being done to go beyond the test in education.

Timestamps

[00:02:46] Supporting English learning with bilingual programs has declined.

[00:04:22] Formed group, improved English programs, and legislation passed.

[00:09:17] Shift to bilingual education, leadership supported the change.

[00:13:51] Minimal library books for students, especially in non-Spanish languages.

[00:17:42] Growth of 17 staff members, good reputation, and advocacy success.

[00:19:42] Support, humility, and grassroots growth are essential.

[00:25:13] Advocacy work, flexible administrators, retirement, and continued volunteer work.

[00:27:34] Educators working for English learners, supporting each other.

[00:31:35] Efforts made to help long-term English learners.

[00:36:46] People want community and support for education.

[00:43:43] California implements the English learner road map statewide.

[00:48:01] Find passion and dedicated colleagues to set goals. Make things happen with democracy. Go for greatness with love and compassion.

Connect with Shelly Spiegel-Coleman

Website: https://californianstogether.org/ 

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About More Than a Test

Our goal is to take a hard look at the shortcomings in literacy education and tech while still finding a sense of hope in what's possible in education through learning and technology.

Our guests include non-profit leaders, tech CEOs, state and district leadership, research leaders from top institutions, and a few teachers with stories that might bring you to tears.

Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0JWhVG2nXZfC3FxOviFoR0 

Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/more-than-a-test/id1685012543 

Listen on Other Platforms: https://more-than-a-test.captivate.fm/ 

About Amira Learning

Amira is the world’s first intelligent reading assistant that provides personalized tutoring to students at school, after school, or at home. Students working with Amira experience significant improvements in their reading fluency.

About your Host, Laura Glaab

Laura Glaab is a VP of Strategy at Amira Learning. She is a lifetime educator following behind educator parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents.

She's worked as a teacher and leader in public, private, and charter schools in places as far as India and as close to home as Boulder, Colorado. She holds degrees from Stanford, the University of Wyoming, and Kellogg School of Management.

She thinks everyone should read Saint Joan by George Bernard Shaw and the entire Piggie and Elephant Collection by Mo Willems.

Connect with Laura

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-glaab/ 

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Visit Amira Learning: https://www.amiralearning.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/amira-learning

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@amira-learning

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amira_learning/?hl=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Amira-Learning-App-100064672554061/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AmiraLearning 

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Produced by Old Soul: https://bit.ly/3KuYfrD 

In this episode, we are thrilled to have Dr. Maria Vazquez, an esteemed educator and the Superintendent of Orange County Public Schools. Join our host, Laura Glaab, as she delves into Dr. Vazquez's incredible journey, from initially planning to retire as the Chief Academic Officer to embracing the opportunity to become the Superintendent. Together, they discuss the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic and examine the potential for transformation in education.

Dr. Vazquez shares her insights on engaging parents, dealing with emotional situations, and the importance of focusing on individual students within the larger organization. She reveals her top priorities of school safety, academic support, and mental health, along with her dedication to providing students with choices and opportunities for success. Dr. Vazquez's personal story of her immigrant parents' sacrifices and her commitment to honoring them adds a poignant touch to the conversation. This episode is filled with inspiring anecdotes, valuable lessons, and a shared passion for making a difference in the lives of students.

Timestamps

[00:02:51] School safety, pandemic impact, student support, partnerships.

[00:05:15] Seeking replacement funding for expiring federal dollars.

[00:10:31] School board ensures student success and values diversity.

[00:13:50] Expectations clear. Collaboration is key. Gratitude for the team.

[00:16:59] Investing in children's success through understanding and support.

[00:19:53] Appreciate angst, listen, help, pathways, and the superintendent's journey.

[00:25:18] Career progression led to becoming superintendent during the pandemic.

[00:29:04] An unexpected path embraced despite family concerns.

[00:31:20] Parents sacrificed for education and were devastated by career switch.

[00:36:08] Balancing growth and discomfort leads to success.

[00:37:18] Expanded role includes academics, operations, and support.

[00:40:55] The parents' role in children's reading includes involvement and support.

[00:46:58] Intrigued by AI's impact on education and fascinated by its capabilities; can be transformational for families and kids.

[00:48:56] Groupthink and kindness drive innovation within organizations.

Connect with Dr. Maria Vazquez

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/maria-f-vazquez

Website: https://www.ocps.net/home

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About More Than a Test

Our goal is to take a hard look at the shortcomings in literacy education and tech while still finding a sense of hope in what's possible in education through learning and technology.

Our guests include non-profit leaders, tech CEOs, state and district leadership, research leaders from top institutions, and a few teachers with stories that might bring you to tears.

Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0JWhVG2nXZfC3FxOviFoR0 

Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/more-than-a-test/id1685012543 

Listen on Other Platforms: https://more-than-a-test.captivate.fm/ 

About Amira Learning

Amira is the world’s first intelligent reading assistant that provides personalized tutoring to students at school, after school, or at home. Students working with Amira experience significant improvements in their reading fluency.

About your Host, Laura Glaab

Laura Glaab is a VP of Strategy at Amira Learning. She is a lifetime educator following behind educator parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents.

She's worked as a teacher and leader in public, private, and charter schools in places as far as India and as close to home as Boulder, Colorado. She holds degrees from Stanford, the University of Wyoming, and Kellogg School of Management.

She thinks everyone should read Saint Joan by George Bernard Shaw and the entire Piggie and Elephant Collection by Mo Willems.

Connect with Laura

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-glaab/ 

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Visit Amira Learning: https://www.amiralearning.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/amira-learning

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@amira-learning

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amira_learning/?hl=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Amira-Learning-App-100064672554061/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AmiraLearning 

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Produced by Old Soul: https://bit.ly/3KuYfrD 

On this episode of More Than a Test, we delve into the systemic issues facing education and the need for change. Our special guest, Kimberly Vaught, takes us on a journey through the "Reading Wars" and the evolving approaches to teaching reading. We explore the science of reading, which is both a science and an art, and the challenges of teaching adult learning theory. Kimberly discusses the importance of improving pre-service training for teachers in colleges and universities and building skills and capacity for educators. We also learn about the crucial role communities play in supporting educational frameworks and school districts financially, through advocacy, and by actively participating in decisions that affect schools. 

Timestamps

[00:01:16] Bittersweet: First time outside school since 1999.

[00:04:07] Huge impact. Job offer for an underserved school.

[00:08:19] Community blessings, turnaround schools, F and B ratings.

[00:10:31] State initiative improves low-performing schools.

[00:14:39] Systemic barriers and lack of access prevail.

[00:17:18] Changed lives, Disney trip, White House visit.

[00:22:11] Teaching experience in Brunswick County.

[00:25:41] Education systemic issue, solving through science.

[00:26:49] Understanding language, teaching adults, supporting education.

[00:29:54] Believing in kids despite their doubt.

[00:37:24] Principalship requires leading exhausted yet hopeful people.

[00:40:48] Guests hear more; building citizens, not just tests.

[00:43:55] iPhone connects me to loved ones worldwide.

Connect with Kimberly Vaught

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberly-vaught 

Website: https://www.cmsk12.org/ 

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About More Than a Test

Our goal is to take a hard look at the shortcomings in literacy education and tech while still finding a sense of hope in what's possible in education through learning and technology.

Our guests include non-profit leaders, tech CEOs, state and district leadership, research leaders from top institutions, and a few teachers with stories that might bring you to tears.

Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0JWhVG2nXZfC3FxOviFoR0 

Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/more-than-a-test/id1685012543 

Listen on Other Platforms: https://more-than-a-test.captivate.fm/ 

About Amira Learning

Amira is the world’s first intelligent reading assistant that provides personalized tutoring to students at school, after school, or at home. Students working with Amira experience significant improvements in their reading fluency.

About your Host, Laura Glaab

Laura Glaab is a VP of Strategy at Amira Learning. She is a lifetime educator following behind educator parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents.

She's worked as a teacher and leader in public, private, and charter schools in places as far as India and as close to home as Boulder, Colorado. She holds degrees from Stanford, the University of Wyoming, and Kellogg School of Management.

She thinks everyone should read Saint Joan by George Bernard Shaw and the entire Piggie and Elephant Collection by Mo Willems.

Connect with Laura

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-glaab/ 

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Visit Amira Learning: https://www.amiralearning.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/amira-learning

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@amira-learning

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amira_learning/?hl=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Amira-Learning-App-100064672554061/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AmiraLearning 

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On this episode of More Than a Test, host Laura Glaab welcomes special guest Jack Mostow to discuss his fascinating work in the field of intelligent tutoring systems and the impact has on education. Jack begins by sharing his experience working on a campus as a social service and how his passion for intelligent tutoring systems was sparked. Throughout the episode, Jack touches on various experiences and encounters that shaped his understanding and passion. He highlights the importance of improving reading skills for struggling students and discusses his own experience working as a reading tutor in schools.

Timestamps

[00:01:35] AI, education, lecture, successful presentations

[00:06:57] Intelligent tutoring systems sparked curiosity, and more inspiring work was sought.

[00:12:48] Motivation for a new career in speech recognition.

[00:21:17] Student prefers reading tutor over teacher due to interactivity.

[00:22:53] Children perceive reading tutors as omniscient.

[00:27:13] Reading coach, a game designer helps kids read.

[00:30:35] Help given through recordings replaces verbal assistance.

[00:35:06] Campus social service, Raj Reddy, awards, film, kid's reading mistake.

[00:38:48] Decades-old reading tutor test with low-performing students.

[00:41:15] Game-changing growth in education, incredible foresight. Is the panic fair about AI in education?

[00:49:00] Open source app helps kids learn in Swahili.

[00:51:49] Collaborating with passionate people: a great experience.

Connect with Jack Mostow

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jack-mostow-0b8a46a/ 

Website: https://www.ri.cmu.edu/about/

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About More Than a Test

Our goal is to take a hard look at the shortcomings in literacy education and tech while still finding a sense of hope in what's possible in education through learning and technology.

Our guests include non-profit leaders, tech CEOs, state and district leadership, research leaders from top institutions, and a few teachers with stories that might bring you to tears.

Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0JWhVG2nXZfC3FxOviFoR0 

Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/more-than-a-test/id1685012543 

Listen on Other Platforms: https://more-than-a-test.captivate.fm/ 

About Amira Learning

Amira is the world’s first intelligent reading assistant that provides personalized tutoring to students at school, after school, or at home. Students working with Amira experience significant improvements in their reading fluency.

About your Host, Laura Glaab

Laura Glaab is a VP of Strategy at Amira Learning. She is a lifetime educator following behind educator parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents.

She's worked as a teacher and leader in public, private, and charter schools in places as far as India and as close to home as Boulder, Colorado. She holds degrees from Stanford, the University of Wyoming, and Kellogg School of Management.

She thinks everyone should read Saint Joan by George Bernard Shaw and the entire Piggie and Elephant Collection by Mo Willems.

Connect with Laura

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-glaab/ 

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Visit Amira Learning: https://www.amiralearning.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/amira-learning

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@amira-learning

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amira_learning/?hl=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Amira-Learning-App-100064672554061/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AmiraLearning 

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On this episode of More Than a Test, host Laura Glaab welcomes guest Patricia Montes Pate to discuss teachers' challenges when implementing new resources in the classroom. They delve into the complex ELA framework and how it often remains unused due to a lack of time for teachers to fully understand it. Patricia highlights the need for coaching and support to effectively integrate new resources and emphasizes the importance of time in this process. They also explore a teaching model that supports English learners in Silicon Valley, which can be applied across the state and nation. The model focuses on oral language, language functions and forms, and designated English language development, providing scaffolds to make content accessible for English language learners. 

Patricia's organization is curriculum agnostic and collaborates with partners to blend standards with thematic units, aiming to create an immersive learning experience for children. They discuss the fragility of progress in education and the importance of teachers who hold onto effective teaching methods.

Timestamps

[00:01:54] Partnering with early learning and elementary for English learners, expanding to 6th grade, and considering middle school.

[00:03:19] Program supports English learners using a research-based model.

[00:09:50] Varying perspectives on English learners shift over time.

[00:11:46] Develop bilingual oral language, visual and family support.

[00:16:42] Bilingual teachers still face language barriers, improving.

[00:20:41] Partnership with NCL to support English learners.

[00:23:42] Bilingual teacher becomes university adviser for 20 years.

[00:27:45] Teachers need time to implement resources effectively.

[00:30:47] Recognize and listen to concerns, and move forward.

[00:34:38] "Hard to see progress, easily erased"

[00:35:58] Your version reflects classroom diversity and assets.

[00:39:15] Book recommendations and appreciation for English learners.

Connect with Patricia Montes Pate

Website: https://seal.org/about

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About More Than a Test

Our goal is to take a hard look at the shortcomings in literacy education and tech while still finding a sense of hope in what's possible in education through learning and technology.

Our guests include non-profit leaders, tech CEOs, state and district leadership, research leaders from top institutions, and a few teachers with stories that might bring you to tears.

Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0JWhVG2nXZfC3FxOviFoR0 

Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/more-than-a-test/id1685012543 

Listen on Other Platforms: https://more-than-a-test.captivate.fm/ 

About Amira Learning

Amira is the world’s first intelligent reading assistant that provides personalized tutoring to students at school, after school, or at home. Students working with Amira experience significant improvements in their reading fluency.

About your Host, Laura Glaab

Laura Glaab is a VP of Strategy at Amira Learning. She is a lifetime educator following behind educator parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents.

She's worked as a teacher and leader in public, private, and charter schools in places as far as India and as close to home as Boulder, Colorado. She holds degrees from Stanford, the University of Wyoming, and Kellogg School of Management.

She thinks everyone should read Saint Joan by George Bernard Shaw and the entire Piggie and Elephant Collection by Mo Willems.

Connect with Laura

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-glaab/ 

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Visit Amira Learning: https://www.amiralearning.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/amira-learning

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@amira-learning

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amira_learning/?hl=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Amira-Learning-App-100064672554061/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AmiraLearning 

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On this episode of More Than a Test, host Laura Glaab is joined by guest Arun Saigal to delve into the importance of decision-making, the power of community in product development, and the potential of EdTech and AI. Arun shares his own journey of choosing a career path, highlighting the significance of committing to a decision and trusting your gut.

He also discusses the impact of block-based programming in learning to code and building mobile apps. Arun explains how his company, thunkable, stands out by focusing on academic research in an educational context and involving the community in the development process. The team values feedback and suggestions from users, often choosing them as design partners to ensure new features meet their needs. They've witnessed users of all ages successfully use Thunkable to create apps for various purposes.

Timestamps

[00:06:38] People of all ages can use thunkable to build their own apps, even those in their seventies. The platform allows users to address unique issues and create a wide range of solutions. Overall, if users have a good understanding of common app patterns, thunkable can support and facilitate their app development process.

[00:11:55] Building tools for kids to code, from scratch to mobile apps, based on user feedback.

[00:15:16] Research, community, support: keys to success.

[00:19:05] Arun discusses the shortage of software engineers and the increasing demand for their skills.

[00:24:03] AI replacing jobs is a reasonable fear. However, it can also be viewed as an opportunity for growth and learning.

[00:27:06] Do something. Fear of failure holds back success.

[00:33:41] Mentors provided valuable guidance and advice to Arun.

[00:39:42] EdTech is exciting and transformative with AI.

[00:47:18] Choose a path, and stick with it.

[00:49:31] Two great book recommendations for understanding processes.

Connect with Arun Saigal

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aksaigal

Website: https://thunkable.com/#/

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About More Than a Test

Our goal is to take a hard look at the shortcomings in literacy education and tech while still finding a sense of hope in what's possible in education through learning and technology.

Our guests include non-profit leaders, tech CEOs, state and district leadership, research leaders from top institutions, and a few teachers with stories that might bring you to tears.

Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0JWhVG2nXZfC3FxOviFoR0 

Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/more-than-a-test/id1685012543 

Listen on Other Platforms: https://more-than-a-test.captivate.fm/ 

About Amira Learning

Amira is the world’s first intelligent reading assistant that provides personalized tutoring to students at school, after school, or at home. Students working with Amira experience significant improvements in their reading fluency.

About your Host, Laura Glaab

Laura Glaab is a VP of Strategy at Amira Learning. She is a lifetime educator following behind educator parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents.

She's worked as a teacher and leader in public, private, and charter schools in places as far as India and as close to home as Boulder, Colorado. She holds degrees from Stanford, the University of Wyoming, and Kellogg School of Management.

She thinks everyone should read Saint Joan by George Bernard Shaw and the entire Piggie and Elephant Collection by Mo Willems.

Connect with Laura

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-glaab/ 

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Visit Amira Learning: https://www.amiralearning.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/amira-learning

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@amira-learning

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amira_learning/?hl=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Amira-Learning-App-100064672554061/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AmiraLearning 

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