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Floyd D. Johnson Technology Center in York, South Carolina, is proof that small communities can make big changes for students. By embracing honest data, personalized improvement goals and strong community partnerships, the school has transformed student outcomes — and earned recognition as an SREB Pacesetter School.

In this episode, Daniel Rock and Marsha Moseley talk with Director Lee Green and teacher Angie Covington about how Floyd D. Johnson:

• Partnered with Duke Power to create South Carolina’s only line worker program.
• Built a powerful data wall that turned numbers into faces and helped more students complete pathways.
• Increased industry certifications by 51% and tripled student participation in CTSOs.
• Shifted teacher practice using the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle and individualized student learning objectives.
• Strengthened school culture so every student feels known, cared for and prepared for life after graduation.

Whether you’re a teacher, administrator or policymaker, you’ll find practical ideas for using data to drive action — and inspiration for how perseverance and teamwork can reshape a school.

Resources

You can find links to resources mentioned in this episode on our website: 

https://www.sreb.org/post/floyd-d-johnson

The Southern Regional Education Board is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that works with states and schools to improve education at every level, from early childhood through doctoral education and the workforce.

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Welcome to Season 2 of the Making Schools Work podcast! In this episode, Daniel Rock, Jason Adair and Ashley Shaw kick off the season by exploring one of teaching’s most powerful truths: beginnings and endings matter.

From first-day activities to closing strategies, the hosts dive into research and classroom-tested ideas that help teachers capture students’ attention, build curiosity and leave lasting memories. Along the way, they share personal stories, classroom examples and practical tips that educators can use tomorrow.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why first impressions shape students’ view of your class — and how to flip expectations on Day 1.
• The “peak-end rule” and what it means for lesson planning and memory.
• Easy ways to hook students at the start of a lesson or unit.
• Strategies for ending lessons, units and school years so learning sticks.
• How teachers can create emotional “peak moments” that build connection and curiosity.

Whether you’re a classroom teacher, instructional coach or school leader, this conversation will inspire you to rethink how you open and close learning experiences — and why those moments matter more than you might think.

Listen to this episode if you’ve ever wondered:

• How do I make my lessons more memorable?
• What should I do on the first day of school besides go over rules?
• How can I end a lesson or unit in a way that really sticks?

The Southern Regional Education Board is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that works with states and schools to improve education at every level, from early childhood through doctoral education and the workforce.

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 In this final episode of our special AI series, Ashley Shaw is joined by Leslie Eaves to discuss the crucial "AI Checklist" – a practical guide for educators and leaders looking to implement artificial intelligence tools in their K-12 classrooms. This episode wraps up our deep dive into the "Guidance on AI and K-12 Instruction" report and its practical applications.

In this episode, you'll learn about:

• The Purpose of the AI Checklist: Understand how this checklist serves as an essential guide for evaluating and selecting AI tools, ensuring they align with your school's needs and educational goals, much like you would any other new resource.
• Beyond the Surface: Ethical and Effective Use: Discover the importance of moving past simply picking the "first tool you see." The checklist helps you consider the ethical implications and practical effectiveness of AI in fostering student learning.
• The Power of Collaboration: Learn the critical first step in adopting AI: building a diverse team that must include teachers. This collaborative approach ensures buy-in, addresses real classroom needs and leads to more successful implementation.
• Connecting to the "Guidance on AI and K-12 Instruction" Report: This episode links back to the four pillars discussed in the earlier parts of the AI series, providing a comprehensive framework for responsible AI integration.

This episode provides actionable advice for anyone ready to responsibly explore and integrate AI technology into their educational environment!

🗂️ Resources:

• Also available on YouTube if you prefer video
• Download the free report: https://www.sreb.org/publication/guidance-use-ai-k-12-classroom-0
• Get the free AI checklist: https://www.sreb.org/publication/ai-tool-procurement-implementation-and-evaluation-checklist

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In this episode, Daniel Rock and Jason Adair delve into the remarkable journey of Bryant Park Elementary, an SREB Pacesetter School in Jefferson County, Alabama. 

We talk to Principal Cortney Slaughter and teacher Alex Wilson about how they built a thriving school from the ground up since its opening in 2020.

In this episode, you'll learn about:

• Embracing the "Why" and Building Ownership: Discover how Bryant Park Elementary went beyond checklists, fostering deep teacher ownership and rich conversations, allowing for productive struggle that led to a much richer experience.
• Arts Integration as a Core Strategy: Explore how the school successfully integrates the four art forms (theater, dance, music and visual arts) with core curriculum standards to promote student engagement, retention and confidence. Hear examples like using tap dancing for math fluency and Tableaus for reading comprehension.
• Recognition and Achievements: Learn about Bryant Park's impressive accolades, including being a Class School of Distinction for arts integration, an Alabama Reading Initiative Spotlight School, and a Marzano High Reliability School (level one).
• Creating a Culture of Shared Leadership: Understand the importance of a collaborative, shared leadership approach where the principal is not the sole decision-maker. Find out how leadership teams, including the Continuous Improvement Leadership Team and the Design Team, ensure every grade level has a voice and opportunities for growth.
• Intentional Professional Learning: Discover Bryant Park's robust professional development model, including a partnership with Arts Now for quarterly 3-day arts integration training. New teachers receive foundational training, and the school intentionally schedules time for learning during the school day, respecting teachers' time.
• Teacher-Led Instructional Rounds: Learn about their unique approach to instructional rounds, where teachers observe peers to identify strengths and areas for improvement, focusing on specific instructional practices like vocabulary and explicit instruction. This process provides purposeful feedback that is debriefed in professional learning communities.
• Key Advice for School Leaders: Gain insights into the most important considerations for leaders piloting new programs, emphasizing shared leadership, valuing every voice (even critical ones) and balancing shared decision-making with clear expectations and boundaries for growth.

This episode offers practical strategies and inspiring examples for any educator or leader looking to transform their school through innovative practices and a strong culture of continuous learning!

The Southern Regional Education Board is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that works with states and schools to improve education at every level, from early childhood through doctoral education and the workforce.

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In this episode, we're joined by Aimee Wyatt, SREB's director of leadership and professional learning, and our special guests from PENCIL: Alayna Cate, director of partnerships, and Bob Kucher, chief partnerships and programs officer. PENCIL is a Nashville-based non-profit dedicated to connecting businesses and the community with Metro Nashville Public Schools. 

In this episode, you'll learn about:

• Pencil's Mission and History: Discover how PENCIL, a 43-year-old non-profit, serves as a vital link between the business community and public schools in Nashville, based on the belief that a thriving school system creates a thriving city. 
• The Definition of "Partnership": Understand how PENCIL differentiates between one-off volunteer opportunities and sustained, long-term partnerships that are embedded into the culture of both the school and the business, fostering deeper impact. 
• Innovative Ways Communities Partner With Schools: Explore various engagement methods, from volunteerism, guest speaking about career journeys and mentorship to more in-depth career experiential learning like job shadows, work-based learning and even support for school events or operational needs. 
• "Goosebump Moments" and Student Impact: Hear compelling examples of how partnerships have transformed student perspectives, such as a high school junior discovering a new career path in the automotive industry beyond her imagination through a Bridgestone partnership and HCA Healthcare providing hands-on hospital job shadows and paid internships leading to employment upon graduation. 
• Tips on Creating Community Partnerships on Your Own: Even if you do not have a PENCIL in your community, there are ways to create amazing community partnerships for your students. 

This episode is packed with actionable advice for anyone looking to foster meaningful connections between schools and their surrounding communities! 

The Southern Regional Education Board is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that works with states and schools to improve education at every level, from early childhood through doctoral education and the workforce.

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Welcome back to Part 2 of our special episode with Richland High School in Mississippi! In this continuation, Principal Marcus Stewart and Assistant Principal Heather Bryan delve deeper into the strategies and systems that have driven their school's remarkable growth. 

In this episode, you'll learn about:

• Boosting AP Enrollment and Proficiency: Discover how Richland High School doubled its AP enrollment and saw a jump in AP proficiency of over 30%. Stewart shares how they identify potential AP students and provide them with crucial support, including test fees and dedicated time to work with AP teachers. 
• Creating a Culture of High Expectations: Hear about the strategies implemented to raise expectations for both students and teachers. This includes a shift towards data-driven discussions and ensuring every student has a rigorous four-year plan. 
• Connecting Students to Careers: Explore how Richland High School is preparing students for their futures by fostering connections to careers. They discuss the importance of career pathways, internships and relevant real-world experiences. 
• Supporting Teacher Growth and Leadership: Learn more about how the school empowers teachers and cultivates their leadership skills, expanding on the concepts introduced in Part 1. This includes providing opportunities for teachers to lead professional development and take ownership of their growth. 
• Sustaining Momentum for Continuous Improvement: Understand how Richland High School plans to continue its upward trajectory, aiming for an "A" designation and further enhancing student outcomes. 

If you missed Part 1, be sure to go back and listen to learn about the initial curriculum and instructional review and the revolutionary "Flex Block" system!

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Welcome to a special two-part episode of the Making Schools Work podcast! In this first installment, we're joined by Richard Morrison, senior leadership coach at SREB, as he discusses his three-year partnership with Richland High School in Mississippi. We also hear directly from Richland High School's principal, Marcus Stewart, and assistant principal, Heather Bryan, about their incredible journey of improvement.

In this episode, you'll learn about:

• The Power of a Curriculum and Instructional Review (CIR): Discover how Richland High School, a middle-high school serving 7th-12th graders, utilized a comprehensive CIR process to identify areas for growth and promising practices. Principal Marcus Stewart shares how the data-driven, neutral review helped foster receptiveness and transparency among staff.
• A Culture Shift Towards Improvement: Hear how Richland High School transitioned from skepticism to open reflection and courage, leading to significant positive changes in student achievement.
• Impressive Gains in Accountability & Proficiency: Learn about Richland High School's remarkable improvements, including a consistent rise in their Mississippi accountability rating, a doubling of AP enrollment, a 30%+ jump in AP proficiency, increased reading proficiency and a rise in math proficiency from 75% to 82%.
• The Revolutionary "Flex Block" System: Assistant Principal Heather Bryan details the innovative "Flex Block," a unique daily scheduled time designed for both student and teacher development.
• Student Benefits: Explore how students utilize Flex Block for academic remediation and enrichment on Wednesdays, and for high-interest "human interest" clubs (like Wiffle Ball Club, Taylor Swift Club or Spa Club) on Thursdays, fostering engagement and diverse experiences.
• Teacher Professional Development: Understand how the Flex Block is leveraged for differentiated professional learning communities and professional development for teachers, including book studies and dedicated time for national board certification candidates.
• Empowering New Teachers and Peer-Led Learning: Discover how new teachers receive dedicated support during Flex Block and how the school is fostering peer-developed professional learning opportunities led by experienced teachers.

Stay tuned for Part 2! In our next episode, we'll continue our conversation with Dr. Stewart and Dr. Bryan to delve into how Richland High School boosted their AP program, connected students to career pathways and set high expectations for their teachers. You won't want to miss it!

The Southern Regional Education Board is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that works with states and schools to improve education at every level, from early childhood through doctoral education and the workforce.

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In this short announcement, Ashley and Dan sit down to talk about all of the exciting changes coming to the podcast in the fall. 

Season 2 has a lot of big changes, but each change is just to make it bigger and better for you. 

Plus, we talk about the Season 2 preview episodes we will be releasing during the 2025 Making Schools Work Conference from July 14-18. 

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In this final episode of season one, Ashley Shaw and guest Leslie Eaves, SREB’s director of project-based learning, explore Pillar 4 of SREB’s Guidance for the Use of AI in the K12 Classroom: ethical and proficient student use of AI.

Ashley and Leslie discuss why it's not enough for educators to simply use AI—we need to help students use it responsibly, too. From media literacy to writing support to prompt engineering, this episode explores the skills students need to succeed with AI now and in the future.

🧩 Topics include:

• What “proficient AI use” really looks like in K-12
• The importance of digital citizenship and ethical conversations
• Why schools should create teams to help create AI policies - and include students and teachers on those teams

🗂️ Resources:

• Also available on YouTube if you prefer video
• Download the free report: https://www.sreb.org/publication/guidance-use-ai-k-12-classroom-0
• Get the free AI checklist: https://www.sreb.org/publication/ai-tool-procurement-implementation-and-evaluation-checklist

The Southern Regional Education Board is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that works with states and schools to improve education at every level, from early childhood through doctoral education and the workforce.

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Part of our summer series on SREB’s Guidance for the Use of AI in the K12 Classroom

In this episode, Ashley talks with Leslie Eaves, SREB’s director of project-based learning, about how AI can support personalized learning.

They dig into what it really means to differentiate in today’s classrooms and how teachers can use AI tools to give students tools to use at home, create custom learning plans and much more.

Topics covered:

• What Pillar 3 is and why personalized learning matters
• How teachers can use AI to differentiate more easily
• First steps for using AI to personalize instruction

🗂️ Resources:

• Also available on YouTube if you prefer video
• Download the free report: https://www.sreb.org/publication/guidance-use-ai-k-12-classroom-0
• Get the free AI checklist: https://www.sreb.org/publication/ai-tool-procurement-implementation-and-evaluation-checklist

The Southern Regional Education Board is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that works with states and schools to improve education at every level, from early childhood through doctoral education and the workforce.

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