Getting Smart Podcast How is Michigan Leading State-Wide Transformation and Innovation? | Dr. Dave Richards
Sep 3, 2025
Dr. Dave Richards, Executive Director of the Future Learning Council and former Michigan superintendent, discusses Michigan's innovative educational transformation. He highlights the shift to personalized, competency-based learning and the collaboration among school districts to enhance student outcomes. Richards shares insights on micro-schools and their role in education reform, as well as the importance of professional development for educators. The conversation emphasizes community empowerment and the future of learning in providing equitable opportunities for all students.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
From One District To A Statewide Coalition
- Dave Richards recounts starting competency-based work in Fraser in 2012 and inviting colleagues to share practices over lunch.
- That small, handpicked group grew from a few districts to over 70 organizations by 2021 through word of mouth and relaunch efforts.
Vision Alone Won't Scale Change
- Leaders need more than inspiration; they need the how and what for system redesign while maintaining current operations.
- Building shared vision and systems conversations is critical to scale competency-based models.
Bring Your Team To Build Shared Ownership
- Bring teams, not just superintendents, to meetings so districts build shared ownership and sustain work across leadership changes.
- Invite whoever will help carry the vision forward and workshop designs together.