Candy Van Buskirk on Learn Outside and Disrupting the Status Quo in Education
Jul 17, 2024
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Dr. Candy Van Buskirk, Assistant Superintendent of Career Academy Network, talks about innovative educational strategies and the pathways campaign focusing on experiential learning. They discuss dual enrollment, leading educational models like Samueli Academy, and the impact of pioneers like Larry Rosenstock. The podcast highlights efforts in Indiana to promote experiential learning and the future direction of education.
Career Academy Network focuses on providing pathways to high-wage earning positions through experiential learning.
Partnerships with institutions like Ivy Tech and Notre Dame offer real-world certification opportunities for students.
Deep dives
Career Academy Network Foundation and Development
The Career Academy Network in South Bend, Indiana was founded as a result of a passion for economic development by the board president. The emphasis was on innovative education providing pathways to high-wage earning positions through hands-on learning opportunities and various educational entities. The schools within the network focus on leading with experiential learning, offering diverse pathways to students from STEM to entrepreneurship, with a strong focus on dual enrollment and work-based learning opportunities.
Middle School Course Pathways and Dual Enrollment
Middle school students at the Career Academy have the opportunity to explore seven different pathways, allowing them to test various fields and engage in project-based learning through maker spaces. This exposure helps them make informed decisions when selecting two pathways in high school. The Career Academy also partners with Ivy Tech, IUSB, and Notre Dame for dual enrollment programs, providing students with real-world experiences and certification opportunities.
Experiential Learning and Partnerships in Education
The focus on experiential learning extends to community partnerships and real-world opportunities for students. Initiatives like interest inventories and world of work exploration help students understand and experience diverse career options starting from kindergarten through high school. Schools like Samueli Academy and iTech High serve as exemplary models, inspiring the Career Academy to incorporate similar strategies and partnerships to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes.
On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Tom Vander Ark talks to Dr. Candy Van Buskirk, Assistant Superintendent of the Career Academy Network in South Bend, Indiana, to discuss her new book, 'Learn Outside. They talk about the innovative educational strategies at Career Academy Network and the goals of the new pathways campaign aiming to link students to economic mobility, focusing on experiential learning through career academies.