Trending In Ed with Mike Palmer

In this enlightening episode of Trending in Ed, host Mike Palmer engages in a dynamic conversation with Edson Barton, co-founder and CEO of YouScience, diving deep into the transformative power of career education and aptitude assessment. Edson shares his own compelling origin story, reflecting on how his early struggles in school ignited a passion for revolutionizing the way we approach education and career guidance.   The discussion explores the shortcomings of traditional career guidance methods, emphasizing the significance of understanding an individual's innate aptitudes rather than relying solely on interest and personality tests. Edson and Mike tackle critical issues such as integrating career-connected learning into education systems, addressing the skills gap in the workforce, and the nuanced role of aptitude assessments in fostering inclusion and equity. Here's a link to the 2025 State of the Future Workforce Report cited in the episode.   Key Takeaways: The limitations of interest and personality tests in providing effective career guidance.   The importance of identifying and nurturing individual aptitudes for career success.   Strategies for integrating career-connected learning into education from an early age.   The widening skills gap in the labor market and the need for better alignment between education and workforce demands.   The significance of providing effective guidance and mentorship to students.   Why You Don't Want to Miss This: This episode offers invaluable insights for educators, administrators, parents, and anyone invested in shaping the future of education and workforce development. By challenging conventional approaches and advocating for a more holistic understanding of individual capabilities, Edson Barton provides a compelling roadmap for empowering learners and building a stronger, more adaptable workforce.   Don't miss out on this thought-provoking discussion! Subscribe to Trending in Ed to stay at the forefront of the latest trends and innovations in education.

Is it "absenteeism" or is there a "new absenteeism?" Join us as we dive into groundbreaking research from Teach for America's Reinvention Lab featuring Colleen Keating Crawford and Izzy Fitzgerald, who are at the forefront of exploring the evolving landscape of student engagement. Here's the link to Colleen's previous appearance on Trending in Ed where we talk about the Lab's Crossing the Canyon research.   We tackle the pressing question: Why haven't post-COVID attendance rates rebounded? Colleen, Izzy, and Mike Palmer challenge the traditional view of absenteeism and introduce a fresh perspective that focuses on who is learning rather than simply who is present.   Discover the Five Profiles of Engagement: Engaged, Systemically Blocked, Real Life Learners, Checked Out, and In Crisis. Learn why it’s crucial to understand these nuances to effectively support today's students.   Key Takeaways: The importance of disaggregating the reasons behind absenteeism to provide more tailored support.   How to shift the focus from attendance to engagement and learning, both inside and outside the classroom.   Practical strategies for educators, including co-creating learning experiences with students and making learning relevant.   Why You Should Listen: Whether you're an educator, parent, policymaker, or simply interested in the future of education, this episode offers vital insights and actionable strategies to address the new absenteeism and foster a more engaging and relevant learning environment for all students.   Subscribe wherever you get your pods. Visit us at TrendinginEd.com for more.

In this episode of Trending in Education, host Mike Palmer talks with Deb Mallin, the founder and CEO of Mighty Doodle Inc., about the power of AI in transforming literacy education. Deb’s journey into education was inspired by her own experiences as a mother and educator, driving her to create Mighty Doodle, an AI-based literacy tutoring system. Mighty Doodle uses a series of engaging mini-games to help children develop essential reading, writing, and spelling skills.   Mike and Deb discuss the importance of addressing the literacy gap, the “science of reading,” and how AI can be used responsibly and effectively to support diverse, including neurodiverse, learners. We also explore the balance between compassionate teaching and the relentless pursuit of literacy for all children.   Key Takeaways: Discover Deb Mallin's personal story and the mission behind Mighty Doodle.   Understand how Mighty Doodle’s AI-powered platform helps children build foundational literacy skills through engaging mini-games.   Explore the debate around the science of reading and how it intersects with child-centered learning approaches.   Learn how AI can be a valuable tool for personalized learning, especially for children with neurodiversity.   Gain insights into the importance of “compassionate relentlessness” in education.   Why You Don't Want to Miss This: If you're a parent, educator, or anyone passionate about improving literacy outcomes for children, this episode offers valuable perspectives and practical solutions.   You'll gain a deeper understanding of the potential of AI to personalize learning and address the literacy gap. Deb Mallin's insights provide a hopeful and actionable vision for the future of literacy education. To hear more insightful conversations like this, subscribe to Trending in Education on your favorite podcast platform. Join the conversation and be part of the community shaping the future of learning.

Dacia Toll, Co-CEO of Coursemojo and former leader at Achievement First, dives into her 26-year education journey. She highlights how AI can enhance teacher efficacy and boost student engagement in K12 education. Dacia emphasizes the importance of community in educational technology and shares insights on Coursemojo’s AI-powered assistant that supports teachers and students, particularly in English Language Arts. Listen in to discover the future of personalized learning and the role of technology in transforming assessments.

In this captivating episode of Trending in Ed, we reconnect with the dynamic filmmaking duo, Jaye and Adam Fenderson of Three Frame Media, to explore their latest impactful project: The Class.   Stepping back into the world of education after their acclaimed film Unlikely (here's the link to their prior appearance talking about it in 2019), the Fendersons' new docuseries, now airing on PBS, intimately chronicles the journey of six East Bay students and their dedicated advisor, Mr. Cam, during the unprecedented challenges of the 2020-2021 school year.   Delving beyond the headlines, The Class offers a poignant look at the resilience, struggles, and triumphs of students navigating their path to higher education amidst a global pandemic.   Through the series, we witness the profound impact of a supportive mentor, the power of community, and the enduring importance of empathy and grace in education.   Key Takeaways: The vital role of counselors, advisors, and mentors in supporting students' journeys to and through higher education.   The transformative power of storytelling in fostering empathy and understanding.   The necessity of processing collective trauma through open conversation and community support.   The enduring resilience of students in the face of adversity.   Why You Don't Want to Miss This Episode:In a time when education faces unprecedented challenges and the need for connection and support is paramount, this episode of Trending in Ed offers a refreshing and deeply human perspective.Whether you're an educator, a student, a parent, or simply someone who cares about the future of education, this conversation with Jaye and Adam Fenderson will leave you inspired, moved, and ready to champion the CAMs (counselors, advisors, mentors) in your own community.   Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights into the power of mentorship, the importance of empathy, and the resilience of the human spirit. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Visit us at TrendinginEd.com for more amazing conversations like this one.00:00 Welcome and Introduction00:25 Meet the Filmmakers: Jaye and Adam Fenderson00:43 The Journey in Education Documentaries00:59 The Class: A New Documentary Series04:53 Challenges and Inspirations During the Pandemic09:28 The Unexpected Path to PBS10:51 Reflecting on the Impact of COVID-1914:24 The Importance of Grace and Empathy16:08 Challenges of Filming During the Pandemic17:13 Introducing the Series and Its Characters18:08 The Power of Storytelling in Building Empathy19:37 The Impact of College Advisors23:21 Future Projects and Final Thoughts

In this episode of Trending in Education, host Mike Palmer interviews Emily Coleman, co-founder and CEO of HAI Analytics Inc, about the intersection of data science and higher education. Emily shares her journey from a PhD in Psychology and Statistics to founding HAI Analytics, highlighting her passion for using data to drive decision-making in higher education. They discuss the importance of predictive analytics, the challenges and opportunities for data implementation in higher education, and the skills needed for success in data science.   Key Takeaways: The evolution of AI and its applications in predictive analytics.   Challenges higher education institutions face in becoming more nimble and data-driven. Strategies for developing effective dashboards and data infrastructure.   The balance between leveraging data for insights and maintaining data security and privacy.   Essential skills and advice for aspiring data scientists.   Why You Shouldn’t Miss This Episode:This conversation provides valuable insights for anyone interested in the role of data in shaping the future of higher education. Whether you're an educator, administrator, or data enthusiast, Emily’s expertise offers a unique perspective on how institutions can harness the power of data to improve student outcomes, optimize resources, and navigate the evolving landscape of education. Subscribe to Trending in Ed wherever you get your podcasts. Visit us at TrendinginEd.com for more sharp takes on the future of education.

In this episode of Trending in Education, host Mike Palmer welcomes Dana Bryson, Senior Vice President of Social Impact at Study.com, for an engaging discussion on the intersection of education, technology, and social impact. This follows almost exactly a year from Dana's first appearance on Trending in Ed with Paul Gollash from ETS.  Dana shares her inspiring origin story, from her upbringing with activist parents who had the first legal interracial marriage in Virginia, to her work in public policy, beginning at the Kennedy School and even working with Jerry Brown when he was the Mayor of Oakland. The through line for all of this is Dana's passion for creating change. Then we connect this to her role driving Study.com's mission to provide affordable access to education through the initiatives she leads to address key issues in education today.   Key Takeaways: Discover how Study.com is working to bridge the gap in education by providing affordable and accessible learning solutions.   Gain insights into Study.com's recent survey of 700 educators on NAEP scores, revealing the critical role of family engagement and support in student success.   Explore how Dana views AI's role in education, including its potential to personalize learning and her concerns about widening achievement gaps.   Understand the importance of teacher diversity and representation, and learn about initiatives to create a more representative and diverse educator pipeline.   Get a sneak peek at Study.com's upcoming initiative to tackle the high cost of college and support working adults in completing their degrees.   Why You Shouldn't Miss This Episode:This episode offers a unique blend of personal insights and professional expertise, providing listeners with a comprehensive view of the challenges and opportunities in education today. Whether you're an educator, policymaker, or simply passionate about social impact, this conversation will leave you informed, inspired, and ready to make a difference.Subscribe to Trending in Ed so you never miss conversations like this one. Available wherever you listen to podcasts. Video versions now on Youtube and Spotify.

In this episode of Trending in Ed, host Mike Palmer catches up with serial entrepreneur Avi Yashchin, the Founder of Subconscious AI, about his professional journey from Wall Street to the cutting edge of AI. Yashchin, who started his career as a high-frequency equity trader, offers us a unique perspective on the 2008 financial crisis and how it sparked his interest in understanding the “why” behind market fluctuations.   We delve into Yashchin's experience at IBM's Watson education business unit, where he worked on applying AI in education with early language models. We then explore his current venture, Subconscious AI, and its groundbreaking work using language models to replicate experiments in psychology, sociology, and economics.   We tackle the complexities of AI in education, discussing the importance of thoughtful integration to maximize learning outcomes. We also address the ethical considerations of AI research, including the fascinating responses of LLMs to questions of harm and consent.   Key Takeaways: Discover how language models are being used to simulate human behavior and revolutionize research in social sciences.   Gain insights into the potential benefits and pitfalls of AI in education, including the crucial role of human oversight.   Understand the ethical dilemmas researchers face when using LLMs to study sensitive topics like harm and addiction.   Explore the debate around the future of AI development, including concerns about emergent behaviors and the importance of EQ in AI.   Learn why a balanced approach to AI is essential, encouraging both exploration and caution.   Why You Don't Want to Miss This Episode:This episode offers a thought-provoking exploration of AI's current and potential impact on various fields, including education, research, and even our understanding of social behavior. Whether you're an educator, researcher, or simply curious about the future of AI, this conversation provides valuable insights and raises essential questions about the ethical and practical implications of this rapidly evolving technology. Subscribe to Trending in Ed wherever you get your podcasts. Video episodes are now live on Youtube and Spotify.00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome01:04 Avi Yashchin's Early Career and Wall Street Experience03:12 Entrepreneurial Journey and Clean Edison03:33 AI in Education and IBM Watson05:46 Founding Subconscious AI and Climate Change Experiments07:01 Using Language Models for Social Experiments16:06 Ethical Considerations and AI Limitations22:01 Final Thoughts and Advice for the Future

In this episode of Trending in Education, we welcome Auditi Chakravarty, CEO of the Advanced Education Research and Development Fund (AERDF), to explore the cutting edge of education R&D. We begin by tracing Auditi's journey from a high school English teacher to a leader in curriculum and assessment development, with stops at Kaplan and the College Board, where she helped shape major programs like AP and the redesigned SAT.   Now, at the helm of AERDF, Auditi is driving a new approach to R&D in education, one that models itself on advanced research project agencies like DARPA, emphasizing cross-sector collaboration and a focus on breakthrough innovations. We dive into AERDF's four key programs, including the groundbreaking AugmentEd, which explores the role of AI in augmenting teaching and learning. We also discuss EF+Math, Assessment for Good, and Reading Reimagined, each tackling critical challenges in education with a focus on evidence-based solutions.   Key Takeaways: Discover AERDF's innovative approach to education R&D, inspired by models like DARPA, and its potential to revolutionize teaching and learning.   Explore the transformative power of AI in education and how AERDF's AugmentEd program is working to shape the future of AI-augmented classrooms.   Learn about AERDF's initiatives to advance assessment practices, improve math skills through executive function development, and address literacy challenges in grades 3-8.   Understand the critical importance of R&D in education and how it drives evidence-based practices to support teachers and students.   Why You Don't Want to Miss This:This episode offers a unique glimpse into the future of education R&D and the potential for groundbreaking innovations to transform teaching and learning. Whether you're an educator, researcher, policymaker, or simply passionate about the future of education, this conversation with Auditi Chakravarty will leave you inspired and informed.Subscribe to Trending in Ed wherever you get your podcasts. Visit us at TrendinginEd.com for more.00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:57 Auditi's Origin Story01:17 Journey Through Kaplan and College Board02:16 The Role and Impact of AP Programs06:32 Transition to AERDF07:31 Understanding AERDF's Mission09:19 Exploring AERDF's Programs09:45 The Role of AI in Education16:53 AugmentEd: The Future Classroom22:40 Other AERDF Programs29:41 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

We're thrilled to bring you another engaging episode recorded live at SXSW EDU in Austin, Texas! Join Trending in Ed host Mike Palmer as he sits down with Lindsay Whorton, President of the Holdsworth Center, to explore innovative approaches to educational leadership, innovation, and the future of K-12.  Lindsay shares her inspiring journey from college hoops to teaching to leading a cutting-edge organization that's transforming how we develop and support educational leaders. We discuss the critical need to invest in people, move beyond traditional professional development, and reimagine the roles of principals and superintendents.   Key takeaways include: The importance of generational investments in educators to achieve high levels of student success.   A deep dive into innovative leadership development models that move beyond traditional methods.   A fresh perspective on the evolving role of the superintendent, from "chief teacher" to a community-focused "mayor" figure focused on civic engagement.   Strategies for restructuring school leadership to better support teachers and foster a more collaborative environment.   An insightful exploration of how lessons from the private sector and other industries can inform and improve educational practices.   A candid discussion on the potential and challenges of AI in education, with a focus on preserving the importance of human connection.   An urgent call to address the changing landscape of the teaching profession and provide robust support for new educators.   This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about educational leadership, innovation, and creating sustainable change in our schools. We tackle the tough questions and offer actionable insights for educators, administrators, and policymakers alike.Tune in to gain valuable perspectives on: How to cultivate effective leadership at all levels of the education system.   Strategies for building resilient and supportive school communities.   The future of teaching and learning in an evolving world.   Don't miss this engaging conversation! Subscribe to Trending in Education for more thought-provoking discussions on the forces shaping the future of education. Timestamps:00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:34 Lindsay Whorton's Origin Story01:23 International Education Insights03:11 The Role of Sports in Education04:21 Leadership Development at Holdsworth05:23 Challenges in K-12 Education08:09 Superintendent and Principal Roles09:36 Future Directions for Holdsworth12:21 Adapting to Modern Educational Needs16:52 The Role of Nonprofits in Education19:28 AI in Education25:12 Conclusion and Key Takeaways