Learning Unboxed

Amber Humm Patnode has spent over a decade researching the root causes of chronic absenteeism and how to address them effectively. She joins us today to explain what the data shows.Amber is the Acting Director of the Proving Ground program, part of Harvard University’s Center for Education Policy Research. She helps school districts assess the data they have related to chronic absenteeism, analyze it, and come up with timely solutions.In today’s episode, we talk about the three main categories of root causes– physical, aversion, and disengagement– and what educators can do about them.To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.orgWe unbox:The physical barriers leading to absenteeism: illness, transportation, suspensions, etc.The “aversion” reasons for absenteeism: perception of safety, social-emotion difficulties. etc.The “disengagement” root cause of absenteeism: When students or families don’t see how attendance is going to help students reach their goals.Resources:Learn more about Proving GroundLearn more about Attendance Works Produced by NOVA Media

What if instead of pushing every high schooler into Algebra 2, we let them choose a math route that focused more on data science and computers? That’s what Chris Orban and the Math Pathways project are working to make happen in the state of Ohio.On the show today, Chris describes how he’s helping increase access to computer science education for kids across the state through math course offerings. He walks us through what those courses can look like, including a project on the Nintendo64 Mario game.Chris gives an excellent, deep-in-the-weeds perspective of what it takes to make this kind of systemic change.To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.orgWe unbox:How a course can serve as both a math class and a computer science classWhat systems change looks like from an in-the-weeds perspectiveHow community members can be impactful in education policy change Resources:Learn more about the Math Pathways projectProduced by NOVA

Kasondra Wilson, Human Capital Manager at Deloitte, champions education-industry partnerships for workforce development. She shares insights on attracting industry partners and the importance of real-world projects in enhancing student learning. Kasondra discusses how Deloitte's initiatives empower students with essential skills while promoting generational shifts in workplace values. The conversation also highlights the need for educators to foster meaningful collaborations, ensuring that students align their careers with their personal values.

Welcome back for the third episode of our four-part series all about our Portable Innovation Labs (PILs). Today, we have a conversation with two community partners who use PILs for their workforce development missions.Iddrisu Seidu from Makerspace Central and Rich Granger from DriveOhio explain how they team up with our rocket-focused PIL. By using 3D-printing, the PIL allows children to immerse themselves in rocket science– yes, rocket science. Aerospace and aviation are important industries in Ohio’s economy. Through the rocket-based PIL, we can build a more diverse and talented future workforce together.To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.orgWe unbox:Why Makerspace Central and DriveOhio decided to use PILsHow PILs increase diversity in STEMHow PILs can be adjusted for different age groupsResources:Listen to Episode 49. Planes, Trains, & Automobiles: The Role of Education in Smart Mobility & InfrastructureAccess DriveOhio’s free Educator ToolkitLearn more at MakerspaceCentral.orgFollow Makerspace Central on Instagram: @Makerspace.CentralProduced by NOVA

Sonn Sam, the National Director of Partnerships at Big Picture Learning, advocates for a future where assessments focus on how students are smart rather than if they are smart. The discussion covers the transformative power of learner-centered assessments, emphasizing flexibility and personalization in education. Sam highlights the importance of cultural relevance and innovative assessment methods like student-created transcripts. He also touches on fostering empathy through observation and the need for educational systems to adapt to modern learners' needs.

Imagine if instead of having to cram for tests and sit through lessons, high schoolers could graduate by navigating six “passages” that prove their practical, creative, and logical skills. Fifty years ago in Jefferson County, Colorado, a group of parents and educators created a school just like that and it’s still thriving today. Melyssa Dominguez and Jenny Long from the Open School join us today to talk about their unique program.Melyssa and Jenny describe the “Walkabout” high school program. They explain each of the six “passages” and show how the model is supported by an advisory system and authentic evaluation process. Not only do Open School’s Walkabout graduates get eagerly accepted by colleges and universities, but the skills the students develop during their “passages” make them more likely to finish their diplomas than the national average. Listen in to learn what aspects of “Walkabout” you can apply to your own learning environment. To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.orgWe unbox:The six “passages” Open School student must finish to graduateHow the Open School does self-evaluation and transcriptsThe Open School’s advisory systemResources:Learn more at jcos.jeffcopublicschools.org/curriculum/walkaboutRead “To Create the World That Ought to Be: Memoirs of a Radical Educator” by Arnie LangbergProduced by NOVA Media

When Jessica Fields carries a PAST Foundation Portable Innovation Lab (PILs) box into a school, kids’ eyes light up. They know they’re about to do something cool and fun. What they probably don’t realize is that they’re also going to be learning standard-aligned content that keeps them on-track with their curriculum. Jessica is a 21st Century Learning Coach for Grandview Heights Schools and she is our guest on the show today.Jessica describes how PILs helps her schools jumpstart innovative education. Just one lab can help students come alive to learning and help teachers trust this approach to teaching. Multiple labs can build a culture of inquiry-based learning.If you’re a teacher, school leader, after-school programmer, or workforce development specialist, take a listen to this episode and discover what PILs can do for your students.To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.orgWe unbox:How PILs help connect private partners with schools for workforce developmentWhy starting the school year with a lab-based lesson can help build a collaborative classroom cultureHow PILs better connect families to their kid’s learning Resources:Learn more about Portable Innovation LabsProduced by NOVA Media

David K. Richards, CEO of Changemaker Microschools and seasoned educator, discusses the rise of microschools as transformative alternatives to traditional education. He shares insights on recruiting passionate teachers who support self-directed learning and the vital role of family engagement in launching these schools. Richards also emphasizes the importance of community support and innovative funding strategies. With a focus on personalized, emotionally nurturing educational experiences, he highlights how microschools can reshape the modern learning landscape.

The most important part of a child’s education is developing a love of learning. That’s Amir Nathoo’s motto and what led him to co-found OutSchool. Amir joins the show today to talk about future-proofing education by allowing students to engage with what they are most interested in.OutSchool is a marketplace for live online classes for K-12 learners. It has helped over a million students explore their interests with live online classes in nearly any subject you can think of: learning social skills through Minecraft, to gaming clubs, to learning veterinary topics.As both parents and teachers are increasingly unhappy with the traditional education system, OutSchool hopes to act as a disruptive force to bring much needed change from outside the system. Tune in to hear Amir’s thoughts about the future workplace, technology, and happiness.To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.orgWe unbox:How to future-proof educationWhy developing a love of learning is the most important part of a child’s educationWays to address the teacher shortageResources:Learn more at OutSchool.comFollow OutSchool on Instagram: @outschoolCheck out OutSchool’s YouTube channelConnect with OutSchool on FacebookProduced by NOVA Media

Welcome to our new mini-series on our Portable Innovation Labs (PILs). Here at the PAST Foundation, we’ve been working hard to make this offering a reality. Now we want to tell you all about it! Our own Brianna Agomessou joins the show today to give an overview of our PIL program.The PIL program is made up of over 40 labs that educators can borrow for 2-3 weeks for free. The labs come with equipment, materials, and even curricula. The best part: They’re completely free. Besides talking about the nuts and bolts of PIL, we also dive deep into topics about partnering with companies, diversity in STEM, and how to scale up this initiative.Stay tuned for the next episode where we have an educator discuss their experience with PILs!To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.orgWe unbox:What Portable Innovation Labs areWho can use Portable Innovation LabsHow Portable Innovation Labs are scaling upResources:Learn more about Portable Innovation LabsProduced by NOVA Media