Jenny Anderson, an award-winning journalist and author of "The Disengaged Teen," and Rebecca Winthrop, director at the Center for Universal Education, dive into the crucial topic of teen engagement. They discuss the alarming decline in school enthusiasm and the four engagement modes: passenger, achiever, resistor, and explorer. Highlighting the importance of teaching agency, they offer practical strategies for parents and educators. The duo underscores the need for nurturing curiosity and crafting engaging learning environments to combat the disengagement crisis.

Welcome to the Getting Smart Podcast, in today's episode, we dive into the innovative initiatives of District 214, a leader in creating personalized, real-world learning experiences for students. Supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, District 214 is part of the Illinois Accelerate Ed cohort, focusing on bridging K-12 education with postsecondary opportunities and careers. Join us as we speak with Dr. Lazaro Lopez, Associate Superintendent, and inspiring students Ayana and Georgie, who share their unique paths in healthcare and engineering. Discover how these learners are navigating their futures with confidence and purpose in an ever-evolving world. Outline (00:00) Introduction to the Getting Smart Podcast (02:11) Georgie's Journey in Engineering (05:05) Ayanna's Path to Medicine (09:36) The Role of Educators and Industry Connections (16:09) Success Metrics and Future Directions Links: Watch the full video Read the full blog here Illinois Accelerate ED Dr. Lazaro Lopez LinkedIn D214 Pathways Handbook

Michael Horn, an expert in jobs-to-be-done theory and author of "Job Moves," discusses how to align career choices with personal goals. He emphasizes the concept of 'hiring' your job and making intentional choices based on personal values. Michael shares insights on crafting compelling personal narratives and the evolving job market's impact on credentialing and hiring practices. He encourages listeners to find fulfillment beyond traditional paths and underscores the importance of storytelling in career development.

Abby Falik, founder of The Flight School, discusses transformative education for high school graduates. She advocates for a 'launch year' that goes beyond traditional gap years, focusing on personal exploration and experiential learning. Falik emphasizes the need for cultivating essential human skills in an AI-driven world, such as empathy and resilience. She also highlights the importance of aligning personal passions with global needs and envisions engaging a million young people through her initiative by 2035, aiming to reshape education's future.

Whitney Marsh, Chief of Staff at ASU Prep, and Jennifer Mellor, Chief Innovation Officer at the Greater Phoenix Chamber, discuss Arizona's unbundled learning ecosystem. They highlight how this innovative model breaks down educational silos, bridging K-12, higher education, and workforce preparation. The conversation delves into real-world learning experiences through partnerships with local businesses. They also address the evolving dynamics of high school internships and the impact of the pandemic on education, emphasizing the need for personalized, flexible pathways for student success.

Amy Anderson, Executive Director of Reschool Colorado, Shannon Nicholas from Colorado Succeeds, and Melissa Dominguez, Principal of Jeffco Open School, share insights on unbundled learning in Colorado. They discuss how integrating real-world experiences into education bridges traditional gaps and enhances student engagement. The conversation highlights innovative programs, systemic advocacy for equitable access, and the importance of community partnerships. Personal stories illustrate the transformative power of these educational approaches, emphasizing the need for a holistic learning ecosystem.

Steve Kosakoski, CEO of the Virtual Learning Academy Charter School in New Hampshire, shares insights from his 16 years in education. He discusses how New Hampshire leads in competency-based learning, offering personalized pathways for students. The conversation dives into innovative programs like Learn Everywhere, enabling credits through real-world experiences. Kosakoski emphasizes the importance of flexibility in education, the role of policy and technology, and the transformative impact of alternative learning approaches on student engagement and mastery.

Coi Morefield, founder of the Lab School of Memphis and Microschool Masters, shares her mission to elevate microschool education. She discusses unique challenges in training educators for these small, personalized environments. Morefield emphasizes the importance of mindset shifts and sustainable practices to tackle high staff turnover. Her innovative platform, likened to MasterClass, provides vital resources on compliance, governance, and effective teaching strategies, aiming to empower educators and build a supportive community.

A lively discussion reveals how artificial intelligence is transforming classrooms with personalized learning, alongside challenges like plagiarism. Governance shifts are shaping educational goals, moving from federal to localized control. The conversation emphasizes the urgent need for comprehensive literacy, covering reading, media, and civic engagement. With public school enrollments declining, alternative models like micro-schools offer innovative solutions. Together, these trends signal a bold future for education, advocating for meaningful learning experiences for every student.

Brad Leon, the Executive Director of the Blue Sky Institute, leads a groundbreaking healthcare education initiative. He discusses how their partnership with Blue Cross Blue Shield and East Tennessee State University addresses workforce shortages through accelerated pathways. The emphasis on hands-on experience and technology equips students to graduate debt-free. Leon highlights the unique Game Design Challenge that inspires tech careers and the Accelerate Ed initiative, showcasing how bridging education with industry needs fosters a sustainable talent pipeline.