Getting Smart Podcast

Dr. Justin Reich, ED of MIT Teaching Systems Lab, discusses coherence in schools and the value of invitational and transformational leadership. He emphasizes the importance of practice and iteration in teaching, as well as leadership in implementing innovation. The challenges of incorporating edtech in schools are explored, along with the importance of partnering with different thinkers. Empowerment and making change in education are also discussed.

On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast Nate McClennen is joined by Sharon Laidlaw, Director of Place Network at Teton Science Schools, to discuss place-based education, a movement that was articulated in the 1990’s and now has become a centerpiece of education innovation everywhere.  This movement is rekindling purposeful and agency filled learning experiences for young people. And while not explicitly named as place-based, these learning experiences that are unbundled, project-based, and real-world  grounded in the tools of competencies and personalized approaches ALL fit within the place-based paradigm - using learning to engage the real world around real experiences and challenges - and this approach teaches critical skills that are a priority for an increasingly disconnected and complicated world.  Links:  The Place Network Tetons Science Schools  Sharon Laidlaw New Schools Venture Fund Roundrock Black Parents Association  Gallup Poll  

Anant Agarwal, MIT Professor and Founder and CEO of edX, discusses the role of AI in teaching and learning. Topics include ethics in AI, personalized learning, and the potential of AI in online education. The importance of responsible use of AI and its power for good in education are also highlighted.

This episode of the Getting Smart Podcast is a part of our New Pathways campaign. In partnership with American Student Assistance (ASA), the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Stand Together and the Walton Family Foundation, the New Pathways campaign will question education’s status quo and propose new methods of giving students a chance to experience success in what’s next.  On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, New Pathways Senior Fellow Trace Pickering is joined by Dr. Tasia Chatman, Director of Learning Experiences at Springpoint and Jeff Sudmyer, Director of School Leadership. As the Director, Learning Experiences, Tasia supports the design, development, and scale of Springpoint Transformative Learning Experiences. Tasia brings over 16 years of teaching and curriculum design experience. Her expertise is in curriculum design reflective of Universal Design for Learning and Culturally Responsive Teaching. As Director of School Leadership, Jeff draws on over twenty years of experience as a teacher and administrator to coach principals and collaborate with leaders and teachers at Springpoint partner schools who are working to create innovative high schools. Together, they discuss the elements of a transformative learning experience, making high school meaningful and much more.  Links: Tasia Chatman Jeff Sudmyer Springpoint  

Podcast discusses the impact of generative AI in education, including case studies of its usage. They explore using chat GPT to support project-based learning, inclusion of diverse students in real-world projects, and the benefits of Project Leo for integrating AI in classroom apps. They also discuss enhancing teacher practice through AI and teaching students to solve problems using AI models.

Are you interested in attending one of the field’s largest gatherings of K-12 education innovators? The Aurora Institute Symposium 2023 promises community, lessons about education innovation from the field, and the latest research and policy to support education transformation. Find out more here.  On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast Rebecca Midles is joined by Laurie Gagnon, CompetencyWorks Program Director and an author on some recent publications from the Aurora Institute: Next Generation Credentials and Work-Based Learning Policy.  Also, as an example of states moving forward, to help advance innovations in its Personalized, Competency-Based Learning (PCBL) pilot program, Utah has partnered with the Mastery Transcript Consortium to provide the learner record and resources to schools and districts making the shift.  We’re also joined by Cory Henwood, Innovation Director at Iron County Schools in Utah to discuss some of this work which was highlighted in the recent Aurora Institute report.  Links:  Laurie Gagnon Cory Henwood CompetencyWorks Blog Going Beyond the Traditional: Next Gen Credentials and Flexible Learning Pathways Expanding Student Access to Work-Based Learning: Federal Policy Recommendations Aurora Institute Iron Essential Eight Kettle Moraine Florida XQ High PSI Mastery Transcript Consortium

In this episode, speaker and author Eduardo Briceño discusses the performance paradox and learning zones. They emphasize the importance of balancing performance with learning, creating a growth mindset in the classroom, and integrating deliberate and purposeful practice. The conversation explores the concept of the performance paradox and its role in personal growth and development.

On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast Nate McClennen is joined by Morgan Camu, Head of Programs at Outschool.org and Justin Dent, founding Executive Director of Outschool.org. This non-profit branch of outschool.com is working to ensure not only access to all of outschool.com’s resources to those who are racially or economically marginalized - but is also thinking about how to support this unbundled ecosystem as a whole. Links:  Outschool.org Outschool.com Previous Podcast with Outschool founder Amir Nathoo Morgan Camu LinkedIn Justin Dent LinkedIn Engaged Detroit Outbridge Heritage Homeschoolers Epic Homeschool Network

Aaron Schorn, Nalukai program director, and high school student Sherry Jiang discuss creating a valuable learning experience in entrepreneurship, addressing food deserts, and the shift in Nalukai Academy's focus to entrepreneurship through the lens of Hawaiian culture. They also delve into addressing women's healthcare needs, the impact of participating in the Nalukai Academy, and the potential for other schools to implement similar programs.

On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast Nate McClennen is joined by Thanasi Dilos, Co-Founder and Chief Growth Officer at Civics Unplugged. Thanasi has been an explorer with Nat Geo, a Venture Fellow and is also the Co-Founder and Founding Champion of DreamDAO - and he is 20 years old. Links: LinkedIn Civics Unplugged Dream DAO Personal Site MIT Talk Design it For Us Sneha Revanur Encode Justice VELA Education Fund