Getting Smart Podcast

In this week’s episode, Tom Vander Ark is talking with Dr. David Blustein, a Professor of Counseling Psychology at Boston College. Dr. Blustein’s 2006 book, The Psychology of Working, made him a leader in the emerging field of vocational psychology. His newest book, The Importance of Work in an Age of Uncertainty, discusses the eroding work experience in America and how to prepare young people to thrive in a complex world.   Also joining Dr. Blustein and Tom in this episode is Ed Hidalgo from the Cajon Valley Union School District — a leading example of early immersive career education — where he serves as the Chief Innovation and Engagement Officer. Tom, Ed, and Dr. Blustein dive into the topic of working in America, early career education, vocational psychology in the classroom, and how work has drastically shifted since the Industrial Age. Dr. Blustein highlights key learnings from both of his books, gives his thoughts on the current nature of work, and gives his thoughts on when we should begin educating children about the world of work.   This episode is the first in a two-part series on starting career education early! So be sure to tune in next week too, to catch the rest of the conversation!   Key Takeaways: [:10] About today’s episode and special guests. [1:05] Tom welcomes Dr. David Blustein and Ed Hidalgo to the podcast. [1:38] David speaks about his background and why he decided to study psychology. [3:05] David shares what spurred his interest in counseling. [4:39] What drew David to studying the psychology of working. [6:20] Has David read Studs Terkel’s work? And would he consider him one of the first vocational psychologists? [6:55] Has Ed read any of Studs Terkel’s work? [7:02] When did Ed first run into David’s work? [7:16] David shares a bit about his first book, The Psychology of Working, and what the goal of it was. [7:47] Ed speaks about how The Psychology of Working aided his own work at Cajon Valley. [8:26] Was the Industrial Revolution and the conception of the modern corporation the major shift in work? [10:08] David speaks about how work has changed in the last 40 years in the Information Age. [11:44] Is this recent shift from long-term employment to freelancing a good or bad thing? [14:15] Why does David think the nature of work is eroding in America? [15:48] Is it realistic in this age to think that most people could be engaged in work that they care about? [17:20] About Getting Smart’s upcoming book, The Power of Place. [18:25] The paradox of the current nature of work. [19:46] How and when should we introduce young people to the world of work? [22:26] How Cajon Valley is bringing vocational psychology into the classroom. [23:54] David responds to the idea that it is too early to educate children as young as eight about work. [25:49] Is there any danger in typecasting children early (based on these personality types developed by John Holland)? [26:53] Is the idea that your capabilities as a human can grow with effort compatible with a growth mindset? [28:10] Ed elaborates on Cajon Valley’s framework and the typecasting/personality types they use. [29:23] David elaborates on the last chapter which talks about helping more people work with dignity and opportunity. [33:17] Tom thanks Dr. Blustein for joining the podcast. [33:42] About next week’s episode with Ed Hidalgo!   Mentioned in This Episode: Dr. David L. Blustein The Psychology of Working: A New Perspective for Career Development, Counseling, and Public Policy, by David L. Blustein The Importance of Work in an Age of Uncertainty: The Eroding Work Experience in America, by David L. Blustein Ed Hidalgo Cajon Valley Union School District LearnLaunch American Student Assistance (ASA) Studs Terkel The Power of Place: Authentic Learning Through Place-Based Education, by Tom Vander Ark, Emily Liebtag, and Nate McClennen The Other America: Poverty in the United States, by Michael Harrington John Holland   For More on Career Education, Be Sure to Check Out: Getting Smart Ep. 240: “Jean Eddy on Starting Early with Career Education”   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email Editor@GettingSmart.com and include ‘Podcast’ in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!  

Today, the Getting Smart team is going to learn about a school that is taking student-centered learning global! Rebecca Amis is the co-founder of MUSE School in Calabasas, California. MUSE is a small student-centered P-12 school with a robust sustainability agenda, a great Seed-to-Table program, a vegan kitchen, and climate action integrated across the curriculum. Rebecca and her team are also launching a new initiative called MUSE Global that will provide access to the key elements of the MUSE School model to communities around the world.   Tune in to learn more about MUSE School, what the learning experience is like from P-12, the progress and impact that co-founders Rebecca Amis and Suzy Amis Cameron have made through MUSE School and MUSE Global, and how they are setting a new course for education around the world.   The Getting Smart team really appreciates the thoughtful way that MUSE teachers are weaving learning standards and student passions into community-connected projects, and cannot wait to share today’s episode with you all!   Key Takeaways: [:12] About today’s episode with Rebecca Amis. [:47] Tom Vander Ark welcomes Rebecca Amis to the podcast. [:52] When and why did Rebecca initially get interested in early childhood learning? [3:50] Rebecca shares the history of her career. [6:15] Fastforwarding to MUSE, Rebecca tells the origin story of the school. [10:10] What the learning experience is like in elementary school at MUSE. [11:50] What the learning experience is like in middle and high school at MUSE. [13:10] Where to pre-order Tom’s new book, The Power of Place! [14:12] Rebecca shares the influences that Elliot Washer of Big Picture Learning had on MUSE. [15:19] Rebecca speaks about MUSE’s Seed-to-Table program and how it fits into the life of the school. [17:40] Rebecca elaborates on how MUSE is a plant-based school and what that means for kids on campus and the environment. [21:15] How public schools across Los Angeles are following MUSE’s lead. [21:54] Rebecca’s strategies for sharing what she learned at MUSE with the world and how she’s supporting others doing similar work. [23:00] Rebecca speaks about MUSE Global and what they’re doing to influence schools around the world. [28:14] Where to go online and learn more about MUSE. [28:35] Tom thanks Rebecca for joining the podcast.   Mentioned in This Episode: MUSE School MUSE Global Martin Hoffman — NYU Reggio Emilia Approach Early Head Start UPrep The Power of Place: Authentic Learning Through Place-Based Education, by Tom Vander Ark, Emily Liebtag, and Nate McClennon Big Picture Learning Forks Over Knives (Film, 2011) Rebecca’s Email: Rebecca@MUSEGlobal.org   For Another Great Episode on Place-Based Learning, Check-Out: Getting Smart Ep. 237: “Giving the Gift of Place with Teton Science Schools”   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email Editor@GettingSmart.com and include ‘Podcast’ in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!

Today the team is talking with Patricia DeKlotz. Dr. DeKlotz has been Superintendent in the Kettle Moraine School District since 2006. And for the last 10 years, she has been recognized as a national leader in personalized and competency-based learning for students and teachers. In 2016, Dr. DeKlotz was named Wisconsin Superintendent of the Year. It’s also interesting to note that Dr. DeKlotz, like Tom, had a private-sector career before becoming a school administrator!   In this episode, Dr. Patricia DeKlotz describes her innovative approach to high school transformation which includes launching three themed academies inside a traditional comprehensive school.   Listen in to find out why and how Dr. DeKlotz took that approach and why it has worked!   Key Takeaways: [:10] About today’s episode. [:57] Tom welcomes Dr. Patricia DeKlotz to the podcast. [1:05] About Dr. DeKlotz’s previous appearance on the Getting Smart Podcast. [1:21] Dr. DeKlotz speaks about her 20-year private-sector career and what provoked the switch into education. [2:57] Dr. DeKlotz speaks about the communities that she serves as Superintendent of the Kettle Moraine School District. [3:45] Dr. DeKlotz’s early strategic planning in 2006 at Kettle Moraine as it pertains to the high school. She speaks about the condition of the high school and the community conversation she tried to create. [6:25] Dr. DeKlotz shares the origin story of the high school transformation. [8:44] What led Dr. DeKlotz to explore the option of a charter school? [10:15] Where did the proposals that Dr. DeKlotz looked at in these feasibility studies come from? [12:10] Dr. DeKlotz speaks about her experience launching two academies in 2009/’10. [14:05] Was it initially a challenge to support these small teacher teams in these new academies? [17:45] Dr. DeKlotz shares how the learning experience was different for students in the first few years as compared to a traditional school. [22:00] Would it be fair to say that all three academies have a high degree of autonomy? [23:14] The impact that the academies have had on the traditional comprehensive high school. [25:26] Has the facilities’ modernization helped to create a learning environment that supports Dr. DeKlotz’s mission? [28:17] 10 years into high school transformation, how would Dr. DeKlotz say they’re doing? [29:45] Would Dr. DeKlotz recommend her same approach to comprehensive school reform to others? [31:44] Could the approach have been faster than it was? And would that have been a good or bad idea? And if she could have done things differently, what would she have done? [32:40] Dr. DeKlotz describes the path forward for the high school, the three academies, and the comprehensive high school. [33:43] Tom recaps a couple of the things he’s witnessed at Kettle Moraine that they do really well. [34:57] Dr. DeKlotz elaborates on the pieces Tom highlighted. [36:06] Tom thanks Dr. DeKlotz for joining the podcast. [36:18] Where to learn more about the great work being done at Kettle Moraine.   Mentioned in This Episode: Dr. Patricia DeKlotz Kettle Moraine School District Getting Smart S2:E12: “Kettle Moraine’s Pat DeKlotz on Building a Culture of Innovation” TransformEd at Kettle Moraine To learn more out Tom Vander Ark's newest book, publishing in March called The Power of Place, click here.  Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email Editor@GettingSmart.com and include ‘Podcast’ in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!

This week on the podcast, the Getting Smart team is talking about the past and future of EdTech with Larry Berger!   After his Rhodes Scholarship to Oxford University, Larry Berger served as a Whitehouse Fellow working on educational technology at NASA. In 2000, he co-founded Wireless Generation, an early leader in reading assessment. After being acquired in 2010, the company then became Amplify. And just five years ago, after a spinout, the company became a leader in digital K-8 English, math, and science curriculum.   Tune in as Larry describes the history and the future of education technology, shares the mission and the work that they’re doing at Amplify, and highlights many of the important factors in EdTech today!   Key Takeaways: [:07] About today’s episode. [:43] Tom Vander Ark welcomes Larry Berger to the podcast. [:51] Larry speaks about why he studied English at Yale University. [1:21] Larry shares how he is still involved in poetry to this day. [1:55] Larry speaks a bit about his favorite poems and poets. [2:29] Fastforward to the origin story of Wireless Generation, Larry speaks about what his inspiration was for his career in EdTech. [4:05] Tom and Larry paint a picture of what EdTech looked like around the time he started his company, Wireless Generation. [5:37] Larry speaks about the initial ideas that inspired the creation of Wireless Generation. [9:40] How Larry and his co-founder financed the growth of the company and got it off the ground. [12:20] Would it be correct to say that Wireless Generation quickly became a leader in formative assessment in the early 2000s? [15:18] Fastforward to 2010, Larry speaks about an offer that they couldn’t refuse as a company. [17:31] How the acquisition afforded Wireless Generation to be able to conduct research and development at an entirely new level. [19:11] About Wireless Generation’s pivot to digital. [20:12] Larry speaks about the transition from Wireless Generation to Amplify. [22:53] Larry gives his thoughts on the EdTech landscape today and the shift from print to digital. [28:33] Larry gives his take on those who feel that learner experience is the core design principle. [30:05] Larry speaks about what it is that he does these days at Amplify! [32:35] What’s on the roadmap for Amplify in the next year or two? [35:45] Tom tests Larry with an impossibly difficult lightning round of questions! [43:44] Tom thanks Larry for all the work he’s doing and for joining the Getting Smart podcast!   Mentioned in This Episode: Larry Berger Wireless Generation Amplify Poets.org Apple Classrooms of Tomorrow Accelerated Reader Qualcomm Irwin Jacobs News Corp Emerson Collective Getting Smart Ep. 239: “Jo Boaler on the Limitless Mind and Learning Math That Matters” Google Classroom   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email Editor@GettingSmart.com and include ‘Podcast’ in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!

In today’s episode, Emily is speaking with Beth Anderson. Beth leads the Hill Learning Center, a K–12 non-profit based in Durham, North Carolina, that has an innovative approach to meeting the needs of students with learner differences. Their mission is to transform students who have learning differences through a variety of programs that are research-based and distinguished by being highly differentiated: direct, small group instruction in reading, writing, math, and executive function. In just the last year, they’ve reached about 1,000 students directly and have trained over 1,200 teachers in their methodologies.   Tune in to learn more about the Hill Learning Center and the amazing impact they’re having on students with learning differences and what Beth hopes to see in the future when it comes to working with these learners and their families.   Key Takeaways: [:07] About today’s episode. [:30] Emily welcomes Beth Anderson to the podcast. [:41] Beth introduces herself, speaks about Hill Center, and explains why it is that she does what she does! [2:03] Beth defines learning differences and explains how differentiation in Hill Center looks both similar and different from what she’s seeing in K–12 schools. [4:11] Does Beth find that a lot of the research-based strategies and practices they’re using at Hill Center would also work well for all learners (whether or not they come to school settings with learning differences)? [5:35] Beth shares some of the ways that they are innovating and pushing the boundaries when it comes to working with learners with differences. [8:08] Does Beth think some of their success with working with learners with differences are attributable to the mastery-based approach? [10:13] Has Beth found that learners at Hill have more agency over their learning both at Hill and in their mainstream classroom setting? [11:28] How Hill’s educators and facilitators are working towards being more intentional in getting to know their learners better. [14:42] Beth speaks about what they’re doing at Hill to create more access and opportunity for learners that cannot attend Hill. [18:20] Beth shares her hopes and dreams for the learners and their families at Hill. [20:55] Beth points listeners to where they can learn more about Hill and its resources. [21:53] Emily and Jessica give their thanks to Beth for joining the podcast.   Mentioned in This Episode: Hill Learning Center   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email Editor@GettingSmart.com and include ‘Podcast’ in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!

Whether you’re a parent, an educator, or someone who has worked alongside youth, you probably understand the confusion that comes up for learners and their parents when it comes time for college. They’re trying to figure out where to go, what to major in, and how to pay for it. But that’s why American Student Assistance, the non-profit also known as ASA, provides advice and support starting in middle school!   In today’s episode, Tom Vander Ark is speaking with Jean Eddy, the CEO of ASA. She has been a leader in higher education in America for 20 years and has held senior roles at Northeastern, Brandeis, and Rhode Island School of Design — all vibrant institutions. At ASA, Jean has expanded its scope to career exploration for 13-18-year-olds and college and career planning services, as well as advocacy and research on the evolving education and career landscape.   Also joining the Getting Smart Podcast today is Annabel Cellini, the Chief Strategy Officer at ASA! For more than 20 years, Annabel has been a leader in education policy and technology. She knows as well as anyone what’s new and interesting in higher ed!   Together, Tom, Jean, and Annabel are discussing ASA, how it is moving the needle in terms of getting younger and younger learners prepared for college, what they’re currently doing at ASA to expands its work in advocacy and policy, and what’s on their roadmap for the next 1-2 years to continue to support learners, their parents, and their teachers!   Key Takeaways: [:07] About today’s episode. [1:14] Tom welcomes Jean and Annabel to the podcast. [1:26] Jean speaks about her university education and why she decided to study what she studied. [2:41] Why Jean decided to work in higher education. [4:35] Annabel speaks about her university education and what drew her to her major. [6:46] Jean tells the origin story of ASA. [8:50] Why early guidance about college is more important than ever. [10:22] Why does Jean believe that America has fallen out of love with higher ed? [12:02] Annabel speaks about how she thinks about the changing nature of work and the drivers she sees that have the most significant implications for education. [16:06] Annabel highlights some of the important key skills that are becoming more important in this innovation economy. [17:44] As a parent of middle school, what advice does Annabel have for other parents? What kinds of activities, in particular, are most productive for middle school students? [20:37] In 2018, Jean expanded the mission at ASA to start in middle school. She elaborates on why that change occurred and the kinds of services that they now offer for middle school students. [25:17] Tom gives a shoutout to their friends at Cajon Valley! [26:26] Anabel explains what ASA is currently doing to expand its work in advocacy and policy. [28:38] Jean speaks about why ASA supports Learn Launch and what she’s excited about in regards to the work that they do. [30:15] As Jean looks one to two years down the road at ASA, what are her hopes for the future of the organization? And where would she like to see them make an additional impact? [31:47] Annabel speaks about some of the things she’s excited about on ASA’s roadmap. [33:03] Where to go to learn more about ASA! [33:29] Tom thanks Annabel and Jean for joining the Getting Smart Podcast!   Mentioned in This Episode: American Student Assistance (ASA) Jean Eddy Annabel Cellini World Economic Forum LearnLaunch Cajon Valley Union School District   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email Editor@GettingSmart.com and include ‘Podcast’ in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!  

Today’s episode is all about limitless learning and learning math that really matters with Dr. Jo Boaler!   Dr. Boaler is a Professor of Mathematics Education at Stanford University and the author of fourteen books. Her newest book, Limitless Mind: Learn, Lead, and Live Without Barriers, shares the benefits of a growth mindset, collaboration, and learning from mistakes with a general audience. Based on lessons from research in the U.S. and the UK, Dr. Boaler formed YouCubed.org, which gives teachers, parents, and students the resources they need to excite students about mathematics. YouCubed is now used in about half of American schools. And most recently, Dr. Boaler has joined up with the UChicago Economist, Steven Levitt, in a campaign to add more data science to the high school curriculum!   Dr. Boaler’s 20-year contribution to making math education more applied, collaborative, and fun is both encouraging and incredible. Tune in to hear more about what she is doing for math education, her advocacy for data science, and her recent op-ed with Steven Levitt!   Key Takeaways: [:14] About today’s episode! [1:07] Tom Vander Ark welcomes Dr. Jo Boaler to the podcast! [1:13] Dr. Boaler speaks about where she grew up and her experiences with math early on. [2:46] After studying at the University of Liverpool, how did Dr. Boaler come to teach secondary maths in London? And was it a good experience? [5:08] Dr. Boaler speaks about her experience earning her Ph.D. at King’s College in London. [8:18] Why did Dr. Boaler decide to teach mathematics at Stanford University? [9:40] In 2000, Dr. Boaler was awarded an NSF grant and had the chance to do another long study about teaching maths. Dr. Boaler shares what she learned from this experience. [11:00] Dr. Boaler shares the key takeaways from her course, “How to learn math.” [12:55] Dr. Boaler describes the mission of YouCubed. [13:47] With the work they do at YouCubed, is there more uptake at the elementary level than the secondary? [14:17] How many books has Dr. Boaler written so far? [14:25] Dr. Boaler shares what her newest book, Limitless Mind: Learn, Lead, and Live Without Barriers, covers that her older books did not. [16:52] Why supporting a growth mindset is so important, especially with learning math. [18:11] Dr. Boaler summarizes her findings around the importance of struggle and mistakes. [20:44] Dr. Boaler explains what she means when she says, ‘engaging with a lens of multiplicity.’ [22:08] Dr. Boaler speaks about creative, flexible thinking. [23:32] Dr. Boaler shares her vision for collaborative learning. [25:49] Dr. Boaler shares the backstory of her op-ed with Steven Levitt, “Modern high school math should be about data science — not Algebra 2.” [30:21] Dr. Boaler shares some of her excitement around data science and why she believes it is so vitally important. [33:00] Dr. Boaler addresses some of the political challenges as well as some of the talent development challenges in supporting teachers in this change. [34:12] What goes into the master schedule now regarding math? [35:40] How do we support the current group of math teachers with these changes? [38:08] Where to learn more about this topic! [39:29] Tom Vander Ark thanks Dr. Jo Boaler for joining the podcast!   Mentioned in This Episode: Stanford University Limitless Mind: Learn, Lead, and Live Without Barriers, by Jo Boaler YouCubed.org University of Chicago Steven Levitt Elastic: Unlocking Your Brain's Ability to Embrace Change, by Leonard Mlodinow “Modern high school math should be about data science — not Algebra 2,” by Jo Boaler and Steven D. Levitt YouCubed — Data Science Freakonomics Podcast — “America’s Math Curriculum Doesn’t Add Up (Ep. 391)” Concord Consortium Getting Smart Podcast Ep. 238 — “Chad Dorsey on Modeling and Data Science in STEM Education”   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email Editor@GettingSmart.com and include ‘Podcast’ in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!  

Today, Tom Vander Ark is speaking with Chad Dorsey about modeling and data science in STEM education! Chad grew up a science geek; he loved the lakes and meadows of summer camp, he studied physics in college, and he did doctoral work in geophysics at Oregon. Later on in life, he taught science in Maine and Vermont before taking on the leadership of the Concord Consortium. For more than a decade, Chad has been leading Concord’s effort to use tech to transform STEM education by empowering learners to ask and answer their own questions. In today’s episode, Chad talks to Tom about the math education that all young people need — which looks like less calculating and more modeling, fewer small problems, and more data science. He also speaks about many of the incredible data science tools from the Concord Consortium and how they’re transforming education for many young learners, helping them to become active agents of discovery!   Key Takeaways: [:14] About today’s episode! [1:00] Tom welcomes Chad Dorsey to the podcast! [1:11] What made Chad a science geek? [1:55] Why did Chad choose to study physics in college? [2:25] How did Chad end up in Oregon? [2:58] What originally drew Chad to geophysics? [4:17] How did Chad get a job in Vermont teaching? [5:02] What interested Chad about the role of leading the Concord Consortium? [6:03] Chad tells the origin story of the Concord Consortium. [8:05] Chad explains how they think about the mission of Concord these days. [9:12] Chad speaks about one of their many focus areas at the Concord Consortium: tools for inquiry. [11:55] Chad elaborates on why a simulation like the molecular workbench is so important. [13:07] How’re the Concord’s simulations similar to or different from the PhET sims from CU? [14:20] Chad speaks about their fun engine that explores heredity and genetics by breeding virtual dragons! [15:05] Why is it important for secondary students to dive into modeling? [18:00] Chad speaks about their data platform, CODAP, a Common Online Data Analysis Platform, and explains what students use it for. [20:14] Chad speaks about one of their really cool tools that models tectonic plates. [22:01] Chad speaks about another one of their cool data science tools. [23:12] Chad speaks about some of their cool engineering design software applications. [24:00] How does math fit into STEM education? And what does Chad believe we should be doing less and more of in education regarding it? [28:20] Why are we still teaching math using the same old pathway (i.e. memorizing a set of rules and formulas)? And is there a better way to organize a secondary math sequence? [33:32] Chad describes what STEM education should actually look like for students. [37:23] Chad gives his ideas and thoughts on how to help teachers be successful in this new environment approach to teaching. [38:58] Are school and classroom visits beneficial for teachers that are trying to implement big changes in instruction? [40:50] Is Chad seeing lots of uptake on the tools that Concord is sharing? And is he optimistic about the future? [43:21] Tom thanks Chad for joining the podcast!   Mentioned in This Episode: Chad Dorsey The Concord Consortium PhET Simulations from the University of Colorado Boulder CODAP   For More on the Topic of Place-Based Education, Listen to: Getting Smart Season 2, Episode 16: “Experiencing Place-Based Education at Teton Science Schools”   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email Editor@GettingSmart.com and include ‘Podcast’ in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!  

Today, the Getting Smart team is bringing you another fantastic throwback episode from the Getting Smart Podcast vault! And given that it’s the holiday season, it only makes sense to share an episode that’s all about giving the gift of place.   This special episode was recorded while Tom and Emily spent time in Jackson, Wyoming, at a writing retreat with Nate McClennon, the VP of Education and Innovation at Teton Science Schools.   When Tom and Emily arrived at the school, they got to speak with both Nate McClennon and Cristen Girard, the host of the Murie Ranch in Grand Teton National Park. Together, they dive into the six aspects of place-based education at Teton Science Schools and discuss the guidebook they’re writing. They also explain their hopes for the impact that Murie Ranch will have on students, what all educators should know about place-based learning, what exactly defines “place” education and all the reasons why place-based education is so powerful, impactful, and relevant today.   Key Takeaways: [:14] All about today’s throwback episode! [1:18] Cristen introduces herself and explains what the Murie Ranch is. [2:48] The famous people that have spent time at the Robin’s Nest cabin at Murie Ranch. [3:38] Cris explains the kind of learning that happens at the ranch. [4:48] What Cris hopes for the impact that the Murie Ranch will have. [6:10] What should all educators know about place-based learning? [7:24] Is place-based learning worth all the extra effort? [9:46] Nate describes place-based education. [10:21] The community impact that place-based education has. [10:55] The three components Teton Science Schools defines “place” as. [11:26] Emily explains how place-based education relates to high-quality project-based learning. [13:28] Nate runs through the six design principles of Teton Science Schools, starting with the first: that the community should be viewed as the classroom. [16:46] Nate explains the second of the six design principles: learner-centered. [18:16] The third design principle: inquiry-based. [20:45] Emily explains the fourth design principle: local to global. [24:20] The fifth design principle: design thinking. [25:38] Teton Science Schools’ view on design thinking. [27:42] The sixth, and last, design principle: an interdisciplinary approach. [28:56] How to get involved with Tom and Emily’s guidebook that they’re writing on place-based education. [29:52] Where to learn more about Teton Science Schools.   Mentioned in This Episode: Teton Science Schools Murie Ranch in Grand Teton National Park Big Picture Learning Getting Smart Episode: “What’s Up With All the Design-Focused Schools?” PlaceSchools.org   For More on the Topic of Place-Based Education, Check Out: Season 2, Episode 16: “Experiencing Place-Based Education at Teton Science Schools”   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email Editor@GettingSmart.com and include ‘Podcast’ in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!  

Today the Getting Smart team is bringing back a past episode of an interview they did with Dr. Pam Moran.   Last summer, Pam wrapped up 32 years with Albemarle County Public Schools. Starting as a science teacher and concluding with a dozen years as superintendent, Dr. Moran quietly became one of America’s leading educators because the work she leads is so compelling. With two of her Albemarle colleagues, Moran published a book of lessons learned called, Timeless Learning: How Imagination, Observation, and Zero-based Thinking Change Schools.   In this interview, Tom talks to Pam about the process of writing her book with her co-authors Ira and Chad, their collective philosophy on education, and the contents of the book. Pam also talks about why she originally wanted to become a teacher, some of her key focuses in education, and her thoughts on multi-age spaces and the ways in which schools can help ready students for adulthood.   Key Takeaways: [:14] About today’s throwback episode! [:54] Tom welcomes Pam to the podcast and she describes her passion for her career. [3:42] When did Pam decide she wanted to be a teacher? [5:56] When and why Pam decided to write her book, Timeless Learning with co-authors. [15:10] Pam talks about one of her key focuses: seeing children more clearly. [17:30] About Pam’s and her co-authors’ collective philosophy. [25:22] Pam talks about multi-age spaces and the benefits of children learning in these spaces. [31:10] About an initiative Pam is working on, and one of the major ways schools can help ready students for college and career. [36:10] If Pam were going to write a headline for each of her co-authors, what would they be? [38:25] How did Pam and her co-authors write the book? [42:01] Why Pam and co-authors decided to include the “take action” section at the end of each chapter. [45:06] Pam reflects on and gives her thoughts on Better Together.   Mentioned in This Episode: Albemarle County Public Schools Timeless Learning: How Imagination, Observation, and Zero-based Thinking Change Schools, by Ira David Socol, Pam Moran, and Chad Ratliff Virginia School Consortium for Learning MakerEd.org Better Together: How to Leverage School Networks For Smarter Personalized and Project Based Learning, by Tom Vander Ark and Lydia Dobyns Wiley Publications   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email Editor@GettingSmart.com and include ‘Podcast’ in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!