Getting Smart Podcast

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.

Bo Stjerne Thomsen, Head of LEGO Education and champion of innovative curricula, discusses LEGO's exciting new K-8 science program. He highlights how these hands-on kits make science fun and accessible, igniting curiosity through play-based learning. The curriculum fosters critical thinking and collaboration, especially in small classrooms. Thomsen also explores the importance of affordable resources in reshaping educational landscapes, ensuring every child experiences the joy of discovery while aligning with national science standards.

Dannyelle Austin, Executive Director at Launchpad, and Lisa Richardson, Project Lead of Catalyze, delve into career-connected learning innovations. They discuss how Catalyze has awarded over $14 million to empower 65,000 students nationwide through mentor-driven programs. Austin highlights the 'learn and earn' model, linking education to practical tech experiences and soft skills development. Together, they emphasize the importance of community partnerships in expanding career pathways and fostering economic mobility for underrepresented youth.

Dennis "Doc" Littky, an educational innovator and co-founder of Big Picture Learning and College Unbound, dives deep into the future of education. He shares his groundbreaking 'leaving to learn' model that transforms traditional schooling. The conversation highlights the power of personalized learning and real-world experiences through internships. Littky also discusses College Unbound's mission to support adult learners, especially those from marginalized backgrounds, aiming to redefine higher education and enhance community engagement.