Getting Smart Podcast

Today, the Getting Smart team is bringing you an episode with an innovative leader and celebrated education disrupter for more than two decades, Julie Young! Julie is the CEO of ASU Prep Digital and Deputy Vice President of ASU Educational Outreach. Before leading ASU Prep Digital, Julie was the founding CEO and President of Florida Virtual School, the world’s first statewide virtual school and one of the nation’s largest K-12 online education providers.   ASU Prep Digital is a part of the ASU Preparatory Academy (a network of a dozen PreK-12 schools sponsored by Arizona State University.) ASU Prep Digital is now in its 3rd year and has grown to over 20,000 enrollments both nationally and internationally, which includes 600 fulltime students across the country! The school is striving to equip all students with the knowledge and training needed to graduate high school and be successful in college.   In today’s episode, you will get to hear directly from Julie and learn more about ASU Prep Digital’s history, features, and how they’re serving learners worldwide!   Key Takeaways: [:15] About today’s episode. [1:28] Tom welcomes Julie Young to the podcast! [2:02] What interested Julie about online, digital learning 25 years ago? [4:29] In the early years of Florida Virtual School, what does Julie think they got right? [8:22] Julie speaks about her legislature during these early years and some of the unique incentives that ended up driving major change in her work. [13:07] Does Julie agree that partnering with other school districts led to major success for Florida Virtual School? [16:57] Julie provides some background on ASU Prep Digital and her current role with them. [20:00] In addition to supporting the ASU Prep Academy, Julie offers full and part-time learning opportunities to kids in Arizona across the country and even around the world. Julie elaborates about this work she does (on a part-time basis) for both high school and college courses. [23:40] How does ASU balance its offering of more than 100 college courses? [27:30] How do students enroll and gain college credit through ASU Prep Digital? [28:55] Do the online course offerings give ASU a leg-up in admissions? [30:48] Julie describes what their fulltime program is like at ASU Prep Digital. [35:13] Julie speaks about their course roadmap! [40:40] Is Julie encouraged by the way high school innovators and innovative programs are helping to inform or transform higher ed? [44:26] After 24 years of teaching and leading online, is Julie optimistic about the future of online learning? [46:15] Tom and Jessica thank Julie for joining the podcast!   Mentioned in This Episode: ASU Prep Digital ASU Educational Outreach Florida Virtual School ASU Preparatory Academy Arizona State University (ASU) Getting Smart Ep. 123: “Julie Young on Providing Online College Prep” iPrep Academy Broward County Public Schools District Franchises of Florida Virtual School (FLVS) President Michael Crow of ASU Prep Digital ASU Prep Digital Course: BioBeyond “ASU Prep: Blended College Prep with a Little Extra Kick,” by Getting Smart Staff “Arizona State Accelerates Progress with Adaptive Active Courses,” by Tom Vander Ark   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, Tom is speaking with Terry Grier! Terry is known as America’s Superintendent coach and was a big district superintendent for over 20 years in four different states. He made Houston the best big urban district in the country. And as Tom says, has done more to develop educational talent than anyone in history! But, his most important legacy is that, to-date, 81 women and men who have worked for him have gone on to lead school districts themselves.   In this episode, Terry takes listeners through his journey in each of these large systems he led and recounts some of his biggest leadership lessons from each of them. Tom and Terry also discuss his hiring philosophy, the keys to developing talent, and some of his proudest moments during his time in education.   Key Takeaways: [:14] About today’s episode! [:42] Tom welcomes Terry on to the podcast! [:51] Terry speaks about where he went to high school. [1:19] When and why did Terry decide to become a biology teacher? [2:52] After teaching, when and why did Terry decide to lead a school and then a system? [5:52] Terry recounts his time as Superintendent of Williamson County Schools from ’96 to 2000. [10:17] Tom and Terry speak about a prominent figure in education, Cecilia "CeCe" Cunningham. [10:51] Tom and Terry reiterate the lessons learned from Williamson County Schools. [12:40] Terry speaks about his time spent as Superintendent at Guilford County Schools in North Carolina from 2000-2008 and shares some of the lessons that he learned. [16:10] Next up in Terry’s superintendent journey, he speaks about his time leading the San Diego Unified School District, and recalls the challenges he faced and the lessons learned. [8:27] In his last role as superintendent, Terry reflects on his time spent at Houston ISD and shares some of the lessons that he learned. [24:21] Terry and Tom discuss the change of Houston state taking over Houston ISD. [28:11] Terry elaborates on his hiring philosophy; what it is that he looks for when he’s trying to hire someone in a leadership role in a district. [36:17] Terry speaks about his ‘talent first’ approach in hiring. [39:42] Terry speaks about what he is most proud of during his time in education: the 81 women and men who have worked for him that have gone on to lead school districts for themselves. [42:29] Tom thanks Terry for joining the podcast!   Mentioned in This Episode: Terry Grier Williamson County Schools Cecilia "CeCe" Cunningham Guilford County Schools San Diego Unified School District Houston Independent School District (Houston ISD) Terry Grier’s Twitter: @TGrierHISD Union County Public Schools Spring Independent School District (Spring ISD)   Want to Learn More? Listen to Getting Smart Ep. 218: “Michael Hinojosa on Making Dallas Schools Work”   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, Tom Vander Ark is joined by Rebecca Parks and Dr. William Nicely. Dr. Nicely is the Superintendent of Kearney School District and Rebecca is the leader of two schools within the district — Southview Elementary and LENS. Southview is a great K-5 school, serving 550 learners, and LENS (Learning and Exploring through Nature and Science), located just right next door, is a new place-based program for about 50 3rd and 4th graders.   What is so fascinating about LENS is that it was inspired by a local Paleo Artist by the name of Gary Staab. In his work, Gary finds and recreates fossil records like King Tut, the iceman frozen in Europe 5,000 years ago, and the 54’ megalodon shark in the Smithsonian. As you can imagine, this type of work can really help bring history to life for learners! Place-based learning means taking advantage of local opportunities to bring learning to life. Recognizing this, Dr. Nicely jumped at the opportunity to create an innovative pilot program around this local resource. LENS serves as a fantastic example of leveraging a local asset to engage students in inquiry-based learning as well as place-based learning!   Join in for today’s conversation as Tom speaks with Rebecca Parks and Dr. William Nicely about place-based learning and their efforts to add more work-based learning, community-connected projects, and industry credential opportunities!   Key Takeaways: [:14] About today’s episode! [1:55] Tom welcomes Rebecca and William to the podcast. [2:01] Rebecca speaks about her role as Principal at Southview Elementary and LENS. [2:25] Rebecca tells the backstory of LENS. [2:45] What does it mean to Rebecca to be a place-based school? [3:12] Rebecca speaks about the inspiration that Gary Staab is to their school district. [4:17] Bill gives the backstory of how they came to partner with Gary. [5:55] Why does Bill think place-based learning is important for students? [7:49] Rebecca shares her enthusiasm for place-based learning! [8:31] Why place-based learning is so successful in getting kids excited about learning. [10:06] Why is teaching more real-world learning such a timely initiative in today’s day and age? [11:35] About the real-world experiences that are place-based at Kearney School District and how they’ve been building more and more towards it every single day. [14:42] What would Rebecca like LENS to be three to five years from now? [15:36] What would Bill like to see graduates leaving Kearney with, three to five years in the future? [16:06] Tom thanks Bill and Rebecca for the work they do at Kearney School District!   Mentioned in This Episode: Rebecca Parks Southview Elementary LENS — Learning and Exploring through Nature and Science Gary Staab — Staab Studios Smithsonian Dr. William Nicely Kearney School District Kauffman Foundation Iceman Reborn on PBS (Gary Staab) Recreating King Tutankhamun (Gary Staab)   Want to Learn More About Place-Based Education? Take a listen to Getting Smart Episode 168: “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 on the podcast, Tom Vander Ark is speaking with Dr. James Lane, the State Superintendent of Public Instruction at the Virginia Department of Education. Dr. Lane started his career in education serving as a band teacher, a school leader, and then System Head in two districts before finally ending up at the Virginia Department of Education. He really wanted to see more engaging approaches to learning and truly believes that the best decisions are made as close to the child as possible. He’s even announced that his office, which some thought of as the ‘Tower of ‘No’’ would soon be the ‘Tower of ‘Yes.’’”   In this discussion with Tom, Dr. James Lane describes the Virginia is for Learners Innovation Network (a collaborative effort of over 60 school districts), the work being done in VDOE, and the work being done in partner districts with the help of Virginia! Later in this episode, you’ll also get to hear from investor-turned-advocate, Ted Dintersmith, who joins Dr. Lane to lend his support for all of the innovation lining up in the Commonwealth!   Tune in to hear from both Dr. Lane and Ted Dintersmith on how Virginia is unleashing innovation!   Key Takeaways: [:14] About today’s episode! [1:17] Tom welcomes Dr. James Lane and Ted Dintersmith to the podcast! [1:43] Dr. Lane speaks about where he grew up, his early education, and how that all led to him becoming Superintendent in Virginia. [3:03] What attracted Dr. Lane originally to the role of State Superintendent? [4:45] Has the Portrait of a Graduate proven to be useful infrastructure in Virginia? [6:11] How Virginia has gotten this delicate balance — of both signaling a new era and avoiding mandates — right. [7:11] Tom congratulates Ted Dintersmith on his most recent book, What School Could Be. [7:31] Ted shares some of the feedback he’s received from speaking around the country about his new book. [8:13] Is Virginia Ted’s adopted home state? [8:45] What does Ted think is heading in the right direction in Virginia? [10:11] Ted speaks about Albermarle County Public Schools and the growth he has seen there. [11:18] Dr. Lane speaks about the newly launched Virginia is for Learners Innovation Network! [14:40] Tom highlights some of the fantastic work that is being done in Loudoun County Public Schools. [15:48] What kind of learning would Ted hope to see from some of the high schools that are a part of the districts in this movement? [19:27] Dr. Lane speaks about how other partners in this initiative are becoming involved in this work. [21:30] Ted gives advice on the best ways to mobilize this work for other regional leaders and state leaders. [24:37] What’s next for Virginia? What does the roadmap look like for the next couple of years? [26:55] Tom and Dr. Lane both thank Ted for all of the work he’s done! [27:56] Where to learn more about Virginia is for Learners Innovation Network, Virginia Department of Education, and the other partner districts! [28:35] Where to find out more about Ted and his book, What Schools Could Be. [29:28] Tom thanks both Ted and Dr. Lane for joining the podcast!   Mentioned in This Episode: James Lane’s LinkedIn James Lane’s Twitter: @DrJamesLane Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) Aurora Institute Symposium Virginia is for Learners Innovation Network Ted Dintersmith Portrait of a Graduate What School Could Be: Insights and Inspiration from Teachers Across America, by Ted Dintersmith Albemarle County Public Schools Virginia is for Lovers Loudoun County Public Schools Getting Smart Podcast Ep. 229: “Eric Williams on Empowering Students to Make a Contribution” Innovation Playlist   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 topic is all about trends! Tom is flying solo this episode to outline 20 global trends that learning leaders need to consider. These trends are impacting not only elementary and secondary but higher education as well! This podcast summarizes a blog series Tom wrote in August in September (linked below) — so be sure to check out the blog series after you’re done listening to today’s episode! Buckle up and get ready for 20 trends in (approximately) 20 minutes!   Key Takeaways: [:14] About today’s episode! [1:06] Tom starts by highlighting four mega-trends that everybody should be considering: new goals, active learning strategies, competency-based progressions, and integrated services boosting learner success! [6:28] Tom highlights four emerging trends: contribution, immersive learning, success skills, and guidance. [12:20] Four trends influencing education: inclusion and equity, lifelong learning, quantified life, and mindfulness. [15:51] Four future trends: responsiveness, becoming lean, the social economy, and growth communities. [19:55] Tom speaks about the last important trend category: the climate crisis. [25:06] Tom closes out the podcast and asks school leaders, system heads, and learners to get started on taking action with these trends!   Mentioned in This Episode: “Four Emerging Trends in Learning,” by Tom Vander Ark “Four Trends Influencing Education,” by Tom Vander Ark “What’s Next in Learning? Four Future Trends,” by Tom Vander Ark iNACOL Purdue Polytechnic Institute Teton Science Schools Minerva Project Seth Godin Mastery Transcript Consortium The Fifth Discipline: The Art & Practice of The Learning Organization, by Peter M. Senge What School Could Be: Insights and Inspiration from Teachers Across America, by Ted Dintersmith Getting Smart Podcast Episode 229: “Eric Williams on Empowering Students to Make a Contribution” What is Place-Based Education and Why Does it Matter?, by Getting Smart and Teton Science Schools High Tech High Google Expeditions App Big Picture Learning Big Picture Learning — ImBlaze App Valor Collegiate Academy New Tech Network EL Education EL Education — Purposes of Crew Cajon Valley Union School District NewSchools Venture Fund Carlos Moreno of Big Picture Learning America Succeeds Age of Agility (Presented by America Succeeds) Seth Godin’s altMBA The Uninhabitable Earth: A Story of the Future, by David Wallace-Wells Greta Thunberg   For More Learning Trends, Listen to: Getting Smart Episode 223: “Pavel Luksha on Educating for Purpose, Potential, and the Planet” and Episode 225: “Katherine Prince on Navigating the Future of Learning”   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 coming to you right from Getting Smart’s backyard — Bellevue, Washington! Recently, the Getting Smart team went to Bellevue to talk with DreamBox Learning’s CEO and President, Jessie Woolley-Wilson. Jessie has been with DreamBox since 2010 and has been a leader in ed tech for more than two decades! She has always been driven by a singular belief that all children need and deserve high-quality learning opportunities, regardless of who they are or where they live.   At DreamBox Learning, Jessie Woolley-Wilson has overseen the growth of the adaptive math learning platform that now serves 3.5 million students! Their innovative software solution adapts to every individual learner, provides personalized instruction from intervention through enrichment, helps to develop skills and close gaps fast, and integrates assessment with instruction.   Listen in as Jessie and Tom talk about the origin of DreamBox, how DreamBox helps teacher teams use DreamBox effectively at school, the product roadmap for the future of DreamBox, what Jessie sees for the future of formative assessment, and what she has learned as a woman of color from leading a huge organization!   Key Takeaways: [:15] About today’s episode! [:52] Tom welcomes Jessie Woolley-Wilson to the podcast! [:57] Jessie speaks about her experiences at the University of Virginia and Harvard Business School. [2:26] Why did Jessie decide to study Ed Tech at Harvard? [4:24] Jessie speaks about her previous jobs before DreamBox and highlights her favorite one: LeapFrog! [5:58] Jessie tells the origin story of DreamBox. [7:00] What DreamBox means by intelligent adaptive learning. [8:47] What drew Jessie to DreamBox Learning? [11:02] How would Jessie describe what DreamBox is to someone who’s never heard of it before? [11:56] How would Jessica compare DreamBox to the other similar products that are out there? Why is it a better product? [14:24] How does DreamBox help teacher teams use DreamBox effectively at school? [16:10] Jessie speaks about the datasets they see coming out of DreamBox — both from the side of it not being implemented correctly vs. when it is being implemented correctly. [18:24] Jessie speaks about the DreamBox Nation platform and how it is being used for teachers to share their experiences with each other. [19:11] How investments have helped DreamBox Learning. [22:11] What’s on the product roadmap for DreamBox? [27:29] What does the future of formative assessment look like? How might it be better in the future? [29:45] Jessie shares her thoughts on leadership and what she has learned as a woman of color from leading a huge organization such as DreamBox.   Mentioned in This Episode: Jessie Woolley-Wilson DreamBox Learning LeapFrog DreamBox Nation The Rise Fund’s Investment into DreamBox Learning Hidden Figures (Film, 2016) Black Girls Code Bryan Stevenson   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 contribution and empowering all students to make meaningful contributions to the world! At Loudoun County Public Schools that is their motto! LCPS is a big Virginia district west of Washington, DC, serving about 84,000 students in 94 schools.   In today’s episode, Tom Vander Ark gets to speak with the Superintendent of Loudoun, Dr. Eric Williams. Dr. Williams has been Superintendent in Loudoun for just over five years. While many districts reference citizenship as a goal, Williams prefers the term ‘contribution,’ as it incorporates careers in the private sector, civic engagement, and community service. He believes in engaging students in solving authentic problems as a means of developing knowledgeable critical thinkers, communicators, collaborators, creators, and contributors.   Join the conversation today to hear all about Loudoun, how Williams is driving authentic learning from the elementary level to high school, and his focus on empowering all students to make meaningful contributions to the world!   Key Takeaways: [:15] About today’s episode! [1:00] Tom welcomes Dr. Eric Williams to the podcast! [1:07] Why did Dr. Williams study history at William & Mary? [2:33] How and when did Williams realize teaching was for him? When did he start his career as an educator? [3:23] Tom and Williams speak about when they first met. [3:37] Williams speaks about the work he was proud of when he served as Superintendent at York County School Division. [4:14] What attracted Williams to work at Loudoun? [5:44] How was Williams able to keep the focus at Loudoun on teaching and learning and not let himself and his board get preoccupied with simply managing growth? [7:00] Do William and his board end up redoing their boundaries every year? And if so, how do they do it in a way that doesn’t drive the community crazy? [8:21] William describes their improvement agenda at Loudoun. [10:15] How did Williams’ belief in empowering students to make meaningful contributions become so prominent in his work as an educator? [13:30] Williams talks about Loudoun’s emphasis on the four Cs and why they don’t add the fifth C, citizenship. [16:20] What a day of authentic learning looks like in the elementary schools of Loudoun County. [18:40] What a day of authentic learning looks like in the middle schools of Loudoun County. [19:55] What a day of authentic learning looks like in the high schools of Loudoun County. [21:36] Williams gives some examples of students contributing in Loudoun County, both in and out of school. [25:43] Williams speaks about his recent statement about equity in Loudoun County. [26:35] What’s next in Loudoun? [27:22] Does Williams anticipate seeing changes in the traditional master schedule in secondary schools? [29:15] Tom thanks Williams for joining the Getting Smart Podcast!   For More on Authentic Student Work, Listen to: Getting Smart Ep. 222: “Ron Berger on Helping Students Become Leaders of Their Own Learning”   Mentioned in This Episode: Loudoun County Public Schools Dr. Eric Williams’ LinkedIn The Kern Family Foundation Fairfax County Public 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 on the podcast, Tom Vander Ark is joined by Michael Horn! Michael has been a thought leader in education from the day Clayton Christensen took him on as a co-author of Disrupting Class: How Disruptive Innovation Will Change the Way the World Learns. After the book came out in 2008, Michael went on to lead the education practice at the Christensen Institute for a dozen years. Four years ago, after writing a paper called, “Disrupting College,” with Christensen, Michael shifted the majority of his time to advising higher education leaders. Horn’s newest book, Choosing College: How to Make Better Learning Decisions Throughout Your Life, informs college choosers as well as college leaders.   In this episode, Tom and Michael speak about Michael’s books — from the process of writing them to the biggest takeaways from them. Michael also speaks about his time spent at Christensen Institute, what disruptive innovation is and why it is so important, and why college may not be the right choice for all students right away after high school. He also touches on how the higher ed landscape is changing.   Tune in for Michael’s thoughtful analysis of the complex college landscape!   Key Takeaways: [:15] About today’s episode with Michael Horn! [:50] Tom welcomes Michael Horn to the podcast! [1:15] Where did Michael go to high school? [1:28] Why did Michael decide to go to Yale University? [2:30] What was Michael’s musical interest that drew him to Yale? [2:58] What job did Michael want a Harvard MBA for? [4:12] Is Harvard Business School where Michael met Clayton Christensen? [5:08] Tom and Michael speak about the early process of writing Disrupting Class. [5:57] Michael speaks about the experience of working on Disrupting Class with Clay. [6:43] Michael speaks about his time spent at Christensen Institute. [7:12] Michael’s biggest takeaway from a dozen years spent at Christensen Institute. [8:08] Tom and Michael discuss what disruptive innovation is and why it is so important. [9:12] Why did Michael make the shift from K-12 to higher-ed in the last four years? [10:57] Tom and Michael discuss how reimagining higher ed may be the key to transforming the secondary school experience. [13:18] Why college may not be the right choice for all students right away after high school. [14:52] Why Michael decided to write a book more for college seekers rather than college operators. [17:50] Michael outlines the five reasons why students decide to go to college from his book, Choosing College. [20:12] Michael speaks about the guidance gap in high school and how he thinks high school advisors, educators, and guidance counselors understand this. [23:55] What high school should be at its core. [26:24] Michael responds to criticism of his book, Choosing College. [27:00] Tom and Michael speak about why high schools should be helping students understand their sense of purpose and the importance of making a contribution to the world. [29:40] Tom and Michael speak about the shift to life-long learning in education. [31:25] Michael gives his take on Ryan Craig’s book, A New U. [36:30] How the higher ed landscape is changing and how the lines are blurring between high school and college. [38:04] Lightning Round! Tom asks Michael: ‘Why didn’t online learning transform secondary education,’ ‘Why hasn’t blended learning completed transformed K-8 education,’ ‘Why hasn’t competency-based learning transformed K-12 yet,’ ‘Will AR and VR be a big part of the education and training landscape in 2025,’ ‘Will everyone have a blockchain profile in 2025?,’ ‘What percentage of high schools in 2025 will not be structured entirely around traditional courses and credits,’ and ‘Will there be a larger percentage of post-secondary options that are competency-based by 2025?’ [46:40] Tom thanks Michael for joining the Getting Smart Podcast!   Want to Learn More About Higher Education? Listen to: Episode 215: “Connie Yowell and Paul LeBlanc on Extending Access to Higher Ed from Chicago to Rwanda”   Mentioned in This Episode: Disrupting Class: How Disruptive Innovation Will Change the Way the World Learns, by Michael Horn, Clayton Christensen, and Curtis Johnson “Disrupting College” Paper by Michael Horn, Clayton Christensen, Louis Soares, and Louis Caldera Choosing College: How to Make Better Learning Decisions Throughout Your Life, by Michael Horn and Bob Moesta Yale University Harvard Business School Christensen Institute Michael B. Horn Clayton Christensen Gisèle Huff Who You Know: Unlocking Innovations That Expand Students' Networks, by Julie Freeland Fisher A New U: Faster + Cheaper Alternatives to College, by Ryan Craig Dallas ISD Dr. Michael Hinojosa Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance, by Angela Duckworth   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 speaking with Scott Looney, the Head of School at Hawken as well as the founder of the Mastery Transcript Consortium (better known as MTC). MTC is made up of 150 schools that are working together to change the high school system of assessment, crediting, and transcripting.   Recently, MTC has had the super exciting announcement that in 2020, the Mastery School of Hawken will open and be run and operated by Hawken School! The two high school campuses will be 12 miles apart and will have very different programs, but, will share some co-curricular programming. The Mastery School will be organized around three things: students solving real-world problems, mastery-and-apprentice-style instruction, and mastery crediting.   Listen in as Emily and Scott talk about building the ideal high school, exploring new grading systems, collaborative teams, and student-led projects — all which will be taking place at the Mastery School of Hawken!   Key Takeaways: [:15] About today’s episode with Scoot Looney. [1:21] Scott speaks about their recent exciting announcement about the Mastery School of Hawken. He touches on their plans for the school, details of the programs within the school, and the differences between it and a traditional school. [13:25] Scott further elaborates on how the Mastery School of Hawken is being developed. [17:17] How they’re sharing the journey of MTC and the Mastery School through ReDesigning High School. [20:16] Scott shares some more information about the future Mastery School curriculum and why they believe it will be successful. [21:37] The problem with modern assessment in traditional schools. [26:26] All kids are capable and interested in learning — here’s how MTC and the Mastery School can support this immensely. [29:19] Jessica closes out the podcast and thanks Scott for joining!   Mentioned in This Episode: Mastery Transcript Consortium Hawken School ReDesigning High School   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 features the story of Eagle Rock School — a residential high school for young people that haven’t been successful in other environments. Located on a square mile of mountain wilderness in Estes Park, Colorado, Eagle Rock is supported by American Honda Motor Co. Inc.   In 1995, Dan Condon was an intern at the innovative new school. Today, he holds the title of Associate Director of Professional Development and leads the professional development center that shares lessons from the Eagle Rock model with educators nationwide.   In this episode, Tom gets the chance to sit down with Dan to speak about Eagle Rock and all of the unique opportunities and experiences that are offered there! Listen in as Dan describes the sustained engagement model that makes Eagle Rock so special!   Key Takeaways: [:14] About today’s episode. [:50] Tom welcomes Dan Condon to the podcast. [:56] How did a kid from Wisconsin arrive in Estes Park, Colorado? [2:07] Dan speaks about his career journey after he first arrived at Eagle Rock School. [3:03] Dan speaks about what the learner experience is like at Eagle Rock. [6:02] Dan describes the academic program at Eagle Rock. [6:36] Dan talks about the advisory program at Eagle Rock. [7:33] Dan speaks about the unique experience new students do in the first trimester once they arrive at Eagle Rock. [8:27] Dan’s experience working with kids who are not experienced campers and what he thinks they gain from such an experience. [8:52] About the opportunities for expression in the arts at Eagle Rock and why it is so important. [9:27] How and when do students graduate from Eagle Rock? [10:15] How is the school program is organized? And how long do the students attend? [10:21] Dan speaks about the various courses that are offered at the school and how the curriculum is organized. [11:06] How much voice and choice do students get at Eagle Rock in terms of what they can study? [12:11] Dan speaks about the professional learning practice that he runs. [13:45] Do they work with any big, traditional public schools that are trying to embrace some of their practices? [14:36] Is Dan encouraged by what he sees happening with American education? And is he seeing more educators and schools adopting some of the practices that they’ve honed here at Eagle Rock? [16:01] How is Eagle Rock paving the way for learner-centered environments… and why you should come down to visit the school for yourself! [17:47] Tom and Jessica wrap up this week’s episode!   Mentioned in This Episode: Eagle Rock School Dan Condon Public Allies All Who Dare (Documentary, 2018) Big Picture Learning   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!