Getting Smart Podcast

This episode is the second in the two-part series from Getting Smart’s time spent at SXSW EDU. Getting Smart was a media partner at the conference and while there got to meet and interview thought leaders, change makers, and even a few students. If you haven’t listened to part one yet, you can find it on GettingSmart.com.   Emily Liebtag interviews SXSW EDU attendees on why they attended the conference and what their predictions are about the future of work and learning. This episode she interviews Stephen Turnipseed, Executive VP and Chief strategy officer at Pitsco; Dr. Elaine Metcalf, Principal of Summit Technology Academy; and Saro Mohammed, partner at the Learning Accelerator. They discuss blended learning, their hopes for the future of learning, and why they love SXSW EDU. Lastly, Emily sits down with students from the MET School who share their experiences at the project-focused school. They talk about why they believe in the power of projects, the skills they think are the most valuable for graduates, and why they love the MET.   Key Takeaways: [:33] About today’s podcast and guests. [1:28] About Stephen’s Turnipseed’s work and his thoughts on education becoming increasingly more connected. [4:05] Why Dr. Elaine Metcalf loves SXSW EDU. [4:54] What Dr. Elaine Metcalf sees as the diploma of the future. [6:50] Saro Mohammed’s educational background and role at Learning Accelerator. [7:46] Why Saro is at SXSW EDU. [8:50] The skills Saro sees as necessary for students to be equipped with when facing college or career. [10:25] What skills should the diploma of the future include? [12:04] What could shift in education to get us to Saro’s ideal future classroom? [14:15] Emily interviews student from MET and they all introduce themselves. [15:25] What the MET is all about and why these students love it. [17:50] What they’re passionate about and investigating through their internships and projects. [20:14] How working on projects has helped develop their agency and learn about what they’re passionate about. [22:28] What skills these students believe are going to most benefit them as a graduate.   Mentioned in This Episode: SXSW EDU First part of episode Sugata Mitra on Self-Organized Learning Environments Summit Technology Academy The MET High School Gabriel@ArtoftheCrane.com   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 Jessica@GettingSmart.com, Tweet @Getting_Smart, or leave a review. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!

Over the next two weeks we'll be bringing you a special edition two-part episode from our time spent at SXSW EDU. Getting Smart was a media partner at the conference and while there, we got to meet and interview thought leaders, change makers, and even a few students. These episodes come just in time to help inspire and encourage you to submit your proposal to present at next year's conference. Check out SXSW's Panel Picker site and get your submission(s) in before July 20th! During the episode, you'll hear interviews with SXSW EDU attendees on why they attended the conference and what their predictions are about the future of work and learning. First, we speak with Connie Lie, a teacher, and founder of Project Invent — a program working to bring more invention programs and high-quality projects to high school students. Then, you'll hear from Jessica Millstone, Director of Engagement at BrainPop. Jessica shares why she loves SXSW EDU and what she believes the future of learning should look like. During the episode, Caroline on our team speaks with Tessa Simmons, a high school senior who attended and spoke at SXSW. Tessa shares how her education has been influenced by learning that happens outside of school hours and how having autonomy in her learning is important to her education. Next up, an interview with Ulcca Joshi Hanson — Associate Director of Education Reimagined — who speaks about schools she has worked with and the future of education. Lastly, we wrap up with a quick interview with Michael Crawford, Director of Strategy and Partnership at Real World Scholars, who shares his thoughts on why the future of learning will be connected. Stay tuned for part two of this episode next week, to hear more featured voices from SXSW EDU! Key Takeaways: [:17] About today’s podcast and guests. [1:35] Connie Lie introduces herself and speaks about her work background. [2:19] About Connie’s program, Project Invent, that helps bring real, authentic learning opportunities to students. [3:30] Are students managing projects on their own at Project Invent? [5:36] Did Project Invent’s genesis come about from a high-quality learning experience of Connie’s? [7:46] Why is it hard to do project-based learning well? How did Connie overcome these challenges? [10:03] Connie’s tips for those getting started in a similar field as herself. [11:43] Jessica Millstone introduces herself and explains what she does. [12:18] Why Jessica is at SXSW EDU and why she loves it. [13:50] About the well-designed sessions and meet-ups at SXSW EDU. [15:51] The future of learning for students bringing strong connections even with the increasingly technological social media world. [19:02] What Jessica thinks is on the horizon for learning. [22:02] Tessa Simmons introduces herself and talks about the school she attends — One Stone. [23:54] How Tessa’s education has been influenced outside the classroom, at One Stone. [25:26] About the student leadership at One Stone. How getting involved and having a say at the school has helped shape Tessa’s learning. [26:45] How preparing material for the board of directors at One Stone has helped Tessa prepare for her future. [28:29] How has failure propelled Tessa forward? [30:11] Where Tessa has been able to take risks in her education at One Stone. [31:07] What is Tessa’s hope for the future of learning and students just going into high school? [33:07] When Ulcca Joshi Hanson thinks about the future of education, what does she see? [34:30] Ulcca talks about Education Reimagined and explains what they do. [37:43] An example of a school Ulcca is working with that is competency-based learning, student agency, personalized, social and contextualized learning. [39:33] Ulcca’s experiences growing up and how that helped lay down the path to her future. [43:14] Michael Crawford introduces himself and explains his work at Real World Scholars. [45:10] What does Michael see for the future of learning? [46:01] Would Michael describe a future grad of Real World Scholars as a ‘connected individual?’   Mentioned in This Episode: SXSW EDU Project Invent BrainPOP Education Reimagined Real World Scholars One Stone The MET High School Iowa BIG   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 Jessica@GettingSmart.com, Tweet @Getting_Smart, or leave a review. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!  

Today, your host Jessica Slusser and Tom Vander Ark discuss the Pacific NW LX Summit at the Science and Math Institute (SAMi) that the Getting Smart team co-hosted a few weeks ago. There, they explored what powerful learning experiences for kids look like, how you create them, and why they’re so important. Throughout the day, with Puget Sound educators, they explored what good learning design looks like.   In this episode, you’ll hear from a variety of veteran educators describing what powerful learning experiences mean for kids and teachers. Tom speaks with Rebekah Kim, title; Juliana Finegan, title; Julie Kinzer, who develops and supports instructional coaches in Tacoma Public Schools; instructional coach, Ryan Prosser; Jason Lee Middle School Principal, Christine Brandt; Jason Kettler, title; and Tawnya, Coordinator of the Early Learning Center at SaMI.   Key Takeaways: [:15] About today’s topic of discussion. [2:18] What does Rebekah Kim think of when it comes to powerful learning experiences? [3:04] What does Juliana Finegan think of when it comes to powerful learning experiences? [3:54] What does Woody Sobey think of when it comes to powerful learning experiences? [4:45] The key to making the makerspace at One Stone (the Foundry) such a magical place. [5:41] Woody speaks about the creation of makerspaces in the Renton School District. [6:40] What does Julie Kinzer think about when it comes to powerful learning experiences? [7:46] How Julie thinks of designing powerful learning experiences for instructional coaches. [8:26] What comes to mind for Christine Brandt when she thinks of powerful learning experiences. [9:41] What Ryan Prosser thinks about when it comes to powerful learning experiences. [10:43] How often Ryan gets the chance to work with teams, programs, and spaces. [13:35] What does Kelly Tanner think about when designing powerful learning spaces? [14:52] Kelly describes what she loves about the Science and Math Institute. [16:26] John Kettler and Tawnya describe the Environmental Learning Center (preschool) at SAMi. [18:43] What classes are in the makerspace at SAMi? [19:20] What kind of collaboration is there between the zoo and SAMi staff? [20:00] What does the mini theatre provide at SAMi? [20:34] John describes the space upstairs at SAMi.   Mentioned in This Episode: Science and Math Institute (SAMi) One Stone Makerspace: the Foundry Renton School District Tacoma Public Schools Environmental Learning Center (SAMi) Albertsons Companies Foundation Jason Lee Middle School Adam@GettingSmart.com   Want to Learn More About Hosting One of These Workshops at Your School? Send an email to Adam Kulaas, Getting Smart’s Director of Learning Design. Adam@GettingSmart.com   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 Jessica@GettingSmart.com, Tweet @Getting_Smart, or leave a review. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!  

This week on the Getting Smart Podcast, Tom is talking to his colleague, Emily Liebtag. Emily is the Director of Advocacy at Getting Smart. Emily has been a teacher, and a learner, in a myriad of different classroom spaces — ranging from K-12 public schools to online institutes of higher education.   In the last several weeks, The Getting Smart team has visited so many unique, innovative schools. They’ve been to cities across the country, visiting well over a dozen different schools — all of which serve as great examples of successfully implementing deeper learning, design thinking, and student agency.   In this episode, Tom and Emily talk all about their favorite design-thinking schools, positive trends happening in schools across the country, and the changes they have observed in schools after implementing design-thinking. They also discuss design-thinking across the curriculum, supporting design with skill-building, formative assessment, and extended challenges.   Key Takeaways: [:14] This week, Tom is talking to Emily Liebtag to discuss all of the amazing, innovative design-focused schools they have had the pleasure of visiting in the last several weeks. [:31] Emily’s favorite school from the last several weeks: Agnor-Hurt Elementary. [3:40] About Tom’s recent visit to Tacoma Public Schools’ Science and Math Institute. [4:46] Why The Getting Smart team thinks design focus is so important in today’s education. [6:50] How design-thinking has changed in education from years ago to now. [8:47] One of Getting Smart’s favorite schools is One Stone, that is a great example of well-structured design-thinking methodology. [10:09] An example of a successful project by a student, that came out of a design-thinking school. [11:51] Positive trends taking over schools across the country. [14:28] All about D39 — a school that embodies these new, innovative trends. [15:36] What Emily loves about Del Lago Academy. [16:47] About VIDA school — a school that was going to shut down but reinvented themselves as a design-thinking school. [17:38] What Emily and Tom love about High Tech High in San Diego. [19:55] Tom’s thoughts on Purdue Polytechnic Institute. [21:18] How the design-thinking frame helps students to incorporate different skills. [23:26] Some elements of design-thinking in Albemarle County Public Schools that have really stood out to Tom and Emily. [27:27] SAMI and other schools in the Pacific Northwest that Tom would like to shed a light on. [29:30] Recapping this week’s episode. [31:25] Where to learn more about school visits.   Mentioned in This Episode: Emily Liebtag Agnor-Hurt Elementary School Albemarle County Public Schools Tacoma Public Schools: Science and Math Institute (SAMI) One Stone Design39 (D39) Del Lago Academy VIDA High Tech High High Tech High International El Paso School District Purdue Polytechnic Institute Carnegie Mellon University of Pittsburgh Grable Foundation Woodbrook Elementary School Design Tech High School Emily@GettingSmart.com (Emily’s email)   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 Jessica@GettingSmart.com, Tweet @Getting_Smart, or leave a review. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!  

Today, Tom has a conversation with Dr. Susan Bell, Superintendent of Windsor Locks Public Schools, a Connecticut district moving to mastery-based learning where students show what they know and progress when they demonstrate mastery.   Next month, after 17 years working with Windsor Locks, Dr. Bell will be joining the Mastery Transcript Consortium. There she will be helping schools and districts adopt new competency-based transcripts that help learners better communicate their capabilities and accomplishments.   In this episode, they discuss Windsor Locks’s goals and efforts to becoming a mastery-based district, Susan’s work at Windsor Locks and the strides she has made in her 17 years as Superintendent, and all about her new position at Mastery Transcript Consortium and the work she hopes to accomplish there.   Key Takeaways: [:15] About today’s conversation with Dr. Susan Bell. [:50] About the community of Windsor Locks in Connecticut. [2:59] About Susie’s early life and education. [3:40] Did Susie go to MCLA with the intentions of becoming a teacher? [4:23] Susie’s start as a counselor at Windsor Locks, in 2001. [5:29] What did Susie study at the University of Hartford? [6:17] The importance of building a rich path to principalship. [7:52] About Windsor Locks’s goals and how they were formed. [10:00] Windsor Locks’s graduate profile. [11:09] Windsor Locks’s efforts to become a mastery-based district and where the idea originated. [13:53] The challenge of becoming more competency-based and student-centered. [16:07] Did Dr. Susan Bell start in K-8? [17:20] How Susie’s work has helped her reimagine high school. [21:09] Supporters that have helped Windsor Locks. [25:15] The progress being made through Susie’s hard work. [27:11] Susie’s new position at Mastery Transcript Consortium. [29:05] Why a new transcript and the work at MTC is so important.   Mentioned in This Episode: Windsor Locks Public Schools Mastery Transcript Consortium Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts University of Hartford Great Schools Partnership Hartford Foundation for Public Giving Connecticut Center for School Change Nellie Mae Education Foundation High Tech High Most Likely to Succeed film   Want to Learn More About Another Fantastic Connecticut Superintendent? Listen to: “S3: E16 Leading A Student-Centered Agenda: 10 Lessons from Mark Benigni”   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 Jessica@GettingSmart.com, Tweet @Getting_Smart, or leave a review. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!

Today on the Getting Smart Podcast, Tom interviews Jeff Dieffenbach, Associate Director of the MIT Integrated Learning Initiative (MITili). Prior to joining MIT, Jeff worked in strategy, product management, business development, sales, and marketing roles for a variety of traditional and digital education companies.   With Jeff’s current role at MIT, he works with his team to better understand learning and education — and using that knowledge to better enable students and learners around the world to reach their fullest potential. MITili funds, connects, and shares research investigating learning effectiveness.   In this episode, Tom and Jeff discuss his current role at MIT at the ILI center as well as their overall mission. Jeff elaborates on how they conduct literacy assessments, he describes what he has learned about how learners grow and develop, and how they can help improve children’s education.   Key Takeaways: [1:07] Welcoming Jeff Dieffenbach to the podcast. [1:13] Where Jeff went to high school and how he got hooked on to sailing. [2:15] How did Jeff get to MIT? [2:45] The interesting range of topics that Jeff studied at MIT (Tech policy and materials science) and why he chose to study them. [3:33] About Jeff’s extensive career in education, ed tech, and business development and he made the switch from art engineering sciences. [4:39] About Jeff’s current work at MIT’s Integrated Learning Initiative and it’s overall mission. [5:40] How they conduct literacy assessment at the Integrated Learning Initiative center. [7:07] About MIT’s work with the Learner Positioning Systems at Digital Promise. [8:20] Jeff describes what he has learned about how learners grow and develop — particularly younger children. [9:55] Helping kids access information and re-apply it. How memory and storing information works and why we need to take advantage of it to teach more effectively. [11:46] Jeff’s thoughts on deliberate practice. [14:45] At the policy level, what can states do to help improve children’s educational experience? [16:17] The changes being made towards generative systems that take advantage of learning and moving away from the traditional, four-year degree and command and control teaching. [17:35] Does Jeff think that there’s a reduced return on higher education? [19:38] Should we be optimistic about these new forms of learning? [21:13] The new movement towards education continuing into the workplace. [23:01] If we had better high school diplomas what would they signify, how would they be earned, and what kinds of experiences would go into them? [24:35] How might we express what a learner should be able to know and be able to do? [25:31] Anything new on the roadmap for MITili? [27:12] Where to learn more about the work Jeff is doing.   Mentioned in This Episode: Materials Processing Center at MIT MIT Integrated Learning Initiative Harvard Graduate School of Education Learner Positioning Systems (Digital Promise) Getting Smart’s Blog Post on Melina Uncapher (from UCSF) “S3: E15 The Science of Deliberate Practice: What it Means for Education” (Gene Kerns)   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 Jessica@GettingSmart.com, Tweet @Getting_Smart, or leave a review. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!  

Today, The Getting Smart team is super excited to bring you a conversation with Michael Fullan. As Tom would say, Michael is Canada’s gift to education. For half a century and with 45 books to his credit, Michael has been the world’s most persistent and persuasive advocate for powerful learning experiences. Michael is encouraged by the global momentum he sees with whole systems adopting deep learning strategies and policies.   If you’ve been on Getting Smart’s blog recently, you know the team has started a project around rethinking the high school credential — so asking Michael about this topic was an incredible opportunity for the team.   Listen to this episode to hear Tom and Michael discuss the potential for better high school credentials and how the assessment system is changing — moving away from standardized tests and towards global competencies. Michael goes into detail, outlining the signs of progress and describing why he thinks the focus should be “life readiness” rather than college and career readiness. He also talks about the many books he has authored and co-authored and explains his ideas and theories from them and how they’ve shown up in education today.   Key Takeaways: [:16] About today’s episode with Michael Fullan. [1:00] Tom welcomes Michael to The Getting Smart podcast! [1:06] About Michael’s upbringing in Toronto, where he went to high school and college, and where he formed his deep interest in education. [2:26] About Michael’s most recent book — his autobiography, Surreal Change: The Real Life of Transforming Public Education. [3:44] How Michael’s book, Change Forces: Probing the Depths of Educational Reform, influenced Tom as a Superintendent in the 90s, and Michael’s views on his ideas and theories in the book. [5:05] How The Challenge of Change and All Systems Go were pivot points for Tom. [5:51] About Tom and Michael’s connection over Stratosphere. [6:30] More about some of the fantastic books and topics covered by Michael in previous publications. [8:48] How Michael thinks about the potential for a better high school credential, how the assessment system is changing (moving away from standardized tests), and the concept of global competencies. [11:56] About the shift from standardized tests to global competencies. [16:51] How should educators be certifying and helping students communicate their growth, capabilities, and accomplishments to employers and institutes of higher learning? [22:27] The importance of “life-readiness” and hands-on skills for students. [24:09] Is Michael interested in microcredentials or badges as a part of a system of communicating capability? [25:37] Michael’s views on the world’s current shift to deeper learning. [27:22] Michael’s prediction for the next 12 months.   Mentioned in This Episode: Routledge Corwin High Tech High Surreal Change: The Real Life of Transforming Public Education, by Michael Fullan Change Forces: Probing the Depths of Educational Reform, by Michael Fullan The Challenge of Change: Start School Improvement Now!, by Michael Fullan All Systems Go: The Change Imperative for Whole System Reform, by Michael Fullan Stratosphere: Integrating Technology, Pedagogy, and Change Knowledge, by Michael Fullan The Power of Unstoppable Momentum: Key Drivers to Revolutionize Your District (and Integrate Technology in the Classroom), by Michael Fullan and Mark A. Edwards Coherence: The Right Drivers in Action for Schools, Districts, and Systems, by Michael Fullan and Joanne Quinn Deep Learning: Engage the World Change the World, by Michael Fullan, Joanne Quinn, and Joanne J. McEachen   Want to Visit a Deeper Learning School? Listen in to The Getting Smart team’s walking tour of Design Tech High: “S3: E25 Building Transferable Skills: Design Tech High At Oracle Campus“ For even more on deeper learning, take a look at all of the blog posts on GettingSmart.com.   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 Jessica@GettingSmart.com, Tweet @Getting_Smart, or leave a review. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!

Today, Tom speaks with Chris Minnich of the Northwest Evaluation Association — more commonly known as the NWEA. Chris was named the new CEO of NWEA in the fall of 2017. In his new role at NWEA, Chris will help invent the future of assessment. Currently, about 1 in 5 students in America already monitors their academic using the NWEA assessment tests.   Previously to his new position at NWEA, Chris served as the Executive Director of the Council of Chief State School Officers. During his decade there, Chris led the chiefs through the update to federal education policy that brought an end to a decade of unprecedented federal control and investment in K-12 education.   In this episode, Tom talks to Chris about where he’s been and where he sees the future of education and assessment heading. Chris describes a future where we combine adaptive assessment and performance assessment to know how all kids are doing in real time.   Key Takeaways: [1:06] Chris talks about his educational background and whether or not it impacted his career choice. [2:33] How Chris made it to the Oregon Department of Education. [3:37] About Chris’ work in becoming an early leader in online assessment. [4:25] Why and when did Chris join the Council of Chief State School Officers? [5:51] About Chris stepping in to become the Executive Director at CCSSO after the time of strong federal involvement. [7:49] Why Chris decided to join the NWEA and what he wants he’s looking forward to working on. [9:19] About NWEA, their goal, when the tests are given, and the subjects covered. [10:29] Does Chris see a way to use multiple forms of assessments together to both improve learning and to make mastery judgments? [14:00] The benefits of assessment. [15:25] Is there anything that could help teachers combine multiple forms of assessment? [17:09] About Chris’ interest in assessment literacy and helping teachers make better use of formative data. [19:02] What Chris is looking to accomplish with NWEA in the near future.   Mentioned in This Episode: Oregon Department of Education No Child Left Behind Act Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) Northwest Evaluation Association (NWEA) Dreambox Learning iNACOL   Want to Learn More About High-Quality Formative Assessment? Listen in to the conversation with experts and teachers from Austin, Dallas, and Tulsa in: “S3: E14 What is Formative Assessment? Voices from the Field”   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 Jessica@GettingSmart.com, Tweet @Getting_Smart, or leave a review. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!

This episode, Tom speaks with Maura Marino — CEO of Education Forward DC. Before helping launch Education Forward DC, Maura held a number of positions at NewSchools Venture Fund where she worked for 8 years. There, she learned a lot about the national picture and how the trends around entrepreneurship and scaling success looked in public education. She was able to see, up close, organizations that were making huge changes in education.   For the last 20 years, NewSchools Venture Fund has really been the epicenter of education entrepreneurship. Originally founded by Kim Smith, NewSchools really took the idea of designing and incubating new school models to the next level. Since leaving NewSchools, Maura started up Education Forward DC to help support visionary leaders in the city who are working to ensure that all students have equitable access to excellent public education.   In their conversation, Tom and Maura talk about her education; studying at Stanford University, Harvard Business School, and Teachers College of Columbia University; as well as her prior careers, teaching at East Palo Alto and working with NewSchools Venture Fund. She discusses the work and progress made at NewSchools, her work and mission with Education Forward DC, and their work with Education Cities and harbormaster organizations.   Key Takeaways: [:33] Tom welcomes Maura Marino to the podcast. [:36] About Maura’s upbringing and education in New Jersey. [1:39] How and why she ended up going to Stanford University in California. [2:31] About Maura’s teaching career after college in East Palo Alto, CA. [4:40] Why Maura decided to go to Harvard Business School, after getting her Masters from Columbia. [5:50] Was going to Harvard Business School a good experience for Maura? [7:04] The different positions Maura held at NewSchools Venture Fund (where she stayed for 8 years). [8:19] More about NewSchools and the visionary work of the early leaders. [10:52] About the two-year-old organization Maura helped launch called Education Forward DC, and about its mission. [11:52] Does Maura’s work with Education Forward DC build on any cities in particular? [13:25] Does Maura see NewSchool development remaining an important part of creating a healthy ecosystem in DC? [16:29] How the DC Public Charter School Board are an important part of the success story. [17:44] Is school improvement an important part of Education Forward DC’s agenda? [18:33] NewSchools relationship with the district now. [19:34] Does Maura have the sense that these ecosystem leaders (or “quarterback organizations”) can help bring sustainability to an urban innovation and improvement agenda? Can they be part of the bridge that keeps things together in a city when the district may be undergoing change? [21:46] Does working with like-minded schools in a network resonate with Maura and her work with Education Forward DC?   Mentioned in This Episode: Stanford University East Palo Alto Academy Harvard Business School NewSchools Venture Fund NewSchools Summit U.S. Department of Education Education Forward DC Education Cities New Schools for New Orleans DC Public Charter School Board   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 Jessica@GettingSmart.com, Tweet @Getting_Smart, or leave a review. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!

The Getting Smart team takes a digital trip to Tulsa, Oklahoma to take a look at their vibrant education community.   In 1998, Oklahoma passed a law providing free access to pre-kindergarten. Since then, families in Tulsa have benefited from leading-edge programs, supported by the George Kaiser Family Foundation and the Schusterman Family Foundation. Improvement and talent development efforts are coordinated by ImpactTulsa; a regional non-profit.   In this episode, Tom speaks with Kathy Seibold, Executive Director at ImpactTulsa, and Jessica Smith, Director of Early Learning at Impact Tulsa. Also joining the conversation is Sophia Pappas, who led Early Learning in New York City before joining the Kaiser Family Foundation to advance early learning in Tulsa. The three experts discuss the expanding access to programs and ongoing efforts to improve quality — including building the capacity of early learning teachers.   Listen in to learn more about early learning in Tulsa with Tom, Kathy, Jessica, and Sophia.   Key Takeaways: [1:27] About ImpactTulsa efforts as a member of the Strive Together Network. [3:10] About Jessica’s work as the Director of Early Learning at ImpactTulsa. [4:18] How Oklahoma’s law of providing free preschool for all children for all four-year-olds came to pass. [5:58] About Sophia’s background in early learning and how she got to her position in Tulsa. [8:10] Where Kaiser’s commitment to early learning came from. [9:03] About Kaiser’s early learning focus on children from pre-conception through age eight. [11:22] How this comprehensive early learning manages to work with the funding provided. [13:18] The Kaiser Family Foundation’s investment agenda — how do they invest and what do they focus on? [15:18] About Tulsa’s scaling and their continuous improvement model. [18:00] What does good early learning look like? [21:54] Their views and strategies for improving the quality of home-based childcare. [23:35] Would Jessica like to see an even higher percentage of children in quality preschool? [24:11] What would be a good goal for a community to achieve (in terms of the percentage of children attending pre-k)? More about ImpactTulsa’s upcoming initiatives and efforts to spread the message of the value of pre-k. [26:07] Sophia’s and Kathy’s views on strategies to train and compensate early childhood workers and teachers. [30:31] If a community came on a field trip to Tulsa, where would Kathy take them to learn more? [31:20] If an advocate in another community were thinking about where to get started, what advice would Sophia give them? [32:44] Online resources Sophia recommends to those who want to learn more. [34:02] More about the CAP Tulsa program and Tom’s talk with Steven Dow, CAP Tulsa’s Executive Director.   Mentioned in This Episode: George Kaiser Family Foundation Birth Through Eight Strategy for Tulsa (BEST) Schusterman Family Foundation ImpactTulsa ImpactTulsa.org/PreKTulsa Strive Together Network Teach for America University of Oklahoma Tulsa Community College Center on the Developing Child (Harvard University) National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER) Child Trends CAP Tulsa   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 Jessica@GettingSmart.com, Tweet @Getting_Smart, or leave a review. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!