Amir Nathoo, Co-founder and CEO of OutSchool, delves into the transformative educational landscape his platform offers. He discusses how OutSchool merges curiosity-led exploration with structured learning pathways, ensuring each student’s experience is unique. Nathoo emphasizes the importance of AI in guiding educational choices while addressing parent concerns about decision-making. The conversation also touches on OutSchool's global expansion plans and its commitment to providing flexible solutions for children in challenging circumstances.

Summary In this episode of the School Builders Podcast, host Andreas Marinopoulos speaks with Chad Carlson, CEO of Idea 51 and a leader in innovative education. They discuss the unique student-led learning model at One Stone, the challenges and strategies of school transformation, and the importance of real-world connections in education. The conversation also delves into assessment models, the significance of trust in learning environments, and the collaborative efforts to support other schools in their educational journeys. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the School Builders Podcast 04:47 The Evolution of One Stone School 04:56 Core Pillars of One Stone's Educational Model 12:28 Scaffolding and Student Agency in Learning 16:59 The Growth Transcript and Assessment Model 24:28 Empowering Student Learning Through Dynamic Assessment 28:26 Relevance in Education: Connecting Learning to Real Life 34:29 Experiential Learning: The Role of Real-World Contexts 41:36 Leading Change: Observing and Understanding School Culture 47:49 Continuous Improvement: The Journey of Personalized Learning Key Quotes from Chad Carlson: "You can’t design student-led for students. They have to be part of it, or else it’s not truly student-led." "We believe in failing forward—students need the space to make mistakes without penalty, so they can learn, iterate, and grow." "The real world is our classroom. When you’re tackling real-world problems, all the key learning elements are naturally there." "We’re process-driven, not content-driven. Our students learn through inquiry and real-world problem-solving, not through memorizing a textbook." Links: One Stone Lab School Idea 51

Summary In this episode of the School Builders Podcast, Andreas speaks with Uli and Toni Frallicciardi, the founders of Surfskate Science, a unique educational program that blends action sports with STEAM principles. They share their journey from running a skate park to creating a community-focused learning experience that emphasizes hands-on learning, resilience, and interdisciplinary education. The conversation explores the impact of their program on students, the structure of their curriculum, and their aspirations for scaling their model while maintaining its core values. Chapters 01:35 The Journey to Surfskate Science 06:10 Starting in Texas: Building a Skate Park and Homeschooling 06:12 Recognizing the Impact and Potential of Surfskate Science 09:48 The Surfskate Science Program Today 18:29 Engaging Families and Creating Transformative Moments 21:54 Engaging Students Through Passion and Hands-On Learning 25:49 The Power of Skateboarding and Surfing in Education 32:10 Building Resilience and Embracing Failure 36:01 Scaling an Educational Program: Team, Vision, and Process 41:17 Passing on Skills and Knowledge for Future Generations

Summary Don Soifer, CEO of the National Microschooling Center, discusses the growth and potential of microschools in education. He highlights the diverse models and innovative approaches within the microschooling sector, including full-time, part-time, hybrid, and technology-based models. Don emphasizes the importance of personalization and flexibility in education, allowing for individualized learning experiences and meeting the specific needs of learners. He also discusses the regulatory challenges that microschools face, such as zoning and permitting, and the need for modernizing the regulatory frameworks to support the growth of microschools. Don envisions a future where education is more dynamic, responsive to the changing needs of learners, and aligned with the demands of the 21st-century economy. Takeaways Microschools offer diverse models and innovative approaches to education, including full-time, part-time, hybrid, and technology-based models. Personalization and flexibility are key in microschools, allowing for individualized learning experiences and meeting the specific needs of learners. Regulatory challenges, such as zoning and permitting, can hinder the growth of microschools, and there is a need to modernize the regulatory frameworks to support their development. The future of education lies in a more dynamic and responsive system that prepares learners for the demands of the 21st-century economy. Collaboration and sharing of ideas among microschool leaders and educators are crucial for the growth and success of the microschooling movement. Sound Bites "Microschooling are about creating options and learning opportunities that aren't available in traditional schooling." "Technology empowers the ability to truly personalize education to the individual needs of learners." "Microschools are proving to be innovative in demonstrating their impact through technology and observation-based methods." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Don Soifer and Microschools 03:27 Shifts and Trends in Microschooling 07:48 Demand and Supply in Microschooling 11:22 Cautionary Tales from the Charter School Movement 13:52 The Role of Technology in Microschools 15:30 Unbundling and Personalization in Microschooling 20:06 Unconventional and Refreshing Microschool Models 24:19 Hurdles and Constraints in Microschooling 27:59 Accelerating the Microschooling Movement 33:11 Envisioning the Future of Microschools

In this episode, we explore the concept of All One Thing with visionary founder Courtney Klein. Born from a moment of parental frustration with traditional schooling, All One Thing is reshaping how we think about learning, working, and community building. Klein shares her journey from running a prototype called Sun School in Austin to developing a nationwide network of integrated learning and co-working spaces. This isn't just about education reform; it's a reimagining of how families can live, learn, and grow together in our rapidly changing world. Klein's approach challenges conventional wisdom, leveraging community assets to create vibrant, flexible learning environments that adapt to modern family needs. Key Points: The 'aha' moment: A 6-year-old's wisdom sparks an educational revolution Sun School: Turning Austin into a citywide classroom All One Thing: The evolution from prototype to nationwide vision Repurposing community spaces: How rock climbing gyms become math classrooms The art of community partnerships: Bakeries, architects, and beyond Designing the impossible: Challenges in reimagining education The distributed network model: Membership that travels with you Bridging city and country: The "commune without commitment" concept ASU Prep's innovative approach: Micro-schools on corporate campuses The future vision: Unified family lifestyles and fluid community building Quotes from Courtney: "Our daughter asked me one night, 'Mommy, can you tell me a story about when you were a little girl and what you learned in school?' And I said, 'Sweetheart, I learned the same stuff you're learning.' She's like, 'What? That doesn't make any sense.'" "We're building a distributed network of these everywhere so that families have fluidity. If I'm a member of All One Thing Los Angeles and I fly to Minneapolis for a meeting, I can take my kids with me on the work trip and they can drop into All One Thing and do some interesting classes while we're in town." "I think there's a lot more people like you and I out there that want it. There are a lot of people that are looking for something that does not yet exist or exists in pockets... We have to disrupt how that happens." Links Discussed: ASU Prep Digital: https://www.asuprepdigital.org/ Wicked Workshop: https://www.wickedworkshop.org/ Live Near Friends: https://www.livenearfriends.com/ "Brave New Home" book (mentioned by Courtney) Where to Find Courtney: All One Thing website: https://allonething.xyz All One Thing social media: @allonethingxyz

Host Andreas chats with Kerry McDonald, author of 'Unschooled,' diving into the rise of micro-schools post-COVID. They discuss tech's role, universal school choice policies, and maintaining innovation. Kerry emphasizes joyful learning environments and the impact of technology on innovative education models.

In this episode, host Andreas welcomes Tobin Slaven, head of Acton Academy in Fort Lauderdale, to discuss innovative education methods. Tobin shares insights on fostering student agency, the importance of conflict resolution and promises, and the transformative potential of personalized learning. The conversation delves into the use of smart goals, creating meaningful work, and the role of AI in education. Tobin emphasizes that the key to future success lies in students learning to collaborate with AI and developing critical thinking through self-evaluation and reflection. 00:00 The Role of AI in Education 01:06 Introduction to Tobin Slavin 01:20 Tobin's Journey in Education 02:52 The Acton Academy Model 03:41 Challenges and Innovations in Education 13:47 Conflict Resolution and Promises 16:44 Celebrations and Creating Moments 22:17 Peer-to-Peer Learning and Agency 27:45 Empowering Self-Directed Learning 28:11 Conflict Resolution and Self-Management 28:49 Building Blocks for Student Agency 29:46 Connecting to Meaningful Work 31:07 Acton Model and Real-World Skills 31:59 Feedback Systems and 360 Reviews 35:58 Learning Design vs. Curriculum 36:28 Goal Setting and Smart Goals 37:45 Learning How to Learn 41:26 The Role of AI in Education 42:52 Critical Thinking and Metacognition 46:24 Meaningful Work and AI Collaboration 49:22 The Future of Education and AI 50:51 Failing Forward and Continuous Improvement 52:48 Children as Natural Scientists 53:12 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Summary Amy McGrath, from ASU Prep, and Andreas discuss the innovative K-12 offerings at Arizona State University and the importance of building new school models. They explore ASU Prep's partnership with Khan Academy and the Khan World School. They also discuss the implementation of mastery-based learning and the balance between synchronous and asynchronous learning. Amy shares the importance of student choice and autonomy, as well as the role of learning success coaches and extracurricular activities in keeping students connected and engaged. They also touch on the rise of microschools and the potential of entrepreneur-led models. Finally, they also discuss the complexities of credit systems and the need for alternative assessments to recognize student mastery. Takeaways ASU Prep offers innovative K-12 school models within the Arizona State University system, focusing on new models that parents are demanding. The partnership between ASU Prep and Khan Academy has resulted in the creation of the Khan World School, combining online courses, technology, and teaching pedagogy. The implementation of mastery-based learning presents challenges in managing students at different paces, but the use of synchronous and asynchronous learning opportunities helps address this. Student choice and autonomy are key in ASU Prep's models, allowing students to build their own learning journey and engage in extracurricular activities. Learning success coaches play a crucial role in supporting students and keeping them connected. Microschools and hybrid learning models require careful consideration of community context and local leadership. Scalable models should prioritize student support and individualized learning rather than focusing solely on scalability. Alternative assessments, such as projects and portfolios, can be used to recognize student mastery and provide a more comprehensive view of learning. Technology can play a role in creating personalized learning experiences and making learning aesthetically appealing for students. Supporting high-achieving students with loaded transcripts requires rethinking traditional credit systems and advocating for policy changes in higher education.

This episode of The Homebrew School Builder's Club features a deep dive into the inception and operation of Primer, an innovative platform aimed at transforming the K-12 education system by empowering top teachers to launch their own micro schools. Ryan, the guest, shares his personal journey from experiencing alternative education through a homeschool co-op founded by his mother to launching tech companies and eventually starting Primer. He highlights the existential crisis in the current education system and proposes micro schools as a viable solution. Primer provides a comprehensive operating system for these schools, handling everything from regulatory work to curriculum development, aiming to deliver a personalized learning experience focusing on mastery-based progression, student agency, and project-based learning. Ryan discusses the challenges and strategies involved in scaling micro schools, the role of technology in education, and the potential of AI to revolutionize learning experiences. The discussion also touches on the importance of reducing friction in launching new schools, legislative efforts to ease the process, and the vision for scaling micro schools to impact the broader education landscape. 00:00 The Urgency of Reforming Education 00:25 Introducing The Homebrew School Builder's Club Podcast 01:24 Ryan's Journey: From Homeschooling to Tech Entrepreneur 03:01 The Genesis of Primer: Empowering Microschools 04:14 Primer's Educational Philosophy: Mastery, Agency, and Passion 05:01 Expanding the Microschool Movement: Successes and Strategies 11:31 The Evolution of Primer: From Homeschooling to Full-Stack Education 16:50 The Structural Advantages of Microschools 21:26 Overcoming Regulatory Hurdles and Expanding Access 25:50 Finding and Empowering the Top 1% of Teachers 31:19 Balancing Virtual and Physical Learning Experiences 36:13 Future of Education: Leveraging AI and Expanding Microschools 42:05 Closing Thoughts and the Homebrew Ethos

Episode Summary: This episode explores curriculum design for progressive education with Emily Veno, Head of Learning Innovation at Prisma School. We delve into the unique curriculum design of Prisma School, focusing on project-based learning, interdisciplinary themes, and the development of essential life skills. Emily emphasizes the advantages online schools offer compared to traditional settings, highlighting the increased flexibility and the freedom to break from outdated constraints. The conversation wraps up with a thought-provoking discussion about the potential of online environments to revolutionize education as we know it. Guest Introduction: Emily Veno is a passionate advocate for innovative education and currently leads the Learning Innovation team at Prisma School, an online institution committed to fostering a love of learning and equipping students with the skills they need to thrive in the 21st century. Key Takeaways: Reimagining Curriculum Design: Emily sheds light on Prisma School's approach to curriculum design, emphasizing project-based learning as a core pedagogical method. This approach encourages students to delve deeper into subjects through hands-on projects, fostering critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving skills. She also highlights the importance of interdisciplinary themes, where students explore connections between different subjects, creating a more holistic and meaningful learning experience. Additionally, Prisma School prioritizes the development of essential life skills, such as communication, collaboration, and critical thinking, preparing students for success beyond academics. Advantages of Online Schools: Compared to traditional brick-and-mortar schools, online schools offer several key advantages. Emily highlights the increased flexibility online learning provides, allowing students to learn at their own pace and from the comfort of their homes. Additionally, online schools are often unconstrained by traditional structures, enabling them to embrace innovative approaches to education that might be hindered by the limitations of more established systems. The Future of Education: The conversation concludes with the question: Can online environments truly revolutionize education? While the full potential of online learning is still being explored, Emily emphasizes the exciting possibilities it holds. Online schools offer a unique opportunity to break away from outdated models, fostering creative and flexible learning environments that empower students to become independent learners and future-ready individuals. Further Exploration: Podcast of Enrollhand with Victoria Ransom: https://blog.enrollhand.com/emoji-shower/ In this episode, Emily Veno joins Victoria Ransom to discuss the future of education and the role technology can play in creating engaging and personalized learning experiences. Podcast of Enrollhand with Ted Tindersmith: https://blog.enrollhand.com/change-happens-slowly-right-up-until-it-happens-quickly-with-ted-dintersmith: Ted Tindersmith, a leading voice in education innovation, joins the discussion to explore the potential of online learning to transform the way we educate our children. Prisma School Website: https://joinprisma.com: Learn more about Prisma School's unique approach to online education and discover how they are shaping the future of learning. We hope this episode has sparked your curiosity about the innovative world of online education. Join us as we continue to explore the future of learning and the exciting possibilities it holds!