Town Hall: Back to School with AI

In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Shawnee Caruthers is joined by Carolyn Weir, Executive Director of the McClure Foundation, discussing Vermont's innovative Free Degree Promise. This initiative offers accelerated, debt-free pathways to post-secondary education, particularly benefiting students from rural and underserved communities. Carolyn shares insights on the successes and challenges of implementing such programs, the importance of partnerships, and how these efforts are shaping the future of education and workforce readiness. Tune in to learn how Vermont is leading the way in creating equitable and sustainable opportunities for all students. Outline: (00:00) Introduction and the Blurring Boundaries Between Education and the Workforce (01:24) Vermont’s Free Degree Promise and Its Impact on Rural Students (05:55) Measuring Success and Inclusivity  (10:15) Success Stories and Student Motivations (15:07) Challenges and Future Plans for the 13-Year Promise Links: Watch the Full Video View the Full Blog Accelerate ED Vermont McClure Foundation Vermont’s Free Degree Promise  Vermont’s Early College Program Subscribe to Our Newsletter!  

In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Tom Vander Ark is joined by project-based learning (PBL) advocate Kyle Wagner to delve into the transformative power of PBL in creating student-centered environments. Kyle shares his journey from visiting innovative schools like High Tech High to becoming a global ambassador for PBL. They discuss how these educational models foster creativity, agency, and purpose among students, and explore the broader implications for education systems worldwide. Whether you’re an educator, administrator, or parent, this episode provides valuable insights into how project-based learning can reshape the future of education. Tune in to learn about Kyle's new book, "Where's the Teacher? 12 Shifts for Student-Centered Environments," and discover strategies for implementing PBL in your own educational context. Outline (00:00) Introduction to Project-Based Learning (02:20) The Magic of High Tech High (07:52) Transition to International Education (14:15) Exploring the Global Stage (33:49) The Future of Project-Based Learning Links Watch the full video here View the full blog here Kyle Wagner Transform School Kyle Wagner Author Page on Getting Smart Where’s the Teacher: The 12 Shifts for Student-Centered Environments High Tech High One Stone 12 Shifts to Move from Teacher-Led to Student-Centered Environments by Kyle Wagner Kaleb Rashad on the Getting Smart Podcast Center for Love and Justice Better Leaders Better Schools Subscribe to our newsletter!  

This town hall discussion focuses on the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into the education system, particularly in K-12 settings. Nate McClennen leads this riveting conversation with featured speakers such as Wes Kriesel, Kunal Dalal, and Jerry Almendarez. Listen in as the discuss the growing use of AI tools among students and educators, highlighting the importance of understanding AI’s role in education. The speakers discuss various aspects of AI, including its potential to augment human intelligence and the need to focus on uniquely human competencies in the face of technological advancements. They also emphasize the significance of student agency, with examples of student-led initiatives and feedback sessions that reveal how young learners are already engaging with AI in innovative ways. The episode underscores the necessity for educators and administrators to stay informed and actively participate in the ongoing dialogue about AI to ensure its effective and equitable implementation in schools.  

In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Tom Vander Ark is joined by Rachel Davison Humphries, Senior Director of Civic Learning Initiative at the Bill of Rights Institute. They explore the urgent need for robust civics education amidst a rapidly evolving socio-political landscape. Rachel emphasizes the role of civics in strengthening community ties and fostering democratic dispositions in students. The conversation also explores innovative ways to integrate civics across curricula, the state of civics education, and the invaluable resources provided by the Bill of Rights Institute to support teachers. This episode is a must-listen for educators, administrators, and anyone passionate about preparing students for active and informed citizenship! Outline Introduction to civics education The State of Civics Education Integrating Civics Across the Curriculum The Role of the Bill of Rights Institute Advice for Civics Teachers Links: Watch the full episode here View the full blog here Bill of Rights Institute Rachel Davison Humphries My Impact Challenge Stories from Winners of the My Impact Challenge Subscribe to our newsletter  

In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Shawnee Caruthers is joined by Betsy Revell, Senior Vice President of Career Connected Learning, and Marie Mackintosh, President and CEO of EmployIndy. They discuss the organization's efforts to provide Indianapolis students with access to tech apprenticeships through initiatives like Accelerate Ed, supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.  Outline Introduction and Overview EmployIndy's Role and Partnerships Accelerate Ed and Equitable Pathways Pathways in IT and Cybersecurity Student Experiences and Community Impact Links Watch the full episode View the full blog Accelerate ED Indiana Employ Indy Indy Modern Apprenticeship Betsy Revell Marie Mackintosh TechPoint TalentBound Indiana GPS Diplomas Subscribe to our newsletter  

In this episode of the Getting Smart podcast, Tom Vander Ark speaks with Lisa Gevelber, Vice President at Google and founder of Grow with Google. They discuss the transformative impact of Grow with Google, a program designed to provide alternative career pathways through online certificates in high-demand fields.  The conversation also delves into the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in education. Lisa discusses the launch of the Google Gen AI for Educators course, developed in partnership with MIT. This free, online professional development course aims to help teachers understand and effectively use AI tools in their classrooms. The course covers practical applications of AI, such as customizing lesson plans and creating assessments, while also addressing responsible AI usage. Outline Introduction and Overview Creating Alternative Pathways Structure and Impact of Career Certificates Skills-Based Hiring and AI Integration AI Literacy and Future Directions Links Watch the full conversation here View the full transcript here Lisa Gevelber LinkedIn AI Essentials Course AI for Educators Course Anaheim Union High School District  UT system Google Teacher Center Subscribe to our newsletter!  

In this episode of the Getting Smart podcast, Shawnee Caruthers speaks with Kathy Goodacre, Principal Gabe Oliveira, and Vice Principal Erika Raffo about the transformative work happening in Sonoma County through the CTE Foundation and its partnership with Elsie Allen High School. Kathy discusses the foundation’s mission to invest in and expand career technical education (CTE) programs across the county, emphasizing the importance of connecting classroom learning to real-world applications and high-demand careers.  The CTE Foundation of Sonoma County is a critical part of the Sonoma County California Accelerate ED cohort, supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Accelerate ED is built on the idea that high schools can provide early access to quality higher education in ways that incorporate work-connected learning and have long-term benefits for students. This initiative helps state-based groups plan and build accelerated pathways between K-12 education, postsecondary education, and careers.  Outline Introduction to CTE and Sonoma County's Vision Building Pathways: Elsie Allen High School's Transformation Accelerate ED Initiative and Community Connections Funding and Policy Support for CTE Programs Future Directions and Policy Recommendations Links Watch the full episode here View the full blog post Accelerate ED Sonoma County CTE Foundation Sonoma County Kathy Goodacre Elsie Allen High School Vice Principal Erika Raffo Subscribe to our newsletter    

On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, we’re joined by Todd Smith, past podcast host and guest and CEO of Symphony Workforce, and Stacey Ocander, Senior Director of Workforce and Education Initiatives at Nebraska Hospital Association to discuss their collaborative efforts to address the healthcare workforce crisis in Nebraska. Stacey discusses the innovative statewide curriculum she developed for third to fifth graders, which introduces students to various healthcare professions through active learning and partnerships with local hospitals and nursing homes. This program aims to spark early interest in healthcare careers and create a seamless educational pathway from elementary school through undergrad. The curriculum includes practical, hands-on experiences such as doing buckle swabs and examining cells under a microscope, making healthcare professions accessible and engaging for young students. Outline Introduction to Health Science Pathways Nebraska Hospital Association's Role Addressing the Workforce Crisis Creating Health Science Pathways Expanding Opportunities and Future Vision Links Watch The Full Episode Here Todd Smith Stacey Ocander Find the Why!  Nebraska Hospital Association (NHA) Subscribe to Our Newsletter!    

On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Tom Vander Ark talks to Conrad Wolfram, CEO of Wolfram Research and author of The Math Fix, to discuss the evolving role of computational thinking in education. They explore how the surge in computational power and AI can transform math education by moving away from manual calculations and focusing on real-world problem-solving. Conrad Wolfram shares insights on the necessity of integrating computational tools into the curriculum, emphasizing that modern education should prepare students for complex problem-solving using AI and natural language interfaces. They also discuss the challenges and opportunities in updating math education to reflect these advancements, aiming to equip students with skills relevant to today's tech-driven world. Outline The Evolution of Human-Computer Interaction The Role of Natural Language in AI Revolutionizing Math Education Future of Computational Thinking in Education Links Watch the Full Conversation Conrad Wolfram Website Conrad Wolfram Bio Language Matters, and What Matters Has Changed by Conrad Wolfram Conrad Wolfram on Computational Thinking The Math(s) Fix Review by Rachelle Dene Poth South Fayette Computational Thinking Digital Promise - Computational Thinking US Math Wars by Conrad Wolfram Subscribe to Our Newsletter!

On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Tom Vander Ark talks to Dr. Candy Van Buskirk, Assistant Superintendent of the Career Academy Network in South Bend, Indiana, to discuss her new book, 'Learn Outside. They talk about the innovative educational strategies at Career Academy Network and the goals of the new pathways campaign aiming to link students to economic mobility, focusing on experiential learning through career academies. Outline Career Academy Network: Origin and Vision Experiential Learning and Dual Enrollment Insights from Leading Educational Models Concluding Thoughts and Future Direction Links Watch the full conversation Dr. Candida Van Buskirk Learn Outside Career Academy Network of Public Schools Samueli Academy SEED Academy (Los Angeles) Da Vinci RISE High Tech High Cajon Valley Larry Rosenstock David Miyashiro Bostonia Global RIASEC Recent Ed Hidalgo Blog World of Work Nerel Winter ASA One Stone Growth Transcript Michael Matsuda Podcast Museum School in Grand Rapids Michael Fullan Scott Bess Purdue Polytechnic Dr. Katie Jenner Indiana Diploma Pathway Subscribe to our newsletter!