Think Out Loud What is the purpose - and the future - of public education?
Jan 14, 2026
Ryan Carpenter, Estacada superintendent focused on inclusive, community-centered schools. Jeffrey McGee, director of an alternative Portland school championing CTE and individualized plans. Ann Ishimaru, UW professor researching equity and school leadership. Kali Thorne Ladd, CEO of the Children’s Institute advocating early childhood investment. They discuss measuring success, multiple measures beyond tests, community partnerships, proficiency grading, and supports across transitions.
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Make Accountability Accountable To Families And Students
- Rethink accountability by asking 'to whom and for what' and include students and families as accountability partners.
- Ann Ishimaru urges co-design of grading and programs so they answer community needs, not only state metrics.
Combine Phonics With Culturally Relevant Reading
- Technical early literacy skills matter but are not sufficient; connecting texts to students' identities builds comprehension and love of reading.
- Ann warns the 'science of reading' is not a binary choice and must pair with culturally relevant texts.
Use Real Time Local Data Not Just Standardized Tests
- Use multiple, timely local measures (standards-based grades, work completion, attendance) to guide interventions rather than lagging standardized tests.
- Ryan Carpenter shares Estacada's shift to standards-based grading and real-time PLC data to improve graduation rates.