Learning Unboxed

In 2015, Norris School District came to Johnna Noll with a learner-centered educational consultant’s dream request. The tiny school district’s residential population consisted of a treatment center for kids, and it asked Johnna to help it transform into a learner-centered, trauma-invested, constantly evolving program. Of course, she said yes.  Johnna joins the show today to tell us about what the school district has built. It uses a very clear learning design process: Profile, Plan, Pathway, Progress, and Proof. Students create their own unique learning paths based on their hobbies, talents, and interests. Then it’s up to the learning specialists to make sure academic competencies are tied into it.The foundation of the entire learning environment is students and staff deeply learning about each other, building agency and confidence. From there students are connected to resources in the community to learn about what they are specifically interested in. We also talk about how truly empowering students and staff goes hand-in-hand with scaling up. Authentic success stories for students and communities, plus a healthy workplace for educators, is necessary to sustain the growth rate needed to one day benefit all students across the state, country, and world.To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.orgWe unbox:Building student and staff profiles Tying academic competencies in with community-based learningChanging job descriptions and workplace policies to support learner-centered educationResources:Learn more at NorrisAcademyWI.orgProduced by NOVA Media

How do you even begin to create systems change in education? Our guest today is Rob Collins. He manages the Innovative Learning Network in the Kentucky Department of Education. Rob gives us a peek into what systems change looks like right now for the state of Kentucky.  We dive into the teaching initiatives that the Kentucky Department of Education is undertaking in this area. Rob tells us about how the Innovative Learning Network provides institutional support and learning opportunities for school leaders and teachers. For example the network has brought in PBLWorks, a community organization, to successfully train a third of Kentocuky teachers on project-based learning.We also cover efforts to change assessment and accountability. For example, two districts in Kentucky now release accountability dashboards along with state test scores to show there’s more to education achievement than standardized exams. Also, at the state level, there’s now a Kentucky United We Learn Council that includes legislators in exploratory discussions.Changing systems happens across different levels and through different dynamics. Rob’s stories are excellent examples we can all learn from as we try to change the education system around us.To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.orgWe unbox:What diverse stakeholders want out of the education systemProviding organizational structure while encouraging free-form growth among leaders in education innovation The importance of connecting innovative educators so they don’t feel like they are on an islandResources:Learn more at Kentucky’s Innovative Learning Network Produced by NOVA Media

Dr. Michelle Sadrena Pledger, the Founder of Living for Liberation and Director of Liberation at High Tech High, dives deep into liberatory project-based learning. She discusses breaking free from various forms of oppression in educational settings and emphasizes the importance of equity, identity, and belonging in teaching. Michelle presents her Notice, Name, Navigate framework and shares how student agency enhances learning. With a focus on self-awareness and cultural responsiveness, she inspires educators to embrace transformative practices for inclusivity.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of New York City is the nation's first and the city's largest youth mentoring organization. Chief Program and Innovation Officer Michael Coughlin joins us today to tell us about their newest iteration of mentoring: their workplace mentorship program.Starting sophomore year, students are paired with corporate professionals who act as their career mentors through high school graduation, and sometimes all the way through college. These one-on-one mentorships are closely supported by a program manager from Big Brothers Big Sisters to make sure they have the foundation needed for a successful mentoring relationship.Michael takes us through the research that led them to create this program, and lessons learned along the way. If you’re looking to start or grow a community-based mentorship program, don’t miss this episode!To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.orgWe unbox:The need for mentor relationships to be long-term and resource-orientedPaying attention to students’ and families’ perceptions about a programHow to convince corporations to join a mentorship programResources:Learn more about Big Brothers Big Sisters of New York CityFollow Big Brothers Big Sisters of New York City on Instagram @BBBSNYCProduced by NOVA Media

Join Steve Heath, the executive director and co-founder of FabNewport, a non-profit dedicated to empowering underserved youth through hands-on learning. He discusses innovative educational models that prioritize individual interests over traditional metrics. Learn about the importance of mentorship and community engagement in creating supportive learning ecosystems. Steve shares insights on blending immersive learning environments with school frameworks, emphasizing the transformative power of experiential activities to uncover children's passions.

Jenna Edwards, author of 'Aggressive Optimism,' shares her journey of overcoming PTSD and trauma. She discusses the crucial difference between aggressive optimism and toxic positivity, emphasizing the importance of authenticity in emotional healing. Jenna highlights how her novel serves as a resource for high school students, offering relatable characters and mental health tools. Educators play a pivotal role in fostering resilience, and Jenna suggests proactive strategies to support students facing challenges. Her insights aim to create a supportive environment for adolescents.

Fred Rogers was an incredible learning scientist before the term even existed. That’s the basis of Ryan Rydzewski’s and Gregg Behr’s new book, “When You Wonder, You're Learning: Mister Rogers' Enduring Lessons for Raising Creative, Curious, Caring Kids.” Today they join the show to share what they learned while writing the book.Fred engineered every aspect of Mr. Rogers' neighborhood to help kids develop tools for learning. He combined familiarity with mystery to create a magical learning environment. He deeply listened to children through their letters to him, reflecting their stories back to them in his episodes. He taught kids to be curious about the world by starting with what they were familiar with in their own lives. Perhaps most importantly, he just kept showing up. Kids and adults knew that they could count on Mr. Rogers.Ryan and Gregg share the research that now backs up Fred Roger’s teaching style. They also spotlight his emphasis on “neighborhood” and inclusion. If you’ve ever watched Mr. Rogers put on his sweater and tie his shoes, you’re going to love this episode.To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.orgWe unbox:Research on curiosity and learning The role community plays in educationHow Mr. Rogers’ took on big topics like race and disabilityResources:Read Ryan and Gregg’s book: “When You Wonder, You're Learning: Mister Rogers' Enduring Lessons for Raising Creative, Curious, Caring Kids”Produced by NOVA Media

Today we’re joined by Quamid Francis, the former Executive Director of City Year New York. His program places and supports Student Success Coaches in 17 New York City public schools. The Student Success Coaches’ number one priority is to build trusting relationships with students. Based on these trusting relationships, student attendance increases, behavioral incidences decrease, and entire families get connected to services they need.Chances are you’ve heard of City Year and the way they help students, families, and schools. After all, they have locations all across the US. But what you may not know is how much they focus on the Student Success Coaches in addition to their students. Through “Life After City Year,” coaches are connected with resources they need for their post-City Year career. Join us as we discuss how City Year supports and engages the entire community, including their coach alum, knowing that a healthy, involved community is essential for student success.To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.orgWe unbox:How social, emotional, and academic skill development are inextricably linked.The concept of “Whole School, Whole Child” as well as “Community Schools.”City Year New York’s effort to help Student Success Coaches with their post-City Year career.Resources:Learn more about City Year New York. To learn more about City Year in general go to CityYear.org.Read City Year New York’s “The Power of Student Success Coaches in Schools” playbook, developed with support from the Lego Foundation.Follow City Year on Instagram: @CityYearProduced by NOVA Media

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we are thrilled to welcome Ellen Erlanger and Kathy Meyer, co-directors of professional learning at the Partnerships for Authentic Learning and Leadership. They bring a wealth of experience and insights into the transformative power of authentic learning—a pedagogical approach that bridges academic content with real-world applications, preparing students for success beyond the classroom.Ellen and Kathy delve into the essentials of authentic learning, emphasizing its role in making education irresistible and impactful. They share compelling examples from their work, showcasing how projects with real-world significance not only enhance student engagement but also address current challenges in education, such as student mental health. The conversation explores the importance of leadership support and systemic changes to sustain these practices, offering hope and practical advice for educators looking to make a difference.Join us to discover how authentic learning can transform educational experiences, fostering a generation of learners equipped to tackle real-world problems with creativity and resilience. Ellen and Kathy's stories and strategies inspire a reimagined approach to teaching and learning, highlighting the crucial steps toward a more engaging, relevant, and fulfilling education for all students.To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.orgWe unbox:The concept and importance of authentic learning in today's educational landscape.Practical examples of authentic learning in action and its positive impacts on students.Strategies for overcoming challenges and implementing authentic learning, including the role of leadership and systemic change.Resources:Learn more at partnershipsforall.orgFollow Partnerships for Authentic Learning & Leadership on YouTubeProduced by NOVA Media

Jim Bailey, co-founder and executive director at Rock Tree Sky, champions the power of caring relationships in education. He discusses how adults can inspire young learners by stepping back from traditional teaching roles. The conversation covers Rock Tree Sky's unique self-directed learning model and innovative partnerships with local school districts. Bailey highlights the importance of hands-on projects and community engagement, advocating for a educational shift that prioritizes real-world experiences and personalized learning pathways.