Getting Smart Podcast

Jon Alfuth, Senior Director of State Policy at KnowledgeWorks, and Julianna Charles Brown, Senior Director of Systems Transformation, delve into the potential of transformative education policies. They discuss how state frameworks can reshape learning into personalized and competency-based systems. The duo emphasizes the importance of a shared vision, like a Portrait of a Graduate, and highlight successful initiatives in Montana and Washington. Listeners will gain insights into flexible learning pathways and the crucial alignment of policy with practical classroom applications.

In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Jeanine Collins, co-founder and Chief Impact Officer of the Center for the Future of Learning joins to share how Nevada is transforming its education system through bold partnerships, learner-centered design, and the arts. This episode dives into her journey from classroom teaching to leading statewide initiatives that redefine success for students through the Portrait of a Learner. Jeanine discusses the power of arts in education, how intermediary organizations can bridge policy and practice, and the importance of building collective action to drive systemic change. Tune in to explore how Nevada is fostering meaningful, interactive learning experiences that empower students to thrive in their communities and beyond. Outline (00:00) Early Career and Education (04:14) Transition to Education Policy (06:54) Founding the Center for the Future of Learning (12:22) Youth Engagement and Innovation (14:53) Values-Driven Leadership (20:08) Building Networks and Future Vision Links Watch the full video here Read the full blog here Nevada Portrait of a Learner Jeanine Collins Linkedin Previous podcast with Jeanine on Nevada Succeeds Center for the Future of Learning

Tony Wagner is an education author focusing on deeper learning and student agency, while Ulrik Christensen is a physician-turned-edtech leader. They discuss the significance of mastery learning in today's distraction-filled world. The duo emphasizes real-world applications, showcasing successful models from schools like Red Bridge. They advocate for fostering intrinsic motivation and highlight innovative approaches to curriculum that prioritize student agency and lifelong learning skills. Their insights are essential for educators and policymakers.

Matt Bowman, co-founder of Open Ed and education innovator, discusses the power of unbundled learning in personalizing education. He shares how schools can balance public and private resources, allowing families to become education designers. Bowman emphasizes the importance of flexible, competency-based learning and how AI is reshaping educational pathways. He also highlights the creative projects that foster deeper understanding and the significance of community in this evolving educational landscape.

Dr. Isaac Agbeshie-Noye, Program Director at the SHRM Foundation, dives deep into the future of work with a skills-first approach. He emphasizes unlocking potential through aligning skills with workforce needs. The discussion reveals barriers to skills-based hiring, like change fatigue and economic shifts. Isaac explores the impact of AI on job markets, highlighting opportunities for digital literacy. He advocates for strong partnerships between employers and educational institutions to enhance skill development, providing a roadmap for a more equitable workforce.

Dive into the future of education as two hosts discuss revolutionary concepts like Alpha School’s innovative two-hour AI-driven learning. Discover the nuanced role of ambient AI in everyday life and its implications for assessment. They explore how relational intelligence can enrich learning experiences and ponder the balance between structured education and real-world exploration. With insights on personalized education and gamification, this conversation offers a captivating glimpse into the evolving landscape of teaching and learning.

Join education leaders Virgel Hammonds and Beth Rabbitt as they explore the transformative potential of competency-based learning. Hammonds, co-leader at Full Scale, focuses on aligning educational practices for systemic change, while Rabbitt champions personalized learning with a goal to scale impact. They discuss the benefits of a Co-CEO model for distributing leadership and fostering collaboration. Don't miss their insights on navigating disagreements through 'rumbles' and their ambitious vision for the upcoming Full Scale Symposium!

David McCullough III, co-founder and CEO of the American Exchange Project, dives into the transformative impact of domestic high school exchange programs. He shares how his 7,100-mile road trip reshaped his perspective and fueled his passion for empathy. McCullough discusses the program's innovative structure, which combines cultural immersion and community service, aiming to connect over 1,500 students from diverse backgrounds. He emphasizes overcoming fear with curiosity and envisions a future where travel fosters civic cohesion across America.

Dr. Bill Nicely, Educator in Residence at the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, shares insights into transforming education through cross-state collaboration in Kansas City. He discusses how the pandemic catalyzed partnerships among diverse districts to promote market value assets for all students. Bill highlights the critical role of business collaborations and the importance of focusing on quality before scaling initiatives. Tune in for a glimpse into the future of profession-based learning and the impact of AI on education.

In this enlightening discussion, Sangeet Paul Choudary, author of Reshuffle and platform strategist, delves into the reshaping of markets through AI. He highlights how curiosity, curation, and judgment are becoming more valuable as knowledge becomes commoditized. The conversation contrasts using AI merely as a tool versus leveraging it as an engine to redesign business models and learning systems, illustrated with examples like Figma and TikTok. Sangeet also examines AI's unique role in coordinating fragmented systems, offering a roadmap for navigating the future.