Innovations in Education with David Adams

The Urban Assembly
  • 5.0 (6)
  • EDUCATION
  • UPDATED MONTHLY

Urban Assembly CEO and social-emotional learning expert David Adams talks with people who have solved problems and made things work to improve public education. Learn more about The Urban Assembly at www.urbanassembly.org.

  1. The Power of Small Schools with Dr. Rebecca Unterman

    1D AGO

    The Power of Small Schools with Dr. Rebecca Unterman

    In this episode of Innovations in Education, host David Adams, CEO of the Urban Assembly, sits down with Dr. Rebecca Unterman, a senior research associate at MDRC. Dr. Unterman has spent over 15 years studying the longitudinal effects of New York City's Small Schools of Choice (SSCs). Together, they explore the data-driven reality of what happens when public education shifts from large, impersonal institutions to small, mission-aligned learning environments. Dr. Unterman shares insights from her extensive research into the Children First school reform era, detailing how these non-selective schools managed to significantly increase graduation rates across nearly all student subgroups. The conversation moves beyond school size to investigate the specific internal structures like common planning time for teachers and real-world learning links that drive student success. They also address common misconceptions regarding school funding, student screening, and the long-term impact of high school interventions on post-secondary degree attainment. Key Takeaways > The success of small schools is not based on size alone. Dr. Unterman’s research identifies a mix of high-quality school leadership, data-driven instruction, and intentional relationship-building as the primary drivers of positive student outcomes. > Relationships and academic rigor are interdependent. Teachers in successful small schools utilize a warm demander approach, where knowing a student deeply provides the necessary leverage to push them toward higher academic standards. > Non-selective schools can produce elite results. Small schools of choice in NYC did not screen out difficult students. In fact, two-thirds of the students in the study entered below grade level, yet the schools achieved a 9.5 percentage point impact on four-year graduation rates. > Graduation success is cost-effective. While small schools may have a higher cost per pupil than large schools, they actually cost less per graduate because they are significantly more effective at moving students through to a diploma. > Targeted support is required for the highest-need students. While SSCs worked well for many, students entering high school far below proficient require even more intensive, targeted interventions both before and during high school to overcome barriers like the Math Regents exams. Follow Innovations in Education with David Adams wherever you get your podcasts. Episode Timestamps 00:00 - Introduction to Innovations in Education and Dr. Rebecca Unterman 01:45 - Dr. Unterman’s journey from history teacher to education policy researcher 03:32 - Defining Small Schools of Choice (SSCs) and their core principles 05:35 - The problem SSCs were designed to solve: low graduation rates in large schools 07:28 - Identifying the three pillars of school impact: leadership, instruction, and relationships 09:40 - Longitudinal effects: A 9.5% increase in high school graduation rates 11:55 - How New York City sustained the small school movement through human capital 19:10 - Deep dive into student subgroups: Level 1, 2, and 3 proficiencies 22:50 - Identifying barriers to graduation: The Math Regents and credit accumulation 25:55 - Post-secondary outcomes and the challenge of persistence 28:15 - Understanding the research: How lotteries allow researchers to isolate school effects 31:18 - Lightning Round: Confirming or denying myths about small schools 36:58 - Final takeaways for improving public education in 2026 and beyond

    39 min
  2. Student Voices, AI, and the Science of Learning with Special Hosts Fatou, Gabriela, and Leana

    FEB 18

    Student Voices, AI, and the Science of Learning with Special Hosts Fatou, Gabriela, and Leana

    LIVE! from The Bronx School for Law, Government and Justice In this unique crossover episode, the host becomes the guest as David Adams, CEO of The Urban Assembly, joins the student-led podcast "Beyond the Sports." Recorded on-site at the Bronx School for Law, Government and Justice (LGJ), an Urban Assembly school, David sits down with student hosts Fatou, Gabriela, and Leana, for a deep dive into the intersections of psychology, school culture, and the role of artificial intelligence in the modern classroom. Applied Psychology in the Classroom Drawing on his background in educational psychology, David explains to the hosts why education is essentially "applied psychology" in action. He shares how his early observations of student-athletes—specifically the discipline and goal-setting of cross-country runners—shaped his belief that social and emotional skills like delaying gratification are often more predictive of success than traditional IQ. 🔹 The Relational Heart of Teaching: David discusses why great teaching requires a high level of attunement to student motivation and efficacy, helping students feel seen during moments of frustration or understimulation. 🔹 Skills vs. Character: The conversation explores how social-emotional skills—such as conflict resolution and self-management—can be explicitly taught and practiced to support a student's broader character development. AI as a Tool for Teacher Judgment The students challenge David on the "scary" side of AI, leading to a candid discussion on the Urban Assembly’s approach to technology. David details the design of Project Cafe, emphasizing that the goal is not to replace human thinking but to provide teachers with the same "game film" opportunities that athletes use to refine their positioning and reactions. 🔹 AI Literacy over Automation: David outlines the importance of educating staff and students on AI capabilities so they can use the tools to solve problems for themselves rather than relying on them for structured thinking. 🔹 The Risk of Homogenization: A warning on why students must maintain their unique voices and perspectives, rather than allowing AI to "homogenize" their writing and reasoning. Building a Culture of Connection Reflecting on the school culture at LGJ, David and the hosts discuss how high-quality relationships drive academic struggle and deep learning. David defines a positive school climate through visible signs of connection: the frequent use of names, shared laughter, and physical proximity between peers and mentors. 🔹 Listening as a Hard Skill: The group explores why listening is a difficult but essential social-emotional skill that prevents emotional "carjacking" and allows for true problem-solving in the community. 🔹 The Power of Student Insights: Through the lens of LGJ's Youth Court and PAC programs, David illustrates how restorative justice allows students to reach their own conclusions and develop long-term responsibility. Make sure to like, follow, and subscribe to Innovations in Education with David Adams wherever you get your podcasts to stay updated on the leaders—and student voices—making things work in public education. Timestamps: 00:00 - Welcome to a special student-led edition of Innovations in Education 02:45 - How psychology provides the blueprint for human behavior in schools 04:00 - Lessons from the track: Why grit outpaces IQ 10:30 - Project Cafe: Using "game film" for teacher professional development 15:45 - The "Criminal" side of AI: Distinguishing support from replacement 22:30 - Why learning is a social, not isolated, activity 25:40 - Identifying the visible signs of a healthy school culture 38:30 - Emotional carjacking and the power of high-quality listening 42:15 - Restorative justice: Moving from punishment to insight

    55 min
  3. David Adams Live from the Fund for the City of New York | AI, Teacher Development, and Building Trust that Scales | Interviewed by Dr. Lisette Nieves

    JAN 29

    David Adams Live from the Fund for the City of New York | AI, Teacher Development, and Building Trust that Scales | Interviewed by Dr. Lisette Nieves

    LIVE! from the Fund for the City of New York in SoHo, New York. In this special live-audience episode of Innovations in Education, the tables are turned as our host, David Adams, CEO of The Urban Assembly, moves from the interviewer’s chair to the spotlight. Hosted at the Fund for the City of New York’s headquarters, David sits down with Lisette Nieves, President of the Fund, for a candid and high-stakes exploration of how artificial intelligence is being harnessed to solve the most persistent challenges in public education. From Sci-Fi to Schoolrooms David traces his journey from his family's deep roots in education and his 23 years of service in the Army Reserve to a lifelong obsession with Star Trek that informs his view of technology. For David, AI isn’t a replacement for the "Captain Picards" of our classrooms; it is the computer on the bridge that provides the data necessary to "Make it so". He argues that the quality of AI output is directly tied to the level of intention and inquiry of the human user, noting that AI should support, not replace, human judgment. Redefining Teacher Development: Project Cafe The heart of the conversation dives into the Classroom Automated Feedback Environment, known as Project Cafe. David breaks down how the Urban Assembly is using AI to bypass the resource constraints of instructional coaching by delivering high-quality, 10-second clips of classroom interactions directly to teachers. 🔹 Teacher Agency Over Evaluation: David explains why Project Cafe is a "drip" of professional development rather than an "avalanche of evaluation," focusing on teacher growth over administrative scrutiny. 🔹 The Power of the Clip: Instead of reviewing 45-minute videos, teachers receive automated highlights of high-leverage moments—like redirections and open-ended questions—to help them sharpen their own professional judgment. 🔹 Scaling Trust: David addresses the "third rail" of education—video recording—by outlining a design philosophy rooted in teacher privacy, where videos remain private unless the teacher chooses to share them. Solving for Constraints Beyond the classroom, David shares insights into CounselorGPT, a tool designed to close the information gap for students navigating post-secondary pathways. By analyzing labor market data, the tool provides students with information on high-return credentials, alleviating the burden on counselors who often manage 1-to-400 student ratios. David emphasizes that they are not waiting for the policy environment to catch up; they are creating it actively by working with partners like the EdSafe Alliance to ensure technology protects both students and teachers. Key Takeaways from the SoHo Event: 🔹 The "Both/And" of Tech: We must balance high-tech tools with the high-touch relationships and motivation that drive student engagement. 🔹 Incentivizing Growth: The narrative must shift from "not getting fired" to "mastering the craft" through self-reflection and professional efficacy. 🔹 The Future of Innovation: The Urban Assembly is working with partners like TFA and New York City Public Schools to scale these solutions while refusing to trade off trust for speed. Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to Innovations in Education live at the Fund for the City of New York 04:47 - David’s personal "why": Family legacy and the Army Reserve 07:21 - How Star Trek’s computer modeled the perfect AI partnership 11:12 - Breaking down the constraints: Time, Knowledge, and Resources 13:56 - Addressing the "Third Rail": Trust and Teacher Evaluation 18:40 - How Project Cafe works: Automated feedback for educators 31:12 - Creating the policy environment for safe AI adoption 39:15 - Audience Q&A: Scaling trust and supporting new teachers Like, follow, and subscribe to Innovations in Education with David Adams wherever you get your podcasts to stay updated on the leaders making things work in public education.

    57 min

  4. 12/23/2025

    Michelle Navarre | Character, Crew, and Reflection | Lessons from the Polaris Charter Academy

    In this episode of Innovations in Education, host David Adams, CEO of The Urban Assembly, sits down with Michelle Navarre, the Founder and Executive Director of Polaris Charter Academy in Chicago. A former Golden Apple Award winner for excellence in teaching, Navarre discusses the founding principles of her school and why she believes character development is the essential foundation for rigorous academic growth. Navarre explores the evolution of the charter movement since Polaris opened its doors in 2007, emphasizing that a clear mission and strong adult culture are the prerequisites for student success. From the daily ritual of greeting every student by name to the implementation of AI-driven tools for teacher reflection, Navarre illustrates how Polaris balances traditional human connection with forward-thinking innovation. Key Takeaways: > Character as the Core: Polaris prioritizes educating students to be self-motivated, creative, critical thinkers through the "Points of Polaris": integrity, compassion, exploration, critical thinking, and active citizenship. > The "Crew" Philosophy: Borrowing from Outward Bound, the school uses "Crew" as both a structure for daily meetings and a culture of mutual responsibility where students and staff are "not passengers". > Adult Culture Sets the Ceiling: Student culture never outpacing adult culture, leading Polaris to implement "staff crew" and "leadership touch" exercises to build empathy and gratitude among educators. > AI as a Reflective Tool: Rather than fearing automation, Polaris utilizes AI tools to help teachers analyze their own questioning techniques and discourse practices, freeing them to focus on the human elements of instruction. > Discipline as Learning: Moving away from punitive systems, the school defines discipline through its Latin roots—as a process of learning and developing self-control. Why You Should Listen: Michelle Navarre offers a masterclass in sustainable school leadership. At a time when educator retention is a national crisis, Navarre shares how Polaris maintained a 100% teacher retention rate last year by treating teaching as a respected profession and prioritizing collective "togetherness". Whether you are a classroom teacher or a district leader, this conversation provides a blueprint for creating schools where both students and adults feel seen, known, and challenged to grow. Like, share, and subscribe to Innovations in Education with David Adams wherever you get your podcasts to stay updated on the leaders making public education work. Time Stamps: [00:01:00] Introduction to Michelle Navarre and her career achievements. [00:03:00] The origin story: From a 5th-grade classroom to founding a school. [00:07:00] Non-negotiables and the "one-pager" that built Polaris. [00:13:00] The importance of greeting students and being "known [00:17:00] Defining "Crew" and the power of peer responsibility. [00:23:00] Why student culture cannot outpace adult culture. [00:28:00] Strategies for teacher retention and staff gratitude. [00:32:00] Lessons learned from the virtual classroom during the pandemic. [00:35:00] The "Points of Polaris" and the Light Leader recognition [00:39:00] Utilizing AI to enhance teacher discourse and reflection [00:45:00] Final thoughts: The teacher as a mirror for student potential.

    48 min

  5. 10/07/2025

    Richard Stopol and Laurie Adams from NYC Outward Bound | Education as an Expedition: Character, Crew, and Democracy

    In this insightful episode of Innovations in Education, host David Adams of the Urban Assembly sits down with two exceptional leaders from New York City Outward Bound Schools (NYCOBS): founding force and former CEO Richard Stopol and current CEO Laurie Adams. We explore a philosophy of education that sees the classroom, and the community, as a challenging expedition requiring both rigor and deep support. Richard Stopol, who led NYCOBS from its 1989 inception, shares the core themes of his new book, Inward and Outward: Reflections on Education, Democracy, and the Human Spirit. He sees a vital link between educational excellence and the health of our democracy, viewing the book as a way to engage on these crucial issues. The essays reflect a surprising strain of optimism, rooted in the belief that we can overcome division by "making the circle bigger"—engaging with those who think differently and tapping into our common humanity. Laurie Adams articulates the organization's mission to bring the transformative experience of an Outward Bound course—"challenge with support"—into the heart of the nation's largest education system. This philosophy is brought to life through the core concept of "Crew, Not Passengers," which offers students a place of belonging and a safe space through an in-school advisory. We hear why this focus on interdependence is essential today. For Laurie, this work is about equipping young people to navigate a rapidly changing world by focusing on critical thinking, civility, and respect. Richard adds that the crew structure is a space where students practice the skills of listening and dialogue, positioning them to find common ground in ways adults often struggle to. Both leaders stress that the goal isn't "fixing" young people, but rather helping them discover their own capabilities and unlock the greatness already within them. The conversation is a powerful argument for a whole-child approach, one that acknowledges that social-emotional learning and academic learning are inextricably linked. Whether it’s facing a difficult task on a wilderness course or engaging in a complex classroom debate, the pedagogy centers on providing a productive struggle. As Richard puts it, the most important thing educators can do is genuinely believe in the potential and greatness of every young person. The "Crew, Not Passengers" ethos, they hope, will prove sticky—not just in schools, but as a framework for how we live in relationship and community to one another. We explore the roots of experiential education—from the philosophies of Kurt Hahn to indigenous knowledge systems—and hear why the courage to stand up for what's right is riskier than ever. This episode provides an essential roadmap for building a support base where students feel safe, even across deep differences, equipping them to lead and thrive in their communities. Subscribe to Innovations in Education with David Adams wherever you get your podcasts to find more conversations with leaders who are making things work in education. 00:00 Introduction to Innovations in Education 00:43 Meet the Guests: Richard Stopol and Laurie Adams 03:00 Richard Stopol's Journey and New Book 07:06 Laurie Adams on Leading NYC Outward Bound Schools 11:29 The Philosophy of Crew and Educational Impact 14:51 Challenges and Hopes for the Future 19:53 Empowerment and Responsibility in Education 23:14 Optimism and Resilience in Society 23:59 Success, Failure, and Persistence 24:39 The Role of Challenge and Support in Education 27:39 Empowering Students Through Community 30:49 Universal Values in Education 35:37 Critical Thinking and Adaptability 40:06 The Importance of Social and Emotional Learning 42:44 Final Thoughts and Book Promotion

    46 min

  6. 07/08/2025

    Education Reform in Action: Insights from Josh Thomases

    This episode of Innovations in Education with David Adams features Josh Thomases, a seasoned educator, leader, and CEO of IPsquared, a leadership consulting firm, discussing his decades of experience at the intersection of education, equity, and innovation. Why Listen? Solving Education's Toughest Problems: Josh shares insights from his extensive career, including his time at the Great Oaks Foundation, Bank Street College of Education, and the New York City Department of Education (NYCDOE). He highlights how he helped launch over 350 small schools in New York City, a model proven to significantly improve graduation and college outcomes for underserved students. Transforming a System: Learn about the challenges faced by the NYCDOE in the early 2000s, such as inconsistent accountability, a favor-based system, and stagnant graduation rates. Thomases explains the "Children First initiative" and the shift towards a system of "great schools" where the school itself was the unit of change. Key Innovations Discussed: Fair Student Funding: Discover how shifting funding from a per-teacher basis to a per-student basis incentivized schools to take on more challenging students and promoted equity. Accountability Systems and Comparison Groups: Understand the development of public report cards and comparison groups that allowed schools to contextualize their performance while still being held accountable for student outcomes and growth. New School Development: Hear about the strategy of closing large, underperforming schools and opening new, smaller schools to drive innovation and improve outcomes. Operational Excellence: Thomases emphasizes the importance of central departments adopting a service mentality, ensuring essential functions like timely teacher payments, efficient busing, quality school food, and facility repairs operate smoothly to support educators. Key Takeaways: Data-Driven Decision Making: The importance of transparency and utilizing data to understand student needs and drive continuous improvement. Fostering Innovation: How large school systems can foster innovation without "experimenting on students" by creating opportunities for diverse approaches. Collective Responsibility: The fundamental idea that a school system must take responsibility for educating every child in its community, regardless of perceived challenges. Learning from Experience: The need to systematize how schools and systems learn from their successes and failures, moving beyond anecdotal evidence. Embracing the Political Nature of Schools: Acknowledging that schools are political spaces and fostering dialogue across differences within these community institutions. This episode offers valuable lessons for current education reform efforts, emphasizing that good policy and a focus on incentives, accountability, and systemic support can drive positive outcomes. Don't miss future episodes – subscribe to Innovations in Education wherever you get your podcasts today. To learn more, visit us the Urban Assembly.

    47 min

  7. 06/03/2025

    Bridging the Education and Workforce Gap with Dr. Jonah Schenker and Peter Harris from Ulster BOCES

    Join host David Adams, CEO of the Urban Assembly, as he welcomes Dr. Jonah Schenker, District Superintendent, and Peter Harris, Assistant Superintendent for Career Pathways, from Ulster BOCES to the Innovations in Education. Dr. Schenker and Mr. Harris explain BOCES' role as an educational service agency focused on shared services, efficiency, and economic benefits for school districts in Ulster County, New York. The conversation centers on IPark 87, a new initiative designed to address the persistent mismatch between educational outputs and labor market needs. Peter describes IPark 87 as an "agglomeration project" focused on bringing together resources to become a workforce developer for the campus and the county through CTE and adult education. This innovative approach aims to fill labor gaps by offering agile labs for both high school students and adults, encompassing fields like aviation, culinary arts, healthcare, finance, and criminal justice. The discussion also tackles the stigma often associated with career technical education, emphasizing that the outdated vocational model is no longer relevant. Instead, Ulster BOCES focuses on fostering engagement, relevancy, and joy in learning, leading to increased enrollment in CTE programs despite declining overall school enrollments. To hear more great content around innovations in education, subscribe to the podcast. Visit us at the Urban Assembly to learn more.

    50 min

  8. 05/06/2025

    Opening Minds with International Education with Shaun Carver, CEO and Executive Director at International House @ UC Berkeley

    This episode of Innovations in Education takes us beyond the K-12 sector to explore the vital role of international education in higher ed. Host David Adams speaks with Dr. Shaun Carver, CEO and Executive Director of the International House at UC Berkeley, about the importance of creating inclusive communities that embrace diverse perspectives.   Dr. Carver shares insights from the I House's century-long commitment to fostering intercultural dialogue, addressing critical questions about the value of diversity in education, the complexities of free speech, and how we can cultivate the next generation of empathetic, globally-minded citizens. Like what you're hearing? Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Visit us at The Urban Assembly to learn more.

    43 min
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Urban Assembly CEO and social-emotional learning expert David Adams talks with people who have solved problems and made things work to improve public education. Learn more about The Urban Assembly at www.urbanassembly.org.

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