Impacting the Classroom Teachstone Inc.

Norway has long been recognized for its progressive approach to early childhood education. The country places a significant emphasis on creating nurturing environments for its youngest citizens, offering a glimpse into a system where the well-being and development of children are of utmost importance. In this episode, we invite Ståle Gerhard of FUS Kindergartens to shed light on the pioneering strategies Norway employs in their kindergartens. 
In our conversation today, Ståle shares his expertise on CLASS and its remarkable impact on Norwegian kindergartens. We also examine the impact of CLASS on teacher-student interactions, the cultivation of young minds, and the overall quality of early learning experiences that are shaping the future of education in Norway. 
Topics Discussed in This Episode

[00:00:00] Introduction
[00:00:58] Ståle Gerhard and the work he does
[00:01:36] Norway’s stat and private groups of kindergartens 
[00:02:04] The age range for kindergartens in Norway 
[00:02:35] The values that guide Ståle’s work and whether they’re typical for Norway
[00:03:40] The implementation of CLASS in Ståle’s program
[00:06:40] Who has the responsibility for collecting data 
[00:08:16] How 18 implementation teams were formed
[00:09:47] Communicating with educators in the weeks leading up to observations
[00:10:42] The process after the observation
[00:12:06] The coaching and ongoing support that’s available for educators 
[00:14:53] How the educators Ståle works with feel about CLASS
[00:17:27] How parents feel about CLASS and how they’re impacted
[00:19:57] What the age group ratio looks like in Norway’s kindergarten classrooms
[00:21:18] Barriers to adapting CLASS for Norway kindergartens 
[00:23:03] How CLASS helps support values
[00:27:19] Challenges faced by the workforce in Norway 
[00:31:38] Ongoing supports that address stress and burnout from
[00:33:27] How CLASS-informed data influenced specific decisions in Norway
[00:37:32] Final takeaways from S

In today’s episode, we are joined by Aven Ford from the Children's Coalition for Northeast Louisiana. We discuss CLASS® and its influence on teaching practices. Aven shares the strategic implementation of CLASS observations, the crucial use of the Early Childhood Portal, and the instrumental role of retired educators. We explore effective methods for securing stakeholder buy-in and discuss the importance of performance profiles and personalized coaching in improving childcare quality, especially in rural communities. 
The episode also underscores the criticality of data in shaping educational strategies, with a special focus on the excitement and precision that data collection brings to classroom enhancements. Professional development strategies, such as CLASS Group Coaching (MMCI) training, are highlighted for their ability to reinforce teacher skills and enhance student outcomes. With a focus on stakeholder engagement, data-driven decision-making, and professional development, today’s conversation unveils practical insights and visionary approaches to nurturing young minds. 

[00:00:00] Introduction
[00:00:24] Aven Ford explains where the Children's Coalition for Northeast Louisiana is located and who they serve
[00:01:15] Aven’s first impression of CLASS 
[00:02:40] Aven’s implementation team and how it was formed
[00:06:45] How Aven communicates with educators in the weeks leading up to their class observations
[00:09:44] Aven’s most effective methods in investing all the stakeholders in the CLASS system
[00:12:14] Trainings for educators 
[00:15:21] The cadence of one-to-one visits and coaching sessions
[00:17:15] The process for educators that come mid-year
[00:19:10] Who has responsibility for planning how to collect the class data
[00:23:40] What different types of professional development look like 
[00:27:01] Aligning curriculum and ages and stages with CLASS to enhance classroom interactions
[00:28:18] Strategies that the coaches use to help educators adopt new practices
[00:31:38] How Aven’s beliefs about CLASS have changed
[00:33:52] Lessons Aven wants to share with the listeners 
[00:34:56] Recommendations for other programs that want to implement CLASS

Resources
Marnetta Larrimer&n

Welcome to a new season of Impacting the Classroom. In today’s season opener, we're joined by Bridget Hamre, Teachstone CEO and CLASS author, who sheds light on how educators can enrich their teaching practices to foster whole student development.   
Throughout this episode, we will uncover the critical yet often overlooked connection between a student's emotional well-being and their learning achievements, the role of professional development in bridging the gap between theory and practice, and the importance of nurturing teacher empowerment for creating independent learners.  
Topics Discussed in This Episode  
[00:00:00] Introduction 
[00:01:42] What we should be talking about in addition to EdTech 
[00:03:18] Why we don’t talk about students’ mental health as much as we should  
[00:06:16] Why educators can’t wait for system reform to come  
[00:11:33] Whether professional development correlates with student achievement 
[00:15:18] The goals of professional development and giving teachers what they need 
[00:18:13] What Bridget is hopeful about 
[00:19:52] How to spend limited dollars on professional development 
[00:25:55] Why accountability systems are important and what they should account for. 
[00:31:36] The problem with standardized testing 
[00:33:50] The things tests don’t evaluate  
[00:36:24] The issue of teacher well-being   
Resources 
 Marnetta Larrimer 
Bridget Hamre 

In today’s episode, we continue our discussion with Anna Kresse and Mackenzie Whipps from the Prenatal-to-3 Policy Impact Center. This time, we go beyond the cost of quality childcare and examine the incredible returns on investment it can provide. The science behind the development of children shows us the profound impact of having the right people and settings around them. 
In our conversation, we also consider the role of CLASS® in the Virginia project and its connection to the return on investment in the quality of childcare. Anna and Mackenzie clearly show how inadequate access to childcare for kids, infants, and toddlers costs the nation about $122 billion every year and how childcare plays an important role in the economy. We also look closer at the value of states conducting high-quality, rigorous evaluations to understand the impact of the large influx of resources from pandemic-era funding and childcare.
Topics Discussed in This Episode

[00:00:42] Introducing Anna and Mackenzie and their work at the Prenatal to 3 Policy Impact Center
[00:03:03] How we know that investments in childcare are worth it
[00:10:14] The role that CLASS plays in the return on investment of the childcare work Anna and Mackenzie have been doing.
[00:13:43] A good starting point for an evaluation process
[00:18:00] The reforms New Mexico has been working on and what their outcomes have been 
[00:26:35] Virginia’s reforms and outcomes
[00:35:15] The meaning of theories of change
[00:39:35] Important takeaways from Anna and Mackenzie 

Resources
Marnetta Larrimer
Anna Kresse
Mackenzie Whipps
Report: Articulating the Value of Early Childhood Investments in Virginia
Prenatal-to-3 Policy Impact Center

In today’s episode, we explore the intricacies of the childcare system with distinguished guests, Jen Huffman and Anna Kresse from the Prenatal-to 3-Policy Impact Center at Vanderbilt University. 
Focusing on the enormous ripple effects of investing in affordable, high-quality childcare, our guests highlight the far-reaching benefits of such investments, including enabling thousands of mothers to return to work, lifting children out of poverty, and feeding millions of dollars back into the economy. The discussion explores the difficulties of providing quality childcare at an affordable rate, the need for sustainable funding sources, and the transformative changes implemented by some states to improve their childcare systems.
Topics Discussed in This Episode

[00:01:13] Introducing Jen and Anna
[00:02:50] The value and impacts of investments in early childhood in Virginia 
[00:06:15] Leaning into making early childhood care a reality for Virginia families 
[00:09:42] The reasons why childcare is so expensive 
[00:13:54] Raising the eligibility for childcare subsidies and making them more affordable
[00:20:01] Opportunities for states to leverage more money for childcare
[00:23:37] How states can make the most of the money they have available
[00:28:12] Streamlining the childcare subsidy system to make it less complicated
[00:32:57] Why investing in childcare is worthwhile
[00:33:47] The crucial value of state efforts in funding childcare

Resources
Marnetta Larrimer
Jenn Huffman
Anna Kresse
Report: Articulating the Value of Early Childhood Investments in Virginia
Prenatal-to-3 Policy Impact Center
 

This episode deeply delves into the complexities of special education and intersectionality with Cheryl Poe. Cheryl Poe is the founder and Executive Director of Advocating 4 Kids, Inc., a Special Education Advocacy organization that provides resources, information, and workshops to parents and professionals with a special focus on addressing the needs of Black and Brown children with disabilities.
Cheryl shares her inspiring journey as she transitioned from being a mother battling racism within the educational system to becoming a tireless advocate for her son and other children. Throughout this episode, listeners are invited to explore the intricacies of special education advocacy, shedding light on the pressing need for systemic change. 
Cheryl shares valuable insights about parental rights, the long-term support required for neurodivergent children, and the importance of creating safe spaces for neurodivergent students and breaking down barriers to ensure inclusive learning environments.
Topics Discussed in This Episode

[00:00:56] What an advocate is and what they do
[00:02:49] How Cheryl got to where she is today
[00:12:55] What Cheryl wishes more people knew about the system
[00:18:41] Supporting people in making sure they have the right diagnosis
[00:21:57] Helping families where parents have language or educational barriers
[00:26:04] How advocacy intersects with a lack of inclusiveness in the classroom
[00:27:41] Cheryl’s advice for school leaders
[00:30:33] How the system needs to be addressed at the higher education level
[00:33:58] How the system can help parents find a safe welcome place for their children
[00:36:41] The first advice Cheryl would give to parents of Black or brown children
[00:39:54] The importance of early intervention
[00:41:03] Encouragement for parents to advocate for their child

Resources
Marnetta Larrimer
Cheryl Poe