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. Special Bonus Episode: AI, Equity, and the Human Connection at ASU+GSV with Dr. Christina Cipriano

    5H AGO

    Special Bonus Episode: AI, Equity, and the Human Connection at ASU+GSV with Dr. Christina Cipriano

    In this special bonus episode of Innovations in Education, recorded live in front of a vibrant audience at the ASU+GSV Summit in San Diego, host David Adams sits down with Dr. Christina Cipriano for a fireside chat that brings you directly into the room where the future of learning is being shaped. This session explores how K-12 school systems can move beyond the hype of artificial intelligence to leverage technology in ways that expand access, strengthen human connection, and ensure equity for every learner. Dr. Cipriano, Director of the Education Collaboratory at Yale, introduces her "Seen, Served, and Safe" framework, highlighting the urgent need to move evidence-based science out from behind paywalls and into the models powering today’s AI. She warns that without intentionality, AI models will continue to draw from biased, outdated data that fails to represent the true diversity of the human experience. David Adams, CEO of The Urban Assembly, complements this by framing AI as a "constraint releaser," a tool designed not to add more energy to an overtaxed system, but to release the energy already there to support better student outcomes. The conversation hits a high gear with a rapid-fire "Could vs. Should" exercise that you won't want to miss. David and Chris engage the audience to tackle the most provocative questions facing educators today: Could AI replace teachers or therapists? Should it? The debate dives into the dangers of "cognitive offloading" and the non-negotiable reality that young people require deep, authentic relationships to truly learn. The episode concludes with a powerful reflection on societal priorities, asking why we are investing so much energy into "zeros and ones" while the budgets for our actual children are being cut. It is a call for educators to map their creativity to technology and realize solutions in real time for the young people standing right in front of them. Subscribe to Innovations in Education to ensure you never miss a conversation like this one, featuring the innovators who are making public education work for every student. Time Stamps: [00:00:00] Live intro from the ASU+GSV Summit in San Diego [00:01:06] Dr. Cipriano on ensuring students are seen, served, and safe [00:04:18] David Adams on AI as a "constraint releaser" for schools [00:06:54] The paywall problem and how biased data feeds AI models [00:10:49] Investing in human skills vs. autonomous AI decision-making [00:14:40] Reflections on Lieutenant Commander Data: Investing in silicon vs. youth [00:21:55] The "Could vs. Should" rapid-fire exercise begins [00:24:28] Can AI solve the mental health crisis in rural populations? [00:29:43] Why human-in-the-loop is essential for educational tools [00:34:25] The central role of relationships as the mechanism of learning [00:41:35] Final thoughts: Choosing to invest in our future

    43 min
  2. Insights from Harlem Village Academies Founder and The Well-Educated Child Author Dr. Deborah Kenny

    APR 21

    Insights from Harlem Village Academies Founder and The Well-Educated Child Author Dr. Deborah Kenny

    On this episode of Innovations in Education, host David Adams, CEO of the Urban Assembly sits down with Dr. Deborah Kenny, an American educator and the founder of Harlem Village Academies. While this wide-ranging discussion covers Dr. Kenny's career shift from corporate publishing to charter school leadership, listeners can find a deeper exploration of her educational philosophy in her book, The Well-Educated Child: How the Principles and Practices of Quality Thinking, Agency, and Ethical Purpose Cultivate Deeper Learning. This conversation highlights how innovators are solving complex problems in public education by focusing on what truly works for young people. Dr. Kenny reflects on her transition from being the president of Sesame Street Publishing to establishing a learning lab in Harlem. She explains that her school network exists to provide an excellent education to children who have historically been underserved despite their immense potential. Drawing on her experiences as both a mother and a lifelong educator, she describes the "entrepreneur's mind" required to build schools that move beyond uninspired, bureaucratic models. The episode delves into specific pedagogical approaches, such as constructivist math instruction that encourages students to solve problems actively rather than passively memorizing formulas. Dr. Kenny and David also discuss the purpose of schooling through the lens of figures like James Baldwin and Ted Sizer, emphasizing the need for students to use their minds well and develop independent thinking. Dr. Kenny shares her skepticism regarding the rush to implement AI in classrooms, advocating instead for the "low-tech" power of reading great works and writing by hand. By the end of the conversation, Dr. Kenny outlines how to cultivate intrinsic motivation and agency in students. She argues against the "rat race" of grades and rankings, suggesting that the true goal of education is to help children discover their calling and sense of purpose in the world. Subscribe to Innovations in Education today to ensure you never miss a conversation with the leaders shaping the future of public schools. You can find more information and pick up a copy of Dr. Kenny's book at thewell-educatedchild.org. Episode Timestamps 00:00 — Welcome to Innovations in Education with host David Adams 03:50 — The career exercise that revealed an "educator’s heart" 08:40 — Meeting Jeff Canada and the spark for Harlem Village Academies 13:10 — Constructivist math and the "Teaching Gap" 17:20 — James Baldwin and the purpose of a school 21:00 — Intellectual humility and deep research projects 23:45 — Skepticism of AI and the value of notebooks over Chromebooks 32:40 — Quality thinking, agency, and ethical purpose 36:20 — Navigating universal virtues in a polarized society 39:15 — The application of knowledge and the concept of "transfer" 40:50 — Why intrinsic motivation beats extrinsic rewards 44:10 — Helping students discern their calling and life's purpose 46:40 — Closing remarks and resources

    47 min
  3. Radical Clarity and 100% Proficiency: A Conversation with LEAD 359's Dr. Alexa Sorden and Dr. Jennifer Charlot

    APR 8

    Radical Clarity and 100% Proficiency: A Conversation with LEAD 359's Dr. Alexa Sorden and Dr. Jennifer Charlot

    In this episode of Innovations in Education recorded LIVE and on site in the South Bronx, host David Adams, CEO of the Urban Assembly, continues his mission to highlight the educators and innovators who are solving the toughest problems in public education. While many conversations in the sector focus on systemic failures, this series remains dedicated to what is actually working for young people. Adams travels to the South Bronx to visit LEAD 359 (Leaders of Excellence, Advocacy, and Discovery), a Title 1 school located in the nation’s poorest congressional district. Joining him are Dr. Alexa Sorden, the school’s founding principal, and Dr. Jennifer Charlot, Managing Partner at Transcend. Together, they explore how a neighborhood school—composed entirely of local students—achieved a staggering 100% proficiency in ELA and 98% proficiency in Math in 2024. The conversation deconstructs the "special sauce" behind these outcomes, moving past educational buzzwords to discuss concrete systems. Dr. Sorden details her signature Collaborative Reading protocol—a highly scaffolded, 15-minute daily structure that allows even kindergarteners to engage with texts several grade levels above their own. The episode also dives into the school’s unique approach to departmentalization starting in kindergarten, and how radical leadership clarity allows teachers to release control and foster student independence. From student-led progress reports to a curriculum that prioritizes "quality over quantity," this episode offers a masterclass in building school coherence. As Dr. Charlot notes, the journey toward excellence often requires educators to "release fear" and trust in the capacity of their students. Subscribe to Innovations in Education wherever you get your podcast so you never miss an episode like this one. Time Stamps: 00:00 - Introduction to Innovations in Education 01:00 - Guest introductions: Dr. Alexa Sorden and Dr. Jennifer Charlot 01:30 - Dr. Sorden’s "why": From reading tutor to educational leader 02:45 - Dr. Charlot’s "why": Bridging academic rigor and social-emotional learning 03:55 - The partnership: How LEAD 359 and Transcend began collaborating 05:15 - Defining LEAD: Excellence, Advocacy, and Discovery 08:20 - School history and structure: From 3K through 8th Grade 09:50 - Exceptional Results: 100% ELA and 98% Math proficiency in the South Bronx 11:10 - The "Special Sauce": The 5-phase Collaborative Reading protocol 15:50 - Systemic Consistency: Departmentalization beginning in Kindergarten 18:10 - Leadership Clarity: Providing teachers with clear structures for success 22:05 - Releasing Control: Moving from teacher-led talk to student-led thinking 24:50 - Strategic Spending: Investing in home libraries, trips, and hands-on tools 26:40 - Instructional Coherence: Integrating Arts and STEAM into core subjects 31:25 - Ownership of Learning: Data tracking and student-led progress reports 34:35 - The Future of LEAD: Developing a Bronx Arts and STEAM hub 35:50 - Final Takeaways: Releasing fear and the necessity of love in education

    39 min
  4. Scaling Portfolio Assessment and Insights from Dance with Jillian Juman

    MAR 25

    Scaling Portfolio Assessment and Insights from Dance with Jillian Juman

    In this episode of Innovations in Education, host David Adams, CEO of the Urban Assembly, sits down with Jillian Juman, CEO of Envision Education. Juman shares her unique journey from a professional dancer to a national leader in deeper learning and performance assessment. The conversation explores the profound connections between the arts and the classroom, emphasizing the importance of feedback, the power of being seen, and the necessity of moving beyond perfectionism toward continuous mastery. Juman discusses Envision Education's nationally recognized portfolio defense model, where students demonstrate mastery through public defense of their learning. She argues that this approach moves education away from rote memorization and toward authentic application, ensuring that students see the relevance of their work to their own identities and communities. The episode also touches on the role of artificial intelligence in education, the challenge of balancing remediation with high-level engagement, and the need for operational humility when scaling innovative school models across the country. Key Takeaways: The Synergy of Dance and TeachingJuman views teaching as a continuous cycle of feedback and growth, much like a dance class where a student’s energy is acknowledged and refined. This mindset shifts the focus from static achievement to a lifelong journey of learning. Portfolio Defense as a Path to EmpowermentThe portfolio defense model allows students to not only show what they know but explain why they know it. By defending their work publicly, students "earn" their education and build the confidence necessary for college and future leadership. Challenging the Deficit MindsetEducation often treats students from impoverished backgrounds with a focus on remediation and rote recall. Juman advocates for a "both/and" approach that closes academic gaps while simultaneously engaging students in deep, meaningful projects that honor their intelligence and identity. AI and the Embodiment of KnowledgeWhile AI can streamline the creation of materials and rubrics, Juman emphasizes that true learning requires students to embody and internalize information. The goal for educators is to leverage AI to save time on documentation so they can focus more on the human elements of coaching and practice. Scaling Innovation through CollaborationEnvision Education operates as a small network to remain nimble while partnering with districts nationwide. Juman highlights the importance of being "system agnostic," working with both charter and district schools to spread effective practices without hoarding solutions. Time Stamps: 00:00 Introduction to Jillian Juman and Envision Education 01:45 The relationship between dance, feedback, and the classroom 04:40 The intuitive connection and energy shared between teachers and students 07:45 Moving from perfectionism to mastery and continuous growth 11:45 Understanding the portfolio defense model and student agency 15:30 Defending performance assessments against the "loosey-goosey" critique 19:40 Using dance to teach math equations and bridge learning gaps 22:45 Why Envision Education chooses to stay small and partner with districts 27:15 Lightning Round: New York vs. California 34:50 The impact of AI on school assessments and documentation 39:55 The analogy of the choreographer versus the dancer in leadership

    44 min
  5. The Power of Small Schools with Dr. Rebecca Unterman

    MAR 11

    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
  6. 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
  7. 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

  8. 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
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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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