Learning Unboxed Annalies Corbin & 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.org

We 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 island
Resources:
Learn more at Kentucky’s Innovative Learning Network 
Produced by NOVA Media

It’s time to get free from oppression, both inside the classroom and out: internalized oppression, interpersonal oppression, ideological oppression, institutional oppression. That’s what Dr. Michelle Sadrena Pledger is here to talk with us about today.
Michelle is the Founder of Living for Liberation and is also the Director of Liberation at the High Tech High Graduate School of Education. Her specialty is liberatory project-based learning. That’s when young people experience a learning environment that’s culturally responsive and centered in knowing and improving the world around them. 
We talk about how to incorporate equity stances, identity, belonging, place, dialogue, and democratization in teaching practices— even if you have to stick to a standardized curriculum. 
And there’s absolutely no expectation of being perfect! So please enjoy this episode with Michelle and enjoy liberatory learning.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:
Michelle’s Notice, Name, Navigate frameworkThe importance of student agency and action in liberatory learningHow liberatory learning leads to deeper learning
Resources:
Learn more at LivingForLiberation.comRead: Three Steps to Success with The Human Experience GPSRead LIBERATE! Pocket-Sized Paradigms for Liberatory LearningPodcast: Unapologetic & Uninterrupted with Dr. Michelle Sadrena Pledger (Available on all platforms)
Produced by NOVA Media

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.org

We 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 program
Resources:
Learn more about Big Brothers Big Sisters of New York CityFollow Big Brothers Big Sisters of New York City on Instagram @BBBSNYC
Produced by NOVA Media

Steve Heath calls himself a “professional confuser.” In a world where kids are defined by grades, test scores, attendance, and behavior, Steve’s organization asks them what they want to do and then helps them do it.
Steve is executive director and co-founder of FabNewport. FabNewport provides underserved youth with the opportunity to learn how to code, sew, design, prototype, run CNC machines, and imagine new possibilities. In the 10 years, he’s served more than 20,000 middle and high school students, maintained long-term relationships with 3 school districts, and trained hundreds of educators to be better engaged.
Join us as we discuss how to develop ecosystems of personalized learning by connecting home bases, learning hubs, and field sites.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:
How to scale up an organization while still providing an individualized approach for each learner.The concept of ecosystems of learning and the role of community in education.The importance of building a lasting mentorship team around each kid.
Resources:
Learn more about FabNewport.Follow FabNewport on Instagram: @fabnewport.Watch Education Reimagined’s Big Idea video. 
Produced by NOVA Media

Students often face the double burden of experiencing trauma then feeling isolated and powerless. Educators don’t always know when to step in and what tools to offer. Jenna Edwards’ new book, “Aggressive Optimism,” seeks to fix that.
“Aggressive Optimism” is a novel based on Jenna’s own experience with a devastating accident and resulting PTSD. The coming-of-age book is written for high school students. Jenna describes it as an “emotional resonance of Girl Interrupted with the empowering essence of Legally Blonde.” The goal is for students to connect with the characters while learning mental health tools embedded in the story.
In this episode we cover toxic positivity, resilience, solidarity, and healing. If you or your students have faced PTSD or other mental health issues, you have a friend in this book and in this podcast.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:
What aggressive optimism is and why it is the opposite of toxic positivityThe concept of proactive resilience and trying different toolsSome common misconceptions about PTSD
Resources:
Read the book: Aggressive Optimism Reach out to Jenna to brainstorm how to get this book in your school: Hello@JennaEdwards.com Follow Jenna on Instagram: @jennaedwardsofficial
Produced by NOVA Media

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.org

We unbox:
Research on curiosity and learning The role community plays in educationHow Mr. Rogers’ took on big topics like race and disability
Resources:
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