Episodes

  • Leading the Turnaround at PS70 "The Max" with Roxanne Ledda

    Leading the Turnaround at PS70 "The Max" with Roxanne Ledda
    Jan 27 2025
    In this episode of Innovations in Education, host David Adams speaks with Roxanne Ledda, principal of PS70, the Max Schoenfeld aka "The Max" in the Bronx. Roxanne shares her inspiring journey from a childhood in the Bronx to leading efforts in public education. The discussion highlights her innovative and community-centered approach to school transformation, including efforts to improve instructional practices, build supportive environments, and increase parental engagement. Through her vision of creative, caring, and community-focused education, Roxanne has successfully removed the school from the state's CSI designation, raising attendance and academic performance along the way. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to Innovations in Education 00:49 Meet Roxanne Ledda: A Journey from the Bronx to Leadership 02:23 Roxanne's Early Life and Education 04:00 Challenges and Triumphs in Teaching 06:09 From Teacher to Administrator 11:15 Leading Special Education Initiatives 13:57 Navigating Educational Reforms 16:32 Taking the Helm at PS70 During COVID 23:30 Vision and Teacher Engagement 23:47 Creating a Cultural Shift 24:55 The Three C's: Creative, Caring, Community 30:10 Overcoming Pushback and Building Trust 37:57 Measuring Success and Outcomes 44:02 Next Steps for The Max 46:41 Conclusion and Reflections
    Show more Show less
    48 mins
  • "And Is the Higher Bar" Reflections on School Reform and More with Coursemojo Co-CEO Dacia Toll

    "And Is the Higher Bar" Reflections on School Reform and More with Coursemojo Co-CEO Dacia Toll
    Jan 13 2025
    In this episode of Innovations in Education, host David Adams, CEO of the Urban Assembly, welcomes Dacia Toll, co-founder and co-CEO of Coursemojo. They discuss the importance of showcasing educational success stories and the role of innovative solutions in improving public education. Dacia shares the idea that "and is the higher bar" when it comes to our goals for our kids and our schools. Dacia shares her journey from founding Amistad Academy and leading Achievement First to her current work with Coursemojo bringing AI tools into the classroom. They explore the challenges of teacher recruitment and retention, the potential of AI in education, and the evolving landscape of educational reform. The episode concludes with a lightning round addressing calculus vs. data science, college for all vs. career pathways, and the future role of AI in education. Don't miss this one! It's a "must-listen." Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to Innovations in Education 00:49 Meet Deysha Toll: A Leader in Education 02:29 Founding Achievement First: Breaking the Demographic Trap 04:03 Expanding to New York: Collaboration and Teacher Training 06:02 CourseMojo and the Future of Public Education 10:21 Challenges and Changes in Educational Reform 17:05 Reflecting on Successes and Future Goals 22:04 Expanding the Definition of Student Success 23:04 Addressing Challenges with AI in Education 23:35 CourseMojo's Approach to Middle School ELA 25:00 Supporting Teachers with AI Tools 26:06 Interactive and Differentiated Learning Experiences 27:00 Teacher Support and Real-Time Dashboards 28:03 The Role of AI in Enhancing Classroom Learning 34:52 Lightning Round: Quick Takes on Education Topics 35:38 Balancing College and Career Pathways 37:16 The Purpose of Public Schooling 44:26 Developing Effective EdTech Solutions 46:06 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
    Show more Show less
    47 mins
  • I Am Nobody's Slave: A Journey with Author Lee Hawkins

    I Am Nobody's Slave: A Journey with Author Lee Hawkins
    Dec 11 2024
    In this episode of Innovations in Education, host David Adams, CEO of the Urban Assembly, interviews Lee Hawkins, a Pulitzer Prize finalist and author of I Am Nobody’s Slave: How Uncovering My Family’s History Set Me Free. They discuss how uncovering his family's history has shaped Lee's understanding of personal and collective liberation. Lee shares his journey of exploring his ancestry, the impact of language and discipline, and the enduring legacy of slavery and Jim Crow. The conversation delves into complex themes of identity, dignity, and the transformative power of education and critical thinking in understanding one's past and shaping one's future. Subscribe to Innovations in Education with David Adams wherever you get your podcasts. Visit us at the Urban Assembly for more. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to Innovations in Education 00:49 Meet Lee Hawkins: Pulitzer Prize Finalist 01:19 Exploring Family History and Liberation 05:10 The Power of Language and Identity 08:05 Legacy, Heritage, and Personal Growth 12:39 Challenges and Triumphs in Education 21:32 Reflections on Discipline and Parenting 30:32 Dignity and Black Identity in America 40:39 Confronting America's Complex History 47:24 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
    Show more Show less
    50 mins
  • From Chemistry to Classrooms to Aviation: A Conversation with Jean-Claude Brizard, CEO of Digital Promise

    From Chemistry to Classrooms to Aviation: A Conversation with Jean-Claude Brizard, CEO of Digital Promise
    Nov 12 2024
    In this episode of Innovations in Education, host David Adams, CEO of the Urban Assembly, sits down with Jean Claude Brizard, President and CEO of Digital Promise. We delve into Jean Claude's illustrious career in education, ranging from his beginnings as a chemistry student to his impactful tenure in various educational leadership roles. We explore pivotal moments in his career, his formative experiences teaching at Rikers Island, and his innovative contributions to public education. The discussion expands to the challenges and successes of educational reform over the past several decades, including his thoughts on the complexities of integrating technology into the classroom. Jean Claude also shares his insights on the role of AI in education, the importance of critical thinking, and the necessity for educators to stay ahead of the curve. We round out the conversation with analogies between leadership and flying an airplane, emphasizing the importance of foresight and adaptability in both fields. Tune in for a rich discussion that bridges personal narratives and broad educational insights. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Visit us at UrbanAssembly.org for more. Time Stamps: 00:00 Introduction to Innovations in Education 00:43 Meet Jean Claude Brizard 03:02 Jean Claude's Career Journey 05:01 Impactful Teaching Moments 10:22 Mentorship and Career Growth 14:17 Challenges and Realities in Education 19:12 Educational Reform Insights 23:39 Success Stories in Chicago Education 26:30 Chicago's Neighborhood Schools and Renaissance 2010 27:08 The Intersection of Politics and Education 27:26 Immigration and Its Impact on Public Education 28:00 The Role of Politics in American Schools 28:45 Challenges Faced by Superintendents 29:35 The Call to Abolish the U.S. Education Department 30:37 The Importance of Critical Thinking in Education 34:37 Proximity and Diversity in Education 38:26 Digital Promise and Educational Innovation 42:03 The Role of AI in Education 48:38 Leadership Lessons from Aviation 50:37 Concluding Thoughts and Reflections
    Show more Show less
    52 mins
  • Reinventing Public Education with Robin Lake

    Reinventing Public Education with Robin Lake
    Oct 23 2024
    In this episode of Innovations in Education, host David Adams, CEO of the Urban Assembly, engages in a comprehensive discussion with Robin Lake, director of the Center for Reinventing Public Education (CRPE). The conversation covers a wide range of topics including the impact of COVID-19 on American education, innovative school models, the integration of AI in education, and the importance of addressing the research-practice gap. Robin emphasizes evidence-based solutions, the necessity of pragmatic research, and innovative staffing models to improve customized learning and equity in schools. She reflects on her Ten Predictions for Learning Recovery, Innovation in Education for 2024 with David, taking a read on how she's doing so far. We touch on the rise of charter schools, equitable access to educational opportunities, and innovative investments. The episode concludes with a call to action for policymakers and educators to strive for a positive vision for the future of public education. Subscribe to Innovations in Education with David Adams wherever you get your podcasts. Visit us at The Urban Assembly to learn more. References: Wicked Opportunities: Leveraging AI to Transform Education The Canopy Project Time Stamps: 00:00 Introduction to Innovations in Education 00:43 Meet Robin Lake: Director of CRPE 01:02 Robin Lake's Background and Achievements 03:02 Discussing CRPE's Mission and Work 05:43 Innovations in Education: Key Focus Areas 07:32 The Role of AI in Education 16:10 Challenges and Opportunities in American Education 21:29 Funding and the Future of Education 24:57 Predictions on Learning Recovery 25:37 Staffing Practices and State Intervention 26:39 Legal Challenges and Special Education 27:43 AI in Education 28:51 Attendance and Absenteeism 31:08 Political Upheaval in School Boards 34:48 Charter Schools and School Choice 39:00 Good Instruction and Equity 39:49 College Access and Career Pathways 41:52 Public Education in the Presidential Election 43:28 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
    Show more Show less
    45 mins
  • Dr. Linda Darling-Hammond on Reimagining Public Education

    Dr. Linda Darling-Hammond on Reimagining Public Education
    Sep 26 2024
    In this episode of Innovations in Education, host David Adams from The Urban Assembly welcomes Dr. Linda Darling-Hammond, a renowned education expert and policy advocate and President and CEO of The Learning Institute. We explore Linda's key innovations in education, including redesigning schools for more supportive environments, improving teacher education, and addressing inequitable school funding systems. She shares insights from the science of learning and development, emphasizing the importance of creating safe, engaging, and personalized learning environments. We discuss the evolving purpose of public education in light of changing workforce needs and technological advancements like AI. Linda advocates for a shift from selecting and sorting students to developing each student's unique talents and capacities. We dive into the concept of community schools as a model for integrating supports and fostering civic engagement. The conversation concludes with a call to action for policymakers and educators to strive for equitable, high-quality education for all children, not just a select few. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Visit us at UrbanAssembly.org for more.
    Show more Show less
    30 mins
  • Rashid Duroseau and Steven Popper on Civics Education and Democracy Prep

    Rashid Duroseau and Steven Popper on Civics Education and Democracy Prep
    Jul 9 2024
    In this episode of Innovations in Education with David Adams, we explore the vital role of civic education in public schools with Rashid Duroseau and Stephen Popper from Democracy Prep. We discuss how their charter network integrates civics into every aspect of learning, from traditional classroom instruction to hands-on community projects. The conversation delves into the challenges of teaching civics in today's political climate and the importance of developing students' sense of efficacy within institutions. We examine Democracy Prep's innovative approaches, including student leadership councils and a new self-development program. Throughout, we reflect on the broader purpose of public education in shaping engaged citizens and the future of American democracy.
    Show more Show less
    47 mins
  • Shannon Cox and Candice Sears - Ohio's Educational Innovators

    Shannon Cox and Candice Sears - Ohio's Educational Innovators
    Jun 4 2024
    David Adams dives into Ohio's innovative education landscape with Shannon Cox and Candice Sears from Montgomery County Educational Service Center. Shannon shares her journey from aspiring fighter pilot to superintendent and Candice tells her more traditional pathway to a career in education. We explore their groundbreaking initiatives: an integrated SEL curriculum, a preschool for foster care children, and a Future Self Center offering restorative alternatives to expulsion. Cox and Sears discuss Ohio's leadership in STEM, early college, and connections with private industry. They emphasize the importance of AI literacy, with Ohio leading statewide initiatives in a global context. Don't miss this conversation about building students' "future self" competency, helping them envision their future and navigate life's challenges. We also touch on the role of teacher-student trust in driving academic outcomes. Listen in to hear how Ohio's educators are innovating to ensure every child has the skills to thrive in an ever-changing world.
    Show more Show less
    46 mins