Innovations in Education with David Adams

In this episode of Innovations in Education, host David Adams [https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-adams-10236721/], CEO of the Urban Assembly [https://urbanassembly.org], interviews Lee Hawkins [https://www.linkedin.com/in/lee-hawkins-8bb179/], a Pulitzer Prize finalist and author of I Am [https://www.harpercollins.com/products/i-am-nobodys-slave-lee-hawkins?variant=42417685856290]Nobody’s Slave: How Uncovering My Family’s History Set Me Free [https://www.harpercollins.com/products/i-am-nobodys-slave-lee-hawkins?variant=42417685856290]. 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 [https://cms.megaphone.fm/channel/PLMD4489652411?selected=PLMD4027544138] wherever you get your podcasts. Visit us at the Urban Assembly [https://urbanassembly.org] 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

In this episode of Innovations in Education, host David Adams, CEO of the Urban Assembly [https://urbanassembly.org], sits down with Jean Claude Brizard, President and CEO of Digital Promise [https://digitalpromise.org/]. 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 [https://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

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 [https://crpe.org/]). 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 [https://crpe.org/ten-predictions-about-learning-recovery-innovation-in-public-education-in-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 [https://www.urbanassembly.org/media/innovations-in-education-podcast]wherever you get your podcasts. Visit us at The Urban Assembly [https://www.urbanassembly.org] to learn more. References: Wicked Opportunities: Leveraging AI to Transform Education [https://crpe.org/wicked-opportunities-leveraging-ai-to-transform-education/] The Canopy Project [https://canopyschools.org/] 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

In this episode of Innovations in Education, host David Adams from The Urban Assembly [https://www.urbanassembly.org/] welcomes Dr. Linda Darling-Hammond, a renowned education expert and policy advocate and President and CEO of The Learning Institute [https://learningpolicyinstitute.org/]. 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 [https://www.urbanassembly.org/media/innovations-in-education-podcast]. Visit us at UrbanAssembly.org [https://UrbanAssembly.org] for more.

In this episode of Innovations in Education with David Adams [https://www.urbanassembly.org/media/innovations-in-education-podcast], we explore the vital role of civic education in public schools with Rashid Duroseau and Stephen Popper from Democracy Prep [https://democracyprep.org/]. 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.