It's Intentional

Contemplating Reopening: Remediation, Accelerating Learning and Equitable Resource Allocation

In this episode of It's Intentional, Dr. Michael Piccirillo speaks with Jerome Steele, CASDA's Assistant Director for Research and Program Development about multiple issues shaping a potential return to more in person instruction in the fall.  They discuss how notions of "learning loss" popularized by media outlets may lead to the adoption of remedial instructional practices and the implementation of a narrow, colonized curriculum. They go on to discuss research supporting culturally responsive texts as a driver of student engagement and improved reading comprehension as one possible alternative to remedial instruction. Finally, they recognize the role of antiracist activism and organizing in securing full funding for state foundation aid and discuss how districts discuss can look to community-driven educational co-design to ensure that the resources are allocated equitably.

What Do We Mean When We Talk About Learning Loss?

In this episode of It's Intentional, Dr. Piccirillo drills down on recent discussions about "learning loss." He questions the assumptions behind the concept of learning loss and interrogates whose interest this discourse is serving. Mike also shares ongoing research that undermines the crisis framing around this narrative. Finally, he raises questions about how this perceived crisis will be weaponized to further entrench existing inequity.

Maslow or Bloom: It's About Relationships

What is the purpose of education? Is it to meet the physiological and safety needs of students, the cognitive learning needs of students or both?  These are the central questions addressed in the latest episode of It's Intentional.  Delving into and comparing Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs and Bloom's Taxonomy for Learning, Mike asserts regardless of which theoretical framework you lean towards, in the end it's all about relationship

The Big Reset

In the first episode of It's Intentional for 2021, Mike suggests with all of the tumult occurring in and around students and educators lives, it might be a good time for "The Big Reset".  Drawing on the work of Zaretta Hammond and Charlotte Danielson, Mike encourages listeners to take the time to focus on the foundation for positive learning environments, relationships.

Overcoming the Voice of Privilege

In this episode of It's Intentional, Mike takes us on a personal and professional journey through Otto Scharmer's Theory U.  Along the way he identifies the inner voice of privilege as a roadblock to action and calls on educators to resist the voice and join in co-creating an antiracists, antisexist and equitable educational system.