Designing Education

Turning School Data into Real-Time Student Support

In Season 4, Episode 6 of the Designing Education Podcast, Dr. Robert Balfanz speaks with Dr. J.T. Stark, Data Analytics Coordinator for the Washoe County School District [https://www.washoeschools.net/] in Nevada, about how schools can move from collecting data to using it in powerful, practical ways. Too often, schools have access to data that is not organized to support real-time insight, leaving educators without what they need to support students before it’s too late. In this episode, you’ll hear: ·         Why common attendance measures fall short and what attendance data schools need to be proactive ·         How actionable data can help identify students in need of support earlier ·         Lessons from Washoe County School District’s in-house approach to creating data tools that educators actually use At a time when chronic absenteeism remains elevated and too many students are at risk of falling off track, this conversation highlights how better use of data can help schools respond earlier, more effectively, and with greater impact.

Designing Career Pathways for All Students with PREP-KC

We’re excited to share our new episode of Design Education, featuring an engaging conversation between Dr. Robert Balfanz and Doug Elmer, Vice President of PREP-KC, [https://prepkc.org/] a Missouri-based nonprofit expanding access to meaningful career pathways for students across the Kansas City region. This episode explores what it truly takes to provide students with the career exposure, experiences, and real-world applications they need to make informed and prepared choices on the path to adult success. In this episode, you’ll hear about: * How PREP-KC builds career pathways from elementary school through postsecondary education * What meaningful career exploration looks like at each stage—elementary, middle, and high school * How education systems can keep pace with rapid labor market changes, including the rise of AI * Key lessons, obstacles, and advice for communities looking to replicate and sustain this work This conversation offers both practical insights and real optimism about what is possible when communities commit to long-term, student-centered career pathways.

Strengthening Schools Through Community Collaboration

In this episode, James Ellout, Vice President of Community Impact at United Way of Northeast Florida [https://unitedwaynefl.org/community-partners/]joins Dr. Robert Balfanz to talk about how community organizations can partner with schools to increase student success. Four years after the height of the pandemic, schools are still facing high rates of absenteeism, declining academic achievement, and growing well-being challenges. These needs are often too great for schools to address alone. James shares how United Way of Northeast Florida is helping bring community partners and schools together to expand capacity, provide timely supports, and ensure that every student has the opportunity to thrive. Listen now to hear how these partnerships are helping schools reimagine what it takes to support all young people on the path to success.

Harnessing Youth Power: The Girls Inc. Story

Girls in our nation’s urban areas—and in communities across the county—face significant challenges on the path to academic achievement and adult success. That’s why the work of Girls Inc. of Chicago [https://www.girlsincofchicago.org/] is so inspiring. Since 1865, Girls Inc. has  harnessed the power of youth helping youth, and they are redefining what support can look like. Each year, nearly 8 million high school juniors and seniors in the U.S. could be tapped as youth leaders, mentors, tutors, or success coaches. Imagine the impact if even a fraction took on these roles—millions more young people empowered to help their peers succeed, while building their own leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills. In this episode, Yani Mason, Chief Executive Officer of Girls Inc. of Chicago speaks with Dr. Robert Balfanz about how near-peer supports are transforming communities, strengthening school connectedness, and driving both academic and personal growth. You’ll learn about best practices and how engaging in pro-social activities creates a ripple effect of empowerment. Connections to help girls become the best versions of themselves and reach their fullest potential.

Bridging the Gap: Postsecondary Guidance for Every Student

What does it really take to help all students plan for what’s next after high school? In this episode of Designing Education, Dr. Robert Balfanz speaks with Andy Schmitz, senior managing director of system impact at OneGoal [https://www.onegoal.org/], a national nonprofit dedicated to helping students navigate their postsecondary journeys. The discussion also explores how improved access to post-secondary outcomes data, leadership networks, and innovative partnerships can help schools provide timely, informative, and actionable post-secondary guidance that help put all their students on real pathways to success. Don’t miss this insightful conversation about transforming high school post-secondary guidance into a powerful tool that supports all students. Subscribe to Designing Education wherever you listen to podcasts — and never miss an episode. Links to Additional Resources:  * Measurement for Mobility [https://edstrategy.org/resource/measurement-for-mobility/] * Carnegie Classifications [https://carnegieclassifications.acenet.edu/] * KY Futuriti  [https://futuriti.org/] * OneGoal Quality Enrollment [https://www.onegoal.org/about/blog/finding-your-best-postsecondary-fit/] * National Student Clearinghouse StudentTracker [https://www.studentclearinghouse.org/solutions/ed-insights/studenttracker/]