Impacting the Classroom

Hosted by Teachstone Inc.

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Nov 2024

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Impacting the Classroom brings together educators, policymakers, and researchers who are making an impact in education. Interested in learning more or have a suggestion? Email us at: podcasts@teachstone.com Produced by Teachstone

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25 recent

November 5, 202444 min

AI, Screens, and the Internet: Keeping our Kids Safe

Can the outdated laws meant to protect children in the digital world keep up with the rapidly advancing technology? Join us as we engage in an enlightening discussion with Kris Perry, a passionate advocate for early childhood safety. Kris shares his unique journey from growing up in a family of educators to becoming a social worker and child abuse investigator. We explore the critical need for updated legislation to safeguard children online, delving into the shortcomings of the Children’s Online Privacy and Protection Act and the potential impact of new measures like the Kids Online Safety Act. With insights into state-level efforts in New York, California, Maryland, and Vermont, Kris paints a vivid picture of the legal and political hurdles in creating a safer digital environment for our youth. We tackle the complexities of technology's role in childhood development, balancing it with the necessity for healthy practices. From screen time guidelines for the youngest among us to the importance of media literacy in adolescence, Kris and I discuss how to navigate this digital landscape. His background as a child abuse investigator brings a unique perspective on the pervasive data collection practices that threaten children's privacy. Listeners will find valuable strategies for fostering healthier relationships with technology, from delaying personal devices to establishing screen-free zones. This episode equips parents, educators, and policymakers with the knowledge to better protect and prepare children for the digital challenges ahead. Topics Discussed in This Episode [00:00:45] Kris’s background [00:02:45] How Kris got into the work she’s doing now [00:04:15] Existing technology laws to protect children [00:08:49] The complexity of age requirements for children [00:12:57] At what age Kris would give a child a smartphone [00:17:28] The role of screens in education and the lack of guidance around it [00:21:59] Online exploitation that parents should be aware of [00:25:13] The coming rise in litigation related to the mental health effects of using technology [00:27:49] How teen development intersects with technology use [00:29:23] What’s being done with data collected from children[00:33:29] Advice for people who want to rein in screen time usage at any age [00:37:16] How AI might affect young children [00:40:55] Resources for listeners [00:42:07] Kris’s final thoughts Resources Marnetta Larrimer Kris Perry

October 22, 202451 min

New Research on the Connection Between Literacy and Social and Emotional Learning

How could strengthening Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) impact literacy? And does it? New research shows it does. This conversation, hosted originally as a webinar through EdWeb, covers new research out of CASEL that shows how SEL supports literacy development, along with Teachstone’s evidence of meaningful adult-child interactions in the classroom. This panel of experts will discuss how SEL can boost literacy skills in early childhood and elementary grades and share strategies leaders can use to support educators’ positive impact on their students. Marnetta leads a discussion with Teachstone’s Dr. Bridget Hammer, David Adams of Urban Assembly, and Dr. Carol Lee of Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL). Looking for more ways to support your workforce in this journey? Check out our free E-book: 3 Steps To Empower an Educator Workforce: The Supportive Leader’s Guide To Building and Retaining an Energized Team

September 24, 202441 min

Servant Leaders and Servant Schools

Unlock the secrets of effective leadership and revolutionary education in our latest episode featuring Darrell Brown from ITAV (It Takes a Village) Schools. Discover how Darrell, as the Director of Teaching, Learning, and Quality Practice, utilizes servant leadership to build trust-based relationships with educators and overcome challenges like outdated technology. Learn how these innovative approaches not only create a positive working environment but also significantly enhance the educational experiences of young students. We then pivot to the transformative potential of holistic education. Imagine schools that serve as comprehensive community hubs addressing not just educational needs but also family support, mental health, and food insecurities. Through the lens of ITAV Family of Schools, we illustrate the profound impact of providing these resources on fostering equity and inclusion. Get inspired by real-world examples of how intentional and proactive strategies can uplift entire communities and shift the educational landscape. Topics Discussed in This Episode [00:00:00] Introduction [00:01:41] ITAV Schools and what Darrell does there [00:04:10] The concept of servant leadership and the importance of being a supportive resource and building trust-based relationships with educators [00:09:37] Parallels between what Darrwl does and how Teachstone is using CLASS [00:10:55] The role of ITAV Schools in addressing teacher shortages through workforce development programs, and how these efforts contribute to creating a positive working environment [00:16:07] What attracted Darrell to servant leadership [00:18:39] The transformative potential of holistic education, where schools serve as comprehensive community hubs addressing family support, mental health, and food insecurities [00:21:57]] The importance of being intentional and proactive in understanding and meeting the broader needs of students and their families to promote community growth and well-being [00:26:56] Replicating the holistic approach [00:31:01] How Darrell sees school evolving [00:34:47] The necessity of fighting for funding to sustain supportive educational initiatives and prevent teacher burnout and attrition Resources Marnetta Larrimer Darrell Brown

September 10, 202437 min

Early Childcare and Education in an Election Year--What You Need to Know

Welcome to another enlightening episode of Impacting the Classroom. Today, we are joined by Oliver Spurgeon III, an esteemed education policy advocate with a unique perspective shaped by his diverse educational journey and extensive experience on Capitol Hill. In this episode, we dig into the intricacies of education policies from both the Republican and Democratic viewpoints, explore the cultural and financial challenges facing modern education, and discuss the significant role advocacy plays in shaping the future of our classrooms. Our discussion delves into the varying educational platforms, highlighting how Democrats aim to improve mental health support, address funding disparities, and uphold tenure for experienced teachers. At the same time, Republicans focus on reducing educational spending, eliminating tenure, and promoting merit-based rewards. Oliver sheds light on the potential consequences of these divergent approaches on teachers and students, particularly those in challenging classroom environments. We also tackle the sensitive topics of representation and access for minority children, the burden on low-income families, and the controversial debates over charter schools and education savings accounts. Topics Discussed in This Episode [00:00:00] Introduction [00:00:32] Introduction to Oliver Spurgeon III's background and his passion for addressing educational inequities [00:04:48] Overview of the key education policies that educators should focus on during the election year [00:12:19] Examination of the contrasting education platforms of the Republican and Democratic parties [00:08:46] Discussion on how differing political ideologies impact funding disparities, mental health supports, and teacher tenure [00:14:43] Analysis of representation and access issues for minority children and the challenges faced by low-income families [00:21:08] Insights into voter suppression and its implications for educational policy choices [00:24:30] Exploration of the high costs of early childhood education and the legislative efforts to alleviate this burden [00:27:22] Discussion on Project 2025 and its potential impact on early childhood education and AI's role in schools [00:31:12] Examination of the benefits and challenges of AI in education, including concerns about bias and teacher displacement [00:36:29] Emphasis on the importance of advocacy and practical advice for educators to engage with policymakers [00:37:56] What Oliver is hoping for next year Resources Marnetta Larrimer Oliver Spurgeon III

August 27, 202455 min

Science Opportunities are Everywhere--Extended Version!

Engaging children in science and engineering long before high school is important. It needs to start at much younger ages. But how can educators make that happen? And how can CLASS help? Today, you’ll hear from Dr. Daryl Greenfield, a professor of Psychology and Pediatrics at the University of Miami, and Veronica Fernandez, Teachstone Senior Director of Social Impact. They’ll discuss their research into science and engineering at the preschool and elementary ages, how CLASS supports science learning, and how to make science more accessible to ECE teachers so they can better engage students. This episode was previously shared as the director's cut. Today, enjoy the full, extended edition of this conversation! Topics Discussed in This Episode 7:58 Gaps in the research about science education and what their report found 10:25 How research relates to CLASS 12:30 Understanding how we got here 15:12 Science needs to be an active process 16:20 What makes up science 19:17 The presence of Instructional Support 20:00 Making science accessible for ECE educators 24:00 Goal-directed learning 29:15 How infants observe the world 33:10 What researchers observed 34:20 Veronica’s experience of helping educators make teaching science easier 36:10 Engaging with children's questions about science and the world 38:00 Parallel process and educator curiosity 40:00 Making it clear that science is part of family routines 43:00 Why the research paper was published and how it relates to equity and justice 48:42 There is more than one way to do science 50:12 The importance of meeting both children and educators where they are with science Resources Marnetta Larrimer Dr. Daryl Greenfield Veronica Fernandez

August 6, 202434 min

Live from InterAct: What is the CLASS® Implementation Guide?

Welcome to another insightful episode of "Impacting the Classroom," where we delve into effective class implementation strategies with Matt Owens, the Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives at Teachstone. In this episode, Matt shares his journey from being an 8th-grade writing teacher to playing a pivotal role at Teachstone. We'll explore the newly developed, user-friendly CLASS Implementation Guide, designed to streamline class planning and evaluation, and how it aims to align classroom interactions with broader educational goals. Topics Discussed in This Episode [00:00:00] Introduction [00:01:20] Matt’s background and role at Teachstone [00:02:23] What an implementation guide is and what it’s for [00:03:44] What makes an implementation guide a good idea [00:05:14] What Matt and his people learned from feedback [00:08:01] Collecting stories from people using the implementation guide [00:09:17] The value of a guide that lists the different leaders and offers a one-stop shop pf resources [00:12:00] Common themes from implementation stories [00:13:38] The COLAB protocol [00:17:42] Why storytelling from a leader's perspective is important [00:20:41] Pieces of the puzzle leaders have been missing [00:22:29] Challenges when trying to implement CLASS [00:24:31] How turnover affects the process [00:26:02] The need for a strong onboarding program [00:28:11] Hopes for how the guide will change how leaders think about implementation [00:29:37] What Matt would like to leave everyone with Resources Marnetta Larrimer Matt Owens

July 16, 202450 min

Supporting Interactions in a Special Needs Setting

In this episode, we uncover the practical steps taken by the Fairfax County Public Schools team to introduce the CLASS tool in special education settings. Jess, Cindy, and Christy share their experiences addressing teacher hesitation and bias, providing effective training, and fostering empathy through coaching. Through individual and group coaching methods, they highlight the importance of active listening, meaningful feedback, and peer collaboration. They share real-life examples to illustrate the positive impact of these strategies on teaching effectiveness and classroom interactions, emphasizing the significance of quality interactions and intentional instruction. Topics Discussed in This Episode [00:01:30] Introducing Christy, Jess, and Cindy [00:03:16] Challenges in rolling out CLASS [00:07:12] The framework for addressing bias [00:13:42] Strategies for addressing bias [00:16:25] Activities to foster a strong culture of improvement [00:22:30] What happens during observations [00:23:19] How the teachers felt through the roll-out period [00:26:52] Being sensitive as a coach as well as a teacher [00:28:19] How teaching experiences impact coaching [00:28:42] Cindy’s coaching experience [00:30:30] Where the teachers started and how they moved [00:33:15] The biggest lessons learned and what should be done differently [00:40:02] How CLASS is good for special education [00:45:45] Favorite teacher quotes Resources Marnetta Larrimer Jess Schuhart Cindy Sigsbee Christie Johnson

July 2, 202440 min

Helping Nebraska Teachers Show Off with CLASS®

Can the quality of early childhood education be significantly improved through targeted coaching and data-driven strategies? Join us as Lynn Cook, Coach Specialist, and Jenny Fleming, Program Quality Specialist, share their expertise and success stories from Nebraska's Step Up to Quality program. They reveal the planning and robust foundations that underpin the program, including the recruitment, training, and ongoing support for coaches and observers. Discover how they've secured buy-in from educators and stakeholders, ensuring the program's goals are well understood and embraced. The Step Up to Quality program in Nebraska is no small feat, encompassing around 753 centers, including family childcare, Head Starts, and public school preschools. Learn about the thoughtfully designed processes and support systems that ensure a smooth and rewarding experience, from initial rating requests to final observations. Lynn and Jenny also share effective coaching measures and strategies to maintain observation fidelity, emphasizing the importance of continuous professional development. Topics Discussed in This Episode [00:00:00] Introduction [00:00:27] Lynn’s role as a Coach Specialist [00:00:53] Jenny’s role as a Program Quality Specialist [00:02:24] How the CLASS implementation team was formed [00:06:16] Effective methods to create investment into the CLASS system and interactions with stakeholders [00:07:48] What buy-in looks like and what effective strategies help to build that [00:12:29] The system in place for data collection [00:16:49] Examples of decisions that were influenced by CLASS data [00:19:49] How many programs the state has [00:22:30] The standard process of communication with educators in the weeks leading to their CLASS observations [00:27:13] How to help educators adopt new practices [00:30:28] The steps coaches take to use data and support teachers [00:32:43] The measure of the effectiveness of coaching sessions [00:34:37] Supports in place for observers [00:37:44] Advice for listeners about CLASS implementation Resources Marnetta Larrimer Lynne Cook Jenny Fleming

June 18, 202443 min

CLASS® Implementation in Virginia

On today’s episode of Impacting the Classroom, we have a fascinating conversation with Kris Meyers, the Director of Quality Measurement and Improvement at the Virginia Department of Education. Kris sheds light on the Virginia Quality Birth-to-Five System (VQB5) and the transformative role of the CLASS® tool in early childhood education. Listen in as we explore the substantial changes brought by Virginia's 2020 state law, which unified child care and early childhood systems under the Department of Education. Kris walks us through the development and implementation of Virginia's comprehensive quality early childhood system. We discuss the importance of classroom observations by familiar observers, supplemented by external quality assurance checks, early childhood education's critical importance, and the impactful shift towards focusing on meaningful interactions. We also touch on the upcoming public quality ratings, designed to raise awareness among families about the importance of quality interactions in early development. Topics Discussed in This Episode [00:00:00] Introduction [00:00:28] Kris’s role and work at VDOE [00:01:16] The beginning of Kris’s career as an elementary school teacher [00:02:28] Kris’s first impression of CLASS [00:04:08] Why CLASS is about more than just skills [00:05:23] Where CLASS fit in with the QRIS system [00:07:08] The values that guide Virginia’s quality early childhood system [00:09:39] How CLASS observations are implemented [00:12:38] The features of an external observation system [00:15:40] Who's responsible for collecting the data in Virginia and who coordinates classrooms [00:18:51] What decisions are influenced by CLASS data [00:20:45] Impacts Kris has seen since the implementation of CLASS [00:22:39] Whether classrooms are moving away from focusing on the easy things and focusing on the things that matter [00:24:13] Why families should be excited about public ratings and the implementation of CLASS [00:27:39] Helping families understand what can do at home to build on what children learn in school [00:29:03] What Kris would like to have known from the beginning of the CLASS implementation [00:32:38] What professional development opportunities and coaching cycles might look like [00:35:17] Surveying the educators to find out how the implementation and rollout are working for them [00:38:38] Kris’s plans for the summer Resources ...

June 4, 202450 min

Quality in an Educator Shortage

In this episode, we explore Teach for America's strategies for addressing the national teacher shortage with Grant Van Eaton and Robin Greatrex. Grant, a Senior Research Scientist, and Robin, a Senior Managing Director of Teacher Leadership, share their combined research and data insights in supporting and retaining educators. The episode delves into Teach for America's unique recruitment model, financial incentives, advocacy for systemic changes in teacher housing, pay, and student loan debt, and the use of the CLASS tool in training teachers. We also discuss the organization's ambitious 2030 goal and efforts to improve equity in education. Topics Discussed in This Episode [00:01:30] Grant’s background and role at Teach for America [00:03:37] Robin’s background and role at Teach for America [00:05:32] How Teach for America is supporting the education workforce [00:09:46] How Teach for America invites people to join [00:12:28] How Teach for America handles financial compensation [00:14:17] Teach for America’s advocacy work in the education industry [00:16:22] The Teach for America coaching model [00:21:04] The partnership between Teach for America and CLASS [00:27:08] Retention through the onboarding and training program [00:30:31] Making progress with quality through CLASS [00:34:01] The impact on students to look for through the partnership [00:37:30] Broader student outcomes beyond academic [00:40:04] Teach for America’s 2030 goal and where they are on it [00:43:58] Whether the partnership with CLASS will help them achieve their goal sooner Resources Marnetta Larrimer Grant Van Eaton Robin Greatrex

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