Big Ideas in Education

Latest Episodes:

Ep 202: Fostering Optimism to Cultivate a Positive Mindset in Students and Teachers Jan 15, 2024

Show notes

This week, Ryan sits with Jenna Edwards, the award-winning producer, actor, and author of Aggressive Optimism, a new novel about the coming-of-age story that explores themes of mental health and perseverance. On this episode, Jenna talks about “aggressive optimism” and what schools can do to instill a mindset of optimism in its students and teachers. Jenna also talks about distinguishing aggressive optimism and toxic positivity in the K-12 sector. Tune in!
You can find out more about her work by visiting www.jennaedwards.com
Don't just listen, join the conversation! Tweet us at @AcademicaMedia or with the hashtag #BigIdeasinEducation with questions or new topics you want to see discussed.
Hosts: Ryan Kairalla (@ryankair) Producer: Ross Ulysse

Ep 201: Math education in the wake of COVID-19 with Tammy and Marc Goldberg Jan 08, 2024

Show notes

This week, Ryan sits with Tammy and Marc Goldberg, two acclaimed math education innovators and the operators of Mathnasium learning centers throughout the Northeastern United States. On this episode, Tammy and Marc discuss the general state of mathematics education, shedding light on the common skill gaps observed in students that are hindering their progress in math. Our guests also talk about the importance of additional support beyond the classroom and offer strategies to address these issues for a more effective and positive learning experience in mathematics. Tune in!
Don't just listen, join the conversation! Tweet us at @AcademicaMedia or with the hashtag #BigIdeasinEducation with questions or new topics you want to see discussed.
Hosts: Ryan Kairalla (@ryankair)
Producer: Ross Ulysse

Ep 200: Empowering Education by Navigating Chronic Absenteeism with Joanna Smith-Griffin Dec 11, 2023

Show notes

This week, Ryan sits with Joanna Smith-Griffin, the founder and CEO of AllHere, makers of the AllHere school-to-family digital communication platform. On this episode, Joanna talks about her involvement in education and in the ed-tech space. Joanna also talks about the impacts of chronic absenteeism and how AllHere strategically addresses this challenge, offering valuable insights into the platform's role in supporting student success. Tune in!
Don't just listen, join the conversation! Tweet us at @AcademicaMedia or with the hashtag #BigIdeasinEducation with questions or new topics you want to see discussed.
You can find out more about her work by visiting www.allhere.com

Ep 199: Transforming Education Through Systems and Design Thinking with Sheryl Cababa Dec 04, 2023

Show notes

This week, Ryan sits with Sheryl Cababa, the Chief Design Officer at the Insights, Design and Development Studio Substantial. On this episode, Sheryl talks about the difference between systems thinking and design thinking and sheds light on how they can revolutionize learning experiences. Sheryl also emphasizes the practical application of leveraging research and storytelling as powerful tools to empower historically under-resourced communities. Tune in!
Don't just listen, join the conversation! Tweet us at @AcademicaMedia or with the hashtag #BigIdeasinEducation with questions or new topics you want to see discussed.
You can find out more about her work by visiting substantial.com/edtech.
Hosts: Ryan Kairalla (@ryankair); Sarah Boulos Fye (@readwithfye)
Producer: Ross Ulysse

Ep 198: Team Quizzes; America’s Top Young Scientist Nov 27, 2023

Show notes

This week, Ryan talks about an innovative assessment method that fosters peer learning, empowers students to articulate their thought processes, and effectively gauges student mastery. Sarah talks about a groundbreaking solution and treatment developed by a middle school student. This transformative approach revolutionizes how we address skin cancer treatment, utilizing a simple yet ingenious bar of soap. Tune in!
Don't just listen, join the conversation! Tweet us at @AcademicaMedia or with the hashtag #BigIdeasinEducation with questions or new topics you want to see discussed.
Articles:
https://www.edutopia.org/article/group-quizzes-high-school https://www.austindailyherald.com/2023/10/14-year-old-wins-3m-young-scientist-challenge-for-developing-skin-cancer-treating-soap/#:~:text=Heman%20Bekele%2C%2014%2C%20is%20a,prize%20of%20%2425%2C000%20in%20St
https://news.3m.com/2023-10-11-14-year-old-named-Americas-Top-Young-Scientist-for-development-of-skin-cancer-treatment
Hosts: Ryan Kairalla (@ryankair); Sarah Boulos Fye (@readwithfye) Producer: Ross Ulysse

Ep 197: Legislative advocacy in education with Sara Clements and Lindsay Hoyt Nov 13, 2023

Show notes

This week, Ryan concludes his series of interviews at the Florida Charter School Conference School Choice Summit and is joined by Sara Clements, the Vice President of State Government Relations for McGwire Woods Consulting LLC and Lindsay Hoyt, the founder and governing board chair of Cornerstone Classical Academy. Our guests talk about their roles in legislative advocacy and how to engage lawmakers and communities.
Don't just listen, join the conversation! Tweet us at @AcademicaMedia or with the hashtag #BigIdeasinEducation with questions or new topics you want to see discussed.
Host: Ryan Kairalla (@ryankair)
Producer: Ross Ulysse

EP 196: Helping schools and other education organizations navigate controversies with Braxton Padgett of Arnold Law Firm Nov 06, 2023

Show notes

This week, Ryan continues his series of interviews at the Florida Charter School Conference School Choice Summit and is joined by Braxton Padgett, attorney at the Arnold Law Firm. Braxton talks about his interest in education law and provides insight on how schools can navigate legal controversies. Braxton also talks about the mistakes that schools can make in this area and recommends corrective strategies.
Don't just listen, join the conversation! Tweet us at @AcademicaMedia or with the hashtag #BigIdeasinEducation with questions or new topics you want to see discussed.
Host: Ryan Kairalla (@ryankair)
Producer: Ross Ulysse

Ep 195: Managing the Coming ESSER Cliff with Alina Chester of Academica Oct 30, 2023

Show notes

This week, Ryan and Sarah are on location at the Florida Charter School Conference School Choice Summit and are joined by Academica Chief Budget Officer Alina Chester. Alina talks to our hosts about how schools can effectively navigate the coming “fiscal cliff” of spending reductions in September 2024 that will take place once pandemic ESSER funds expire. Specific strategies for school leaders are discussed.
Don't just listen, join the conversation! Tweet us at @AcademicaMedia or with the hashtag #BigIdeasinEducation with questions or new topics you want to see discussed.
Hosts: Ryan Kairalla (@ryankair); Sarah Boulos Fye (@readwithfye)
Producer: Ross Ulysse

Ep 194: Supporting After-School Programs; AAPI Heritage Month May 29, 2023

Show notes

This week, Ryan talks about the value of after-school programs and how this can be an effective solution to help students close learning gaps amid low staffing and rising operating costs. Sarah talks about Asian American and Pacific Islander month and the implementation of Asian American History in today’s curriculum. Tune in!
Don't just listen, join the conversation! Tweet us at @AcademicaMedia or with the hashtag #BigIdeasinEducation with questions or new topics you want to see discussed.
Articles: https://www.edweek.org/leadership/the-key-challenges-after-school-programs-are-facing-in-charts/2023/05 https://airtable.com/shrFpwhS1ZE1By68A/tbllGn44UxvbOtfKc?
utm_source=teaachpage&amp%3Butm_medium=website&amp%3Butm_campaign=q3
Hosts: Ryan Kairalla (@ryankair); Sarah Boulos Fye (@readwithfye)
Producer: Ross Ulysse

Ep 193: Regeneron Science Talent Search; Chess in schools May 08, 2023

Show notes

This week, Sarah talks about the Junior Nobel prize formerly known as Regeneron Science Talent Search, a prestigious science competition for high school students who demonstrate exceptional ability in the field of STEM. Ryan talks about continuing to introduce the game of chess in schools to help students improve critical thinking skills, concentration, focus. Tune in!
Don't just listen, join the conversation! Tweet us at @AcademicaMedia or with the hashtag #BigIdeasinEducation with questions or new topics you want to see discussed.
Articles: https://www.societyforscience.org/press-release/2023-students-winners-regeneron-science-talent-search/ https://www.edweek.org/teaching-learning/a-chess-grandmaster-makes-the-case-for-teaching-the-game-in-school/2023/04
Hosts: Ryan Kairalla (@ryankair); Sarah Boulos Fye (@readwithfye) Producer: Ross Ulysse

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