Talking Out of School

EPISODE 32: What is a small language model?

You’ve probably heard about AI's large language models. But what is a "small language model" and why might this fine-tuned version of artificial intelligence work better in K12? 

EPISODE 31: Regaining connection with conflict resolution

An incendiary presidential election, compounded by social media and cable news, is pushing us further away. But as superintendents and community leaders, we can bridge the gap, Katy Anthes says.

EPISODE 30: How to create inclusive philanthropy models

In this episode, we're by Sasha Rabkin, the chief of program strategy and innovation for the Advanced Education Research and Development Fund, a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing research and development in K12 education.
Today’s discussion is on philanthropy and its role in K12 education initiatives and how leaders can implement more inclusive models of philanthropy while utilizing equity-focused research and development to inform these discussions.

EPISODE 29: Media Literacy Matters More than Ever

Can school district leaders afford not to make media literacy a pillar of their instructional programs? Teaching the subject effectively is key to graduating students who are productive citizens, Superintendent Shari Camhi, says.

EPISODE 28: Getting students and faculty 'excited' for STEM education

Jeremy Anderson walks us through how the National Math and Science Initiative is connecting districts with state and federal programs to close opportunity gaps and increase college access through advanced STEM education. 

Simplifying Purchasing: How Spring Grove Area School District is Empowering Educators

Many districts are challenged by outdated, costly and inefficient processes when it comes to the purchasing and procurement of instructional resources, which can frustrate teachers and staff and create significant waste.
In this podcast, the recently retired superintendent of the Spring Grove Area School District (Penn.) will discuss how the district found ways to better support teachers and staff with the educational resources they needed, which had a direct impact on student academic outcomes, while reducing costs and improving visibility and efficiency.
Speakers:
Dr. George Ioannidis
Superintendent (Retired)
Spring Grove Area School District (Penn.)
Brett Tuson
Director of Education
Amazon Business
business.amazon.com/education

EPISODE 27: How charter schools can improve special education

Lauren Morando Rhim, executive director of the Center for Learner Equity, details her organization’s pivotal two-year study of how charter schools support students with disabilities.

EPISODE 26: Are smartphone bans a good idea?

In this episode, we sit down with Bill Salak, the CTO/COO of Brainly, who explains why we might be "under-informing" our students by prohibiting smartphone use in schools. 

EPISODE 25: Portrait of a Graduate Power

Mike Duncan, CEO of Battelle for Kids, guides district leaders in developing a portrait of a graduate that offers students more more meaningful learning and durable skills. 

EPISODE 24: How a PBIS program reinvented a school's culture

In this episode, you'll hear from three leaders from the State College Area High School in Pennsylvania who take us behind the scenes of their award-winning PBIS program, which has successfully reduced suspension days and improved the overall school climate.