This conversation examines the crucial question of how to foster a sense of belonging in schools, with a focus on the roles of administrators, teachers, and strategies to engage students. The discussion highlights the importance of adult relationships in fostering a sense of belonging, innovative strategies such as the two-by-ten approach, and the significance of identifying and supporting students who may feel overlooked.

Follow on Twitter: @dfishersdsu @Jenschwanke @NancyFrey @jonHarper70bd @bamradionetwork

Jen Schwanke, Ed.D., has been an educator for almost three decades, teaching or leading at all levels. She is the author of four books published by ASCD, including The Principal’s Guide to Conflict Management, and has published numerous articles in various educational publications. In addition to providing professional development to districts in the areas of school climate, personnel, and instructional leadership, Schwanke presents at conferences for ASCD, NAESP, NASSP, AASA, and various state and local education organizations. She is the co-host of the popular “Principal Matters” podcast and an instructor in educational administration at The Ohio State University and Miami University of Ohio. Dr. Schwanke currently serves as a Deputy Superintendent in Ohio.–

Douglas Fisher is a professor of educational leadership at San Diego State University and a teacher leader and health sciences high. He is the author of several books focused on improving educational outcomes. He is the co-author of his newest release, Leading the Rebound: 20+ Must Dos to Restart Teaching and Learning.

Nancy Frey, Ph.D., co-author of Your Students My Students, Our Students: Rethinking Equitable and Inclusive Classroom (ASCD). Nancy Frey is a Professor of Educational Leadership at San Diego State University. Dr. Frey is a recipient of the Christa McAuliffe Award for Excellence in Teacher Education from the American Association of State Colleges and Universities. She has co-authored several books on literacy. She teaches a variety of courses in school improvement and literacy leadership

In this conversation, educators discuss the sobering NAEP results and the implications for student achievement. They emphasize the need for honesty in reporting student performance, the disconnect between grades and actual proficiency, and the importance of effective teacher preparation. The discussion highlights the necessity for collaboration among educators, parents, and communities to address the educational crisis and improve student outcomes.

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@HeatherPeske @radiokeri, @nationalparents @_CrystalMWatson @jonHarper70bd @bamradionetwork

Dr. Heather Peske came to NCTQ after serving as Senior Associate Commissioner for Instructional Support in the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (MA DESE) where she implemented policies and programs across teacher development, educator preparation, and curriculum and instruction that drove historic improvements for students. She started her career as an elementary teacher in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Keri Rodrigues is National Parents Union (NPU) – a groundbreaking organization that unites parents from diverse backgrounds to advocate for the rights, economic and educational needs of America’s children.

Crystal M. Watson, Ed.M is an innovative, passionate, and authentic mathematics educator and lifelong learner who you can count on to always ask “What do the students think?” Her work is centered around providing space for voice and identity development in order for everyone, particularly those most marginalized, to experience high quality, deep, and personal mathematics. Crystal has worked alongside other scholars to develop culturally responsive, reflective, and/or anti-racist curricular resources that center young people in every lesson. You might catch her at both local and national conferences, on podcasts, developing and leading professional development sessions, or having conversations about how we are cultivating youth-centered spaces.

This conversation explores the critical role of community engagement in education, emphasizing the importance of including family voices in school improvement efforts. It discusses the need to break down silos within educational systems, ensuring that all students, especially those from marginalized backgrounds, are represented in decision-making processes. Our guests share strategies for effectively engaging families and communities, highlighting the necessity of listening and understanding cultural differences to foster meaningful collaboration.

Resource: Radically Excellent School Improvement: Empowering Every Student to Thrive

Follow on Twitter: @Jenschwanke @bamradionetwork @jonHarper70bd

Kate Anderson Foley is a transformational leader with significant experience leading public school districts and states toward equitable and integrated services for all learners. Her work has been grounded in social justice and breaking down barriers for historically marginalized children. She has led organizational change utilizing a strategic framework that ensured guaranteed and rigorous learning leading to college and career readiness for all students. As the founder and CEO of The Education Policy & Practice Group, Kate partners with local, state, national, and international organizations, education agencies, and various industries providing her expertise with the improvement process, professional learning communities, strategic planning, asset-based education policies and practices, special education, coaching, and consulting. She is the author of Radically Excellent School Improvement: Empowering Every Student to Thrive.

Jen Schwanke, Ed.D., has been an educator for almost three decades, teaching or leading at all levels. She is the author of four books published by ASCD, including The Principal’s Guide to Conflict Management, and has published hundreds of articles in various education publications. In addition to providing professional development to districts in the areas of school climate, personnel, and instructional leadership, Schwanke presents at conferences for ASCD, NAESP, NASSP, AASA, and various state and local education organizations. She is the co-host of the popular “Principal Matters” podcast and an instructor in educational administration at The Ohio State University and Miami University of Ohio. Dr. Schwanke currently serves as a Deputy Superintendent in Ohio.