More Than A Test

In this episode, our host Laura Glaab sits down with Michael Horn, an educational enthusiast and expert known for his groundbreaking work in reimagining schools. Michael shares his personal mission to create a world where individuals can pursue their passions, fulfill their potential, and live a life of purpose.  From discussing the influence of his experiences and collaborators, like Clay Christe...

Welcome to another episode of MTAT! Today, we have the pleasure of hosting Mary Jo Madda, a program lead for Education for Social Impact at Google. In this episode, Mary Jo delves into her work with high school students in programs like Code Next, which aims to break down barriers and provide access to quality computer science education for underrepresented communities. We'll explore the intersect...

In this episode, host Laura Glaab sits down with the inspiring Anna Marie Candelario, who shares her incredible journey from struggling student to a leader in education. Anna Marie discusses her work in creating teacher pathways for special education in her district, highlighting the innovative Grow Your Own program aimed at addressing teacher shortages.  Through mentorship and support, Anna Marie...

In today's episode, we're thrilled to be joined by Dr. David Miyashiro, the innovative superintendent of the Cajon School District in California. In this episode, hosted by Laura Glaab, we'll dive into Dr. Miyashiro's groundbreaking approach to education, which goes far beyond traditional test scores. From his initial drive to teach all students coding, to discovering the diverse career paths with...

In this episode, Christopher dives deep into the importance of seeing the humanity in everyone within the educational system, influenced heavily by key readings like Leadership and Self Deception by The Arbinger Institute. He'll share how these philosophies have transformed his leadership team and created a ripple effect throughout his community. With over 63,000 students and a plan to expand furt...

In today’s episode of More Than a Test, where today's focus shifts from conventional teaching methods to innovative educational strategies that promise a brighter future. We’re joined by a pivotal figure in educational reform, Michael P. Nagler, Ed. D., from Mineola School District. For over two decades, Dr. Nagler has been at the forefront of integrating technology with education and redefining s...

In this episode, titled Navigating Educational Transformation with AI and Human Insight, we will explore the crucial balances in the evolving landscape of education technology. Our guests will share their expertise and experiences on the implementation of AI within school systems, the vital role of human relationships in educational success, and the intricate dance of leading amidst rapid technolo...

In this episode, we'll unpack two powerful conversations hosted by yours, Laura Glaab. First up, we're joined by Scott Eveslage, the innovative superintendent of the Hatboro-Horsham School District. Scott brings his rich experience as a special education teacher and school leader to the table, sharing stories that reveal the nuances of suburban schooling in Montgomery County and digging into the c...

I'm your host, Laura Glaab, and today we're joined by an exceptional guest, Dr. Adam Swinyard, representing Spokane Public Schools in Washington. With a district that serves around 30,000 students, Dr. Swinyard has a wealth of experience to share about the impact of teachers, districts, and the community at large on shaping young lives. In this conversation, we're tackling the pressing issue of st...

In this episode, Dr. Schroder opens up about the obstacles he encountered advocating for children and the personal wisdom he's gained along the way, including invaluable insights from Brene Brown's Daring to Lead. His journey from a minority-majority school district to his current position at Schuyler Community Schools highlights his commitment to diversity and ensuring every child has equal oppor...

In this episode, we dive into an engaging interview with Jeff Curtis McCoy, the associate superintendent of academics in Greenville County Public Schools. Tune in as Jeff discusses the highlights from a conference in San Diego, delving into topics such as networking, challenges in education, and the shift towards personalized learning with the integration of artificial intelligence. Host Laura Gla...

In today’s episode with Dr. Angélica M. Ramsey, we explore the nuances of educational leadership, the joy of driving student success, the pressure of confronting an often rigid system, and the impact of fiscal constraints on critical programs. Dr. Ramsey shares her frustrations and fears, such as the prospect of losing freshman success coaches, and her pride in achievements, such as the impact of...

In this episode, we navigate through many thought-provoking topics with Dr. Daugherty, whose insights remind us that there is so much more to each individual than what appears on a test. From discussing the influence of The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership on his approach to fostering a family-like environment in his district, to why he believes Leaders Eat Last is a must-read for those keen on l...

In this insightful episode of MTAT, host Laura Glaab sits down with the esteemed educator, Alberto M. Carvalho, the Superintendent of the Los Angeles Unified School District.  The conversation delves into the importance of research-based practices in education, the impact of effective teaching on student success, and the challenges and victories faced in leading a massive school district. Carvalho...

In this episode, we'll explore the innovative ways Frank and his team are tackling staffing shortages, embracing technology, and creating impactful educational interventions without additional staff. We'll uncover the compelling story of their adoption of the Amira learning platform to support student literacy in a groundbreaking way. Frank shares anecdotes, from his challenges in learning to read...

In today's episode, our host Laura Glaab engages in an insightful conversation with Kirsten. Baesler, the passionate and driven Superintendent of Public Instruction for North Dakota. As we sit down with Kirsten, who has triumphantly stood at the helm of North Dakota's educational leadership for the last 12 years, we'll unpack her commitment to the state's unique collective purchasing power strateg...

In this episode, we have the privilege of speaking with an influential voice in the world of education, Tom Vander Ark. As the CEO of Getting Smart, Tom brings his rich experience as a former executive director at the Gates Foundation and a public school superintendent to the table, sharing nuances of educational transformation you won't want to miss. Tom offers insights into why advanced educatio...

In this episode, we sit down with the insightful Dr. Rod Berger and the CEO of Amira Learning, Mark Angel. Join us as we explore how storytelling transcends mere product features and can create compelling connections that last. We'll reflect on the influence of visionaries like Elon Musk, who inspires us to dream big and tackle global issues. Mark and Dr. Berger will weigh in on the incredible pow...

In this episode, we have the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Molly Ness, an expert in literacy and education. Dr. Ness shares her insights on the mismatch between the abundance of available texts and the challenge of presenting complex topics in a manner suitable for children. Throughout the conversation, she emphasizes the importance of diversity in picture books, the value of untold stories, and t...

In this episode, our host Laura Glaab sits down with the inspiring Kareem Weaver to delve into the profound importance of love in education and its impact on enduring and implementing successful educational practices. We explore Kareem's journey from being a teacher to becoming a principal and his unwavering dedication to helping students succeed. Throughout the conversation, Kareem emphasizes the...

In today's episode, our host Laura Glaab engages in an insightful conversation with Dr. Kyla Johnson-Trammell, the superintendent of Oakland Unified School District. Together, they navigate through the complexities of education and leadership, exploring the challenges and opportunities of serving a diverse student population in an ever-changing landscape. Throughout the episode, Laura and Dr. John...

In this episode, we have the honor of sitting down with Angelica Infante-Green, the passionate and resilient state commissioner for Rhode Island. We were able to have the amazing opportunity to explore her remarkable experiences and insights. As a dedicated educator and parent, Infante-Green shares how her personal and professional life intertwine, and how her family, especially her courageous dau...

In this episode, host Laura Glaab engages in an enriching conversation with the CEO of the PAF reading program, Magdalena Zavalia. Together, they explore the challenges and triumphs of bilingual education, the importance of effective literacy programs for Spanish-speaking students, and the impact of government intervention on education. Zavalia shares her journey from a successful law career to be...

In this episode, our host Laura Glaab sits down with the talented author and illustrator Peter Brown to explore his incredible journey from aspiring animator to award-winning children's author. Join us as Brown shares the unexpected success of "Creepy Carrots" and the Horn Book award-winning "Mr. Tiger Goes Wild." Delve into the inspiration behind his popular "Wild Robot" series and learn about hi...

In today's episode, we have a special guest, Ron Berger, joining host Laura Glaab. Ron Berger is a highly respected figure in education, known for his work in student-centered learning and character development. With a wealth of experience, he has served as a teacher, written books on improving teaching and learning, and played a pivotal role in the success of Yale Education (formerly Expeditionar...