More Than A Test

In this episode, host Jennie Tookoian engages in a rich conversation with Dr. Dana Bashara, the superintendent of the Alamo Heights Independent School District in Central San Antonio. Dr. Bashara embodies the belief that education is a heartfelt mission beyond just a career path, infusing her leadership with purpose and personal engagement. Alamo Heights stands out for its historical roots dating...

Welcome to another episode of "More Than a Test." In this episode, we're excited to have Dr. Micah Studer, executive director of Visions in Education Charter School, share insights into how the school is transforming the educational landscape in California. Visions, an online and homeschool program, serves a wide and diverse student body, focusing on personalized learning and community engagement....

In this episode of "More Than a Test," host Jennie Tookoian sits down with Dr. Matthew Neighbors, the superintendent of Galveston Independent School District (GISD). With nearly two decades of experience in the district, Dr. Neighbors shares his personal journey, discussing the unique qualities of the Galveston community and the exciting educational initiatives under his leadership. The conversati...

In this episode of More Than a Test, host Jennie Tookoian welcomes Michelle Patrick, the superintendent of Springfield Clark Career Technology Center in Ohio, to discuss the transformative impact of Career and Technology Education (CTE) on students and communities. As February is Career Technical Education Month, Michelle shares the unique offerings and successes of her institution, which serves t...

In this episode of More Than a Test, host Jennie Tookoian converses with Devvon Dettra, the dynamic superintendent of Rolling Hills Local School District in Ohio. Devvon, a Meadowbrook High School alumnus, offers a unique perspective in tackling the distinct challenges and opportunities within small rural school districts. The discussion highlights how Rolling Hills is revolutionizing education th...

In More Than a Test podcast, host Jennie Tookoian sits down with Ryan Altemeyer, Associate Superintendent of the Monterey Peninsula Unified School District, to explore the intersection of technology, operations, and education. With over 12 years of experience in the technology industry and extensive leadership in educational operations, Altemeyer shares how his district is leveraging technology to...

Dr. Svetlana Cvetkovic is a passionate educator, researcher, and founder of Encoding Literacy. Dr. Cvetkovic shares her journey from a childhood love of Nancy Drew's books to becoming a literacy specialist committed to addressing the urgent issue of adult illiteracy in America. We'll delve into the importance of effectively using test results to improve education, the role of AI in customizing lea...

In this episode, we explore MRH’s comprehensive strategic plan, "Honoring our history and shaping our future." We’ll touch on critical issues such as staff retention, made more challenging by the pandemic, and the importance of genuine community engagement that goes beyond simple board meetings. Dr. Jamison will share her reflections on influential books like "Jim Crow's Pink Slip" and "The Anxiou...

Education is not just about testing; it’s about preparing students for life, with strong relationships and personalized learning. Jerry Boyd, Superintendent of Washington County Schools in Tennessee, discusses his innovative approach to education with host Jennie Tookoian. He emphasizes the importance of fostering sustainable mentor-student relationships and integrating AI into classrooms to enhan...

Education is more than just a test; it’s about nurturing the whole child and shaping the future. Sue Lemon, superintendent of Rosedale Union School District in Bakersfield, California. They discuss the challenges of supporting students' social-emotional needs, navigating political pressures, and addressing the ongoing effects of COVID-19. Sue shares the district's innovative approaches, including...

Innovation in education is more than just a test; it's about shaping the future.   Dr. Michael Cardona, Superintendent of San Marcos CISD, shares how the district is transforming education through innovative curriculum, AI integration, and strategic partnerships. He discusses the challenges of vouchers, funding, and competition with private schools, as well as a groundbreaking coding pathway for s...

Education is not just about what students know, but about who they become   Dr. Eric Hudspith, the superintendent of Waseca Public Schools in Minnesota, and author of two books:  Culture Driven Leadership and Creating a Culture of Success, has a career that spans from classroom teacher to district leader, He brings a deep understanding of the challenges facing small and rural school districts.   D...

“ Seeing children as whole individuals goes far beyond standardized tests .” Mandy Fletcher, Superintendent shares her journey with Blue Earth Area Public Schools. Since 2019, she has faced financial crises, including a failed levy and budget cuts, while implementing innovative changes. Mandy highlights the introduction of a health science academy connecting students with local healthcare faciliti...

“Education is about more than just tests—it's about heart, perseverance, and community.” Dr. David Lawrence, superintendent of Dayton Public School, reflects on his extensive journey in education, from teaching and coaching to leading as a principal. He shares school leadership's emotional and physical demands and his dedication to teacher retention through competitive pay and support systems. As...

“Education is the foundation for equity, and every student deserves the opportunity to thrive.” Dr. Alex Marrero, Superintendent of Denver Public Schools, brings extensive experience in proactive leadership and community engagement. In this episode of "More Than A Test", he discusses the challenges and successes in transforming education in Colorado’s largest district. He shares his initiatives, s...

“Education is not just about tests and grades; it's about building meaningful connections and nurturing growth” Dana Addis, superintendent of Hudson City Schools talks about the impact of the Service Learning Program, the challenges of the teacher hiring process, and innovative projects like "Helping Hands."He discusses the district's obstacles, the crucial role of safety, and the importance of co...

“Ultimately, we don't want a society of people who are mediocre with all their flaws. We want people who are amazing at science.” Ryan Baker, an expert in AI and education, for a conversation that challenges perceptions and sparks personal growth. Ryan shares his method of spending 30 minutes daily learning something outside of his work, an approach that has inspired Laura. Together, they explore...

“It's just more expensive to raise children, and so people move out to the suburbs” Dr. Shawn Bird, Deputy Superintendent of San Antonio Schools, discusses significant changes in the district, including the recent closure of 14 elementary schools and the efforts to serve over 45,000 students across more than 100 schools. Dr. Bird addresses the community's reaction to these closures, the strategic...

“Educating teachers, parents, and students about AI is paramount for the future of education.” Jeremy Roschelle is a renowned expert in AI and education with extensive experience in promoting AI literacy. Jeremy has conducted groundbreaking research on AI applications in educational settings and is known for his insights into the integration of AI tools in schools. In this episode, he shares his e...

“Interoperability in education is as crucial as hot water pipes in a building's infrastructure—the system needs to function seamlessly.“ In today’s episode, Erin Mote, co-founder of Brooklyn Lab and a leader at InnovateEDU, dives into the transformative power of connecting organizations with school districts. She sheds light on the pivotal role of interoperability, privacy, and accessibility in Ed...

In this episode, Jerry Almendarez, the dynamic Superintendent of the Santa Ana School District, shares his visionary insights on transforming education through innovation and community engagement.  Jerry recounts how social media platforms like TikTok introduced him to emerging technologies such as OpenAI and ChatGPT, emphasizing the urgent need for public education to adapt to these innovations s...

In this episode, Laura Glaab and Thomas C. Murray dive deep into the intersection of AI and education. Listen in as Thomas shares his personal story of using a chat GPT to analyze his MRI results and discusses the implications of relying on AI for medical and educational purposes. They touch on the balance needed between technology and human connection, emphasizing the irreplaceable role of teache...

Today, we have the pleasure of hosting an episode of "More Than a Test with Addison Davis," we dive deep into the world of education leadership with our esteemed guest, Addison Davis. Known for his remarkable journey as a superintendent in Hillsborough County, Addison's story is one of resilience, innovation, and unwavering dedication to improving education for all. Addison shares his experiences...

In today's episode, we are honored to have, Don Haddad and Jackie Kapushion, leaders in the St. Vrain Valley School District. We'll explore how high schools can prepare students for diverse post-graduation pathways, from college to vocational fields and the military. Our guests will also address the importance of learning durable skills beyond standardized tests, along with the challenges posed by...

In today's episode, we are thrilled to have Dr. Josha Talison, the superintendent of Ecorse, Michigan, join us. Dr. Talison shares how his unwavering faith has guided his career, emphasizing that true leadership is about earning respect and loyalty. We'll explore the unique challenges of working in an inner-city school district with limited resources and how Dr. Talison leverages creativity and co...