A podcast series commissioned by The Annie E. Casey Foundation.
Filmed, directed and produced by Tory Read.
Bonus Audio
Foundations Can Help Schools Improve Results
Christopher Waller, Principal, Parks Middle School
Topics include: his goals as principal, how the partnership with Casey has helped Parks, lessons learned, why data and results are important, after-school programs and how they contribute to results, the impact of music programs on his own life
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Jeanne Jehl, Senior Consultant, Annie E. Casey Foundation
Topics include: lessons from Casey’s experience working with Parks Middle School, how to be a good partner, what can go wrong
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Data Helps Students Succeed
Dr. Alfred Kiel, Instructional Specialist, Parks Middle School
Topics include: Why data is important in educating children, the different kinds of data he uses to diagnose students’ strengths and weaknesses, importance of student input, importance of support from the principal
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Adult Role Models Inspire Students
MacArthur Randolph, Communities in Schools (CIS)
Topics include: What CIS does, how CIS contributes to success at Parks, description of students’ challenges, why he does what he does.
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Karate Supports Learning in the Classroom
Felicia Phillips, 6th Grade Math Teacher, Parks Middle School
Topics include: Description of after-school programs, impact of karate on the classroom, reasons for Parks AYP success, how she has changed.
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Latasha Smiley, 7th Grade Science Teacher, Parks Middle School
Topics include: Impact of after-school academic and extracurricular programs on student performance, why she went into teaching, description of Parks students’ challenges
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Tanwir Sahib, Karate Instructor, Parks Middle School
Topics include: How he got the program started at Parks, how martial arts helps children, why he does what he does, advice to others
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New Teaching Talent Comes to District Schools
Dr. Eugene G. White, Superintendent, Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS)
Topics include: Why he went into teaching and leading, how IPS attracted New Teachers Project and Teach for America, description of the new teachers, challenges of bringing new teachers into the district, lessons learned, how IPS tracks the impact of new teachers
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Charter Schools Can Help Districts
Donald H. Stinson, Superintendent, Decatur Township Schools
Topics include: Why his district organized a charter school, why they chose the expeditionary learning model, influence of the charter school on the district’s traditional public high school, advice to other superintendents, demographics of Decatur Township, history of Decatur Township
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Dr. Eugene G. White, Superintendent, Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS)
Topics include: Overview of IPS, impact of charter schools on his district, how his district has responded to charters with its own reforms, advice to other superintendents
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Project-Based Learning
Kevin Leineweber, Captain, Decatur Discovery Academy (DDA)
Topics include: How he came to DDA, how he came to be captain/principal, challenges and rewards of starting a new charter school, description of expeditionary learning, examples of expeditions, expansion plans for DDA, collaboration with Decatur Township District, rapid career advancement
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Charter Schools Offer Alternatives
Sean Truesdale, senior, Decatur Discovery Academy (DDA)
Topics include:Why he moved from traditional public high school to DDA, how he has changed since coming to DDA, impact of community service on him, advice to other young people
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Amber Shireman, senior, Decatur Discovery Academy (DDA)
Topics include:Lessons learned, why she came to DDA, examples of projects and expeditions, her life outside school, her next steps, advice to other students
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Justin Johnson, senior, Decatur Discovery Academy (DDA)
Topics include:Comparison of his experience at traditional public high school and DDA, how he became college bound, description of his senior expedition, lessons learned, advice to other young people
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Risks and Rewards of Teaching at Charter Schools
Elisa Reddick, 3rd Grade Teacher, Challenge Foundation Academy (CFA)
Topics include: Why she chose to teach at CFA, teaching at a traditional public school vs. a public charter school, challenges of opening a new charter school, how CFA evaluates teachers, data-driven instruction
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Tara Gustin, 5th Grade Teacher, CFA
Topics include: Benefits of teaching in a charter school, risks of not being in a union, description of CFA students, teacher certification and training
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Kelly Huff, Reading Curriculum Coordinator, CFA
Topics include: Challenges of opening a new charter school, her evolving thinking on charters and traditional public schools, professional development at CFA
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