Get Schooled on Public Education

By: The National Alliance for Public Charter Schools
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  • Summary

  • Did you know charter schools are always public schools? And that there is a national organization of public education experts dedicated to advocating for students to have access to high-quality public education nationwide? The National Alliance for Public Charter Schools invites you to Get Schooled on Public Education. I’ll be your host; my name is Brittnee Baker. I am the manager of Marketing and Communications at the National Alliance. We will cover topics such as funding, curriculum, teacher development, student learning needs, parental demand, and more and give you deep dives and diverse perspectives on the challenges and opportunities our nation faces as we seek to deliver on the promise of a free, high-quality public education for all. Subscribe today.
    Copyright Heartcast Media
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Episodes
  • Charter School Innovation Series: Creating Education Environments for Student Success

    Charter School Innovation Series: Creating Education Environments for Student Success
    Aug 22 2024
    In this episode of Get Schooled on Public Education, we focus on strategies charter schools have implemented to create educational environments to improve student outcomes. We talked to Dr. Reneta C. Johnson, the executive director at Legacy Prep in Alabama and Zak Dominello, the executive director from Ricardo Flores Magón Academy in Colorado. They discussed their leadership styles, approach to student learning, parent and community engagement, and intentional practices that have helped them thrive in the public education space. Learn more about their challenges, successes, and the specific steps they’ve taken to enhance their school culture and boost student achievement by fostering a positive learning environment.

    Guests
    • Dr. Reneta C. Johnson, Executive Director/Head of Schools at Legacy Prep in Birmingham, Alabama.
    • Zak Dominello, Executive Director/Head of School at Ricardo Flores Magón Academy in Denver, Colorado.
    Episode Takeaways:
    • Charter schools are free, public, and open to all.
    • Intentional leadership and setting examples are instrumental in creating and maintaining a positive school culture.
    • Data-driven instruction and providing targeted support for teachers and students help boost student achievement.
    • Engage and consider the voices of teachers, students, parents, and the community in school decision making.
    Quotes:
    • Dr. Reneta C. Johnson
      • “We are very intentional about providing individual learning for our scholars.”
    • Zak Dominello
      • “When we as a community feel passionate about something, we get together, and we make it happen.”

    Chapters:

    00:00 – Introduction
    01:27 - Charter school innovation and student success explored.
    03:16 - Cultivating Buy-In: Merging Visions in Established Cultures
    03:49 - Overcoming leadership change, focusing on culture.
    06:38 - Improving reading skills through teacher support and training
    08:27 - Tailoring Plans for Academic and Emotional Growth
    10:08 - College camp work, neuroscience graduate, science educator
    11:53 - Continued Support: Pushing Success and Addressing Needs
    16:57 - Charters teach importance of community involvement.
    20:31 - Understanding Cultural Impacts in Education
    22:08 - Embracing Migration as a Celebration of Diversity
    24:28 - The Role of Charter Schools in Education
    25:44 - Outro
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    24 mins
  • Charter School Innovation Series: Supporting Student Mental Health

    Charter School Innovation Series: Supporting Student Mental Health
    Aug 15 2024
    When it comes to students’ ability to learn, mental health plays a pivotal role in their academic success and personal development. In this episode of Get Schooled on Public Education, we learn more about two charter schools and how their teams work together to ensure students receive mental health support to better meet their needs. We hear from the outgoing executive director Carol Bowar and the director of mental health and wellness at Girls Athletic Leadership Schools (GALS) Denver in Colorado. And we chat with the cofounder of Catalyst Public Schools in Bremerton, Washington. Listen to learn more about their schools’ approach to integrating wellness into their curriculums and the positive impact for teachers, students, and families.GuestsCarol Bowar, Executive Director (Feb. 2016–Aug.2024), Girls Athletic Leadership Schools (GALS) Denver in ColoradoYolanda Dandridge, MA, LPC, NCC, ACS, Director of Mental Health and Wellness, Girls Athletic Leadership Schools (GALS) in Denver, ColoradoAmanda Gardner, Co-founder of Catalyst Public Schools in Bremerton, Washington

    Episode Takeaways:
    • Charter schools are free, public, and open to all.
    • A holistic approach to student development creates a supportive environment for students to thrive academically and personally.
    • Integrating mental health support, while balancing high academic standards is key to improving student outcomes.
    • Effective mental health integration requires a strong leadership and collaborative approach.

    Episode Timestamps:

    00:00 – Introduction
    01:01 - A Parent's Journey to Advocate for Dyslexic Individuals
    03:43 - Gal's School Embracing Movement-based Learning
    08:38 - The Genesis of Catalyst and Educational Transition
    12:36 - Inclusive Education: Infusing Justice-oriented Themes in the Curriculum
    14:05 - Prioritizing Student Mental Health: Implementing Additional Support Staff
    17:17 - Fostering Wellness: A Focus on Mental Health Support in Educational Settings
    18:15 - Outro

    Quotes:
    • Carol Bowar
      • Executive Director (Feb. 2016–Aug.2024), Girls Athletic Leadership Schools (GALS) Denver in Colorado
        • “They (parents) want a place where their children can figure out who they really are, find their voice, use it for good, and be part of a community that holds them and loves them.”
    • Yolanda Dandridge,
      • Director of Mental Health and Wellness, Girls Athletic Leadership Schools (GALS) Denver in Colorado
        • “I'm here creating what that looks like to have mental health in conversations in the educational process to be able to support students, adults, and families.”
    • Amanda Gardner
      • Co-founder of Catalyst Public Schools in Bremerton, Washington
        • “A lot of the model that we use is really rooted in social emotional learning and a culture of belonging.”
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    18 mins
  • Charter School Innovation Series: Nurturing Future Healthcare Heroes

    Charter School Innovation Series: Nurturing Future Healthcare Heroes
    Aug 8 2024
    This episode of the Get Schooled on Public Education podcast spotlights two schools dedicated to preparing nurses to enter rewarding careers in the medical field. Amidst a national shortage of healthcare workers, including nurses, these schools are nurturing the healthcare heroes of tomorrow. In our public charter school innovation series, we interviewed two school leaders to learn more about their nursing programs. We talked to Dr. Pamela McCue, a registered nurse and the CEO of Nurses Middle College (NursesMC), a network of nursing charter high schools. Their flagship school is the Rhode Island Nurses Institute Middle College. We also talked to Dr. Casey Sacks, President at BridgeValley Community and Technical College, where the Workforce Initiative for Nurses (WIN) Academy is located in West Virginia. Listen to learn more about their journeys in educational leadership, the unique features of their school models, and how students and families continue to be positively impacted.

    Key Takeaways:
    • Charter schools are free, public, and open to all.
    • Equipping nurses to join the workforce is critical in today’s healthcare environment.
    • Partnerships and community support have a huge impact on the success of nursing programs and allow students to gain hands-on experience.
    • When recruiting teachers for nursing programs, it’s best practice to select an educator who has experience in the field and passion for improving healthcare.
    Guests:
    • Dr. Pamela L. McCue, RN, CEO, Nurses Middle College (NursesMC) - Network of Nursing Charter High Schools
      • Rhode Island Nurses Institute Middle College Charter School
    • Dr. Casey Sacks, President, BridgeValley Community and Technical College
      • Workforce Initiative for Nurses (WIN) Academy in West Virginia

    Quotes

    "Charter Schools are public schools. We will enroll any student who wants to come to us." - Dr. Casey Sacks

    Families are choosing our Charter School. because of our culture. we’re delivering education through a lens of health and our culture is holistic. - Dr. Pamela L. McCue, RN

    Chapters
    00:00 - Introduction
    01:10 - Advocacy for Diverse Nursing Workforce and Education
    04:55 - Crucial Role of 100% Internship Experience in Student Development
    07:01 - Community Colleges' Impact on Tomorrow's Workforce
    08:44 - Bridging Skills Gap and Connecting Students to Jobs
    9:59 - Transitioning Beyond Traditional Education"
    12:29 - Challenging Perceptions and Embracing Growth
    13:54 - Focus on Student Support and Innovation in Nursing Program

    15:31 - Expansion Plan of Winn Academy and Search for Partnerships16:39 - Outro
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    17 mins
Social Sciences
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