Shows
Learning Counsel Report PodcastClosing Math Learning Gaps: Data-Driven InstructionMath scores are down, and kids are still struggling at pre-pandemic levels, according to NAEP. District leaders need a solution now. In this episode, we tackle this issue head-on. Join us as we dive deep into practical actionable strategies you can implement immediately to address these challenges. We speak with Brandon Smith, a leading math expert on Neuroscience learning at MIND Education, about how to pinpoint specific learning gaps using readily available data, design targeted interventions, and monitor student progress effectively. This isn't just theoretical - we discuss real-world examples of how data-driven instruction has led to significant improvements...2025-03-1944 min
Learning Counsel Report PodcastFuture Casting Edtech’s Trajectory in K12What does research show is really happening with declining student learning? Brian Shaw, CEO of Discovery Education, joins LeiLani to discuss what he’s been seeing and what it has meant to drive new software development. For one thing, Brian talks about what parents want for their learners today is different than it used to be. Listen in to meet Brian and hear what is going down in charting new directions to create the opportunities for K12 learners, both helpful for learners and desired by parents, that K12 educators should know about. 2025-02-0430 min
Learning Counsel Report PodcastBetter Human Teaching ConnectionJoin LeiLani as she discusses an oft-overlooked arena of classroom modernization – instructional audio. If you’ve ever been that learner at the back of the room with a teacher or presenter you can hardly hear, or who continues speaking while they are turned towards a presentation so their voice is now muffled, you can get an idea of the importance of this discussion. Tony Zeikle, Sr. VP of Revenue at Lightspeed Technologies joins LeiLani in talking about this tech area and repercussions to learning, to teachers’ vocal cords, and the quality of the experience when listening is fully engaged. He mak...2024-12-1737 min
Learning Counsel Report PodcastShaping Tomorrow: The Evolving Role of Math in Our WorldAs we prepare students for the challenges of tomorrow, math education must evolve to meet their needs. In this podcast, we’ll explore the shifting role of math in our world and discuss how innovative approaches like game-based and visual learning are shaping the future of math education. Discover how neuroscience informs these innovations and engage students, foster critical thinking, and build deep mathematical understanding. Whether you’re looking to improve math outcomes or bring fresh strategies into your district, this conversation will offer valuable insights into selecting the right tools and approaches to ensure your students are ready for...2024-12-0536 min
Learning Counsel Report PodcastSignal vs. Noise: Building Critical Thinking Skills Amid the Gen-AI HypeImagine saving teachers huge amounts of time because they no longer worry about students engaging low-quality information when researching online. Imagine empowering students’ critical thinking skills and reinvigorating their quest for knowledge in every research assignment. Sound like another hyped Gen-AI promise? On this podcast, meet Jeff Walsh of Sooth.FYI as he introduces a big new idea and product. LeiLani and Jeff have an eye-opening conversation about the alarming state of our information ecosystem and how it’s actually moving away from the needs of our classrooms. If we want students to build their critical thinking skills...2024-11-1941 min
Learning Counsel Report PodcastTeacher Retention CriticalityMeet authors and educators Dr. Joseph Jones, Superintendent of New Castle County Vocational-Technical School District and Dr. T.J. Vari, Senior Director of Product Strategy at MaiaLearning. While on tour for Learning Counsel media, LeiLani met Joseph and T.J. at the regional Baltimore event and learned of their involvement in teacher retention. Between them, they have written six books and are working on another. Listen in on important points made about the state of play in recruiting and retaining teachers during the epic teacher shortage across America from two folks who have been deeply involved in that work al...2024-11-0730 min
Learning Counsel Report PodcastAppropriate Learning Scaffolding Using AIJoin LeiLani and Dr. Ehsan Kattoula, Assistant Superintendent Accountability Division, Cobb County School District in Georgia for a discussion on “Appropriate Learning Scaffolding Using AI.” Dr. Kattoula makes cogent points on how AI will need to be used in schools, what it’s worth will be to learning, and what he means by “scaffolding” learning. Kattoula’s long-time work as an educator and data scientist helping direct this large district’s student management with data has been some of the most forward-thinking in America. His points are well worth the listen.2024-09-2823 min
Learning Counsel Report PodcastTrends Impacting the Future of K-12 EducationLeiLani embarks on a discussion with her friend Karl Rectanus, an edtech entrepreneur and former educator with a history of great innovations in the K12 marketspace. Together they bring up what’s at the top of trends and dynamics in K12, starting with what’s happening with AI. Karl’s perspective on what will happen, what’s new and what educators should pay attention to makes for a refreshing listen.2024-09-2336 min
Learning Counsel Report PodcastThe Power of Thinking in Big IdeasStates like California and Georgia are working on curriculum frameworks that include incorporation of mathematical “Big Ideas.” What are they? Listen in on this podcast with LeiLani and Brandon Smith, the Lead Mathematician and Product Director at MIND Education. The discussion opens about the possibility that mathematics education has been trying to solve the wrong problem in learning, how learning is built, not transferred, and providing insight into the new direction of teaching and learning that could be the watershed moment long hoped for to drive higher achievement. 2024-08-3029 min
Learning Counsel Report PodcastIgnite Learning with Mathematical DiscourseMore teachers should understand that loss of engagement in the present generation of students has serious neuroscience-driven experts hot on the trail of tech solutions that curiously elevate human discourse at the same time. LeiLani interviews Senior Director of Product and Content for MIND Education, Ki Karou, who leads a team of learning and game designers, artists and mathematicians who develop ST Math’s interactive programs. They discuss the importance of talking about math and collective problem solving in classrooms, how this transforms the actual learning experience while engaging students. Listen in as LeiLani and Ki chat about how st...2024-08-1422 min
Learning Counsel Report PodcastUnlocking Minds: The Power of Creative Reasoning in Math EducationNigel Nisbet, VP of Content Creation at MIND Education joins LeiLani to discuss creative reasoning in the process of learning math. Imagine a mind being able to internally visualize math in a similar way to any other language – such as the mental image picture one gets of a tall tree in all it’s dimension on a landscape and its color and movement in the wind. Such a mind exploring math would have achieved much more than memorizing addition and subtraction tables, for example. This evolution of math learning is particularly important for educators to understand and for learners to h...2024-05-3141 min
Learning Counsel Report PodcastDawning of Schools as Hubs of Tutoring SourcingWhat does it mean to school leaders and teachers to intersect students with what they need to achieve when the existing schedule already overwhelms teachers? When there is no time to catch students up or challenge ones far ahead, something must be done or the likelihood of losing those students to alternatives or dropping out is high. The dawning of change in the structure of schooling includes novel approaches to sourcing tutoring to overcome learning loss, absenteeism, behavioral issues, and expectations of full personalization for every learner. It used to be that easy scheduling was a difficult proposition – but no...2024-05-3145 min
Learning Counsel Report PodcastBuilding Problem Solvers with Exploratory LearningListen in as LeiLani discusses with guest Ki Karou of MIND Education what it means to use game-based learning, visual learning, in helping learners build mental schema and problem-solve. This is a complex topic that Karou is an expert in, being the Lead Mathematician and Product Director at MIND Education. Karou’s application of game theory and rich background in cognitive sciences makes for an excellent conversation on what edtech is doing today to drive true personalization with exploratory learning. 2024-05-0634 min
Learning Counsel Report PodcastThe Education Intelligent Network Matrix is Already hereLeiLani discusses how the future is already here – education is, irretrievably, already in an intelligent network matrix but still has much to do to fit comfortably in it. Mike Witzman, Senior Director of Solutions Engineering of Cisco’s U.S. Public Sector team talks about the trend of “form following function”: with LeiLani and the three levels of schooling being part of a new matrix of learning. Witzman includes many comments about the technical side of advancing schools up from devices in the hands of all students, through campus and classroom readiness, and up to the network mesh matrix that int...2024-04-2640 min
Learning Counsel Report PodcastThe Big Conundrum: Logistics and Tailored LearningA conundrum of schools wanting to personalize and customize learning, to tailor it around individuals is juxtaposed against a lack of logistics and strategy in this discussion with Matt Yeager, Assistant Superintendent of Technology from Garland Independent School District in the Dallas, Texas area with 52,000 students. Yeager introduces his theory of leadership and answers questions about what he means by tailored learning, missing logistics and his work in connectivity for schools and students. He provides additional valuable insights in strategic planning and how schools need to understand how technology will help them change structure and gain long-held desires to p...2024-04-2245 min
Learning Counsel Report PodcastAI Futures in Education with Serena Saks-Mandel, Global CTO for Education, MicrosoftWhat could happen when all the artificial intelligences converge? That’s just part of this conversation between Serena Saks-Mandel, the Global CTO for Education at Microsoft, and LeiLani Cauthen. Starting of with introducing her not-associated-with-Microsoft new book, “Empowered: Frame your Narrative, Own your Power” available now on Amazon. Like in all things from Serena, the stories have high energy and resonance for anyone – a powerful light and lesson is shown in this book to take away from its many mini-stories. In this podcast, after LeiLani brings up Serena’s new book, the conversation naturally turns to the need for educators t...2024-04-1135 min
Learning Counsel Report PodcastChanging the Culture of Math LearningMaybe math learning could be better if it was in sync with the current generation’s culture – that of Generation Alpha. LeiLani interviews Brandon Smith, the Lead Mathematician and Product Director at MIND Education about how learning-by-doing is a key part of a new cultural address for math learning. While Brandon gives specific examples of what can be done, the discussion also turns to equity in learning and development. Brandon also gives key specific points of what the math learning itself needs to involve – an education in math education!2024-04-0145 min
Learning Counsel Report PodcastBuilding the Culture of Security in SchoolsCulture of security? Listen in on this unique conversation with Helen Patton, the Cyber Security Strategic Advisor from Cisco. The discussion of security in schools is not just about digital citizenship, passwords, and the like, but about leadership. Cyber security in schools is not just a “job for the IT people,” but a sense of morality in individual behavior of all parties because schools are intermingled in many ways with the digital world and not just brick and mortar buildings at every level of their operations. This podcast has lots of information about the types of th...2023-12-1835 min
Learning Counsel Report PodcastGen Alpha and Being the School of ChoiceListen in on this rousing conversation about the Alpha Generation which is defined as people born 2010-2024 – the current crop of students in K12 schools. Research has shown they prefer the screen to humans, and although older generations find that terrible, it’s a fact that still has a profound impact on how they can be effectively taught and what they expect. Ramifications for technology and teaching are discussed between the host, LeiLani Cauthen and Mary Schlegelmilch, Education Advocate from Cisco who has been an early childhood educator, a middle school science teacher, a district curriculum facilitator, an elementary school...2023-11-0235 min
Learning Counsel Report PodcastWhat is the Science of Learning Math?Listen in to our interview with Nigel Nisbet, a rock musician, AP Physics and AP Computer Science teacher who did a tour of duty in an all-girls school, plus a specialist who devotes his time to reaching into the structure and beauty of mathematics and discussing the “science of learning math” from many angles. Nisbet who is currently the VP of Content Creation at MIND Education mentions how teaching modalities have changed and how learning has had to delve into facts of how people learn and the neuroscience of it all. He mentions a lot of the important mechanisms with...2023-10-0237 min
Learning Counsel Report PodcastActionable Learning Through Engagement What is actionable? What is real engagement? LeiLani discusses these things, and a novel definition of equity with Dan Tracy from MIND Education. Dan’s triple threat as a teacher, coder and trainer, makes this podcast discussion an interesting reveal on how to approach instruction – especially the subject of math. 2023-09-0525 min
Learning Counsel Report Podcast5 Ways to Accelerate Math by DoingA discussion with Ki Karou about the challenges of teaching today. Karou introduces five areas that the science of learning has identified as key to students’ doing – and how those are aids to accelerating learning, including the awesome capability of helping learners potentially jump through multiple grades to catch up in little time. Listen in to learn about things the neuroscience has uncovered including “self belief,” “schema building,” and more. Ki Karou is the Senior Director of Product Content at MIND Education, where he leads a team of learning and game designers, artists and mathematicians. Ki has been designing...2023-07-2926 min
Learning Counsel Report PodcastResponsible AI and Future AILeiLani interviews Justin Jordan, a former educator and Senior Product Manager at Cisco about the definitions of AI, how AI has permutated into many aspects of technology and what we need to be responsible for as we humans brave the new world where AI is in everything. Also find out things about Cisco and AI you might not have known by listening and learning. 2023-06-2123 min
Learning Counsel Report PodcastHow We Should Respond to AI and What’s NextListen in as LeiLani discusses how we should be responding to AI in education with long-time friend and esteemed colleague in the field, Roland Antoine, Innovative Projects Manager at Dallas ISD in Texas. Roland introduces the idea that the problem is the “problems definition” and that we must proceed to use AI against clearly defined problems, and that AI should be able to act like a GPS of content for students. Both agree AI will not replace teachers but that we are in an age of applying a new wave of creativity in the same way humans applied it in th...2023-06-2040 min
Learning Counsel Report PodcastMaking the Most of Remaining ESSER FundsFear of the “fiscal cliff” and what to spend remaining ESSER funds on is a hot topic in schools. Listen in as Leilani discusses the topic with Jon Hummell, Director of State Initiatives at Lexia Learning. Productive use of the money may not be what you think.2023-05-2935 min
Learning Counsel Report PodcastAI and Algebraic Thinking About Time & Space in SchoolsListen in as LeiLani chats with Maurice Draggon, Sr. Director of Digital Learning at Orange County Public Schools in Orlando, Florida. First they discuss the implications of AI in schools and then the emerging time and space AI known as Intelligent Calendaring for its possibilities and then the combination of both new technologies for “uberizing” learning. Along the way, comments about what AI will not do and the human teacher intersecting live with students more efficiently makes for an interesting conversation you don’t want to miss.2023-05-1037 min
Learning Counsel Report PodcastShrinking School IT Teams & 3 ImperativesListen in as LeiLani discusses the problems of shrinking school IT teams and three imperatives with Mary Schlegelmilch, who as a former educator has extensive knowledge in distance learning and online learning as a member of the Cisco Education team. Discover how the three imperatives are a “team sport” of administrative, teacher and even bus driver activity.2023-04-1030 min
Learning Counsel Report PodcastWhat is the Science of Reading (Through the Lens of Pedagogy and Teacher Practice)?Listen in as LeiLani learns a thing or two about the what the science of reading really is from Carey Sweet, National Senior Education Advisor Education Partnerships at Lexia Learning. While reading may be thousands of years old, the science of it has evolved over time. Good literacy instruction has elements and components – and deliberate practice. For certain the wars over reading instruction are getting an infusion of research and new approaches that are worth finding out about.2023-04-0318 min
Learning Counsel Report PodcastA Social-Emotional Imperative: Supporting both Dyslexia and Developmental Language Disorders (DLD) through Software Innovation In this episode of the Learning Leadership Society Podcast, your host, Learning Counsel News Media and Research CEO LeiLani Cauthen, talks with Dr. Suzanne Carreker, Principal Educational Content Lead at Lexia Learning. Today’s topic: contrasting dyslexia and developmental language disorder and understanding the differences between the two. 2023-03-1640 min
Learning Counsel Report PodcastEducation Technology for Emergent Bilinguals: Overlooked Aspects to Consider When Interpreting the ResearchIn this episode of the Learning Leadership Society Podcast, your host, Learning Counsel News Media and Research CEO LeiLani Cauthen, talks with Nicholas Feroce, Ph.D., Research Scientist at Lexia Learning about research design in the area of emergent bilinguals, and program causality to effect notable gains among that population. 2023-01-2324 min
Learning Counsel Report PodcastCybersecurity in K12In this episode of the Learning Leadership Society Podcast, your host, Learning Counsel News Media and Research CEO LeiLani Cauthen, talks with Mary Schlegelmilch, Education Advocate at Cisco. They discuss the changes in K-12 education, and how the pandemic changed culture and mindset, and brought cybersecurity in education to another dimension. 2023-01-0431 min
Learning Counsel Report PodcastDimensions to Math EquityIn this episode of the Learning Leadership Society Podcast, Host LeiLani Cauthen speaks with Twana Young, Vice President of Curriculum and Instruction for Mind Research Institute. In addition to access, Young explains that there's also agency and power and identity and belonging, and those are all part of the different dimensions of equity, especially around mathematics. As Mind Research Institute builds out content and curriculum, they are thinking about the opportunities for agency, and who has the power. It is a fascinating look at equity through a different lens. 2022-11-2821 min
Learning Counsel Report PodcastAccelerating Math Learning through the Science of MathIn this episode of the Learning Leadership Society Podcast, Host LeiLani Cauthen speaks with Nigel Nisbet, Vice President of Content Creation at the MIND Research Institute. Nisbet shifts the question from ‘How should I teach,' to ‘How do they learn?’ It’s a profound difference which helps you to focus on optimal learning methodologies, and to gain an understanding of the Science of Math. 2022-11-1525 min
Learning Counsel Report PodcastInspiring Math Learning through the Science of MathHost LeiLani Cauthen speaks with Jay Flores, Global STEM Ambassador, and founder of Invent the Change. “If our youth aren't loving math, or at least somewhat excited by it and challenged by it in positive ways, then they're going to have trouble with those problem-solving skills and navigating through ordinary life in the future,” said Flores. This is a fascinating look at the value of mathematics and STEM in the world of Emergent Bilinguals. 2022-11-0735 min
Learning Counsel Report PodcastMaking Literacy Skills Age Appropriate for Your StudentsAs education embarks on pandemic recovery, the mission of continued support for literacy skills beyond early elementary grades is emerging as vital. What does this mean for teachers needing solutions for literacy skill gaps after those foundational school years? Listen in as Host LeiLani Cauthen discusses structured literacy strategy through bite-sized professional development with Meg Van Voorhis, Director of Professional Learning at Lexia.2022-11-0135 min
Learning Counsel Report PodcastRemoving Accent Bias in the Classroom: Where Technological Excellence Meets Human IntelligenceListen in to guest Maya Goodall, Senior Director, Emergent Bilingual Curriculum - from Lexia Learning - as she informs us about accent bias and how technology is coming to the rescue. Host LeiLani Cauthen marvels at the ingenuity of this latest technological breakthrough that uses Artificial intelligence (A.I.) alongside advanced speech recognition and human intelligence to help students from many languages with English language development. Learn important points about capitalizing on learning in a foreign language to advance English language learning. Hear the thinking around how supporting heritage languages creates more culturally sustaining learning environments where all students c...2022-10-1332 min
Learning Counsel Report PodcastLearning Loss and AccelerationA discussion with Dr. Tiffany Hogan, MGH Institute of Health Professions, and Dr. Liz Brooke, Chief Learning Officer, Lexia Learning, about what the post-pandemic research is showing about learning loss. Guests mention that over thirty States are implementing laws or policies around evidence-based instruction. Further discussion about the challenges of learning loss and acceleration for students, including how teacher training is bringing a new level of precision to teaching using professional grade courseware. Don’t miss this podcast for the points being made and personal stories about the meaningfulness of addressing learning loss.2022-10-1142 min
Learning Counsel Report PodcastEducation's Serious Decision PointIn this episode of the Learning Leadership Society Podcast, your host, Learning Counsel News Media and Research CEO LeiLani Cauthen talks with Mary Schlegelmilch, Education Advocate at Cisco. They discuss the post-pandemic world, and the technology-driven changes that will catalyze an increasingly bright future among learners in this world.2022-09-1537 min
Learning Counsel Report PodcastYour Share of the Stimulus Wallet In this episode of the Learning Leadership Society Podcast, your host, Learning Counsel News Media and Research CEO LeiLani Cauthen talks with Phyllis Jordan, Associate Director of Future Ed, and Brittany Martin, Education Department Relations Manager at Lexia Learning. “The Learning Counsel has been tracking Stimulus funds and spending with our big national surveys,” said Cauthen. “There's anywhere from $140 billion and maybe as much as $171 billion still in the game for K12. And a lot of that money is the last act, which is going straight to districts, so the states don't get to play funny money with it...2022-09-1240 min
Learning Counsel Report PodcastThe Right Now Imperative is Learning LogisticsWhat is logistics when it comes to education and learning? This podcast defines them and goes further, hosting Mary Schlegelmilch from Cisco, a seasoned educator who consults schools and Cisco itself about where education is going. Commentary on the perfect storm of teacher shortage, personalization demand and a lack of reasoned workflow are punctuated with a vision of network maturity to meet the future. Progress that elevates human teachers with a surround of tech, potentially also changing the way space and time are used, is part of the lively discussion.2022-08-0942 min
Learning Counsel Report PodcastDevolution & Cascading Failure in SchoolsResearch sourced from multiple industries and the definition of both devolution and cascading failure are the topics of this podcast. The mass teacher shortages are mirrored in other industries, and some new data from the insurance actuaries are indicating part of the “why.” At the end, LeiLani challenges listeners with the key questions about meeting challenges in K12 that will come as soon as Summer 2022.2022-06-0919 min
Learning Counsel Report PodcastAftermath of the Pandemic for K12In this podcast, LeiLani discusses the teacher shortage, what teachers were doing during the lockdowns, video conference call fatigue, the face of consumerized learning and the consumer awakening during. The perfect storm of these things plus the “short form versus long form” learning issue is discussed as influencing what schools need to think about post the pandemic. 2022-06-0624 min
Learning Counsel Report PodcastPractical ways to make literacy instruction more equitableIn this episode of the Learning Leadership Society Report, your Host LeiLani Cauthen speaks with Carrie Doom and Michele Pulver, both with Lexia Learning. With no holds barred, Cauthen lays it on the line, asking the team from Lexia, “Why is literacy at the heart of educational equity?” According to Pulver, “Literacy is at the heart of equity because it's the foundation of everything that we ask our students to do. 85 percent of what we present to students is based in text. Kids have to be able to read to participate in classroom activities, classroom instruction, and to be ready f...2022-06-0138 min
Learning Counsel Report PodcastTowards Real TransformationIn this episode of the Learning Leadership Society Report, your Host LeiLani Cauthen speaks with Chris McMurray, the Learning Counsel’s new Chief Academic Officer. As the Learning Counsel begins direct engagements with schools and school districts, Chris McMurray will take the point and help guide them towards real transformation. According to Cauthen, “There's a new future being built. First, there's a teacher shortage and almost every single district is talking about that. And the few that weren't were experiencing other elements of the perfect storm, which is they're losing students, there's an attrition to the homeschooling movement and alternatives, that...2022-05-1620 min
Learning Counsel Report PodcastPractical Examples of Classroom Equity in Language InstructionWhen entering our education system as an emergent bilingual, the nuances are everything. Especially if you have an eye towards equity. In this episode of The EduJedi Report, Host LeiLani Cauthen and her guest, Javier Ruiz, Education Content Specialist – English Language Development at Lexia Learning, discuss the growing awareness of equity as we serve our emergent bilingual students (historically known as English Language Learners), and a more culturally aware mindset for learning which includes multiple accents and dialects for superior learner self-identification. 2022-04-1328 min
Learning Counsel Report PodcastThe Educational Epoch Change You Didn’t Know HappenedAs we write our new epic and talk about the age of the Age of Knowledge and the Age of Technology, and then into the Age of Experience, we’ll see we used our knowledge in a scaffolded way to aim for the perfect life. In this episode, Host LeiLani Cauthen and Guest Tom Finn, President/CEO & Employee-Owner of AVID Products discuss the tremendous changes in the education market and the positive structural changes that are taking place in skills, preparation for the future, and the transformation of technology and its inherent value. 2022-03-2922 min
LexiaTalksAsk an Expert: Heritage-Relevant Digital Learning DesignIn this episode of the EduJedi Report podcast, Host and Learning Counsel CEO LeiLani Cauthen talks with Kristie Shelley, Senior Director of Emergent Bilingual Curriculum at Lexia Learning about digital learning design that is heritage-relevant.
Lexia English is a K-6 product that helps promote bilingualism or multilingualism. From day one, they approached the program with an asset model, which makes it unique, seeking to honor learners first and foremost. Studies indicate that teachers talk 80 percent of the time in the classroom. Lexia flipped the model because the only way to learn a language is to actually speak t...2022-03-2332 min
Learning Counsel Report PodcastEduJedi Report Podcast: Heritage Relevant Digital Learning DesignIn this episode of the EduJedi Report podcast, Host and Learning Counsel CEO LeiLani Cauthen talks with Kristie Shelley, Senior Director of Emergent Bilingual Curriculum at Lexia Learning about digital learning design that is heritage-relevant. Lexia English is a K-6 product that helps promote bilingualism or multilingualism. From day one, they approached the program with an asset model, which makes it unique, seeking to honor learners first and foremost. Studies indicate that teachers talk 80 percent of the time in the classroom. Lexia flipped the model because the only way to learn a language is to actually speak t...2021-12-0132 min
Learning Counsel Report PodcastNew Answers to Systemic Inequity of Language LearningAge-old instructional methods for language learning have had structures that predispose them to English-language only delivery models. New digital delivery mechanisms make way for learning scaffolding that is culturally responsive to empower educators to lead bi-lingual learners in systems without built-in prejudices. Listen in to find out exactly what it means to have learning built digitally to improve outcomes in language learning and empower educators to address individual needs in less time. 2021-09-2027 min
Learning Counsel Report PodcastGetting Real about What Blended Learning Is and Isn't in the ClassroomThe pandemic has taught us many things, one being there is a lot of confusion around what effective blended learning really looks like. What are some actionable strategies for integrating technology in the classroom and supporting blended learning? Listen as LeiLani talks with two pros, Alexis Treat, Sr. Director of Literacy Curriculum and Meg Van Voorhis, Director of Professional Learning from Lexia who share stories and tips. As definitions of blended learning, simultaneous teaching, synchronous teaching, hybrid learning, flipped learning and more of the latest trends get discussed by schools, it all comes down to what’s real and wha...2021-08-2730 min
Learning Counsel Report PodcastTesting at a Crossroads: Assessment for Personalization vs NormalizationThe COVID-19 pandemic has forced a lot of innovation in how testing and assessment is used to provide students and schools with starting places to identify and address unfinished learning. The most critical aspect is to go beyond trying to normalize all students for a teaching reset and use assessments to support recovery from learning loss as well as flag unfinished learning. The application of assessment is now set to provide personalization insights like never before. Listen in to guests Dr. Cheryl Taliaferro, the District Liaison for ASPIRE Academy for Highly Gifted Learners from Grapevine-Colleyville Independent School District in...2021-07-2232 min
Learning Counsel Report PodcastA Conversation about Hybrid LogisticsLongtime friend and great intellect Drew Hinds, Executive Director of Technology Services from Huntington Beach City School District in California, discusses with LeiLani the idea of Hybrid Logistics as an answer to the huge disruption of how schools currently use time and space. The student requirement for significant flexibility is here, and what does that mean for schools? What does personalization really mean now, since the pandemic? LeiLani mentions the “real definition” of personalization comes from the consumer world. Drew goes further and indicates he believes a digital wrap-around of A.I.-driven resources unique to students, while still having a n...2021-06-2243 min
Learning Counsel Report PodcastFour Surprises Post-Pandemic for SchoolsLeiLani Cauthen discusses what EduJedi are seeing for changes in expectations and what schools will need to do to overcome “hidden” frictions. She also brings up “infinity scale logic” versus binary logic and why it is important to be familiar with it to address cultural shifts in schools. Listen to also find out the “two modes” of communications patterns for students today.2021-06-1622 min
Learning Counsel Report PodcastBecoming Human Using Assessment DataWhat if testing was more human centric and not so scary and indiscriminate? Listen to this discussion about bringing back meaning to assessments through new skills in data and logic that work even in distance learning scenarios. EduJedi LeiLani Cauthen interviews CEO Laura Slover and Joey Web, Director of Academic Services, of CenterPoint Education Solutions. 2021-05-1733 min
Learning Counsel Report PodcastLights, Camera, Action! What about on-camera Simultaneous TeachingEduJedi LeiLani Cauthen and Fred King from Cisco discuss the “why” of simultaneous teaching in a live classroom plus via video online feels a lot like going on stage. Behavior tends to change when cameras are panning, tilting, zooming, so a new Cisco solution modifies all that with a stationary “quad-cam” and audio detection that auto-creates a split-screen and software manages everything. Plus comments about how it all mitigates cyberbullying, does auto-translations and closed captioning, plus helps with data privacy and averting data loss. New tech is so cool! Guest: Fred King, Business Solution Architect – Global Educati...2021-05-1229 min
Learning Counsel Report PodcastLearning Recovery Starts with Seeing and Hearing A.I.Schools now have a big worry about lack of learning because students just can’t see or hear well, either because of masks and plexiglass everywhere on site or from a distance over video feeds. Guest Daniel Kleman and EduJedi LeiLani Cauthen discuss things like invisible sound bubbles that block background noise, artificial intelligence managing audio beams so the teacher is heard by all and students don’t get left behind. Guest: Daniel Kleman, Senior Field Engineer, Yamaha Click here for more information on Yamaha and their products/services2021-05-1224 min
Learning Counsel Report PodcastAccess and Engaging the StudentDr. Lance Ford, Chief Technology Officer from Howe County Schools in Oklahoma shares their journey pivoting to digital, battling poor connectivity, and grappling with the reality of a new normal of expectations by students and parents. Innovative thinking from this smallish district shows what’s non-negotiable in delivering learning and how a new formula is taking center stage. A fun and fast conversation. 2021-03-2933 min
Learning Counsel Report PodcastSecure your Investment, Manage RiskLet’s hear from a technical expert on K12 school security about the big picture on information security. LeiLani interviews Doug Walsten from Cisco who mentions both data-at-rest and data-in-motion with regards to school data, which most school and district leaders know is “everywhere” in their systems, in the cloud, or on some teacher’s desktop. All of it has encompassing laws that need to be considered by leaders since schools are using thousands of Apps and many major systems that hold personal information of students. Listen to this podcast for an excellent sketch of concerns accompanied by various stories abo...2021-03-1923 min
Learning Counsel Report PodcastBecome a Hybrid Learning ProThe transformation of learning where suddenly students and teachers are not physically together has driven widespread use of video conferencing. Screen fatigue complaints and disengagement were center stage early on, but certain folks like Suzanne Phillips rode in to show how to do it right. LeiLani interviews Suzanne Phillips from Cisco Webex who has focused on creating tips and resources for teachers, by learning from successful educators worldwide. Teaching virtually can still be human with real connection, provided simple workflows and special tricks are used to create a learning ambiance. Who would have predicted that since the pandemic, over one...2021-03-0828 min
Learning Counsel Report PodcastNew Digital Personalized Approaches to EquitySchools are bringing on professional grade digital curriculum and aiming at true personalization. LeiLani hosts Liz Brooke and Michele Eaton, Director of Virtual And Blended Learning from the M.S.D. of Wayne Township. This discussion about what software can do in schools reveals how leaders are trying to balance human teaching within a new context of real personalization because of more sophisticated software so that they can rid themselves of systemic inequities. 2021-02-2646 min
Learning Counsel Report PodcastEsports Driving All Academic AchievementEsports is the new “hook” to keep students working in other subjects despite being remote or partially physically attending schools in some sort of hybrid schedule. LeiLani discusses the emerging ultra-significance of esports and gaming in K12 education with Dr. Miles Harvey, 8th Grade Video Game-Based Learning and Esports Coach, Albuquerque Public Schools and Luke Stebick, Account Executive at TIG. Hear them talk about the real-life workings of student attendance and engagement because of esports, getting started as a school, and what sort of life-long opportunities are out there for students. 2021-02-0337 min
Learning Counsel Report PodcastData Driven Return to LearningGiven the ongoing pandemic, schools, districts and whole States have been grappling with awkward school schedules, hybrid style environments, and mismatched achievement because student online attendance during the later part of Spring was so unpredictable. States have stepped in to measure both academics and social-emotional learning to get achievement back on track. This podcast discusses what that looks like and hosts Anita Qonja Collins-Executive Director of Elementary Instruction/Dr. Christine Russell-MTSS Coordinator/Gary A. van Staveren, Ph.D.-Assessment, Grants and School Improvement Supervisor2021-01-1852 min
Learning Counsel Report PodcastPaying for the Giant Leap in K12The nation made a giant leap forward into technology for K12 in 2020 and that transition continues, with some new twists. LeiLani hosts Renee Patton, Global Director of Education and Healthcare from Cisco’s Industry Solutions Group. With “so many newbies,” the new schools and districts since the pandemic started, all rolling out massive numbers of computing devices to students, they discuss what that means for networks, achievement and student equity. New address to small schools and districts with innovations in equipment, pricing and help for funding questions have been part of the Cisco pivot to help – detailed by Patton. Interesting new...2021-01-1426 min
Learning Counsel Report PodcastPushed into 1-to-1? What’s next for successful programs?LeiLani discusses with Justin Reilly, the CEO of Impero, a missing ingredient for managing the sudden mass deployments of devices by K12 schools. Student safety, but more importantly, the well-being of students socially and emotionally, has a new guardian with advanced mobile device management software. Reilly’s comments about what’s imperative now that schools are still mostly hybrid or remote learning are particularly timely. It’s not enough to create a connection to learning, vigilance by schools about student well-being means they retain those students while driving achievement. 2020-12-1526 min
Learning Counsel Report PodcastScience Learning from AnywhereDo you want to be thoroughly impressed about cross-curricular STEM learning remotely? Anika Chebrolu, a 14-year-old, won the 3M Young Scientist Challenge and was named America’s Top Young Scientist of 2020. She found a molecule that can selectively bind to the spike protein of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in an attempt to find a cure for the pandemic. Programs for schools from Discovery Education combine these sorts of challenges with world-class STEM learning. Hear the discussion with Beth Meyer, VP of Growth and Partner Activation from Discovery Education; Mahfuza B. Ali, Ph.D., Corporate Scientist, 3M Materials Resource Division and 3M You...2020-11-1223 min
Learning Counsel Report PodcastRecovery from a Lost Year of Reading AchievementTens of thousands of school leaders are realizing they may have lost a year of progress with students. LeiLani discusses with Dr. Liz Brooke, Chief Learning Officer at Lexia and Felecia Evans, Principal at Lander Elementary School, Mayfield Heights, OH, what to do about realigning student learning amidst ongoing alternate schedules including on-campus, remote and hybrid learning. As educators come out of the fog of issuing millions of devices and making sure students have connectivity, they are finding a professional world of digital curriculum to help them play catch-up. This discussion focuses on practical leadership from the front lines...2020-11-0938 min
Learning Counsel Report PodcastNow is the Future of TeachingLeiLani discusses with guest, Marty Reed of RANDA Solutions, the mass attrition of teachers during this historic perfect storm of Covid-19. Educator frustrations with remote teaching, and a lack of elevation of the profession up to the digiverse has magnified the already crisis level issue of teacher retention. Marty’s take on teacher free agentry changes the entire dynamics of teaching. By creating an ecosystem around teacher licensure, intellectual property, professional learning and community, context can be established around credentials and portfolios of work. Teachers can present to the world the complete picture of themselves as a professional educator. When sc...2020-10-1326 min
Learning Counsel Report PodcastAvatar A.I. Helping Hybrid LearningLeiLani and Lewis Johnson of Alelo discuss avatars used with artificial intelligence for asynchronous teaching and professional development. A technology that has been around for awhile in the corporate sector and military is now coming to the rescue in education to create engagement and efficiencies. This technology is set to help teachers teach with more engagement and an iterative process where they can update an avatars response based on how students are learning, perfecting trainings over time. Teacher’s may soon be able to have dimensional libraries for addressing interactive learning on various topics so that they get a...2020-10-0524 min
Learning Counsel Report PodcastEducation Tech ChaosLeiLani Cauthen discusses the general education tech chaos with Tricia Kennedy, Exec Dir., Instructional Development and Support, Gwinnett County Public Schools in Atlanta, Georgia. Kennedy has been the leader for many years worth of preparedness to have a fully integrated learning ecosystem so that total chaos was never evident for them in America’s March 2020 move to quarantines with all schools shutting down. While other school’s when into hyper-drive, Kennedy’s chaos was minimal. With 180,000 students, Gwinnett’s tech vision leans on Amazon Web Services for dependency to watch traffic load and manage downtime in real-time, ensuring equitable access for...2020-09-2927 min
Learning Counsel Report PodcastThe Lost Learning Year: Intelligent Recommendations LeiLani discusses recent findings by researchers Dr. John Bielinski and Dr. Kyle Wagner at Illuminate Education on the effect quarantines and remote learning have had on K-8 learning outcomes. Schools working through remote learning transitions have focused on engagement but the data indicates that there is a clear hierarchy of needs and educators will need the tools to pinpoint risk quickly and make a recovery plan. 2020-09-1532 min
Learning Counsel Report PodcastA Story about PODSIn this EduJedi Report Podcast, LeiLani talks about PODS, the new trend in homeschooling-tied-to-schools. With the advent of the pandemic, a scenario she first talked about in her book, The Consumerization of Learning, is coming true. She reads a purely fictional account of a student’s journey in a POD from the last chapters of her book, giving a glimpse into the future.2020-08-1225 min
Learning Counsel Report PodcastLooking back before looking forwardGuests, Dr. Travis Taylor, Instructional Technology Specialist from Little Rock School District, Arkansas, and Berj Akian, CEO of ClassLink, have a lively conversation about one of the biggest organizational conundrums for schools as quarantines went into effect and how to better prepare for the future. Dr. Taylor shares how Little Rock is using single sign-on and analytics to bring order to remote learning in an evolving digital landscape. LeiLani Cauthen, CEO, the Learning Counsel is the moderator.2020-07-3137 min
Learning Counsel Report PodcastNew Norms of Hybrid Professional DevelopmentGuests Tyce Miller, the CEO of Mobilemind and Sarah Porisch, Director of Technology, Brainerd Public Schools, discuss what’s happening now with teaching the teachers. Where schools once had those eight-hour days of intensive professional development, training is now shifting to on-demand and highly personalized through advanced technology. The talk focused on the success from Minnesota, and how Sarah helped lead change with all their teachers becoming immersed in how to use technology successfully for their student learners. In reference to getting reluctant teacher-learners on board, Sarah said, “A couple of (our teachers) actually even said, ‘I a...2020-07-2932 min
Learning Counsel Report PodcastRemote Learning in the Hot Zone - NY School DistrictWhat’s it been like to transition to digital remote learning in one of our nation’s hot zones? One district with a “Keep Learning, Don’t Miss Out” motto made every day in quarantines count. 2020-06-0321 min
Learning Counsel Report PodcastDigital Instruction Design is Different and Getting More DifferentLeilani and Sakon discuss what is happening with the intersection of regular instructional design and the new digital instructional design paradigm with one of the nation’s preeminently qualified UI/UX and instructional design experts found tucked away in District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS), Sakon Kieh. In this podcast, Sakon and LeiLani discuss what’s happened with the national COVID-19 crisis and how design is different, and getting more different.2020-05-2821 min
Learning Counsel Report PodcastLet’s Not Screw Up this Stimulus for EducationLeiLani Cauthen and Dr. Barbara Nemko, Napa County Superintendent of Schools, Napa County Office of Education in California discuss what the ARRA Stimulus of 2009 did compared to the new CARES Act Stimulus intention. Many important comments are made regarding caveats for schools and district’s to consider. On superintendents just using the Stimulus to save jobs, Dr. Nemko stated: “It’s going to kind of work itself out. I do believe there are a lot of teachers who are not going to want to come back, because of the fear. I think that attrition is going to take care of a l...2020-05-1232 min
Learning Counsel Report PodcastWhat Really Happened with Quarantine & EducationLeiLani Cauthen and Senator Howard Stephenson of Utah discuss concerns about the sudden shift of all schools to remote learning, and what it really means for the future. Just one of Stephenson’s great comments: “The thing you need to focus on is those tools that provide immediate interactive, adaptive feedback while the student is doing the work. It's not about PDFs online. It's not about worksheets.”2020-04-2928 min
Education TodayS1E3, Digital Leadership and Improving CurriculumIn the first interview of today's episode, Mind Rocket Media Group chats with LeiLani Cauthen, CEO of The Learning Counsel, who discusses how districts are approaching the digital transition and beginning to embrace, rather than simply accept, the need for technology in schools (0:30). Cauthen also describes the identity challenges students are facing in our globally connected world, as identified in recent research, and much more. In this episode's Data Insight (15:02), you'll hear how recent research shows that teachers spend between 10-25 percent of their time searching for lesson materials. Then, in the second interview, Michael Broach, Academic Dean for...2020-04-0126 min