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Public Health InsightDeconstructing Community Violence With Big Data & Machine LearningGun violence is now a leading cause of death in many demographics but how do you intervene when many of the underlying causes don’t have anything to do with guns in the first place?In this episode of the Public Health Insight Podcast, Lori Toscano, Director of Justice Technical Assistance at WestEd, discusses using data analytics and machine learning to identify and address risk and protective factors for community violence. The conversation covers a new framework, the Violence Prevention Navigation Framework (VPNF), that leverages 70 community-level indicators to guide deeper root cause analysis and to pri...2025-03-1834 min

Leading Voices PodcastEducation Savings Accounts (ESAs): Research, Accountability, and Transparency Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) have expanded across the United States in recent years. These accounts provide state education funds, originally allocated for students to attend public school, to be redirected to families to use for educational services of their choice. These programs enable parents to use these funds for a wide range of educational services, such as private school tuition, tutoring, distance learning options, and more. In this episode of the Leading Voices podcast, host Danny Torres talks with William Berry, Research Associate with WestEd’s Charter and School Choice team, and Robin Ch...2025-03-1717 min

Public Health InsightA Meticulous Career In Criminal Justice & Violence PreventionWhat does a meticulous career in criminal justice and violence prevention look like? Look no further than Lori Toscano. In this episode of the Public Health Insight Podcast, Lori joins to share her initial ambition to become a grade 5 teacher to now a devoted career in community violence intervention. The conversation dives into the importance of data, community involvement, and the challenges Lori faced while trying to balance enforcement and support. The episode concludes with insights into her role at WestEd, her approaches to technical assistance, and her passion for violence prevention.2025-03-1139 min

Latino LeadersCoaching and Mentoring with Larry MartinezJoin host Pablo Muñoz for an exhilarating conversation with his featured guest — Larry Martinez.Larry has been an educator for over 30 years, serving K-12 students with a passion for improving academic achievement. His work has been primarily in high minority and low socio–economic schools. Larry has had many roles within the educational environment working as a teacher, administrator, educational consultant, and director.1:03 - Introduction2:17 - My Leadership Story22:19 - A2Z Teach29:28 - Latino Leaders37:00 - Educational Leadership44:37 - Blueprint Schools Network...2025-03-031h 07

The Rural ScoopEpisode 83: Multiple Perspectives on Expanding Leadership Development in Rural Education SystemsEpisode Summary: In this episode of The Rural Scoop, host Melissa shares insights from the Rural Community of Practice, a unique initiative by Region 15 Comprehensive Center at WestEd. Together with co-host Julie Duffield, they reflect on nearly five years of groundbreaking work in rural education. The episode features rich conversations with education leaders from Arizona, California, Nevada, and Utah, who share their experiences, challenges, and learnings about strengthening rural education systems.Key Discussion Points:Overview of the Rural Community of Practice: Established in 2020 by Region 15 Comprehensive Center at WestEd. Aimed to connect educators...2024-12-161h 13

Math Ed PodcastDrew Nucci - teacher care online and AI tools for teachersDrew Nucci (dnucci@wested.org) from WestEd discusses his article, "The role of an online learning environment in teacher care for secondary mathematics students," published in Educational Studies in Mathematics, Volume 117. We also discuss Colleague.AI, which is a curriculum and assessment tool for teachers. WestEd's website Article URL: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10649-024-10350-4 Colleague.AI: https://www.colleague.ai/ List of episodes 2024-12-0323 min

NASDTEC PodcastsWGO at WestEd with Saroja WarnerIn the episode, Dr. Saroja Warner, the Senior Director of Culturally Responsive Systems at WestEd, talks about work related to diversifying the education workforce. Dr. Warner co-presented at the 2024 NASDTEC Annual Conference with Sheriff El-Mekki. NASDTEC members can view their presentation in the Encore Series to learn more. 2024-12-0322 min

Sights on EdTechJessica Triant and Tanner Higgin from WestEd🔍 Evidence-Based Design in EdTech: Why It Matters 🔍 In this episode of Sights on EdTech, we explore the pivotal role of evidence-based design in shaping effective #EdTech solutions. WestEd’s experts, Tanner Higgin, Ph.D. and Jessica Triant, dive into the role of formative research in developing effective EdTech tools. 💡 Measuring success must extend beyond pre-post testing; building strong partnerships between researchers, developers, and educators from the start leads to truly impactful innovation.2024-10-291h 00

Transformative PrincipalFinding Joy in Your UDL with Alex Dang-Lozano #udlconThis episode is a special episode from UDL-Con, powered by CAST. CAST just released the Guidelines for (Universal Design for Learning) UDL 3.0, which you can find here. If you don't know what UDL is, it's a way to make learning accessible for everyone! You can check out more about the webinars here.Enjoy this special episode.Jethro Jones is joined by Alex Dang-Lozano from WestEd. They discuss the concept of Universal Design for Learning (UDL), the UDL Jam session and Joy Room, and the importance of unstructured interaction spaces at conferences. Alex shares...2024-08-2912 min

Leading Voices PodcastEarly Signs of Distress: Identifying and Implementing Systemic ImprovementsHow can district and state leaders identify signs of school distress long before they are designated as in need of improvement by state accountability systems? In 2020, WestEd partnered with the National Charter School Resource Center (NCSRC) to develop and conduct a portfolio of research (listed below) that identified signs of early distress in schools, or "indicators of distress," and described an approach to support school improvement efforts. When states and education decision-makers wanted to take the work further into implementation, what emerged is WestEd's Indicators of Distress, an evidence-based early detection system that can help charter and t...2024-08-1242 min

Leading Voices PodcastPreventing Gun Violence in the United StatesGun violence impacts families, first responders, and communities in profound and lasting ways. In 2023, more than 18,000 persons died by homicide in the United States. And on June 26th, 2024, the U.S. Surgeon General declared gun violence a public health crisis. In this episode of the Leading Voices podcast, host Danny Torres talks with experts from WestEd’s Justice and Prevention Team and developers of the Violence Prevention Navigation Framework (VPNF): Lori Toscano, Shaun Ali, and Kerwin Henderson. Together, they help state and local leaders better understand the factors that contribute to or prevent violence within their communities—helping...2024-07-2229 min

Leading Voices PodcastCultivating Belonging, Inclusive Spaces, and Reflective PracticesEarly childhood practitioners face various challenges in the field, including staffing shortages, lack of funding for programs and professional development, and insufficient cultural representation in the workforce. In this episode of the Leading Voices podcast, host Grace Westermann talks with Monica Mathur-Kalluri, Project Director within WestEd’s Early Childhood Intervention, Mental Health, and Inclusion team. As a Project Director, Monica engages with practitioners, parents, and state and community leaders to enhance the well-being of infants and toddlers and providers working with children ages 0–5. Together, they discuss the transformative power of reflective practice spaces for Black, Indi...2024-05-2226 min

Leading Voices PodcastThe Critical Role of Early InterventionIn this episode of the Leading Voices podcast, host Danny Torres talks with Angela McGuire, Project Director within WestEd’s Early Childhood Intervention, Mental Health, and Inclusion team under Early Childhood Development and Learning. Angela leads the Comprehensive Early Intervention Technical Assistance Network (CEITAN), which has supported the professional growth of early childhood intervention professionals for more than 30 years. Together, they discuss the critical role of early intervention in improving outcomes for our youngest children with disabilities and how state agency leaders can best support early intervention professionals in their work. Their conversation covers the following topics:...2024-04-1022 min

Budgeting for Educational EquityMeeting the Needs of All Students: How Can Educators, Leaders and Education Systems Better Attend to the Intersection of Language and Disability for Multilingual LearnersThis episode we’re bringing attention to an important but still under-examined subject: the need for schools and school systems to better attend to the intersection of language and disability for young multilingual learners. Focusing on multilingualism and disability offers insight into a larger and more persistent question we’ve dug into throughout this series—that is, how can district leaders, including superintendents and school business officials, make decisions and take actions that more effectively identify and meet the needs of all their students?Host Jason Willis is joined by two WestEd colleagues, Jamey Burho and Eliz...2024-03-2641 min

Public Health InsightSubstance Use, Criminal Justice, & Public Health Advocacy On Capitol Hill - Part 1 - Story Of The Opioid EpidemicThe opioid crisis is as rampant as any other time in history and a lot of work remains to be done until we can feel the progress being made. Every so often though, we have the privilege of meeting someone behind the work, someone who's committed a significant portion of their profession and of their lives to creating a world where the opioid epidemic is no more. What you’ll hear in this episode of the Public Health Insight Podcast is a captivating conversation with Dr. Jennifer Loeffler-Cobia, Director of Justice and Public Health Policy and Practice at W...2024-03-2627 min

Budgeting for Educational EquityWhat You Need To Know about California’s New Equity Multiplier – And Related School Accountability System ChangesThe Equity Multiplier -- a new $300 million component to California’s Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF) -- is rolling out this school year. Guests Natalie Wheatfall-Lum and Sara Pietrowski join Jason Willis to describe how the Equity Multiplier works, how it came about, and related changes to the state’s accountability system, including what districts must now report in their Local Control and Accountability Plans (LCAPs). Along the way, they consider broader policy issues and implications for targeting LCFF funds directly to the school sites whose student populations generate them; helping LEAs better identify and address...2024-03-0757 min

Budgeting for Educational EquitySchool Closures and Consolidations in California: Deepening Our UnderstandingClosing or consolidating neighborhood schools is a painful decision that no school district or community ever wishes to face, but increasingly it may be on the table due to declining enrollment trends and budgetary pressures. In this episode, host Jason Willis and school finance and policy veteran Carrie Hahnel deepen our understanding about school closures and consolidations. They delve into current factors that could lead to more closures and data showing how closures have disproportionately impacted different student populations. They pinpoint the tension schools and communities must try to resolve between difficult and necessary budget decisions on o...2024-02-2146 min

Leading Voices PodcastAccelerating Literacy Learning with Reading ApprenticeshipWith national literacy scores in decline and with the loss of instruction time during the COVID-19 pandemic, the need for effective literacy professional learning for teachers and engaging students equitably is more important than ever. For over 25 years, Reading Apprenticeship at WestEd has improved teaching practice and helped thousands of students achieve high levels of academic literacy across multiple disciplines. In this episode, host Marley Arechiga talks with Linda Friedrich, Director of Literacy at WestEd, and Cynthia Greenleaf, Senior Research Scientist in Literacy at WestEd, about what more than 25 years of Reading Apprenticeship research shows about what...2024-02-1628 min

Journal of Adolescent & Adult Literacy PodcastDesigning Text Use for Science Teachers with Drs. Cynthia Greenleaf, Kathleen Hinchman, and Willard BrownDesigning Text Use for Science Teachers with Drs. Cynthia Greenleaf, Kathleen Hinchman, and Willard BrownIn today's episode, Matt Sroka talks with Drs. Cynthia Greenleaf, Kathleen Hinchman, and Willard Brown about using and selecting texts in Science classrooms. They discuss why teachers should go beyond just teaching the textbook, and how teachers can find authentic, engaging, and appropriately challenging multimodal texts for their classrooms. They also discuss how teachers can go about teaching these multimodal texts to their students, so they can be accessible for all students. This conversation centers on their article: Science te...2024-02-1457 min

Leading Voices PodcastHelping State Agencies Build and Modernize Integrated Data SystemsStates are working to build and modernize integrated data systems to help public agencies better understand and respond to the needs of students, families, and communities, which is critical in the post COVID-19 era. To integrate data from across sectors effectively, states need to consider many legal and technical challenges as well as data privacy concerns and system security. In this episode, host Danny Torres talks with Baron Rodriguez, Executive Director for WestEd's Data Integration Support Center (DISC), and Sean Cottrell, Director of Operations for DISC, about the Center's comprehensive services and why integrating data from across...2024-01-2418 min

Leading Voices PodcastHow States Can Attract and Sustain TeachersTeachers are leaving the educator workforce at alarming rates, and the trend has intensified in recent years. Why are teachers leaving and what are some ways state education leaders can help districts retain them and attract new teachers? In this episode, host Marley Arechiga talks with Caitlin Beatson, Deputy Director of the Region 2 Comprehensive Center at WestEd, and Kate Wright, Director of the Region 15 Comprehensive Center, about the importance of sustaining the educator workforce and how the federally funded Comprehensive Centers partner with states to address challenges and implement evidence-based and actionable solutions. Their conversation c...2023-11-1717 min

Public Education MattersMeeting the needs of growing numbers of English Learners. Plus, OEA Nights with the Cavs and Blue Jackets.Across Ohio, educators are contending with growing caseloads of English Learners (ELs) while fighting for the supports and resources they need to meet their students' needs. Members of the Ohio Education Association's EL Cadre are coming together to support each other in that fight and to advocate for the students they serve. On this episode of Public Education Matters, two EL Cadre members set the record straight about what it takes to deliver a high-quality education to every student - no exceptions - and why EL educators need to have a meaningful voice in conversations at every level. Plus...2023-11-1629 min

Budgeting for Educational EquityAdvancing Equity Through Locally-Driven School Funding Formulas: Los Angeles USD's Groundbreaking Student Equity Need Index (the "SENI")California's Local Control Funding Formula or LCFF took a major step towards advancing equity. But as LCFF came into existence 10 years ago, education and community leaders in the state’s largest school district, Los Angeles Unified, recognized this new formula might not go far enough in helping to address deeply rooted inequities within its student population. Through a unique partnership between the local community and school district, the groundbreaking Student Equity Need Index (SENI) was born. In 2024, the SENI turns ten. It’s an example of a powerful partnership between students, parents, community advocates and school district leader...2023-11-071h 03

Leading Voices PodcastBuilding on a Solid FoundationIn this episode, Danny Torres talks with WestEd’s new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Jannelle Kubinec, and former CEO Glen Harvey, who stepped down in 2023 after 26 years at the helm. Jannelle Kubinec brings over 24 years of experience transforming outcomes for children, youth, and their families through research, policy, and technical assistance. Her insights on WestEd’s whole-person approach and her steadfast commitment to equity and excellence are a testament to her leadership and vision for WestEd. Glen Harvey laid a solid foundation for WestEd. Over the past two decades, she led the agency’s incredible transf...2023-10-2535 min

Budgeting for Educational EquityA New Era of School Business in California: Innovative Thinking About Where We're Headed -- with CASBO CEO Tatia DavenportTatia Davenport, CEO of the California Association of School Business Officials (CASBO) sits down with Jason for a compelling discussion about the size, scope and future of school business in California. Tatia shares what was learned from the first comprehensive survey of California school business executives in nearly 25 years, including where professional development is headed, the changing face and vital voice of CBOs, and how school business leaders can work more to advance equity. She offers timely perspectives about some of the persistent challenges California faces in maintaining an effective and efficient public education system -- one th...2023-10-2446 min

Leading Voices PodcastAdvancing Evidence-Based Practices in the REL West and Northwest RegionsIn this episode, Danny Torres talks with Dr. Katie Drummond, Director of the Regional Educational Laboratory (REL) Northwest, and Dr. John Rice, Director of the Regional Educational Laboratory (REL) West. Their conversation covers a range of topics, including: Addressing effects of the pandemic in the REL West and REL Northwest regions Partnering with community-based organizations and state and local education agencies Advancing research and evidence in state and district programs Supporting the whole child and closing opportunity gaps in education Accelerating learning in mathematics and language arts Reducing chronic absence and disparities in disciplinary actions Improving t...2023-10-1726 min

Budgeting for Educational EquityExpanding Access to Behavioral Health and Other Services for Students and Maximizing Interagency CollaborationIn this episode, dig into ways schools can advance equity by expanding "whole child" services that are available to students at sites. Dr. Chaun Powell, Senior Chief of Student Services for the Alameda County Office of Education, helps identify key approaches for maximizing funding sources for these services -- with a particular focus on behavioral and mental health supports -- and seizing new opportunities to partner with other agencies that serve children. *Be sure to check out the Companion Brief to this episode*California is in...2023-10-0354 min

BONDcastThe Impact of Social Identity on Education Policy - Mr. David LopezHappy Hispanic Heritage Month! To open season 3, we talk to Mr. David Lopez, Senior Technical Assistance Specialist for WestEd, a research, development, and services agency, works with education and other communities to promote excellence, achieve equity, and improve learning for children, youth, and adults. Mr. Lopez is going to share his perspective about how social identity affects the world of education policy development and implementation. You can find out more information about Mr. Lopez and his work at dlopez2@wested.org and @dlopez196 on X.2023-09-1941 min

Budgeting for Educational EquityImplementing Major New Initiatives Like Transitional Kindergarten (TK) and Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK): Resource Equity and Other Considerations (Part Two -- A School District Perspective )What does it take to implement major new initiatives in our school systems? In Part Two of our episode about implementing initiatives such as Universal Transitional Kindergarten (UTK) and Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK), we dive into this question with lots of hands-on, practical advice from a local school district perspective with Maria Ceballos, executive director of the early learning department at Fresno USD. Maria shares how her district, Fresno Unified, has been working to expand access to early learning for all children and families. **Be sure to check out the Episode 3 Companion Brief 2023-09-1445 min

Budgeting for Educational EquityImplementing Major New Initiatives Like Transitional Kindergarten (TK) and Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK): Resource Equity and Other Key Considerations (Part One -- A Statewide Perspective)Two years ago, California’s state budget agreement included an ambitious new initiative to fund and implement Universal Transitional Kindergarten (or UTK), so that all 4-year-olds in the state have access to it by 2025-26. It’s part of a larger long-term goal the state and school districts have been working towards to expand early education and also provide access to Universal Pre-Kindergarten, or UPK, for all students. In this first of a two-part episode, Sarah Neville Morgan, Deputy Superintendent at the California Department of Education and longtime early education policy leader, describes this historic moment we're in wh...2023-09-1233 min

Impact Radio USAParenting 101 Plus - Episode 49Join Paul W. Reeves, Ed.D - a longtime teacher and school principal, and the father of three children - and his guests, as they discuss the world of parenting your children, from birth through age 100! Also included are excerpts and discussions of Paul's parenting book, "A PRINCIPAL'S FAMILY PRINCIPLES - Raising Your Kids to Be Happy and Healthy, While Enjoying Them to the Fullest". On today's show, in addition to reading the chapter, "What Does 'Sissy' Want?" from his book, sharing wisdom from others, and a bit of humor, Paul...2023-09-0759 min

Parenting 101 PlusParenting 101 Plus - Episode 49Join Paul W. Reeves, Ed.D - a longtime teacher and school principal, and the father of three children - and his guests, as they discuss the world of parenting your children, from birth through age 100! Also included are excerpts and discussions of Paul's parenting book, "A PRINCIPAL'S FAMILY PRINCIPLES - Raising Your Kids to Be Happy and Healthy, While Enjoying Them to the Fullest". On today's show, in addition to reading the chapter, "What Does 'Sissy' Want?" from his book, sharing wisdom from others, and a bit of humor, Paul...2023-09-0759 min

Parenting 101 PlusParenting 101 Plus - Episode 48Join Paul W. Reeves, Ed.D - a longtime teacher and school principal, and the father of three children - and his guests, as they discuss the world of parenting your children, from birth through age 100! Also included are excerpts and discussions of Paul's parenting book, "A PRINCIPAL'S FAMILY PRINCIPLES - Raising Your Kids to Be Happy and Healthy, While Enjoying Them to the Fullest". On today's show, in addition to reading the chapter, "Weekends and 'Dadhood'" from his book, sharing wisdom from others, and a bit of humor, Paul played...2023-08-3159 min

Impact Radio USAParenting 101 Plus - Episode 48Join Paul W. Reeves, Ed.D - a longtime teacher and school principal, and the father of three children - and his guests, as they discuss the world of parenting your children, from birth through age 100! Also included are excerpts and discussions of Paul's parenting book, "A PRINCIPAL'S FAMILY PRINCIPLES - Raising Your Kids to Be Happy and Healthy, While Enjoying Them to the Fullest". On today's show, in addition to reading the chapter, "Weekends and 'Dadhood'" from his book, sharing wisdom from others, and a bit of humor, Paul played...2023-08-3159 min

Budgeting for Educational EquityBuilding Systems Alignment and Coherence to Meet Students’ Needs: Personalized Learning in Lindsay USDLindsay Unified School District in California’s Central Valley reinvented its approach to education by launching a Performance Based System in 2007, following an extensive community engagement process. It’s an approach that fundamentally changed experiences for the community’s learners, families and educators -- and led to impressive outcomes that have been highlighted in multiple studies and reports.Two dynamic leaders from Lindsey USD – Grant Schimelpfening, Assistant Superintendent of Administrative Services, and Cheri Doria, Early Childhood Education Director – provide an “under the hood” look at the systems and culture their district has built to help advance equity through a person...2023-08-2555 min

Budgeting for Educational EquityScoping Out the Current Educational Equity Landscape with Veteran School Business Leader Nina BoydIn this first episode of our new season, we gain the perspective of someone who has had her finger on the pulse of school business and resource equity for a long time, both from a local and a statewide perspective – Nina Boyd. Nina is a school business official, administrator and statewide leader who has seen a lot transpire during her nearly 40 years in public education – and she is still on the frontlines impacting change. Nina shares insight and perspectives related to:How she sees us having gone both forward and backward with regard to advanci...2023-08-1036 min