Innovations in Education with David Adams

In this episode, host David Adams explores the profound implications of artificial intelligence (AI) for education with Alex Kotran, CEO of AI Education Project. Alex shares his journey from political organizing to the forefront of AI ethics and education. We delve into rapidly evolving AI capabilities, from machine learning to large language models and generative AI. David and Alex examine AI's potential to solve longstanding education challenges like personalized learning, while grappling with philosophical questions about content knowledge, critical thinking, and preserving shared narratives. The conversation touches on balancing individual and collective development, ensuring equitable access to AI tools. There's also an extended surfing the AI wave metaphor and a Lightning Round to add to the fun. Alex expresses cautious optimism, acknowledging AI's potential workforce upheaval and potential for uneven access while highlighting educators' encouraging engagement in shaping this transformation. Ultimately, he emphasizes AI's unprecedented opportunity to expand access to prosperity through intentionality and commitment to equity but it will take work.

This episode explores how the quality of human relationships and interactions, not merely the delivery of content, allows students to thrive academically and socially. Dr. Bridget Hamre, CoFounder and CEO of Teachstone, traces her thinking to early research on teacher-child interactions and the development of the Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS). This tool focuses on emotional support, classroom organization, and instructional support as key drivers of positive student outcomes. Skills like teacher cue detection, individualization, facilitating dialogue, and nurturing student perspectives create classrooms where students feel safe, engaged, and empowered. Dr. Hamre counters myths that social-emotional development is separate from academics, explaining how emotional support gives students confidence to learn. She discusses challenges translating research into practice but finds inspiration from innovative leaders advancing relationship-centered visions of education. While dedicated to disseminating classroom research through tools like the CLASS, Dr. Hamre wonders if new language is needed around the adult role as technology transforms what students must learn. She argues human interactions will remain essential to guiding students across all domains, even with advances in AI. The quality of relationships, not merely content delivery, allows students to thrive.

In this episode of Innovations in Education, host David Adams interviews Meghan Mackay, founder of LeveragED, an organization supporting education leaders through professional development and collaboration. Driven by a passion for helping kids access quality education, Mackay has spent over 30 years teaching, leading schools, and founding charter schools. Now with LeveragED, Mackay aims to create a "dial tone" of continuous support for principals and superintendents, connecting them with professional development and each other. She shares how quality feedback and problem-solving in communities of practice can lead to innovation and sustainability in schools. Mackay and Adams also discuss blending sectors like business and civic organizations with education to better prepare students, as well as taking proven solutions in education and adapting them across diverse contexts. They agree that collective action addressing common problems is key for spreading positive change.

Dr. Christina Cipriano is an education researcher and psychologist from the Yale Child Study Center. She joins host David Adams in a conversation about a comprehensive meta-analysis she led that evaluated over 400 studies on social-emotional learning (SEL) programs involving over 500,000 students globally. The analysis found significant positive outcomes spanning students' relationships, school climate perceptions, mental health, behaviors, and academic achievement. For example, students participating in SEL programs demonstrated more civic behaviors like democratic participation and had better peer relationships. They also reported decreased anxiety and distress. With teachers being the most effective SEL program facilitators, Dr. Cipriano advocates that schools universally adopt evidence-based SEL curricula to promote student thriving. She highlights how this preventative, universal approach is more cost-effective than reactive student services. Given SEL's demonstrated wide-ranging benefits, the researchers conclude schools should make adoption a priority.

Host David Adams interviews Charles Fadel, an education futurist and artificial intelligence expert. They discuss how Fadel transitioned from engineering to education, believing technology should be used to solve real-world problems. Fadel explains how AI works through probability and pattern recognition to mimic human cognition, though true intelligence requires wisdom beyond tasks or tests. Adams and Fadel explore the hype versus reality of AI's current abilities, noting it exceeds humans at some cognitive and affective skills but falls short on critical reflection. Regarding education's purpose, they agree it must develop the whole person, balancing psychosocial, ethical, and economic goals. Fadel argues the system needs an "S-curve" change, from outdated content to teaching modern disciplines, competencies, and character. He advocates blended learning, with more engaging projects and less rote instruction. Adams and Fadel consider how AI prompts rethinking ossified practices and could help scale excellent, customized learning.

Bestselling author Doug Lemov joins host David Adams to discuss his influential work compiling effective teaching techniques in Teach Like a Champion. Lemov reflects on 13 years of refining the book, aiming to provide teachers with a toolbox to solve problems and become more successful. We explore Lemov's emphasis on shared vocabulary, video observation, concrete feedback, and modeling productive struggle. Doug shares how parenting informed his approach, valuing structure and giving the why behind the decision. He describes his hope to positively impact teachers and create radically better schools, particularly for underserved students.

Former principal Dr. Annette Thompson joins host David Adams to discuss implementing innovative student-centered education models focused on student agency and teacher leadership. Inspired by visiting innovative schools in New Zealand, Dr. Thompson led change using strategies like making mistakes visible, productive struggle, and teacher collaboration. She reflects on overcoming challenges and leaving a legacy of student-centered learning.

David Adams and John B. King Jr. discuss John's experience as a student in the New York City Public Schools system, the innovations that are underway in the State University of New York (SUNY) system under John's leadership, and the things that John is most proud of as a lifelong educator.

David Adams and Tre' Gammage discuss how to successfully integrate social-emotional learning into academics and school culture.

David Adams and Dr. Nelms discuss the turnaround of East High School in Rochester and creating a replicable school reform model for urban cities throughout the United States.

David Adams and Dr. Samuel discuss the importance of social-emotional development in young people and the 4th Annual SEL Day on March 10th.

David Adams sits down with Abby Jo Sigal, Executive Director of the NYC Mayor's Office of Talent and Workforce Development to discuss how the importance of work-based learning and career-connected education in high schools.

David Adams and Ron Berger, best-selling author and Senior Advisor at EL Education, discuss the role of schools in building character in young people, and the importance of social-emotional learning and the concept of “crew” in helping children succeed in school and beyond.

David Adams sits down with Dr. Meisha Porter, former Chancellor of NYC schools to discuss how she successfully reopened the nation’s largest public school system during the pandemic, and how she’s continuing to improve public education as the president of the newly formed Bronx Community Foundation.

An introduction to Innovations in Education with David Adams. Producer Michael Palmer sits down with David Adams to discuss improving public education, and upcoming episodes with Dr. Meisha Porter, former Chancellor of New York City Schools, and Ron Berger, Senior Advisor at EL Education.