Leading Voices Podcast
WestEd’s experts, along with leading scholars and practitioners in the fields of education and human development, discuss ways to help every learner to thrive in school, career, and life—from educator well-being and racial disparities to evidence-based approaches to research, evaluation, professional learning, and technical assistance. In each episode, host Danny Torres welcomes WestEd’s leading and emerging voices to discuss the most pressing and enduring issues in education and health and human development. Drawing from evidence, research, and extensive experience, guests offer innovative and actionable strategies for ensuring success for every learner.
Episodes
Wednesday Apr 10, 2024
The Critical Role of Early Intervention
Wednesday Apr 10, 2024
Wednesday Apr 10, 2024
In 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:
What state leaders need to know to best support early intervention professionals
The Comprehensive Early Intervention Technical Assistance Network (CEITAN) work in California
The relationships between parents or caregivers and professionals in early intervention work
How early intervention professionals help prepare families as their children move into the K-12 system
Workforce development and capacity building for early intervention professionals
Transcript
Additional Resources
Transforming Early Intervention and Improving Outcomes for Children—Q&A with Angela McGuire (Blog Post)
Cultural Humility Series (Webpage)
Early Childhood Development, Learning, and Well-Being (Webpage)
California Early Start (Webpage)
Friday Feb 16, 2024
Accelerating Literacy Learning with Reading Apprenticeship
Friday Feb 16, 2024
Friday Feb 16, 2024
With 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 works in developing academic literacy, what has changed since its inception in the 1990s, and what is changing in literacy education today as students rebound from the pandemic.
Their conversation covers the following topics:
the Reading Apprenticeship approach and its impact on teaching and learning
national literacy scores and the need to accelerate literacy learning
digital literacy and generative artificial intelligence
the Reading Apprenticeship seminal publication, Reading for Understanding, now in its third edition
Transcript
Learn more about Reading Apprenticeship at WestEd.
Additional Resources
Average ACT Score For the High School Class of 2022 Declines to Lowest Level in More Than 30 Years (Website)
NAEP Reading: National Student Group Scores and Score Gaps (Website)
Reading Apprenticeship Evidence Base (Website)
Reflections on the Evolution of the Literacy Education Field—A Q&A with Cynthia Greenleaf (Blog)
Professional Development Opportunities Calendar (Website)
Wednesday Jan 24, 2024
Helping State Agencies Build and Modernize Integrated Data Systems
Wednesday Jan 24, 2024
Wednesday Jan 24, 2024
States 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 sectors—including education, workforce, social services, and criminal justice—can help state leaders and policymakers address the needs of the whole child, the whole person, and the whole community.
Their conversation covers the following topics:
How DISC services can support public agencies, often at no cost
Why integrated data systems are important in the post-COVID era
DISC's five areas of support: planning and user-centered design, legislative analysis, external legal supports, privacy, and system security
Learn more about the WestEd Data Integration Support Center.
Episode Transcript
Additional Resources
Building and Modernizing Integrated Data Systems to Support the Whole Person (Blog)
Privacy Within Data Integration Systems: Q&A With DISC’s Laia Tiderman and Sean Cottrell (Blog)
DISC Website Resources (Website)
Friday Nov 17, 2023
How States Can Attract and Sustain Teachers
Friday Nov 17, 2023
Friday Nov 17, 2023
Teachers 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 covers the following topics:
The state’s role in supporting districts to recruit and sustain teachers
The 4Cs—a construct that represents four ways that state education agencies, in partnership with WestEd Regional Comprehensive Centers, are conceptualizing how to help their school districts strengthen educator workforces
Teacher residency programs
Differentiated staffing in the classroom and distributed leadership
Learn more about WestEd’s Region 2 Comprehensive Center and Region 15 Comprehensive Center.
Resources Mentioned in This Episode
K–12 Teachers Are Quitting. What Would Make Them Stay? (McKinsey & Company Article)
The State of the Teacher Workforce (Learning Policy Institute)
The Case for Differentiated Staffing in the Classroom
How States Are Building District Capacity to Overcome Teacher Shortages (Part I)
How States Are Building District Capacity to Overcome Teacher Shortages (Part II)
How States Are Building District Capacity to Overcome Teacher Shortages (Part III)
How States Play a Key Role in Strengthening the Teacher Workforce
Arizona State University’s Next Education Workforce Website
Equitable & Inclusive Hiring Practices: A Reference Guide of Strategies to Grow & Diversify the Educator Workforce
Going Beyond the Data in Diversifying the Teacher Workforce
Teacher Compensation Reform Decision Guide
Wednesday Oct 25, 2023
Building on a Solid Foundation
Wednesday Oct 25, 2023
Wednesday Oct 25, 2023
In 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 transformation to an expansive, mission-driven, quality- and impact-focused agency. Under Glen’s leadership, WestEd emphasized high-quality research-based work to improve outcomes for children, youth, and adults, focusing on addressing the needs of traditionally underserved and marginalized communities.
Their conversation covers a range of topics, including:
WestEd’s history, mission and values, and impact
Whole child, whole person, whole community
The role of artificial intelligence in education
The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic
Closing opportunity gaps and improving outcomes for every learner
Transcript
Related News
Jannelle Kubinec Named Next CEO of WestEd
Glen Harvey to Step Down as CEO of WestEd
Tuesday Oct 17, 2023
Advancing Evidence-Based Practices in the REL West and Northwest Regions
Tuesday Oct 17, 2023
Tuesday Oct 17, 2023
In 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 teacher retention
Transcript
Since 1966, the Regional Educational Laboratories (RELs) have partnered with school districts, state departments of education, and others to help improve educational effectiveness and improve learner outcomes. WestEd operates REL Northwest, which serves Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington, and REL West, which services Arizona, California, Nevada, and Utah.
By leveraging research-based practices and evidence, WestEd’s RELs aim to improve education outcomes for all students in the regions they serve.
Related REL Northwest Resources
Accelerating Literacy Outcomes in Montana Through Evidence and Data Use (Blog Post)
Using Technology to Support Postsecondary Student Learning (Practice Guide)
REL Northwest Website
Subscribe to the REL Northwest email newsletter
Related REL West Resources
Supporting California’s English Learner Students Who Have the Most Significant Cognitive Disabilities (Blog Post)
Self-Affirmation: A Powerful Tool for Addressing Stereotype Threat (Infographic)
The Foundation for Education Equity Systems Change (Infographic)
About REL West (Video)
REL West Website
Subscribe to the REL West email newsletter
Thursday Jul 27, 2023
How Students Can Help Shape School Climate Policy and Practice
Thursday Jul 27, 2023
Thursday Jul 27, 2023
Many schools are working to better support students’ physiological, social, and emotional growth in addition to their cognitive development as a part of their school improvement efforts. Moreover, students are playing a key role in helping education leaders develop and implement new policies and practices.
In this episode, Danny Torres (host) and Grace Westermann (co-host) talk with Rebeca Cerna, Director for the California Center for School Climate (CCSC), and special guest, Julian Berkowitz-Sklar, a graduating senior at Saratoga High School in California and member of the Center’s Youth Advisory Team.
Berkowitz-Sklar brings a unique perspective as a high school student driving positive change within his school community. As a Youth Advisory Team member, he has played a pivotal role in collaborating with his peers and CCSC to design and implement resources that facilitate school climate improvements.
From student-led initiatives to helping schools and districts tell stories with their school climate data, Cerna dives into the comprehensive approach taken by CCSC to empower students and foster safe and supportive learning environments.
Their conversation includes the following topics:
How a positive school climate affects outcomes for students
Centering student voices to help improve school climate
What school personnel can do to create a supportive environment
The role of the California Center for School Climate
Transcript
Resources Mentioned in this Episode
Cultivating Caring Relationships at School: 15 Activities That Promote Staff and Student Connection
School Climate Audio Gallery
Additional Related Resources from the CCSC
Understanding School Climate: An Overview of School Climate Domains
Participatory Systems Change for Equity: An Inquiry Guide for Child-, Youth-, and Family-Serving Agencies
School Climate Data Use Webinar Series
CCSC Resource Library
Learn more about the CCSC and access their resources to support your school climate efforts.
Thursday Jul 06, 2023
REMIQS Project and State School Accountability Systems
Thursday Jul 06, 2023
Thursday Jul 06, 2023
“We've essentially created a blueprint for these state education agencies to get a sense of how they could improve their data systems, how they could think through changing or modifying their current accountability frameworks, and how by identifying particular student groups who have been historically underserved and getting a better sense of their experiences and their outcomes in schools, all those things can really team to improve the system.” – Dr. Raifu Durodoye
Transcript
In this episode, host Danny Torres and Dr. Raifu Durodoye, Senior Research Associate at WestEd, discuss the REMIQS project, a multi-state, mixed-methods investigation designed to explore how we can best serve our most vulnerable learners. Their conversation focuses on expanding measures of school quality and reframing (remixing) accountability systems in ways that can support all learners.
Dr. Durodoye is an educational researcher and practitioner whose work primarily consists of experimental and quasi-experimental evaluations of education programs and interventions. Durodoye also provides technical assistance to school districts and state education agencies and conducts studies of state education finance systems. The thrust of his research and work with school districts and states has been to foster meaningful research-practice partnerships with the aim of improving outcomes for historically marginalized students and currently underserved communities.
To learn more about the REMIQS project, visit REMIQS.org.
You can find Dr. Durodoye on LinkedIn or send a message online at WestEd.org/personnel/raifu-durodoye-jr.
Additional Resources for this Episode
REMIQS Qualitative Filtering Technical Report
Four Recommendations for States to Optimize State Longitudinal Data Systems in the Era of COVID-19 (Blog)
Lighting Candles: Finding and Studying Schools That Are Achieving Equity (Blog)
Robust & Equitable Measures to Inspire Quality Schools (REMIQS): School Identification Phase (Infographic)
KnowledgeWorks + JFF (Infographic)
Monday Oct 17, 2022
Sustaining Education Leaders of Color
Monday Oct 17, 2022
Monday Oct 17, 2022
“I hope that after engaging in this conversation, folks are thinking about the systemic work that needs to be done. It is not just left to the principal to figure out how she can decompress and do self-care. There are real systemic gaps and challenges that will continuously make her job unbearable. And so, what can we do to lighten that load to mitigate some of those barriers?” – Dr. Erin Browder
Research shows effective and supported education leaders, particularly principals, can have a significant impact on student achievement outcomes. Their impact is schoolwide. How can we best support them?
In this episode, host Danny Torres and Dr. Erin Browder, Senior Program Associate at WestEd, discuss the pressing and enduring needs of leaders of color and the work the education community must do to address the systemic inequities that threaten leaders’ health and well-being.
Their conversation touches upon the following topics:
The important difference between retaining and sustaining leaders of color
Common inequities leaders of color face every day
What is necessary to create equitable systems accountability and change
Why everyone benefits from addressing systemic inequities
The significance of culturally affirming environments
Dr. Browder provides technical assistance and project design for K–12 initiatives. Her work focuses on trauma-informed topics, school improvement, systems change, leadership development, social-emotional learning, and culturally responsive and equity-centered approaches to promote safe and supportive schools.
Dr. Browder also provides technical assistance for the national Center to Improve Social and Emotional Learning and School Safety, federally funded comprehensive centers (Region 2 and Region 15), and regional educational laboratories (REL West and REL-NEI).
WestEd works with schools, districts, and states to build capacity to develop and implement anti-racist, equity-focused policies and practices that lead to transformative, systemwide change. Learn more about our Systemic Equity Review work.
Transcript
Resources Mentioned in This Episode
Center for Black Educator Development
Leading Voices Episode 1: Adult Well-Being and Creating a Culture of Care
You can find Dr. Browder on Twitter at @erintheeducator or send a message online at Wested.org/personnel/erin-browder.
Thursday Sep 01, 2022
Amplifying Student Agency with Formative Assessment
Thursday Sep 01, 2022
Thursday Sep 01, 2022
“At the heart of formative assessment is a belief in the students and the communities that we partner with and their ability as a system to learn and grow. This idea that learning is for all of us is something that’s central to our belief system. That learning is something that we share as humanity — a desire to learn, a desire to grow, and a desire to learn from one another.”
In this episode, Nancy Gerzon, Franchesca Warren, and Cali Kaminsky, all experts with WestEd’s Formative Insights, discuss how schools and districts can amplify student agency and identity through formative assessment policies and practices.
Nancy Gerzon is Project Director for WestEd's Formative Insights team. She has been at the forefront of developing scalable approaches to teacher-led learning and formative assessment. Professional Learning Specialist Franchesca Warren leads work that builds teacher and student capacity for strategic impact and increased agency. Senior Program Associate Cali Kaminsky supports large-scale projects that grow teacher and leader agency through formative assessment.
With host Danny Torres, they explore:
What is formative assessment and how it relates to student agency
The research behind formative assessment policies and practices
How formative assessment looks in the classroom
The importance of diversity of thought in the learning process
Implementation barriers
The crucial role of education leaders
The importance of culturally responsive and sustainable education
Learn more about WestEd’s Formative Insights services.
Transcript
Resources
Formative Insights Website and Video Collection
Ambitious Teaching and Equitable Assessment: A Vision for Prioritizing Learning, Not TestingBy Lorrie A. Shepard (American Educator, Fall 2021)
Defining Formative Assessment (Brief)
The Power of Evidence Use in Formative Assessment (Brief)
Amplifying Student Agency Through Formative Assessment (Blog)
Formative Insights Named a Top Education Innovation in Formative Assessment (News)
Follow the Formative Insights Team on Twitter: @FormativInsight
About WestEd
WestEd is a nonpartisan, nonprofit agency that conducts and applies research, develops evidence-based solutions, and provides services and resources in the realms of education, human development, and related fields, with the end goal of improving outcomes and ensuring equity for individuals from infancy through adulthood. WestEd has more than a dozen offices nationwide, with headquarters in San Francisco. For more information, visit WestEd.org or call 415.565.3000. For regular updates on research, free resources, solutions, and job postings from WestEd, subscribe to the E-Bulletin, our semimonthly e-newsletter, at WestEd.org/subscribe.