The Answer Key: Learning and Leadership in the K-12 World

As schools try to prepare students for a world integrated with technology, a focus on Computer Science might be the key to success in getting students more engaged in their classroom experiences today, and start developing skills that could be a launchpad to future careers that might not even exist yet! Join us as Alex Fuentes, and Jackie Wheeler for FCPS' Steam and Computer Science team discuss this topic and more!

How can we put students in the driver's seat of their learning? Join Holly Sims and Jamie Wilson as we explore the impact of student portfolios, where students will collect evidence, curate artifacts and create an ongoing portfolio that captures their learning in an authentic way!

How can we authentically assess the development of real-world skills? Join Andrea Hand and Christie Day as we explore the purpose of POG POL, or Portrait of a Graduate Presentations of Learning, where students will show growth of skill development by curating and defending a portfolio that shows their skills in action!

Learning to “stop and pause” is a learned skill that can help diffuse an unwanted situation. This podcast explores how executive functioning and social emotional skills impact a student's approach to digital communication, creation and participation. The meaning of digital citizenship for students is defined and discussed, as well as tips for safe navigation in digital spaces.

Students are writers and illustrators! That's the message from the rock stars of children's literature, and the reason a distance learning series called Meet the Author is such a popular FCPS venue for blended learning opportunities. This episode features author Dorie Hillestad Butler and illustrator Nancy Meyers, the award winning duo behind King and Kayla – chapter books about a young girl who solves mysteries with the help of her canine buddy. Interview questions are discussed and the importance of modeling the writing process.

Math Workshop is transforming how students learn math in elementary school. What are the essential components of math workshop, and how do you, as teachers, structure class for student engagement, math discourse, and number sense routines? Educators share the significance of building math communities, small and large group lessons, quality math activities, guided math, and opportunities for reflection. And yes, math is fun and fun to teach!

Instructional Coaches are an important part of a school community. Take a listen and learn what an instructional coach does, and how their many roles support professional learning, school goals, and ultimately, student success.

Learn how teachers and administrators are intentionally teaching skills and attributes known as Portrait of a Graduate, and reaping positive results. In many ways, POG has improved the culture of school communities, boosted student attendance, and reclaimed the joy of teaching. This is part two of a series. Guests include: Andrea Hand, Manager of Best Practices for Teaching and Learning for FCPS, Amy Miller, school principal, and Luke Williams, science teacher.

The number of English language learners is increasing across the country. Fairfax County, Virginia is no exception. At Fairfax County Public Schools language acquisition happens in all content areas, across all grade levels, and with purposeful professional development. Meet educators who can describe English language instruction, and the rewards and challenges of English for Speakers of Other Languages or ESOL.

From instructional differentiation to student engagement, educators Natasha Saunders and Elizabeth Dean address many frequently asked questions from new teachers. The role of collaboration, technology, parent involvement and self-care are also discussed. Great Beginnings refers to a series of on-going, professional development seminars designed for teachers at FCPS.

Guests from the FCPS office of Professional Learning and Cultural Responsiveness join the program to define what cultural proficiency is, how it relates to equity for our students, and how FCPS is developing culturally proficient leaders in schools and administrative offices.

Graduating from high school and going to college can be a big change for any teenager. But what can students with disabilities expect when they head off to college? Jackie Gaston with FCPS and Joan Ehrlich from NOVA will share ways teachers and parents can support students through the process.

Many school libraries include collaborative instructional spaces, where teachers and librarians co-teach to maximize resources and professional skill sets. Learn how two middle school educators team up at the library. The result: more student-centered instruction, more student engagement, and more insight into professional best practices.

What is it like for women who work in the technology field? We interview two leaders from Fairfax County Public Schools Department of Information Technology. Maribeth Luftglass, the Assistant Superintendent of Information Technology, and Andie Powell, Director of Information Technology Support Services, share their experiences.

School librarians not only help students navigate vast amounts of information, but are an essential resource for many educators, parents and kids. What are the rewards and challenges? A middle school librarian describes her school, the role of an information professional, and the goal of meeting the needs of students across content areas. Issues of access and barriers are discussed.

Portrait of a Graduate is at the heart of Fairfax County Public Schools' vision for student success, both in school and in life. Learn more about the what, why, and how of Portrait of a Graduate-focused teaching and learning.

Learn about FCPSOn, a 1:1 digital transformation intended to extend student learning and ensure that students have equal opportunities to develop skills that enhance their ability to critically think, communicate, create and collaborate in an ever changing, diverse world. FCPSOn is in a pilot phase, reaching fifteen schools, K-12. Early indicators suggest professional development and teacher engagement is fundamental to FCPSOn success.

Elementary mathematics is no longer focused on speed and memorization. Instead, students learn to be mathematical problem solvers and to make mathematical connections. Educators Kristin Wiley and Kim Harris share best practices on teaching math concepts that prepare students for high school and beyond.

Dr. Scott Brabrand, Superintendent of Fairfax County Public Schools, shares his vision for one of the largest school systems in the country.

Disciplinary literacy is the ability to read, write, think and discuss across content areas. Maps, graphs, poetry and prose are examples of different text structures. How well a student can read, write, think and discuss diverse texts takes practice and purposeful planning. Educators Chris Tovani and Paige Whitlock share how secondary teachers can embolden students to own literacy in all subject areas.

Shakespeare is taught in high schools all across the country, but have you ever thought about what goes into teaching Shakespeare? West Potomac High School English Teacher Colin O'Grady has spent years studying Shakespeare and recently he designed an elective course called Shakespeare Studies to share with students what he has learned. Through an engaging, and inquiry-driven curriculum students discover that Shakespeare is still as relevant as ever.

Youngsters on the autism spectrum benefit from a preschool experience with specially trained instructional and support staff. The Preschool Autism Classes (PAC) is a full day program where a variety of learning strategies are used, including the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis and Verbal Behavior. PAC is the beginning of a learning journey that encourages the ability of every child to communicate their wants and needs in a socially acceptable manner.

Local history is frequently forgotten or underappreciated, but high school history teacher Brian Heintz encourages his students to see local history in context of national events and regional custom. By facilitating internship opportunities, Heintz is able to guide his students to experience and explain local history in a variety of ways. Jeff Clark, educational media producer, joins the discussion as an intern mentor and local history enthusiast.

In Project Based Learning (PBL) students are given time to investigate and solve an open-ended challenge that leads to deeper thinking and real world understanding. But how to do it? Educators Jeff Lonnett and Christie Day explain how PBL breaks down content silos to become a powerful instructional model.

When technology is used with purpose in a classroom setting it can maximize how students learn and teachers teach. This is an interview with Ellen Mukai, who leads a dynamic team of school based technology specialists for one of the largest school systems in the country.