Podcasts about orange county department

In this episode of AUHSD Future Talks, Superintendent Matsuda interviews Dr. Stefan Bean, Orange County's Superintendent of Schools. During the talk, Dr. Bean discusses his journey, the role of the Orange County Department of Education, declining enrollment issues, artificial intelligence, federal cuts in education, and goals for the county.Dr. Bean is a lifelong educator and advocate for equity, was unanimously appointed as Orange County's 12th superintendent of schools in June 2024, bringing with him over 25 years of experience as a teacher, principal, and administrator. His journey from a war orphan and English learner with a disability to a USC graduate and leader of schools across Southern California reflects his deep commitment to marginalized students. Prior to his appointment, he led Irvine International Academy and held senior leadership roles at Aspire Public Schools, overseeing TK–12 campuses. A proud product of the foster care system, Dr. Bean credits his success to perseverance, community support, and his late wife Janet. Today, he champions every student's right to thrive.

Andrea Foster joins Dr. Sandie Morgan as the two discuss how integrating health services within school systems enhances student well-being and functions as a vital strategy to prevent human trafficking. Andrea Foster Andrea Foster is currently the administrator of Integrated Health within Student Services for the Orange County Department of Education. She provides supportive services and resources to promote healthy environments for over 400,000 students and their families across the county. She wants students to be able to access their education and become productive, successful adults. She has 24 years of school nursing experience across multiple settings and was recently a guest speaker at the annual Ensure Justice Conference. Key Points MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Support) is a tiered framework that supports students at all levels—from universal interventions like screenings to highly individualized health or academic plans. Integrated Health addresses the intersection of medical, emotional, and academic needs, ensuring students are supported holistically across environments. Schools function as safety nets, especially when community awareness of MTSS allows families to engage with school systems more effectively. Staff training to identify red flags and behavioral patterns is crucial in creating trusting environments where students feel safe to share concerns. Rather than punitive responses to tardiness or behavioral issues, staff are encouraged to approach students and families with empathy and support. Programs like “Handle With Care” and “FOCUS” facilitate communication from families to schools when a child may need extra care without disclosing private details. Health education in schools—whether related to chronic conditions, substance use, or injury prevention—empowers students to make informed choices. Digital wellness is a growing area of focus, emphasizing safe, intentional use of technology and awareness of harmful online challenges. Students should be taught to critically evaluate online prompts, understand data privacy, and self-advocate when something feels unsafe or inappropriate. Empowering students to self-advocate helps them protect themselves and their peers, especially when navigating online platforms. Every child needs at least one trusted adult; school staff can foster these relationships by creating open, safe environments for honest conversations. Community involvement—through school board engagement, volunteering, or partnerships—can strengthen schools' ability to support students and families effectively. Resources Andrea Foster on LinkedIn Transcript [00:00:00] Sandie Morgan: Welcome to the Ending Human Trafficking Podcast. I'm Dr. Sandie Morgan, and this is the show where we equip you to study the issues, be a voice, and make a difference in the fight to end human trafficking here at the Global Center for Women in Justice Vanguard University. This is episode number 343, integrating Health. Services in school strategies to keep students safe. I am joined by Andrea Foster, who serves as the administrator of Integrated Health at the Orange County Department of Education. Andrea brings more than 25 years of school nursing experience and has worked across a wide range of educational settings. She now leads the effort to [00:01:00] support the wellbeing of over. 400,000 students and families across the county, partnering with educators, school nurses, and community organizations to make sure students have what they need to thrive. Andrea Foster is currently the administrator of Integrated Health within the student services for the division of the Orange County Department of Education. She provides supportive services and resources to promote healthy environments to over 400,000 students and their families across. County. She wants students to be able to access their education and become productive, successful adults.

Today, I'm thrilled to speak with Kathy Boyd and Kim Goodwin, two inspiring leaders from the Orange County Department of Education, who have embraced this entrepreneurial mindset to make a real difference. We covered a lot in this conversation, and I was blown away by their energy and enthusiasm, as well as the innovative ways they're using entrepreneurial thinking to improve the student experience. One standout example is their collaboration with a local entrepreneur to create Spyder Lab, a student-run business generating over a million dollars annually for the school district while preparing the next generation of innovators. Even more exciting, the students are asking for more! Kathy and Kim embody entrepreneurial leadership by piloting ideas on a small scale before going big, collaborating across teams, and pushing boundaries while respecting the necessary guardrails.

In this episode of AUHSD Future Talks, Superintendent Matsuda interviews Kunal Dalal and Wes Kriesel, the two Administrators of AI and Innovation at the Orange County Department of Education. During the talk, Mr. Dalal and Mr. Kriesel discuss their journeys, an AI framework for educators, empowerment with AI, how AI is being used to humanize teaching and learning, AI and parents, and a partnership with AI.

There's a feeling you get when you walk into a school. You get a sense for the kind of place it is when you look at the people's faces, or the way the light that comes through the windows. It's even in the colors and art on the walls in the hallway. This intangible thing is your school's climate and it's something you co-create with your schoolwide community.In this episode of Expert Instruction, we're joined by three educators who know how to create that positive school climate we all want to experience: Dr. Ginny Joseph, Kathy Stauffer, and Sun Saeteurn.Ginny is a PBIS and Mental Health Coordinator for the Orange County Department of Education in Costa Mesa, CA. She supports schools and district in their efforts to implement a multi-tiered framework for inclusive behavior supports. Ginny is passionate about creating safe learning spaces by engaging the entire schoolwide community. Kathy comes to us from the Saddleback Valley Unified School District in Mission Viejo, CA where she trains and supports school teams in their implementation of multi-tiered systems of support. In her work, she focuses on fostering respectful, responsible, and inclusive communities. Sun has been the principal at Monroe Middle School in Eugene, OR for the last six years. Before that, he was a high school assistant principal and a middle school teacher. Everywhere he goes, no matter what his role, Sun creates supportive spaces by engaging students, staff, and the larger community and building strong relationships. For more information about the resources shared in this episode, check out the following links: School Climate SurveyTiered Fidelity Inventory Turquoise or Blue? How One Test Uncovers the Hidden Assumptions in Our Classrooms Proven Ways to Make Schoolwide Feedback workStart With Why: How to Put Purpose Back in Your Work

Today we're talking to Kunal Dalal and Wes Kriesel, who are administrators of AI and Innovation at the Orange County, CA, Department of Education, where they support AI education and integration for 28 school districts in California.Kunal Dalal merges education and AI, driving human-centered AI integration at the Orange County Department of Education. Educated at Oberlin, Harvard, and UC Berkeley, he's evolved from school principal to headphone entrepreneur to tech educator. Dalal's entrepreneurial and community efforts, alongside his AI-focused initiatives like "The A.I. Parent" book, AI Days, and "100 Conversations in 100 Days about AI," showcase his dedication to enriching education with AI, advocating for an empowered, collaborative learning community.Wes Kriesel is an Administrator of AI and Innovation at Orange County Department of Education. In his work at OCDE, Wes built Orangejuice.ai, where he shares stories from around Orange County about AI in Education. In addition, Wes is the producer for “Squeeze the D.AI”, the Orangejuice.ai podcast that covers AI in public education. Three guiding values for Wes' work are: inclusiveness, storytelling, and innovation. Wes enjoys photography, his dogs, his Jeep, and spending time with his wife – in reverse order of importance.Recommended Resources:

Dr. Sandra Morgan is joined by her friend and colleague, Kimberly Casey. The two discuss the National Human Trafficking Prevention Framework and the ways in which human trafficking is not simply a crime, but a human rights and public health issue. Kimberly Casey Kimberly is Communications and Prevention Specialist at the Office on Trafficking in Persons, Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families. Kimberly is a graduate of George Mason University with a Master of Public Policy, culture, society and development. She is a self proclaimed learner and a strong proponent of connecting proven public health strategies with the vision of what we believe is possible to advance efforts to prevent human trafficking and other forms of violence. Key Points Human trafficking is not just a crime, but a human rights and public health issue, meaning it is also preventable. To effectively prevent human trafficking, real systemic change is needed as well as a system response, like this prevention framework. The National Human Trafficking Prevention Framework takes into account factors that make individuals or communities more vulnerable to violence, and assess the ways that buffers can be created to prevent violence from being experienced by an individual or community. Collective action is important for the prevention framework, making shared definitions essential, ensuring all those involved in the framework are working to move in the same direction and have common goals. Resources Office on Trafficking in Persons, Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families George Mason University National Human Trafficking Prevention Framework CDC Terms for Strategy and Approach Transcript Sandra Morgan 0:00 It's time to register for the annual Ensure Justice Conference at Vanguard University's Global Center for Women and Justice. The conference is always the first Friday and Saturday of March. That way you can make it a recurring event in your calendar. 2024, it's March 1st and 2nd, we're just a couple of months away. Our theme is “Keeping Our Children Safe Online.” We will explore the issues, what is happening online? What are the risks for our children at this stage of their development? What can we do as parents, caregivers, teachers, community members? Our speakers include many of our podcasts expert guests, and we are partnering with our Orange County Department of Education. Check out our website for more info and don't miss the early bird rates. Go on over to gcwj.org/ensure justice, right now. There is a virtual option for our global listeners, as well as special rates for college students. Join us to study the issues, be a voice, and make a difference at Ensure Justice, March 1st and 2nd, 2024. Kimberly Casey 2:05 Thank you, Sandie. I'm very excited to be here. We've talked about this for a while now, so looking forward to the conversation. Sandra Morgan 2:12 Well, you and I have been having this prevention conversation for a really long time, and sometimes it feels like we're trying to find a magic formula, or even something just super simple, like teaching toddlers to brush their teeth, that becomes a lifelong habit that prevents dental decay. The more I look at prevention, the more I realize it cannot be a one off presentation. Awareness is maybe the beginning, but it certainly does not encompass prevention. When I learned from you that the National Human Trafficking Prevention Framework was being developed and will be released, I wanted to have a conversation. So can you tell us just a little bit about your expectations for the framework? Kimberly Casey 3:16 Absolutely. So we know that in addition to being a crime, in addition to being a human rights issue, human trafficking is really a public health issue. And like any public health issue, it's preventable, right? But we need to have a whole system response put in place to be able to effective...

Dr. Sandie Morgan is joined by Lisa Murdock as the two discuss the critical response of medical institutions to human trafficking. Lisa Murdock Lisa Murdock, MSN, RN, CNE Pediatric Acute Care Nurse  & Co-Chair Healthcare subcommittee of the Orange County Human Trafficking Task Force. Over the past 23 years, Lisa has worked in pediatric acute care hospitals nationwide and in Puerto Rico. Lisa began her journey in anti-trafficking efforts in 2014 after meeting a survivor in the community. That meeting inspired her to expand her work to include exploitation and human trafficking in healthcare education and to implement comprehensive, multidisciplinary, evidence-based protocols for inpatient pediatric hospitals. Lisa believes that healthcare providers, specifically nurses, are uniquely positioned at the frontlines of patient care to identify, advocate, and improve healthcare outcomes for at-risk individuals or those already being trafficked. She is the co-founder of ReVEST Medical Experts which provides healthcare providers and institutions with the necessary tools to improve their knowledge, recognition, response and prevention of violence, exploitation, and risky behaviors amongst their patients and families.  Key Points It is important to inform health care workers with an updated and accurate education regarding human trafficking to move away from the sensationalized imaging and education they might be receiving from the media.  Using a screening tool that is comprehensive, including not just commercial sex trafficking, but also labor trafficking and aids in sensitively asking high risk questions, is important in both aftercare and prevention.  It is essential for an organization to have a policy surrounding exploitation and human trafficking, as well as a response protocol in place, to ensure that people know who to call and how to respond. Upon discharge, it is critical a healthcare provider be aware of resources and referrals to provide the survivor with the tools they need to stay safe.  Resources Ensure Justice ReVEST Human Trafficking Task Force Health Care Subcommittee Orange County Human Trafficking Task Force #278 - Identifying and Interacting with Minor Victims of Human Trafficking, with Dr. Jodi Quas #259 - Which Screening Tool Should I Use, with Dr. Corey Rood Ending Human Trafficking Handbook Orangewood Project Choice  Lighthouse  Waymakers Transcript Sandra Morgan 0:00 It's time to register for the annual Ensure Justice Conference at Vanguard University's Global Center for Women and Justice. The conference is always the first Friday and Saturday of March. That way you can make it a recurring event in your calendar. 2024, It's March 1st and 2nd, we're just a couple of months away. Our theme is "Keeping Our Children Safe Online." We will explore the issues, what is happening online? What are the risks for our children at this stage of their development? What can we do as parents, caregivers, teachers, community members? Our speakers include many of our podcasts expert guests, and we are partnering with our Orange County Department of Education. Check out our website for more info and don't miss the early bird rates. Go on over to gcwj.org/ensure justice, right now. There is a virtual option for our global listeners, as well as special rates for college students. Join us to study the issues, be a voice, and make a difference at Ensure Justice, March 1st and 2nd, 2024. You're listening to the Ending Human Trafficking podcast. This is episode #313: Four Pillars of Medical Institution Response to Human Trafficking. My name is Sandie Morgan, and this is the show where we empower you to study the issues, be a voice, and make a difference in ending human trafficking. Our guest today is Lisa Murdock, MSN, RN, CNA. Look at all of those letters after her name. She is a pediatric acute care nurse, and here in Orange County,

Dr. Sandie Morgan is joined by Kevin Bales as the two discuss the importance of intersectionality when fighting to end human trafficking. Kevin Bales Kevin Bales is a professor of contemporary slavery and a co-founder of Free the Slaves, a nonprofit organization that works to end slavery worldwide. He has written several books and articles on modern slavery, human trafficking, and climate change. One of his main ideas is that slavery is not only a human rights violation, but also a major contributor to environmental degradation. Bales argues that slavery and human trafficking are driven by the global demand for cheap goods and services, which creates a market for exploited labor. He also shows how slavery affects the natural resources and ecosystems that sustain life on earth, such as forests, soils, water, and wildlife, calling it the "slavery footprint" of consumption. Bales also explores the concept of intersectionality, which is the idea that different forms of oppression and discrimination, such as race, gender, class, and ethnicity, are interconnected and mutually reinforcing. He suggests that slavery is an extreme form of intersectionality, where the most vulnerable and marginalized people are subjected to the most brutal and dehumanizing treatment. He advocates for a holistic and inclusive approach to ending slavery, that takes into account the diverse needs and perspectives of the enslaved and the liberated. Kevin Bales believes that slavery can be eradicated in our lifetime, if we act collectively and strategically. Key Points When analyzing contemporary forms of slavery, like human trafficking, it is imperative that the differences in the rates at which different people groups are affected, and how they are affected, be looked at as well. Contemporary slavery affects multiple spheres outside of the social injustice sphere, as it is also aiding in the environmental destruction seen today. A global campaign, public awareness, and a willingness to give something up, are needed for a national government to aid in the fight to end contemporary slavery. Education is a start to achieving this global campaign. "There are links between slavery and genocide." Resources Ensure Justice Disposable People by Kevin Bales Free the Slaves  Blood and Earth by Kevin Bales UNESCO World Heritage TIP (Trafficking in Persons) Office Slavery: A Global Investigation International Cocoa Initiative Tony's Chocolonely Ending Slavery: How We Free Today's Slaves by Kevin Bales Transcript Sandra Morgan 0:00 It's time to register for the annual Ensure Justice Conference at Vanguard University's Global Center for Women and Justice. The conference is always the first Friday and Saturday of March. That way you can make it a recurring event in your calendar. 2024, it's March 1st and 2nd, we're just a couple of months away. Our theme is Keeping Our Children Safe Online. We will explore the issues: What is happening online? What are the risks for our children at this stage of their development? What can we do as parents, caregivers, teachers, community members? Our speakers include many of our podcast expert guests, and we are partnering with our Orange County Department of Education. Check out our website for more info and don't miss the early bird rates. Go on over to gcwj.org/ensurejustice right now. There is a virtual option for our global listeners, as well as special rates for college students. Join us to study the issues, be a voice, and make a difference at Ensure Justice March 1st and 2nd, 2024. You are listening to the Ending Human Trafficking podcast. This is episode #312: How Does Intersectionality Inform Our Response to Human Trafficking?, and we're talking with Kevin Bales. My name is Dr. Sandie Morgan. This is the show where we empower you to study the issues, be a voice, and make a difference in ending human trafficking. Joining us today is Dr. Kevin Bales,

Dr. Sandra Morgan is joined by Kaitlyn Zedalis as the two discuss the role of forced criminality in labor trafficking. Kaitlyn Zedalis Kaitlyn Zedalis is the associate director of research, learning, and advocacy for the Covenant House Action and Research Tank (CHART) at Covenant House New Jersey, where she oversees agency initiatives related to research, program evaluation, and advocacy. Kaitlyn has assisted organizations across North America on the topics of human trafficking, screening and assessment, trauma informed care, and best practices for serving victims of human trafficking. She has a master's degree in social work from Stockton University, where she currently serves as an adjunct professor, and is a licensed social worker and licensed clinical alcohol and drug counselor. Key Points The Covenant House Action and Research Tank, or CHART, is an initiative of Covenant House New Jersey that conducts research, develops evidence based strategies, and seeks solutions for complex problems such as homelessness and human trafficking. Labor trafficking by forced criminality is any labor trafficking where the labor a person is required to perform is a crime, heavily intertwining criminalization and victimization. Covenant House New Jersey's research found that a supportive adult relationship in an individual's life serves as a protective factor from trafficking. In many cases, a victim is forced or coerced to remain in the situation they are in for fear of getting in trouble with the law, as they see themselves as engaging in criminal behavior rather than as a victim. Resources Ensure Justice  Covenant House New Jersey  CHART QYIT Journal Article Labor Trafficking by Forced Criminality 306 - Survivor Voices Leading Change, with Jerome Elam Trafficking in Persons Report 2023 Caring Adult Relationships Journal Article Transcript Sandra Morgan 0:00 It's time to register for the annual Ensure Justice Conference at Vanguard University's Global Center for Women and Justice. The conference is always the first Friday and Saturday of March, that way you can make it a recurring event in your calendar .2024, it's March 1st and 2nd, we're just a couple of months away. Our theme is Keeping Our Children Safe Online. We will explore the issues: What is happening online? What are the risks for our children at this stage of their development? What can we do as parents, caregivers, teachers, community members? Our speakers include many of our podcast expert guests, and we are partnering with our Orange County Department of Education. Check out our website for more info and don't miss the early bird rates. Go on over to gcwj.org/ensurejustice right now. There is a virtual option for our global listeners, as well as special rates for college students. Join us to study the issues, be a voice, and make a difference at Ensure Justice, March 1st and 2nd, 2024. You're listening to the Ending Human Trafficking podcast. This is episode #311: Youth Labor Trafficking and Forced Criminality. My name is Sandie Morgan and this is the show where we empower you to study the issues, be a voice, and make a difference in ending human trafficking. Our guest today is Kaitlyn Zedalis, and she is the associate director of research, learning, and advocacy for the Covenant House Action and Research Tank (CHART) at Covenant House New Jersey, where she oversees agency initiatives related to research, program evaluation, and advocacy. Kaitlyn has assisted organizations across North America on the topics of human trafficking, screening and assessment, trauma informed care, and best practices for serving victims of human trafficking. She has a master's degree in social work from Stockton University, where she currently serves as an adjunct professor, and is a licensed social worker and licensed clinical alcohol and drug counselor. Kaitlyn, welcome to the Ending Human Trafficking podcast. Kaitlyn Zedalis 3:15 Hi,

Dr. Sandie Morgan is joined by Kirsten Foot and Kenneth Andrew as the three discuss the role of Businesses Ending Slavery and Trafficking (BEST) in equipping businesses with the tools and resources necessary to end trafficking. Kirsten Foot Kirsten Foot, PhD, is the CEO and Executive Director of Businesses Ending Slavery and Trafficking (BEST) which equips employers to counter human trafficking, and provides pathways to safe employment for trafficking survivors. BEST offers employers video based and in-person training services, consulting on anti-trafficking strategy, and advisement on communicating about human trafficking with employees, customers, vendors and the public. Kirsten Foot was also a guest on Episode #111 of the Ending Human Trafficking podcast. Kenneth Andrew Kenneth Andrew, is Vice President for global, small, medium, and channel partners with Microsoft Advertising, and his career has taken him to many parts of the world. He seeks to leverage his abilities to drive positive change in the business world and beyond. As a member of BEST Board of Directors since 2018, he helps businesses interrupt and prevent human trafficking. Key Points Businesses Ending Slavery and Trafficking (BEST) plays a critical role in equipping employers to counter human trafficking, providing training through both video-based and in-person training services. BEST aims to prepare employers to not only identify and understand trafficking, but interrupt it safely. Employers are also provided with communication strategies for discussing trafficking in the workplace. Situational awareness is an integral part in the process of interrupting trafficking. BEST strives to encourage employers to take effective action and ask those who might be victimized the important questions that allow them to disclose what they might be facing. Resources Ensure Justice BEST Episode #111 - Collaborating Against Human Trafficking Uyghur Anti- Human Trafficking Prevention Act California Supply Chain Transparency Act BEST Training Center Transcript Sandra Morgan 0:00 It's time to register for the annual Ensure Justice Conference at Vanguard University's Global Center for Women and Justice. The conference is always the first Friday and Saturday of March, that way you can make it a recurring event in your calendar! 2024, It's March first and second, we're just a couple of months away. Our theme is Keeping Our Children Safe Online. We will explore the issues; What is happening online? What are the risks for our children at this stage of their development? What can we do as parents, caregivers, teachers, community members? Our speakers include many of our podcast expert guests, and we are partnering with our Orange County Department of Education. Check out our website for more info and don't miss the early bird rates. Go on over to gcwj.org/ensurejustice. Right now, there is a virtual option for our global listeners, as well as special rates for college students. Join us to study the issues, be a voice, and make a difference at Ensure Justice, March 1st and 2nd, 2024. You're listening to the Ending Human Trafficking podcast. This is episode #310: What's the best way to equip business leaders? My name is Sandie Morgan and this is the show where we empower you to study the issues, be a voice, and make a difference in ending human trafficking. It is so great to have Kirsten and Kenneth from BEST with us today. Kirsten Foot, PhD, is the CEO and Executive Director of Businesses Ending Slavery and Trafficking (BEST) which equips employers to counter human trafficking, and provides pathways to safe employment for trafficking survivors. BEST offers employers video based and in-person training services, consulting on anti-trafficking strategy, and advisement on communicating about human trafficking with employees, customers, vendors and the public. She was also my guest on Episode #111 of our podcast.

This week I'm delighted to introduce you to Robert Dickson, CIO of Wichita Public Schools, one of the first to design an enterprise integration of AI across their large school district of 50,000 students, and 10,000 employees. Here are three core ideas Robert shares with us in this episode. You'll find all his information below, as I know this is one guest you'll definitely want to add to your network.   Robert Dickson's insights highlight the transformative power of AI in education, focusing on strategic planning, AI literacy, and preparing students for a rapidly changing workforce. His approach emphasizes the need for a balance between technological advancement and human-centered values. His journey not only illustrates the efficiency gains and innovation that AI can bring to educational settings but also underscores its broader implications for enterprise-level integration.    Embracing AI in Education:   Robert shares how he introduced AI in education, with a focus on how it can enhance the workflow for leaders, teachers, and staff in his district. He shares insights on utilizing AI for strategic planning and instructional improvement. “Every task I do, I start at 70% to 80%... Imagine what that frees your time up to do if 70% of a task is done for you.” - Robert Dickson   AI Literacy and Policy Development:   Dickson discusses the importance of AI literacy among educators and developing policies for AI use in educational settings. “I've written an AI policy and I've revised it now twice... It's about setting guardrails but also enabling innovation and adaptation.” - Robert Dickson   The Role of AI in Future Workforce Development:   The discussion touches on how AI is reshaping the skills needed in the future workforce, emphasizing adaptability and digital literacy. “Memorization is not how we produce a skilled workforce anymore... Intelligence is a commodity.” - Robert Dickson   Connect with Robert Dickson on LinkedIn to follow his journey and insights in integrating AI in education. His resources, articles, and ideas are some of the best on this topic.   Podcast: Listen in to "What the EdTech" Robert's podcast Connect with Robert on X   Article: How Wichita Public Schools is Using Microsoft Copilot   I'd love to connect with you as well. You can join me on any of my platforms    Website: Dr. Sabba Quidwai's Website LinkedIn: Dr. Sabba Quidwai on LinkedIn Twitter: @askMsQ Instagram: @askMsQ   Reading List   Join the AI Bootcamp   Timestamps:   1:57 Why you should subscribe to ChatGPT 3:48 Introducing Rob 6:12 Rob's realization that AI can make a huge difference in education 8:44 How Rob uses AI to reach his goals with more efficiency 11:47 Time-saving with AI 13:41 Shifting the AI use from personal to enterprise level 18:40 The importance of being proactive when exploring AI, intead of just waiting to see what happens 21:11 Some skills and mindset for exploring  and incorporating AI 25:33 Design thinking as a method to approach AI 28:08 Design Thinking at the Orange County Department of Education 31:37 Improving work experience within large organizations using AI 35:29 How Rob implemented AI at enterprise level in practice 39:15 The SPARK framework for asking the right questions to AI 41:12 Some of Rob's prompting practices, guidelines and values at his organization 44:32 Introducing AI tools to students 46:36 The AI Bootcamp 47:40 Questions you should be asking going in 2024 50:42 Rob's books and resources recommendations

On this episode of the Ed Branding Podcast we have Lainie Rowell on with us. Lainie is an educator, international keynote speaker, and author. She is dedicated to building learning communities and her areas of focus include learner-driven design, social emotional learning, online/blended learning, and professional learning. During her more than 25 years in education, Lainie has taught elementary, secondary, and higher education. She also served in a district-level leadership position supporting 22,000 students and 1,200 teachers at 33 schools. Since 2014, Lainie has been a consultant for the Orange County Department of Education's Institute for Leadership Development. She is the author of Evolving with Gratitude, Bold Gratitude: The Journal Designed for You By You, the lead author of Evolving Learner, and a contributing-author of Because of a Teacher.TwitterInstagramLainie RowellWe'd love to hear from our listeners!Connect with Dr. Renae Bryant:TwitterInstagramLinkedInConnect with Lynette White:ConnectEDTwitterInstagramLinkedInLynette White

Is California doing a better job of getting resources that turn into opportunities and access for students into the right places? Are major investments in new initiatives helping to move the needle for those furthest from opportunity? How are schools navigating the current climate of rising divisiveness? For this first episode of our new season, we wanted to 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 – and that led us to none other than 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 advancing equity, including recent pushback about what is taught in schools;The importance of educational administrators and leaders continuing to be authentic in the spaces they serve and using their voices to correct misinformation;   The evolving role of Chief Business Officers in inviting more diverse perspectives into the dialogue about school issues; and more. About our guestNina Boyd currently serves as Deputy Superintendent for Operations, Government and Community Partnerships, for the Orange County Department of Education (OCDE),  which supports supports 28 Public School Districts and 23 board-approved Public Charter Schools. Orange County public schools serve nearly 200,000 students; about 80 percent of whom are students of color.Nina began her career in education as a temporary account clerk in Santa Ana Unified School District. She had planned to become a school psychologist but instead went on to a distinguished career serving in multiple administrative leadership roles at the OCDE, including as Administrator, Purchasing Contracts & Operations;  Executive Director of Facilities and Operations;  Assistant Superintendent Human Resources and Support Services; and Associate Superintendent Alternative Education. At the statewide level, Nina has been a key advocate and leader, including serving for many years on the CASBO Board of Directors and as CASBO President in 2017-18. She also served an eight-year term on the Coalition for Adequate School Housing (CASH) state board and held a variety of positions to support facility and maintenance issues primarily in the areas of regulatory, advocacy, and legislation. Nina has facilitated and provided trainings and workshops at both the local and state level, including a focus on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion when she was a leader at CASBO.  She also teaches in CASBO's Business Executive Leadership program.About our hostJason Willis serves as  Director of Strategic Resource Planning and Implementation for WestEd, and he is a former chief business official in several California school districtsAbout our seriesBudgeting for Educational Equity is presented by the California Association of School Business Official (CASBO) and WestEd. We are grateful to the Sobrato Family Foundation for additional support. Our series is written and produced by Paul Richman and Jason Willis. Original music, mixing and sound by Tommy Dunbar. Alyssa Perez at WestEd provides research and develops the written briefs that go along with each episode.

Welcome to this week's enlightening episode of "Aspire to Lead" with Lainie Rowell. Join us as Lainie shares the transformative power of journaling and her motivation to create a useful journal for educators. In this captivating conversation, she delves into her personal journey of self-discovery and reveals how journaling can fuel personal and professional growth. Explore the profound insights and practical strategies Lainie has gained through her own journaling practice, and be inspired to embark on your own reflective journey. Discover how journaling empowers educators to enhance teaching and leadership practices, find balance, and cultivate a deeper sense of purpose. Tune in to gain invaluable tools that nurture your growth as a leader and educator! In this episode, we discuss: WHY we should all journal  The wonderful Podcast she created, “Evolving Gratitude”  And her new Book, Bold Gratitude About Lainie Rowell: Lainie Rowell is an educator, author, podcaster, and international consultant who specializes in working with other educators to find innovative and sustainable ways to transform teaching and learning. Her areas of expertise include online/blended learning, designing innovative learning experiences, professional learning, and community building. During her more than 25 years in education, Lainie has taught elementary, secondary, and higher education. She also served in a district-level leadership position supporting 22,000 students and 1,200 teachers at 33 schools. As a consultant, Lainie's client list ranges from Fortune 100 companies like Apple and Google to school districts and independent schools. Lainie is a TEDx Speaker with more than 15 years of experience presenting at regional, national, and international conferences including Building Learning Communities (BLC) and the Leadership 3.0 Symposium. Lainie was a contributor to the 2019 National Standards for Quality Online Teaching and on the 2014 Blended Learning Teacher Competency Framework committee. Since 2014, Lainie has been a consultant for the Orange County Department of Education's Institute for Leadership Development facilitating professional learning for administrators. From 2010-2014, Lainie served as the Program Coordinator for Leading Edge Certification

Have you ever felt like you were on the wrong path in your interpreting career? Dr. Jonathan Downie joins us once again to share his inspiring journey of rediscovering his passion for church interpreting and overcoming mental health challenges along the way. You won't want to miss the valuable insights he shares about reevaluating your career choices and finding a healthy work-life balance.As we delve deeper into our conversation, we discuss the impact of AI on the interpreting profession and debunk the common belief that 'interpreters will be replaced by interpreters who know how to use AI'. Dr. Downie enlightens us on the various ways AI-enhanced interpreting, machine interpreting post-editing, and other technologies can change our jobs, while reminding us of the crucial role humans play in interpreting.Finally, we explore what it takes to forge a career in interpreting in our ever-changing world. Dr. Downie encourages listeners to follow their own unique path, prioritize mental health, and embrace their true selves. Learn from his experiences and let go of toxic expectations in the interpreting profession as we uncover the key to happiness and success as a professional interpreter in this captivating episode.Only on the podcast that shares your stories about our profession. Brand the Interpreter!------------------------Connect with Dr. Jonathan DownieLinkedInResourcesInterpreters Vs MachinesInterpreting is Interpreting: Episode #30-------------------------------------------

WELCOME TO THE BEST OF 2022! Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday through December, we'll be reposting some of our favorite episodes from this year to give you inspiration and motivating to both end this year strong, and kickstart 2023 on a positive note! Below are the original post's notes. _____________________________________________________ ABOUT: Nada Lena is the founder and CEO of “Rise Up For You,” a company dedicated to empowering and educating individuals and companies across the globe. She is a Post-Secondary Educator, Motivational Speaker, and Advocate for Youth and Women's Empowerment. In addition to being a passionate advocate for women's empowerment, Nada is an accomplished woman with a diverse background. She has toured the world as a singer, has a Master's degree in Educational Leadership, and has coached and mentored close to 50,000 women and young adults worldwide on self-empowerment and leadership. Through her art performances, motivational speeches, college classes, and interactive workshops, Nada has helped individuals recognize and foster their inner potential across a number of fields. In 2004, Nada began traveling the world, empowering people in countries such as Russia, Japan, Gibraltar, and Spain. In 2011, Nada Lena became a top executive for an education corporation in Southern California, where she mentored professional men and women in leadership and discussed best practices in teaching methods for students K-12. Furthermore, Nada has many years of experience working with the Orange County Department of Education, providing hands-on learning opportunities for students in the juvenile detention center and students from low socio-economic backgrounds. Nada has been featured on a number of media outlets, such as Women Who Reign, the podcast Your Working Life, The Bold Life Movement, The Conscious Hustler, Write Now, and OC Talk Radio. She has been a motivational keynote speaker at numerous events, like the Women's Health Expo in Pasadena, The Young Professional Networking Event in Canada, The Lead the Way Educators Conference in Michigan, P.U.S.H Empowerment Conference in the Inland Empire, and many more! Among being at the forefront of Rise Up For You, Nada is currently a Professor at The Young Americans College of The Performing Arts where she teaches in both the Breadth of Knowledge and Music Department. In addition, Nada recently sat on the board for the Women's Impact Council at the Costa Mesa Center Club as well as the non-profit organization, Hope Seekers. Nada's mission is to change the world one woman at a time. Fun Facts: Among many adventures, Nada has climbed Mt. Fuji in a typhoon. STAY CONNECTED: Nadalena.com @NADALENA_RISE riseupforyou.com _____________________________________________________ Thank you again for joining us today! If you know anybody that would benefit from this episode please share it with them and help spread the knowledge and motivation. Don't forget to show your support for the Rise Up For You Podcast by writing a review on iTunes. Your feedback helps the success of our show and pushes us to continuously be better! Check out www.riseupforyou.com for more podcast episodes, webinars, events, and more to help you get to the next level in your personal and professional life! You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Youtube @riseupforyou Looking for more support? Grab your free coaching call with our team completely FREE! Bring your questions about Confidence, Leadership or Business and we will assign you the best coach to provide customizable support. SCHEDULE YOUR FREE CALL HERE riseupforyou.com/coaching

Join us as we discuss Healing Spaces with Susan Shepardson. Susan Shepardson has worked in the field of child development and education for 40 years. For the past 20 years of her career, she has merged education with space design. Her interest and passion in educational design was initially sparked by a tour of a Reggio Emilia inspired school in San Francisco. Since then, she has been curating environmental research, training educators and designing classrooms, children's bedrooms, playrooms, teacher lounges, and student wellness centers. In 1997, Susan started selling educational furnishings for a national corporation. She assisted clients with classroom and playground design, product selection, and trained adults on how to optimize learning spaces. Since this time, Susan has designed numerous indoor and outdoor learning environments and trained thousands of adults. In 2008 she started her own design firm and called herself The Play Architect ™. From 2010 until 2015, Susan volunteered for Make a Wish designing children's bedrooms and playrooms. As an educator, Susan is passionate about teaching and training adults. For over a decade she has taught part time at several colleges and universities. Her areas of expertise include: child development, developmental screening, social-emotional learning, play, trauma informed practices, mental health, wellness and curriculum planning and implementation. Susan strongly believes in being a good steward of the earth and tries to practice slow consumerism. She loves to reduce, reuse and repurpose items. About 3 years ago, she embarked on yet another business venture and became a vintage retailer. She has a shop in Old Towne Orange, CA. and also sources vintage goods for interior designers and retail stores. Susan holds a B.S. degree in Social Science from Chapman University, a M.S. degree in Child Development from the University of La Verne, and a Career and Technical Education Credential from Orange County Department of Education. She recently completed a year-long apprenticeship with the Center for Optimal Brain Integration on Trauma-Responsive and Resilience-Building Practices. In her spare time, she loves to travel, be in the company of family and friends, create art and explore nature – she has a strong sense of wonder and curiosity, an attribute she's had since childhood.

In this episode educator, international consultant,  podcaster, TEDx speaker, and author Lainie Rowell shares some unbelievable takeaways on gratitude and how it can change our lives.Some of the things that we will discuss are: 1. Being present, intentional and authentic. 2. The power of praise and  the 6:1 ratio. 3. Bring more gratitude into your life by noticing, thinking, feeling, and doing.4. Keeping an eye out for the students who go unseen.5. Best partnerships focus more on the good than the wrong.Lainie Rowell bio:Lainie Rowell is an educator, international consultant, podcaster, and TEDx speaker. She is the lead author of Evolving Learner and a contributing author of Because of a Teacher. Her latest book, Evolving with Gratitude, was just released. An experienced teacher and district leader, she is dedicated to building learning communities and her areas of focus include learner-driven design, social emotional learning, online/blended learning, and professional learning. Lainie's work has been highlighted in many publications, including Edutopia, OC Family Magazine, eSchool News, ASCD K-12 Leadership SmartBrief, PBS NewsHour, and K-12 Dive. Since 2014, Lainie has been a consultant for the Orange County Department of Education's Institute for Leadership Development. Learn more about Lainie at lainierowell.com and see highlights of her work at /linktr.ee/lainierowell. You can also subscribe to her newsletter at lainierowell.com/subscribe. Lainie's books:Evolving With Gratitude : https://www.amazon.com/Evolving-Gratitude-Practices-Communities-Difference/dp/1948334542/ref=sr_1_1?crid=E5GYGA2C3MXZ&keywords=Lainie+Rowell&qid=1667699134&sprefix=lainie+rowel%2Caps%2C176&sr=8-1

- HAPPY 11th ANNIVERSARY TO "THE BOTTOM LINE!" - LANCE IZUMI: "A Meeting about the Benefits of CHARTER SCHOOLS will be Held at the Orange County Department of Education Office in Costa Mesa Tuesday 20 September at 6PM" - ROGER and Longtime BOTTOM LINE Producer TAMARA QUIMIRO Talk About the Impact the Program has Had Over the Past 11 Years" - "Is Busing or Flying Immigrants who Cross the Southern US Border Illegally IMMORAL?"

Research proves that by intentionally practicing gratitude, we can dramatically improve our disposition, bringing us more joy and better health. Consistently and intentionally practicing gratitude can also lead to better relationships and more successful learning experiences. This week's guest, Lainie Rowell, shows how educators can use small gratitude practices to make a big difference with kids, peers, and the world. In this episode, we discuss: The importance health aspects of showing gratitude New book, Evolving with Gratitude  And Lainie's new podcast, “Evolving with Gratitude” About Lainie Rowell: Lainie Rowell is an educator,https://www.amazon.com/Evolving-Learner-Shifting-Professional-Development/dp/1544338325 ( author),http://lemonadelearning.us/ ( podcaster), and international consultant who specializes in working with other educators to find innovative and sustainable ways to transform teaching and learning. Her areas of expertise include online/blended learning, designing innovative learning experiences, professional learning, and community building. During her more almost 25 years in education, Lainie has taught elementary, secondary, and higher education. She also served in a district-level leadership position supporting 22,000 students and 1,200 teachers at 33 schools. As a consultant, Lainie's client list ranges from Fortune 100 companies like Apple and Google to school districts and independent schools. Lainie is ahttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VkBg52TTAUY&feature=youtu.be ( TEDx Speaker) with more than 15 years of experience presenting at regional, national, and international conferences includinghttp://novemberlearning.com/blc/ ( Building Learning Communities (BLC)) and thehttp://www.lead3.org/ ( Leadership 3.0 Symposium). Lainie was a contributor to thehttps://www.nsqol.org/the-standards/quality-online-teaching/ ( 2019 National Standards for Quality Online Teaching) and on thehttps://aurora-institute.org/resource/inacol-blended-learning-teacher-competency-framework/ ( 2014 Blended Learning Teacher Competency Framework) committee. Since 2014, Lainie has been a consultant for the Orange County Department of Education's Institute for Leadership Development facilitating professional learning for administrators. From 2010-2014, Lainie served as the Program Coordinator forhttp://leadingedgecertification.org/ ( Leading Edge Certification), a national certification program in educational technology and curriculum innovation created by an Alliance of nonprofits, universities and educational agencies. She led the creation and curation of all four certifications, Online and Blended Teacher, Administrator, Digital Educator, and Professional Learning Leader. Follow Lainie Rowell Website: http://lainierowell.com/ (http://LainieRowell.com/)  Twitter: http://twitter.com/lainierowell (http://twitter.com/lainierowell)  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lainierowell/ (https://www.instagram.com/lainierowell)  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lainierowell (https://www.linkedin.com/in/lainierowell)  Facebook: https://facebook.com/lainierowellEDU (https://facebook.com/lainierowellEDU)  Lemonade Learning Podcast: http://lemonadelearning.us (http://lemonadelearning.us)  Evolving with Gratitude Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/evolving-with-gratitude/id1617309262 (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/evolving-with-gratitude/id1617309262) https://www.amazon.com/Evolving-Gratitude-Practices-Communities-Difference-ebook/dp/B0B2KQ88GV?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_w=kEMXT&content-id=amzn1.sym.bbb6bbd8-d236-47cb-b42f-734cb0cacc1f&pf_rd_p=bbb6bbd8-d236-47cb-b42f-734cb0cacc1f&pf_rd_r=VD8XY6BAR2PX7K3WGF8X&pd_rd_wg=CYg4Z&pd_rd_r=859b2aa2-be08-4da7-bd76-fd76253ac3b4&linkCode=ll1&tag=aspirewebsite-20&linkId=458a61ca6e26c30500652c561c33e9d5&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl   [caption...

When Governor Newsom released his proposed budget in January, many K-12 funding issues were pushed off, including the final Local Control Funding Formula cost-of-living adjustment, addressing the Gann Limit, and dealing with a staggering drop in average daily attendance. In this episode, we'll discuss the newly released May revise with members of CASBO's Governmental Relations team and compare the Governor's new proposals against the Legislature's priorities as we outline the road to state budget adoption next month.Guests:Elizabeth Esquivel, Senior Director, Policy & Governance, CASBOGary Stine, Executive Director of Support Services, Orange County Department of Education, and Chair, CASBO Legislative Committee

Lainie Rowell is an educator, international consultant, podcaster, and TEDx speaker. She is the lead author of Evolving Learner and a contributing author of Because of a Teacher. Her latest book, Evolving with Gratitude, will be released in mid-2022. An experienced teacher and district leader, her areas of focus include learner-driven design, community building, online/blended learning, and professional learning. Lainie's work has been highlighted in many publications, including Edutopia, OC Family Magazine, and PBS News Hour. Since 2014, Lainie has been a consultant for the Orange County Department of Education's Institute for Leadership Development. Key Takeaways: Gratitude helps us cope with stress, regulate emotions, physiological health, and energizes learning. Gratitude becomes contagious. You need to model everything you want to see. Sticky note compliments as a strategy. The Cycle of Inquiry is not meant to be linear. The word “priority” was never supposed to be plural. Use the “It would be cool if…” prompt by Dr. Novak. Teacher learning needs to be ongoing and job embedded. Look to implement a community of inquiry cycle in your school. Make sure you avoid the “comparison hangover”. Contact: Twitter: @LainieRowell Email: lainierowell@gmail.com  Website: www.lainierowell.com Publications: Evolving Learner Because of a Teacher Podcast - Lemonade Learning TEDx - Learn Like a Kid --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Debora Wondercheck is the CEO of Arts & Learning Conservatory (ALC). An effective corporate leader with seventeen years of experience in strategy development, program management, and implementation, Debora focuses on culturally sensitive and inclusive afterschool artistic training and education for all children in k-12 schools, particularly those who are underresourced. As the founder of the nationally acclaimed Arts & Learning Conservatory (ALC), Wondercheck has a proven track record in fundraising, public education, executive leadership, non-profit governance, community building, and program development. Her professional interests include arts education sustainability, board development, and equitable access to the arts. Her extensive expertise in music and education, combined with her ability to build strong partnerships across the public and private sectors has delivered powerful results throughout her career. As the go-to for afterschool programs, Wondercheck's relationships have created artistic experiences for over 40 schools throughout Southern California. She is particularly proud of her recent partnerships with the Orange County Department of Education and the YMCA of Orange County. In addition to her work at the Arts & Learning Conservatory, Wondercheck serves on the Board of Directors for Arts Orange County, The Cultural Committee for the City of Costa Mesa, Philharmonic Society, Copper Tree Management, Orange County Theater Guild, and the Waldorf School of Orange County DEI committee among others. She is committed to using her experience to broaden access to high-quality education by supporting innovation, reducing barriers to entry, and building strong communities. Some of her accomplishments include 2021 National Association of Women in Business, Board Pathways Graduate, 2021 Fieldstone Executive Graduate, 2021 Orange County Business Journal Women in Business Nomination, 2019, California State University, Gianneschi Leadership Fellow. Wondercheck is an accomplished conductor and cellist and volunteers with the children's ministry at the Rock Church of Anaheim. Debora, a product of Orange County, is married to Gary, they have three teenage children and reside in Garden Grove, CA. -- Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County, CA's longest-running business talk show, focused on offering value and insight to middle-market business leaders in the OC and beyond. Hosted by Ric Franzi, business partner at Renaissance Executive Forums Orange County. Learn more about Ric at www.ricfranzi.com. Catch up on past Critical Mass Business Talk Show interviews... YouTube: https://lnkd.in/gHKT2gmF LinkedIn: https://lnkd.in/g2PzRhjQ Podbean: https://lnkd.in/eWpNVRi Apple Podcasts: https://lnkd.in/gRd_863w Spotify: https://lnkd.in/gruexU6m

ABOUT OUR GUEST: Nada Lena is the founder and CEO of “Rise Up For You,” a company dedicated to empowering and educating individuals and companies across the globe. She is a Post-Secondary Educator, Motivational Speaker, and Advocate for Youth and Women's Empowerment. In addition to being a passionate advocate for women's empowerment, Nada is an accomplished woman with a diverse background. She has toured the world as a singer, has a Master's degree in Educational Leadership, and has coached and mentored close to 50,000 women and young adults worldwide on self-empowerment and leadership. Through her art performances, motivational speeches, college classes, and interactive workshops, Nada has helped individuals recognize and foster their inner potential across a number of fields. In 2004, Nada began traveling the world, empowering people in countries such as Russia, Japan, Gibraltar, and Spain. In 2011, Nada Lena became a top executive for an education corporation in Southern California, where she mentored professional men and women in leadership and discussed best practices in teaching methods for students K-12. Furthermore, Nada has many years of experience working with the Orange County Department of Education, providing hands-on learning opportunities for students in the juvenile detention center and students from low socio-economic backgrounds. Nada has been featured on a number of media outlets, such as Women Who Reign, the podcast Your Working Life, The Bold Life Movement, The Conscious Hustler, Write Now, and OC Talk Radio. She has been a motivational keynote speaker at numerous events, like the Women's Health Expo in Pasadena, The Young Professional Networking Event in Canada, The Lead the Way Educators Conference in Michigan, P.U.S.H Empowerment Conference in the Inland Empire, and many more! Among being at the forefront of Rise Up For You, Nada is currently a Professor at The Young Americans College of The Performing Arts where she teaches in both the Breadth of Knowledge and Music Department. In addition, Nada recently sat on the board for the Women's Impact Council at the Costa Mesa Center Club as well as the non-profit organization, Hope Seekers. Nada's mission is to change the world one woman at a time. Fun Facts: Among many adventures, Nada has climbed Mt. Fuji in a typhoon. STAY CONNECTED: Nadalena.com @NADALENA_RISE riseupforyou.com _______________________ Thank you again for joining us today please check out our webpage at www.riseupforyou.com for more podcast episodes, webinars, articles, free resources, and events to help you get to the next level in your life! You can also follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Google+, and Youtube @riseupforyou If you know anybody that would benefit from this episode please share it with them and help spread the knowledge and motivation. Please support Rise Up For You by writing a review on iTunes. Your feedback will really help the success of our show and push us to continuously be better! So don't forget to show your support!

Every October, you can expect us to talk about the October Catch – a way for your school-wide teams to use referral data to identify students who might benefit from additional supports. The October Catch is the first step in a process to get students the resources they need when they need them. What comes next? How does a student's name end up on a Tier 2 team's meeting agenda? How do you know which intervention is a good fit? In this episode of Expert Instruction: The Teach by Design Podcast, we're talking about Tier 2 teams and the foundations of decision making at the Tier 2 level. Joining us in this conversation are Drs. Erin Chaparro and Ginny Joseph. Dr. Chaparro is a Research Associate Professor at the University of Oregon. For more than a decade, she has worked with districts and schools to implement multi-tiered systems of support for literacy and PBIS. She works with states across the country consulting on explicit instruction, PBIS, implementation science, and the education of English language learners. Among her many projects, Dr. Chaparro currently leads the development of an online training for Tier 2 data teams using a framework called Team-Initiated ProblemSolving (TIPS). Dr. Ginny Joseph is the Coordinator of PBIS and Mental Health at Orange County Department of Education. She trains and supports school teams implementing a multi-tiered framework for behavior supports. Her experience ranges from function-based support planning, to using data to drive decisions, to planning behavioral support for small groups of students. For more information about some of the resources mentioned in this episode, check out these links:An overview of the TIPS modelTIPS Meeting Minutes TemplateTiered Fidelity Inventory

As teens in foster care grow older, they might face aging out of the adoption system without a permanent family. Today, we dive into the concept of aging out of the foster care system through two different stories, told by Catherine and La Tika. Then, we speak to experts Sixto Cancel and Sarah Phillips on the importance of the youth voice and working towards permanency. Experts:  Sarah Phillips, LINKS Coordinator and CPS Social Worker, Orange County Department of Social Services, North CarolinaSixto Cancel, Chief Executive Officer, Think of Us Host: April DinwoodieNavigating Adoption: Presented by AdoptUSKids is brought to you by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Administration for Children and Families and the Ad Council. The series is produced by Wordsworth & Booth. Episode transcripts are available at AdoptUSKids.org/podcast. For more information about adopting a teen from foster care, please visit AdoptUSKids.org. 

With the drastic changes occurring in education, how do we propel students, staff and leaders to grow and explore in new ways? This week’s guest, Lainie Rowell, shares how providing opportunities of discovery and social emotional learning will enhance targeted change and innovative ideas for everyone in the organization.  In this episode, we discuss: Learning to Listen instead of Acting like the Expert The importance of Spending Time in Reflection “Evolving Learner” And Lainie’s new podcast, “Lemonade Learning” About Lainie Rowell:Lainie Rowell is an educator,https://www.amazon.com/Evolving-Learner-Shifting-Professional-Development/dp/1544338325 ( author),http://lemonadelearning.us/ ( podcaster), and international consultant who specializes in working with other educators to find innovative and sustainable ways to transform teaching and learning. Her areas of expertise include online/blended learning, designing innovative learning experiences, professional learning, and community building. During her more almost 25 years in education, Lainie has taught elementary, secondary, and higher education. She also served in a district-level leadership position supporting 22,000 students and 1,200 teachers at 33 schools. As a consultant, Lainie's client list ranges from Fortune 100 companies like Apple and Google to school districts and independent schools. Lainie is ahttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VkBg52TTAUY&feature=youtu.be ( TEDx Speaker) with more than 15 years of experience presenting at regional, national, and international conferences includinghttp://novemberlearning.com/blc/ ( Building Learning Communities (BLC)) and thehttp://www.lead3.org/ ( Leadership 3.0 Symposium). Lainie was a contributor to thehttps://www.nsqol.org/the-standards/quality-online-teaching/ ( 2019 National Standards for Quality Online Teaching) and on thehttps://aurora-institute.org/resource/inacol-blended-learning-teacher-competency-framework/ ( 2014 Blended Learning Teacher Competency Framework) committee. Since 2014, Lainie has been a consultant for the Orange County Department of Education's Institute for Leadership Development facilitating professional learning for administrators. From 2010-2014, Lainie served as the Program Coordinator forhttp://leadingedgecertification.org/ ( Leading Edge Certification), a national certification program in educational technology and curriculum innovation created by an Alliance of nonprofits, universities and educational agencies. She led the creation and curation of all four certifications, Online and Blended Teacher, Administrator, Digital Educator, and Professional Learning Leader. Follow Lainie RowellWebsite: http://lainierowell.com/ (http://LainieRowell.com/)  Twitter: http://twitter.com/lainierowell (http://twitter.com/lainierowell)  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lainierowell/ (https://www.instagram.com/lainierowell)  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lainierowell (https://www.linkedin.com/in/lainierowell)  Facebook: https://facebook.com/lainierowellEDU (https://facebook.com/lainierowellEDU)  Podcast: http://lemonadelearning.us (http://lemonadelearning.us)  https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1544338325/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1544338325&linkCode=as2&tag=aspirewebsite-20&linkId=0bcdd1f36f8061df5650d6cf5d0a2809 Are you a superfan of the Aspire podcast? Well, now you can show off your support with the new Aspire swag, featuring tee shirts, hoodies and a variety of drinkware. You can find all your Aspire Swag athttp://www.teachbetter.com/swag ( www.teachbetter.com/swag) [caption id="attachment_3247" align="alignnone" width="1024"]https://joshstamper.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Aspire-Swag-Website-Image.png () Aspire Swag, Teach Better Team, Aspire: The Leadership Development Podcast[/caption] Use Discount Code: ASPIRE for 25% OFF Tee-Shirts, Hoodies, and...

Kaitlin Cafferky shines light on what is going on regarding STDs & STIs in Orange County. Ms.Cafferky shares the resources provided by the Orange County Department of Health. We also highlight the importance of being your own sexual health advocate. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/realwomensforum/message

              Lainie Rowell is an educator, author, podcaster, and international speaker. As a consultant, Lainie’s client list ranges from Fortune 100 companies like Apple and Google to school districts and independent schools. She is a TEDx speaker and has been a consultant for the Orange County Department of Education since 2014. Lainie is also the ...

Lainie Rowell is an educator, author, podcaster, and international speaker who specializes in working with other educators to find innovative and sustainable ways to transform teaching and learning. Her areas of expertise include online/blended learning, designing innovative learning experiences, professional learning, and community building. During her 22 years in education, Lainie has taught elementary, secondary, and higher education. She also served in a district-level leadership position supporting 22,000 students and 1200 teachers at 33 schools. As a consultant, Lainie's client list ranges from Fortune 100 companies like Apple and Google to school districts and independent schools. Lainie is a TEDx Speaker with more than 15 years of experience presenting at local, regional, and international conferences including Building Learning Communities (BLC) and the Leadership 3.0 Symposium. Since 2014, Lainie has been a consultant for Orange County Department of Education's Institute for Leadership Development facilitating professional learning for administrators. Learn more about Lainie at lainierowell.com.Dr. Kristy Andre is an educator who is always thinking of ways to evolve and grow and hopes to always provide a space for everyone to feel loved, cared for, and safe. She has a Masters in Education from Concordia University, Irvine, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Southern California. Kristy has served as an elementary teacher, middle school teacher, instructional coach, and administrator. She has taught in a traditional classroom setting, a non-traditional classroom setting, and has taught in South Africa for two years. Kristy also serves as an adjunct professor where she teaches in the Masters in Educational Technology program. Learn more about Kristy at kristyandre.com.Dr. Lauren Steinmann is an educator, administrator, and lifelong learner who is passionate about helping students and teachers thrive in their school communities and in the world. She has taught multiple elementary grades and served as a Digital Learning Coach and Teacher on Special Assignment in STEM and currently works as an elementary principal in Southern California. Lauren holds a Masters in Educational Administration from Concordia University and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Southern California. Lauren loves meeting and connecting with educators from around the world and sharing her love of learning as a presenter and speaker at conferences including CA STEAM Symposium, LEAD3, EdTalk, NGSS Rollout, Cotsen STEAM Ahead, and CUE Conferences. Find Lauren on Twitter: @LaurenMStein.

Brian Ton is the founder and CEO of Illumination Institute, a nonprofit organization providing mindfulness training and curriculum to educators and mindfulness workshops for parents, professionals, and parents of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities.During the past five years, Illumination has partnered with AUHSD to provide mindfulness training workshops and curriculum for about 500 educators and 100 parents.For over 20 years, Brian has worked with families, individuals and businesses to prevent and resolve conflict as an estate planning and business attorney. He found that wealth and success do not always bring happiness into people’s lives, and that even the wealthiest people struggled with stress and unhappiness.During the conversation, Mr. Ton discusses his personal journey starting in Vietnam, mental health, mindfulness, the 5Cs, the benefits of mindfulness, and the development of a new mindfulness course in the Anaheim Union High School District.A practitioner of meditation and mindfulness, Brian is passionate about helping others cultivate their own practice and value to achieve peace and happiness, which led to the founding of Illumination Institute. Brian has experienced a wide range of cultures and professions, and found that cultivating a sense of awareness and presence would benefit his quality of life in any set of circumstances.Born in Vietnam, Brian has practiced meditation and mindfulness techniques including Qi Gong and Tai Chi, Awareness, Vipassana, and Mindfulness. Brian has completed the Mindfulness Fundamentals for teachers and Mindful Educator Essentials training through Mindful Schools, and the Mindful Educator Retreat through Peace in Schools. He has also participated in the Resilient Mindful Learner Summer Institute workshop by the Center for Healthy Kids and Schools at the Orange County Department of Education.Brian received his Juris Doctor at the State University of New York at Buffalo School of Law. He later earned an M.B.A. at the Wharton Business School at the University of Pennsylvania. He is the founding attorney at Satori Law Group, and a member of the Board of Directors of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Huntington Valley, California. Brian was a speaker on Mindfulness and Cyberbullying at the 2018 Federal Partners in Bullying Prevention in Washington D.C.

Joel Robinson is the founder, executive director, and head naturalist for Naturalist For You. He has guided thousands of curious individuals on professional wilderness tours since 2001. Many organizations and agencies have utilized his talents, including the US Forest Service, Audubon Society, The Nature Conservancy, The Wildlands Conservancy, the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy, Los Padres Forest Association, Silverado Modjeska Park & Recreation District, Santa Ana Mountains Wild Heritage Project, City of Santa Ana, City of Lake Forest, and Orange County Department of Education. He is a Certified Interpretive Guide with the National Association for Interpretation. His vision is to connect the majority of the public to our local natural areas, so their preservation is guaranteed for future generations.

On today's episode, we sit down with acclaimed Writer/Columnist for the Orange County Register, Steve Fryer! Since 1979, Steve has covered everything from High School sports to MLB and a Super Bowl. Elon the way Steve has collected many awards and accolades including, Inaugural class inducted into the Santa Ana Unified School District Sports Hall of Fame, Southern California Interscholastic Basketball Coaches Hall of Fame, first journalist to receive the Contribution to Education award from the Orange County Department of Education and honored as Champion for Character by the CIF-Southern Section. Enjoy!

Wrestling Inc. Managing Editor Nick Hausman is back to host the latest episode of WrestlingInc.com's podcast, The Wrestling Inc. Daily! Today's episode includes: Christy Olson joining Nick to talk all the pro wrestling news from the last twenty-four hours. Including the reason why the Orange County Department of Health Strike Team investigating WWE venues, Wednesday Night War viewership, a spoiler on Fenix's status in the World Title Eliminator tournament, the Frank Sinatra Estate approving on "Le Dinner Debonair", Matt Hardy possibly welcoming Sammy Guevara to the Hardy Compound, Serpentico signing with AEW, MLW welcoming former WWE talent at their recent TV tapings, and moreScott Fishman's interview with Tampa Bay History Center's Dr. Brad MasseyThe latest installment of the Wrestling Inc. Daily mailbag looking at who you think will win the AEW World Title Eliminator tournament

John Pollock and Wai Ting review AEW Dynamite featuring the opening round matches of the tournament and Le Dinner Debonair. Plus WWE Raw ratings, COVID-19-related news and more. [00:09:07] NEWS OF THE DAY Sonny Kiss replaces Joey Janela as a precaution on AEW Dynamite  Orange County Department of Health investigating WWE’s venues in Florida Baltimore Sun feature on ROH’s testing protocols at its recent tapings, talent sent home WWE Raw ratings for the season premiere Andrew Yang outlines plan to help WWE talent re-classify, if the Democrats wins the election Deonna Purrazzo signs long-term deal with IMPACT Wrestling Bound for Glory line-up this Saturday  [00:37:55] AEW Dynamite was back with the launch of the World Title Eliminator tournament with four opening rounding matches including late-replacement Sonny Kiss taking the spot of Joey Janela. Plus, a four-way number one contender’s match with The Young Bucks vs. The Butcher & The Blade, Private Party and The Butcher & The Blade, the most-talked about segment of the night: Le Dinner Debonair with MJF and Chris Jericho, and the announcement of the AEW Title Match for Full Gear on 11/7.  [01:33:36] Your feedback, comments, and questions from the POST Wrestling Forum. Photo Courtesy: AEW Rewind-A-Dynamite Theme by Jacob Chesnut Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Android | Spotify | Google Play | Stitcher | TuneIn | Mac & PC | RSS Discuss: https://forum.postwrestling.com Support us on Patreon – The POST Wrestling Café: http://www.patreon.com/POSTwrestling T-Shirts & Hats: https://store.postwrestling.com Follow: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube

Kevin Brown, Esports Program Specialist for the Orange County Department of Education & North America Scholastic Esports Federation, has an impressively varied background and skills that makes this interview truly unique. We discussed creating meaningful experiences that can provide an invitation to esports in schools, and I was fascinated to learn the work going into growing the partnership between Japan and their high schools. -- Kevin Brown (LinkedIn // Twitter) NASEF Japan High School Esports Federation -- Esports is organized competitive video games allowing schools to redefine their athletic culture, diversify opportunities for student participation, promote physical and mental health, increase collegiate scholarship pathways, and play games! We cannot forget the importance of play! James O'Hagan (LinkedIn // Twitter) is the Founder and Host of The Academy of Esports podcast. The Academy of Esports (Website // Twitter) You may email any questions or topic suggestions to contact@taoesports.com. -- Music provided Royalty Free "8 Bit Adventure!" Querky Fun Game Music by HeatleyBros iTunes: https://goo.gl/M3b16f Spotify: https://goo.gl/5SbVuk License: https://goo.gl/jadB5E Twitter: https://goo.gl/fKqyrj Facebook: https://goo.gl/PrsTvS --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/taoesports/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/taoesports/support

In this podcast, host Kevin Delaney explores the future of education technology aimed at keeping students motivated, teachers empowered, and parents sane — with expert advice from Christine Olmstead, Assistant Superintendent of Instructional Services at the Orange County Department of Education and Mary Schlegelmilch, a former teacher and school administrator who is now Cisco’s U.S. Public Sector Education Advisor.

Lainie Rowell is an educator, author, and international speaker who specializes in working with other educators to find innovative and sustainable ways to transform teaching and learning. Her areas of expertise include online/blended learning, designing innovative learning experiences, professional learning, and community building.During her 22 years in education, Lainie has taught elementary, secondary, and higher education. She also served in a district-level leadership position supporting 22,000 students and 1,200 teachers at 33 schools.As a consultant, Lainie's client list ranges from Fortune 100 companies like Apple and Google to school districts and independent schools. Lainie is a TEDx Speaker with more than 15 years of experience presenting at local, regional, and international conferences including Building Learning Communities (BLC) and the Leadership 3.0 Symposium.Lainie was a contributor to the 2019 National Standards for Quality Online Teaching and on the 2014 Blended Learning Teacher Competency Framework committee.Since 2014, Lainie has been a consultant for the Orange County Department of Education's Institute for Leadership Development facilitating professional learning for administrators.From 2010-2014, Lainie served as the Program Coordinator for Leading Edge Certification, a national certification program in educational technology and curriculum innovation created by an Alliance of nonprofits, universities and educational agencies. She led the creation and curation of all four certifications, Online and Blended Teacher, Administrator, Digital Educator, and Professional Learning Leader.Lainie is honored to be an Apple Distinguished Educator, Google for Education Certified Trainer, and Google for Education Certified Innovator. She has also been recognized as Teacher of the Year and was featured in OC Family Magazine as one of 10 Teachers Making a Difference. In 2011, she was elected to CUE's Board of Directors. During her six years on the CUE Board, she served as Secretary and Member at Large on the Executive Committee.  Brianna Hodges is committed to helping educators reframe perspectives to positively transform the story of school. Pulling from her experiences as a marketing & PR executive turned English classroom teacher and basketball coach turned district administrator and nationally-known educational consultant and speaker, Brianna shares how story serves as the foundation of learning, the cornerstone of culture, and the catalyst to transformation with classrooms, districts, conferences, and stages across the nation.She holds a Bachelor's in English Literature and a Master's in Curriculum and Instruction with a Specialization in Instructional Design and Technology. She has learned, listened, and led in classrooms and in central administration since 2009. At the district level, she served as Director of Digital Learning and Director of Learning Experience and Engagement, specializing in instructional coaching, purposeful pedagogy, transformative implementation, and engaged learning for all ages and stages. Noted for her innovative approach to learning, Bri was named K12 Administrator to Watch (2018) and Texas EdTech of the Year (2017). She serves as national faculty for Future Ready Schools and spokesperson for Future Ready Instructional Leaders. Bri is widely recognized for her superpowers of storytelling, capacity for connection, and commitment to empathy and equity.When Brianna isn't leading a session, diving into strategy, learning and vlogging about education happenings, or waiting to board an airplane, you can find her pacing the sidelines at her son's games, encouraging her daughter's affinity for slime and YouTube, wrangling longhorns and horses at her family farm, or finding moments of laughter and connection with family and friends. WEBSITE & SOCIALS:Briannahodges.cominstagram.com/bhodgesEDUtwitter.com/bhodgesEDUfacebook.com/bhodgesEDU

Latonya Brown, Wellness Coordinator with Orange County Department on Aging, and Beverly Shuford, Communications Specialist with Orange County Department on Aging, share tips on staying healthy during COVID. We also cover staying connected in the virtual world for aphasia and dementia patients with Maura Silverman, Executive Director of the Triangle Aphasia Project Unlimited. We end the show with a talk about estate planning and keeping your assets organized with Mark Costley, Founding Attorney with Clarity Legal Group.

Latonya Brown, Wellness Coordinator with Orange County Department on Aging, and Beverly Shuford, Communications Specialist with Orange County Department on Aging, share tips on staying healthy during COVID. We also cover staying connected in the virtual world for aphasia and dementia patients with Maura Silverman, Executive Director of the Triangle Aphasia Project Unlimited. We end the show with a talk about estate planning and keeping your assets organized with Mark Costley, Founding Attorney with Clarity Legal Group.

This week, a lot of stuff happening behind the closed gates, restaurants have reopened interior dining, theme parks are beating COVID-19, Kate joins us to talk about her experience at the Bower’s Museum, new merchandise, we finish our discussion with our Magic Kingdom experience, and more! Please support the show if you can by going to https://www.dlweekly.net/support/. If you want some DLWeekly Swag, you can pick some up at https://www.dlweekly.net/store/. Book your travel through ConciEARS and get your first year of Touring Plans for FREE! Just mention that you heard about ConciEARS from DLWeekly at booking! All Enchanting Ears is offering 10% off for podcast listeners. Head on over to allenchantingears.com and use DLWEEKLY10 at checkout. News: MiceChat got some more aerial photos of the resort this week and showed off some of the ongoing construction. Before taking to the skies, hand washing stations have been spotted just inside the gates at Disneyland before the entrance tunnels to Main Street. It seems like there is a lot of work underway to prepare for an eventual reopening. The bridge to Frontierland is almost complete, with the land’s entrance sign about to be re-installed. The last of the “french fry” rocks at the entrance to Tomorrowland have been removed and are in the process of being cleared away. The Snow White Facade has been completed and the scaffolding has been removed. Work also appears to be progressing on King Arthur’s Carousel. – https://www.micechat.com/270189-disneyland-update-spooky-skies-over-an-empty-kingdom/ Over in Disney California Adventure, new plexiglass shields have been installed at the entrance turnstiles. There have also been some iron fencing installed to facilitate a shield between entrance sections. The paths in front of the new Spider-Man attraction appear to be completed, but the rest of the campus is still dirt. The PYM test kitchen is still missing walls as well. The new administrative building behind Cars Land looks almost complete. Gondolas are still missing from the Pal-A-Round and the swings have been removed from the Silly Symphony Swings. With all of this work happening, the parks should look great when they reopen to the public! – https://www.micechat.com/270189-disneyland-update-spooky-skies-over-an-empty-kingdom/ With Orange County being removed from the purple status last week, restaurants in Downtown Disney have begun seating guests at 25% capacity indoors. There is still outdoor seating available as well. – https://wdwnt.com/2020/09/photos-restaurants-in-downtown-disney-now-allowing-indoor-dining/ The largest U.S. theme parks have reported no COVID-19 outbreaks since reopening. Florida’s Orange County Department of Health said in late August that Disney World, Universal Orlando, and SeaWorld Orlando haven’t had any outbreaks. An outbreak is defined as teo or more people with coronavirus who are linked to a potentially extensive transmission within a setting or organization, according to the CDC. – https://www.ocregister.com/2020/09/14/largest-u-s-theme-parks-report-no-covid-19-outbreaks-since-reopening/ With Orange County moving into the red category, museums could reopen with limited capacity, including the Bowers Museum, which is currently hosting “Inside the Walt Disney Archives: 50 Years of Preserving the Magic” exhibition. Here to join us and talk about her experience is supporter and Community Manager Kate. This week there was a second Downtown Disney shopping event held in the old ESPN Zone building. As we reported on before, the Pop-Up! Disney interior hasn’t been changed, they just added areas to look at and choose merchandise. Items were limited to 2 per guest. There were 5 items for sale which included a Fidget Bat pin for $17.99, a Victor Geist, better known as the organ player from the Haunted Mansion, Funko Pop for $39.99, an Oogie Boogie Popcorn bucket, a pair of light up dice, and a sequined Mickey Pumpkin bag. Four of these items were available outside of this event, only the pin was exclusive. – https://www.micechat.com/269725-heres-what-was-available-at-todays-downtown-disney-shopping-event/ Sprinkles in Downtown Disney has reopened this week. Orders must be placed online at order.sprinkles.com, and credit cards are the only acceptable form of payment at this time. – https://wdwnt.com/2020/09/photos-sprinkles-reopens-at-the-downtown-disney-district-at-disneyland-resort/ Disneyland’s 65th anniversary is just going on and on it seems. Target, Boxlunch and Amazon are getting into the game with 65th merchandise. Some of the items have already gone on sale, and some will debut as late as November 15th in the case of Amazon. Target has a pin set, lunchbox, t-shirt and more. Items will be available online and in store starting in early October. Also coming in early October are exclusive Boxlunch items including a sweatshirt, Loungefly mini-backpack, and more. Some of the items are available for pre-order. Finally, at Amazon, they also have a mini-backpack, crossbody bag, pins, and more. – https://www.micechat.com/270115-disneyland-65th-anniversary-merchandise-coming-to-target-boxlunch-amazon/ A new Mickey Pumpkin headband has landed at World of Disney. The new headband features pumpkin Mickey as each of the ears, with a black and orange headband. The ears are made of a leather-like material and are padded. It is priced at $29.99. – https://wdwnt.com/2020/09/shop-mickey-mouse-jack-o-lantern-ear-headband-arrives-at-world-of-disney-in-downtown-disney-district-at-the-disneyland-resort/ The Holiday tradition of the Candlelight Processional has been cancelled this year at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World. According to the Orange County Register, Disneyland has not had the amount of time and information needed to put on the event this year with no clear understanding from the state on when they can open. It would have been the 62nd annual event this year. – https://www.micechat.com/270189-disneyland-update-spooky-skies-over-an-empty-kingdom/ and https://www.ocregister.com/2020/09/10/disneyland-cancels-candlelight-processional-as-coronavirus-threatens-christmas-events/ Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge may have taken the Big Thunder Ranch Barbecue from everyone, recipes were posted this week if you have been wanting some. Big Thunder Ribs, Big Thunder BBQ Baked Beans, Big Thunder Ranch Coleslaw, Big Thunder Ranch Cornbread and more are posted in the link in our show notes. – https://www.micechat.com/269963-big-thunder-ranch-barbecue-recipes/ Overnight, Star Wars Trading Post has taken over the Wonderground Gallery in Downtown Disney. The store features a lot of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge merchandise and looks to be temporary, but there is no official word on if that is the case. – https://dlnewstoday.com/2020/09/photos-video-star-wars-trading-post-takes-over-wonderground-gallery-with-galaxys-edge-merchandise-at-disneyland-resort/ Discussion Topic: Magic Kingdom – https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/magic-kingdom/maps/

In this podcast, host Kevin Delaney explores the future of education technology aimed at keeping students motivated, teachers empowered, and parents sane — with expert advice from Christine Olmstead, Assistant Superintendent of Instructional Services at the Orange County Department of Education and Mary Schlegelmilch, a former teacher and school administrator who is now Cisco’s U.S. Public Sector Education Advisor.

Carl Cohn talks with Orange County Department of Education superintendent Al Mijares about the unique challenges facing the district as fall approaches.

Today's episode features Natalia Abarca, Program Specialist with Orange County Department of Education in California where she leads one of the biggest conferences in Southern California for spoken language interpreters in the field of education. Natalia shares her story of how she went from a career in Coastal Management in Ecuador to serving 27 school districts with their language access needs.Tune in and hear her story!SHOW NOTES:Orange County Department of EducationNatalia Abarca LinkedInTell Your Story. Brand the Interpreter!For more information on Story Wednesdays, please visit:https://www.brandtheinterpreter.com/story-wednesdays.html

In the past, we might have associated the word, “inclusion” with “special needs” children. What about the “special needs” children? We tend to think that includes only children with developmental disabilities, but today’s focus is so much broader, and that is what Amanda and Vickie will be discussing with today’s guest, Darcie Kass.  Please listen in, as they unpack the definition of inclusion, trending issues, and ways in which early childhood education contributes to developing “good little people” who have the skills to learn when they’re ready to enter kindergarten.  Darcie Kass is the owner and director of “A Child’s Place Learning Center”, a private, full-inclusion center in Costa Mesa in Orange County, that has had an inclusion philosophy at its core since it opened its doors in 1978. Darcie is on the Orange County Childcare Development and Planning Council, and through that, the Co-Chair of the Orange County Inclusion Collaborative. She is also a Director/Mentor so that mentors can reach out to her to learn how to promote inclusion. She eats, sleeps, and breathes inclusivity, as it is her passion.  Show Highlights: Creating boundaries and setting the limits Working with sleep and discipline issues Holding children to certain expectations Teaching social skills, manners, eating healthy, productivity, and confidence at an early age Inclusion involves children with developmental disabilities, but also children who have incidental medical and challenging behaviors Inclusion welcomes children with a diverse background: diabetes, peanut allergies (“A Child’s Place Learning Center” is not a peanut-free school, but teaches how to live with this), feeding tubes, seizures, ESL, homeless population, children who have been exposed to trauma, those with challenging behaviors, children from the LGBT community, and many other scenarios. Children don’t have biases. Children ask questions, but they don’t need complicated answers. Focusing on social skills and not the academic  Educating the directors and administrators can sometimes be a challenge The joy of having a staff that is 100% on board with inclusion The challenges of accepting children who have been asked to leave other centers Implementing techniques and collaborating with parents to resolve the issues   Links/Resources:   Thank you for listening! Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday. If you enjoyed this episode and believe in our message, then please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show in Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio, or Google Play. It helps other listeners find this show. Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns: Facebook Instagram Twitter IEP website This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be construed as legal advice specific to your circumstances. If you need help with any legal matters, be sure to consult with an attorney regarding your specific needs.   Connect with Darcie: https://www.acplearningcenter.com   Inclusion Pathways - Resource for Directors and Program Administrators: https://qualitystartoc.org/Documents/Inclusion_Pathway_Directors.pdf   Inclusion Pathways - Resource for Teachers and Caregivers: https://qualitystartoc.org/Documents/Inclusion_Pathway_Teachers.pdf   2nd Annual HELP Inclusion Conference! Saturday, September 7th, 2019 at the Orange County Department of Education 8am registration - 3pm Registration open! Breakfast and Lunch included! “Helping Educators Learn Practical Strategies" ~Supporting children and families from all of the special populations~

In this episode of the TeacherCast Podcast, Jeff welcomes EdTechTeam founder and CEO, Dr. Mark Wagner on the program to discuss why it's vitally important for teachers to help students understand how they each can create their own future by setting goals and helping them on their path to achieving them. In this episode, we discuss: Who is Mark Wagner? The History of EdTechTeamFrom concept to consumer From local to global Summits Services Press https://studentvoice.org/ (Student Voice Foundation) https://dynamiclearningproject.com/ (Dynamic Learning Project) More Now (Available on Amazon and EdtechTeam Press) Becoming the Architect of the Possible The Honeycomb of School Change Courageous Leaders Empowered teachers Student Agency Inspiring Spaces Robust Infrastructure Engaged Community Advice for Teachers looking to build their own brand and move away from the classroom About Mark Wagnerhttps://www.teachercast.net/product/1945167491/US/teach00-20/?cart=y ()Formerly a high school English teacher, Dr. Mark Wagner has since served as an educational technology coordinator at the site, district, and county levels. He now serves as President and CEO of the EdTechTeam, a global network of educational technologists which provides professional development and consulting services to learning institutions, non-profits, and for-profit education companies. The EdTechTeam is a California Benefit Corporation with a mission to improve the world's education systems using the best technology and pedagogy available. They aim to inspire and empower other educators to do the same. In this capacity, Dr. Wagner leads a global series of EdTechTeam Summits featuring Google for Education. Involved in leading the Google Teacher Academy since 2006, he now helps oversee the Google for Education Certified Innovator Program. He has also been the professional development coordinator for CUE, the educational technology coordinator for the California League of Schools (CLS), and the provider of the technology module for the Orange County Department of Educations's Administrator Training Program. In addition, he works directly with school districts, independent schools, and other organizations that provide educational products and services. Mark Wagner has a Ph.D. in Educational Technology and a master's degree in cross-cultural education. His doctoral research focused on the use of video games in education, and specifically on the potential applications of massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPGs) as constructivist learning environments. He is the author of More Now: A Message from The Future for The Educators of Today (2018). Outside of his work, Mark loves playing hockey, practicing martial arts, and obsessing over his '62 beetle. He enjoys songwriting, spending time in nature, and exploring the world with his friends and family. He lives in Irvine, California with his wife, Eva, and boys Clark and Finn. Naturally, he's a U2 fan. Links of Interest http://twitter.com/markwagner (twitter.com/markwagner) http://facebook.com/markdouglaswagner (facebook.com/markdouglaswagner) https://www.linkedin.com/in/markdouglaswagner/ (linkedin.com/in/markdouglaswagner) Follow our PodcastThe TeacherCast Educational Broadcasting Network | http://www.twitter.com/teachercast (@TeacherCast) Follow our HostJeff Bradbury | http://www.twitter.com/jeffbradbury (@JeffBradbury) Explore these ResourcesIn this episode, we mentioned the following resources: http://www.edtechteam.com (EdTechTeam) https://twitter.com/edtechteam (@EdTechTeam on Twitter) https://www.edtechteam.com/events/ (EdTechTeam Events) https://www.edtechteam.online/ (EdtechTeam Online Courses) Join our PLNAre you enjoying the TeacherCast Network, please share your thoughts with the world by https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/educational-podcasting-today/id972444781?mt=2 (commenting on iTunes) today? I enjoy reading and sharing your comments on the podcast each week.

Sarah Rafael Garcia, came to visit with me in my studio in the Heights of Houston, Texas, all the way from Santa Ana, California! Sarah is a writer, a teacher, a traveler, an activist. She's amazing. She has founded several organizations which contribute to our community. In 2010 Senator Lou Correa honored Sarah with the “Women Making a Difference” award, and in 2011 she was awarded for “Outstanding Contributions to Education” by the Orange County Department of Education in California. We have a wonderful talk about what she's currently working on. She is the recipient of the 2019 Kathrine G. McGovern College of the Arts-Project Row Houses. The reason she's been traveling to Houston so much recently. Thanks for listening! Please share with your friends, and tell me what you think. Thank you!

This week we're talking about wellness in the workplace and in academia. We had the privilege of talking with Annie Francis, a 3rd year doctoral student in the UNC School of Social Work. Guest Bio Annie Francis received her bachelor’s degree in Sociology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and worked as a child welfare social worker in Northampton County immediately following graduation. She returned to UNC as a NC Child Welfare Leadership Scholar and received master’s degrees in Social Work and Public Administration. Francis previously worked as a child welfare social worker for the Orange County Department of Social Services and the coordinator of student affairs for the UNC School of Social Work. Her areas of interest include poverty, community development, child welfare and issues related to Native American identity. Francis’ ultimate goal is to improve both accountability and practice within North Carolina’s child welfare system by identifying and minimizing barriers to dissemination and translation of evidence-based interventions. She is a member of the Haliwa-Saponi tribe of North Carolina. Additional Resources 4 Self-Care Practices for Women of Color in the Workplace Why Are Women of Color Excluded from Conversations about Work-Life Balance? Why There Is More Holding Women Back from Wellness Than You Think This podcast is a creation of the Womxn of Worth Initiative at UNC-Chapel Hill with support from the American Association for University Women (AAUW). This podcast features the song “mountaintops in the sky” by Artificial.Music, available under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported license.

Aired: 2/26/19, 1640AM, ktalkmedia, Salt Lake CityLooking back, I think Voltaire may have been partially right, which may make me partially wrong in 1994.Alcoholics Anonymous and the First Amendment. Warner v. Orange County Department of Probation (S.D.N.Y. 1994).

Neuroscientist Richard Davidson is one of the central people who’s helped us begin to see inside our brains. His work has illuminated the rich interplay between things we saw as separate not that long ago: body, mind, spirit, emotion, behavior and genetics. He is applying what he’s learning about imparting qualities of character — like kindness and practical love — in lives and in classrooms. This live conversation was recorded at the Orange County Department of Education in Costa Mesa, California. Richard Davidson is the William James and Vilas Research Professor of Psychology and Psychiatry at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He founded and directs the Center for Healthy Minds there. He is the co-author of The Emotional Life of Your Brain and Altered Traits: Science Reveals How Meditation Changes Your Mind, Brain, and Body. He was inducted into the National Academy of Medicine in 2017. This interview is edited and produced with music and other features in the On Being episode “Richard Davidson — A Neuroscientist on Love and Learning.” Find more at onbeing.org.

Neuroscientist Richard Davidson is one of the central people who’s helped us begin to see inside our brains. His work has illuminated the rich interplay between things we saw as separate not that long ago: body, mind, spirit, emotion, behavior and genetics. He is applying what he’s learning about imparting qualities of character — like kindness and practical love — in lives and in classrooms. This live conversation was recorded at the Orange County Department of Education in Costa Mesa, California. Richard Davidson is the William James and Vilas Research Professor of Psychology and Psychiatry at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He founded and directs the Center for Healthy Minds there. He is the co-author of The Emotional Life of Your Brain and Altered Traits: Science Reveals How Meditation Changes Your Mind, Brain, and Body. He was inducted into the National Academy of Medicine in 2017. Find the transcript for this show at onbeing.org.

ABOUT OUR GUEST: Nada Lena is the founder and CEO of “Rise Up For You,” a company dedicated to empowering and educating individuals and companies across the globe. She is a Post-Secondary Educator, Motivational Speaker, and Advocate for Youth and Women’s Empowerment. In addition to being a passionate advocate for women’s empowerment, Nada is an accomplished woman with a diverse background. She has toured the world as a singer, has a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership, and has coached and mentored close to 50,000 women and young adults worldwide on self-empowerment and leadership. Through her art performances, motivational speeches, college classes, and interactive workshops, Nada has helped individuals recognize and foster their inner potential across a number of fields. In 2004, Nada began traveling the world, empowering people in countries such as Russia, Japan, Gibraltar, and Spain. In 2011, Nada Lena became a top executive for an education corporation in Southern California, where she mentored professional men and women in leadership and discussed best practices in teaching methods for students K-12. Furthermore, Nada has many years of experience working with the Orange County Department of Education, providing hands-on learning opportunities for students in the juvenile detention center and students from low socio-economic backgrounds. Nada has been featured on a number of media outlets, such as Women Who Reign, the podcast Your Working Life, The Bold Life Movement, The Conscious Hustler, Write Now, and OC Talk Radio. She has been a motivational keynote speaker at numerous events, like the Women's Health Expo in Pasadena, The Young Professional Networking Event in Canada, The Lead the Way Educators Conference in Michigan, P.U.S.H Empowerment Conference in the Inland Empire, and many more! Among being at the forefront of Rise Up For You, Nada is currently a Professor at The Young Americans College of The Performing Arts where she teaches in both the Breadth of Knowledge and Music Department. In addition, Nada recently sat on the board for the Women’s Impact Council at the Costa Mesa Center Club as well as the non-profit organization, Hope Seekers. Nada’s mission is to change the world one woman at a time. Fun Facts: Among many adventures, Nada has climbed Mt. Fuji in a typhoon. STAY CONNECTED: Nadalena.com @NADALENA_RISE riseupforyou.com _______________________ Thank you again for joining us today please check out our webpage at www.riseupforyou.com for more podcast episodes, webinars, articles, free resources, and events to help you get to the next level in your life! You can also follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Google+, and Youtube @riseupforyou If you know anybody that would benefit from this episode please share it with them and help spread the knowledge and motivation. Please support Rise Up For You by writing a review on iTunes. Your feedback will really help the success of our show and push us to continuously be better! So don’t forget to show your support!

Jason Cooper (right) with fellow Anaheim Ducks Fan Development Marketing Manager Molly Schaus and Fan Development Marketing Coordinator Gabriel Alamillo at S.C.O.R.E.'s exhibit during the 2018 California STEAM Symposium. What if...students could relate science, technology, engineering and math to a sport they enjoyed? And what if the arts were an essential component of all of the above? That's entirely possible, with the Anaheim Ducks Hockey Club's S.C.O.R.E. Program. Shortly after we met at the 2018 California STEAM Symposium, Anaheim Ducks Manager of Fan Development Marketing Jason Cooper talked with us about this unique curriculum. S.C.O.R.E. is an acronym for Scholastic Curriculum of Recreation and Education.   Since 2005, the S.C.O.R.E. Program has been offering Southern California students the opportunity to learn how various concepts apply to the sport of hockey. With their "Reading is the Goal" program, Ducks players visit local schools and get students started reading for thirty days.  "Reading is the Goal" emphasizes the ways in which reading is the foundation for success. Meanwhile, S.C.O.R.E.'s physical-education programs include a ten-day "Street Hockey" curriculum for elementary students.  There's also the "Captain's Challenge", in which fifth-graders learn leadership skills through a healthy lifestyle. Physics (behind the ways players move on the ice), creative design on the masks, and technology, such as 3D printing, are all among the topics students can learn through the S.C.O.R.E. program. 3D printing?  Absolutely--this year's First Flight Field Trip theme is, "Build a Better Puck"! Honors and hosting The program has garnered numerous honors, including two Celebrate Literacy Awards from the California Reading Association.  In 2010, the Orange County Department of Education recognized S.C.O.R.E. with an Outstanding Contribution to Education award.   More recently,  ESPN named the Anaheim Ducks as a finalist for their "Sports Humanitarian Team of the Year". And every year, the Anaheim Ducks host a S.C.O.R.E. field trip! The "First Flight Field Trip" welcomes more than 16,000 students and their teachers for an interactive day of STEAM learning.    Hands-on exhibits, workbook activities and lessons from Ducks players and coaches are all part of the day.   To say that this is a very popular field trip would be an understatement.   The 2019 edition is full, with a waiting list. However, the Ducks are already planning their 2020 edition, and Jason says, if you contact them, they can let you know when to sign up! Jason talked about the origins of the S.C.O.R.E. curriculum, what's involved in some of its programs and what to expect, if you're an educator or student attending the 2020 "First Flight Field Trip". On this edition of Over Coffee®, you will hear: How 2004 circumstances led to the creation of the S.C.O.R.E. program; How Jason, who is an educator, first became involved in S.C.O.R.E.; The strong point that gave the program credibility with the local schools from the outset; What Jason's journey was like, as an innovator, that led him to "fall in love with teaching" and work in his present capacity; What's involved in the "Captain's Challenge" program, which Jason authored; How the "Captain's Challenge"--and other S.C.O.R.E. programs--can include all students, even those who consider themselves "nonathletic"; How the program uses hockey to teach both physics and math; Why the ice on which the Ducks skate is not very different from the ice cream you might make in your freezer!; How the program interests students focused on the arts; The challenge with which students will work, on this year's "First Flight Field Trip"; Ahead-of-time resources available to students (and teachers); Some of the previous designs students created, in a similar challenge: What worked?  What didn't?

David has worked in education for 16 years. He began his career as a network technician at the Orange County Department of Education and soon moved on to become the Director of Technology at a mid-sized elementary school district. In 2012, David began work as a Chief Business Official and in 2018, after four years with the La Mesa-Spring Valley School District, was selected to be the district's new superintendent. He is one of a handful of superintendents in the state to have come from the business side of the school district, rather than the classroom. David lives in San Diego with his wife and four children (ages eight, six, four, and two). He believes his role as a father, more than anything else, informs his work as a superintendent.

The fifteenth episode of the podcast is an interview with Tom Turner of the Orange County Department of Education. Tom is part of a group who has connected esports, STEM, philanthropy and academic research. This group has become the North American Scholastic Esports Federation. -- Complete Show Notes - -- Esports is organized competitive video games allowing schools to redefine their athletic culture, diversify opportunities for student participation, promote physical and mental health, increase collegiate scholarship pathways, and play games! We cannot forget the importance of play! James O'Hagan ( LinkedIn // Twitter) is the Founder and Host of The Academy of Esports podcast. The Academy of Esports (Website // Twitter) You may email any questions or topic suggestions to contact@taoesports.com. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/taoesports/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/taoesports/support

Episode 14: Dr. Linda Kimble, Superintendent This episode feastures a conversation with Dr. Linda Kimble, who recently began her role as Superintendent of Vista Unified. Dr. Kimble comes to Vista after five years as Superintendent of the Anaheim Elementary School District in Orange County, where she was granted a number of honors, including a Superintendent of the Year award, the 2017 Orange County Arts on the Rise Award form the Orange County Department of Education, A Woman of Distinction award for the 65th Assembly District, and Outstanding Administrator for the Los Angeles County Bilingual Directors Association. Dr. Kimble was a classroom teacher for 15 years before transitioning into administration, serving schools in a variety of settings. Dr. Kimble is an engaging person who enjoys and gains great value from listening to others and understanding the opportunities and challenges of various roles in the school district. In a short time we discussed what made her aware of and interested in Vista Unified, the challenge of innovation in education, change, the arts, language skills, and how her enjoyment of shadowing people on the job, as well as students, helps her to gain insight into how schools and students function.

Jeff Hittenberger: Orange County Department of Education Jeff Hittenberger is the Chief Academic Officer for the Orange County Department of Education. In this conversation, Jeff and Dave discuss the value of growth mindset for leaders, how the Orange County Department of Education is helping employees develop with it, and Jeff's own personal journey to bring it into his work and life. Key Points If you don’t deal with things on a personal level, they will oftentimes negatively affect your work. It is important to cultivate emotional intelligence in the workplace. A growth mindset will help you overcome a sense of despair because it gives you a sense of agency. Learning about the growth mindset as a team will give you a common language to communicate with. Poor reactions to a problem can make the problem even bigger. Learning about emotional intelligence while in the workplace will also help outside of work. Learning about a growth mindset and emotional intelligence takes time; it can’t be a one-shot deal. Resources Mentioned The Growth of the Mind* by Stanley Greenspan Mindset: The New Psychology of Success* by Carol Dweck Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ* by Daniel Goleman What Got You Here Won't Get You There* by Marshall Goldsmith Related Episodes Six Mistakes Leaders Make Sending People to Training (episode 30) Three Strategies To Build Talent In Your Organization, with Mark Allen (episode 155) The Way to Make New Behaviors Stick, with Marshall Goldsmith (episode 196) Discover More Activate your free membership for full access to the entire library of interviews since 2011, searchable by topic.

Jeff Hittenberger: Orange County Department of Education Jeff Hittenberger is the Chief Academic Officer for the Orange County Department of Education. In this conversation, Jeff and Dave discuss the value of growth mindset for leaders, how the Orange County Department of Education is helping employees develop with it, and Jeff's own personal journey to bring it into his work and life. Key Points If you don’t deal with things on a personal level, they will oftentimes negatively affect your work. It is important to cultivate emotional intelligence in the workplace. A growth mindset will help you overcome a sense of despair because it gives you a sense of agency. Learning about the growth mindset as a team will give you a common language to communicate with. Poor reactions to a problem can make the problem even bigger. Learning about emotional intelligence while in the workplace will also help outside of work. Learning about a growth mindset and emotional intelligence takes time; it can’t be a one-shot deal. Resources Mentioned The Growth of the Mind* by Stanley Greenspan Mindset: The New Psychology of Success* by Carol Dweck Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ* by Daniel Goleman What Got You Here Won't Get You There* by Marshall Goldsmith Related Episodes Six Mistakes Leaders Make Sending People to Training (episode 30) Three Strategies To Build Talent In Your Organization, with Mark Allen (episode 155) The Way to Make New Behaviors Stick, with Marshall Goldsmith (episode 196) Discover More Activate your free membership for full access to the entire library of interviews since 2011, searchable by topic.

The bell has rung and everyone is back in school.  But sometimes the best educational experiences occur outside the classroom.  Today we talk about STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) with the leaders in outdoor education, Inside the Outdoors.  A terrific public-private partnership, Inside the Outdoors receives donation funding and grant funding from private Orange County companies to get kids out of the classrooms and into places like Modjeska Canyon and the Bolsa Chica Wetlands.  An Orange County Department of Education program, Inside the Outdoors collaborates with the public and private sector to give Orange County schoolchildren unforgettable educational experiences.

Hosted by Jeff Hittenberger, chief academic officer for the Orange County Department of Education, the first episode of the Deeper Learning Podcast centers on a profoundly significant court case that's probably unfamiliar to most Americans. Mendez v. Westminster shattered many of the legal justifications for segregating public schools and laid the foundation for the famous Brown … Continue reading Ep. 01 | Mendez v. Westminster

  Welcome to the Deeper Learning Podcast. This is a podcast for people who want to think about life, learning, and education at a deeper level.  In each episode, you'll hear stories about people who have pursued and experienced deeper learning in their lives. Produced by the Orange County Department of Education Introduction Transcript

7. Finding Markets: Like anyone starting a new venture, Justin and I had to overcome many hurdles as we tried to introduce our products into the marketplace. Philanthropic organizations provided us with funding to get started, but we still needed to create a sustainable business model. That meant we needed to find markets. The markets we identified included jails, prisons, and schools that served people who were at risk of going into jails or prisons. As formerly incarcerated individuals with felony convictions, Justin and I faced challenges in breaking through to decision makers at the institutions where we wanted to sell the Straight-A Guide. I concluded my prison term on August 12, 2013, but I was scheduled to serve an additional four years on Supervised Release. At times, selling to “the system” proved difficult because of our criminal records. Still, we were committed to the work, sensing that our product would inspire more people inside to pursue self-directed paths of preparing for success. On occasions when we broke through to decision makers, we faced another challenge. The corrections industry was becoming more professionalized. As such, administrators were reluctant to purchase programs that had not been evaluated as being “evidence based.” In other words, before considering a rehabilitative program for purchase, the administrators expected to see scholarly research showing a program’s propensity to achieve its intended outcome. With the Straight-A Guide, we aspired to show participants that they could empower themselves and prepare for success in meaningful, measurable ways. Their key to success would begin with a commitment to leading a values-based, goal-oriented life. To the extent that they articulated their values, set clear goals, and moved forward in the principled way of the program, they would make progress. The course would inspire participants to reject the criminal lifestyle and develop stronger critical-thinking skills. Through the Straight-A Guide, participants would contemplate their avatars and employ Socratic questioning techniques. We anticipated that such disciplined, deliberate adjustment patterns would assist the participants in becoming more resourceful. Rather than waiting for calendar pages to turn, or engaging in the types of thoughtless behavior that derails so many people in prison, participants would focus. They’d find mentors, they’d create opportunities, they’d seize or create opportunities to educate themselves. To the extent that participants committed to the Straight-A Guide adjustment plan, they would walk out of prison with a strong support network and confidence in their ability to thrive as law-abiding, contributing citizens. Yet when making this presentation to the corrections industry, we’d frequently encounter resistance. Many would object that other people in prison wouldn’t be able to do what I had done, or grasp the Straight-A Guide. They wanted to see independent scholarly research showing evidence that the Straight-A Guide lowered recidivism rates. We would face an enormous obstacle in providing such evidence. In order to gather the research, we’d need the following: We would need to contract with either a research institution or a university research department. We would need funding to pay for that research. We would need a test group that would allow us to administrate the Straight-A Guide program to a statistically significant group of people in prison. We would need each participant to take a “pretest,” showing their knowledge of the coursework we were about to teach through the program. We would need access to the answers they provided. We would need access to the coursework they completed as they advanced through the program. We would need the participants to complete their prison terms. We would need to measure progress the participants made after they returned to society. We would need to measure the success rate of participants who completed the Straight-A Guide and contrast those rates against others who were not exposed to the program.   Evidence Based Program: To succeed as an evidence-based program, we would need to coordinate an evaluation with an accredited researcher. If the independent researchers had access to data, and their research revealed that participants in the Straight-A Guide program were more likely to succeed upon release, as compared against similarly situated offenders who did not go through the program, we would have the ammunition we needed to sell this program to jails, prisons, and schools across the nation. Our problem was not only one of funding, but also of time. To gather the necessary data showing that Straight-A Guide programs lowered recidivism, participants wouldn’t only need to complete the program. They also would need to complete their prison terms, return to society, and refrain from violating the law for three years. Crossing the hurdle of becoming an evidence-based program would require significant amounts of capital. We would need to pay the necessary personnel who could conduct the study. We would need to fund the costs associated with opening meetings with decision makers. And we would need to collect data from participants who enrolled in the Straight-A Guide program. Until we were able to obtain evidence-based research, we’d continue to meet objections from administrators that would prevent us from scaling the program. If we had resources to acquire the research, we anticipated a massive market. Although we didn’t have clear data on the total available market, we knew that the corrections industry consumed more than $80 billion each year. If reentry and recidivism-reduction programs consumed only 5 percent of that budget, the market would be a $4 billion per year industry. In such a market, we anticipated that if we could become evidence-based, The Straight-A Guide program could anticipate sales north of $10 million per year.   Overcoming Challenges: Despite the challenges, Justin and I succeeded in persuading several administrators to purchase our program. Since we lacked the research to validate the Straight-A Guide, we could not command a high price point. Instead, we offered the program on a licensing basis at $5,000 per year, plus another $2,500 for training. If an institution purchased a license to use the Straight-A Guide program, I would visit the institution to train facilitators on how to teach participants. They could use the program as a tool to build intrinsic motivation and prepare offenders for success. After the training, we would leave the institution with the video content, the literature, and the lesson plans. Institutions could then use the program as a tool to improve outcomes. Our initial clients included the Washington State Prison System, Santa Clara County, The City of San Jose, Orange County School District, Los Angeles County Office of Education, Orange County Department of Education, and The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. Those orders generated financial resources, but the costs associated with delivering our program proved to be too high. Our model of offering the Straight-A Guide at a low price point would only work if we were successful in finding hundreds of clients. Despite funding from philanthropic organizations, and funding from purchase orders, we lacked sufficient capital to cross the tipping point. In order to grow, we would need more resources. We needed resources to purchase advertising campaigns that would bring us to the attention of more institutional buyers. We needed resources to purchase booths at conventions that served the corrections market. We needed resources to fund our travel costs and to hire staff members who could help us execute our plan. Inexperience convinced me that purchase orders would flow into our organization as soon as I created the product. As time passed, however, I learned how much I didn’t know about the challenges of launching a start-up venture.

Finding Markets: Like anyone starting a new venture, Justin and I had to overcome many hurdles as we tried to introduce our products into the marketplace. Philanthropic organizations provided us with funding to get started, but we still needed to create a sustainable business model. That meant we needed to find markets. The markets we identified included jails, prisons, and schools that served people who were at risk of going into jails or prisons.   As formerly incarcerated individuals with felony convictions, Justin and I faced challenges in breaking through to decision makers at the institutions where we wanted to sell the Straight-A Guide. I concluded my prison term on August 12, 2013, but I was scheduled to serve an additional four years on Supervised Release. At times, selling to “the system” proved difficult because of our criminal records. Still, we were committed to the work, sensing that our product would inspire more people inside to pursue self-directed paths of preparing for success.   On occasions when we broke through to decision makers, we faced another challenge. The corrections industry was becoming more professionalized. As such, administrators were reluctant to purchase programs that had not been evaluated as being “evidence based.” In other words, before considering a rehabilitative program for purchase, the administrators expected to see scholarly research showing a program’s propensity to achieve its intended outcome.   With the Straight-A Guide, we aspired to show participants that they could empower themselves and prepare for success in meaningful, measurable ways. Their key to success would begin with a commitment to leading a values-based, goal-oriented life. To the extent that they articulated their values, set clear goals, and moved forward in the principled way of the program, they would make progress. The course would inspire participants to reject the criminal lifestyle and develop stronger critical-thinking skills.   Through the Straight-A Guide, participants would contemplate their avatars and employ Socratic questioning techniques. We anticipated that such disciplined, deliberate adjustment patterns would assist the participants in becoming more resourceful. Rather than waiting for calendar pages to turn, or engaging in the types of thoughtless behavior that derails so many people in prison, participants would focus. They’d find mentors, they’d create opportunities, they’d seize or create opportunities to educate themselves. To the extent that participants committed to the Straight-A Guide adjustment plan, they would walk out of prison with a strong support network and confidence in their ability to thrive as law-abiding, contributing citizens.   Yet when making this presentation to the corrections industry, we’d frequently encounter resistance. Many would object that other people in prison wouldn’t be able to do what I had done, or grasp the Straight-A Guide. They wanted to see independent scholarly research showing evidence that the Straight-A Guide lowered recidivism rates.   We would face an enormous obstacle in providing such evidence. In order to gather the research, we’d need the following:   We would need to contract with either a research institution or a university research department. We would need funding to pay for that research. We would need a test group that would allow us to administrate the Straight-A Guide program to a statistically significant group of people in prison. We would need each participant to take a “pretest,” showing their knowledge of the coursework we were about to teach through the program. We would need access to the answers they provided. We would need access to the coursework they completed as they advanced through the program. We would need the participants to complete their prison terms. We would need to measure progress the participants made after they returned to society. We would need to measure the success rate of participants who completed the Straight-A Guide and contrast those rates against others who were not exposed to the program.   To succeed as an evidence-based program, we would need to coordinate an evaluation with an accredited researcher. If the independent researchers had access to data, and their research revealed that participants in the Straight-A Guide program were more likely to succeed upon release, as compared against similarly situated offenders who did not go through the program, we would have the ammunition we needed to sell this program to jails, prisons, and schools across the nation.   Our problem was not only one of funding, but also of time. To gather the necessary data showing that Straight-A Guide programs lowered recidivism, participants wouldn’t only need to complete the program. They also would need to complete their prison terms, return to society, and refrain from violating the law for three years. Crossing the hurdle of becoming an evidence-based program would require significant amounts of capital. We would need to pay the necessary personnel who could conduct the study. We would need to fund the costs associated with opening meetings with decision makers. And we would need to collect data from participants who enrolled in the Straight-A Guide program.   Until we were able to obtain evidence-based research, we’d continue to meet objections from administrators that would prevent us from scaling the program. If we had resources to acquire the research, we anticipated a massive market. Although we didn’t have clear data on the total available market, we knew that the corrections industry consumed more than $80 billion each year. If reentry and recidivism-reduction programs consumed only 5 percent of that budget, the market would be a $4 billion per year industry. In such a market, we anticipated that if we could become evidence-based, The Straight-A Guide program could anticipate sales north of $10 million per year.   Despite the challenges, Justin and I succeeded in persuading several administrators to purchase our program. Since we lacked the research to validate the Straight-A Guide, we could not command a high price point. Instead, we offered the program on a licensing basis at $5,000 per year, plus another $2,500 for training. If an institution purchased a license to use the Straight-A Guide program, I would visit the institution to train facilitators on how to teach participants. They could use the program as a tool to build intrinsic motivation and prepare offenders for success. After the training, we would leave the institution with the video content, the literature, and the lesson plans. Institutions could then use the program as a tool to improve outcomes.   Our initial clients included the Washington State Prison System, Santa Clara County, The City of San Jose, Orange County School District, Los Angeles County Office of Education, Orange County Department of Education, and The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. Those orders generated financial resources, but the costs associated with delivering our program proved to be too high. Our model of offering the Straight-A Guide at a low price point would only work if we were successful in finding hundreds of clients. Despite funding from philanthropic organizations, and funding from purchase orders, we lacked sufficient capital to cross the tipping point.   In order to grow, we would need more resources. We needed resources to purchase advertising campaigns that would bring us to the attention of more institutional buyers. We needed resources to purchase booths at conventions that served the corrections market. We needed resources to fund our travel costs and to hire staff members who could help us execute our plan. Inexperience convinced me that purchase orders would flow into our organization as soon as I created the product. As time passed, however, I learned how much I didn’t know about the challenges of launching a start-up venture.

On November 7-8, 2013, GCWJ hosted a special two-day event called the Frontline Summit: Where is the Frontline in the War Against Child Exploitation? The Summit partnered with Orange County Juvenile Courts and Orange County Department of Education in order to bring together more than 100 professionals working on the frontlines – educators, probation officers,…