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Local doctors voice their concerns over the FDA’s changes to COVID vaccine guidelines. A man was arrested in Seattle’s Belltown for smashing windows. KIRO News Radio’s Chris Sullivan on Memorial Day traffic. // Big Local: Pierce County deputies might start looking elsewhere for better pay. Tacoma Public Schools is making significant cuts due to its massive deficit. A Tukwila woman is searching for her stolen Chihuahua. // You Pick the Topic: EPA administrator Lee Zeldin threw Adam Schiff into a tizzy after insulting him about being an ‘aspiring fiction writer.’
In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Tom Vander Ark delves into the innovative educational approaches of Tacoma Public Schools, highlighting their commitment to integrating college and career readiness into a unified pathway. Partnering with Tacoma, Tom speaks with Adam Kulaas, Director of Innovative Learning, who shares insights on how the district is empowering students for life readiness. The focus is on engaging learners in meaningful work today while preparing them for future opportunities through practical, real-world applications. This approach is not just about bridging the gap between education and industry but fostering a mindset that values both the "now" and "next" stages of a student's journey. The conversation also explores Tacoma's strategic partnerships and the diverse pathways available to students, such as the Jobs 253 program and dual-credit opportunities. These partnerships, including collaborations with local industries and educational institutions, are key to providing students with hands-on experiences and credentials that are relevant to the current job market. Tacoma's approach embodies an asset-based model of education, where existing resources are leveraged to create robust, personalized learning experiences. This episode serves as an inspiring example of how intentional pathways can transform education, ensuring all students have access to high-wage employment and lifelong learning opportunities. Outline (00:00) Introduction to New Pathways (00:29) Tacoma Public Schools' Innovative Learning (02:07) Life Readiness and Career Tech Education (08:51) Comprehensive High Schools and Pathways (17:46) Future Projects and Community Partnerships Links: Watch the full video here Read the full blog here Adam Kulaas Linkedin Tacoma Public Schools
Lisa Keating, one of the five Tacoma school board members, joins Citizen Tacoma for a Back-to-School-themed episode. We check in on what's happening with the district, including graduation rates, online schools, meals, the partnership with the Port, school calendar and holidays, and much more. Links Lisa Keating and the school board Channel 253 membership
District leaders all across the country have long lamented the dearth of high-quality, culturally relevant and engaging curriculum for history and social studies. And it's not just leaders and teachers. Students surveyed also report that they don't see themselves in the curriculum, feel that they are only learning one side of history, and that none of it seems to have anything to do with them or their lives. Nichol Everett, K-12 Social Studies Instruction Facilitator for Tacoma Public Schools, partnered with Educurious to co-design a project-based, interactive, Civics unit called Advocacy in Action that has students and teachers cheering and achieving. Find out how they did it in this inspiring episode. Resources: Learn more about Educurious' project-based courses, aligned to state and national standards, and written on a foundation of research-based design principles for learning. Learning in Action Blog: Why Project Based Learning is Necessary for Deep Understanding in Social Studies Learning in Action Blog: 5 Reasons Why Project-Based Learning is Essential to Social Studies Instruction Hear how Cross-Content, Customized Project-Based Units Have Revolutionized Learning in Three Districts Learn more about The Educurious Experience Free Micro-Learning ExPLoration with Educurious! Transformative State History: learn how to engage your students with PBL unit, Decisions that Define Us MORE Micro Professional Learning ExPLorations - fun and free, 1-hour digital Professional Learning for teachers from all content areas and grades levels EdCuration's Blog: Learning in Action
George Clooney calls for a new nominee // Is the First Lady part of the problem? // $4,600 retreat for Tacoma Public Schools leaders // SCENARIOS!
What’s Trending: The death of a homeless man in Burien marked the second overdose death in the city in just the last week. Tacoma Public Schools are planning to change their bell schedule for next year’s school year. // LongForm: GUEST: Ian Halcott is a business owner. His employees at his Pike Place Market coffee shop/bakery had a terrifying run in with a mentally unwell homeless man. The police didn’t respond. // The Quick Hit: Joe Biden said he would debate Trump but behind the scenes his staff is urging him not to.
Tanisha Jumper is the current Chief Communications Officer for Tacoma Public Schools. Prior to that she worked with the City of Tacoma for 7 years serving as the Director of Communications, Strategy andEngagement. Throughout her career she has been responsible for implementing strategic initiatives, monitoring towards goals and achieving lasting impact. Tanisha is a skilled facilitator, collaborator, and creative thinker. Tanisha has a wealth of experience in health and human services, developing collaborations, strategies and initiatives in both Montgomery County, Ohio and Pierce County, Washington. Tanisha is the mother of three adult children and has served on many community boards and initiatives in both Ohio and Washington. She is currently serving on the board of United Way of Pierce County, Foundation for Tacoma Students, Multicare Mary Bridge West Region Community Advisory, and Big Brother Big Sister of the South Sound Advisory. Join us as we discuss: Career lifepsan Importance honoring your whole self Importance of knowing when to show up in what roles
Does Tacoma have good schools? This podcast interview from “Move to Tacoma,” hosted by Tacoma Real Estate Agent Marguerite Martin, features Tanisha Jumper, the Chief Communications Officer for Tacoma Public Schools. The conversation delves into the nuances of public school funding, the vibrancy and diversity of Tacoma Public Schools, and a focus on the transformative... The post Tacoma Public Schools with Tanisha Jumper appeared first on Move to Tacoma.
In this episode of Build Momentum, we are joined by Adam Kulaas, the Director of Innovative Learning and Career and Technical Education for Tacoma Public Schools in Washington State. He also founded Jobs 253, which offers the district's high school students the opportunity to earn credit toward graduation while gaining meaningful work experience.Some Questions I Ask:Tell us about Tacoma Public Schools and your role in the district? (01:15)What is the Job 253 program? (02:10)What impact does Jobs 253 have for students and the community? (04:31)Who funds the program? (06:47)How do you work with other entities? (08:36)How do employers respond? (11:14)Will there be a shift in how districts implement workforce experiences in the future? (12:04)What is your advice for others who want to consider a similar approach in other cities? (13:29)When do you introduce the program to students? (15:29)How do you share your success with others? (17:09)In This Episode, You Will Learn:Adam's role at Tacoma Public Schools (01:21)All about the Jobs 253 program (02:43)Impacts of Jobs 253 (04:42)Funding sources for Jobs 253 (07:01)Expansion of the program (09:09)Employers' response toward the program (11:26)Trajectory of priorities for Job 253 in the future (12:26)His advice to other districts adapting theJobs 253 program (13:44)Reasons to introduce the program as early as possible (15:41)Sharing Adam's success story to the community (17:26)Quotes:“We served over 1,000 kids in paid work experiences. For perspective, that mirrored the 10 years previous. It's this really rich, exciting opportunity that evolved over the years [but] still remains firmly anchored in this idea of giving kids a paid work experience and serving community.”“It's been fun to watch us shift or solidify some of the trajectories for youth in terms of life in high school, but even beyond in terms of what's next.”“The faster we can adapt to scenarios that empower learners–give them not just a sense of ownership, but actual control over what their current experiences are, and then help them frame what that looks like beyond–then we win. I see an intentional push at the state and national levels to integrate more real work experiences, real world experiences. But I think I'm in a unique scenario. You have to gather a mass in order to go from theory to action.”Stay in touch with Adam Kulaas:Getting Smart WebsiteJob 253 WebsiteTacoma Public SchoolsStay in touch with Sarah Williamson:Free Case Study GuideSWPR GROUP WebsiteLinkedInStay in touch with Chad Bolser:LinkedInAbout "The Secret to Transformational Leadership," which Sarah co-authored with Dr. Quintin Shepherd:Transformational Leadership Secret websitePurchase the print or ebook
Korey Strozier, one of the five Tacoma school board members, joins Citizen Tacoma for a Back-to-School-themed episode. We check in on what's happening with the district, including technology, high schools, leadership, budget, trans students, and much more. Links Korey Strozier and the school board Channel 253 membership
FREE LIVE EVENT NEXT WEEK! If you enjoy the show, are interested in learning more about the Mentor Framework, or just want to meet some awesome Tacoma Public Schools community members, join us for our free live event on May 24th at Alma Mater. Tickets and more information here: https://bit.ly/PartnerSchoolTickets This week on the Essential Element, Christian sits down with IDEA Co-Director Kinoa Higgins to talk about the Mentorship Framework and how it is being embraced in the sister schools, Kai's own experience with learning to become a mentor when he first started at SOTA, and how your values should be showcased in your space and reach beyond the classroom and instruction. This week we shake up the format a bit with the invite of Zach Varnell, current Elements of Education Co-Director, previous teacher at SOTA, and an important player behind the scenes of the Essential Element. Featuring original music from SOTA Graduates Abbey Meysenburg and Ellia Coggins. Visit elementsofed.org for more information.
2/23/22- Korey Strozier, School Board Director for Tacoma Public Schools, joins the show to talk about his recent heart procedure, Catheter ablation. (8:00)- the start of his heart troubles (11:47)- first time having cardioversion (17:00)- your heart popping out of rhythm (20:50)- the big fix (25:50)- the potential negatives (27:10)- setting the date & preparing for the day (31:45)- the day of surgery (37:15)- the breathing tube (39:15)- arterial catheter (42:00)- the long ride down the hallway (44:37)- surgery time (53:37)- waking up (56:45)- the recovery The Jeremy Mills Podcast Episode #342 Everything You Need: https://linktr.ee/jeremyjoemills Website: www.jeremymillspodcast.com; Twitter & Instagram @jeremyjoemills; Email: jeremymillspodcast@gmail.com. Theme Song: Jeremy Mills Podcast - Don Dishes & M3_Beats
Host Evelyn Lopez talks with Peter Drury and Marquay Seamster about Wellspring Family Services and the organization's partnership with Tacoma Housing Authority, Tacoma Public Schools, and Pierce County to identify and assist families and students...
What's Trending: No school in Seattle or Bellevue thanks to heroic teachers, state epidemiologist says we're almost at herd immunity, and Caleb Heimlich responds to new Inslee choice for Secretary of State -- it's crass politics. Big Local: A racist Halloween photo emerges from a high school in Duvall, and Tacoma Public Schools may get rid of snow days. Remote broadcasting sporting events doesn't always go to plan. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Become a member of channel 253 Tacoma Public Schools plans to return all grades to some in-person classroom teaching next month. Frankly, the “plans” sound more like “wishes,” “hopes,” “fingers crossed,” “it sure would be nice…” So, what do teachers think about that, and what should parents be asking?Megan, Hope, and Auntie Evelyn join up again to discuss the latest news on the return to school for Tacoma Public Schools. There are only three months left in the school year–do we use them for something entirely new (which could be a super-spreader event daily), or use the time to get everything organized so that schools really can be on track to return in the fall? It’s not an easy question to answer, and well-intentioned people will have wildly different opinions based on risks, family situations, and experience.Relevant Readings:TPS released their return plan for the month of March NPR article with CDC documentWhy the Coronavirus More Often Strikes Children of ColorDo Your Fudging Homework:Call/email the City CouncilCall/Email the school boardCall/email the Superintendent Carla Santorno—csantor@tacoma.k12.wa.usDeputy Superintendent Josh Garcia—jgarcia2@tacoma.k12.wa.usPost on Social media and tag the school district and Superintendent.Get your friends to do the above
Tacoma Public Schools plans to return all grades to some in-person classroom teaching next month. Frankly, the “plans” sound more like “wishes,” “hopes,” “fingers crossed,” “it sure would be nice…” So, what do teachers think...
Over the last week Tacoma social media has been abuzz with concerns about a “new” classroom schedule for Tacoma Public Schools that is to go into effect on February 8. The schedule shows “in person” teaching in the afternoons and remote learning in the morning.Why? Our COVID 19 numbers are far worse now than they were last March, and there are new variants that are even more contagious. Yes, everyone, especially teachers, students and parents, wants to get back to normal. But we need to do that safely. Can we safely return students to the classroom now?Well, it turns out that the schedule showing “in person” class periods really means “eventually, when we return to in person teaching, it will be on this schedule, so let’s try this schedule out now even if it is disruptive and results in less actual class time with students.” In response, many teachers and parents are saying “WTF TPS?!!!”In this joint episode of Crossing Division, Tacoma’s Talk Show, and Interchangeable White Ladies (IWL), Tacoma’s premier teaching and equity podcast, IWLs Hope Teague-Bowling and Megan Holyoke join Evelyn Lopez to talk about what’s going on in Tacoma School World. Why a schedule change now? Has the teachers’ union sold out its members? And what we can do about it? Listen and let us know what you think, and what should happen next!To understand this better, check out the following links:TPS Statement Doesn’t read like a draftSchool Schedules during Covid-19Hybrid School Schedules: More Flexibility; Big Logistical Challenges
Over the last week Tacoma social media has been abuzz with concerns about a “new” classroom schedule for Tacoma Public Schools that is to go into effect on February 8. The schedule shows “in person”...
Tacoma Public Schools, like many districts, will begin the year with remote learning due to the pandemic. But some elementary students — possibly thousands — will not get computers for months.
Community groups and the Tacoma school district have been trying in recent years to help more high school students pursue college degrees. But now there’s concern that students will push off college plans because of the pandemic. So three nonprofit groups and Tacoma Public Schools have worked together to survey high school seniors to connect and find out their needs.
Justina Johnson has served Tacoma Schools for 22 years in various capacities. We're honored to have a person with her level of expertise speak on Black History Month and Equity and Access to advance programming for all students in Tacoma Public Schools. Have questions on advanced programs or highly capable in Tacoma Public Schools? Justina Johnson is who you need to contact. For more content, visit www.windermereabode.com/podcasts, or subscribe to the insideABODE podcast for more Black History Month reflections, and more content every week. Contact Justina Johnson for Tacoma Schools Advanced and Highly Capable programs: Phone: 253-571-1183 Email: jjohnso@tacoma.k12.wa.us --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/windermereabode/message
Roger Chow, former Director of Curriculum and Instruction for Tacoma Public Schools and Executive Director of Secondary Education for Pueblo Public Schools, shares how Read Right helped struggling readers in his districts catch up with the students reading on grade level.
This week, Paul Reynolds interviews Dr. Josh Garcia, deputy superintendent of Tacoma, Washington Public Schools. Join us as Dr. Garcia shares Tacoma’s process of building a whole child community with a data driven approach. For more information, visit WholeChildChallenge.org.
Today, your host Jessica Slusser and Tom Vander Ark discuss the Pacific NW LX Summit at the Science and Math Institute (SAMi) that the Getting Smart team co-hosted a few weeks ago. There, they explored what powerful learning experiences for kids look like, how you create them, and why they're so important. Throughout the day, with Puget Sound educators, they explored what good learning design looks like. In this episode, you'll hear from a variety of veteran educators describing what powerful learning experiences mean for kids and teachers. Tom speaks with Rebekah Kim, title; Juliana Finegan, title; Julie Kinzer, who develops and supports instructional coaches in Tacoma Public Schools; instructional coach, Ryan Prosser; Jason Lee Middle School Principal, Christine Brandt; Jason Kettler, title; and Tawnya, Coordinator of the Early Learning Center at SaMI. Key Takeaways: [:15] About today's topic of discussion. [2:18] What does Rebekah Kim think of when it comes to powerful learning experiences? [3:04] What does Juliana Finegan think of when it comes to powerful learning experiences? [3:54] What does Woody Sobey think of when it comes to powerful learning experiences? [4:45] The key to making the makerspace at One Stone (the Foundry) such a magical place. [5:41] Woody speaks about the creation of makerspaces in the Renton School District. [6:40] What does Julie Kinzer think about when it comes to powerful learning experiences? [7:46] How Julie thinks of designing powerful learning experiences for instructional coaches. [8:26] What comes to mind for Christine Brandt when she thinks of powerful learning experiences. [9:41] What Ryan Prosser thinks about when it comes to powerful learning experiences. [10:43] How often Ryan gets the chance to work with teams, programs, and spaces. [13:35] What does Kelly Tanner think about when designing powerful learning spaces? [14:52] Kelly describes what she loves about the Science and Math Institute. [16:26] John Kettler and Tawnya describe the Environmental Learning Center (preschool) at SAMi. [18:43] What classes are in the makerspace at SAMi? [19:20] What kind of collaboration is there between the zoo and SAMi staff? [20:00] What does the mini theatre provide at SAMi? [20:34] John describes the space upstairs at SAMi. Mentioned in This Episode: Science and Math Institute (SAMi) One Stone Makerspace: the Foundry Renton School District Tacoma Public Schools Environmental Learning Center (SAMi) Albertsons Companies Foundation Jason Lee Middle School Adam@GettingSmart.com Want to Learn More About Hosting One of These Workshops at Your School? Send an email to Adam Kulaas, Getting Smart's Director of Learning Design. Adam@GettingSmart.com Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe. Is There Somebody You've Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You'd Like Covered? To get in contact: Email Jessica@GettingSmart.com, Tweet @Getting_Smart, or leave a review. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!
This week on the Getting Smart Podcast, Tom is talking to his colleague, Emily Liebtag. Emily is the Director of Advocacy at Getting Smart. Emily has been a teacher, and a learner, in a myriad of different classroom spaces — ranging from K-12 public schools to online institutes of higher education. In the last several weeks, The Getting Smart team has visited so many unique, innovative schools. They've been to cities across the country, visiting well over a dozen different schools — all of which serve as great examples of successfully implementing deeper learning, design thinking, and student agency. In this episode, Tom and Emily talk all about their favorite design-thinking schools, positive trends happening in schools across the country, and the changes they have observed in schools after implementing design-thinking. They also discuss design-thinking across the curriculum, supporting design with skill-building, formative assessment, and extended challenges. Key Takeaways: [:14] This week, Tom is talking to Emily Liebtag to discuss all of the amazing, innovative design-focused schools they have had the pleasure of visiting in the last several weeks. [:31] Emily's favorite school from the last several weeks: Agnor-Hurt Elementary. [3:40] About Tom's recent visit to Tacoma Public Schools' Science and Math Institute. [4:46] Why The Getting Smart team thinks design focus is so important in today's education. [6:50] How design-thinking has changed in education from years ago to now. [8:47] One of Getting Smart's favorite schools is One Stone, that is a great example of well-structured design-thinking methodology. [10:09] An example of a successful project by a student, that came out of a design-thinking school. [11:51] Positive trends taking over schools across the country. [14:28] All about D39 — a school that embodies these new, innovative trends. [15:36] What Emily loves about Del Lago Academy. [16:47] About VIDA school — a school that was going to shut down but reinvented themselves as a design-thinking school. [17:38] What Emily and Tom love about High Tech High in San Diego. [19:55] Tom's thoughts on Purdue Polytechnic Institute. [21:18] How the design-thinking frame helps students to incorporate different skills. [23:26] Some elements of design-thinking in Albemarle County Public Schools that have really stood out to Tom and Emily. [27:27] SAMI and other schools in the Pacific Northwest that Tom would like to shed a light on. [29:30] Recapping this week's episode. [31:25] Where to learn more about school visits. Mentioned in This Episode: Emily Liebtag Agnor-Hurt Elementary School Albemarle County Public Schools Tacoma Public Schools: Science and Math Institute (SAMI) One Stone Design39 (D39) Del Lago Academy VIDA High Tech High High Tech High International El Paso School District Purdue Polytechnic Institute Carnegie Mellon University of Pittsburgh Grable Foundation Woodbrook Elementary School Design Tech High School Emily@GettingSmart.com (Emily's email) Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe. Is There Somebody You've Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You'd Like Covered? To get in contact: Email Jessica@GettingSmart.com, Tweet @Getting_Smart, or leave a review. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!
How should we think about the inequitable differences in things like education and infrastructure between Tacoma’s neighborhoods? Guests: Sheree Cooks is a Family Engagement Advocate working with Tacoma Public Schools, the Tacoma Council PTA president,...
We are having a special election! Ballots due February 13th. The levy that was generously passed by citizens of Tacoma in 2014 needs extending. Today’s guests tell us all about Prop 1 and Prop 2...
Carla Santorno is the beloved Superintendent of Tacoma Public Schools. Seven years ago she moved from Denver to Seattle to take a position as the Chief Academic Officer for Seattle Public Schools. After three years in Seattle, she came to Tacoma to lead Tacoma Public Schools as Superintendent. Carla and her husband have had four... The post Tacoma Public Schools Superintendent Carla Santorno appeared first on Move to Tacoma.
T’wina Franklin is a Director and Board Legislative Representative for the University Place School District. Nowadays T’wina has four children, but she originally moved to University Place 15 years ago with her daughter and husband when he was stationed at Fort Lewis. Through her time working with different schools in the University Place and Tacoma... The post University Place Schools, Tacoma Public Schools, and the Ladies First program with T’wina Franklin appeared first on Move to Tacoma.