They Are Waiting for Us

Lisa Andrew

Education is more than just learning facts and skills. It’s a powerful force that can unlock the potential of every child and create a more just and affluent society. But how can we ensure that every child has access to a top-notch education that prepares them for the 21st century? In this podcast, Dr. Lisa Andrew, the President and CEO of the Silicon Valley Education Foundation, explores the importance of STEM education, economic mobility, and policy reform. She speaks with inspiring guests who are making a difference in education, from parents and advocates to teachers and leaders. You’ll also learn how to be a courageous leader for change and how to take action and create systems that ensure access and opportunity for an economically mobile future. Whether you want to learn more about STEM education, close the achievement gap, or create innovative learning environments, this podcast will inspire you and give you the tools you need to make a positive impact. They Are Waiting for Us with Dr. Lisa Andrew is a production of Forbes Books. read less
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Episodes

Exploring the Impact of AI in Education with Code.org’s Micah Kennedy (Part Two)
Aug 22 2024
Exploring the Impact of AI in Education with Code.org’s Micah Kennedy (Part Two)
In the second part of this insightful conversation, Lisa continues her discussion with Micah Kennedy, a professional learning manager at Code.org, exploring the evolving role of teachers as artificial intelligence (AI) becomes increasingly integrated into the classroom. Micah shares their perspective on how AI can serve as a valuable co-planner and teaching assistant, alleviating the administrative burdens that often consume a significant portion of a teacher's time. The episode also addresses the complex issue of cheating and plagiarism in the age of AI, with Micah emphasizing the importance of teaching students how to use these tools responsibly and ethically, rather than relying solely on detection technologies that can be unreliable. Looking towards the future, Micah expresses excitement about the potential for assessment practices to evolve, moving away from traditional standardized tests and towards more project-based, collaborative, and critical-thinking-focused evaluations. Micah commits to incorporating these transformative approaches into the professional learning resources developed by Code.org, empowering educators to embrace the opportunities presented by AI. Listeners are encouraged to continue the conversation by reaching out to host Lisa Andrew, as she aims to amplify the perspectives and experiences of those navigating the complex and rapidly changing landscape of education in the age of artificial intelligence.
Inside California's Education System: A Conversation with Dr. Michael Kirst (Part Two)
Feb 14 2024
Inside California's Education System: A Conversation with Dr. Michael Kirst (Part Two)
In the episode's second part, Dr. Kirst talks about the lack of innovation in education and provides his expert perspective on why education has been so slow to embrace new ideas and technologies compared to other sectors. Lisa and Michael discuss the critical topic of education funding. Governor Newsom recently released his 2024–2025 budget proposal for California. Despite facing a major state funding deficit, he has proposed not cutting K–12 education funding. Dr. Kirst shares his understanding of the governor's position on protecting education funding amidst the difficult budget environment. Tune in to hear Dr. Kirst's insights on the complexities around education funding and policy, including an analysis of trends over his decades of experience in California politics and educational leadership. About Michael Kirst: The longest-serving President of the California State Board of Education with his second and final term from 2011 to 2019; Stanford Emeritus Professor of Education (and Business Administration by courtesy) Affiliated Faculty, Political Science, Michael W. Kirst is Professor Emeritus of Education and Business Administration at Stanford University. In 2011, Kirst became the President of the California State Board of Education for the second time. Professor Kirst was a member of the California State Board of Education (1975/1982) and its president from 1977 to 1981.Dr. Kirst received his bachelor’s degree in economics from Dartmouth College, his M.P.A. in government and economics from Harvard University, and his Ph.D. in political economy and government from Harvard.Before joining the Stanford University faculty, Dr. Kirst held several positions with the federal government, including Staff Director of the U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Manpower, Employment and Poverty, and Director of Program Planning and Evaluation for the Bureau of Elementary and Secondary Education in the U.S. Office of Education (now the U.S. Department of Education). He was a Budget Examiner in the Federal office of Budget and Management, and Associate Director of the White House Fellows. He was a program analyst for the Title I ESEA Program at its inception in 1965.Dr. Kirst is active in several professional organizations. He was a fellow at the Center for Advanced Study in Behavioral Sciences. He has been a member of the National Academy of Education since 1979. He was Vice President of the American Educational Research Association and a commissioner of the Education Commission of the States. Kirst co-founded Policy Analysis for California Education (PACE).A prolific writer, Dr. Kirst has authored ten books, including The Political Dynamics of American Education (2009). As a policy generalist, Professor Kirst has published articles on school finance politics, curriculum politics, intergovernmental relations, as well as education reform policies.His recent book, From High School to College (2004), concerns improving student preparation for success in postsecondary education. His latest books are Remaking College: The Changing Ecology of Higher Education, (2015 with Mitchell Stevens), and Higher Education and Silicon Valley: Connected But Conflicted (2017) with Richard Scott.
Inside California's Education System: A Conversation with Dr. Michael Kirst (Part One)
Feb 7 2024
Inside California's Education System: A Conversation with Dr. Michael Kirst (Part One)
Michael Kirst joins Lisa on this week's episode of "They Are Waiting for Us." Dr. Kirst brings over six decades of invaluable expertise and insight, having served as the longest-running President of the California State Board of Education. In addition to his pioneering work helping shape education policy for the state of California, Dr. Kirst has had an illustrious career as a professor at Stanford University. With high-level experience across academia, government, and policy research, Dr. Kirst offers a unique bird's-eye perspective on education's challenges and opportunities. Tune in as Dr. Andrew and Dr. Kirst have an engaging discussion providing key insights into the past, present, and future of education.About Michael Kirst: The longest-serving President of the California State Board of Education with his second and final term from 2011 to 2019; Stanford Emeritus Professor of Education (and Business Administration by courtesy) Affiliated Faculty, Political Science, Michael W. Kirst is Professor Emeritus of Education and Business Administration at Stanford University. In 2011, Kirst became the President of the California State Board of Education for the second time. Professor Kirst was a member of the California State Board of Education (1975/1982) and its president from 1977 to 1981.Dr. Kirst received his bachelor’s degree in economics from Dartmouth College, his M.P.A. in government and economics from Harvard University, and his Ph.D. in political economy and government from Harvard.Before joining the Stanford University faculty, Dr. Kirst held several positions with the federal government, including Staff Director of the U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Manpower, Employment and Poverty, and Director of Program Planning and Evaluation for the Bureau of Elementary and Secondary Education in the U.S. Office of Education (now the U.S. Department of Education). He was a Budget Examiner in the Federal office of Budget and Management, and Associate Director of the White House Fellows. He was a program analyst for the Title I ESEA Program at its inception in 1965.Dr. Kirst is active in several professional organizations. He was a fellow at the Center for Advanced Study in Behavioral Sciences. He has been a member of the National Academy of Education since 1979. He was Vice President of the American Educational Research Association and a commissioner of the Education Commission of the States. Kirst co-founded Policy Analysis for California Education (PACE).A prolific writer, Dr. Kirst has authored ten books, including The Political Dynamics of American Education (2009). As a policy generalist, Professor Kirst has published articles on school finance politics, curriculum politics, intergovernmental relations, as well as education reform policies.His recent book, From High School to College (2004), concerns improving student preparation for success in postsecondary education. His latest books are Remaking College: The Changing Ecology of Higher Education, (2015 with Mitchell Stevens), and Higher Education and Silicon Valley: Connected But Conflicted (2017) with Richard Scott.