Washington State Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal has been at the helm of education in this state for seven of the most challenging years in education in recent memory. But that hasn't dissuaded him from seeking a third term this November. In this episode, Reykdal steers us through the complex terrain of educational policy, public opinion and a changing world that will demand innovation and adaptation from educators as we move into the future.It's a candid look at the public school system's resilience and adaptability in the face of a world irrevocably changed by the pandemic, where student populations are declining, educators often find themselves under attack from vocal detractors in their communities and a mental health crisis plagues classrooms across the country. Reykdal finds hope in the transformative potential of dual-language programs, equity, inclusivity and the possibility of reimagining the ways our high schools can best provide the education all students need for future success. Throughout history, Reykdal says, public school systems have come under attack from various quarters. This, too, shall pass, he believes and the job of educators is to keep their eye on the prize - learning according to the needs of each child. While he never contends the job is or will be an easy one, Reykdal frames the future of education in Washington State with a refreshing optimism as he vies to continue leading the state's 295 public school districts and their combined total of more than a million students.Find out more about Superintendent Chris Reykdal online at:Washington Office of Superintendent of Public InstructionAnd his official campaign site, Elect Chris Reykdal."Outliers in Education" is a project of CEE, The Center for Educational Effectiveness. Find out more at effectiveness.org.Produced by Jamie Howell at Howell at the Moon Productions.

Discover the strategies and the heart that drives exceptional educational leadership with Dr. Laurie Dent, the 2024 Washington State Superintendent of the Year.  Dr. Dent unveils her playbook for guiding the Sumner-Bonney Lake School District to new heights, and how she's hit the home runs she has, including her steadfast commitment to the pursuit of a 100% graduation rate.Dr. Dent delves into the meticulous use of student data as a compass for policy creation and underscores the value of empowering students' voices in shaping their own educational journey.Finally, we explore the ripple effect of encouragement and the pivotal role of today's educational leaders in nurturing the leaders of the future. Who might you ignite with that spark of inspiration? Don't miss this enriching exploration into the ever-evolving landscape of educational leadership."Outliers in Education" is a project of CEE, The Center for Educational Effectiveness. Find out more at effectiveness.org.Produced by Jamie Howell at Howell at the Moon Productions.

Jamie Johnson is out to foment a "rebellion against overwhelm" that threatens education in this country.Educator, author, and coach Jamie Johnson left her work as a teacher so that she might have an even greater impact on education in this country. Her first salvo, a new book entitled "Teach and Still Have Time to Pee" is a serious take on tackling teacher burnout couched in entertaining tales from the front lines of education. Well-researched and wide-ranging, Johnson's work sets forth everything from practical hacks for educator well-being to proposals for moving education policy forward.In this episode, Johnson advocates for a world where educators don't just survive the school year, but thrive in a more balanced, fulfilling career that improves student outcomes along the way. Find out more about Jamie Johnson and her book at:AmazonKindle versionFacebookInstagramOr reach out to her directly at jamie@kickassteacher.com "Outliers in Education" is a project of CEE, The Center for Educational Effectiveness. Find out more at effectiveness.org.Produced by Jamie Howell at Howell at the Moon Productions.

Laughter isn't just the best medicine, it may also be a pivotal part of a successful learning experience. In this episode we speak with big-bearded and gregarious Geoff McLachlan, founder of Professionals at Play and explore how the simple joy of play can prove rejuvenating both students and educators alike.As the unstructured playgrounds of the past have been replaced with the excessively structured learning environments of today, we have lost our ability to play and, with it, much of the resilience once learned out on the playground, as well as many of the nurturing relationships developed there.Join in as we discover how a sprinkle of humor coupled with a playful spirit can indeed pave the way for a robust, inclusive educational setting where being a good human is as important as being a good student."Outliers in Education" is a project of CEE, The Center for Educational Effectiveness. Find out more at effectiveness.org.Produced by Jamie Howell at Howell at the Moon Productions.

Andre Wicks is the creative force behind EverydayPrincipal.com, an online platform designed to connect educators and administrators with the latest research, knowledge and best practices in the field of K-12 education. A seasoned principal himself, Andre knows what his colleagues are up against on a daily basis and offers inspiring and practical insights into nurturing relationships, sustaining a vibrant school culture, and striking that ever-elusive work-life balance. Above all, courageous principals who can stand strong in support of what's best for students are what's needed most.Check out Andre's website and latest book at:EverydayPrincipal.com"What is Standing in the Way: The Journey of Becoming Your Best Self" on Amazon.com"Outliers in Education" is a project of CEE, The Center for Educational Effectiveness. Find out more at effectiveness.org.Produced by Jamie Howell at Howell at the Moon Productions.

The U.S. Surgeon General has officially declared loneliness a national epidemic, one that is more deadly than smoking, obesity and addiction. It is now estimated that living with a lack of social connection increases a person's risk of early death as much as smoking 15 cigarettes a day! But there's a cure available - connection - and it can be administered in as little as seven seconds. On this episode of Outliers in Education, we speak with a pair of connection crusaders from the non-profit, Only7Seconds. Learn from Executive Director Luke Wall and recently retired superintendent Eric Driessen (from one of the outlier districts identified in CEE's Outliers Study) about how something as simple as a text message can alter the course of a young life and sometimes even save lives.Established in 2019, Only7Seconds is taking the epidemic of youth loneliness head on through extensive outreach programs, podcasts, video series and their unique Connection Curriculum designed to equip, empower and inspire teachers and students to create the connections that can literally save their lives. You can find out more about Only7Seconds at:only7seconds.com Also from Only7Seconds:I Know Lonely Project - Videos, podcasts and written storiesConnection Curriculum - A toolkit to inspire youth to make intentional connections"Outliers in Education" is a project of CEE, The Center for Educational Effectiveness. Find out more at effectiveness.org.Produced by Jamie Howell at Howell at the Moon Productions.

Is your school board in disarray? Tensions boiling over? Factions forming? Superintendent ready to jump ship? School boards across the country face unique sets of challenges daily. But one policy-based model known as Coherent Governance® maps out what its founder believes to be, "... the most 'user-friendly' system in the world for effective board governance."Discover the power of Coherent Governance® in revolutionizing school board effectiveness in this enlightening conversation with guests Dr. John Steach from the Center for Educational Effectiveness (CEE) and Linda Dawson, founder of the Aspen Group and Coherent Governance®. Also on this episode, CEE and the Aspen Group announce a new merger between the two companies as they combine to bring comprehensive support to school districts across the country.Learn about this novel, yet universally accepted, approach to improving board performance, creating the foundations for trust, innovation and community involvement while curbing ego clashes among board members and paving the way to success for incoming superintendents.Expect to gain a deeper understanding of how to navigate the complexities of board meetings and unravel the vital roles of board members and superintendents in shaping a conducive environment that puts student achievement at the forefront.You can find out more about Coherent Governance® at aspengroup.org or through their books:Good Governance is a Choice: A Way to Re-Create Your Board - The Right Way by Linda J. Dawson and Randy QuinnThe Art of Governing Coherently: Mastering the Implementation of Coherent Governance® and Policy Governance® by Linda J. Dawson and Randy QuinnYou can find out more about the Center for Educational Effectiveness (CEE) at effectiveness.org. "Outliers in Education" is a project of CEE, The Center for Educational Effectiveness. Find out more at effectiveness.org.Produced by Jamie Howell at Howell at the Moon Productions.

What if quality education was accessible for every child, regardless of their socioeconomic background or race? Buckle up as we explore this intriguing question with Reid Saaris, the force behind the nonprofit Equal Opportunity Schools. With Reid’s unique insights, we illuminate the dark corners of educational inequality and the persistent underinvestment in students of diverse backgrounds, setting the stage for a compelling conversation about what might be done to move the needle on equity in education.A candidate for the Washington State Superintendency, Reid has committed his career to helping school leaders provide all student an equal opportunity to achieve their dreams.  He is the author of "The Kids Across the Hall and the Fight for Opportunity in Our Schools," available HERE on Amazon.comTo connect with Reid, folks can find him on facebook, instagram, and linkedin. His campaign website is www.reid4waschools.com."Outliers in Education" is a project of CEE, The Center for Educational Effectiveness. Find out more at effectiveness.org.Produced by Jamie Howell at Howell at the Moon Productions.

We know more about the inner workings of the human brain than ever before, but is our educational system taking advantage of what we've learned? Cognitive behavioral researcher Dr. CK Bray joins us on the podcast today to explore the intricate relationship between neuroscience, education, and culture. Dr. Bray shares insightful perspectives on the pressing need for change in our educational practices, emphasizing the importance of mental health monitoring, emotional regulation tools, the profound impact of physical activity and the vital role played by social connection in optimizing our brains for learning.Ever heard of box breathing? In this episode, Dr. Bray explains how this simple technique and others can reset the brain, reduce stress, and combat fatigue, creating a more conducive environment for both learning and teaching. But, it doesn't stop there! We also discuss the positive impacts of educator autonomy on their motivation and student outcomes. A little autonomy can go a long way to foster a sense of control, purpose, and increase collective teacher efficacy. Finally, Dr. Bray lays out the importance of developing strong social connections. In the digital age, our interactions are often mediated by screens, resulting in a potential lack of genuine connection. Dr. Bray guides us through the influences of social media on our youth and underscores the significance of continuous learning and taking on challenges in enhancing self-efficacy and self-esteem. So, gear up as we dive into these pivotal discussions aimed at equipping educators to be more successful in their indispensable roles. Let's redefine education together!"Outliers in Education" is a project of CEE, The Center for Educational Effectiveness. Find out more at effectiveness.org.Produced by Jamie Howell at Howell at the Moon Productions.

In just two short years it is projected that 25 percent of all students in American schools will be English Language Learners (ELL). Are our schools prepared for that? Seasoned educator Andrea Bitner helps us understand the explosion in ELL students and how our school systems can best handle this change. Bitner, an educator for 23 years, fills us in on the unique challenges of teachers and schools as they prepare to cater to these students' distinctive needs, illuminating the paths to progress. Communication strategies with the parents of multilingual students are critical, along with a commitment to empathy in education. She shares her groundbreaking AACE system and some of the currently available assistive technologies that can help foster a conducive learning environment for ELL students.Bitner is also an author and speaker who travels the country providing resources to help educators better teach, connect and communicate with their ELL students and families. She is the author of "Take Me Home," in which she shares the true and inspiring stories of 11 of her former students through first-hand accounts of what it's really like to be bilingual in the American school system. (The book includes English and Spanish versions under the same cover.) Find out more about Andrea, her speaking services and other ELL resources at andreabitnerbooks.com or email her at 4andreabitner@gmail.com. "Outliers in Education" is a project of CEE, The Center for Educational Effectiveness. Find out more at effectiveness.org.Produced by Jamie Howell at Howell at the Moon Productions.

A pioneer in Early Learning in Washington State, Ferndale School District Superintendent Kristi Dominguez believes passionately that all children have the capacity to thrive in education, they simply don't all have the same opportunities to do so, and that those years before kindergarten are among our best opportunities to begin addressing those inequities."When you teach to the heart of a child, their mind will follow," she says. By working to build a sense of belonging for all her students, staff and families, she hopes to  create an equitable, district-wide learning landscape where every child can thrive. In this episode, we talk with Superintendent Dominguez about how she does it and why belonging consistently rises to the top of her priority list as a school leader."Outliers in Education" is a project of CEE, The Center for Educational Effectiveness. Find out more at effectiveness.org.Produced by Jamie Howell at Howell at the Moon Productions.

Dr. Tinisha Parker, as Executive Director for Student Services for Gwinnett County Public Schools in Georgia, is responsible for the wellbeing of more than 180,000 students. Imagine the challenges she faces in supporting the social, emotional, and academic needs of all students. Dr. Parker tells us how she approaches this complex and very personal professional work."Outliers in Education" is a project of CEE, The Center for Educational Effectiveness. Find out more at effectiveness.org.Produced by Jamie Howell at Howell at the Moon Productions.

Maria Barrera read an article in the New York Times about rising suicide rates among eight-year-olds and found her life path permanently altered. This Stanford-educated mechanical engineer caught the wave of new tech sweeping through education and began developing a system in which every child has access to the wellness support they need when they need it. Today, as CEO of Clayful Health, Barrerra has rolled out a school-based  online coaching and support system that removes barriers that keep students from asking for help and can connect them with the support they need as little as 60 seconds, even after-hours away from school. It's a revolutionary concept in a challenging post-pandemic world where for every 1,200 students there is only school psychologist and waitlists for support can be as long as four to six months. Barrera hopes to provide schools across the country with a new tool to support their students while taking the increasing load off of educators who can often find themselves spending more time reacting to student behaviors and wellness issues than they are actually teaching.Find out more about Maria and Clayful Health at clayfulhealth.com."Outliers in Education" is a project of CEE, The Center for Educational Effectiveness. Find out more at effectiveness.org.Produced by Jamie Howell at Howell at the Moon Productions.

Superintendent Eric Sobotta of the Reardan-Edwall School District in Washington State was moved to tears when he saw the film, "LISTEN" by Erahm Christopher, so much so that he flew Christopher into his district all the way from Montreal not once, but four times. The goal was to begin employing the power of listening across his district and to help his staff, building leaders, teachers and even the community understand why listening is not only the right path forward for them, but for the future of education."Outliers in Education" is a project of CEE, The Center for Educational Effectiveness. Find out more at effectiveness.org.Produced by Jamie Howell at Howell at the Moon Productions.

Lifelong newspaperman Rufus Woods provides a uniquely positive perspective on the pathways to a better educational system. Woods has been passionate about education his entire career and he has seen the good and the bad. Through the mental discipline of appreciative inquiry, Woods  has developed a slate of positive and inspiring ideas on how to improve our current systems. Overarching philosophies like replacing "problem mentalities" with strengths-based approaches and improving our assessment systems combine with concrete concepts such as building better relationships with local media to the benefit of schools and seeking out proven practices, like those identified in CEE's Outliers Study,  that have real impacts on student outcomes and wellness.Rufus Woods is publisher emeritus of The Wenatchee World, a publication founded by his grandfather, Rufus Woods Sr. He continues to write regular opinion columns on the "Art of Community" which you can find HERE.You can find the abstract and full version of CEE's Outliers Study HERE."Outliers in Education" is a project of CEE, The Center for Educational Effectiveness. Find out more at effectiveness.org.Produced by Jamie Howell at Howell at the Moon Productions.

Coach Jim Johnson rose into the national spotlight back in 2006 when he allowed Jason "J-Mac" McElwain, a young high school basketball student-manager on the autism spectrum, to suit up and get in the game. What happened next is the stuff of legend. Today, Coach Johnson is a nationally recognized expert on teamwork and leadership, a sought after motivational speaker and author of the book, "A Coach and a Miracle." In this episode, Coach Johnson shares leadership gems that apply far beyond any high school basketball court - about mentorship, teaching, teamwork and more. As his motto reads, "Think bigger, lead better, win more!" Hot Links!- Watch the J-Mac Story here- Coach Jim Johnson Official Website- "A Coach and a Miracle" by Coach Jim Johnson"Outliers in Education" is a project of CEE, The Center for Educational Effectiveness. Find out more at effectiveness.org.Produced by Jamie Howell at Howell at the Moon Productions.

Former long-time superintendent Nick Brossoit's advice is crystal clear - start with an unwavering love for and commitment to kids, and everything else will fall into place. In this deeply moving and insight-filled episode, we spend time with Nick as he stares down the end of his life and reflects back on his 33 years in education. In 2020, Nick was diagnosed with terminal cancer and at the time of this recording, having far outlived his doctors' prognoses, was at his home in Lynden, Wash., on end-of-life hospice care.Nick has taken maximum advantage of his remaining time to write the book, "Love the People in Line" (2022) in which he shares the story of his cancer journey, his foundations in faith and his remarkable career in public education. This is an inspirational episode for any educator, listening to Nick's passion and focus on finding what's best for kids always and never bending to the influences of the politics that face all educational leaders.You can find Nick's book and more about his journey at the selection of links below:Love the People in Line: Through the Eyes of my Heart (2022) - all proceeds benefit the Eagle's Nest Children's Home in Guatemala."Former schools superintendent reflects on cancer journey, faith and importance of being present in new book," (April 17, 2022) - article published by My Edmond News.Nick's Cancer Journey Update (January 2023) - update posts by Nick on LinkedIn seen by more than 10,000 people.You can find out more about this podcast, the Outliers study and the Center for Educational Effectiveness at effectiveness.org. "Outliers in Education" is a project of CEE, The Center for Educational Effectiveness. Find out more at effectiveness.org.Produced by Jamie Howell at Howell at the Moon Productions.

Something remarkable happened at Freeman High School last fall when a group of students, having decided they were truly being listened to and in a safe environment, opened up the floodgates and let their voices be heard. The catharsis that resulted is a symptom of a growing trend toward elevating student voice in our schools. In this episode, we hear from Freeman School District Superintendent Randy Russell and two of his students who participated in the focus groups about what that kind of experience really means in terms of their own futures and the future of education.Welcome to Season 2 of OUTLIERS IN EDUCATION!"Outliers in Education" is a project of CEE, The Center for Educational Effectiveness. Find out more at effectiveness.org.Produced by Jamie Howell at Howell at the Moon Productions.

Superintendent Michelle Whitney of the Pasco School District in Washington attributes her rise to leadership to "the gifts of strangers," mentors along the way who amplified her talents and breathed the confidence into her that she needed to continue. That's what she strives to do for her own staff and students today, leading with vulnerability from a place, "where life experience and professional experience collide." Her approaches have worked. Pasco School District has seen massive improvements in graduation rates among other things and Whitney has continued to rise as well, serving currently as president of the Washington Association of School Administrators. "Outliers in Education" is a project of CEE, The Center for Educational Effectiveness. Find out more at effectiveness.org.Produced by Jamie Howell at Howell at the Moon Productions.

Dr. Darrin Peppard calls himself a "recovering" high school principal. Today, he leverages his 25 years in education to elevate voices and promote positivity through his books, podcasts, speaking engagements and his Road To Awesome network. In this episode, we drill down on ways to transform and energize school cultures and the real impacts that can have on learning and leadership.LINKS from Darrin Peppard:Website: darrinmpeppard.comContact: darrinmpeppard@roadtoawesome.netThe Road To Awesome: https://roadtoawesome.net/Leaning into Leadership Podcast & Blog: https://roadtoawesome.net/podcast%2Bblog"Outliers in Education" is a project of CEE, The Center for Educational Effectiveness. Find out more at effectiveness.org.Produced by Jamie Howell at Howell at the Moon Productions.