The Essential Role Parents Play in Student Success with Superintendent Iranetta Wright

More Than a Test

In today's episode, we are honored to have special guest Iranetta Wright, Superintendent & CEO of Cincinnati Public Schools, joining our host Laura Glaab. Wright shares her insights on the importance of parents and caregivers in the school-home connection, emphasizing the need for engagement and involvement in both positive and negative aspects of a student's education. She also discusses her experiences and successes in transforming the Detroit school district, implementing programs that prioritize student experiences, and leveling the playing field for all.

Wright opens up about her journey as a first-generation college student, her struggles as a working mother, and the challenges she faces as a superintendent in a new district. She also shares her advice for self-care, building a support system, and navigating the complexities of education leadership. Join us as we delve deeper into the meaningful work of education and explore the profound impact it has on students' lives. This is more than just a test – this is a journey of growth and transformation for students, families, and communities. Let's dive in!

Timestamps

[00:00:01] Superintendent Iranetta Wright leads Cincinnati Public schools.

[00:04:57] Strong commitment to the science of reading education.

[00:06:23] School mornings are a strong commitment for me.

[00:11:41] New superintendent passionate about Cincinnati school district.

[00:14:10] "Pride in district focus, community involvement, fitness initiatives."

[00:17:05] Engaging parents is crucial for student success.

[00:20:52] Using 7 words maximum: Social media used to tell school stories.

[00:25:16] 1st generation college student with local roots.

[00:29:57] Mom released judgment, village supported, daughters thrived.

[00:33:07] Detroit School District under emergency management for over 20 years, rebuilding with a focus on students. Implemented cultural passport for educational field trips.

[00:37:29] Family vacations, creating lifelong memories, are crucial.

[00:39:41] Supporting students and families, mental/physical health, board dynamics, challenges, and self-care priorities.

[00:43:37] Unapologetic self-care for connections; the meaning of "more than a test".

Connect with Iranetta Wright

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/iranetta-rayborn-wright-00053937

Website: https://www.cps-k12.org/

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About More Than a Test

Our goal is to take a hard look at the shortcomings in literacy education and tech while still finding a sense of hope in what's possible in education through learning and technology.

Our guests include non-profit leaders, tech CEOs, state and district leadership, research leaders from top institutions, and a few teachers with stories that might bring you to tears.

Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0JWhVG2nXZfC3FxOviFoR0

Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/more-than-a-test/id1685012543

Listen on Other Platforms: https://more-than-a-test.captivate.fm/

About Amira Learning

Amira is the world’s first intelligent reading assistant that provides personalized tutoring to students at school, after school, or at home. Students working with Amira experience significant improvements in their reading fluency.

About your Host, Laura Glaab

Laura Glaab is a VP of Strategy at Amira Learning. She is a lifetime educator following behind educator parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents.

She's worked as a teacher and leader in public, private, and charter schools in places as far as India and as close to home as Boulder, Colorado. She holds degrees from Stanford, the University of Wyoming, and Kellogg School of Management.

She thinks everyone should read Saint Joan by George Bernard Shaw and the entire Piggie and Elephant Collection by Mo Willems.

Connect with Laura

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-glaab/

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Visit Amira Learning: https://www.amiralearning.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/amira-learning

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@amira-learning

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amira_learning/?hl=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Amira-Learning-App-100064672554061/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AmiraLearning

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Produced by Old Soul: https://bit.ly/3KuYfrD