Adam Swinyard: Increasing Graduation Rates and Inclusivity

More Than a Test

I'm your host, Laura Glaab, and today we're joined by an exceptional guest, Dr. Adam Swinyard, representing Spokane Public Schools in Washington. With a district that serves around 30,000 students, Dr. Swinyard has a wealth of experience to share about the impact of teachers, districts, and the community at large on shaping young lives.

In this conversation, we're tackling the pressing issue of student engagement – or the troubling lack thereof in today's digital age. How do we as educators, parents, and community members rekindle the excitement for learning? Adam will share his insights on practical strategies to combat disengagement, particularly when competing with the allure of social media.

We'll discuss the critical role of extracurricular activities, not only in engaging students but also in enhancing their well-being and social skills. I'll reminisce about my days as a kindergarten teacher and the unforgettable experiences we can create. Furthermore, Adam talks about the need for a collective community impact approach to provide expansive activities and athletics, ensuring that every child has a chance to shine.

We'll highlight the successes, such as a significant increase in native student graduation rates due to inclusive educational approaches, and ponder on the disconnect between parental perception and the national education narrative. Dr. Swinyard challenges us to rethink how we measure educational success, proposing adaptive assessments over static test scores.

So, buckle up for an enlightening journey into the heart of public education. Whether you're a teacher, parent, student, or an engaged community member, there's something in this episode for you. Let's dive in!

Timestamps

00:00 Importance of public education at local and national levels

04:05 Advocates for inquiry-based approach in education.

07:46 Appreciates teacher's real-life experiences and seeks positive narratives.

10:57 Focusing on community needs, partnership, and inclusivity.

15:36 Creating inclusive spaces for community-level conversations.

18:43 Listening to others' experiences shapes decision-making.

21:11 Approach challenges with grace and consistency.

25:25 Transitioned from teaching to assistant principal role willingly.

27:40 The Principal role requires diverse skills and adaptability.

32:28 Key focus on student engagement for 5-15 years.

34:39 Spokane schools adopt a strength-based tech approach.

37:34 Producer reviews episode highlighting community contributions every 5 mins.

43:30 Teaching Julius Caesar: Complex, fun, and valuable.

Connect with Adam Swinyard

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-adam-swinyard-0a561313a/

Website: https://www.spokaneschools.org/domain/165

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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 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.

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