Addressing the Systemic Issues in Education with Kimberly Vaught

More Than a Test

On this episode of More Than a Test, we delve into the systemic issues facing education and the need for change. Our special guest, Kimberly Vaught, takes us on a journey through the "Reading Wars" and the evolving approaches to teaching reading. We explore the science of reading, which is both a science and an art, and the challenges of teaching adult learning theory. Kimberly discusses the importance of improving pre-service training for teachers in colleges and universities and building skills and capacity for educators. We also learn about the crucial role communities play in supporting educational frameworks and school districts financially, through advocacy, and by actively participating in decisions that affect schools.

Timestamps

[00:01:16] Bittersweet: First time outside school since 1999.

[00:04:07] Huge impact. Job offer for an underserved school.

[00:08:19] Community blessings, turnaround schools, F and B ratings.

[00:10:31] State initiative improves low-performing schools.

[00:14:39] Systemic barriers and lack of access prevail.

[00:17:18] Changed lives, Disney trip, White House visit.

[00:22:11] Teaching experience in Brunswick County.

[00:25:41] Education systemic issue, solving through science.

[00:26:49] Understanding language, teaching adults, supporting education.

[00:29:54] Believing in kids despite their doubt.

[00:37:24] Principalship requires leading exhausted yet hopeful people.

[00:40:48] Guests hear more; building citizens, not just tests.

[00:43:55] iPhone connects me to loved ones worldwide.

Connect with Kimberly Vaught

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberly-vaught

Website: https://www.cmsk12.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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