Shaping the Future: Tom Vander Ark on Empowering the Next Generation

More Than a Test

In this episode, we have the privilege of speaking with an influential voice in the world of education, Tom Vander Ark. As the CEO of Getting Smart, Tom brings his rich experience as a former executive director at the Gates Foundation and a public school superintendent to the table, sharing nuances of educational transformation you won't want to miss.

Tom offers insights into why advanced educational technologies haven't made the expected impact on student outcomes, especially for those in need, and highlights the importance of access, implementation, and leadership in bridging that divide.

Join us as we explore innovative pathways, the power of AI in education, and how new models of schools like micro-schools are redefining the educational landscape. This is More Than a Test, presented by Amira Learning, where every child's potential to be a reader is our mission. Stay tuned for an enriching dialogue with Tom Vander Ark that pushes the boundaries of traditional education and underscores the collective effort to reshape learning for all students.

Timestamps

00:00 King Smart, founded 15 years ago, advocates for education innovation.

05:12 Life-changing outdoor leadership program inspires lifelong passion.

08:55 Supportive, invitational leadership fosters personalized, high-quality change.

10:53 Women demand effective educational products for kids.

14:39 Schools benefit from operating within networks.

16:41 Denver example of a successful school district network.

22:57 Encouraging kids to do meaningful, self-directed work.

27:09 Using ikigai to guide kids' entrepreneurial solutions.

29:05 Top K-8 career exploration system in Cone Valley Schools.

33:00 Limited education research funding led to slow progress.

38:10 Experienced personal and business failures, and learned lessons.

40:18 Supported new school development, faced consequences.

43:30 Denver schools promote teacher innovation and collaboration.

46:50 The Superintendent created a learning culture through book reviews.

49:07 Boss encouraged me to join education initiatives.

34:08 Admires journalists with an impressive turn of phrase, Elon.

35:22 Book is about Musk's inspiration and impact.

40:15 Interviewed Dr. Rod Berger and recommended his documentary.

42:30 AI as self-perpetuating innovation shapes the future.

46:00 AI's impact on education and professional development.

51:10 Children's book teaches valuable lessons for all.

54:48 Educator helped discover authentic public speaking talent.

Connect with Tom Vander Ark

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomvanderark

Website: https://www.gettingsmart.com/

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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