School's In - SoundSage

View Details

What does air quality have to do with learning, health, and childhood? And how should families respond as environmental risks grow?

This week, we’re sharing an episode from Stanford Engineering’s The Future of Everything podcast, hosted by Russ Altman. Originally released in 2025, this episode features Stanford pediatrician Lisa Patel discussing how pollution, wildfire smoke, plastics, and environmental policy are shaping children’s health. Patel explores both the science behind these growing concerns and practical steps families, educators, and communities can take to create healthier environments for kids. She covers several topics, including:

(02:32) The air we breathe: Protecting young lungs
(10:02) How to support kids during poor air quality events
(13:18) Asthma and allergies: Tackling environmental triggers
(19:11) Confronting climate change: How to’s for healthier homes
(23:48) Food choices, family health, and environmental impacts
(28:09) Practical actions for families and schools

Lisa Patel is an associate professor of pediatrics at Stanford University and a physician specializing in children’s environmental health. Her work focuses on how climate change, pollution, and environmental exposures impact children and communities, with an emphasis on practical solutions that support healthier futures. Learn more about her work on her faculty profile.

The Future of Everything explores how technology, science, and medicine are shaping our lives. Host Russ Altman speaks with researchers and innovators working to create the future… of everything. Learn more about this episode on the show’s website.

Stanford GSE is at the forefront of education research and teacher preparation, dedicated to advancing equitable, accessible, and impactful learning experiences for all.

Stay connected with the latest insights—subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Threads.

View Details

How do we teach kids not just how to read, but to enjoy it? And what inspires a young person to pick up a book on their own?

On this episode of School’s In, originally recorded in 2018, we’re revisiting a conversation with Stanford Graduate School of Education senior lecturer Jennifer Wolf on cultivating a love of reading. We’re bringing this episode back as a timely touchpoint for anyone looking to build summer reading habits with the young people in their lives. Wolf explores the difference between teaching reading skills and fostering genuine enjoyment, along with what makes young adult literature so powerful. She covers several topics, including:

(04:45) Why reading for pleasure matters
(09:16) Independent reading drives academic success (no reading groups needed)
(11:32) What counts as “reading” (and the case against gold stars)
(14:56) Access & diversity: From Little Free Libraries to award winners
(18:00) Banned books: Why YA literature gets censored
(23:02) Approaching classic books through a modern lens

Jennifer Wolf is a senior lecturer at the Stanford Graduate School of Education (GSE). A former high school English teacher, her work centers on helping young people develop a lasting love of reading, with a particular focus on young adult literature and literacy development. She directs the undergraduate minor program at the GSE and leads “teach-ins” and other programs that engage undergraduates and raise the profile of education research and knowledge across Stanford. Learn more about her work on her faculty profile.

School’s In is your go-to podcast for cutting-edge insights and fresh perspectives on the future of learning. Hosted by Stanford Graduate School of Education (GSE) Dean Dan Schwartz and Senior Lecturer Denise Pope, each episode dives into the latest research, innovations, and real-world challenges shaping education today.

Stanford GSE is at the forefront of education research and teacher preparation, dedicated to advancing equitable, accessible, and impactful learning experiences for all.

Stay connected with the latest insights—subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Threads.

View Details

How does research change how schools work at scale? And how do you turn data into decisions that actually improve classrooms?

On this episode of School’s In, Stanford Graduate School of Education Professor Susanna Loeb discusses Getting Down to Facts III, a major California report that uses research to evaluate the state’s education system. Through large-scale studies and collaboration with policymakers, educators, and communities, the project aims to identify what’s working and where systems are falling short. She covers several topics, including:

(03:29) What Getting Down to Facts III is and how it works
(07:04) How large-scale education research is conducted
(11:54) Key findings and maintaining objectivity
(21:17) Addressing new challenges, including AI
(23:16) Takeaways for educators, parents, and policymakers

Susanna Loeb is a professor at the Stanford Graduate School of Education and a leading expert in education policy. Loeb started the National Student Support Accelerator which translates research about the role of high impact tutoring in improving student success. She has led major research initiatives such as the Getting Down to Facts project aimed at expanding educational opportunity, addressing achievement gaps, and reforming the way schools are funded in California. Her work focuses on how policy, governance, and data can be used to improve education systems at scale. Learn more on her faculty profile.

School’s In is your go-to podcast for cutting-edge insights and fresh perspectives on the future of learning. Hosted by Stanford Graduate School of Education (GSE) Dean Dan Schwartz and Senior Lecturer Denise Pope, each episode dives into the latest research, innovations, and real-world challenges shaping education today.

Stanford GSE is at the forefront of education research and teacher preparation, dedicated to advancing equitable, accessible, and impactful learning experiences for all.

Stay connected with the latest insights—subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Threads.

View Details

Why does learning to read come easily for some students but feel like an uphill battle for others? Can the science of the brain teach us how to better support young readers in this effort?

This week, we’re sharing an episode from Stanford’s Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute’s podcast From Our Neurons to Yours, hosted by Nicholas Weiler. Originally released in August 2025, this episode features Stanford Graduate School of Education professor Bruce McCandliss, who studies how the brain learns to read. He explores how reading reshapes the brain, why some students struggle to reach fluency, and what educators can do to support that process. McCandliss covers several topics, including:

(01:28) How the brain learns to read
(07:12) How reading reshapes the brain and builds expertise
(12:43) Word recognition, phonics, and the path to fluency
(19:05) Why some students struggle
(29:28) What educators can do: instruction, support, and outcomes

Bruce McCandliss is The Pigott Family Graduate School of Education Professor and a leader of the Stanford Educational Neuroscience Initiative. His research focuses on how the brain learns to read and how insights from neuroscience can inform classroom instruction and educational practice. Learn more about his work on his faculty profile.

From Our Neurons to Yours explores the frontiers of brain science and brings listeners into conversations with researchers studying how the brain shapes how we think, learn, and experience the world. Learn more about this episode on the show’s website.

School’s In is your go-to podcast for cutting-edge insights and fresh perspectives on the future of learning. Hosted by Stanford Graduate School of Education (GSE) Dean Dan Schwartz and Senior Lecturer Denise Pope, each episode dives into the latest research, innovations, and real-world challenges shaping education today.

Stanford GSE is at the forefront of education research and teacher preparation, dedicated to advancing equitable, accessible, and impactful learning experiences for all.

Stay connected with the latest insights—subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Threads.

View Details

Growth mindset is everywhere, but does it really work? Can we turn buzzwords into lasting change in education?

On this episode of School’s In, Dan and Denise sit down with Stanford Professor Eric Bettinger to explore the research and real-world applications of growth mindset. They dive into what a growth mindset is, what kinds of interventions work, and how those lessons can help students succeed. Bettinger shares evidence from a large-scale study in Norway that reveals surprising long-term benefits for students exposed to growth mindset concepts. He covers several topics, including:

(03:47) Inside the growth mindset study
(08:53) Long-term impact: Tracking students over time
(13:11) The support system behind lasting change
(17:25) AI, the easy button, and growth mindset
(20:04) Measuring growth beyond the classroom
(25:50) Takeaways for parents and teachers

Eric Bettinger is the Conley DeAngelis Family Professor at the Stanford Graduate School of Education. His research focuses on improving educational outcomes for students, particularly through the lens of economics, decision-making, and policy design. He has conducted extensive research on college success, financial aid, and interventions like growth mindset. Learn more about his work on his faculty profile.

School’s In is your go-to podcast for cutting-edge insights and fresh perspectives on the future of learning. Hosted by Stanford Graduate School of Education (GSE) Dean Dan Schwartz and Senior Lecturer Denise Pope, each episode dives into the latest research, innovations, and real-world challenges shaping education today.

Stanford GSE is at the forefront of education research and teacher preparation, dedicated to advancing equitable, accessible, and impactful learning experiences for all.

Stay connected with the latest insights—subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Threads.

View Details

What would it look like if pediatricians and early childhood educators worked hand in hand to prepare every child for kindergarten?

On this episode of School’s In, Dr. Lisa Chamberlain joins the hosts to explore how health and education systems can work together to support young children and their families. Drawing from her work as both a pediatrician and researcher, Dr. Chamberlain examines what kindergarten readiness means and how pediatric care can play a critical role in early learning and development. They cover several topics, including:

(02:59) The role of pediatricians: Beyond check-ups
(06:24) What does kindergarten readiness look like?
(11:00) Creating a learning environment: Innovations in clinics
(18:50) Funding and sharing data across systems
(24:17) A family-centered approach: Advice for parents and providers

Lisa Chamberlain is a professor of pediatrics at Stanford University School of Medicine and a practicing pediatrician. Her work focuses on early childhood development, health equity, and improving policies and systems of care for children and families. Through research and practice, she explores how healthcare settings can better support learning, development, and family well-being during the critical early years of life. Learn more about her work on her faculty profile.

School’s In is your go-to podcast for cutting-edge insights and fresh perspectives on the future of learning. Hosted by Stanford Graduate School of Education (GSE) Dean Dan Schwartz and Senior Lecturer Denise Pope, each episode dives into the latest research, innovations, and real-world challenges shaping education today.

Stanford GSE is at the forefront of education research and teacher preparation, dedicated to advancing equitable, accessible, and impactful learning experiences for all.

Stay connected with the latest insights—subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Threads.

View Details

What do you really know about concussions? Can education increase self-reporting and help prevent long-term damage from brain injuries?

On this episode of School’s In, Dan and Denise are joined by Piya Sorcar, Adjunct Professor, Stanford School of Medicine and founder and CEO of TeachAids and Dr. Daniel Daneshvar, associate professor at Harvard Medical School and a concussion researcher. Together, they discuss concussion symptoms and treatment protocols, how to reach young people in ways that make them most receptive to learning about challenging health topics, and strategies for building partnerships and scaling public health initiatives about brain health for young athletes, parents, and educators. They cover several topics, including:

(04:25) What is a concussion? Understanding an invisible injury
(08:02) Creating CrashCourse: Education that engages and motivates
(12:04) The near-peer effect: Why kids trust other kids
(17:01) Proving it works: The science behind behavior change
(20:13) Scaling the impact
(23:46) Expert takeaways for parents and coaches

Piya Sorcar is an Adjunct Professor, Stanford School of Medicine and the founder and CEO of TeachAids, a nonprofit that creates research-based learning experiences to improve health outcomes. Daniel Daneshvar is an associate professor at Harvard Medical School whose research focuses on the long-term effects of traumatic brain injury and how to improve outcomes through education and intervention. CrashCourse, created by Sorcar's TeachAids with medical advisors including Daniel Daneshvar, delivers interactive concussion education for athletes, coaches, and parents.

School’s In is your go-to podcast for cutting-edge insights and fresh perspectives on the future of learning. Hosted by Stanford Graduate School of Education (GSE) Dean Dan Schwartz and Senior Lecturer Denise Pope, each episode dives into the latest research, innovations, and real-world challenges shaping education today.

Stanford GSE is at the forefront of education research and teacher preparation, dedicated to advancing equitable, accessible, and impactful learning experiences for all.

Stay connected with the latest insights—subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Threads.

View Details

What does truly inclusive education look like for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD)?

On this episode of School’s In, Stanford Professor Chris Lemons joins us to explore the idea of “presumed competence” and how educators, schools, and school systems can better serve students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). From outdated assumptions to promising classroom practices, Lemons breaks down what inclusion can, and should, look like. He covers several topics, including:

(02:29) Understanding intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD)
(04:05) Reading instruction approaches and interventions
(08:48) Beyond high school: Pathways to college
(18:01) Success stories: Employment and job training
(21:59) The role of AI in special education

Chris Lemons is a professor at Stanford Graduate School of Education whose research focuses on improving academic outcomes for children with intellectual, developmental, and learning disabilities. He is known for developing and evaluating reading interventions for students with down syndrome and other IDD. Before entering academia, Lemons taught in a range of special education settings, from preschool autism programs to middle school life-skills classrooms. Learn more about his work on his faculty profile.

School’s In is your go-to podcast for cutting-edge insights and fresh perspectives on the future of learning. Hosted by Stanford Graduate School of Education (GSE) Dean Dan Schwartz and Senior Lecturer Denise Pope, each episode dives into the latest research, innovations, and real-world challenges shaping education today.

Stanford GSEis at the forefront of education research and teacher preparation, dedicated to advancing equitable, accessible, and impactful learning experiences for all.

Stay connected with the latest insights—subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Threads.

View Details

Can edtech really teach kids to read? What works, what doesn’t, and what does the research say about tools for decoding versus comprehension?

On this episode of School’s In, Stanford Professor Rebecca Silverman joins us to explore how educational technology can meaningfully support reading development. From helping students learn to decode words to supporting deeper reading comprehension, she explains what the latest research tells us about what works and what doesn’t – and the dangers of over-gamification. She covers several topics, including:

(03:34) Differentiation: The promise of literacy edtech
(05:45) Games, motivation, and what the research says
(13:19) Decoding vs. comprehension, and why some skills are harder to teach with tech
(18:03) Effective strategies for teaching comprehension
(22:03) Practical takeaways for parents and educators

Rebecca Silverman is a professor at the Stanford Graduate School of Education. Her research explores how children learn to read and how educational tools can help improve literacy outcomes. She began her career as an elementary school teacher, and today her teaching emphasizes the importance of connecting research and classroom practice. Learn more about her work on her faculty profile.

School’s In is your go-to podcast for cutting-edge insights and fresh perspectives on the future of learning. Hosted by Stanford Graduate School of Education (GSE) Dean Dan Schwartz and Senior Lecturer Denise Pope, each episode dives into the latest research, innovations, and real-world challenges shaping education today.

Stanford GSE is at the forefront of education research and teacher preparation, dedicated to advancing equitable, accessible, and impactful learning experiences for all.

Stay connected with the latest insights—subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Threads.

View Details

What does it mean to make an ethical decision in the classroom? And how can schools prepare for dilemmas that don’t have a single right answer?

On this episode of School’s In, we’re joined by Stanford GSE Professor Meira Levinson, a leader in the emerging field of educational ethics. She walks us through the complex terrain of real-world ethical decision-making in schools – where competing values, pressures, and priorities often collide. From everyday classroom challenges to district-wide decisions, Meira shares how the field of EdEthics can help educators and policymakers navigate those moments with greater clarity and confidence. She covers several topics, including:

(02:57) Understanding ethical decisions in education
(06:19) The need for a field of educational ethics
(10:00) The myth of the value-free classroom
(11:15) Case study: Ethical dilemmas in the classroom
(18:56) Developing ethical frameworks for educators
(24:22) Ethics as community practice: Advice for working through hard decisions together

Meira Levinson is a professor at Stanford Graduate School of Education whose work focuses on civic education, justice, and the ethics of teaching and learning. She founded JusticeInSchools.org, a site that offers real-world ethical case studies for educators and policymakers. Levinson's current mission is to formally establish the field of educational ethics, aiming to bring clarity, conversation, and support to the morally complex world of schooling. Learn more about her work on her faculty profile.

School’s In is your go-to podcast for cutting-edge insights and fresh perspectives on the future of learning. Hosted by Stanford Graduate School of Education (GSE) Dean Dan Schwartz and Senior Lecturer Denise Pope, each episode dives into the latest research, innovations, and real-world challenges shaping education today.

Stanford GSEis at the forefront of education research and teacher preparation, dedicated to advancing equitable, accessible, and impactful learning experiences for all.

Stay connected with the latest insights—subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Threads.

View Details

Could the “word gap” be more myth than fact? Or is it a useful tool for understanding inequality in early childhood?

On this episode of School’s In, Stanford Assistant Professor Monica Ellwood-Lowe joins the show to unpack one of the most cited – and most debated – ideas in early childhood development: the so-called “word gap,” or idea that children from lower-income families hear fewer words than those from more affluent homes. She explains what the latest research says about the quantity and quality of early language exposure, the effects of structural and economic inequities on parental engagement, and how brain development might differ not because of what children lack, but because of how they adapt. She covers several topics, including:

(03:07) The word gap: Origins and controversy
(05:47) Do parents just need to talk more? How financial and structural stressors affect parental attention
(13:55) Beyond “motherease”: Cultural differences in child language development
(18:20) Parenting, pressure, and perspective

Monica Ellwood-Lowe is an assistant professor at Stanford Graduate School of Education. With a PhD in developmental psychology, she studies how the structure of society shapes caregiving and early child development. She dives into questions about children’s language and brain development that continue to drive her work today. Learn more on her faculty profile.

School’s In is your go-to podcast for cutting-edge insights and fresh perspectives on the future of learning. Hosted by Stanford Graduate School of Education (GSE) Dean Dan Schwartz and Senior Lecturer Denise Pope, each episode dives into the latest research, innovations, and real-world challenges shaping education today.

Stanford GSEis at the forefront of education research and teacher preparation, dedicated to advancing equitable, accessible, and impactful learning experiences for all.

Stay connected with the latest insights—subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Threads.

View Details

What will it mean to teach and learn in an AI-powered world? Can we use artificial intelligence to enhance, but not replace, the best of what humans do?

Recorded live in Los Angeles at Stanford’s Open Minds event, this episode of School’s In dives into how AI is reshaping education – its promises, pitfalls, and surprises. Dan and Denise welcome Stanford faculty members Judith Ellen Fan, a cognitive scientist, and Christopher Piech, a computer scientist, to the stage for a lively discussion that ranges from motivation and creativity to assessment and cheating. Together, they explore the deeply human elements of human learning and AI design, and the ways that Stanford is shaping the conversation about how humans and machines learn together. They cover several topics, including:

(01:57) Students and AI: Inspiration and creativity
(04:55) Beyond words: Why AI still struggles with human thinking
(09:53) AI's impact on cheating and academic integrity
(18:09) Keeping learning human: Mentors, motivation, and meaningful tasks
(23:59) Designing AI for the future of learning

Christopher Piech is an associate professor of computer science at Stanford University. He develops AI systems that support personalized education, working at the intersection of deep learning and classroom practice to help students learn more effectively and equitably. Learn more about his work on his faculty profile.

Judith Ellen Fan is an assistant professor of psychology and the director of the Cognitive Tools Lab (https://cogtoolslab.github.io/) at Stanford University. Her research focuses on how visual communication supports learning. She bridges cognitive science, computational neuroscience, and artificial intelligence, exploring how tools like drawing can reveal and enhance human understanding. Learn more about her work on her faculty profile.

School’s In is your go-to podcast for cutting-edge insights and fresh perspectives on the future of learning. Hosted by Stanford Graduate School of Education (GSE) Dean Dan Schwartz and Senior Lecturer Denise Pope, each episode dives into the latest research, innovations, and real-world challenges shaping education today.

Stanford GSEis at the forefront of education research and teacher preparation, dedicated to advancing equitable, accessible, and impactful learning experiences for all.

Stay connected with the latest insights—subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Threads.

View Details

Please note: This episode includes discussion of youth mental health, including mentions of suicidal ideation. Listener discretion is advised.

Could the future of school-based mental health include chatbots—and should it?

On this episode of School’s In, Stanford Assistant Professor Nick Haber joins the show to unpack research on AI chatbots as tools to support young people’s mental health. As an expert in learning sciences and artificial intelligence learning sciences, Haber sheds light on both the promising and the unsettling. , He covers several topics, including:

(03:27) Why study AI chatbots as therapists?
(06:27) The danger: AI therapists in crisis situations
(11:41) Human interaction vs. AI companionship
(15:04) AI and youth mental health
(18:48) From risks to responsibility: Advice for parents and educators

Nick Haber is an assistant professor at Stanford Graduate School of Education. He and his research group develop AI systems meant to mimic and model the ways people learn early in life, exploring their environments through play, social interaction, and curiosity. Learn more about his work on his faculty profile.

School’s In is your go-to podcast for cutting-edge insights and fresh perspectives on the future of learning. Hosted by Stanford Graduate School of Education (GSE) Dean Dan Schwartz and Senior Lecturer Denise Pope, each episode dives into the latest research, innovations, and real-world challenges shaping education today.

Stanford GSEis at the forefront of education research and teacher preparation, dedicated to advancing equitable, accessible, and impactful learning experiences for all.

Stay connected with the latest insights—subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Threads.

View Details

What happens when a school shuts down? And how do those decisions ripple through the students, families, and communities left behind?

On this episode of School’s In, Stanford Assistant Professor Francis Pearman joins us to discuss the complex and often emotional issue of school closures. We dive into why schools close, who is most affected, and how these decisions ripple through communities – especially for low-income students and students of color. Pearman covers several topics including:

(02:21) Why do schools close?
(06:34) How school closures affect local communities
(08:02) Educational consequences for students
(11:25) Are school closures fair? Equity and disproportionality
(16:07) Financial realities and policy tradeoffs
(19:03) Is there a better way? Alternatives and considerations

Francis Pearman is an assistant professor at Stanford Graduate School of Education. His research examines how poverty and inequality shape the life chances of children, particularly through the lens of educational opportunity and urban development. Learn more about his work on his faculty profile.

School’s In is your go-to podcast for cutting-edge insights and fresh perspectives on the future of learning. Hosted by Stanford Graduate School of Education (GSE) Dean Dan Schwartz and Senior Lecturer Denise Pope, each episode dives into the latest research, innovations, and real-world challenges shaping education today.

Stanford GSEis at the forefront of education research and teacher preparation, dedicated to advancing equitable, accessible, and impactful learning experiences for all.

Stay connected with the latest insights—subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Threads.

View Details

How can AI be used as a tool that supplements, rather than supplants, the learning process? And what does research say is the most effective way to use the tool?

On this episode of School’s In, we welcome GSE Assistant Professor Hari Subramonyam to discuss AI in education. He covers several topics, including:

(01:41) What is critical thinking?
(05:03) Beyond prompting: AI, creativity, and critical decision making
(09:10) Using AI to scaffold the writing process
(13:59) AI as learning tool: What the research shows
(19:29) AI and assessment
(22:33) AI in education: Advice for parents and teachers

Hari Subramonyam is an assistant professor at the Graduate School of Education, where his research focuses on augmenting critical human tasks (such as learning, creativity, and sensemaking) with AI by incorporating principles from cognitive psychology. He is also a faculty fellow at Stanford's Institute for Human-Centered AI. To learn more about his work, visit his faculty profile.

Stanford GSEis at the forefront of education research and teacher preparation, dedicated to advancing equitable, accessible, and impactful learning experiences for all.

Stay connected with the latest insights – subscribe to the GSE’s newsletter and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Threads.

View Details

What does it mean for students to be successful? And how can parents, schools, and educators create the conditions for students to thrive?

On this episode of School’s In, we welcome co-host and GSE Senior Lecturer Denise Pope in the guest seat to discuss how to improve student wellness, belonging, and engagement. She covers several topics, including:

(1:54) Challenging a narrow definition of success: Parents and students
(7:42) What the data shows: Stress, sleep, and engagement
(14:02) Belonging: Student relationships with teachers and peers
(18:10) Practical solutions: School-level change
(24:37) What parents can do, and key takeaways

Denise Pope is a senior lecturer at Stanford Graduate School of Education, where her research focuses on curriculum studies, service learning, student engagement, and school reform. She is also the co-founder of Challenge Success, a nonprofit that partners with schools to implement research-based strategies that improve student well-being and engagement.

To learn more about her work, visit her faculty profile.

Stanford GSE is at the forefront of education research and teacher preparation, dedicated to advancing equitable, accessible, and impactful learning experiences for all.

Stay connected with the latest insights – subscribe to the GSE’s newsletter and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Threads.

View Details

Season 3 is here, and we have a great lineup for you, our listeners. We kick off the season with our very own Denise Pope in the hot seat, sharing research on what constitutes student success. This season we also bring you research on AI as an educational tool, chatbots as therapists, the impacts of school closures, and much, much more. Subscribe now. You won’t want to miss an episode!

View Details

What does the growing popularity and utility of AI tools mean for students, teachers, and schools? And what can educators do to leverage these tools to make learning stick?

This week we are sharing an episode from our friends at Stanford School of Engineering – an episode of The Future of Everything, with host Russ Altman. Originally released in August 2024, this episode features our own GSE dean and School’s In co-host, Dan Schwartz in the hot seat. Schwartz covers several topics on the future of educational technology, including:

01:27 Enter AI: Opportunity and upheaval in education
02:49 Teachers vs. technology: Do we still need humans?
08:24 Cheating, ChatGPT, and assignments that matter
12:25 Industry, EdTech, and AI’s future direction
18:14 Assessment, analytics, and ethical design
25:30 Embodied learning and virtual AI integration

Dan Schwartz is the James Quillen Dean and the Nomellini & Olivier Professor of Educational Technology at Stanford Graduate School of Education. He is also the Halper Family Faculty Director of the Stanford Accelerator for Learning.

An expert in human learning and educational technology, Schwartz also oversees a laboratory that works to prepare students to continue learning and adapting throughout their lifetimes.To learn more about his work, visit his faculty profile.

The Future of Everything podcast explores how technology, science, and medicine are shaping our lives. Host Russ Altman asks his guest to discuss their role in creating the future – of everything. Learn more about this episode on the show’s website.

Stanford GSE is at the forefront of education research and teacher preparation, dedicated to advancing equitable, accessible, and impactful learning experiences for all.

Stay connected with the latest insights – subscribe to the GSE’s newsletter and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Threads.

View Details

How does sleep affect student academic performance? And how might school start times be setting them up to fail?

On this episode of School’s In, originally broadcast in April 2019, we welcome Professor Rafael Pelayo, a clinical professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences. He discusses what sleep does for the brain and how it matters for learning. Pelayo tackles several topics, including:

04:43 What sleep really does for us
08:26 Sleep and learning: The essential link
13:10 Adolescent sleep challenges
17:52 The school start time debate
23:45 Changing attitudes, sleep technology, and healthy habits

Dr. Rafael Pelayo is a clinical professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Stanford University’s Sleep Medicine Division, where his clinical focus is on sleep medicine and the neurology of children and adults. He is also the author of How to Sleep. To learn more about his work, visit his faculty profile.

School’s In is your go-to podcast for cutting-edge insights and fresh perspectives on the future of learning. Hosted by Stanford Graduate School of Education Dean Dan Schwartz and Senior Lecturer Denise Pope, each episode dives into the latest research, innovations, and real-world challenges shaping education today.

Stanford GSE is at the forefront of education research and teacher preparation, dedicated to advancing equitable, accessible, and impactful learning experiences for all.

Stay connected with the latest insights – subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Threads.

View Details

How can schools help students develop digital literacy in the classroom? And how can these techniques be applied to how we consume news and identify reliable information?

On this episode of School’s In, recorded live on campus in May 2025, we welcome a panel including GSE Professor Emeritus Sam Wineburg, Stanford journalism lecturer Janine Zacharia, high school teacher Valerie Ziegler, and Stanford undergraduate student Alvin Lee. The panel discusses the importance of teaching students how to accurately navigate the internet, and how this approach to digital information can be built into course curricula. Our guests tackle several topics, including:

02:57 Teaching digital literacy in a changing world (panelists’ responses to Part 1 with Sam Wineburg)
08:05 Truth, trust, and TikTok: Navigating information in the AI era
15:08 The educator’s dilemma: Keeping up with AI in the classroom
22:37 Beyond the mandate: Building digital literacy into the curriculum
25:38 Creating a culture of curiosity: Advice for students, educators, and parents

Sam Wineburg is the Margaret Jacks Professor, Emeritus, of education at Stanford Graduate School of Education, where his research focused on how people assess the credibility of digital content. To learn more about his work, visit his faculty profile.

Janine Zacharia is a lecturer in the Department of Communication at Stanford University. She regularly appears on cable news shows and radio programs as a Middle East analyst. To learn more about her work, visit her faculty profile.

Valerie Ziegler teaches U.S. history, economics, and advanced placement U.S. government and politics at Abraham Lincoln High School in San Francisco. Learn more about her work here.

Alvin Hong Lee is a senior at Stanford University, where he is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in political science. A proud product of California public schools, Lee is founder and executive director of GENup, California’s largest youth-led education policy organization.

School’s In is your go-to podcast for cutting-edge insights and fresh perspectives on the future of learning. Hosted by Stanford Graduate School of Education Dean Dan Schwartz and Senior Lecturer Denise Pope, each episode dives into the latest research, innovations, and real-world challenges shaping education today.

Stanford GSE is at the forefront of education research and teacher preparation, dedicated to advancing equitable, accessible, and impactful learning experiences for all.

Stay connected with the latest insights – subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Threads.

View Details

What is digital literacy? And how does critical thinking play a role in students’ ability to avoid falling prey to false information online?

On this live episode of School’s In, taped in front of an audience at Stanford, we welcome Stanford Professor Emeritus Sam Wineburg to discuss digital literacy and how to help students navigate the internet in the era of AI and fake news. Wineburg covers several topics, including:

02:02 What is digital literacy?
05:04 Critical thinking vs. critical ignoring
08:34 The challenges and potential of AI in education
14:13 Digital literacy in the school curriculum
19: 28 Navigating fake news, lateral reading, and using AI to check sources
25:18 Parents’ role in supporting students’ digital literacy

Sam Wineburg is the Margaret Jacks Professor, Emeritus, of Education at Stanford Graduate School of Education, where his research focused on how people assess the credibility of digital content. To learn more about his work, visit his faculty profile.

School’s In is your go-to podcast for cutting-edge insights and fresh perspectives on the future of learning. Hosted by Stanford Graduate School of Education Dean Dan Schwartz and Senior Lecturer Denise Pope, each episode dives into the latest research, innovations, and real-world challenges shaping education today.

Stanford GSE is at the forefront of education research and teacher preparation, dedicated to advancing equitable, accessible, and impactful learning experiences for all.

Stay connected with the latest insights – subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Threads.

View Details

How does the average person interact with their cell phone? And what does this say about the way we process information?

On this episode of School’s In, we welcome Stanford Professor Nilam Ram to discuss his research into the digital lives -- specifically, cell phone use -- of teenagers and adults, and how these findings might be used to support awareness and positive change in a person's life. Ram covers several topics, including:

(03:17) What is the Human Screenome Project?
(08:33) Digital switching and the human brain
(16:50) Generational differences: The cell phone as behavioral mirror
(19:33) Cell phones and mental health
(23:16) Positive interventions, optimization, and ethics

Nilam Ram is a professor of psychology and communications at Stanford University, where his research focuses on how short-term changes, including processes like learning and information processing, develop across the lifespan, and how longitudinal studies help generate new knowledge.To learn more about his work, visit his faculty profile.

School’s In is your go-to podcast for cutting-edge insights and fresh perspectives on the future of learning. Hosted by Stanford Graduate School of Education Dean Dan Schwartz and Senior Lecturer Denise Pope, each episode dives into the latest research, innovations, and real-world challenges shaping education today.

Stanford GSE is at the forefront of education research and teacher preparation, dedicated to advancing equitable, accessible, and impactful learning experiences for all.

Stay connected with the latest insights – subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Threads.

View Details

How soon can reading challenges like dyslexia be identified in children? And what role can technology play in supporting teachers as they work to develop student literacy?

On this episode of School’s In, we welcome Stanford Graduate School of Education (GSE) Associate Professor Jason Yeatman to discuss advancements in dyslexia screening, and how teachers can use technology to ease the burden of assessment and focus on supporting student learning. Yeatman covers several topics, including:

02:42 What is dyslexia and why is early screening important?
09:11 Designing engaging assessments: Gamification research
16:52 Technology’s role: Supporting teacher expertise in literacy
21:05 Applying ROAR beyond the primary grades
23:34 ROAR at home: Data access for parents

Jason Yeatman is an associate professor at the GSE where his research focuses on understanding the mechanisms behind the learning process, especially as it relates to children with dyslexia, to help design effective literacy interventions for students with learning differences.

He is also director of the Stanford Brain Development and Education Lab, where he studies how a child’s experience with reading instruction shapes the development of brain circuits. To learn more about his work, visit his faculty profile.

School’s In is your go-to podcast for cutting-edge insights and fresh perspectives on the future of learning. Hosted by Stanford Graduate School of Education Dean Dan Schwartz and Senior Lecturer Denise Pope, each episode dives into the latest research, innovations, and real-world challenges shaping education today.

Stanford GSE is at the forefront of education research and teacher preparation, dedicated to advancing equitable, accessible, and impactful learning experiences for all.

Stay connected with the latest insights – subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Threads.

View Details

What does it mean to be a lifelong learner? And how might education and learning be reframed to enable flourishing across the lifespan?

On this episode of School’s In, we welcome Stanford Graduate School of Education (GSE) Professor Mitchell Stevens to discuss the nature of work and learning in a world where people are living and working longer. We also touch on how parents and educators can prepare young people for futures that might involve multiple careers and continuous learning over the course of a lifetime. Stevens covers several topics, including:

03:20 The impact of longevity on education and work
05:48 Rethinking our front-loaded education system
07:53 Lifelong careers as a thing of the past
11:26 Early learning matters more than ever
14:58 Beyond “skills”: Identity and reinvention across the lifespan
19:42 Who pays for lifelong learning? A new social contract

Mitchell Stevens is a professor at the GSE where his research focuses on lifelong learning, alternative forms of education, and the formal organization of knowledge. He is also co-director of the Stanford Center on Longevity. To learn more about his work, visit his faculty profile.

School’s In is your go-to podcast for cutting-edge insights and fresh perspectives on the future of learning. Hosted by Stanford Graduate School of Education Dean Dan Schwartz and Senior Lecturer Denise Pope, each episode dives into the latest research, innovations, and real-world challenges shaping education today.

Stanford GSE is at the forefront of education research and teacher preparation, dedicated to advancing equitable, accessible, and impactful learning experiences for all.

Stay connected with the latest insights – subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Threads.

View Details

Why is early childhood math important? And how can parents and teachers use research-backed, and play-based practices to encourage math learning?

On this episode of School’s In, we welcome Stanford Graduate School of Education (GSE) Professor Emerita Deborah Stipek to discuss why learning and practicing math is important for young children. We also touch on ways to engage young children in playful math and how parents can incorporate learning at home. Stipek covers several topics, including:

03:00 Early math as a predictor of academic achievement
07:09 Math anxiety: Overcoming barriers and making math fun
13:44 Everyday playful math for families
18:07 Transitional kindergarten and teacher preparation in early math
25:39 Early math resources for parents, caregivers, teachers, and teacher educators

Deborah Stipek is the chair of the Development and Research in Early Mathematics Education (DREME) Network, where she works with scholars and researchers to advance math learning and skill development for young children. She is also a professor emerita and former dean at the GSE, where her research focused on early childhood and elementary education, especially as it relates to math and motivation. To learn more about her work, visit her faculty profile.

For more information on the DREME Network, and to access their free resources for parents, teachers, and teacher educators, visit their website here.

School’s In is your go-to podcast for cutting-edge insights and fresh perspectives on the future of learning. Hosted by Stanford Graduate School of Education Dean Dan Schwartz and Senior Lecturer Denise Pope, each episode dives into the latest research, innovations, and real-world challenges shaping education today.

Stanford GSE is at the forefront of education research and teacher preparation, dedicated to advancing equitable, accessible, and impactful learning experiences for all.

Stay connected with the latest insights – subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Threads.

View Details

* Join us for our LIVE event May 21st on the Stanford campus. Details below. ***

How can schools apply the latest research to improve learning for all students? And how can parents, school leaders, and policymakers use that research to bring about change?

On this episode of School’s In, we welcome Stanford Graduate School of Education (GSE) Professor Susanna Loeb to discuss how to scale education research to have more influence in the world. We also touch on the importance of connecting research and practice, and ways parents can support students in their learning. Loeb covers several topics, including:

(2:31) What does it mean to “scale” in education?
(6:18) Why tutoring works—and who gets left out
(9:56) The importance of context in creating a plan that works
(12:44) Research that makes a difference
(16:01) How parents can get involved
(19:56) AI, policy, and the future of scaling knowledge in education

Susanna Loeb is a professor of education at the GSE, where her research focuses broadly on education policy and its role in improving educational opportunities for students. She is also faculty director of the SCALE Initiative at the Stanford Accelerator for Learning, and was the founding director of the Center for Education Policy Analysis at Stanford and co-director of Policy Analysis for California Education. To learn more about her work, visit her faculty profile.

School’s In is your go-to podcast for cutting-edge insights and fresh perspectives on the future of learning. Hosted by Stanford Graduate School of Education Dean Dan Schwartz and Senior Lecturer Denise Pope, each episode dives into the latest research, innovations, and real-world challenges shaping education today.

Stanford GSE is at the forefront of education research and teacher preparation, dedicated to advancing equitable, accessible, and impactful learning experiences for all.

Stay connected with the latest insights — subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Threads.

* School’s In is going LIVE for an episode on digital literacy in the AI era, featuring Sam Wineburg and a panel of expert guests. Join us for a reception, interactive event, and headphone giveaway on Wednesday, May 21st on the Stanford campus. Register here, and we hope to see you there! ***

View Details

* Join us for our LIVE event May 21st on the Stanford campus. Details below. ***

What is a healthy amount of homework for a student? And how can schools, teachers and parents help students live balanced lives?

On this episode of School’s In, we welcome California State Assemblywoman Pilar Schiavo to discuss the Healthy Homework Bill and students’ need to balance work and down time. We also touch on what parents, teachers and schools can do to support students when it comes to homework. Schiavo covers several topics, including:

(02:40) Why the Healthy Homework bill?
(04:54) Why homework? The pros and cons of homework
(12:29) What is the Healthy Homework bill and how does it work for schools?
(19:37) Homework, youth mental health, and family dynamics
(23:49) The characteristics of effective homework: The student point of view
(26:20) Key takeaways for parents, teachers, and schools

Pilar Schiavo is a California state assemblywoman for the 40th district, where she introduces and advocates for bills related to education, affordable housing, regional transportation, and healthcare, among others. To learn more about her work, visit her official website.

School’s In is your go-to podcast for cutting-edge insights and fresh perspectives on the future of learning. Hosted by Stanford Graduate School of Education (GSE) Dean Dan Schwartz and Senior Lecturer Denise Pope, each episode dives into the latest research, innovations, and real-world challenges shaping education today.

Stanford GSE is at the forefront of education research and teacher preparation, dedicated to advancing equitable, accessible, and impactful learning experiences for all.

Stay connected with the latest insights — subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Threads.

* School's In is going LIVE for an episode on digital literacy in the AI era, featuring Sam Wineburg and a panel of expert guests. Join us for a reception, interactive event, and headphone giveaway on Wednesday, May 21st on the Stanford campus. Register here, and we hope to see you there! ***

View Details

What are effective methods that support adult learning? And how can modern tools and technology help in that effort?

On this episode of School’s In, we welcome Associate Professor Candace Thille to discuss the research and design behind successful adult learning. We also touch on the importance of feedback, and how it can make AI and other technology more useful in educational settings. Thille covers several topics, including:

(3:02) The importance of feedback in learning technology
(5:30) Feedback and deliberate practice in learning
(7:50) Adult learning: Building on prior knowledge and experience
(9:58) Learning design: Targeting skills and knowledge for the adult learner
(13:11) AI, machine learning, and human agency
(21:00) The importance of motivation in learning design

Candace Thille is an associate professor at Stanford Graduate School of Education (GSE), where she studies the science of human learning, with a focus on the intersection of adult and machine learning. She is also the faculty director for the adult and workplace learning initiative at the Stanford Accelerator for Learning, and a faculty affiliate of the Stanford Neurosciences Interdepartmental Program.

To learn more about her work, visit her profile.

School’s In is your go-to podcast for cutting-edge insights and fresh perspectives on the future of learning. Hosted by Stanford Graduate School of Education (GSE) Dean Dan Schwartz and Senior Lecturer Denise Pope, each episode dives into the latest research, innovations, and real-world challenges shaping education today.

Stanford GSE is at the forefront of education research and teacher preparation, dedicated to advancing equitable, accessible, and impactful learning experiences for all.

Stay connected with the latest insights — subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Threads.

View Details

How can parents of young children best foster healthy development? And what role does real-time, actionable data play in designing tools and policies that support families and caregivers?

On this episode of School’s In, we welcome Professor Phil Fisher to discuss best practices for early childhood development and ways policymakers can help. We also touch on how the COVID-19 pandemic affected young children, their parents, and early childhood educators. Fisher covers several topics, including:

(2:17) The RAPID Survey: Learning about the lives of parents and caregivers of young children
(11:26) Using the data to make family-centered policy
(18:18) Practices that nurture development: The FIND project for caregiver coaching
(21:15) The dynamics of serve and return interactions
(24:16) Possible uses of AI in scaling up the coaching tools
(26:25) Key takeaways for parents and caregivers

Phil Fisher is a professor at Stanford Graduate School of Education (GSE), where he studies early childhood learning. His research focuses on developing and evaluating scalable early childhood interventions in communities, and translating research into policies and programs.

He is also the director of the Stanford Center on Early Childhood at the Stanford Accelerator for Learning, and the lead investigator in the ongoing RAPID-EC project, a national survey on the well-being of households with young children. To learn more about his work, visit his profile.

School’s In is your go-to podcast for cutting-edge insights and fresh perspectives on the future of learning. Hosted by Stanford Graduate School of Education (GSE) Dean Dan Schwartz and Senior Lecturer Denise Pope, each episode dives into the latest research, innovations, and real-world challenges shaping education today.

Stanford GSE is at the forefront of education research and teacher preparation, dedicated to advancing equitable, accessible, and impactful learning experiences for all.

Stay connected with the latest insights — subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Threads.

View Details

What should the average adult know in order to achieve financial literacy? And what role should schools play in helping students get there?

On this episode of School’s In, we welcome Professor Annamaria Lusardi to discuss the financial skills young people need to make wise decisions and fully participate in society. We also unpack a new bill passed in California to require financial literacy education for high school graduation. Lusardi covers several topics, including:

(02:25) What is financial literacy for students?
(07:36) The complexities of financial decision making
(12:50) The new financial literacy graduation requirement in California
(15:38) Equity issues in financial learning
(18:06) The effects of financial literacy on well-being and wealth

Annamaria Lusardi is a professor of finance at Stanford Graduate School of Business (GSB), where she studies the effectiveness of financial education programs on individuals’ financial decisions. Her research focuses on financial literacy and personal finance, and she has designed measurements of financial literacy that have been used around the world.

She is also the faculty director of the Initiative for Financial Decision-Making, a collaboration between the GSB, the Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research, and Stanford's economics department. To learn more about her work, visit her profile.

School’s In is your go-to podcast for cutting-edge insights and fresh perspectives on the future of learning. Hosted by Stanford Graduate School of Education (GSE) Dean Dan Schwartz and Senior Lecturer Denise Pope, each episode dives into the latest research, innovations, and real-world challenges shaping education today.

Stanford GSE is at the forefront of education research and teacher preparation, dedicated to advancing equitable, accessible, and impactful learning experiences for all.

Stay connected with the latest insights — subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Threads.

View Details

What are the positive and negative effects of cell phones in the classroom? And how might teachers and parents support thoughtful and constructive use of cell phones by students?

On this episode of School’s In, we welcome Associate Professor Antero Garcia to discuss cell phone bans in schools and opportunities for educators to integrate technology in the classroom. Garcia covers several topics, including:

(02:45) The ongoing debate about cell phone bans
(05:02) Balancing the pros and cons of different cell phone policies
(09:27) Practical classroom strategies
(11:32) Teen mental health and social connection
(17:54) California's cell phone policy: Preparing teachers to support student engagement

Antero Garcia is an associate professor at Stanford Graduate School of Education, where he explores the possibilities of speculative imagination and healing in educational research. His recent books include All Around the Town: The School Bus as Educational Technology and Civics for the World to Come: Committing to Democracy in Every Classroom.

He is also the president-elect of the National Council of Teachers of English, and was formerly a longtime English teacher in South Central L.A. To learn more about his work, visit his profile.

School’s In is your go-to podcast for cutting-edge insights and fresh perspectives on the future of learning. Hosted by Stanford Graduate School of Education (GSE) Dean Dan Schwartz and Senior Lecturer Denise Pope, each episode dives into the latest research, innovations, and real-world challenges shaping education today.

Stanford GSE is at the forefront of education research and teacher preparation, dedicated to advancing equitable, accessible, and impactful learning experiences for all.

Stay connected with the latest insights — subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Threads.

View Details

Why is public service a critical part of education in a democracy? And what are some barriers and pathways for students to engage in public service?

On this episode of School’s In, we welcome Adjunct Professor Tom Ehrlich to discuss civic participation, public service, and the role teachers play in American democracy. Ehrlich covers several topics, including:

(01:01) What is public service?
(04:33) What are the qualities of a good public servant?
(06:29) How can higher education institutions create pathways for students to engage in public service?
(15:22) The importance of role models in public service
(23:35) General advice and reflections

Tom Ehrlich is an adjunct professor at Stanford Graduate School of Education. He was formerly president of Indiana University, provost of University of Pennsylvania, and dean of Stanford Law School. Ehrlich also held leadership roles in government during six presidential administrations. He is the author of multiple books on leadership, public service, and higher education. To learn more about his work, visit his profile.

School’s In is your go-to podcast for cutting-edge insights and fresh perspectives on the future of learning. Hosted by Stanford Graduate School of Education (GSE) Dean Dan Schwartz and Senior Lecturer Denise Pope, each episode dives into the latest research, innovations, and real-world challenges shaping education today.

Stanford GSE is at the forefront of education research and teacher preparation, dedicated to advancing equitable, accessible, and impactful learning experiences for all.

Stay connected with the latest insights — subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Threads.

View Details

What positive tools, foundations, and concepts can educators pull from the past? And how might they be applied to create a better future for educators, students, and school systems?

On this episode of School’s In, we welcome Maisha Winn to discuss historical insights into education, the importance of establishing identity to student success, and how parents can help children connect to themselves and their communities. Winn covers several topics, including:

(02:44) The Black student experience and historical insights
(05:35) Identity, purpose, and direction in education
(10:22) The role of identity in education
(15:56) The futuring for equity lab and the institute for the future
(21:11) Practical tools for parents and children

Maisha Winn is the Excellence in Learning Professor at Stanford Graduate School of Education (GSE), and her research examines how under-resourced communities create practices, processes, and institutions of their own. She is also the faculty director of the Equity in Learning Initiative at the Stanford Accelerator for Learning, where she spearheads projects that address disparities in educational outcomes. To learn more about her work, visit her profile.

School’s In is your go-to podcast for cutting-edge insights and fresh perspectives on the future of learning. Hosted by Stanford Graduate School of Education (GSE) Dean Dan Schwartz and Senior Lecturer Denise Pope, each episode dives into the latest research, innovations, and real-world challenges shaping education today.

Stanford GSE is at the forefront of education research and teacher preparation, dedicated to advancing equitable, accessible, and impactful learning experiences for all.

Stay connected with the latest insights — subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Threads.

View Details

What does it take to be a successful entrepreneur in education? And how does one create an educational product or service that is profitable?

On this episode of School’s In, hosts Dan Schwartz and Denise Pope welcome Joy Chen, entrepreneur in residence at Stanford Graduate School of Education, to discuss entrepreneurship in education – its challenges, rewards, and impact. Chen covers several topics, including:

Her entrepreneurial journey, and what others can learn from her experience
Questions entrepreneurs should ask themselves before launching a company or product
The importance of hiring and valuing great people, and how to balance risks and rewards
How to create an educational product or service that is both profitable and meaningful to society
What investors look for in educational startups, and how these factors should shape entrepreneurs’ thinking

Joy Chen is an entrepreneur-in-residence at Stanford Graduate School of Education (GSE), where she collaborates with GSE professors, researchers, students, technologists, and innovators by leveraging her expertise to explore new ideas and opportunities in the education space. Previously, she worked for top consulting and Fortune 500 companies such as Ernst & Young, Verizon, and Microsoft, where she designed and developed digital learning, knowledge management, and professional development systems. To learn more about her work, visit her profile.

School’s In is your go-to podcast for cutting-edge insights and enlightening conversations in education.

Presented by the GSE, School’s In is hosted by GSE Dean Dan Schwartz and Senior Lecturer Denise Pope.

They invite you to join them as they navigate the complexities of post-pandemic education and discuss the latest research in teaching and learning.

Stanford GSE is a leader in education research and teaching, known for its commitment to pursuing equitable, accessible, and effective learning for all.

To keep up with our research, subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Threads.

View Details

How is the world of entrepreneurship driving innovation in education? And how can business strategies and creative thinking make learning more accessible for everyone?

On this episode of School’s In, hosts Dan Schwartz and Denise Pope welcome venture capital investor Sergio Monsalve to discuss the skills and dispositions that make great entrepreneurs, and how great ideas can be applied to education to create lasting change. Monsalve covers several topics, including:

Bringing people from education, business, and engineering together to create edtech solutions to educational challenges
Creating a good pitch and what investors typically look for
Balancing the pace of academic research and speed of iterative entrepreneurship
Navigating the tension between making a profit as a business and creating a product that is beneficial for students
Ensuring educational tools are affordable, scalable, and sustainable

Sergio Monsalve is a venture capital investor and a co-founder of the Entrepreneur-in-Residence program at Stanford Graduate School of Education (GSE). He is a founding partner of Roble Ventures, an early-stage technology venture capital fund where he enables entrepreneurs interested in helping people achieve economic mobility.

School’s In is your go-to podcast for cutting-edge insights and enlightening conversations in education.

Presented by the GSE, School’s In is hosted by GSE Dean Dan Schwartz and Senior Lecturer Denise Pope.

They invite you to join them as they navigate the complexities of post-pandemic education and discuss the latest research in teaching and learning.

Stanford GSE is a leader in education research and teaching, known for its commitment to pursuing equitable, accessible, and effective learning for all.

To keep up with our research, subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Threads.

View Details

How does unstable housing affect student success? And how can schools identify students in unstable housing and partner with community organizations to support them?

On this episode of School’s In, hosts Dan Schwartz and Denise Pope welcome Amy Gerstein, executive director of Stanford’s John W. Gardner Center for Youth and Their Communities, to discuss how unstable housing affects educational outcomes and why it’s imperative that schools look to the larger community for help. Gerstein talks about several topics, including:

The effects of unstable housing on students’ academic performance, attendance, and high school completion
Underreporting of unstable housing by students and families due to stigma, fear of repercussions, and lack of awareness of resources and support
How different definitions of homelessness complicate identification and resource allocation
What kinds of resources schools, districts, and community organizations should provide to have the most impact
How the community school model can be effective in integrating services like healthcare and housing support
Training to ensure school staff can identify and sensitively support at-risk youth.

Amy Gerstein is the executive director of the John W. Gardner Center for Youth and their Communities, which conducts research in partnership with school districts, nonprofits, foundations, and government agencies to advance equity for young people and the people around them. In her role, she provides strategic direction and works with community members across sectors. To learn more about her work, visit her profile.

School’s In is your go-to podcast for cutting-edge insights and enlightening conversations in education.

Presented by the Graduate School of Education (GSE), School’s In is hosted by GSE Dean Dan Schwartz and Senior Lecturer Denise Pope.

They invite you to join them as they navigate the complexities of post-pandemic education and discuss the latest research in teaching and learning.

Stanford GSE is a leader in education research and teaching, known for its commitment to pursuing equitable, accessible, and effective learning for all.

To keep up with our research, subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Threads.

View Details

How do creativity, tinkering, and hands-on learning support education? And can AI expand the possibilities for cultivating creativity in the classroom?

On this episode of School’s In, hosts Dan Schwartz and Denise Pope welcome Stanford Graduate School of Education (GSE) Senior Lecturer Karin Forssell to discuss AI and how Stanford is helping students navigate the technology through the GSE’s new AI Tinkery, a maker space focused on the use of AI in education. Forssell covers several touch points, including:

What goes into creating a successful makerspace
The learning outcomes that come as a result of creating things
How generative AI can be used to create classroom tools and lesson plans
The importance of learning how to collaborate and creatively think through problems
How to discuss and teach the ethics of using AI in classroom settings

Karin Forssell is a senior lecturer and the director of the GSE’s Learning Design and Technology master’s program. She also directs the GSE’s Makery, a Stanford maker space where students and faculty learn to make, and make to learn. In her courses, she teaches students to use research from the learning sciences and learning-centered design processes to create effective digital tools. To learn more about her work, visit her faculty profile.

School’s In is your go-to podcast for cutting-edge insights and enlightening conversations in education.

Presented by the GSE, School’s In is hosted by GSE Dean Dan Schwartz and Senior Lecturer Denise Pope.

They invite you to join them as they navigate the complexities of post-pandemic education and discuss the latest research in teaching and learning.

Stanford GSE is a leader in education research and teaching, known for its commitment to pursuing equitable, accessible, and effective learning for all.

To keep up with our research, subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Threads.

View Details

How effective are new education tools and technology in the classroom? And how does one get into the business of creating them?

On this episode of School’s In, hosts Dan Schwartz and Denise Pope welcome Stanford Accelerator for Learning Executive Director Isabelle Hau to discuss the efficacy of tech tools in schools, and what can happen when the goals of public good and profit collide. Hau sheds light on several facets of the industry, including:

What’s driving the growth in edtech investment
Challenges schools face in adoption, including low usage of new tools, equity gaps due to funding models, and a lack of evidence-based decision-making tools for school decision makers
How to balance for-profit motivations with the best interests of students and teachers
Opportunities for edtech developers to innovate successfully, including tips for development, funding, and how to align innovations with research for better outcomes
A look to future edtech solutions that ensure equitable access, measurable impact, and adaptability in a changing landscape that includes AI-driven tools

Isabelle Hau is the executive director of the Stanford Accelerator for Learning, and in her role she works with scholars, students and external collaborators to leverage the latest advances in brain and learning sciences. In addition to spearheading the Accelerator’s university-led initiative to improve educational outcomes for children and adults, she has worked at the intersection of philanthropy, impact investing in education, for more than 20 years. To learn more about her work, visit her website.

School’s In is your go-to podcast for cutting-edge insights and enlightening conversations in education.

Presented by Stanford Graduate School of Education (GSE), School’s In is hosted by GSE Dean Dan Schwartz and Senior Lecturer Denise Pope.

They invite you to join them as they navigate the complexities of post-pandemic education and discuss the latest research in teaching and learning.

Stanford GSE is a leader in education research and teaching, known for its commitment to pursuing equitable, accessible, and effective learning for all.

To keep up with our research, subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Threads.

View Details

What role will AI tools play in the classroom? And how can the technology be used to support teachers?

On this episode of School’s In, hosts Dan Schwartz and Denise Pope welcome Stanford Graduate School of Education (GSE) Assistant Professor Dora Demszky to discuss using artificial intelligence as a tool for giving feedback to teachers, with the goal of supporting continuous improvement in their practice. Demszky covers several ways in which AI can be used to empower teachers, including:

Highlighting moments in a teacher’s lesson for them to revisit and reflect upon
Reinforcing practices that help develop a growth mindset in students
Strengthening the practice of building on student ideas to help students feel heard
Providing examples from other instructors to create a shared community for professional learning
Leveraging future applications to support multilingual learners

Dora Demszky is an assistant professor of data science and her research centers on developing natural language processing methods to support equitable and student-centered instruction. She has developed tools to give feedback to teachers on dialogic instructional practices, to analyze representation in textbooks, among others. To learn more about her research, visit her faculty profile.

School’s In is your go-to podcast for cutting-edge insights and enlightening conversations in education.

Presented by Stanford Graduate School of Education (GSE), School’s In is hosted by GSE Dean Dan Schwartz and Senior Lecturer Denise Pope.

They invite you to join them as they navigate the complexities of post-pandemic education and discuss the latest research in teaching and learning.

Stanford GSE is a leader in education research and teaching, known for its commitment to pursuing equitable, accessible, and effective learning for all.

To keep up with our research, subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Threads.

View Details

What roles do empathy and compassion play in our ability to have healthy relationships? And what does it look like to apply those concepts to oneself?

On this episode of School’s In, hosts Dan Schwartz and Denise Pope welcome Stanford Psychology Professor Jamil Zaki to discuss compassion, empathy, and what our perceptions of the world say about us. Zaki touches on several related matters, including:

The science of self compassion and its effect on mental health
How schools and communities can develop empathy in young people and encourage them to practice it
Tools for cooperation and collaboration in the midst of division
How cynicism reflects bias, rather than wisdom, and why it helps to be hopeful

Professor Jamil Zaki’s research examines the neuroscience behind decision making, self regulation, social cognition, and perception, among other social and behavioral functions. He is also the principal investigator for the Stanford Social Neuroscience Laboratory, which studies the cognitive bases of social behaviors. To learn more about his research, visit his faculty profile.

If you or someone you know is struggling with their emotional health, the National Institute of Mental Health lists resources on their webpage.

School’s In is your go-to podcast for cutting-edge insights and enlightening conversations in education.

Presented by Stanford Graduate School of Education (GSE), School’s In is hosted by GSE Dean Dan Schwartz and Senior Lecturer Denise Pope.

They invite you to join them as they navigate the complexities of post-pandemic education and discuss the latest research in teaching and learning.

Stanford GSE is a leader in education research and teaching, known for its commitment to pursuing equitable, accessible, and effective learning for all.

To keep up with our research, subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Threads.

View Details

What are the largest threats to mental health facing modern teens? And how can parents, educators, and other adults help them thrive despite their challenges?

On this episode of School’s In, hosts Dan Schwartz and Denise Pope welcome Assistant Professor Farzana (Saleem) Adjah to discuss racial trauma and stress and the effect that it has on student mental health. Adjah covers several relevant topics, including:

How trauma and racial bias shows up in schools
How educators can adopt a culturally-responsive, trauma-informed lens when interacting with students
What research-backed, group-based interventions help promote healing and resistance to further harm
How to empower young people to name what’s happening to them, resist harm, respond, and ultimately thrive

Assistant Professor Farzana Adjah’s research examines the influence of racial stressors and culturally-relevant practices on the psychological health, academic success, and well-being of Black adolescents and other youth of color. Her work focuses on factors in the family, school, and community contexts that can help youth manage the consequences of racial stress and trauma. To learn more about her research, visit her faculty profile.

If you or someone you know is struggling with their emotional health, the National Institute of Mental Health lists resources on their webpage.

School’s In is your go-to podcast for cutting-edge insights and enlightening conversations in education.

Presented by Stanford Graduate School of Education (GSE), School’s In is hosted by GSE Dean Dan Schwartz and Senior Lecturer Denise Pope.

They invite you to join them as they navigate the complexities of post-pandemic education and discuss the latest research in teaching and learning.

Stanford GSE is a leader in education research and teaching, known for its commitment to pursuing equitable, accessible, and effective learning for all.

To keep up with our research, subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Threads.

View Details

What are some of the most serious mental health challenges facing our young people today? And how can we create the support that they really need?

On this episode of School’s In, hosts Dan Schwartz and Denise Pope welcome Dr. Steven Adelsheim, clinical professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Stanford School of Medicine, as they discuss how the pandemic affected students’ mental health. Steven works on several facets of youth mental health, including:

What’s behind rising rates of anxiety, depression, other mental health issues
The development of statewide mental health systems, including those focused on schools
Early detection and intervention programs for young people both in school and in primary care
Supporting community behavioral health partnerships locally and at scale

Clinical Professor Steven Adelsheim is a child/adolescent and adult psychiatrist and the director of the Stanford Center for Youth Mental Health and Wellbeing in the Department of Psychiatry. His work focuses on early mental health intervention for young people, integrated health care models and decreasing stigma surrounding mental health issues. To learn more about his research, visit his faculty profile.

If you or someone you know is struggling with their emotional health, the National Institute of Mental Health lists resources on their webpage.

School’s In is your go-to podcast for cutting-edge insights and enlightening conversations in education.

Presented by Stanford Graduate School of Education (GSE), School’s In is hosted by GSE Dean Dan Schwartz and Senior Lecturer Denise Pope.

They invite you to join them as they navigate the complexities of post-pandemic education and discuss the latest research in teaching and learning.

Stanford GSE is a leader in education research and teaching, known for its commitment to pursuing equitable, accessible, and effective learning for all.

To keep up with our research, subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Threads.

Never miss an episode! Subscribe to School’s in on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

View Details

How do we use AI responsibly? And how do we prepare students to navigate a world where AI plays such a central role?

On this episode of School’s In, hosts Dan Schwartz and Denise Pope welcome Associate Professor Victor Lee as they discuss the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) in education and its implications for how we teach and learn. Victor’s research addresses several topics in the future of education, including:

How generative AI can be integrated into classrooms
The potential AI has to both enhance and complicate the learning process
How to create and use future-facing educational design tools
Preparing students for the modern world through equitable access to AI

Associate Professor Victor Lee is the faculty lead for the Stanford Accelerator for Learning's initiative on AI and Education. His research focuses on learning experiences and resources for data literacy, K-12 data science education, and artificial intelligence literacy for both students and teachers. To learn more about his research, visit his faculty profile.

School’s In is your go-to podcast for cutting-edge insights and enlightening conversations in education.

Presented by Stanford Graduate School of Education (GSE), GSE Dean Dan Schwartz and Senior Lecturer Denise Pope invite you to join them as they navigate the complexities of post-pandemic education and discuss the latest research in teaching and learning.

Stanford GSE is a leader in education research and teaching, known for its commitment to pursuing equitable, accessible, and effective learning for all.

To keep up with our research, subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Threads.

Never miss an episode! Subscribe to School’s In on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

View Details

Who was hardest hit by learning loss due to the COVID-19 pandemic? And what can states, teachers, and parents do to help students recover?

On this episode of School’s In, hosts Dan Schwartz and Denise Pope welcome Professor Sean Reardon as they discuss educational inequalities exacerbated by the pandemic, and what’s needed to chart a path forward. Sean’s research sheds light on key issues, including:

The impact of poverty and inequality on educational opportunities
What subject showed the most learning loss in during the pandemic
How learning recovery has looked in low- and higher-income communities
How parents can can work with teachers to advocate for their children
What states can do to step in and support learning recovery

Professor Sean Reardon is the Professor of Poverty and Inequality in Education at Stanford’s Graduate School of Education, Senior Fellow at the Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research and Professor, by courtesy, of Sociology. His research focuses on the causes, patterns, trends, and consequences of social and educational inequality. To learn more about his research, visit his faculty profile.

School’s In is your go-to podcast for cutting-edge insights and enlightening conversations in education.

Presented by Stanford Graduate School of Education (GSE), GSE Dean Dan Schwartz and Senior Lecturer Denise Pope invite you to join them as they navigate the complexities of post-pandemic education and discuss the latest research in teaching and learning.

Stanford GSE is a leader in education research and teaching, known for its commitment to pursuing equitable, accessible, and effective learning for all.

To keep up with our research, subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Threads.

Never miss an episode! Subscribe to School’s In on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

View Details

How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected student learning and school attendance? And how can parents, teachers, and schools help students recover?

On this episode of School’s In, hosts Dan Schwartz and Denise Pope welcome Professor Tom Dee as they tackle these challenges of the post-pandemic learning world. Tom’s research sheds light on key issues, including:

The substantial learning loss during the pandemic, especially in math
The possible effects of pandemic disruption on our youngest learners, who are still outside testing windows
What factors are driving persistent chronic absenteeism among students
Low-cost, scalable strategies to improve school attendance
The importance of using targeted, evidence-based strategies and teaching methods to improve student achievement

Professor Thomas S. Dee is the Barnett Family Professor at Stanford’s Graduate School of Education. His research focuses on the use of quantitative methods to inform contemporary issues of public policy and practice. To learn more about his research, visit his faculty profile.

School’s In is your go-to podcast for cutting-edge insights and enlightening conversations in education. Presented by Stanford Graduate School of Education (GSE), School’s In is hosted by GSE Dean Dan Schwartz and Senior Lecturer Denise Pope. They invite you to join them as they navigate the complexities of post-pandemic education and discuss the latest research in teaching and learning.

Stanford GSE is a leader in education research and teaching, known for its commitment to pursuing equitable, accessible, and effective learning for all. To keep up with our research, subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Threads.

Never miss an episode! Subscribe to School’s in on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

View Details

Welcome to School’s In: Insights on Education! Whether you're a long-time listener or new to our podcast, we're excited to have you join us. School's In returns August 15th, bringing you the latest research and cutting-edge insights into all things learning.

This season we dive into some of the most pressing topics in education today. From AI in education to youth mental health to chronic absenteeism in post-pandemic school communities, we've got it covered.

Hosts Dean Dan Schwartz and Senior Lecturer Denise Pope welcome expert guests to provide fresh perspectives and practical advice for educators, parents, caregivers, and anyone passionate about learning.

Subscribe now and never miss an episode. We can't wait to share this new season with you!

Presented by the Stanford Graduate School of Education.

View Details

Dion Burns and Naomi Ondrasek, researchers with the Learning Policy Institute, talk about the challenges of identifying and supporting students facing housing insecurity.

View Details

Grace Gengoux, director of the Autism Intervention Clinic at Stanford, talks about an effective approach to therapy for children on the autism spectrum.

View Details

Tara VanDerveer, head coach of the Stanford women’s basketball team, discusses the anniversary of Title IX and its impact on girls in sports.

View Details

Child advocate and researcher Geoffrey Canada talks about the Harlem Children's Zone, a model program he founded to help break the cycle of intergenerational poverty.

View Details

Anne Charity Hudley talks about how Black students navigate the designated parameters of language in higher education.

View Details

Jonas Miller, a researcher focused on brain functioning in young children, talks about the long-term effects of early childhood experiences.

View Details

Stanford anthropologist Roberta Katz shares some good news about the generation that grew up alongside the internet.

View Details

Phil Halperin, co-founder and executive director of California Education Partners, talks about how to make a difference in education through philanthropy and advocacy.

View Details

Yvonne Maldonado, MD, shares the latest science on the impact of the coronavirus on kids.

View Details

Ted Lempert, president of Children Now and a former member of the California State Assembly, discusses key ways parents and others can build coalitions that support children’s health, education, and welfare.

View Details

Eric Hanushek, who recently was awarded the Yidan Prize for his research in education, explains how research can bolster educational attainment globally.

View Details

Online education is experiencing a revival, but pitfalls remain. Matthew Rascoff, vice provost for digital education at Stanford, explains what’s ahead.

View Details

Chris Piech, an assistant professor of computer science education at Stanford, discusses teaching computer code to 10,000 students without losing the personal touch.

View Details

Stanford Professor William Damon, who made a startling discovery about his father later in life, explains how exploring your past can help you find purpose in your present.

View Details

Emily J. Levine, author of the new book Allies and Rivals, explores the history behind modern research universities and the lessons it offers for academic leaders today.

View Details

Psychologist Geoffrey Cohen discusses what teachers can do to help students feel a sense of belonging, and how that feeling propels learning.

View Details

Mindfulness expert Emma Seppälä explains how young people and adults alike can benefit from learning restorative practices like meditation.

View Details

Education professor Glenn Kleiman outlines the main levers to change school systems for the better.

View Details

Stanford professor Alfredo J. Artiles talks about how disability intersects with race, gender, and social class in education.

View Details

A new study from Stanford researchers shows that the content in college essays strongly correlates with income and SAT scores. Our guests discuss what this means for fairness in college admissions.

View Details

Denise Pope talks about COVID-19’s impact on students’ mental health and engagement with school.

View Details

Stanford sociologist Matthew Snipp talks about teaching race and ethnic relations in America.

View Details

Why are some schools open for in-person learning while others aren’t? Stanford Professor Bill Koski talks about the challenges in reopening schools, from legal issues to infrastructure problems, and who (or what) is to blame for those that remain shuttered to students.

View Details

Christopher J. Thomas explains why education in the developing world matters for everyone.

View Details

Karen Biestman talks about a framework long used by indigenous communities that can help students, parents and teachers better understand one another.

View Details

Stanford education professor Chris Lemons discusses how parents and teachers can support students with learning disabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic.

View Details

Stanford Professor Sam Wineburg helps teachers and students discern fact from fiction online.

View Details

Stanford alumnus Travis Bristol talks about what it takes for schools to recruit and retain teachers of color.

View Details

Stanford education professor Antero Garcia discusses civic engagement in times of COVID-19 and political division.

View Details

Ramón Martínez shares unexpected opportunities for English learners during a time of remote schooling.

View Details

Tom Dee, professor at Stanford Graduate School of Education, discusses "the summer slide" and how to keep learning happening when kids are out of school.

View Details

Dr. Yvonne 'Bonnie' Maldonado, Stanford Professor of Pediatrics and Infectious Diseases discusses what parents and guardians should know before sending their kids back to school during the COVID-19 pandemic.

View Details

The coronavirus pandemic is forcing us to make difficult choices about school, work, personal health, and mental well-being. How do we make good decisions in tough times? Political scientist Rob Reich, who teaches courses on ethics, walks us through a framework.

View Details

Stanford Graduate School of Education's Chief Inclusion Officer Eric Abrams discusses promoting diversity and inclusion using effective approaches that foster open intercultural communication.

Originally aired on SiriusXM on August 8, 2020.

View Details

Stanford education Professor Mitchell Stevens discusses the future of online learning at universities.

View Details

Stanford communication Professor Jeff Hancock discusses what parents should know about deep fakes, social media, and screen use during COVID-19.

View Details

Dan and Denise—the hosts of School's In—answer your most frequently asked questions about education.

View Details

Associate professor of education Victor Lee discusses how teachers can integrate data science into their lesson plans, even for children in younger grades.

View Details

Sujata Patel—clinical assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Stanford—gives guidance on how to manage difficult topics with kids and teens.

View Details

Harry Elam, a senior administrator and humanities professor at Stanford University, joins hosts Dan Schwartz and Denise Pope to discuss how colleges are responding to the coronavirus pandemic.

View Details

Milbrey McLaughlin - Stanford GSE professor of higher education, emerita - explains how some schools become the center of community life by providing academic, social, health, and overall wellness support—and how that may be a model COVID-19 recovery.

View Details

Heather Hough, executive director of the Stanford research center Policy Analysis for California Education (PACE), discusses what decisions policymakers and school leaders are considering as they look to restart schools amidst COVID-19. Originally aired on SiriusXM on May 9, 2020.

View Details

Rabbi Patricia Karlin-Neumann talks about the difficult emotions that children and young adults experience during times of bereavement. Originally aired on SiriusXM on May 9, 2020.

View Details

Guest speaker Larry Cuban - Stanford professor of education, emeritus - provides a historical perspective on school reform to help inform which innovations in teaching and learning that have come out of COVID-19 may stay with us long after the pandemic is over.

View Details

Guest speaker Jelena Obradovic - an associate professor at Stanford Graduate School of Education - discusses spending time at home with young children (toddlers and Pre-K) in the stages of early learning.

View Details

Denise and Dan speak with Professor Maria Araceli Ruiz-Primo about grading, testing, and other assessments during the novel coronavirus pandemic when schools are closed and many schools have moved to teaching online.

View Details

Guest speaker Michael Hines - assistant professor of education at Stanford GSE - discusses how Chicago schools managed classes during the polio crisis that closed schools in the city in the 1930s, as well as provides strategies for teachers and parents in the context of the coronavirus pandemic.

View Details

Professor Jonathan Rosa joins Dan and Denise to discuss how school communities are coping with the novel coronavirus pandemic, and what issues may emerge during recovery.

View Details

Guest speaker Maya Rossin-Slater—an assistant professor of medicine at Stanford University and Senior Fellow at the Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research—discusses the long-term mental health impacts on survivors of fatal mass shootings.

View Details

Amado Padilla, a professor of education at Stanford GSE, explains the challenges of helping kids who live in trailer parks to thrive and compete academically with their peers who come from wealthier communities.

View Details

Anthony Antonio - associate professor of education at the Stanford Graduate School of Education - discusses how friendships and relational networks matter for academic and social success in college.

View Details

Michael Hines - an assistant professor in the School of Education - discusses the value of teaching cultural history classes in the twentieth century.

View Details

Laura Wentworth, the Stanford-SFUSD Partnership Director for the Stanford Center to Support Excellence in Teaching (CSET), discusses the value and challenges of conducting research in a public school setting.

View Details

Guest speaker Jennifer Langer-Osuna discusses guiding students to a healthy math identity through relationships with peers and teachers.

View Details

Guest speaker Professor Francis Pearman explains the impacts of pre-k studies on 3rd-grade achievement in low-income environments.

View Details

Can educator's restorative practices reduce student suspensions in public schools? Peter Williamson - an Associate Professor (Teaching) of Education at Stanford University and Faculty Director of the Stanford Teacher Education Program (STEP) for Secondary Teachers - discusses the question with our hosts.

View Details

Eric Burmeister - Menlo Park, CA, Superintendent of Schools - talks about his top priorities as a change maker in raising student achievement levels through innovation and strategic leadership.

View Details

Hosts Dan Schwartz and Denise Pope have a discussion with John Willinsky, examining the feasibility of publishing cooperatives that bring together libraries, journals, scholarly societies, and other institutions as a financially sustainable open access model for peer-reviewed scholarly publishing.

View Details

Do brain-training exercises really work to strengthen memory and learning as we get older? Guest Laura Carstensen, Director of the Stanford Center on Longevity and Stanford professor of Public Policy, weighs in on the conversation.

View Details

Patricia Bromley, an assistant professor at the Stanford Graduate School of Education, discusses how textbooks incorporate attitudes and ways of looking at the world.

View Details

Ramón Martínez, an assistant professor at the Stanford Graduate School of Education, discusses how early exposure to multiple languages and code switching can enhance children’s communication skills, even when children are effectively monolingual.

View Details

Tomás Jiménez, an associate professor of sociology and comparative studies in race and ethnicity at Stanford University, discusses how immigrants choose to move to certain areas based on the school system and how those immigrant communities change the schools themselves.

View Details

Jonathan Osborne, a professor of science education, emeritus at the Stanford Graduate School of Education, talks about teaching science in K-12 schools. As an author of the Next Generation Science Standards, he is responsible for many of the changes in how kids learn science today.

View Details

Thomas Ehrlich, an adjunct professor at the Stanford Graduate School of Education, discusses the history of how student activism has led to social change.

View Details

Rebecca Silverman, an associate professor at the Stanford Graduate School of Education, explains what the reading wars are and provides advice on teaching children how to read.

View Details

Dennis Wall, an associate professor of pediatrics, psychiatry, and biomedical data sciences at the Stanford School of Medicine, talks about understanding different levels of autism in kids, and how to diagnose and treat them.

View Details

U.S. Rep. Chrissy Houlahan, '89, discusses how she became interested in politics, what it was like to teach high school chemistry and how to help develop educational leaders. This episode of School's In was recorded live in front of an audience of Stanford alumni and friends in Washington, D.C. as part of the Stanford Graduate School of Education's Improving Lives Through Learning tour.

View Details

Stanford Graduate School of Education Dean Dan Schwartz talks with co-host Denise Pope about the role of artificial intelligence in our everyday lives and its impact on child learning and education.

View Details

Rafael Pelayo is a clinical professor and sleep specialist at the Stanford Center for Sleep Sciences and Medicine. On this episode of School's In, he discusses why sleep is so important and what it does for the brain.

View Details

Jonathan Rosa is a linguistic anthropologist and an assistant professor at the Stanford Graduate School of Education. He discusses how language and race intersect, and how teachers can approach these language differences in the classroom.

View Details

Elizabeth Kozleski is the dean’s senior scholar for teaching and learning at the Stanford Graduate School of Education. On this episode, she discusses inclusiveness, learning differences and how children are tracked into special education classrooms.

View Details

Kathryn Moeller is a visiting assistant professor at the Lemann Center at the Stanford Graduate School of Education. She is the author of the 2018 book, "The Gender Effect: Capitalism, Feminism, and the Corporate Politics of Development." She discusses the global effort to educate girls and women and how empowerment programs are sometimes based on questionable evidence.

View Details

Karin Forssell, director of the Learning, Design and Technology program at the Stanford Graduate School of Education, explains the purpose of maker spaces and how technology is used in the classroom.

View Details

How should policymakers decide how to shape the education system? Research should be a critical starting point, says Heather Hough, executive director of Policy Analysis for California Education. On this episode, she discusses Getting Down to Facts II, which is a new report that provides an analysis of what’s working and not working in California schools.

View Details

Michael Frank, associate professor of psychology at Stanford, discusses research on how children learn language and develop speech skills. He shares some tips on what parents and educators can do to provide kids with an excellent environment for learning and understanding language.

View Details

Dan Schwartz, Dean of the Stanford Graduate School of Education, talks with his co-host, Senior Lecturer Denise Pope, about college rankings, how they are determined, and whether it is important to choose a school that is high on one of the many lists create college hierarchies.

View Details

Shelley Goldman, associate dean for faculty at the Stanford Graduate School of Education, and Piya Sorcar, CEO of the nonprofit TeachAIDS,

tell us about concussions during school sports, how to identify them, and talking to students about understanding and reporting concussions.

View Details

Teresa LaFromboise, professor of education in Development and Psychological Sciences at Stanford, talks about the challenges facing schools with a predominantly Native American population and how those communities are addressing those problems.

View Details

Francisco Ramirez, professor at the Stanford Graduate School of Education, tells us about the politics behind textbooks and how changes in textbooks reflect a national outlook.

View Details

Amika Guillaume of East Palo Alto Academy gives us insight into the daily life of a principal. She also discusses some of the challenges in helping first generation students get into college and the importance of professional development for teachers aiming to improve education outcomes.

View Details

Keith Devlin, Stanford mathematician and NPR Weekend Edition “Math Guy," talks about how learning math in the classroom is evolving and why it is more important for students to understand math concepts than it is to repeatedly solve equations.

View Details

Ira Lit, director of Stanford’s Elementary Teacher Education Program, discusses how parents can prepare their kids for school and some of the ways teachers can prepare to meet the needs of their students.

View Details

Kenji Hakuta, professor emeritus at the Stanford Graduate School of Education, talks about how the Common Core educational standards were set and why standards exist in the first place.

View Details

Jennifer Wolf, senior lecturer at the Stanford Graduate School of Education, discusses young adult literature, banned books, and whether or not it is easy to find the next big hit in the genre that spawned recent classics like Harry Potter and The Hunger Games.

View Details

Mitchell Stevens, associate professor at the Stanford Graduate School of Education, shares his expertise on college path planning and how the use of a web-based tool called Carta is helping students plan their college course trajectory.

View Details

Ari Kelman, the Jim Joseph Chair in Education and Jewish Studies and associate professor at the Stanford Graduate School of Education , discusses religion in schools, the sense of belonging faith creates, and how people learn about religion following an epiphany.

View Details

Linda Darling-Hammond, President and CEO of the Learning Policy Institute and professor emeritus at the Stanford Graduate School of Education, shares her top five suggestions to improve America’s schools and prepare students to compete for 21st century jobs.

View Details

Shashank Joshi, associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at the Stanford School of Medicine, discusses how schools are tackling mental health issues and how teachers and school staff are being trained to identify at-risk students.

View Details

Michael Kirst, California State Board of Education president and professor emeritus of education and business administration at Stanford, shares his insights on how schools are funded and why they are financed that way.

View Details

David Labaree, professor at the Stanford Graduate School of Education, gives us a historical perspective on how and why America’s college and university systems developed from the pre-Revolutionary War times into the present.

View Details

Janet Carlson, associate professor at the Stanford Graduate School of Education, talks about her work to improve education in the classroom through professional development offerings for teachers.

View Details

Jim Shelton, head of the education arm of the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, discusses that organization's efforts to improve education through smart investment.

View Details

Keith Coleman, Chief Strategy Officer at the Tesla Foundation, a science and tech think tank dealing with autonomous innovations in our culture, sits down for a conversation.

View Details

Thomas Schnaubelt, the executive director of the Haas Center for Public Service at Stanford, explains how service learning differs from community service, and what benefits students get from combing service and scholarship.

View Details

Martin Carnoy, professor at the Stanford Graduate School of Education, says international rankings can mislead the public into believing that America has a terrible education system. Carnoy explains how to understand the rankings, including what to believe and what to be skeptical about.

View Details

Anne Fernald, a developmental psychologist who directs the Language Learning Lab at Stanford University, explains why it's important to talk to your kids, even when they are infants. Fernald's research shows that babies who are spoken to in an engaging and nurturing way tend to develop faster word processing skills, which helps their development more generally.

View Details

Benjamin Domingue, assistant professor at the Stanford Graduate School of Education, talks about his research into the impact your genes might have on your education.

View Details

Nicole Ardoin, an associate professor at the Stanford Graduate School of Education and the Woods Institute for the Environment, discusses how learning about the outdoors and environment can have a positive impact on kids in the classroom and beyond.

View Details

Inge Hansen, clinical psychologist and director of the Weiland Health Initiative at Stanford, shares her expertise on gender and sexuality and provides tips for how schools can meet the needs of all students.

View Details

Deborah Budd, chancellor of the San José-Evergreen Community College District, discusses the importance of community colleges in helping students build the educational and technical skills necessary to compete in an evolving economy.

View Details

Guadalupe Valdes, the Bonnie Katz Tenenbaum Professor of Education at Stanford, discusses successful ways to help students improve English skills, learning a new language, and preparing them for a world where being bilingual will be a benefit in the workforce.

View Details

Richard Shaw, dean of admission and financial aid at Stanford, discusses the college admissions process and how it works.

View Details

Bill Damon, professor at the Stanford Graduate School of Education, talks about the importance of purpose, how to find purpose, and harness it to achieve goals.

View Details

Claude Steele, emeritus professor at the Stanford Graduate School of Education, discusses stereotype threat, how preconceived notions can impact academic performance, and what students, parents, and teachers can do to address the issues that arise because of it.

View Details

Shelley Goldman, professor at the Stanford Graduate School of Education, explains design learning and how it is being used in the classroom to encourage a more creative thinking process.

View Details

Neville Golden, the Marron and Mary Elizabeth Kendrick Professor in Pediatrics at Stanford, talks about adolescent health and doctors' roles in keeping parents informed about the health of their children.

View Details

Gay Hoagland, the Stanford Graduate School of Education's director of leadership programs, discusses the importance of good leadership at schools, how students benefit, and what parents and teachers can do to support principals.

View Details

Allison Scott, chief research officer at the Kapor Center, talks about her organization's drive to expand computer science classes to more schools.

View Details

Sean Reardon, professor at the Stanford Graduate School of Education, shares how he is using big data from standardized test scores to measure the impact schools are having on learning.

View Details

Jelena Obradovic, associate professor at the Stanford Graduate School of Education, shares her discoveries on finding resiliencies in children, how kids respond to stress and what parents can do to help their children deal with stress.

View Details

Mark Applebaum, professor in the Stanford Department of Music, discusses the importance of discovering your own path when it comes to learning music.

View Details

Adam Carter, chief academic officer at Summit Schools, shares how personalized learning is being designed to help students thrive and reinvigorate teachers.

View Details

Susanna Loeb, associate professor at the Stanford Graduate School of Education, discusses Tips by Text, a program designed to help parents set aside time to engage their kids in learning activities.

View Details

Antero Garcia, assistant professor at the Stanford Graduate School of Education and author of "Good Reception: Teens, Teachers, and Mobile Media at Los Angeles High School," shares some of the the benefits and pitfalls of technology in the classroom.

View Details

Bryan Brown, associate professor at the Stanford Graduate School of Education, discusses the importance of communicating science to students and how the words you use can make a big difference for students trying to learn new scientific ideas.

View Details

Eamonn Callan, professor at the Stanford Graduate School of Education, talks about the importance of listening and trying to develop an understanding of people who you disagree with in order to build successful working relationships.

View Details

Thomas S. Dee, the Barnett Family Professor of Education at the Stanford Graduate School of Education, talks about how to tell whether holding your child back a year is the right thing to do.

View Details

Sarah Levine, assistant professor at the Stanford Graduate School of Education, discusses the importance of literature and why multiple choice exams aren't the best way to measure students' reading comprehension.

View Details

Caroline Winterer, director of the Stanford Humanities Center, talks about the importance of humanities education and why learning about the past is important for our collective future.

View Details

Philip Zimbardo, psychologist and a professor emeritus at Stanford, drops in for a conversation about bullying, overcoming shyness, and helping people in need.

View Details

Kelly McGonigal, health psychologist, Stanford lecturer, and the author of "The Upside of Stress," shares her insights on stress and why it isn't necessarily something to be avoided.

View Details

Larry Cuban, professor emeritus at the Stanford Graduate School of Education, discusses school reform and why some communities are resistant to making changes.

View Details

Bruce McCandliss, professor at the Stanford Graduate School of Education, tells us about how recent discoveries in neuroscience are reshaping our understanding of how our brains work and the impact that is having on classrooms.

View Details

Sal Khan, founder of Khan Academy, shares insights on how online materials will shape future classrooms.

View Details

Deborah Stipek, the Judy Koch Professor at the Stanford Graduate School of Education, gives us tips on what to look for in a preschool and managing early childhood learning at home.

View Details

Jo Boaler, professor at the Stanford Graduate School of Education, is working to show teachers, parents, and students that there is no such thing as "not being a math person". She shares her insights on how to improve math instruction and discusses the importance of creating a math curriculum for the 21st century.

View Details

Stanford Professor of Research Medicine Christopher Gardner discusses the importance of diet when it comes to learning, efforts to improve cafeteria selections in schools, and shares his tips on how to get picky eaters to try something new at the dinner table. Originally aired on June 10, 2017, on SiriusXM.

View Details

Sharon Ofek, Palo Alto Unified School District's chief academic officer of secondary education, discusses looking at homework differently.

View Details

Jeremy Bailenson, director of the Virtual Human Interaction Lab at Stanford, helps us understand the value of virtual reality for students, teachers, athletes, and parents.

View Details

Once seen as a summertime stand-in for school, summer camps have changed in many ways in recent years. Glen Tripp, founder and CEO of Camp Galileo, shares how the camp experience can lead to success outside of summer vacation and has advice on how to pick a camp that is right for your child.

View Details

Helping your kids to develop into well adjusted adults is arguably a parent's most important job. Former Stanford Dean of Freshmen and author Julie Lythcott-Haims tells us about the dangers of overparenting and shares advice on how to avoid it.

View Details

William Koski, director of Stanford Law School's Youth and Education Law Project, joins Dan and Denise for a discussion about the rights of students and parents when it comes to bullying, discipline, and ensuring a proper education for students with disabilities.

View Details

Dan Klein, lecturer in Stanford's drama department and the Graduate School of Business, shares some of the benefits that improv training can bring to our school, home, and professional lives.

View Details

Rachel Lotan, professor emeritus and former director of the Stanford Teacher Education Program, discusses whether working in groups helps students learn and how that translates to the workplace.

View Details

Byron Reeves, the Paul C. Edwards Professor of Communication at Stanford, talks about the benefits and drawbacks of task switching and whether gamification is a helpful skill-building tool.

View Details

Carl Wieman, professor at the Graduate School of Education and winner of the 2001 Nobel Prize in Physics, discusses the problems with the traditional college lecture and how to revolutionize the classroom experience.

View Details

Marily Oppezzo, PhD '13, and an instructor at the Stanford Prevention Research Center, discusses the impact that walking has on the learning process.

School's In: Recent Episodes

Denise Pope and Dan Schwartz / Stanford Radio