Educationally Speaking: Recent Episodes
Oakland Schools
Educationally Speaking is an Oakland Schools Intermediate School District broadcast which focuses on important local and national topics related to education.
Studies Have Shown That Early Childhood Education Programs Can Prepare Children To Develop The Academic, Social And Emotional Skills They Need To Succeed And Graduate High School.
Other Long-Term Benefits Of Early Childhood Education Can Include Earning Higher Grades And Having A Lifelong Love For Reading And Learning.
Studies Have Also Shown That Children Who Attend High-Quality Early Childhood Education Programs Can Develop An Improved Attention Span Which Can Lead To More Productivity In Their Adult Lives.
So What Programs Are Offered To Families With Children Aged Birth To Kindergarten?
What Does An Early Childhood Learning Environment Offer Its Students?
And How Is It All Funded?
We’ll Explore Those Topics And More In This Episode Of Educationally Speaking!
Host: Mark Edwards, Oakland Schools' Communications Specialist
Guests:Oakland Schools’ Director of Early Childhood Dr. Dawn Koger and Early Childhood Consultant Dr. Krista ShambleauProducer: Brian Beck, Oakland Schools' Media Production Specialist
Research shows that the fine arts enhance brain function by impacting brain wave patterns, emotions, and the nervous system while also raising serotonin levels. By using our creative abilities, we tap into multiple intelligences that support how we learn. Evidence suggests that students improve in math, reading, science, and other subjects when the arts are infused into a school's curriculum. So what artistic opportunities do K-12 students have available to them, how are these programs funded and what career opportunities do the fine arts provide? We’ll explore those topics and more in this episode of Educationally Speaking.
Host: Mark Edwards, Oakland Schools' Communications Specialist
Guest:Hedy Blatt, Oakland Schools’ Fine Arts Consultant
Producer: Brian Beck, Oakland Schools' Media Production Specialist
At some point in our life we have envisioned ourselves working in our dream job! To get there students need engaging, cutting-edge instruction that is rigorous and relevant. So what are the necessary steps needed to ensure that today's learner can achieve their career goals? Is Career and Technical Education the answer when it comes to landing a high-wage, high-skill, high-demand career? We’ll explore those topics and more in this episode of Educationally Speaking!
Host: Mark Edwards, Oakland Schools' Communications Specialist
Guest:Jarrad Grandy, Oakland Schools’ Executive Director of Student Services
Producer: Brian Beck, Oakland Schools' Media Production Specialist
We have all faced and overcome many challenges during the past couple of years. It’s safe to say our overall health and wellness are the most important aspects of our lives!
So how are Intermediate School Districts and Educational Service Agencies partnering together to ensure the overall well-being of staff and students is a long-term priority?
Host: Mark Edwards, Oakland Schools' Communications Specialist
Guest:Christina Harvey, Health Education Consultant for Oakland Schools
Producer: Brian Beck, Oakland Schools' Media Production Specialist
For over a century the greater Detroit area has served as a hub for designing and building automobiles and the region is poised to continue to be an automotive leader into the future.
With that said vehicles are not getting any simpler, they are equipped with computer chips and advanced technology making it nearly impossible to perform any personal maintenance outside of putting air in the tires.
It is important to have a certified auto technician to perform and oversee the maintenance on your vehicle.
Host: Mark Edwards, Oakland Schools' Communications Specialist
Guest: Juwan Willis, OSTC-NE Automotive Technology Instructor
Producer: Brian Beck, Oakland Schools' Media ProductionSpecialist
National Apprenticeship Week is a nationwide celebration where industry, labor, equity, workforce, education, and government leaders showcase the successes and value of registered apprenticeship for rebuilding our economy, advancing racial and gender equity, and supporting underserved communities.
Host: Mark Edwards, Oakland Schools' Communications Specialist
Guests: Paul Galbenski, Dean OSTC-Northeast
Jennifer Mefford, Director of Workforce Development, Must Construction Careers
Producer: Brian Beck, Oakland Schools' Media Production and Distance Learning Manager
We live in the information age. A world filled with modern technology has paved the way for multi-functional devices like the smartwatch and smartphone. Computers are increasingly faster, more portable, and higher-powered than ever before. With all of these advancements, information technology has also made our lives easier, faster, and overall better, it has especially increased the effectiveness and efficiency of the educational system. So where does productivity and security intersect? Information technology departments are tasked with creating digital security plans, backing up data, and checking for vulnerabilities to ensure the safety of users on their network.
Host: Mark Edwards, Oakland Schools' Communications Specialist
Guest: Dwight Levens, Oakland Schools’ Executive Director of Technology
Producer: Brian Beck, Oakland Schools' Media Production and Distance Learning Manager
The National School Lunch Program serves nearly 30 million children every school day.
Balanced nutrition throughout the day is one of the leading factors when it comes to student success. Research has proven that school meal programs play an important role in obesity prevention, overall student health and academic achievement.
Host: Mark Edwards, Oakland Schools' Communications Specialist
Guest: Lori Adkins, Oakland Schools’ Child Nutrition Consultant
Producer: Brian Beck, Oakland Schools' Media Production and Distance Learning Manager
It's been said that the only constant in life is change itself. That also holds true in the education world, as it is always evolving. Groundbreaking ideas, cutting-edge curriculum, innovative technologies, and the list goes on.
As we head into a new school year one variable remains constant, education professionals are gearing up for the 2022-23 school year with the goal of serving every student, every day!
Host: Mark Edwards, Oakland Schools' Communications Specialist
Guest: Kenneth Gutman, Oakland Schools’ Deputy Superintendent
Producer: Mark Hansen, Oakland Schools' Media Production and Distance Learning Manager
In today's world, public perception can make or break your brand. So who is responsible for telling your organization's story? What are the most efficient ways to deliver a message? How do you evaluate whether or not your communication was effective? We’ll explore those topics and more in this episode of educationally speaking.
Host: Mark Edwards, Oakland Schools' Communications Specialist
Guest: Sheri Stuart, Oakland Schools’ Communications Director
Producer: Mark Hansen, Oakland Schools' Media Production and Distance Learning Manager
Getting from point A to point B can be a challenge for all of us! But when it comes to our most precious cargo, our children, safety rises to the top. More than 25 million children are transported to and from school and school-related activities every day. So how are school districts overcoming rising fuel prices, and dealing with bus driver shortages? We’ll explore those topics and more in this episode of Educationally Speaking.
Host: Mark Edwards, Oakland Schools' Communications Specialist
Guest: Tom Korth, Oakland Schools’ Transportation Supervisor
Producer: Mark Hansen, Oakland Schools' Media Production and Distance Learning Manager
We've all heard the old adage that communication is key. However, nearly 5 -10 percent of Americans have a communication disorder, this includes speech & language & the deaf & hard-of-hearing communities. So what interventions are in place to ensure that our children are receiving the necessary support that leads to a successful school experience? Who are the professionals responsible for facilitating these critical services? We’ll explore those topics and more in this episode of educationally speaking.
Host: Mark Edwards, Oakland Schools' Communications Specialist
Guests:
Diane Katakowski, OS Speech & Language Consultant
Jennifer Ryan, OS Speech & Language Consultant
Janice Rich, OS Audiologist
Nancy Sullivan, OS Deaf & Hard of Hearing Teacher Consultant
Tina Roy, OS Deaf & Hard of Hearing Teacher Consultant
Producer: Mark Hansen, Oakland Schools' Media Production and Distance Learning Manager
When it comes to robotics the future is now! From vacuums to lawnmowers, home security systems, personal assistants and even dogs. So how are today’s students learning about and using these rapidly changing technologies? In what ways will robotics shape our world for generations to come? We will explore those topics and more in this episode of educationally speaking.
Host: Mark Edwards, Oakland Schools' Communications Specialist
Guests:
Steve Smitka, OSTC-SE Instructor
Issiah Johnson, OSTC-SE Student
Justin Howard, OSTC-NE Instructor
Gabe Hornbuckle, OSTC-NE Student
Producer: Mark Hansen, Oakland Schools' Media Production and Distance Learning Manager
What are some of the current challenges facing education? Is it possible to focus on every student in an equitable fashion? Can one educational leader impact change in a community? We explore those topics and more in this episode of educationally speaking as we speak with the 2021-22 MASA Superintendent of the Year, Dr. Dania Bazzi from Ferndale Public Schools.
Host: Mark Edwards, Oakland Schools' Communication Specialist
Guests: Dr. Dania Bazzi, Superintendent, Ferndale Public Schools
Producer: Mark Hansen, Oakland Schools' Media Production and Distance Learning Manager
Resources: Ferndale Public Schools
Every parent wants their children to be successful when it comes to having a lucrative career. Career and Technical Education is proving to be the right fit for many students and their families. Listen to this episode to learn more about what CTE careers have to offer.
Host: Mark Edwards, Oakland Schools' Communication Specialist
Guests:
Chris Vraniak, Dean OSTC-Southwest
Michael Ribikowski, Cody Delisle, Parker Gottschalk, OSTC Southwest Collision Repair and Refinishing students
Producer: Mark Hansen, Oakland Schools' Media Production and Distance Learning Manager
Resources:
Oakland Schools Technical Campuses
At a time when 1 in 3 working families is struggling to find affordable childcare, Great Start Collaborative Oakland County is helping eligible families access free, high-quality preschool programs. This is a lifeline for many families as Michigan Early Childhood programs are considered among the best in the nation. In this episode, Sheri Stuart and Veronica Pechumer discuss the free preschool resources available to eligible families in Oakland County.
Resources:
Great Start Collaborative Oakland County
Host: Sheri Stuart, Oakland Schools' Director of Communication Services
Guest: Veronica Pechumer, Director, Great Start Collaborative Oakland
Producer: Mark Hansen, Oakland Schools' Media Production and Distance Learning Manager
Are you a student who has always dreamed of managing your own restaurant or building a house a family could call their home? Do you desire to one day own your own salon or be a lead computer programmer at a software company?Oakland Schools has a longstanding tradition of creating opportunities for all students in Oakland County and that includes those who may have an interest in garnering hands-on experiences before leaving the classroom. This episode takes a look at what our Oakland Schools Technical Campuses (OSTC) have to offer local students.
Guests:
Paul Galbenski, Dean OSTC-Northeast
Dave Wyatt, Dean OSTC-Northwest
Chris Vraniak, Dean OSTC-Southwest
Joey Mansour, 12th Grader in OSTC-Northwest's Entrepreneurship and Advanced Marketing Program
Theresa Kliffel, 12th Grader in OSTC-Northwest's Agriscience And Environmental Technologies Program
Resources:
Oakland Schools Technical Campuses
Due to the pandemic, and how it affected learning these past several months, there are many students who are going to need additional support and resources this school year. In particular, those conversations seem to center around English Learners.
A recent article published in Education Week pointed out that just because English Learners may need more support this fall, doesn’t mean that they are behind other students.
This podcast examines the assumptions the general population often has when it comes to our English Learners and how to dispel those assumptions.
Guests:
Suzanne Toohey, Oakland Schools Supervisor of Instruction and Pedagogy
Christy Osborne, Oakland Schools English as a Second Language (ESL) Consultant
Hadeel Azzo, K-12 English Language Development (ELD) Consultant with the West Bloomfield School District
Rob Beltz, English Language Development (ELD) Instructor and Trauma-Informed Practitioner, Novi Community School District
Resources:
Oakland Schools ESL/Bilingual
Oakland Schools' Community Resources
Oakland Schools' Professional Learning Opportunities for Educators of English Learners
United States Office of English Language Acquisition ELL Toolkit
US Department of Justice/Department of Education Dear Colleague Letter
Oakland County Youth Assistance
Host: Oakland Schools' Communications Specialist Sarah Davis
Producer: Oakland Schools' Media Production and Distance Learning Manager Mark Hansen
Nationwide and locally, careers in STEM, - which stands for science, technology, engineering and math - are making headlines as growing and lucrative fields for the future.
Oakland Schools has been working hard over the past several months to really begin focusing on supporting the STEM efforts of local school districts.
In this episode, we talk to the team who has created these programs to find out what exciting learning opportunities are on the horizon, as well as talk to a local elementary school principal and a student who are eager to participate in these opportunities.
Guests:
Phil Kimmel, Kyle Kilpatrick and Lauren Marchelletta, STEM Consultants for Oakland Schools
Jeff Brown, Principal, Oxford Elementary School in Oxford Community Schools
Cody Musial, freshman student at Oxford High School
Resources:
Oakland Schools Career Readiness
Phil Kimmel
Lauren Marchelletta
Kyle Kilpatrick
Host: Oakland Schools' Communications Specialist Sarah Davis
Producer: Oakland Schools' Media Production and Distance Learning Manager Mark Hansen
For our first episode of Season 3, we will be talking about what parents and students can expect for the 2021-2022 school year. Admittedly, this is a moving target because the pandemic is ongoing and things could quickly change, but, as of right now, it is looking like school districts are going to resume in-person learning.
So what will that look like? With guidance from local education experts, we will be discuss some of the key areas that parents and students may be examining upon returning to school this year.
Guests:
Lori Adkins, Child Nutrition Consultant for Oakland Schools
Dayna Bennett, Public Health Nurse Consultant for Oakland Schools
Lisa Hansknecht, Director of Government Relations and Community Services for Oakland Schools
Dr. Julie McDaniel, Safety and Well-Being Consultant for Oakland Schools
Dr. Amy Kruppe, Superintendent of Hazel Park Schools
Resources:
Oakland Schools
Host: Oakland Schools' Communications Specialist Sarah Davis
Producer: Oakland Schools' Media Production and Distance Learning Manager Mark Hansen
When the pandemic hit, in-person learning stopped on a dime and school districts quickly set up online learning opportunities for students. It wasn’t an easy switch, but most students and staff were able to make the transition.
And while that worked as a temporary solution for most families, there were many who were left in a lurch.
For those with children who fall in the special populations category, the change from in-person to virtual learning simply didn’t work as many of those students require face-to-face interaction for learning to occur.
Luckily, many of our local educators and consultants stepped up and when everyone else was getting behind a computer screen, they masked up, grabbed their equipment and curriculum and headed to their students’ homes, the local park… wherever it was necessary to make sure these children didn’t get left behind and still got the learning they deserve.
Guests:
Janet Hamblin and Kristen Strong, both Augmentative and Alternative Communication Consultants for Oakland Schools
Sarah Stargardt, Teacher Consultant For The Blind And Visually Impaired for Oakland Schools
Jeanette DeFrank, Paraprofessional for South Lyon Community Schools
Resources:
Oakland Schools Special Populations
Oakland Schools Materials Center/AAC YouTube playlist
PP&G (for Communication Board)
Host: Oakland Schools' Communications Specialist Sarah Davis
Producer: Oakland Schools' Media Production and Distance Learning Manager Mark Hansen
This year, there has been a huge uptick in the amount of staff who have left the education profession. Many teachers, in particular, are retiring, but the issue is touching every aspect of the education field from superintendents to bus drivers.
In our January Educationally Speaking podcast titled "Where are they? Why students are increasingly leaving the classroom," we explored why more students have left school due to the pandemic. Now we want to look at the staff side of the equation and discuss this loss that is occurring as well as some solutions for that loss.
Guests:
Karen Olex, Oakland Schools' Executive Director of Special Populations
Dr. Christopher Lee, Oakland Schools' Teacher Induction And Social Studies Consultant
Carol Diglio, Oak Park Schools' Assistant Superintendent Of Human Resources
Cara Lougheed, 2019-2020 Michigan Teacher Of The Year
Resources:
Oakland Schools
Contact NTIP on Twitter at @NTIPINOC or #NTIPINOC or Dr. Christopher Lee at christopher.lee@oakland.k12.mi.us
Host: Oakland Schools' Communications Specialist Sarah Davis
Producer: Oakland Schools' Media Production and Distance Learning Manager Mark Hansen
Race and racism have always been hot button issues in our society, but recent events have really seemed to push these topics to the forefront of everyone’s mind, including our youth.
Discussing the topics of race and racism can be complicated, but it is always necessary. So how does a parent properly and effectively begin and continue this discussion with their child or children?
Guests:Dr. Jay Marks, Oakland Schools’ Diversity and Equity Consultant
Dr. Ashelin Currie, Oakland Schools’ Literacy Consultant
Jianna Taylor, English Language Arts, Multi-tiered Systems of Support and School Improvement Coordinator for k-12 in West Bloomfield School District
Sonja James, Principal at Sheiko Elementary School In West Bloomfield School District
Both are also co-chairs of West Bloomfield School District’s Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion committee
Resources:Oakland SchoolsDr. Jay Marks and Dr. Ashelin Currie Powerpoint Presentation on How to Talk to Your Kids about Race, Racism and Anti-racism
The Talk Video
Freedom Reads: Anti-Bias Book Talk
Culturally Responsive Sustaining Curriculum ScoreCard
Book Recommendations:
Toddler - 7 yearsAll the Colors We Are: The Story of How We Get Our Skin Color by Kate Kissinger
A is For All the Things You Are: A Joyful ABC Book by Anna Forgerson Hindley
8 years old and upNot My Idea: A Book About Whiteness: Anastasia Higginbotham
This is You Brain on Stereotypes: How Science is Tackling Unconscious Bias by Tanya Lloyd Kyi
The Talk by Wade and Cheryl Hudson
We Rise, We Resist, We Raise Our Voices by Wade and Cheryl Hudson
12 years old and up
The Black Friend: On Being a Better White Person by Frederick Joseph
Host: Oakland Schools' Communications Specialist Sarah Davis
Producer: Oakland Schools' Media Production and Distance Learning Manager Mark Hansen
Imagine trying to learn when your stomach is speaking louder than your teacher. It is impossible!
Research shows that the simple act of eating school breakfast can dramatically change a child's school learning experience. In this episode, we discuss National School Breakfast Week and how it serves as a reminder that a healthy breakfast ensures students' academic well-being.
Guests:
Lori Adkins, Oakland Schools' Child Nutrition Consultant and Vice President of the School Nutrition Association
Stephanie Willingham, Assistant Director for the Office of Health and Nutrition Services for the Michigan Department of Education
Bryan VanDorn, Director of Basic Needs Initiatives for United Way for Southeastern Michigan
Katie McConkie, Director of Food Services for Lamphere Schools
Resources:
Oakland Schools
United Way 211
Meet Up and Eat Up
Lamphere Schools
School Nutrition Association
Host: Oakland Schools' Communications Specialist Sarah Davis
Producer: Oakland Schools' Media Production and Distance Learning Manager Mark Hansen
There has not been one person unaffected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Local teachers, parents, and students are no exception. In this episode, we talk about what self-care is and how important it is to implement in our lives as often as we can.
Guests:Mary Perfitt-Nelson, Oakland Schools Mental Health Consultant
Dr. Julie McDaniel, Oakland School Safety and Well-Being Consultant
Paula Lightsey, Academic Advisement Supervisor at Southfield Public Schools
Resources:Oakland Schools
Susan Kaiser Greenland with Annaka Harris Mindfulness Games Activity Cards
Breath for Friends Forever
Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking Stress Cycle
Michigan Coalition for Mindful Education, MC4ME
The Greater Good Science Center out of Berkeley
The National Child Traumatic Stress Network
The Child Mind Institute
Host: Oakland Schools' Communications Specialist Sarah Davis
Producer: Oakland Schools' Media Production and Distance Learning Manager Mark Hansen
Parents and caregivers are essential partners in supporting learning at home but what does that mean? Experts say the most important thing is to keep a love of learning alive. In an effort to help local parents and caregivers, Oakland Schools District and School Services has started a Partnerships at Home series to assist with these new learning challenges.
Guests:
Executive Director for Oakland Schools District and School Services Jennifer Gottlieb
Oakland Schools' Science Education Consultant Jessica Ashley
Resources:
Oakland Schools (link to register for a Partnerships At Home session)
Host: Oakland Schools' Communications Specialist Sarah Davis
Producer: Oakland Schools' Media Production and Distance Learning Manager Mark Hansen
We all experienced a change in how education was delivered in 2020. Everyone was impacted -- parents and families, teachers and administrators. The pandemic has left its mark on many industries, and education is no exception. Moving forward, it's likely that certain aspects of education will need to change or adapt. We gathered together some of Oakland County's best education experts to talk about this ground-breaking topic and what we can potentially expect for the future of education.
Guests:
Oakland Schools' Superintendent Dr. Wanda Cook-Robinson
Oakland Schools' Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services Dr. Michael Yocum
Oakland Schools' Chief Information Officer and Assistant Superintendent for Shared Services Tammy Evans
Dr. Rich Machesky, Superintendent of the Troy School District
Resources:
Oakland Schools
Host: Oakland Schools' Communications Specialist Sarah Davis
Producer: Oakland Schools' Media Production and Distance Learning Manager Mark Hansen
The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed many issues when it comes to education access. Nationwide, there has been an increase in the number of students absent from school and it's not due to illness. This same issue has also been noticed in our state and Oakland County is no exception. More and more children are missing from classrooms and there is a myriad of reasons why.
Guests:Oakland Schools' Manager of District and Pupil Services Carolyn Claerhout (Carolyn.Claerhout@oakland.k12.mi.us)
Oakland Schools' Homeless Services Consultant Sara Orris (Sara.Orris@oakland.k12.mi.us)
Cassandra Baptiste, Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning at Oak Park Schools
Resources:Oakland Schools
Oakland Schools Pupil Accounting
Oakland Schools Health and Community Resources
Attendance Works
Michigan Department of Education Every Student Matters Toolkit
Michigan Department of Education Mental Health Toolkit
Oak Park Schools
Host: Oakland Schools' Communications Specialist Sarah Davis
Producer: Oakland Schools' Media Production and Distance Learning Manager Mark Hansen
In Oakland County, we are lucky to have a diverse community where many different nationalities are represented in our schools. However, many of these students need time to adjust to their new surroundings and life experiences after relocating from countries plagued by war, poverty and food insecurity. This podcast will explore ways teachers and the community can support our immigrant students in school.
Guests:
Wisam Brikho, Oakland Schools' Immigrant Student Consultant
Sally Nalu, Supervisor for the Department of English Language Learners at Southfield Public Schools
Resources:
Oakland Schools
Oakland Schools Immigrant & Refugee Services
Welcoming Michigan
Host: Oakland Schools' Communications Specialist Sarah Davis
Producer: Oakland Schools' Media Production and Distance Learning Manager Mark Hansen
In June of this year, Oakland Schools and the Oakland County Health Division formed a partnership called the Oakland Together School Nurse Initiative. This initiative led to the hiring of 68 nurses who were deployed to all 28 school districts in Oakland County. The nurses are to provide public health strategies and direction to staff and students with the goal of stopping the spread of COVID-19.
Guests:
Calandra Anderson, Quality and Process Improvement Supervisor, Oakland County Health Division
Cathy Farris, District Nurse, Novi Community School District
Resources:
Oakland Schools
Oakland County Health Division
Safe For School Hotline
Oakland County COVID-19 Public Health Toolkit for K-12 Schools
Host: Oakland Schools' Communications Specialist Sarah Davis
Producer: Oakland Schools' Media Production and Distance Learning Manager Mark Hansen
We know school leaders are between a rock and a hard place when it comes to planning class for the fall. They must think about students' social-emotional health AND learning needs. Both have to be attended to. Leaders can't pick one or the other. So, the question is, how do school leaders manage this balancing act?
Guests:
Jenelle Williams, Oakland Schools' Leadership and School Improvement Literacy Consultant
Marty Chaffee, Oakland Schools' Administrator Leadership Consultant
Resources:Oakland Schools
Jenelle.Williams@oakland.k12.mi.us
Martin.Chaffee@oakland.k12.mi.us
Unleashing the Positive Power of Differences: Polarity Thinking in Our Schools by Jane Kise
Barry Johnson, lead thinker on polarity management
Host: Oakland Schools' Communications Specialist Sarah Davis
Producer: Oakland Schools' Media Production and Distance Learning Manager Mark Hansen
The transition back to school is going to be tough for everyone this year. Last year, with the pandemic, school went completely online then ended as it always does with the start of summer. But the bottom-line is in late August when students start coming back, it will have been months since they were in a classroom for face-to-face learning. This transition is likely to hit younger students the hardest as this may be the first time they have even gone into a classroom. In particular, the move from preschool to kindergarten is difficult for many youngsters.
Guests:
Veronica Pechumer, Oakland Schools Early Childhood Consultant
Christine Hodge, Oakland Schools Great Start Collaborative Associate Coordinator
Nicole McDonald, kindergarten teacher at Schalm Elementary in Clawson Public Schools
Resources:
Oakland Schools
Great Start Collaborative Oakland County
Host:
Oakland Schools' Communications Specialist Sarah Davis
Producer:
Oakland Schools' Media Production and Distance Learning Manager Mark Hansen
With school starting back up in the fall, many parents are having to make the tough decision of whether to have their children go back into the classroom or pick online learning options. For the past seven years, Oakland Schools has already been offering an online option for those interested. The program, called Virtual Learning Academy Consortium, or VLAC for short, offers an at-home learning program for grades K-12. In this episode, we talk with the director of VLAC who provides us with some tips and tricks for successful online learning this fall.
Guests:
Julie Alspach, program administrator of Oakland Schools VLAC.
Resources:
Oakland Schools
VLAC
VLAC Facebook
Host:
Oakland Schools' Communications Specialist Sarah Davis
Producer:
Oakland Schools' Media Production and Distance Learning Manager Mark Hansen
This is the second part of our series where we are interviewing Oakland Schools' employees who are helping out their communities. In the second segment, we will talk about two of our Oakland Schools' staff who are on the frontlines working to help those in need of food and shelter.
Guests:
Lori Adkins, Oakland Schools Nutrition Consultant
Sara Orris, Oakland Schools Homeless Services Consultant
Resources:
Oakland Schools
Oakland Schools Community Resources
Meet Up and Eat Up
Michigan Department of Education
Lighthouse
My COVID Response
Host: Oakland Schools' Communications Specialist Sarah Davis
Producer: Oakland Schools' Media Production and Distance Learning Manager Mark Hansen
This is the first of a two-part podcast where we are talking to Oakland Schools' employees who are helping out their communities. In this first segment, we touch base with our Oakland Schools Technical Campuses, as well as one of our early childhood compliance consultants. Both are great examples of going above and beyond during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Guests:
Martin Kaye, Dean Oakland Schools Technical Campus Southwest
Elaine Tadajewski, Early Childhood Compliance Consultant in Oakland Schools Special Populations department
Resources:
Oakland Schools
Host: Oakland Schools' Communications Specialist Sarah Davis
Producer: Oakland Schools' Media Production and Distance Learning Manager Mark Hansen
Oakland Schools' Diversity and Equity Consultant Dr. Jay Marks talks about cultural proficiency and how he teaches the subject to school leaders and students throughout the community.
Resources:
Oakland Schools
Host: Oakland Schools' Communications Specialist Sarah Davis
Producer: Oakland Schools' Media Production and Distance Learning Manager Mark Hansen
Oakland Schools Technical Campus-Southeast (Royal Oak) Dean Amy Gole and Oakland Schools Technical Campus (Wixom) Dean Martin Kaye and student Nihal Suthakar discuss what opportunities Oakland Schools Technical Campuses can provide for local students.
Resources:
Oakland Schools Technical Campuses
Oakland Schools
Host: Oakland Schools' Communications Specialist Sarah Davis
Producer: Oakland Schools' Media Production and Distance Learning Manager Mark Hansen
Oakland Schools' Assistant Superintendent and Chief Information Officer Tammy Evans and Oakland Schools Service Desk Supervisor Robin Evenson discuss how the Oakland Schools Service Desk was recently given the opportunity to provide tech support for MIServiceDesk, which is a statewide pre-K-12 initiative. This move puts Oakland Schools at the forefront of technology plans taking place at the state level.
Resources:
MIServiceDesk.org
Michigan Association of Intermediate School Administrators
Oakland Schools
Host: Oakland Schools' Communications Specialist Sarah Davis
Producer: Oakland Schools' Media Production and Distance Learning Manager Mark Hansen
Oakland Schools' Director of Government and Community Services Lisa Hansknecht talks about school aid funding and exactly how it works. She debunks myths to help give listers a better understanding of how Oakland County school districts are funded.
Resources:
School Finance Research Collaborative: https://www.fundmischools.org/
Oakland Schools: oakland.k12.mi.us
House Fiscal Agency Fiscal Brief: http://www.house.mi.gov/hfa/PDF/Alpha/Fiscal_Brief_Basics_of_the_Foundation_Allowance_FY19_Update_Nov2018.pdf
State of Michigan Revenue State Source and Distribution: http://www.house.mi.gov/hfa/PDF/RevenueForecast/Source_and_Distribution_Aug2019.pdf
Host: Oakland Schools' Communications Specialist Sarah Davis
Producer: Oakland Schools' Media Production and Distance Learning Manager Mark Hansen
Oakland Schools' Teacher Induction and Social Studies Education Consultant Dr. Christopher Lee and Oakland Schools' Literacy Consultant Dr. Andrea Zellner have started a New Teacher Induction Program called NTIP. The purpose of NTIP is to provide induction services for new teachers in participating Oakland County districts. Oakland Schools' goal is to support and guide educators who are in the early stages of their careers.
Resources: Contact NTIP on Twitter at @NTIPINOC or #NTIPINOC
Contact Dr. Christopher Lee at christopher.lee@oakland.k12.mi.us
Contact Dr. Andrea Zellner at andrea.zellner@oakland.k12.mi.us
Oakland Schools: oakland.k12.mi.us
Host: Oakland Schools' Communications Specialist Sarah Davis
Producer: Oakland Schools' Media Production and Distance Learning Manager Mark Hansen
Oakland Schools' Student Safety and Well-Being Consultant Dr. Julie McDaniel talks about Bullying during Bullying Prevention Month. The discussion ranges from the three main characteristics of bullying to what impact bullying has on school culture.
Resources:
Okay to Say
Oakland Schools Bullying 101
Stopbullying.gov
International Bullying Prevention Association
Host: Oakland Schools' Communications Specialist Sarah Davis
Producer: Oakland Schools' Media Production and Distance Learning Manager Mark Hansen