About This Episode
Season 5. Episode 11.
In this episode of Education Insight, we’re joined by Alfredo Cruz, the Director of the Emmy-nominated and National Educational Television Association Award-winning public television show Learn with Me. Alfredo takes us behind the scenes of this innovative bilingual children’s program that blends live-action and animation to engage and educate young viewers in both English and Spanish.
As someone who has had a long and successful career in broadcasting, Alfredo shares his unique journey to becoming the director of Learn with Me and explains why it was important to create a bilingual show that feels authentic and culturally relevant for Spanish-speaking children. He also discusses the role of teachers in shaping and starring in the show, and how young voice actors and animators have contributed to its vibrant energy.
Tune in to hear how Learn with Me was built from scratch, the creative process behind choosing themes and topics for each episode, and why the show’s success goes far beyond just entertaining kids. You’ll also hear about the exciting future plans for the show and its potential spin-offs.
This episode offers a fascinating look at how Learn with Me is changing the landscape of children’s television and making an impact on education in both English and Spanish-speaking communities.
Featured Guest
Alfredo Cruz
Director, Learn With Me, KVCR PBS Television Program
Karina Augustus serves as the College of Natural and Agricultural Sciences Career Specialist at the University of California, Riverside. She graduated from California State University, Long Beach with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Minor in Spanish. She later earned a Master of Science in Higher Education from California State University, Fullerton. She has worked in both academic and student affairs and has worked in a variety of public institutions. Most recently she earned the Woman of Promise award from the Lakers and CoAmerica Bank for the pioneering work she has done for historically marginalized and undocumented communities. Karina is committed to being a change agent in the field and continuing to create equitable opportunities for students who have historically been underserved and/or underrepresented.
Watch the Episode
Interview Highlights
3:57 – Adrienne describes dual enrollment and its benefits.
7:15 – Adrienne speaks to how recent California mandates and initiatives may have influenced the growth of these new programs.
8:34 – Adrienne explains what research shows about the impact of dual enrollment on a student’s academic achievements or even their future success.
9:24 – Adrienne shares examples of dual enrollment activities that are taking place in our region and what is happening in the IE.
13:11 – Adrienne talks about strategies in place to make sure that equal opportunities are available for all students.
20:18 – Jorge explains how dual enrollment aligns with his role at Riverside County Unified School District.
21:28 – Jorge shares his experiences and thoughts on the current dual enrollment programs that are being offered at Riverside Unified School District.
23:32 – Jorge gives insight into how dual enrollment makes students career ready.
25:58 – Jorge describes what challenges students typically face in dual enrollment programs and how he addresses those issues.
32:43 – Jorge shares what he would like to see be the future of the dual enrollment program in his district and beyond.
36:31 – Special Feature: Avijeet Randhawa, 8th-Grader, Auburndale Intermediate School in the Corona Norco Unified School District.
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Education Insight tells the story of education in the Inland Empire through the diverse voices of those in and around the regional education community. The show is produced by Growing Inland Achievement, a collective impact organization in the Inland Empire with a mission to increase economic prosperity in the region by increasing educational attainment. Hosted by 30-year broadcast veteran Lacey Kendall, monthly shows explore topics ranging from education challenges and shortcomings to innovations and groundbreaking ideas that are driving student success.