Growing Inland Achievement

Tag: Education Insight

  • Education Insight: UCR – Transforming Inmate Rehabilitation with In-Person Degrees

    Education Insight: UCR – Transforming Inmate Rehabilitation with In-Person Degrees

    About This Episode

    Season 4. Episode 9.

    In this episode of Education Insight, we dive into a powerful initiative that aims to reduce recidivism by making inmates truly employable through education. With California spending over $14 billion annually on housing, feeding, and providing healthcare for more than 100,000 inmates, experts agree that the current system is unsustainable. While the number of incarcerated individuals has slightly decreased, economists and analysts warn that more needs to be done to break the cycle of incarceration.

    A group of professors and administrators at the University of California, Riverside (UCR) believes that education is the key to solving this issue. That’s why UCR has launched an innovative program offering in-person degree courses at Norco Prison, giving inmates the opportunity to earn a college education and improve their future employment prospects.

    In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Farah Godrej, a professor of political science and co-director of UCR’s School of Education Lifted program, which is leading this transformative effort. Dr. Godrej shares her insights into the program’s development, the challenges they’ve faced, and how it’s already making an impact on the lives of incarcerated students. Tune in to hear more about this groundbreaking initiative and how education is reshaping the future of rehabilitation in California.

    Featured Guest

    Farah Godrej

    Professor of Political Science at the University of California, Riverside and Co-Founding Director of UCR’s LIFTED program

    Farah Godrej is Professor of Political Science at the University of California, Riverside. Her areas of research and teaching include Indian political thought, Gandhi’s political thought, cosmopolitanism, globalization and comparative political theory.  She also studies contemporary issues such as environmental justice, food politics and mass incarceration. Her research appears in a number of prominent journals across disciplines, and she is the author of Cosmopolitan Political Thought: Method, Practice, Discipline (New York: Oxford University Press, 2011). Her new book Freedom Inside?  Yoga and Meditation in the Carceral State (Oxford University Press, 2022) is the winner of the 2023 Charles Taylor Book Award from the American Political Science Association, and received honorable mentions for the 2023 American Association of Publishers (AAP) PROSE award for scholarly excellence and the 2023 Lee Ann Fujii Award for Innovation in the Interpretive Study of Political Violence from the American Political Science Association. She is the Co-Founding Director of UCR’s path-breaking LIFTED program, which offers a UCR B.A. degree to incarcerated students.

    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.

    View our podcast page for more stories like this: https://gia.echofactory.dev/gia-podcasts/

    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.

  • Education Insight: Bringing Unity to Schools as an Old Program Finds New Success

    Education Insight: Bringing Unity to Schools as an Old Program Finds New Success

    About This Episode

    Season 4. Episode 8.

    In this episode of Education Insight, host Lacey Kendall takes a closer look at the rising tensions in school board meetings and how a revitalized program is helping to bring calm and focus back to these important discussions. While public schools, teachers, and parents continue to face challenges in the Inland Empire and beyond, an old initiative is proving to be a game changer, already making a positive impact in over 8,000 schools nationwide. Jennifer Gateley, Director of Learning Systems and Supports at the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools, shares how this program is successfully helping local districts reduce conflicts and improve communication. Discover how this approach is gaining attention from school boards across the country and what it means for the future of education in our region.

    Featured Guest

    Jennifer Gateley

    Director of Learning Systems and Supports, San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools

    Jennifer Gateley is the Director of Learning Systems and Supports at the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools. Mrs. Gateley’s current County Office of Education role is a culmination of twenty-six years of educational experience in the prek-12 system. Mrs. Gateley provides systemic leadership and capacity development of transformational whole child centered programs across California  including: the Southern Inland Regional Technical Assistance Center for the California Community Schools Partnership Program, and California County Office of Education technical assistance programs for Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS), Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), and Social Emotional Learning (SEL).  

     

    Previous educational experiences that contribute Mrs. Gateley’s current and future impact in the field of education include County Office of Education roles as a Systems of Support Program Manager and an ELA / Literacy Program Coordinator as well as school site roles as a principal, assistant principal, instructional coach, assessment coordinator, program facilitator, and teacher.  

     

    Through her educational experience and leadership across the education sector and cradle to career continuum, Mrs. Gateley strives to be a visionary leader and a collaborative partner who optimizes transformative opportunities to leverage assets and collective efforts so our children, families and communities thrive. 

    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.

    View our podcast page for more stories like this: https://gia.echofactory.dev/gia-podcasts/

    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.

  • Education Insight: Tackling the Male Enrollment Crisis – The Gents Alliance Program

    Education Insight: Tackling the Male Enrollment Crisis – The Gents Alliance Program

    About This Episode

    Season 4. Episode 7.

    In this episode of Education Insight, we feature Ernie Rios, Vice President of College Success at One Future Coachella Valley and administrator of The Gents’ Alliance program, an initiative focused on supporting male scholars in the region.

    With male college enrollment at historic lows and men being 7% more likely to drop out than women, Ernie sheds light on the underlying factors driving this alarming trend. He shares how The Gents’ Alliance is addressing these challenges by offering tailored support for young men in the Coachella Valley. Ernie also explores potential solutions and strategies for reversing the decline in male enrollment and success in higher education. Join us for this important conversation on closing the gender gap in college participation and ensuring educational equity for all students.

    Featured Guest

    Ernie Rios

    Vice President, College Success at OneFuture Coachella Valley 

    Ernie Rios serves as the Vice President of College Success at One Future Coachella Valley. He is a graduate of Coachella Valley High School and College of the Desert. He transferred to the University of California at Los Angeles for his undergraduate degrees and earned his Master of Business Administration degree from the Richard J. Heckmann International Center for Entrepreneurial Management at the University of California at Riverside, Palm Desert Campus.

    After graduate school, he joined the Coachella Valley Economic Partnership and co-found the Pathways to Success Scholarship and Leadership program, which has awarded more than $17 million in scholarships and helped Coachella Valley students apply for more than $100 million in state and federal financial aid. He is grateful to work with local leaders to develop education and employment opportunities for students in the region.

    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.

    View our podcast page for more stories like this: https://gia.echofactory.dev/gia-podcasts/

    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.

  • Education Insight: The PTA’s Journey from Tradition to Modern Advocacy

    Education Insight: The PTA’s Journey from Tradition to Modern Advocacy

    About This Episode

    Season 4. Episode 6.

    -In this episode of Education Insight, we take a deep dive into the 125-year legacy of the Parent Teacher Association (PTA) and its evolving role in education. For over a century, the PTA has worked to build strong family engagement in schools, advocate for policies that support student well-being, and ensure equitable access to quality education.

    In the Inland Empire, the PTA is still actively involved in traditional activities like in-person and Zoom meetings, and yes, even cake walks. But today’s PTA is also fighting for critical issues like improved funding for schools and the implementation of mental health programs for students.

    We are joined by Becca Marks-Anderson, Executive Vice President of the Twenty-Third District PTA, who shares insights into the PTA’s ongoing work in the region and the challenges they’re addressing to support students, teachers, and families.

    Featured Guest

    Becca Marks-Anderson

    Parliamentarian, California State PTA and Executive Vice President, Twenty-Third District PTA

    Becca Marks-Anderson is the current parliamentarian for the California State PTA and the current Executive Vice President for the Twenty-Third District PTA. Her past service includes service as a Leadership Services Commissioner for California State PTA, District President and Vice President of Leadership Services for Twenty-Third District PTA, and Temecula Valley Council of PTAs President and Parliamentarian, among other roles. After serving more than 15 years in the nonprofit compliance space professionally, much of that time has been spent in roles that align and work closely with education. Becca finds that knowing and understanding governance helps us break down barriers for family members by drawing them in from where they are and giving them the tools to cleanly, clearly, transparently, and purposefully serve our students in the ways students need to be successful. 

    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.

    View our podcast page for more stories like this: https://gia.echofactory.dev/gia-podcasts/

    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.

  • Education Insight: California’s Push for Phone-Free Classrooms

    Education Insight: California’s Push for Phone-Free Classrooms

    About This Episode

    Season 4. Episode 5.

    In this episode of Education Insight, we dive into the implications of Assembly Bill 3216, also known as the Phone-Free Schools Act, which was recently passed by the California state legislature. This new bill would require school districts to implement policies limiting or banning cellphone use during school hours by July 2026. Governor Gavin Newsom, who has been a strong advocate for reducing smartphone distractions in the classroom, is expected to sign the bill, making California the fifth state to impose such a restriction.

    To explore how this legislation might affect schools in the Inland Empire, we sat down with Tobin Brinker, President of the Rialto Education Association, and Michael Montano, Vice President of the Association. Both educators bring decades of experience in elementary, middle, and high school classrooms and share their perspectives on the potential benefits and challenges of limiting cellphone use in schools.

    In this insightful conversation, we discuss how the new bill could reshape student engagement, reduce distractions, and foster a more focused learning environment across California classrooms. Tune in to learn more about the future of education and technology in our schools.

    Featured Guest

    Tobin Brinker

    President, Rialto Education Association and Frisbie Middle School Teacher

    A seasoned history teacher with a decade of experience in local elected office. Brinker brings a unique perspective, blending historical insight with practical political experience, offering a nuanced understanding of America’s founding principles and their lasting impact.

    Michael Montano

    Vice President, Rialto Education Association and Rialto High School Teacher

    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.

    View our podcast page for more stories like this: https://gia.echofactory.dev/gia-podcasts/

    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.