Growing Inland Achievement

Tag: Education Insight

  • Education Insight: Reviving Local Journalism in the Inland Empire: A Community Effort

    Education Insight: Reviving Local Journalism in the Inland Empire: A Community Effort

    About This Episode

    Season 4. Episode 5.

    As local newspapers and radio news reports continue to disappear across the U.S., many communities are finding themselves without access to crucial local information. This has led to what experts call “news deserts,” where citizens lack reliable access to local news. Some point to the Inland Empire as one of these growing news deserts.

    In our latest episode of Education Insight, we explore what it means to live in a news desert and why it matters for communities. Without local news, residents can become disconnected from their own communities, unaware of local propositions or the actions of elected officials. But there is hope on the horizon.

    We sat down with Dr. Thomas Corrigan, a professor of communication at Cal State San Bernardino and coordinator of the university’s Local Journalism Partnerships Initiative, to discuss the growing effort to bring back local journalism in the region and why it’s crucial for the future of community engagement. Tune in to hear Dr. Corrigan’s thoughts on the future of local news and the steps being taken to address the growing news desert in the Inland Empire.

    Featured Guest

    Dr. Thomas Corrigan

    Professor of Communication and Media Studies, California State University, San Bernardino

    Dr. Thomas F. Corrigan (or T.C.) is a Professor in the Department of Communication Studies at California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB). He teaches courses in Digital Media and Society, the Political Economy of Communication, and the Inland Empire News Ecosystem. His scholarship, which is published in academic and popular outlets, focuses on the nature and problems associated with commercial media systems. His recent research and writing examine what he calls the Inland Empire “news mirage” – a dynamic wherein I.E. communities seem to have more substantive, local news sources than they actually do. He also leads a CSUSB team that is working to build a local media coalition to support civic and community journalism 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: Rethinking the Role of Testing in K-12 Education

    Education Insight: Rethinking the Role of Testing in K-12 Education

    About This Episode

    Season 4. Episode 4.

    In the latest episode of Education Insight, we delve into the challenges and complexities of K-12 testing, a critical topic that continues to shape educational practices and policies. Traditional standardized testing has faced criticism for potential biases and the stress it imposes on students, often detracting from valuable classroom time. Our guest discusses these issues and explores how current testing methods can sometimes lead to unfair outcomes, particularly in under-resourced communities.

    The episode highlights innovative approaches to rethinking K-12 assessments. Instead of relying on one-size-fits-all models, educators are increasingly developing dynamic and equitable testing methods that provide more meaningful data and better support student learning. By aligning assessments with classroom instruction and considering the diverse needs of all students, these new methods aim to make testing not just a tool for measurement, but an integral part of the learning process.

    Our guest also shares stories of how these innovative approaches have made a significant impact in schools, particularly in communities that have been historically underserved. These stories emphasize the importance of challenging traditional testing models and seeking out new ways to create a more equitable and effective education system. Tune in to Education Insight to learn more about how we can transform K-12 testing to better support all students.

    Featured Guest

    Michelle Odemwingie

    Chief Executive Officer, Achievement Network

    Michelle Odemwingie is the chief executive officer at Achievement Network. Michelle joined ANet nearly a decade ago as a coach and has since held roles as chief of school and system services and chief of staff, among others. This includes spearheading ANet’s Breakthrough Results Fund in partnership with five school districts across the country. Through her work at ANet and in her local community, Michelle maintains a deep personal commitment to educational equity and ensuring all students are able to learn and thrive. Prior to joining ANet, she spearheaded the ThinkMath team in California and DC, supporting instructional leaders around math enrichment and intervention programs, as well as supporting secondary math teachers through TNTP and Teach for America. Michelle began her career as an educator teaching math in the District of Columbia and is a graduate of Stanford University. In her free time, Michelle enjoys applying continuous improvement to her cooking, especially pasta dishes.

    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: Navigating the National Financial Aid Crisis

    Education Insight: Navigating the National Financial Aid Crisis

    About This Episode

    Season 4. Episode 2.

    Step into the latest episode of Education Insight with your host, Lacey Kendall, as we embark on a comprehensive exploration of the nationwide tumult surrounding financial aid applications. Initially conceived as a streamlined process to facilitate easier access to educational funding, the federal system now finds itself entangled in a series of issues causing significant delays for FAFSA, CADAA, and Pell Grant applicants across the nation.

    In this episode, we untangle the complexities of this unexpected federal mess, unraveling the root causes and examining the ripple effects on students, administrators, and dedicated financial aid professionals. From the initial plans to the current challenges, we aim to provide a comprehensive overview of the evolving landscape and the vital information you need to navigate through these turbulent times.

    Our esteemed guest, Marlene Garcia, the Executive Director of the California Student Aid Commission, joins us to share her expertise and insights. Learn how California is spearheading efforts to assist students in overcoming these challenges and securing their student aid in time for the upcoming academic term.

    Tune in for an in-depth discussion that goes beyond the headlines, offering a nuanced perspective on the current state of financial aid and the ongoing strategies being implemented to ensure that students can access the support they need for their educational journey. Don’t miss this vital installment of Education Insight, where knowledge meets action in the realm of higher education finance

    Featured Guest

    Marlene Garcia

    Executive Director, California Student Aid Commission (CSAC)

    Marlene Garcia is the Executive Director of the California Student Aid Commission where she oversees a budget of $3.2 billion and a team of 125. She is passionate about expanding educational opportunities by removing financial barriers to college success.

    Ms. Garcia brings 30 years experience working on education policy issues for a variety of government and higher education institutions. She served more than six years as a national leader in Apple Inc.’s Education Strategic Initiatives Group. Additionally, in her distinguished career, she has served as Vice Chancellor of Government Relations for the California Community College System, Deputy State Policy Director for the California State University System, and as a Senior Policy Consultant in the Senate Education Committee. She also served as a Senior Higher Education Advisor to former Assembly Speaker Willie L. Brown, Jr.

    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.

  • Learning Never Retires: A Lifelong Journey with Osher

    Learning Never Retires: A Lifelong Journey with Osher

    About This Episode

    Season 4. Episode 1.

    Join us for an enlightening episode of Education Insight as we delve into the world of lifelong learning with Angela, the Director of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Cal State San Bernardino’s Palm Desert Campus. We’ll uncover the essence of Osher’s mission and support system, exploring its tuition structure and location specifics. Angela shares the rich history of the Olli program, revealing its popularity in California and the diverse motivations of incoming students. Discover the fascinating array of courses available in Osher’s catalog, devoid of traditional exams but brimming with enriching experiences.

    Angela sheds light on the exceptional instructors at the Palm Desert campus and recounts captivating anecdotes, including the remarkable post-class adventures of students. Gain insight into the most memorable moments within the Olli program and explore other Southern California campuses offering similar enriching classes. Lastly, Angela guides us on how to learn more about Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, providing valuable resources for continued exploration. Tune in to unlock the secrets of lifelong learning with Osher’s oasis and Angela as our guide.

    Featured Guest

    Angela Allen

    Director of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Cal State San Bernardino’s Palm Desert Campus

    After many years with a fortune 500 company on the east coast, Ms. Allen moved to the Coachella Valley in December 2001 and started her career in nonprofit as a volunteer with the Palm Springs Film Festival. She was hired full time as the manager of the newly formed Film Society and built the program from 15 members to close to 1000. She was hired away in 2008 to work as the personal assistant to well-known community philanthropist, Jackie Lee Houston. When Mrs. Houston passed away in 2011, Angela continued her nonprofit work in fund development for Olive Crest, a private child welfare provider, providing hope and healing for children who are suffering from trauma and abuse. In August 2021, at the time in life when most people are expected to retire, she was thrilled to have accepted her “Dream Job” as Director of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, at Cal State San Bernardino’s Palm Desert Campus. Where Angela says, “I get paid to do everything I would do, if I was actually going to retire, like traveling and take mind stimulating classes with like-minded people. What could be better?

    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: Insights From the Toward a Shared Vision Summit

    Education Insight: Insights From the Toward a Shared Vision Summit

    About This Episode

    Season 3. Episode 11.

    In this episode of Education Insight, we delve into the highlights and key discussions of the recent Toward a Shared Vision Education Summit in Riverside. Over the course of two days, prominent figures in education, economics, and non-profit sectors converged to explore collaborative strategies for enhancing student success, both in school and beyond.

    Join us as we feature impactful moments and insights shared by a diverse range of speakers, from influential national thought leaders to resilient students who candidly discuss their journeys to graduation. Gain valuable perspectives on how educators, economists, and policymakers are coming together to chart a path towards greater collective support for student success in the Inland region.

    Featured Guests

    Diana Z Rodriguez

    Chancellor, San Bernardino Community College District

    Diana Z. Rodriguez is the 16th chancellor of the San Bernardino Community College District — a system that serves 20,000 students through Crafton Hills College, San Bernardino Valley College, a workforce training facility, and KVCR public radio and television station. As the chief executive officer, Chancellor Rodriguez leads the district’s educational enterprise that generates economic growth for the Inland Empire by adding more than $621 million annually to the regional economy. She is the only Latina chancellor of a community college district in Southern California upon assuming office in August 2021. Like many SBCCD students, Chancellor Rodriguez is the first in her family to achieve a college education. She is a proud graduate of Palo Verde College and a transfer student to California State University, San Bernardino, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing, a master’s degree in business administration, and another master’s degree in education. Chancellor Rodriguez previously served as president of San Bernardino Valley College from July 2016 through July 2021. During her tenure, SBVC faculty and staff spearheaded educational strategies to earn the campus the highest level of accreditation — among the best in California. Chancellor Rodriguez has a long and distinguished career of more than 30 years working in higher education as a faculty member and an administrator, advocating for student success and a strong connection to the community. Before leading San Bernardino Valley College, she served as Vice President of Student Services and Interim Vice President of Academic Services at Las Positas College in the Bay Area of California and Vice President of Student Services at Palo Verde College in Blythe. Her accomplishments have drawn several awards, including the 2018 Woman of the Year Award for the 47th Assembly District of California

    Dr. Victor Rios

    MacArthur Foundation Chair and Professor of Sociology, University of California, Santa Barbara

    Professor Rios’s work analyzes the role of social control and education in determining the well-being of young people living in urban marginality; tracks the social consequences of the punitive state and punitive social control-across institutional settings; and examines young people’s resilience and responses to social marginalization.  He uses insight from his research to promote equitable policies and develop programs to improve the lives of marginalized youths. 

    Rios’s book Punished: Policing the Lives of Black and Latino Boys (NYU Press, 2011), analyzes how juvenile crime policies and criminalization affect the everyday lives of urban youth.  Punished is Winner of, the Oliver Cromwell Cox Book Award, American Sociological Association, Section on Racial and Ethnic Minorities; Honorable Mention for Outstanding Book Award, American Sociological Association, Section on Inequality, Poverty, and Mobility; C. Wright Mills Book Award Finalist, Society for the Study of Social Problems; Distinguished Book Award, American Sociological Association, Section on Latina/o Sociology and Honorable Mention for the Eduardo Bonilla-Silva Book Award, Society for the Study of Social Problems.

    In his latest book Human Targets: Schools, Police, and the Criminalization of Latino Youth (University of Chicago Press, 2017) Rios finds the traditional good kid/bad kid, street kid/decent kid dichotomy is much too simplistic, arguing instead that authorities and institutions help create these identities—and that they can play an instrumental role in providing young people with the resources for shifting between roles.  He finds that to be a poor Latino youth is to be a human target—victimized and considered an enemy by others, viewed as a threat to law enforcement and schools, and burdened by stigma, disrepute, and punishment.  Human Targets was a selection for the LA Times Festival of Books in 2017.

    Rios has also published on juvenile justice, masculinity, and race and crime in scholarly journals such as The Annals of the Academy of Political and Social Sciences, The Annual Review of Sociology, Latino Studies, and Critical Criminology.  He is also the author of three trade books aimed at public audiences. 

    Professor Rios was awarded the 2017 Public Understanding of Sociology Award by the American Sociological Association.   The award is given to a “person or persons who have made exemplary contributions to advance the public understanding of sociology, sociological research, and scholarship among the general public.”  He is currently Chair of the Latina/o Sociology Section, American Sociological Association. 

    Rios engages in multiple public sociology projects.  One of his recent projects is an intervention with high school students that have been pushed-out.  A documentary film, funded by Sundance, The Ford Foundation, Corporation for Public Broadcasting, YouthBuild and other foundations, featuring his work is scheduled to premiere in Fall 2018 (thepushouts.com).  His Ted Talk “Help for the Kids the Education System Ignores” has garnered over 1.3 million views.

    In 2018 Rios was one of two nominees for Vice President of the American Sociological Association.

    Max Espinoza

    Senior Program Officer for the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

    Max Espinoza is a senior program officer at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, where he focuses on building the political and public will for economic mobility and education reforms that close equity gaps in states across the United States. Max currently leads the foundation’s policy and advocacy efforts in California, and previously supported statewide foundation funded advocacy initiatives in Georgia and Kentucky.

    Prior to joining the Gates Foundation, Max was senior vice president of education programs and policy at Scholarship America, a national non-profit organization based in Minneapolis, MN, where he provided leadership for the organization’s education programs and established its policy, advocacy, and research agenda. Max began his career in California’s state capital, where he served for 14 years in various key roles, including as a senior advisor to legislative leadership and as an executive leader at the California Student Aid Commission. During his time at the California Student Aid Commission, Max successfully revamped the state agency’s support services to students and schools in the multi-billion-dollar Cal Grant program, implementing responsive and technology-enabled student-friendly services. In the California state legislature, Max worked as the principal consultant on higher education for the Assembly Budget Committee and was a policy advisor for multiple Assembly Speakers (Antonio R. Villaraigosa, Karen Bass and John A. Pérez), shaping state policy and fiscal priorities that advanced equity in postsecondary education access and attainment.

    A first-generation college graduate from a working-class immigrant family, Max holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from UCLA. At UCLA, Max was a campus and statewide student leader, twice elected by the undergraduate student body as the Academic Affairs Commissioner and serving as the UC Student Regent on the systemwide University of California Board of Regents.

    In addition to his service to the UCLA Latino Policy & Politics Institute, Max serves as an advisory council member for the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute. His past board service includes serving as secretary of the National Postsecondary Policy Institute Board of Directors, president of the Chicano Latino Youth Leadership Project Board of Directors, and as a member of the UCLA Alumni Association Board of Directors.

    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.