Growing Inland Achievement

Tag: Episode 6

  • Education Insight: Advising for Equity: How Strong Networks Help Students Succeed

    Education Insight: Advising for Equity: How Strong Networks Help Students Succeed

    About This Episode

    Season 6. Episode 6.

    Dr. F. Janelle Hannah Jefferson, Director of Network Services and Development for the Advising Success Network at NASPA, joins Education Insight for a powerful conversation about how effective, equity-centered advising can transform student outcomes.

    In her national role, Dr. Jefferson leads efforts to build strong networks among advising professionals, advance equity in student success, and promote innovative practices that help colleges and universities better support all students. She brings a wealth of experience to the conversation, including over 17 years at Jackson State University, where she shaped programs, taught courses, and led initiatives that guided countless students through their college journeys.

    Dr. Jefferson shares how academic advising can support the whole student—not just with course selection, but also through life challenges, mental health struggles, and a need for belonging. She discusses how campuses are adopting tools like AI and data-driven strategies to help students navigate critical decisions, while emphasizing the importance of maintaining authentic human connection at the center of advising.

    This episode sheds light on why advising is one of the most powerful yet underrecognized levers for advancing equity, improving student retention, and ensuring that every learner has a fair chance to succeed.

    Featured Guest

    Dr. F. Janelle Hannah Jefferson
    Director of Network Services and Development, NASPA | Advising Success Network

    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.

    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: A Visit to America’s Greatest Arts High School – Idyllwild Arts Academy

    Education Insight: A Visit to America’s Greatest Arts High School – Idyllwild Arts Academy

    About This Episode

    Season 5. Episode 6.

    In this episode of Education Insight, we explore Idyllwild Arts Academy, one of the most prestigious arts high schools in the U.S., with Pamela Jordan, the President of the Academy. Pamela shares the story behind Idyllwild Arts, what sets it apart from other schools, and how it offers students an immersive experience that blends academic rigor with artistic passion. The academy’s international student body and its ability to evolve with new art forms like digital media and emerging music styles make it a truly unique institution.

    Pamela also discusses the challenges art-intensive schools face today and how Idyllwild Arts addresses these issues while nurturing the next generation of creative talent. She highlights some of the impressive faculty members and shares inspiring success stories of alumni who’ve gone on to thrive in the arts. Tune in for an enlightening conversation about how Idyllwild Arts helps students pursue careers in the arts and why it’s considered one of the top arts academies in the nation. Learn more about the academy at www.idyllwildarts.org.

    Featured Guest

    Pamela Jordan

    President and Head of School, Idyllwild Arts Academy

    Pamela Jordan was appointed President of the Idyllwild Arts Foundation in July, 2014. In 2016, she also assumed the role of Head of School. Prior to joining IAF, she worked at Chicago Academy for the Arts (CAA) for twenty-three years, serving as Head of School for thirteen years. Pamela received a Bachelor of Music from Phillips University in Enid, Oklahoma and a Master of Education from Northeastern Illinois University. She has served on the boards of the Independent Schools Association of the Central States, Lake Michigan Association of Independent Schools, is the immediate past president for the Board of Arts Schools Network, and is currently on the Board of Directors for the California Association of Independent Schools. Pamela has served as a resource panelist to the School of the Arts, Singapore where she also delivered the keynote address for the school’s first bi-annual Arts Forum.

    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.

    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: Emerging Technologies and Innovation in Our Local Schools

    Education Insight: Emerging Technologies and Innovation in Our Local Schools

    About This Episode

    Season 2. Episode 6.

    Technology-focused industries are popping up all over the Inland Region, and that begs the question, are students learning the skills they need for highly technical jobs that are right here in our own backyard? From grade schools to universities the response is notable. In the next Education Insight, we explore immersive media, virtual and augmentative reality, artificial intelligence, 3D modeling, and animatronics. We meet some people that are bringing all of that into local elementary schools and universities to make our kids truly competitive.

    Featured Guests

    Sarah Alfonso Emerson

    Director of Creative Learning for Garner Holt Education Through Imagination.

    Kevin McCarty was elected to the California State Assembly in 2014 to represent the 7th Assembly District, which includes Sacramento, West Sacramento and parts of unincorporated Sacramento County.

    McCarty serves as Chair of the Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Education Finance, which oversees the largest component of California’s multi-billion dollar budget. As Chair, McCarty made historic investments in public education including expanding access to preschool for low and middle income families, providing greater career technical education programs, and increasing student enrollment at our public colleges and universities.

    Other legislative priorities for Assemblymember McCarty include addressing housing affordability, fighting climate change, championing criminal justice reform, curbing gun violence, tackling the opioid crisis and advocating for the middle class.

    McCarty began his public service career as a Sacramento Housing and Redevelopment Commissioner and served on the Sacramento City Council from 2004 to 2014. As a Councilmember, he created innovative youth programs and wrote common-sense gun laws, tackled sub-standard rental housing, and crafted clean air policies. He created Sacramento’s Little Saigon district, the City’s Whistleblower Hotline program, and the Independent Auditor department.

    A lifelong Sacramentan, McCarty went to local public schools, attended American River College, earned a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from CSU Long Beach and a Master’s degree in Public Policy and Administration from CSU Sacramento.

    McCarty and his wife live in the Elmhurst neighborhood of Sacramento with their twin daughters.

    Like, follow and connect with Assemblymember McCarty on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram: @AsmKevinMcCarty

    James Trotter

    Assistant Director, Academic Technologies & Innovation.

    Karen Scott is the Executive Director of the Children and Families Commission – First 5 San Bernardino, a funding organization of services for children prenatal through age 5, by investing revenue received from Prop 10, a tobacco tax initiative in California.

    Ms. Scott’s education and background is in Public Administration and Administration of Justice and she has worked in the realm of Human Services for San Bernardino County since 1977.  Karen has served as Executive Director of First 5 San Bernardino for 14 years leading the organization’s efforts to promote, support and enhance the health and early development of children, prenatal through age five through coordinated and comprehensive systems of care that strengthen children, families and communities, ensuring children are safe, healthy and ready to enter and succeed in school.

    Karen is married to James Scott and has 4 adult children and 4 grandchildren.

    Interview Highlights

    5:19 – James shares why he believes it’s so important for students to be more immersed in learning technology right now.

    13:09 – James describes the relationship today between learning and technology.

    15:03 – James goes into detail about immersive technology and putting students into situations.

    19:16 – James explains that the department of Academic Technologies & Innovation serves all departments on campus.

    21:48 – James shares if he feels his department is in tune with the coming technology needs of the Inland Empire.

    26:43 – Sarah gives insight into what inspired the Education Through Imagination program.

    29:48 – Sarah elaborates on what the program does at various schools and districts.

    33:43 – Sarah describes the custom-designed classroom that they call the Animakers space.

    36:05 – Sarah discusses skillsets these students gain from this program.

    37:23 – Sarah reflects on how important she believes technology education is right now and some of the benefits that come with it.

    39:39 – Sarah shares what technology learning opportunities our local kids are getting that she’s most excited about.

    47:54 – Special Feature: Journey Parrot

    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 Importance of Family Engagement in Student Learning & Success

    Education Insight: The Importance of Family Engagement in Student Learning & Success

    About This Episode

    Season 1. Episode 6.

     Over the past year and a half, millions of parents have learned just how hard it is to be a teacher as they’ve overseen their children’s at home and online learning. As a result, parents are more engaged with their child’s education than before the pandemic. But most parents still have some questions they need to be answered, and teachers and administrators have a number of things they wish parents knew. This week we’re digging deep to find those answers.

     

    Featured Guests

    Renae Ramsey

    Coordinator for Leadership, Innovation, and Outreach • Division of Educational Services, Riverside County Office of Education

    Emma Diaz has more than 30 years of experience in the fields of healthcare and education. She is currently the Director for the Inland Adult Education Consortium at San Bernardino Valley College, where she manages the implementation of the California Adult Education Program (CAEP) legislation. As Director she has played a leadership role in creating and expanding educational programs across the region for underserved, often marginalized populations in adult education.

    Emma participates regularly on state level advisory groups, presents at regional, state and national conferences, and is an international lecturer. She strategically positioned the Inland Adult Education Consortium as the professional development center for the Inland Empire, partnering with both state and national organizations. Most recently hosting the 2nd Annual Google Summit for Adult Education.

    In addition to her current role as Consortium Director, she teaches for both credit and noncredit programs at multiple community colleges. She is currently a Board Member of the Association of Continuing and Community Education and is on the Basic Skills and Noncredit Committee for the Academic Senate for California Community Colleges. She earned her Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from the University of Southern California, holds a master’s degree in Healthcare Administration and a bachelor’s in Business Administration from California State University, Northridge.

    Megan Silva

    Principal, Kendall-Harmon Elementary School

    Annette Webb, M.Ed., is the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs at the University of California Riverside, University Extension. In her role, Annette upholds University Extension’s preeminent status in the professional, online, and continuing studies realm by evaluating and successfully responding to the educational needs of non-traditional learners, both domestic and international. She provides leadership in curricular and instructional areas, strategic planning, partnership engagement, student success, academic quality, and financial management.

    Annette is a product of the California Master Plan for Higher Education, beginning her educational journey at Crafton Hills Community College then transferring to California State University, San Bernardino to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. She went on to complete a Master’s degree in Education with an emphasis on Higher Education Leadership and Policy from UC Riverside.

    She is a member of Growing Inland Achievement’s Returning Adult Action Network Team and she is the inaugural Co-Chair and Staff Representative for the Chancellor’s Advisory Committee on the Status of Women at UCR. Annette is a proponent for life-long learning and is a higher education professional who represents excellence, accountability, integrity, and respect.

    Interview Highlights

    1:47 – Megan describes how important it is for parents to be involved in assignments and homework that their children bring home.

    3:15 – Megan gives advice for parents who are struggling to understand the material that their children are learning and they feel they can’t help with their children’s assignments.

    5:16 – Megan shares the biggest mistake parents unknowingly make when they’re trying to help their child succeed in school.

    7:59 – Megan explains practices by parents that might actually hinder their child’s success.

    10:06 – Megan gives parents/guardians 4 critical tips for young students this upcoming year.

    13:35 – Megan shares the absolute MUST items parents need to do to support their children’s success in school.

    15:00 – Megan describes what the optimal relationship between a parent and teacher should look like.

    17:41 – Renae explains what family engagement means in reference to education and why its so important to students.

    21:25 – Renae describes the relationship between parent involvement and student success.

    23:41 – Renae shares her biggest concerns for Inland Empire students and their families.

    27:23 – Renae tells parents how they can help to stop their child’s attendance issues and catch them early on.

    29:15 – Renae shares how parent engagement has changed in the past 18 months amid the pandemic.

    34:38 – Renae talks about screen time and cell phones; when the appropriate age might be, and how to regulate screen time. 

    44:15 Special Feature: Garretson Elementary School Teachers

    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.