Growing Inland Achievement

Tag: season 5

  • Resolving the Issue of Teacher Workforce Shortages

    Resolving the Issue of Teacher Workforce Shortages

    About This Episode

    Season 5. Episode 9.

    In this episode of Education Insight, Dr. M.D. Haque, an expert from the LaFetra College of Education at the University of LaVerne, offers valuable insights into the growing teacher workforce shortages facing California and the nation. As schools continue to grapple with the shortage of qualified educators, Dr. Haque provides a comprehensive look at the current state of the education system and the deep impact the shortage has on school communities.

    He dives into the challenges of recruiting and retaining teachers and explores innovative solutions that have emerged, including hands-on training programs like apprenticeships and teacher residency programs. Dr. Haque discusses the importance of leadership development for teachers and how stackable credentials and micro-credentials can support their professional growth and retention.

    This episode also examines the pressing issue of teacher burnout and what higher education institutions, such as the University of LaVerne, can do to ensure a qualified and sustainable teaching workforce for the future. Tune in to hear Dr. Haque’s expert perspectives on how collaborative efforts, innovative programs, and strategic solutions can help address the teacher shortage crisis and support the next generation of educators.

    Featured Guest

    Dr. MD Haque

    Dean of the LaFetra College of Education, University of La Verne

    Dr. MD Haque serves as the dean of the LaFetra College of Education at the University of La Verne. Before stepping into this role, he held several leadership positions, including director of the Institutional Review Board, associate dean, and interim dean of the college. He is also a professor of organizational leadership.

    As dean, Dr. Haque is deeply committed to building strategic partnerships, expanding learning opportunities and career pathways, fostering interdisciplinary collaborations, and strengthening the college’s existing programs. His leadership is centered on innovation, collaboration, and academic excellence, ensuring that LaFetra College of Education continues to lead in preparing future educators and organizational leaders.

    Dr. Haque holds an Ed.D. in organizational leadership from Pepperdine University, along with master’s degrees in business administration, business technologies, and public administration—reflecting his diverse expertise in leadership, technology, and organizational strategy.

    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: How Did Our Kids Do on the Education Recovery Scorecard?

    Education Insight: How Did Our Kids Do on the Education Recovery Scorecard?

    About This Episode

    Season 5. Episode 8.

    In this episode of Education Insight, Dr. Tom Kane, Faculty Director at the Center for Education Policy Research at Harvard University, discusses the findings from the latest Education Recovery Scorecard. The report examines how student achievement in math and reading has been impacted by the pandemic, with a focus on recovery trends across various districts. Dr. Kane highlights the growing disparities in achievement based on income, race, and absenteeism, while also exploring the effectiveness of federal relief funding and district-level interventions.

    The conversation also touches on the critical role of communication between schools and parents regarding students’ academic progress and how absenteeism continues to hinder recovery efforts. Dr. Kane offers key insights into the long-term consequences of learning loss and the importance of policy changes to address these challenges. Tune in to learn more about how districts are recovering, what’s working, and what needs to be done to close the achievement gap and ensure future success for students across the country.

    Featured Guest

    Dr. Thomas Kane

    Faculty Director at the Center for Education Policy Research, Harvard University

    Thomas Kane is an economist and Walter H. Gale Professor of Education at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. He is faculty director of the Center for Education Policy Research, a university-wide research center that works with school districts and state agencies. Between 2009 and 2012, he directed the Measures of Effective Teaching project for the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. His work has spanned both K-12 and higher education, covering topics such as the design of school accountability systems, teacher evaluation, financial aid for college, race-conscious college admissions and recovery from the COVID pandemic. From 1995 to 1996, Kane served as the senior economist for labor, education, and welfare policy issues within President Clinton’s Council of Economic Advisers. From 1991 through 2000, he was a faculty member at the Kennedy School of Government. Kane has also been a professor of public policy at UCLA and has held visiting fellowships at the Brookings Institution and the Hoover Institution at Stanford University. 

    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: Preparing Students for the Workforce of Tomorrow

    Education Insight: Preparing Students for the Workforce of Tomorrow

    About This Episode

    Season 5. Episode 7.

    In this episode of Education Insight, we are joined by Dr. Dale Marsden, the Founder & Chief Visionary of Tomorrow’s Talent, a transformative organization that partners with schools, businesses, and community groups to help students develop the skills needed for in-demand careers. Dr. Marsden, a former superintendent and prominent education consultant, discusses how Tomorrow’s Talent collaborates with employers in California to ensure students are equipped with the right skills. He also shares how schools and colleges can better align their programs with workforce needs and how his organization is empowering underrepresented communities to succeed in industries like healthcare, technology, and advanced manufacturing.

    The conversation delves into how evolving technologies and workforce trends, such as remote work, are shaping education and how students can be trained to thrive in these new environments. Dr. Marsden highlights the importance of adapting school curricula to stay ahead of emerging fields and meet the changing demands of the job market. Tune in to hear more about how Tomorrow’s Talent is preparing students for the future of work.

    Featured Guest

    Dr. Dale Marsden

    Founder and Chief Visionary, Tomorrow’s Talent

    Dr. Dale Marsden recently served as superintendent of the San Bernardino City Unified School District (SBCUSD), California’s 10th largest urban public school district, which serves a diverse student population of 73 percent Latino and 14 percent African-American, in an area with a 91 percent poverty rate. The District serves over 50,000 students, 8,000 staff in 76 schools across a 98-square-mile radius. During Dr. Marsden’s tenure, the SBCUSD team experienced a historic increase in graduation rates from 66.8% to 93.6% (surpassing county, state, and national graduation rates), doubled the number of students eligible to attend 4-year universities, and increased from 5 to 53 high-growth, high-demand pathway experiences, ensuring equity and access for all students to high-wage careers in local and world industries.

    Dr. Marsden is a veteran of the United States Air Force and has over 30 years of experience in public education. He earned his bachelor’s degree from California State University, San Bernardino in Liberal Studies with a minor in mathematics, a master’s degree in Educational Administration, and a doctorate of education in Educational Leadership, Administration, and Policy from Pepperdine University, where he was named the 2016 Superintendent of the Year. In 2018, he was named a National Leader to Learn From by Education Week. In 2023, Dr. Marsden was reappointed by the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors for his 3rd term on the Workforce Development Board and continues to serve on the Youth Committee.

    Dr. Marsden currently supports a host of state-wide and regional education reform and work-based learning initiatives, and is founder/owner/Chief Visionary of Tomorrow’s Talent, LLC a company focused on bridging education systems to the real world of work: “Local Talent, Local Employers, Local Economy”. Tomorrow’s Talent was nominated for the Chase ‘Icon Award’ in 2024 and received the Spirit of the Entrepreneur Award for a Service Based Business in 2024.

    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.

  • The Emotional and Social Struggles of 4th Graders After the Pandemic

    The Emotional and Social Struggles of 4th Graders After the Pandemic

    About This Episode

    Season 5. Episode 4.

    In this episode of Education Insight, we dive into the unique challenges faced by 9-year-olds who missed crucial in-person kindergarten and first-grade experiences due to the pandemic. These now-4th graders are struggling socially and emotionally, and educators are working tirelessly to help them catch up academically while also addressing their emotional needs.

    We hear from Pearla Badena, a 4th-grade teacher at SeaView Elementary in the Coachella Valley Unified School District, who shares the struggles her students face with social interactions, conflict resolution, and emotional regulation. Pearla discusses how teachers are adapting to support students in these areas and provides advice for parents looking to help their children build confidence and manage their emotions.

    Additionally, Cara Molina, Executive Director for Health and Wellness Services in the Ontario-Montclair School District, explains the district’s efforts to provide social-emotional support for students. Cara highlights the importance of creating a comprehensive system of care to address these issues at the district level and shares recommendations for how parents, teachers, and schools can work together to support children in overcoming these challenges.

    Featured Guest

    Pearla Badena

    4th Grade Educator, SeaView Elementary School in the Coachella Valley Unified School District

    Cara Molina began her journey in the education field in 2003 as a Classified staff member working in Food Services and then as an Instructional Aide.  As a Classified staff member, wife, and mother of five children, she was empowered by her mentors, who were all educational leaders, and decided to pursue her dream going back to school as a first generation college graduate to become a teacher, assistant principal, principal, and now currently is the Executive Director of Health & Wellness Services in the Ontario-Montclair School District (OMSD) in Southern California, the third largest PK-8th grade district in California, which serves over 18,000 students in 33 schools.  She co-leads district-wide implementation of the OMSD Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) and leads district implementation of Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports (PBIS), Social-Emotional Learning (SEL), Restorative Practices, Trauma-Informed Practices, Medical Billing, Homelessness Services, Community Schools, Mental Health, Case Management, and School Health. With her department team, OMSD has been awarded several state and local grants to provide in-district behavioral health, clinical mental health, and clinical social work services. In 2024, she was recognized with the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) Region 12 Central Office Administrator of the Year Award. She has presented at the ACSA Every Child Counts Conference, Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents (ALAS) Conference, Southern Regional Student Wellness Conference, and other state and local conferences.  She earned her Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Administrative Credential at the University of La Verne.  From her experiences in overcoming barriers of poverty and trauma, she is a committed to opening pathways for students, families, and staff to realize dreams they may never thought possible, increasing inclusive practices, and is passionate in supporting current and future educational leaders in transformational and inclusive leadership practices for ongoing positive change supporting the whole-child.

    Cara Molina
    Executive Director for the Health & Wellness Services Department, Ontario-Montclair School District

    Cara Molina began her journey in the education field in 2003 as a Classified staff member working in Food Services and then as an Instructional Aide.  As a Classified staff member, wife, and mother of five children, she was empowered by her mentors, who were all educational leaders, and decided to pursue her dream going back to school as a first generation college graduate to become a teacher, assistant principal, principal, and now currently is the Executive Director of Health & Wellness Services in the Ontario-Montclair School District (OMSD) in Southern California, the third largest PK-8th grade district in California, which serves over 18,000 students in 33 schools.  She co-leads district-wide implementation of the OMSD Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) and leads district implementation of Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports (PBIS), Social-Emotional Learning (SEL), Restorative Practices, Trauma-Informed Practices, Medical Billing, Homelessness Services, Community Schools, Mental Health, Case Management, and School Health. With her department team, OMSD has been awarded several state and local grants to provide in-district behavioral health, clinical mental health, and clinical social work services. In 2024, she was recognized with the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) Region 12 Central Office Administrator of the Year Award. She has presented at the ACSA Every Child Counts Conference, Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents (ALAS) Conference, Southern Regional Student Wellness Conference, and other state and local conferences.  She earned her Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Administrative Credential at the University of La Verne.  From her experiences in overcoming barriers of poverty and trauma, she is a committed to opening pathways for students, families, and staff to realize dreams they may never thought possible, increasing inclusive practices, and is passionate in supporting current and future educational leaders in transformational and inclusive leadership practices for ongoing positive change supporting the whole-child.

    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.