In the first interview of this episode features LeiLani Cauthen, CEO of the Learning Counsel, who discusses how districts are approaching the digital transition and beginning to embrace, rather than simply accept, the need for technology in schools (0:30). Cauthen also describes the identity challenges students are facing in our globally connected world, as identified in recent research, and much more. In this episode’s Data Insight (15:02), you’ll hear how recent research shows that teachers spend between 10-25 percent of their time searching for lesson materials. Then, in the second interview, Michael Broach, Academic Dean for Bishop Kenny High School in Jacksonville, Florida, discusses how his school’s curriculum mapping initiative has helped them overcome the challenges described in the Learning Counsel Data Insight (16:02). He discusses how the expectations and rigor have increased, with instruction no longer being simply “from the textbook,” but rather a high-quality process that involves the integration of different resources and a student-centered approach.

Note: The interviews featured in this episode were recorded while the implications of COVID-19, with respect to school closures, were still taking shape. As such, the conversations take place with the emerging pandemic as a backdrop, but it is not an explicit part of the conversations. However, listeners will find the research-based insights and strategies for planning whole-school curriculum to be timely and enlightening as you continue your work in the current environment.

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