The Growth Over Grades Podcast

Jan 21 2025 57 ep. 38 mins 3
The Growth Over Grades Podcast artwork

Welcome to the Growth Over Grades podcast, a show connecting you with thought leaders, pioneers, and change agents who are leading the charge to support schools and districts in making the shift toward competency-based education and to promote growth, over grades.

  Education
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Brandi Kelly on Leading School Districts with H.O.P.E

Jan 21 2025 54 mins  
In this episode of Growth Over Grades, Jordan sits down with Dr. Brandi Kelly, Superintendent of Mount Olive School District and author of the upcoming book "Lead with Hope." They explore how personal tragedy inspired her journey into education and shaped her transformative leadership framework centered on H.O.P.E (Habits, Optimistic Outlook, Passion, Purpose, and Perseverance, Exc

PJ Caposey on Building Durable Skills for Student Success

Jan 07 2025 63 mins  
In this episode of Growth Over Grades, Jordan sits down with PJ Caposey, Superintendent of Oregon Community Unit School District 220 and Meridian CUSD 223. They discuss the critical importance of durable skills in K-12 education, how to effectively measure student growth, and preparing students for future success beyond traditional academics. PJ shares practical insights on impleme

Cynthia Ritchie on Flexible Learning Models and Student-Centered Change

Dec 17 2024 51 mins  
In the tenth episode of Growth Over Grades, Jordan sits down with Cynthia Ritchie, Superintendent of New London Schools in Connecticut. They discuss innovative instruction, flexible learning models, and the shift away from the traditional school-year calendar. Finally, Cynthia shares her insights on driving innovation in school districts while keeping students at the heart of the w

The Road to Future-Ready with Michael Crawford

Dec 03 2024 57 mins  
In this episode of Growth Over Grades, Jordan sits down with Michael Crawford, Vice President of Strategic Initiatives at America Succeeds. Together, they explore the transformative impact of prioritizing durable skills in teaching and learning. Drawing from his own experience, Michael shares valuable advice for leaders and educators striving to adopt skills-based approaches in edu

Alissa Muller and the Power of Mastery-Based Learning

Nov 19 2024 55 mins  
In the eighth episode of Growth Over Grades, Jordan sits down with Alissa Muller, Director of Policy at the Washington State Board of Education, to discuss mastery-based learning (MBL). Together, they explore the concepts of culturally responsive-sustaining MBL and examine the challenges and benefits of these teaching models. Alissa also shares valuable insights on how to gain trac

Spotlight on the Learner with Alin Bennett and Bobbi Macdonald

Nov 05 2024 59 mins  
In this episode of Growth over Grades, Alin Bennett and Bobbi Macdonald from Education Reimagined join Jordan to share their expertise in learner-centred education. They delve into the foundations of this approach, discussing what it means to place learners at the center, the evolving role of teachers, and the key changes needed in assessment practices. They also highlight how lear

The Portrait of a Learner in Action: A Discussion with Claire Romzek

Oct 22 2024 47 mins  
In this episode of Growth Over Grades, Jordan speaks with educator and Magnet Coordinator Claire Romzek about how the Portrait of a Learner cultivates future readiness in her students. Claire emphasizes that, alongside the Portrait of a Learner (POL), ungrading, project-based learning (PBL), and competency-based learning (CBL) collaboratively equip students for success in their fut

Preparing Future-Ready Students with Dana Addis

Oct 08 2024 43 mins  
In the fifth episode of Growth Over Grades, Jordan sits down with Dana Addis, an experienced educational leader dedicated to equipping students for the future through the Portrait of a Graduate (PoG). In this engaging conversation, they delve into the PoG, with Dana sharing valuable insights and practical strategies for leaders eager to transition to a growth-oriented approach in t

Educational Innovation and Mastery-Based Learning with Julia Bamba

Sep 24 2024 53 mins  
In this episode of the Growth Over Grades podcast, Jordan Lewis chats with Julia Bamba, a principal on special assignment, driving secondary innovation in Washington. They dive into the benefits of mastery-based learning, discussing how to engage families, leverage technology, and celebrate student success. Julia also shares practical tips for educators looking to start their journ

Innovative Strategies for Shaping Future-Ready Students with Michael Hale

Sep 10 2024 56 mins  
In this episode of the "Growth Over Grades" podcast, host Jordan Lewis sits down with Michael Hale, Co-Founder of Expeditionary Schools, to discuss the transformative power of Expeditionary Learning. Michael discusses how building strong community connections and aligning Standards-Based Grading with the Portrait of a Graduate can foster deeper student engagement. With a focus on p