Studies Have Shown That Early Childhood Education Programs Can Prepare Children To Develop The Academic, Social And Emotional Skills They Need To Succeed And Graduate High School. Other Long-Term Benefits Of Early Childhood Education Can Include Earning Higher Grades And Having A Lifelong Love For Reading And Learning. Studies Have Also Shown That Children Who Attend High-Quality Early Childhood Education Programs Can Develop An Improved Attention Span Which Can Lead To More Productivity In Thei...
Apr 21, 2023•39 min•Season 4Ep. 10
Research shows that the fine arts enhance brain function by impacting brain wave patterns, emotions, and the nervous system while also raising serotonin levels. By using our creative abilities, we tap into multiple intelligences that support how we learn. Evidence suggests that students improve in math, reading, science, and other subjects when the arts are infused into a school's curriculum. So what artistic opportunities do K-12 students have available to them, how are these programs funded an...
Mar 29, 2023•24 min
At some point in our life we have envisioned ourselves working in our dream job! To get there students need engaging, cutting-edge instruction that is rigorous and relevant. So what are the necessary steps needed to ensure that today's learner can achieve their career goals? Is Career and Technical Education the answer when it comes to landing a high-wage, high-skill, high-demand career? We’ll explore those topics and more in this episode of Educationally Speaking! Host: Mark Edwards, Oakland Sc...
Feb 23, 2023•26 min•Season 4Ep. 8
We have all faced and overcome many challenges during the past couple of years. It’s safe to say our overall health and wellness are the most important aspects of our lives! So how are Intermediate School Districts and Educational Service Agencies partnering together to ensure the overall well-being of staff and students is a long-term priority? Host: Mark Edwards, Oakland Schools' Communications Specialist Guest: Christina Harvey, Health Education Consultant for Oakland Schools Producer: Brian ...
Jan 31, 2023•19 min
For over a century the greater Detroit area has served as a hub for designing and building automobiles and the region is poised to continue to be an automotive leader into the future. With that said vehicles are not getting any simpler, they are equipped with computer chips and advanced technology making it nearly impossible to perform any personal maintenance outside of putting air in the tires. It is important to have a certified auto technician to perform and oversee the maintenance on your v...
Dec 22, 2022•26 min•Season 4Ep. 6
National Apprenticeship Week is a nationwide celebration where industry, labor, equity, workforce, education, and government leaders showcase the successes and value of registered apprenticeship for rebuilding our economy, advancing racial and gender equity, and supporting underserved communities. Host: Mark Edwards, Oakland Schools' Communications Specialist Guests: Paul Galbenski, Dean OSTC-Northeast Jennifer Mefford, Director of Workforce Development, Must Construction Careers Producer: Brian...
Nov 14, 2022•29 min
We live in the information age. A world filled with modern technology has paved the way for multi-functional devices like the smartwatch and smartphone. Computers are increasingly faster, more portable, and higher-powered than ever before. With all of these advancements, information technology has also made our lives easier, faster, and overall better, it has especially increased the effectiveness and efficiency of the educational system. So where does productivity and security intersect? Inform...
Nov 02, 2022•40 min
The National School Lunch Program serves nearly 30 million children every school day. Balanced nutrition throughout the day is one of the leading factors when it comes to student success. Research has proven that school meal programs play an important role in obesity prevention, overall student health and academic achievement. Host: Mark Edwards, Oakland Schools' Communications Specialist Guest: Lori Adkins, Oakland Schools’ Child Nutrition Consultant Producer: Brian Beck, Oakland Schools' Media...
Sep 30, 2022•30 min
It's been said that the only constant in life is change itself. That also holds true in the education world, as it is always evolving. Groundbreaking ideas, cutting-edge curriculum, innovative technologies, and the list goes on. As we head into a new school year one variable remains constant, education professionals are gearing up for the 2022-23 school year with the goal of serving every student, every day! Host: Mark Edwards, Oakland Schools' Communications Specialist Guest: Kenneth Gutman, Oa...
Sep 08, 2022•19 min
In today's world, public perception can make or break your brand. So who is responsible for telling your organization's story? What are the most efficient ways to deliver a message? How do you evaluate whether or not your communication was effective? We’ll explore those topics and more in this episode of educationally speaking. Host: Mark Edwards, Oakland Schools' Communications Specialist Guest: Sheri Stuart, Oakland Schools’ Communications Director Producer: Mark Hansen, Oakland Schools' Media...
Jul 28, 2022•20 min•Season 4Ep. 1
Getting from point A to point B can be a challenge for all of us! But when it comes to our most precious cargo, our children, safety rises to the top. More than 25 million children are transported to and from school and school-related activities every day. So how are school districts overcoming rising fuel prices, and dealing with bus driver shortages? We’ll explore those topics and more in this episode of Educationally Speaking. Host: Mark Edwards, Oakland Schools' Communications Specialist Gue...
Jun 15, 2022•37 min•Season 3Ep. 9
We've all heard the old adage that communication is key. However, nearly 5 -10 percent of Americans have a communication disorder, this includes speech & language & the deaf & hard-of-hearing communities. So what interventions are in place to ensure that our children are receiving the necessary support that leads to a successful school experience? Who are the professionals responsible for facilitating these critical services? We’ll explore those topics and more in this episode of edu...
May 27, 2022•1 hr 7 min•Season 3Ep. 9
When it comes to robotics the future is now! From vacuums to lawnmowers, home security systems, personal assistants and even dogs. So how are today’s students learning about and using these rapidly changing technologies? In what ways will robotics shape our world for generations to come? We will explore those topics and more in this episode of educationally speaking. Host: Mark Edwards, Oakland Schools' Communications Specialist Guests: Steve Smitka, OSTC-SE Instructor Issiah Johnson, OSTC-SE St...
Apr 22, 2022•46 min•Season 3Ep. 8
What are some of the current challenges facing education? Is it possible to focus on every student in an equitable fashion? Can one educational leader impact change in a community? We explore those topics and more in this episode of educationally speaking as we speak with the 2021-22 MASA Superintendent of the Year, Dr. Dania Bazzi from Ferndale Public Schools. Host: Mark Edwards, Oakland Schools' Communication Specialist Guests: Dr. Dania Bazzi, Superintendent, Ferndale Public Schools Producer:...
Mar 15, 2022•58 min
Every parent wants their children to be successful when it comes to having a lucrative career. Career and Technical Education is proving to be the right fit for many students and their families. Listen to this episode to learn more about what CTE careers have to offer. Host: Mark Edwards, Oakland Schools' Communication Specialist Guests: Chris Vraniak, Dean OSTC-Southwest Michael Ribikowski, Cody Delisle, Parker Gottschalk, OSTC Southwest Collision Repair and Refinishing students Producer: Mark ...
Feb 17, 2022•35 min•Season 3Ep. 6
At a time when 1 in 3 working families is struggling to find affordable childcare, Great Start Collaborative Oakland County is helping eligible families access free, high-quality preschool programs. This is a lifeline for many families as Michigan Early Childhood programs are considered among the best in the nation. In this episode, Sheri Stuart and Veronica Pechumer discuss the free preschool resources available to eligible families in Oakland County. Resources: Great Start Collaborative Oaklan...
Jan 05, 2022•6 min•Season 3Ep. 5
Are you a student who has always dreamed of managing your own restaurant or building a house a family could call their home? Do you desire to one day own your own salon or be a lead computer programmer at a software company? Oakland Schools has a longstanding tradition of creating opportunities for all students in Oakland County and that includes those who may have an interest in garnering hands-on experiences before leaving the classroom. This episode takes a look at what our Oakland Schools Te...
Oct 19, 2021•28 min•Season 3Ep. 4
Due to the pandemic, and how it affected learning these past several months, there are many students who are going to need additional support and resources this school year. In particular, those conversations seem to center around English Learners. A recent article published in Education Week pointed out that just because English Learners may need more support this fall, doesn’t mean that they are behind other students. This podcast examines the assumptions the general population often has when ...
Sep 22, 2021•36 min•Season 3Ep. 3
Nationwide and locally, careers in STEM, - which stands for science, technology, engineering and math - are making headlines as growing and lucrative fields for the future. Oakland Schools has been working hard over the past several months to really begin focusing on supporting the STEM efforts of local school districts. In this episode, we talk to the team who has created these programs to find out what exciting learning opportunities are on the horizon, as well as talk to a local elementary sc...
Sep 08, 2021•30 min•Season 3Ep. 2
For our first episode of Season 3, we will be talking about what parents and students can expect for the 2021-2022 school year. Admittedly, this is a moving target because the pandemic is ongoing and things could quickly change, but, as of right now, it is looking like school districts are going to resume in-person learning. So what will that look like? With guidance from local education experts, we will be discuss some of the key areas that parents and students may be examining upon returning t...
Aug 26, 2021•34 min•Season 3Ep. 1
When the pandemic hit, in-person learning stopped on a dime and school districts quickly set up online learning opportunities for students. It wasn’t an easy switch, but most students and staff were able to make the transition. And while that worked as a temporary solution for most families, there were many who were left in a lurch. For those with children who fall in the special populations category, the change from in-person to virtual learning simply didn’t work as many of those students requ...
Jul 12, 2021•45 min•Season 2Ep. 13
This year, there has been a huge uptick in the amount of staff who have left the education profession. Many teachers, in particular, are retiring, but the issue is touching every aspect of the education field from superintendents to bus drivers. In our January Educationally Speaking podcast titled "Where are they? Why students are increasingly leaving the classroom," we explored why more students have left school due to the pandemic. Now we want to look at the staff side of the equation and disc...
Jun 23, 2021•47 min•Season 2Ep. 12
Race and racism have always been hot button issues in our society, but recent events have really seemed to push these topics to the forefront of everyone’s mind, including our youth. Discussing the topics of race and racism can be complicated, but it is always necessary. So how does a parent properly and effectively begin and continue this discussion with their child or children? Guests: Dr. Jay Marks, Oakland Schools’ Diversity and Equity Consultant Dr. Ashelin Currie, Oakland Schools’ Literacy...
Apr 19, 2021•1 hr 9 min•Season 2Ep. 11
Imagine trying to learn when your stomach is speaking louder than your teacher. It is impossible! Research shows that the simple act of eating school breakfast can dramatically change a child's school learning experience. In this episode, we discuss National School Breakfast Week and how it serves as a reminder that a healthy breakfast ensures students' academic well-being. Guests: Lori Adkins, Oakland Schools' Child Nutrition Consultant and Vice President of the School Nutrition Association Ste...
Mar 04, 2021•25 min•Season 2Ep. 10
There has not been one person unaffected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Local teachers, parents, and students are no exception. In this episode, we talk about what self-care is and how important it is to implement in our lives as often as we can. Guests: Mary Perfitt-Nelson, Oakland Schools Mental Health Consultant Dr. Julie McDaniel, Oakland School Safety and Well-Being Consultant Paula Lightsey, Academic Advisement Supervisor at Southfield Public Schools Resources: Oakland Schools Susan Kaiser Gree...
Feb 12, 2021•35 min•Season 2Ep. 9
Parents and caregivers are essential partners in supporting learning at home but what does that mean? Experts say the most important thing is to keep a love of learning alive. In an effort to help local parents and caregivers, Oakland Schools District and School Services has started a Partnerships at Home series to assist with these new learning challenges. Guests: Executive Director for Oakland Schools District and School Services Jennifer Gottlieb Oakland Schools' Science Education Consultant ...
Jan 27, 2021•12 min•Season 2Ep. 8
We all experienced a change in how education was delivered in 2020. Everyone was impacted -- parents and families, teachers and administrators. The pandemic has left its mark on many industries, and education is no exception. Moving forward, it's likely that certain aspects of education will need to change or adapt. We gathered together some of Oakland County's best education experts to talk about this ground-breaking topic and what we can potentially expect for the future of education. Guests: ...
Jan 19, 2021•31 min•Season 2Ep. 7
The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed many issues when it comes to education access. Nationwide, there has been an increase in the number of students absent from school and it's not due to illness. This same issue has also been noticed in our state and Oakland County is no exception. More and more children are missing from classrooms and there is a myriad of reasons why. Guests: Oakland Schools' Manager of District and Pupil Services Carolyn Claerhout (Carolyn.Claerhout@oakland.k12.mi.us) Oakland Sc...
Jan 07, 2021•30 min•Season 2Ep. 6
In Oakland County, we are lucky to have a diverse community where many different nationalities are represented in our schools. However, many of these students need time to adjust to their new surroundings and life experiences after relocating from countries plagued by war, poverty and food insecurity. This podcast will explore ways teachers and the community can support our immigrant students in school. Guests: Wisam Brikho, Oakland Schools' Immigrant Student Consultant Sally Nalu, Supervisor fo...
Nov 10, 2020•21 min•Season 2Ep. 5
In June of this year, Oakland Schools and the Oakland County Health Division formed a partnership called the Oakland Together School Nurse Initiative. This initiative led to the hiring of 68 nurses who were deployed to all 28 school districts in Oakland County. The nurses are to provide public health strategies and direction to staff and students with the goal of stopping the spread of COVID-19. Guests: Calandra Anderson, Quality and Process Improvement Supervisor, Oakland County Health Division...
Oct 20, 2020•29 min•Season 2Ep. 4
