{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"232 - Virginia Superintendent James Lane on Unleashing Innovation","description":"Today on the podcast, Tom Vander Ark is speaking with Dr. James Lane, the State Superintendent of Public Instruction at the Virginia Department of Education. Dr. Lane started his career in education serving as a band teacher, a school leader, and then System Head in two districts before finally ending up at the Virginia Department of Education. He really wanted to see more engaging approaches to learning and truly believes that the best decisions are made as close to the child as possible. He\u2019s even announced that his office, which some thought of as the \u2018Tower of \u2018No\u2019\u2019 would soon be the \u2018Tower of \u2018Yes.\u2019\u2019\u201d   In this discussion with Tom, Dr. James Lane describes the Virginia is for Learners Innovation Network (a collaborative effort of over 60 school districts), the work being done in VDOE, and the work being done in partner districts with the help of Virginia! Later in this episode, you\u2019ll also get to hear from investor-turned-advocate, Ted Dintersmith, who joins Dr. Lane to lend his support for all of the innovation lining up in the Commonwealth!   Tune in to hear from both Dr. Lane and Ted Dintersmith on how Virginia is unleashing innovation!   Key Takeaways: [:14] About today\u2019s episode! [1:17] Tom welcomes Dr. James Lane and Ted Dintersmith to the podcast! [1:43] Dr. Lane speaks about where he grew up, his early education, and how that all led to him becoming Superintendent in Virginia. [3:03] What attracted Dr. Lane originally to the role of State Superintendent? [4:45] Has the Portrait of a Graduate proven to be useful infrastructure in Virginia? [6:11] How Virginia has gotten this delicate balance \u2014 of both signaling a new era and avoiding mandates \u2014 right. [7:11] Tom congratulates Ted Dintersmith on his most recent book, What School Could Be. [7:31] Ted shares some of the feedback he\u2019s received from speaking around the country about his new book. [8:13] Is Virginia Ted\u2019s adopted home state? [8:45] What does Ted think is heading in the right direction in Virginia? [10:11] Ted speaks about Albermarle County Public Schools and the growth he has seen there. [11:18] Dr. Lane speaks about the newly launched Virginia is for Learners Innovation Network! [14:40] Tom highlights some of the fantastic work that is being done in Loudoun County Public Schools. [15:48] What kind of learning would Ted hope to see from some of the high schools that are a part of the districts in this movement? [19:27] Dr. Lane speaks about how other partners in this initiative are becoming involved in this work. [21:30] Ted gives advice on the best ways to mobilize this work for other regional leaders and state leaders. [24:37] What\u2019s next for Virginia? What does the roadmap look like for the next couple of years? [26:55] Tom and Dr. Lane both thank Ted for all of the work he\u2019s done! [27:56] Where to learn more about Virginia is for Learners Innovation Network, Virginia Department of Education, and the other partner districts! [28:35] Where to find out more about Ted and his book, What Schools Could Be. [29:28] Tom thanks both Ted and Dr. Lane for joining the podcast!   Mentioned in This Episode: James Lane\u2019s LinkedIn James Lane\u2019s Twitter: @DrJamesLane Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) Aurora Institute Symposium Virginia is for Learners Innovation Network Ted Dintersmith Portrait of a Graduate What School Could Be: Insights and Inspiration from Teachers Across America, by Ted Dintersmith Albemarle County Public Schools Virginia is for Lovers Loudoun County Public Schools Getting Smart Podcast Ep. 229: \u201cEric Williams on Empowering Students to Make a Contribution\u201d Innovation Playlist   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You\u2019ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You\u2019d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email Editor@GettingSmart.com and include \u2018Podcast\u2019 in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!   ","author_name":"Getting Smart Podcast","author_url":"https:\/\/gettingsmart.com","html":"