This conversation explores the critical role of community engagement in education, emphasizing the importance of including family voices in school improvement efforts. It discusses the need to break down silos within educational systems, ensuring that all students, especially those from marginalized backgrounds, are represented in decision-making processes. Our guests share strategies for effectively engaging families and communities, highlighting the necessity of listening and understanding cultural differences to foster meaningful collaboration.

Resource: Radically Excellent School Improvement: Empowering Every Student to Thrive

Follow on Twitter: @Jenschwanke @bamradionetwork @jonHarper70bd

Kate Anderson Foley is a transformational leader with significant experience leading public school districts and states toward equitable and integrated services for all learners. Her work has been grounded in social justice and breaking down barriers for historically marginalized children. She has led organizational change utilizing a strategic framework that ensured guaranteed and rigorous learning leading to college and career readiness for all students. As the founder and CEO of The Education Policy & Practice Group, Kate partners with local, state, national, and international organizations, education agencies, and various industries providing her expertise with the improvement process, professional learning communities, strategic planning, asset-based education policies and practices, special education, coaching, and consulting. She is the author of Radically Excellent School Improvement: Empowering Every Student to Thrive.

Jen Schwanke, Ed.D., has been an educator for almost three decades, teaching or leading at all levels. She is the author of four books published by ASCD, including The Principal’s Guide to Conflict Management, and has published hundreds of articles in various education publications. In addition to providing professional development to districts in the areas of school climate, personnel, and instructional leadership, Schwanke presents at conferences for ASCD, NAESP, NASSP, AASA, and various state and local education organizations. She is the co-host of the popular “Principal Matters” podcast and an instructor in educational administration at The Ohio State University and Miami University of Ohio. Dr. Schwanke currently serves as a Deputy Superintendent in Ohio.