transforms fluency and confidence. Inspired by the Vermont Mathematics Initiative, Mike reframed "flashcards" into visual, model-rich experiences that help students construct new facts from previously mastered ones.

We dive into how MathFactLab shifts classroom culture—helping students rediscover joy, confidence, and agency in math through reasoning rather than rote recall. Mike also shares how teachers can use progress tracking and conceptual tools to build genuine understanding and long-term success. This is a conversation about turning math from memorization into meaning.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

• Strategy-based fluency vs. rote memorization
• Using visual models to reduce cognitive load
• Constructing new fact knowledge from mastered facts
• Progress monitoring and impartial data collection
• Building student agency, confidence, and joy in math

Resources:

• MathFactLab
• "Fluency Without Fear" by Jo Boaler (YouCubed)

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, I’m joined by Jefferson Pestronk, Executive Director at Modern States, to discuss how their free online courses and College Board’s CLEP exams make college credit accessible to everyone. Learners can take self-paced courses, earn vouchers, and bring passing CLEP scores to nearly 3,000 colleges—no tuition required on the Modern States side.

Jefferson shares how this model supports high schoolers, college students, and adult learners alike through flexible, scalable pathways. We also talk about AI tutoring, virtual cohorts, and statewide programs like Ohio’s new policy recognizing CLEP in diploma metrics.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

• How Modern States + CLEP unlocks free, transcripted college credit for learners anywhere.
• Who it serves—from teens to comebackers—and flexible ways schools embed it.
• Funding the path: philanthropic support, employer benefits, and state policies.
• New supports for self-paced success: AI tutoring and virtual cohorts.
• Ohio’s policy shift elevating CLEP in accountability and diploma seals.

Resources:

• Modern States — Create a free account and browse the full course library; look for the green “Sign Up” buttons.
• College Board CLEP — Check which colleges accept which exams and the score needed to earn credit.
• Connect with Jefferson Pestronk on LinkedIn

Produced by NOVA

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we’re joined by Danny Bauer, host of the Better Leaders, Better Schools podcast and a champion for reimagining education through leadership. Danny shares how his journey from assistant principal to leading a global community of “ruckus makers” has been fueled by a belief that leadership is service and schools must evolve beyond the status quo. His perspective challenges us to think differently about what school is for and how leaders can inspire students and educators alike.

We explore the importance of creating schools that kids actually want to show up for, the role of curiosity in shaping the future of learning, and why agency and authenticity are essential in leadership. From transforming abandoned spaces into learning labs to helping principals embrace bold, creative choices, Danny illustrates how disruption can open doors to new possibilities.

This conversation dives into leadership, agency, AI in education, and reimagining what makes school meaningful for both learners and leaders. Join us as we unpack how to build communities of growth, create irresistible learning environments, and embrace the power of disruption in education.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

• Leadership as service in transforming education
• Creating schools that inspire students to “opt in”
• How curiosity and agency drive meaningful learning

Resources:

• Better Leaders, Better Schools
• Learning Unboxed Podcast
• Follow Danny Bauer on Instagram: @betterleadersbetterschools

Produced by NOVA