Interviews with Principals of Change

Carpool Karaoke with James Corden and Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee with Jerry Seinfeld are undoubtedly catchy. Two leaders from Santa Ana Unified School District in Orange County, California–Daniel Allen (@schoolmadefresh) and Wes Kriesel (@weskriesel)–adapted this popular idea and are using it with principals in their Principals of Change video interview series.
Santa Ana Unified School District is the 7th largest district in California with approximately 60% of the students being English learners. Around 96% of the students are Hispanic and 91% of the student population is eligible for free and reduced-price meals.
Allen, Executive Director of School Renewal, and Kriesel, current Coordinator of 21st Century Learning for the district, are in support of innovation in education and wanted to highlight the forward-thinking work of some of their principals. As you will see in their adaptation, they are quite the duo.

Principals of Change Episode #1: Todd Irving

While this is a refreshing and fun twist on an interview, do not be mistaken about the seriousness of the commitment in this district to improving educational opportunities for all of their students and creating opportunities for positive change. In addition to sharing the insights and thoughts from the principals in the district, Santa Ana Unified is working to innovate in other ways, such as:

1. High access strategy: school-based decisions about devices and deployment;
2. Portfolio strategy: a shift from district-led managed instruction to school-led personalized learning; and
3. New school development strategy: promoting school options and incubating next gen models.

Principals of Change Episode #2: Amy Scruton

For more, visit the Principals of Change website and see:

• Getting Smart Podcast | Santa Ana Unified School District
• Getting Smart Podcast | Principals Supporting Teachers as Curriculum Designers

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