Education
Today, Tom is speaking with Dr. Christina Theokas, Chief of Applied Science at Turnaround for Children, about the whole-child design movement and the new Toolbox from Turnaround for Children. The Turnaround for Children Toolbox is an online hub created by educators, for educators — and is backed by science, research, and passion. With this tool, educators will be able to create a supportive environment, cultivate developmental relationships, and build students’ knowledge, skills, and mindsets. Prior to her role with Turnaround, Christina was the Director of Research at the National Center for Urban School Transformation (NCUST) where she studied the teaching practices, systems and structures, and leadership of high-performing urban schools; and worked with educators to implement those strategies in their schools. Join Tom and Christina for this fascinating conversation around why whole-child education matters now more than ever before, how to use the Turnaround for Children Toolbox, and how educators and ed-leaders can get started with implementing these mindsets and approaches in their strategies. Key Takeaways: [:08] About today’s episode with Christina Theokas. [:52] Tom welcomes Christina Theokasto to the podcast. [1:22] Christina shares about her original introduction to whole-child learning and development. [3:59] What is whole-child learning and development? [6:25] Is social-emotional learning (SEL) a subset of whole-child learning and development? [8:38] As the Chief Applied Science Officer at Turnaround for Children, Christina elaborates on why the team has worked on a toolbox that summarizes the science of learning and development for educators. [12:42] About the tiered support resources within the Toolbox. [14:42] About the Well-Being index that is a part of the Turnaround for Children Toolbox. [16:24] Is there a secondary version and an elementary version of the Well-Being Index? [16:47] How often does Christina recommend that teachers use the Well-Being Index? [18:20] Is the Toolbox for teachers, school leaders, policymakers, parents, or everybody involved with education? [21:21] How will this dynamic resource change over time? [23:32] About Turnaround for Children’s Building Blocks for Learning resources. [25:32] The importance of student agency. [26:27] Christina’s parting words of advice for teachers and school leaders in getting started on their whole-child journey. [27:58] How Christina stays focused and productive as an individual learner. [29:23] Where to learn more about the Turnaround for Children Toolbox. [30:00] Tom thanks Christina for joining the podcast. Mentioned in This Episode: Christina Theokas Turnaround for Children Toolbox Well-Being Index | Turnaround for Children Toolbox Building Blocks for Learning | Turnaround for Children Getting Smart Podcast Ep. 217: “How Educators Can Positively Impact a Child’s Cognitive Development with Dr. Pamela Cantor” 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’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email Editor@GettingSmart.com and include “Podcast” in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!