Washington State Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal has been at the helm of education in this state for seven of the most challenging years in education in recent memory. But that hasn't dissuaded him from seeking a third term this November. In this episode, Reykdal steers us through the complex terrain of educational policy, public opinion and a changing world that will demand innovation and adaptation from educators as we move into the future.
It's a candid look at the public school system's resilience and adaptability in the face of a world irrevocably changed by the pandemic, where student populations are declining, educators often find themselves under attack from vocal detractors in their communities and a mental health crisis plagues classrooms across the country. Reykdal finds hope in the transformative potential of dual-language programs, equity, inclusivity and the possibility of reimagining the ways our high schools can best provide the education all students need for future success.
Throughout history, Reykdal says, public school systems have come under attack from various quarters. This, too, shall pass, he believes and the job of educators is to keep their eye on the prize - learning according to the needs of each child. While he never contends the job is or will be an easy one, Reykdal frames the future of education in Washington State with a refreshing optimism as he vies to continue leading the state's 295 public school districts and their combined total of more than a million students.
Find out more about Superintendent Chris Reykdal online at:
"Outliers in Education" is a project of CEE, The Center for Educational Effectiveness. Find out more at effectiveness.org.
Produced by Jamie Howell at Howell at the Moon Productions.