PBS Western Reserve

Conversation with Josh Cramer: Closing the Pandemic Learning Gap Series - High School to College Classroom

Best Practices in Closing the Pandemic Learning Gap Podcast Series

PBS Western Reserve in collaboration with the Broadcast Educational Media Commission and the Ohio Department of Education is producing a series of webinars and audio podcasts that focus on the subject of “Best Practices in Closing the Pandemic Learning Gap in Ohio’s Schools.”

Josh Cramer joined NCDMM in 2018 as the Education and Workforce Director for America Makes, providing overall program leadership responsibility for all America Makes’ Education and Workforce initiatives.

Previously, Mr. Cramer served as the Director of Educational Programs at the SME Education Foundation, he also served for a time as the Interim Executive Director of the Foundation.

Prior to joining the SME Education Foundation, Mr. Cramer was the Director of School Engagement, Eastern Region for Project Lead The Way (PLTW), a nonprofit organization that provides a transformative learning experience for PreK-12 students and teachers across the U.S.

Conversation with Laura McBride: Closing the Pandemic Learning Gap Series - Special Needs Classroom

Best Practices in Closing the Pandemic Learning Gap Podcast Series

PBS Western Reserve in collaboration with the Broadcast Educational Media Commission and the Ohio Department of Education is producing a series of webinars and audio podcasts that focus on the subject of “Best Practices in Closing the Pandemic Learning Gap in Ohio’s Schools.”

Laura McBride is currently the Director of Special Services at the Springfield Local School District. Laura supervises all Special Education, Gifted, and EL (English Learner) services and coordinates all Section 504 Evaluation and Plans and support all district tiered services to support the varying needs of ALL students. Laura also helps to support Springfield's online learners through a program called Edgenuity.

Conversation with Sandy Furano: Closing the Pandemic Learning Gap Series - High School to College Classroom

Best Practices in Closing the Pandemic Learning Gap Podcast Series

PBS Western Reserve in collaboration with the Broadcast Educational Media Commission and the Ohio Department of Education is producing a series of webinars and audio podcasts that focus on the subject of “Best Practices in Closing the Pandemic Learning Gap in Ohio’s Schools.”

 

Sandy Furano is the Director of Mahoning Valley Regional Council of Governments and Career Counseling services at the Educational Service Center of Eastern Ohio. Sandy joined the Mahoning County Educational Service Center (now Educational Service Center of Eastern Ohio) in October 2016 as Lead Career Counselor. She has more than 20 years of professional experience in the field of Adult Education in a variety of roles including customized training coordinator, developing and implementing adult career programs, and supervising adult education staff and instructors.

In October 2019, Sandy became the Director of Mahoning Valley Regional Council of Governments and Career Counseling services. Sandy also leads the Mahoning Valley Business Advisory Council (BAC) supported by the ESC of Eastern Ohio and more than 25 school districts.

Conversation with George Lesnansky: Closing the Pandemic Learning Gap Series - High School to College Classroom

Best Practices in Closing the Pandemic Learning Gap Podcast Series

PBS Western Reserve in collaboration with the Broadcast Educational Media Commission and the Ohio Department of Education is producing a series of webinars and audio podcasts that focus on the subject of “Best Practices in Closing the Pandemic Learning Gap in Ohio’s Schools.”

George has taught in the Youngstown City Schools at Woodrow Wilson High School, Adams Junior High School and The Rayen School. George was hired by the Brookfield Local Schools in 1997 to serve as Library Media Specialist at Brookfield High School and later both the high school and Brookfield Middle School. In Brookfield, Mr. Lesnansky has also taught Mathematics, advised the YSU English Festival Participants, supervised WBHS, "Warrior TV" and served as Boys' Bowling Coach. Currently Mr. Lesnansky teaches both at BHS and BMS and has students in Grades 5-12 in Computers and Technology.

In addition to his classroom duties Mr. Lesnansky is the Coordinator of the Maker Space, a facility that opened in January 2020 and includes more than twenty (20) machines including laser cutter/engravers, CNC Milling, Heat Press, Cricut, Embroidery Machine, Vinyl Printer/Cutter, 3D Scanner, 3D Printers and Direct to Garment Printers.

Conversation with Kenny Lee: Closing the Pandemic Learning Gap Series - High Schools

Best Practices in Closing the Pandemic Learning Gap Podcast Series

PBS Western Reserve in collaboration with the Broadcast Educational Media Commission and the Ohio Department of Education is producing a series of webinars and audio podcasts that focus on the subject of “Best Practices in Closing the Pandemic Learning Gap in Ohio’s Schools.”

 

Mr. Kenton (Kenny) Lee is the Executive Director of Accelerated and Extended Learning for Columbus City Schools, a new position focused on innovation and research-based practices to accelerate all CCS students. He oversees the offices of Learning Technology, Gifted, Career/Technical Education, Licensure and Adult Education. 

In every role Mr. Lee holds, his focus is on increasing equitable access to rigorous curricula, closing learning gaps, and developing critical and growth mindsets among students.

Conversation with Katrina Halasa: Remote Learning Support During Pandemic - Middle School

Best Practices in Closing the Pandemic Learning Gap Podcast Series

PBS Western Reserve in collaboration with the Broadcast Educational Media Commission and the Ohio Department of Education is producing a series of webinars and audio podcasts that focus on the subject of “Best Practices in Closing the Pandemic Learning Gap in Ohio’s Schools.”

Katrina Halasa earned her Ph.D. in Education and Master’s Degree in Biology at The University of Akron. She has been with Akron Public Schools since October of 1995.  She taught Biology, Chemistry, Human Anatomy, Forensics and Environmental science. Since 2006, she has been the Science and Health Learning Specialist for K-12. She leads the science and health curriculum and assessment work, and has provided over 700 professional development workshops.

She brought over 2 million dollars in STEM Grants initiatives over the years. While at North High School, she was a member of the School Improvement Program team that restructured students’ pathways to advanced coursework, which resulted in the school to be designated a Bronze Award as one of America’s Best High Schools by the U.S. News and World Report. Her work in growing STEM opportunities has been recognized in 121 STEM Excellence Governor’s Awards and INSIGHT INTO DIVERSITY magazine’s 2020 Inspiring Programs in STEM Award.

Best Practices In Closing The Pandemic Learning Gap In Ohio’s Schools - Middle School Ep. 2

You can listen to Episode 2 of the Best Practices in Closing the Pandemic Learning Gap series pertaining to middle schools.

PBS Western Reserve in collaboration with the Broadcast Educational Media Commission and the Ohio Department of Education is producing a series of 5 one-hour, live interactive webinars that focus on the subject of “Best Practices in Closing the Pandemic Learning Gap in Ohio’s Schools.”

Key speakers and panelists will present during each webinar on how the pandemic learning gap is being handled in Ohio’s elementary, middle, and high schools as well Ohio’s special needs and high school to college classrooms.

Each program will feature a live virtual webinar, with a live audience asking questions and offering comments. Webinar sessions will be recorded and posted on the program website for easy access and reference.

An accompanying series of podcasts will also be created to accompany each webinar for a “deeper dive” experience.

Best Practices in Closing the Pandemic Learning Gap — Elementary School: Episode 1

You can listen to Episode 1 of the Best Practices in Closing the Pandemic Learning Gap Series pertaining to elementary schools.

You can listen to Episode 2 of the Best Practices in Closing the Pandemic Learning Gap series pertaining to middle schools.

PBS Western Reserve in collaboration with the Broadcast Educational Media Commission and the Ohio Department of Education is producing a series of 5 one-hour, live interactive webinars that focus on the subject of “Best Practices in Closing the Pandemic Learning Gap in Ohio’s Schools.”

Key speakers and panelists will present during each webinar on how the pandemic learning gap is being handled in Ohio’s elementary, middle, and high schools as well Ohio’s special needs and high school to college classrooms.

Each program will feature a live virtual webinar, with a live audience asking questions and offering comments. Webinar sessions will be recorded and posted on the program website for easy access and reference.

An accompanying series of podcasts will also be created to accompany each webinar for a “deeper dive” experience.

Conversation with Christine Danhoff: Current Practices in Genoa Area Local Schools

Best Practices in Closing the Pandemic Learning Gap Podcast Series

Christine Danhoff is an experienced educator with over 20 years of experience as a classroom teacher, media specialist, and is currently the Technology Integration Specialist for Genoa Area Local Schools in Genoa, Ohio. 
She has a passion for helping and training educators on how to integrate technology tools and resources into the curriculum that are highly engaging and allow for student choice and creation.

Conversation with Vladimir Kogan: How the COVID-19 Pandemic Affected Student Learning in Ohio

Best Practices in Closing the Pandemic Learning Gap Podcast Series

Vladimir Kogan is associate professor in The Ohio State University’s Department of Political Science and (by courtesy) the John Glenn College of Public Affairs. 

His research focuses on education governance and policy and he has published more than thirty peer-reviewed studies in top political science, economics, and public policy journals. 

Kogan also serves on editorial boards of several academic journals.  Vlad was also the co-author of "How the COVID-19 Pandemic Affected Student Learning in Ohio: Analysis of Spring 2021 Ohio State Tests" a report submitted to the Ohio Department of Education.  

Vlad's co-authored report will be the subject of this "deep dive" podcast.