Dr Laura Jacob - No Grades, No Grades

Laura Jacob is the Superintendent of the California Area School District and founder and CEO of California Academy of Learning Charter School. 

 

In her current capacity as Superintendent of Schools, she maintains a focus on creating schools where all children love learning, with a focus on teaching environmental sustainability. The Moonshot Program eliminates grades, and grade levels and establishes an individualized learning plan for each learner. The Outdoor Science School program provides students their entire science curriculum outside over the summer in and off the grid learning environment. She leads Bee Club after school, where students maintain care of their four beehives on campus; 3D Violin Club, where students 3D print and learn how to play their own violin; and Girls’ Leadership Tea, where girls learn leadership strategies. 

 

Under her leadership, California Area School District continues to receive local, state, and national recognition for the opportunities provided to children.  California Area School District was inducted in the League of Innovative Schools in 2020, for championing innovative approaches to teaching and learning and connecting district personnel with like-minded educators from across the nation. California Area School District is honored to be recognized by the AASA as one of only six school districts across the country as a Learning 2025 Lighthouse Demonstration System. This Lighthouse Demonstration System Award recognizes districts that serve as role models for school systems across the country and for their service to all learners. The U.S. Department of Education awarded California Area with the 2022 District Sustainability Award, the only school district in the state of Pennsylvania. 

 

The Education Innovators Podcast is a weekly conversation between Eric Byron and guests from all aspects of education around the world. We look for innovative ideas and practical examples of things happening in schools and learning environments that are of interest to teachers, corporate trainers, school administrators, EdTech providers, students, parents, and anyone else interested in education.

 

Links:

 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-jacob-ab3314301/

 

EdWeek article – “Inside One District’s Experiment with Competency-based Education”:

https://www.edweek.org/technology/inside-one-districts-experiment-with-competency-based-education/2024/09

 

The Education Innovators Podcast Facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551034804742

 

The Education Innovators Podcast YouTube channel:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLru4kYugzLerU1S8mQu2Jo2-jX6H_3kd3

 

This podcast is produced entirely by Eric Byron.

You can contact Eric at eric@edinnovationpod.com