In this conversation, Larissa and her guest, Dr. Michael Nagler, discuss the development of the Synergy program, an alternative high school program that offers a different approach to education. The program aims to give students more autonomy and flexibility in their learning, allowing them to pursue their interests and passions. Dr. Nagler emphasizes the importance of helping students understand themselves and what makes them tick, as well as providing opportunities for them to explore different subjects and career paths.

Resources:

The Design Thinking Book by Dr. Nagler

Twitter: @NaglersNotions

MTSS in Alternative Settings Article

The Superintendent’s Guide to MTSS and District Strategic Planning

Takeaways:

• Helping students understand themselves and what they're interested in is crucial for their educational journey.
• Providing opportunities for students to explore different subjects and career paths can help them discover their passions.
• Schools need to evolve and adapt to meet the changing needs of students and the world they will graduate into.
• Leaders should embrace a mindset of evolution, not revolution, and be open to feedback and making adjustments to their programs.
• Finding a balance between compliance and giving students the freedom to pursue their interests is key.

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