Millions of students across the US and the world are currently unable to read at or above grade level.
We are witnessing a massive disconnect between a 100 year old industrial education model and the actual needs of our children.
But what if we knew exactly why this was the case and had a blueprint for how to solve it?
In today’s episode, I’m sitting down with Dr. Caprice Young, a transformational education leader and the CEO and Superintendent of Navigator Schools.
With more than 20 years of experience in public education, Caprice is a former president of the Los Angeles School Board, and in this essential conversation, we explore the powerful framework that has enabled her schools to consistently achieve student scores three to six times as high as their neighbors.
If you are a parent, a teacher, or someone who is ready to apply a highly successful model of transformation to secure the future for our children, this episode is a must-listen.
“I don’t think that we have the choice as a nation, or frankly as a world anymore to pretend that a system that was invented in the 1920s is going to still work for our kids 100 years later.” –Dr. Caprice Young
In This Episode, You Will Learn
- Why a “strength-based” interaction is the only way to build lasting excellence in others.
- The “Squads Model”: How grouping students to teach each other increases engagement.
- How AI is being used to analyze the “process” of solving math problems rather than just checking the right box.
- The “hair tie” trick: A kinesthetic tool for adults to maintain control during emotional escalations.
- Why unbundling traditional education paths is the future of personalized growth.
- The profound impact of a 20-minute daily “no-cell-phone” ritual for families and teams.
- Plus much more…
What We Discuss:
- 00:00 – Introduction
- 01:22 – Interview with Dr. Caprice Young: Transforming Education
- 02:30 – The Stark Reality of the Current Education System
- 04:37 – Personal Mission and Background of Dr. Caprice Young
- 09:31 – Innovative Approaches in Charter Schools
- 10:56 – Innovative Teaching Methods and Technology
- 16:34 – Addressing Learning Differences with AI and Brain Science
- 21:10 – Scaling Personalized Education and School Choice
- 31:39 – Personalized Education Through Unbundling
- 33:17 – Innovative School Programs and Extended Hours
- 35:45 – Addressing Mental Health and Family Challenges
- 39:05 – The Importance of Communication Skills
- 42:28 – Effective Teamwork with Squads
- 48:18 – Adapting Education for Individual Needs
- 50:05 – Creating Individualized Learning Programs
- 51:00 – Nurturing Children’s Strengths and Beliefs
- 59:21 – The Importance of Unconditional Love
- 1:04:50 – Building a Healthy School Culture
- 1:09:18 – Teaching Metacognitive Skills
- 1:11:11 – Effective Parenting Strategies
- 1:29:40 – Rapid Fire Questions
- 1:32:03 – Conclusion and Final Thoughts
About Caprice
Dr. Caprice Young is a transformational education leader with a proven track record of leading complex organizations and championing big visions to success. She has a deep commitment to student voice and success. Raised in a foster family, she has a deep commitment to closing the achievement gap for students, no matter their life circumstances.
Caprice’s leadership experience spans multi-state and international operations, instruction, technology, finance, philanthropy, educating high-need students, advocacy, and organizations undergoing significant transformations. She has led five charter public school systems ranging from 1,750 to 49,000 students and four to 85 school sites.
She received the Coro Crystal Eagle for Excellence in Public Service, the California State University Los Angeles K-12 Educator of the Year award, and the National Charter School Hall of Fame membership. She is the former president of the Los Angeles Unified School District Board of Education (1999-2003) and the founding CEO of the California Charter Schools Association. Education: Ed.D. UCLA; M.P.A. USC; and B.A. Yale University. She holds a Certificate in ESG Investing from the CFA Institute.
Show Notes
Connect with Dr. Caprice Young:
Resources Mentioned:
