In this episode, Randy Lindquist sits down with Scott Bess, CEO of the Indiana Charter Innovation Center, to explore what it truly means to transform education. From radically redesigning high schools to launching micro schools and rethinking state diplomas, Scott shares powerful lessons on innovation, relevance, and leadership. Superintendents will walk away with real strategies to drive change, create choice-ready graduates, and build schools where students thrive.
Big Takeaways:
• Radical Redesign Over Tinkering:
Real educational transformation requires rethinking school design from the ground up—not just tweaking existing models.
• Student-Centered, Real-World Learning:
Students should work on their world problems, not just “real world” problems, to make learning personally relevant and motivating.
• Flexible, Project-Based High School Models:
Purdue Polytechnic High School eliminated rigid schedules, prioritized projects, and created adaptable physical spaces that foster engagement.
• Strong Relationships Drive Outcomes:
Deep connections between staff and students are foundational to academic and personal success.
• Equity in Design:
Low-income students deserve high-quality environments and opportunities. Design matters—physically, academically, and emotionally.
• Micro Schools as Innovation Hubs:
Smaller, more nimble schools allow for quicker innovation, personalized learning, and new approaches like work-based learning.
• New Indiana Diploma Framework:
The redesigned diploma provides flexibility, student choice, and real-world relevance—including “seals” for employment, enrollment, and enlistment readiness.
• Learning Beyond the Classroom:
Experiences like internships, speech teams, and leadership roles can count for academic credit under the new diploma model.
• Policy as a Lever for Innovation:
Changing state policy to make innovation the new norm helps reduce risk for districts and accelerates systemic change.
• The Evolving Role of Educators:
Teachers must shift from content delivery to equipping students with durable, transferable skills like communication, adaptability, and collaboration.
• Leadership that Embraces Vision and Change:
Effective school leaders balance vision with empathy, manage change, and support others in taking bold steps toward transformation.