EP 14 Brooke Gill Vice President and Director of Collaborative for Families and Schools Prichard Committee For Academic Excellence

On this episode of Education Perspectives, host Liza Holland welcomes guest Brooke Gill, the vice president and director of Collaborative for Families and Schools at the Pritchard Committee. They delve into the founding of the Pritchard Committee in 1983, driven by the need to improve Kentucky's education ranking and involve communities in finding solutions. The committee's efforts led to town hall meetings, data analysis, and the enactment of the Kentucky Education Reform Act. Gill highlights the importance of shared leadership and community involvement, as well as the recent statewide scaling grant awarded to their organization. The grant aims to support Family Resource Youth Service centers and overcome the overwhelming caseload of coordinators, particularly in high-poverty areas. They emphasize the need to coordinate resources effectively and address barriers to participation. Community conversations and tapping into existing infrastructure are crucial in addressing needs. Looking at family engagement, Gill discusses the importance of quality communication, two-way conversations, and evidence-based strategies that involve families in their children's learning. They challenge the current education system's focus on standardized approaches and advocate for a more personalized and inclusive approach. Gill highlights the crucial role of education in breaking generational poverty and providing opportunities. They stress the role of schools as social and emotional hubs and the need for safe spaces and necessary resources. The podcast explores the evolving role of education in society, with Holland leading the conversation from multiple perspectives. Gill's extensive experience in managing relationships and delivering high-impact services makes them an invaluable guest on this episode. They discuss the challenge of shifting the education system from programming to process and the importance of engaging with families to understand their needs and find unexpected solutions. Gill shares examples of successful collaborations and emphasizes the importance of real conversations and asking families what they want. They challenge the current emphasis on quantity over quality, urging teachers to prioritize building positive relationships with families. The power of simple acts, like a phone call or a genuine interest in students, is emphasized over labor-intensive events. The episode inspires listeners to rethink their approach to education and prioritize meaningful interactions that strengthen relationships.

Quote of the Podcast – 
My life mantra: Just assume everyone is doing the very best they can, including you.

Podcast/book shoutouts
Beyond the Bakesale
Powerful Partnerships, Mapp and Henderson

Education Perspectives is edited by Shashank P athttps://www.fiverr.com/saiinovation?source=inbox
Intro and Outro by Dynamix Productions 
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