In this episode of "Enlighten Practitioners," hosts Dr. Jonathan Page and Julie DiPilato engage with Dr. George S. Perry Jr., a renowned equity and leadership consultant. They explore the challenges and strategies involved in transforming underperforming schools to ensure every student belongs and succeeds. The discussion delves into the importance of adaptive versus technical challenges, culturally responsive education, and the role of leadership in fostering an inclusive educational environment. Dr. Perry emphasizes the need for systemic cultural change and the commitment required to be an "equity warrior."

Chapters:

·      Introduction to Enlighten Practitioners (0:25)

·      Dr. Perry's Background and Vision (0:37)

·      Exploring Belonging in Education (1:30)

·      Challenges in Achieving Educational Equity (2:20)

·      The Role of Language and Mission Statements (4:29)

·      Adaptive vs. Technical Challenges (6:19)

·      Culturally Responsive Education (13:26)

·      Addressing Achievement Gaps (20:21)

·      Cracking the System's Codes (24:28)

·      Leadership and Systemic Change (32:20)

·      Equity Warriors and Cultural Change (39:09)

·      Navigating Polarization in Education (56:04)

·      Call to Action and Closing Thoughts (72:18)

Explore Dr. Perry's book, Equity Warriors: Creating Schools That Students Deserve, & equity-warriors.com to take a deeper dive.

References

Deming, W. E. (n.d.). Deming quotes. The W. Edwards Deming Institute https://deming.org/quotes/10141/

Dewey, J. (1902). The school and society. University of Chicago Press.

Heifetz, R. A., & Linsky, M. (2002). Leadership on the line: Staying alive through the dangers of leading. Harvard Business School Press.

Moses, R. P., & Cobb, C. E., Jr. (2001). Radical equations: Civil rights from Mississippi to the algebra project. Beacon Press.

National Study Group for the Affirmative Development of Academic Ability. (2004). All students reaching the top: Strategies for closing academic achievement gaps. Learning Point Associates. https://www.air.org/sites/default/files/downloads/report/All_Students_Reaching_the_Top_0.pdf

Dr. Unger has spent more than 30 years working alongside schools, districts, and education organizations asking one central question: what would it look like if schools actually worked for every student? From kids designing pedestrian bridges for city council to a shy teenager who raised $25,000 for her community after a windstorm — he's seen what becomes possible when young people are trusted with real work in the real world.

We also dig into AI — not as a threat to learning, but as a co-intelligence tool that, when used well, can expand student agency, fuel creativity, and help educators build something better. If you're a parent, educator, school leader, or just someone who believes students deserve more, this conversation is for you.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome
02:18 The Broken Reality of K–12 Education Today
07:12 What Learner-Centered Education Actually Looks Like
08:03 Real Projects, Real Community, Real Learning
16:35 Why Schools Stay Stuck: Fear, Standards & the Status Quo
22:20 The Serendipity Problem: Why Change Is So Rare
24:33 How to Start Moving Toward Learner-Centered Schools
25:12 You Can't Turn a Moving Train — Build the Boat from Scratch
35:46 Bringing AI Into the Conversation
36:11 Using AI to Support and Suppement Iterations that Accelerate Educational Changes
39:43 The Four Phases: Ideate, Plan, Execute, Assess
46:14 AI as a Co-Intelligence Tool, Not a Crutch
50:33 What Schools Should Do About Students Already Using AI
54:38 AI as a Tool for Student Passion and Self-Direction
58:40 Durable Skills: What We Actually Want Students to Leave With
01:02:02 Final Advice: One Thing You Can Do Tomorrow
01:08:43 Closing & Book Recommendation