How Can Foundations Transform High Schools for Equity and Future-Ready Learning? | Jenny Curtin

Getting Smart Podcast

On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Jenny Curtin, Director of Education at the Barr Foundation, shares her insights on reimagining high schools to create equitable, future-ready opportunities for all students. Jenny discusses her work leading transformative education initiatives across New England, including designing new high school models, investing in educators, and building public will for systemic change. She emphasizes the importance of listening to students, addressing systemic inequities, and ensuring that every learner has access to meaningful experiences that prepare them for life beyond high school. From the challenges of shifting entrenched mindsets to the opportunities created through collaborative, student-centered design, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone passionate about transforming education systems for the better.

Outline

• (00:00) Introduction and Background
• (05:01) Early Career Experiences and Challenges
• (09:24) Barr Foundation's Three Strategic Areas
• (14:36) Defining Success and Student Thriving
• (19:55) System-Level Change and Internal Coherence
• (25:06) Lessons Learned and Future Direction

Links

• Read the full blog here
• Watch the full video here
• The Barr Foundation
• LinkedIn
• Indicators of School Quality
• From Input to Impact: Student Voice in High School Transformation
• Poll Results Inform Shared Vision for High School Excellence