252 - Kristi Dominguez & Ellen Dorr: Leading Central Systems Through COVID-19 with Optimism, Hope & Love

<p><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">This week, Getting Smart is bringing you another bonus episode as a part of their Getting Through series. Getting Smart launched this series to support educators, leaders, and families during this uncertain time and extended school closures. They have curated and created resources and inspiration around new learning environments, and are addressing equity and access from a new lens.</span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Today, the team is bringing you a recent conversation with Kelly Nickels, the Learning Design Manager at Getting Smart. She is joined by Kristi Dominguez and Ellen Dorr <span style="color: #14171a;">—</span> two key district leaders from Washington State. Kristi is the Executive Director of Teaching and Learning at Bellingham Public Schools and Ellen is the Chief Technology Officer at Renton School District.</span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Listen in to learn more about leading central systems through COVID-19 with optimism, hope, and love. Kristi and Ellen share how central office leadership can really coalesce its talents, insight, and wisdom to do what’s best for kids in the midst of unprecedented challenges and how to lead in a time of crisis.</span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><strong>Key Takeaways:</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">[:11] About today’s episode.</span></p> <p><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">[:55] Kelly introduces herself and welcomes on guests, Kristi and Ellen!</span></p> <p><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">[1:53] In the midst of a pandemic, what really matters right now?</span></p> <p><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">[4:55] In Kristi’s and Ellen’s central leadership roles, have they talked about the impact around test scores, college readiness, and grade level proficiency amid the coronavirus pandemic?</span></p> <p><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">[7:08] How have Kri