Eric discusses the importance of instructional coherence, industry partnerships, and stakeholder collaboration in designing meaningful CTE experiences. He also explains how Grand Forks' new regional CTE center is expanding equitable access for students across rural North Dakota while preparing them with the transferable skills needed for today's workforce and tomorrow's careers.

Key Moments

01:45 Making CTE a pathway for every student

04:31 Building stakeholder-driven CTE programs

06:45 Opening a regional CTE center

08:28 Designing programs around student outcomes

10:02 Preparing students for an AI future

11:24 Why transferable skills still matter

12:47 Expanding access through regional partnerships

14:30 Blending online and hands-on learning

15:43 Master scheduling across multiple districts

16:33 Flexibility for regional collaboration

17:50 Keeping students at the center of decisions

Why You'll Love This Episode

This conversation explores how career and technical education can transform opportunities for students by connecting classroom learning with real-world careers. Eric shares practical leadership lessons on building strong industry partnerships, creating equitable access across rural communities, and designing CTE programs that prepare students for success in college, careers, apprenticeships, military service, and beyond.

Whether you're leading curriculum, expanding CTE offerings, or strengthening workforce readiness, this episode offers valuable insights into creating programs that truly serve every learner.

Connect with Eric Ripley | Executive Director of Career & Technical Education
Grand Forks Public Schools
Website: https://www.gfschools.org/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristen-hardy-98478051

Connect with Dr. Ronald G. Taylor
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-ronald-taylor-59999981/

NovoDia
Website: https://www.novodia.co/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eripley

About Beyond the Box
Beyond the Box is the podcast where district leaders share how they are customizing curriculum to better serve teachers and students, and how they are filling gaps in boxed programs to ensure alignment and consistency.

If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to Beyond the Box for more conversations on curriculum, instruction, and equity-focused leadership.

From leading districtwide curriculum audits to implementing the Science of Reading and developing stronger instructional leadership teams, Eduardo explains why sustainable change depends on transparency, communication, and shared ownership. He also discusses how technology, STEM, and professional learning can support equitable outcomes for every student.

Key Moments

01:58 Conducting a districtwide curriculum audit

03:35 Building stakeholder voice into curriculum adoption

05:30 Implementing Science of Reading districtwide

07:28 Using feedback to improve implementation

10:12 STEM as a tool for equity

11:55 Building student collaboration through technology

15:38 Balancing teacher autonomy and consistency

17:05 Supporting curriculum implementation with coaching

19:26 Creating instructional coherence across schools

20:55 Using PLCs to strengthen data conversations

22:10 Turning student data into instructional action

23:14 Keeping student growth at the center

Why You'll Love This Episode

This episode offers a practical look at how district leaders can build coherent instructional systems while maintaining strong partnerships with teachers, principals, and the community. Eduardo shares thoughtful strategies for curriculum adoption, professional learning, and implementation that create consistency without sacrificing collaboration.

You'll also hear valuable insights into using data, STEM initiatives, and continuous feedback to improve instruction while ensuring every student has equitable access to high-quality learning experiences.

Connect with Eduardo Cesario | Deputy Superintendent of Academic Programs and Supports
Waukegan Community Unit School District #60
Website: https://www.wps60.org/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eduardo-cesario-937640a9

Connect with Dr. Ronald G. Taylor
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-ronald-taylor-59999981/

NovoDia
Website: https://www.novodia.co/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/novodiaed/

About Beyond the Box
Beyond the Box is the podcast where district leaders share how they are customizing curriculum to better serve teachers and students, and how they are filling gaps in boxed programs to ensure alignment and consistency.

If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to Beyond the Box for more conversations on curriculum, instruction, and equity-focused leadership.

In this conversation, Kristen discusses the post-pandemic shift in special education, the importance of exposing every student to high-quality core curriculum, and how thoughtful assessment creates individualized learning pathways. She also shares how Vallejo City Unified School District dramatically increased graduation rates for students with IEPs through co-teaching, curriculum alignment, and a renewed belief that all students can succeed with the right supports.

Key Moments

01:36 Post-pandemic challenges in special education

03:45 Connecting special education to core curriculum

06:20 Ensuring every student accesses grade-level instruction

08:21 Supporting students through inclusive classrooms

09:19 Master scheduling for twice-exceptional learners

12:22 Assessment as the foundation for student success

15:12 Building individualized learning roadmaps through IEPs

17:08 Increasing graduation rates through curriculum access

18:10 Expanding diploma pathways for students with disabilities

19:55 Co-teaching as a model for student success

21:15 Building strong teacher partnerships through co-planning

23:02 Raising expectations through inclusive instruction

Why You'll Love This Episode

This episode offers an inspiring look at how district leaders can transform special education by focusing on access instead of limitations. Kristen shares practical strategies for aligning curriculum, strengthening assessment practices, and ensuring every student has meaningful opportunities to engage with rigorous, grade-level learning.

You'll also hear how co-teaching, thoughtful accommodations, and collaborative planning can change outcomes for students, teachers, and families alike. It's a powerful conversation about creating inclusive systems where high expectations and individualized support work together.

Connect with Kristen Hardy | Executive Director of Special Education/SELPA
Vallejo City Unified School District
Website: https://www.vcusd.org/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristen-hardy-98478051

Connect with Dr. Ronald G. Taylor
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-ronald-taylor-59999981/

NovoDia
Website: https://www.novodia.co/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/novodiaed/

About Beyond the Box
Beyond the Box is the podcast where district leaders share how they are customizing curriculum to better serve teachers and students, and how they are filling gaps in boxed programs to ensure alignment and consistency.

If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to Beyond the Box for more conversations on curriculum, instruction, and equity-focused leadership.