Austin ISD is rewriting the playbook on equity in advanced academics. In this Back to School edition of Voices for Excellence, Dr. Michael Conner is joined by Cody Pruitt, Blake Haygood, and Tony Castilleja of Riverside Insights to explore how the district is leveraging the CogAT to expand opportunity and disrupt traditional measures of achievement.

Together, they unpack how Austin ISD is redefining giftedness, creating new pathways into AP and IB programs, and ensuring underrepresented and multilingual learners are recognized for their true abilities. From breaking down systemic barriers to reimagining identification practices, the conversation highlights how culture, mindset, and access are being reshaped in ways that elevate both student confidence and academic success.

With practical insights and bold vision, this episode showcases what it means to center equity, embrace strength-based learning, and build systems that prepare every student—not just a select few—to thrive in the AC (After COVID) stage of education.

In this Back-to-School edition of Voices for Excellence, Dr. Michael Conner sits down with Dr. Bill Bradford, Assistant Superintendent of Academics and School Leadership for Fayette County Public Schools (KY). Together they unpack how Fayette County is transforming education through its Portrait of a Graduate 2.0, aligning a five-year strategic plan with classroom practice, and preparing students for the demands of the 22nd century.

Dr. Bradford shares how his district has embedded four promises—lifelong learning, civic engagement, future readiness, and resiliency—into every student’s journey from preschool through graduation. He explains how Fayette County empowers teachers as leaders, pilots defenses of learning, and scales innovation across 80 schools.

The conversation also explores Fayette’s early work with AI integration, professional learning for both staff and students, and the power of “yes, and” thinking in balancing traditional achievement measures with future-focused competencies.

Dr. Bradford closes with his three C’s for the future: communication, collaboration, and confidence—pillars that he believes every system must cultivate to thrive in an unpredictable world.

In this episode of Voices for Excellence, Dr. Michael Conner sits down with Candice Sears, Director of Instructional Services at the Montgomery County ESC and a leading voice in AI and educational innovation. From remote learning and alternative education programs to statewide AI policy and workforce development, Candice shares how her work is reshaping instruction, aligning systems, and meeting the needs of Gen Alpha and Gen Beta learners.

Together, they unpack how Ohio is building statewide coherence around AI readiness, the role of empathy in educational leadership, and the urgent need to shift educators from experts to facilitators. Candice introduces the concept of the “learnerverse,” explains what future-ready learning truly means, and offers practical strategies for implementing AI in ways that enhance—not replace—human connection.

This episode is a powerful exploration of how emerging technologies, thoughtful design, and human-centered leadership can transform education from the classroom to the policy level.