May 17, 2023

Orly Friedman on Red Bridge School and Educating for Agency

Grouping is based on autonomy levels rather than grade levels and students move forward based on their own decision. This autonomy level is decoupled from academics.
Compliance vs Agency – Agency is what young people really need for the future.

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On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast Nate McClennen is joined by Orly Friedman Head of School at Red Bridge in San Francisco, a unique learning environment that builds agency in young people. Orly has worked in the DC public schools, Khan Lab School and with Transcend – among many other experiences. We had the chance to catch up with her at ASU-GSV and she was excited to share the story of the school.

Nobody ever washed a rented car. If you’re going to care of something, you need to feel a sense of ownership of it.
Orly Friedman

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This podcast highlights developing trends in K-12 education, postsecondary and lifelong learning. Each week, Getting Smart team members interview students, leading authors, experts and practitioners in research, tech, entrepreneurship and leadership to bring listeners innovative and actionable strategies in education leadership.