Abstract is the podcast of the Metropolitan Educational Research Consortium at Virginia Commonwealth University. We explore issues in public, PK12 education.
AI Implications for Teaching, Learning, and Policy
In this episode of Abstract we spoke with researchers and leaders from school divisions and state agencies to discuss the implications of artificial intelligence (AI) for teaching, learning, and policy. The discussion was grounded in two MERC reports exploring the topic through research literature as well as policy at the state and school division level. Guests include Jon Becker (Associate Professor of Educational Leadership - Virginia Commonwealth University), Calypso Gilstrap (Executive Director of the Office of Innovation - Virginia Department of Education), Sidney Gunter (Director of Academic Programs and Supports - Richmond Public Schools), Jesse Senechal (Executive Director of the Institute for Collaborative Research and Evaluation - Virginia Commonwealth University) and Matthew Stanley (Senior Advisor for Advocacy and Policy - Richmond Public Schools). Hosted by MERC Director David Naff.
MERC reports:
https://merc.soe.vcu.edu/reports/reports/ai-in-pk-12-education-implications-for-teaching-and-learning.html
https://merc.soe.vcu.edu/reports/reports/ai-policy-in-virginia-public-schools-a-comparative-analysis.html
VDOE resources:
https://www.doe.virginia.gov/programs-services/school-operations-support-services/technology-in-education
6 Jan 2026
Career and Technical Education_ Historical Insights, Current Impacts, and Policy Implications
In this episode of Abstract we invited leaders of Career and Technical Education (CTE) from MERC school divisions to have a conversation with authors of a MERC research and policy review focused on the history, purpose, and policy implications of CTE. Guests include Mac Beaton (Director of Career and Technical Education for Henrico County Public Schools), Courtney Ward (Director of Secondary Success Pathways for Richmond Public Schools), Katy Stokes (Coordinator of Work-Based Learning for Chesterfield County Public Schools), LaTonja Wright (Transition Specialist for VCU’s Training and Technical Assistance Center through the Virginia Department of Education), Phelton Moss (Assistant Professor of Educational Leadership at VCU), and David Naff (Director of MERC and Associate Professor of Research, Assessment, and Evaluation at VCU).
MERC REPORT
Career and Technical Education: Historical Insights, Current Impacts, and Policy Implications
https://merc.soe.vcu.edu/reports/reports/career-and-technical-education-historical-insights-current-impacts-and-policy-implications.html
2 Dec 2025
Virginia Literacy Act Expansion: Implications for Middle Schools
In this episode of Abstract we spoke with researchers and education leaders in the MERC region about the recent expansion of the Virginia Literacy Act to include middle schools across the Commonwealth. The conversation centers around a MERC research and policy review focused on this expansion (linked below) and how those findings resonate with efforts in local school divisions. Guests include Kendall Hunt (Education Specialist for Middle School Literacy in Henrico County Public Schools), Candace Bechtold (PhD Student in Curriculum, Culture, and Change at VCU), Val Robnolt (Associate Professor of Teaching and Learning at VCU), and David Naff (MERC Director and Associate Professor of Research, Assessment, and Evaluation at VCU).
MERC REPORT
Virginia Literacy Act Expansion: Implications for Middle Schools
https://merc.soe.vcu.edu/reports/reports/virginia-literacy-act-expansion-implications-for-middle-schools.html
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4.6 / 5
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1 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 34 / 100
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YouTube
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Engagement
32
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