More Than a Test

About More Than a Test

Our goal is to take a hard look at the shortcomings in literacy education and tech while still finding a sense of hope in what's possible in education through learning and technology. Our guests include non-profit leaders, tech CEOs, state and district leadership, research leaders from top institutions, and a few teachers with stories that might bring you to tears. Hosted by Laura Glaab, VP of Strategy at Amira Learning. She is a lifetime educator following behind educator parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents. She's worked as a teacher and leader in public, private, and charter schools in places as far as India and as close to home as Boulder, Colorado. She holds degrees from Stanford, the University of Wyoming, and Kellogg School of Management. She thinks everyone should read Saint Joan by George Bernard Shaw and the entire Piggie and Elephant Collection by Mo Willems. More Than a Test is brought to you by Amira Learning. ---- About More Than a Test Our goal is to take a hard look at the shortcomings in literacy education and tech while still finding a sense of hope in what's possible in education through learning and technology. Our guests include non-profit leaders, tech CEOs, state and district leadership, research leaders from top institutions, and a few teachers with stories that might bring you to tears. Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0JWhVG2nXZfC3FxOviFoR0 Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/more-than-a-test/id1685012543 Listen on Other Platforms: https://more-than-a-test.captivate.fm/ ---- About Amira Learning Amira is the world’s first intelligent reading assistant that provides personalized tutoring to students at school, after school, or at home. Students working with Amira experience significant improvements in their reading fluency. About your Host, Laura Glaab Laura Glaab is a VP of Strategy at Amira Learning. She is a lifetime educator following behind educator parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents. She's worked as a teacher and leader in public, private, and charter schools in places as far as India and as close to home as Boulder, Colorado. She holds degrees from Stanford, the University of Wyoming, and Kellogg School of Management. She thinks everyone should read Saint Joan by George Bernard Shaw and the entire Piggie and Elephant Collection by Mo Willems. Connect with Laura LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-glaab/ ---- Visit Amira Learning: https://www.amiralearning.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/amira-learning YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@amira-learning Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amira_learning/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Amira-Learning-App-100064672554061/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/AmiraLearning ---- Produced by Old Soul: https://bit.ly/3KuYfrD

Publisher

Jennie Tookoian

Category

education · education

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

27 Apr 2023

Latest episode

17 Apr 2025

Latest episodes

80 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   17 Apr 2025

   Fostering Equity and Inclusion at Alamo Heights with Dr. Dana Bashara

   In this episode, host Jennie Tookoian engages in a rich conversation with Dr. Dana Bashara, the superintendent of the Alamo Heights Independent School District in Central San Antonio. Dr. Bashara embodies the belief that education is a heartfelt mission beyond just a career path, infusing her leadership with purpose and personal engagement. Alamo Heights stands out for its historical roots dating back to 1909 and its strong sense of community, serving 4,800 students across five campuses within a unique, landlocked nine square miles. Dr. Bashara, who has dedicated nearly three decades to the district, shines a light on the district's emphasis on belonging, diversity, and academic excellence, harmoniously balanced with innovative programs like early literacy, a local community-based accountability system, and creative instructional methods from classroom carpet circles to rocketry projects. Join us as Dr. Bashara shares her experiences and insights into how the district integrates character education, cultural diversity, and community values into a robust educational framework. From supporting teachers with autonomy in their classrooms to engaging students in profound learning experiences, she highlights the importance of listening tours and stay interviews in fostering an inclusive and supportive environment. Learn about her passionate leadership journey, the influence of mentors, and her relentless pursuit of excellence in shaping a future where education is truly more than a test. Key Moments 04:53 Alma Heights Staff Student Benefit 06:23 Unexpected Passion for Elm Heights Education 11:21 Community-Driven Educational Decisions 12:53 "Small Community, Big Initiatives" 17:52 Classroom Transformation: Engaging Learning Environments 19:34 Innovative Entrepreneurial and Bilingual Education 25:43 Balancing Leadership and Motherhood 28:01 Gender Differences in Job Applications 32:06 "Championing the Teaching Profession" 35:55 Empowered Teachers, Diverse Classrooms 39:35 Legacy of Passionate Hiring 41:18 Future Reflections on District Impact 43:41 Alamo Heights: Strong Teacher Retention 47:09 "Heartfelt Leadership Conversation" Connect with Dr. Dana Bashara Website: https://www.ahisd.net/ (https://www.ahisd.net/)

2. 

   27 Mar 2025

   Redefining Education: Doctor Micah Studer's Vision for Charter Schools

   Welcome to another episode of "More Than a Test." In this episode, we're excited to have Dr. Micah Studer, executive director of Visions in Education Charter School, share insights into how the school is transforming the educational landscape in California. Visions, an online and homeschool program, serves a wide and diverse student body, focusing on personalized learning and community engagement. Dr. Studer discusses the school's innovative strategies that prioritize strong relationships between teachers, students, and families, creating a supportive and inclusive environment. With stories of student resilience and tailored educational approaches, Dr. Studer illustrates how Visions is preparing students for success in a rapidly evolving world. Join us to learn more about this unique educational model and its impact on student achievement. Key Moments 04:41 Visions' Pathway to Graduation Success 09:58 "Community and Success in Entrepreneurship" 12:52 Homeschool Community's Diverse Growth 13:55 "Parental Engagement in Homeschooling" 18:50 Teacher Satisfaction Boost from Changes 22:15 LCAP Leadership and Career Growth 24:36 Education's Role as the Great Equalizer 29:38 Ensuring Student Engagement and Support 33:08 "Connectivity's Crucial Last Mile" 35:00 "Launchpad: Streamlined School Tech Access" 38:14 "Academic Progress in Challenging Areas" 42:38 Leveraging Data for Innovation 45:23 LitRPG Book Unites Siblings 48:27 The Importance of Small Talk 50:03 "Importance of Communication in Relationships" Connect with Dr. Micah Studer LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/micahstuder/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/micahstuder/) Website: https://www.viedu.org/ (https://www.viedu.org/)

3. 

   20 Mar 2025

   Exploring Galveston ISD's Unique Initiatives with Superintendent Matthew Neighbors

   In this episode of "More Than a Test," host Jennie Tookoian sits down with Dr. Matthew Neighbors, the superintendent of Galveston Independent School District (GISD). With nearly two decades of experience in the district, Dr. Neighbors shares his personal journey, discussing the unique qualities of the Galveston community and the exciting educational initiatives under his leadership. The conversation delves into how GISD is embracing AI-powered learning tools, expanding academic opportunities, and addressing teacher retention challenges. Dr. Neighbors highlights the district's commitment to empowering students and fostering a culture of trust and resilience among educators. Tune in to discover how GISD is navigating the evolving landscape of public education in Texas and the innovative programs that make it stand out. Key Moments 04:28 Free College and Job Opportunities 08:18 Galveston's Resilient Historical Legacy 12:29 "Building Trust with Principals" 15:50 Midyear Student Feedback Survey Initiative 16:39 Valuing Community and Maximizing Resources 19:42 Galveston Teacher Incentive Program 23:50 Inspiring Journey of a GISD Teacher 28:19 AI Integration in Education Testing 29:22 Effective Feedback Boosts Student Growth 34:08 Integrated Student Support Database Pilot 37:15 Survey Customization Feedback 39:19 "Advancing Student Reading Levels" 44:00 From Below Average to Top Graduate 46:50 Eager for Solar Window Film 50:09 Island's Recovery and Welcoming spirit Connect with Dr. Matthew Neighbors LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-neighbors-edd-39014b31/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-neighbors-edd-39014b31/) Website: https://www.gisd.org/ (https://www.gisd.org/)

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

YouTube views

57,600

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

6 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

5 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 75 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

90

Social presence

0

YouTube

76

Engagement

77

Contact More Than a Test

Guest appearances

Does not typically book guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.