Dr. Shawn Bird’s Mission: Fighting for Equity in San Antonio’s Schools

More Than a Test

“It's just more expensive to raise children, and so people move out to the suburbs”

Dr. Shawn Bird, Deputy Superintendent of San Antonio Schools, discusses significant changes in the district, including the recent closure of 14 elementary schools and the efforts to serve over 45,000 students across more than 100 schools. Dr. Bird addresses the community's reaction to these closures, the strategic decisions behind them, and innovative solutions like improved mental health support and special education services.

He shares insights from his extensive career in urban education, the effects of lower funding in Texas compared to other states, and his dual role in overseeing school leadership and academic services. The conversation explores urban enrollment declines, demographic shifts, and the unique challenges faced by San Antonio's district. Dr. Bird also reflects on his journey, passion for teaching, and views on educational leadership.

Key Moments

00:00 Equity and Student Services

04:12 Demographics and School Closures

08:25 Mentor Reunion in San Antonio

13:32 COVID’s Impact on Performance

23:13 Aspiring Superintendent Role

Connect with Dr. Shawn Bird

Website: https://www.saisd.net/

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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.

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/

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Produced by Old Soul: https://bit.ly/3KuYfrD