Join Dr. Robin Avelar-La Salle as she sits down with educational transformation champion Dr. Paul Gothold to explore how one leader dismantled systemic inequities and achieved remarkable results for historically underserved students. From his unexpected journey into education working with probation and expelled children to leading groundbreaking reforms in Linwood Unified and San Diego County, Dr. Gothold shares the courage, strategies, and unwavering belief in all students that drove unprecedented academic gains.

Tune in inside: educational equity, student achievement gaps, high expectations for all students, detracking initiatives, college readiness programs, superintendent leadership, systems change in education, premium education access, deficit mindset elimination, rigorous curriculum implementation

0:00:01 Intro - Welcome to Shattering Inequities Podcast

0:00:35 Host introduction and guest welcome

0:02:08 Podcast mission and crowdsourcing intelligence approach

0:04:32 Dr. Gothold's background and journey into education

0:06:00 Early experiences with probation students and breaking stereotypes

0:09:25 Philosophy on school as opportunity builder, not obligation

0:10:00 The algebra teaching moment and challenging low expectations

0:12:02 Linwood Unified situation and community demographics

0:14:00 Community visioning process and college aspirations

0:15:41 Addressing tracking systems and creating equity

0:18:28 Eliminating course prerequisites and opening access

0:20:03 Professional development systems and monitoring progress

0:24:06 Results - API gains and most improved district status

0:25:27 A-G rates improvement from 15% to over 50%

0:27:03 The secret sauce - love your children and reject current reality

0:29:01 Systems thinking vs. individual blame

0:30:02 Deficit mindset challenges and treatment of students

0:31:03 From lens to mirror - taking responsibility for conditions

0:32:01 Research on school impact vs. external factors

0:33:02 Challenging "some will, some won't" mentality

0:34:04 San Diego County leadership and vulnerable populations

0:35:14 Building coalitions and shared vision

0:37:05 Navigating political tensions while keeping focus on students

0:38:23 Technical skills needed for equity work

0:40:05 Leadership continuity challenges and solutions

0:42:04 Creating superintendent preparation programs

0:44:01 Nine competencies for transcendent superintendents

0:46:06 Summary of key themes and systems approach

0:48:00 Leadership testing moment with unaccompanied minors

0:51:04 Closing inspiration and call to action

0:52:24 Outro - Thanks for listening

Quote of the show: "If 100% of your kids aren't leaving the stage with options, then there's a gap, and we need to look at the system to see what we can do differently to reach them and get them engaged in their studies - this is on us."

Make sure to subscribe and share this episode with education leaders who believe every student deserves a premium education. Like this content and leave a review to help us reach more changemakers working to shatter inequities in education.

#EducationalEquity #StudentSuccess #SystemsChange #EducationLeadership #HighExpectations #CollegeReadiness #SuperintendentLeadership #ShatteringInequities #PremiumEducation

Welcome to the Shattering Inequities podcast, where bold, research-driven strategies are transforming education for every student—especially those historically left behind.

Hosted by Dr. Robin Avelar-LaSalle, founder and president of Orenda Education, this podcast is more than inspiration—it's an action research project. With over four decades of experience disrupting systems that create uneven outcomes, Dr. Avelar-LaSalle brings together educators and leaders who are achieving measurable results with vulnerable student populations.

What makes this podcast unique:

📊 Evidence-Based: Every guest has demonstrated proven results with students facing adverse childhood experiences

🔬 Research Platform: We'll analyze patterns across episodes, publish findings, and create white papers capturing effective strategies

🌍 Crowdsourced Wisdom: Your insights shape our collective understanding of what truly works

💡 Real Solutions: Learn from "education blue zones"—places where entire communities overcome the odds by design, not chance

Did you know? Students with 3+ adverse childhood experiences are 3x more likely to face academic failure. Yet some educators are shattering these predictions at scale. This podcast uncovers how.

Join us as we identify the do's and don'ts, challenge conventional wisdom, and celebrate the leaders creating premium education for ALL students—no matter their circumstances.

Orenda: The energy force inherent in every human being that gives us the power to change the world and change ourselves.

May the Orenda be with you.

🔔 Subscribe to join our action research community

💬 Share your insights and "education blue zones"

📄 Help shape future white papers on educational equity

Shattering Inequities Podcast: Empowering Educators with Real-World Leadership Insights

Welcome to the Shattering Inequities Podcast, a dynamic and inspiring audio journey designed for educators, administrators, and education influencers who are passionate about driving meaningful change in the education system. This podcast brings you real-life stories, actionable strategies, and thought-provoking conversations with a diverse array of guests, including superintendents, school district leaders, academic experts, elected officials, non-profit leaders, and heads of educational associations. Each episode is crafted to provide practical, research-based solutions and inspiration to help educators navigate the complexities of leadership with confidence and impact.

What to Expect from Shattering Inequities

The Shattering Inequities Podcast dives deep into the art and science of initiative leadership, offering real-world examples that resonate with educators at all levels. Whether you're a superintendent leading a large urban district, a principal shaping a small rural school, or an education advocate pushing for systemic change, this podcast equips you with the tools, frameworks, and inspiration needed to work smarter, not harder. Our episodes focus on the human side of leadership while delivering technical precision through practical methodologies that you can implement immediately.

Each episode explores critical topics such as handling high-stakes situations, making informed decisions, and learning from both successes and missteps. We discuss the consequences of choices—good and bad—and how they shape the path forward for educators and their communities. From the latest trends in educational innovation to proven frameworks for success, Shattering Inequities offers a systems-based approach to leadership that prioritizes impact and equity.

Our conversations are designed to inspire and empower, providing a space for educators to reflect on the hard work and finesse required to lead in today’s complex educational landscape. Expect candid discussions about the challenges of leadership, impromptu questions that dig deeper into guests’ experiences, and personal stories that reveal the journeys behind today’s most influential education leaders. Whether it’s a superintendent navigating budget cuts or a non-profit leader advocating for underserved students, our guests share insights that are both relatable and transformative.

Why Listen to Shattering Inequities?

1. Real-World Leadership Insights: Hear from superintendents, principals, and education influencers who share their triumphs, challenges, and lessons learned in leadership roles across diverse school districts and organizations.
2. Actionable Strategies: Discover research-based, practical methodologies to address critical situations, streamline decision-making, and foster equity in education.
3. Inspiration for Educators: Find motivation in stories of resilience, innovation, and impact from leaders who are shattering inequities in their communities.
4. Trends and Innovations: Stay ahead of the curve with discussions on cutting-edge educational trends and time-tested frameworks for success.
5. A Human-Centered Approach: Connect with the personal and professional journeys of guests, gaining a deeper understanding of the human side of leadership.

Who Should Listen?

The Shattering Inequities Podcast is perfect for educators, school administrators, academic researchers, policy advocates, and anyone committed to advancing equity and excellence in education. Whether you’re looking to refine your leadership skills, gain new perspectives on systemic challenges, or find inspiration to tackle tough issues, this podcast is your go-to resource. Our audience includes:

• Superintendents and district leaders seeking innovative solutions.
• Principals and teachers aiming to create inclusive, high-performing schools.
• Education advocates and non-profit leaders working to close opportunity gaps.