Episode Two: Ensuring Academic Excellence While Prioritizing Well-Being a6y3t

In this episode, Head of School Rachel E. Skiffer chats with Dr. Denise Pope, a senior lecturer at Stanford’s Graduate School of Education, about how schools can balance academic excellence with student well-being. Their conversation touches on a range of topics—from how academic rigor and well-being can go hand in hand, to rethinking homework and assessments so they better reflect real learning. Dr. Pope also shares her thoughts on the impact of AI in the classroom, the importance of thoughtful school schedules, and why centering student voice and strong relationships matters more than ever. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Academic Excellence and Well-Being 02:57 The Interplay of Rigor and Well-Being 05:54 Rethinking Homework Policies 08:51 ing Students Without Pressure 11:48 Assessing the State of Student Stress 14:59 The Role of AI in Education 18:11 The Importance of School Schedules 20:52 Challenging the Notion of Success 23:46 Student Voice in Education 27:04 Building Relationships for Better Learning https://www.headroyce.org 4m4h6w