Leading the Turnaround at PS70 "The Max" with Roxanne Ledda

In this episode of Innovations in Education, host David Adams speaks with Roxanne Ledda, principal of PS70, the Max Schoenfeld aka "The Max" in the Bronx. Roxanne shares her inspiring journey from a childhood in the Bronx to leading efforts in public education. The discussion highlights her innovative and community-centered approach to school transformation, including efforts to improve instructional practices, build supportive environments, and increase parental engagement. Through her vision of creative, caring, and community-focused education, Roxanne has successfully removed the school from the state's CSI designation, raising attendance and academic performance along the way. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to Innovations in Education 00:49 Meet Roxanne Ledda: A Journey from the Bronx to Leadership 02:23 Roxanne's Early Life and Education 04:00 Challenges and Triumphs in Teaching 06:09 From Teacher to Administrator 11:15 Leading Special Education Initiatives 13:57 Navigating Educational Reforms 16:32 Taking the Helm at PS70 During COVID 23:30 Vision and Teacher Engagement 23:47 Creating a Cultural Shift 24:55 The Three C's: Creative, Caring, Community 30:10 Overcoming Pushback and Building Trust 37:57 Measuring Success and Outcomes 44:02 Next Steps for The Max 46:41 Conclusion and Reflections