{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"Beyond the Box","title":"Federal Funding, and Curriculum That Works with Peter McWain","html":"","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":2278,"description":"On Beyond the Box, host Dr. Ronald G. Taylor sits down with Peter McWain, Executive Director for Curriculum & Instruction at Santa Fe Public Schools, to unpack what it really takes to design equitable, standards-aligned learning beyond a boxed program. Peter shares the story behind founding an early college high school built for first-generation students, why he prioritizes growth over proficiency, and how federal funding can be braided to expand learning time and opportunity.Together, they explore what strong curriculum systems look like in practice, how to build teacher capacity (especially in districts with many alternative-licensure educators), and how leaders can fill gaps in instructional materials while keeping expectations high and learning relevant.Key Moments03:26 Why Peter founded an Early College High School for first-generation students05:45 Growth vs. proficiency and how to measure real success07:14 Context behind outcomes, poverty, and why growth tells the fuller story08:21 Federal funding and balancing mandates with local instructional autonomy09:23 Braided funding, compliance realities, and planning amid uncertainty12:55 Access to rigorous curriculum starts with strong foundations and alignment14:02 The “Opportunity Myth” lesson and why standards alignment matters15:19 Why teacher capacity is the real lever, not a perfect program19:13 Building systems that support grade-level instruction for every classroom20:27 What culturally responsive teaching looks like in real practice22:32 Extending learning with 21st Century programming tied to core instruction32:09 Professional development that sticks through change, coaching, and continuityWhy You’ll Love This EpisodeThis conversation is practical and honest about what district leaders are up against, from boxed programs that need customization to the real lift of compliance, training, and implementation. Peter breaks down how high expectations, aligned materials, and sustained support help students...","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/6F5INjP28d1joK7ccr19ewduLyMSv8aIwuVtglKc25Q/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS81OTc2/N2ZkOThhNmY2NmFk/ZDhkMjMxZGUwMTEy/NzU4OC5wbmc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}