323: The Achievement Trap and the Need to Reimagine Education for Student Well-being

Getting Unstuck – Cultivating Curiosity

Guests Dr. Ken Wallace recently retired as the longest-serving Superintendent in Maine Township High School District 207’s history, which dates back to 1902. During Ken's tenure, District 207 was named one of America’s most innovative districts multiple times for advances in technology, adult learning, and career advisement. Ken is currently an educational consultant for multiple organizations. Danelle Almaraz, an educational leader with over three decades of experience, is committed to advancing leadership in modern education. At InnovateED, she empowers middle-tier leaders, promoting collaboration, innovation, and growth. Danelle champions continuous improvement, student success, and curiosity, advocating for an inclusive educational experience that enables learners at all levels to drive positive change. Summary

With author Jennifer Breheny Wallace’s book Never Enough: When Achievement Culture Becomes Toxic—and What We Can Do About It as the backdrop, the podcast episode explores the toxic achievement culture in US education and its detrimental effects on today's youth. Dr. Ken Wallace and Danelle Almarez discuss how the pressure to excel academically and in extracurricular activities and gain admission to prestigious colleges is causing stress, anxiety, and mental health issues among students. They critique the narrow definition of success that prioritizes test scores and college admissions over personal growth and career readiness.

The conversation covers the misalignment between traditional schooling and real-world needs, the rising student debt crisis, and the importance of career-focused education.

Both guests advocate for redefining success, helping students find their passions, and giving them agency in their learning. They emphasize the value of experiential learning, internships, and understanding the economic implications of educational choices.

The episode concludes by stressing the need for schools to foster a sense of belonging and “mattering,“ focusing on helping students understand who they are and on long-term student outcomes rather than short-term achievements.

Social Media

Dr. Ken Wallace

Twitter: @KenWallace207

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ken-wallace-35a50b50/

Danelle Almaraz

http://linkedin.com/in/danelle-almaraz

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100013505683057&mibextid=LQQJ4d

https://www.instagram.com/dalmaraz007?igsh=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

About Jeff

Jeff Ikler is the Director of Quetico Leadership and Career Coaching. “Quetico” (KWEH-teh-co). He works with leaders in all aspects of life to identify and overcome obstacles in their desired future. He came to the field of coaching after a 35-year career in educational publishing. Prior to his career in educational publishing, Jeff taught high school U.S. history and government.

Jeff has hosted the “Getting Unstuck—Cultivating Curiosity” podcast for 5 years. The guests and topics he explores are designed to help listeners think differently about the familiar and welcome the new as something to consider. He is also the co-host of the Cultivating Resilience – A Whole Community Approach to Alleviating Trauma in Schools, which promotes mental health and overall wellness.

Jeff co-authored Shifting: How School Leaders Can Create a Culture of Change. Shifting integrates leadership development and change mechanics in a three-part change framework to help guide school leaders and their teams toward productive change.