E56-Cienian Podcast, 10-7-26

NewTech High
October 7, 2026

Joey Cienian Podcast

In this episode, we had a discussion with Joey Cienian, Executive Director of the Minnesota Association of Charter Schools (MACS). We were also joined by EdVisions Executive Director Steven Rippe. 

Joey is a Wisconsin graduate in Political Science and Public Policy. He certainly has "a lot of gas in the tank". I was deeply impressed with his ability to think strategically and . (He certainly seems like a "learning omnivore" to me.😉 He first worked for Greenpeace as a Field Organizer and then drifted back into education. His most significant experience in education prior to his current role was his long association working as a teacher and Director of the High School of Recording Arts (HSRA).

Talking with Joey just kept opening up questions like the definitions of what charter schools are and the unfortunate separation of two kinds of public schools--district oriented or chartered. The more he spoke, the more I could see the common goals that we are all working on. Secondly, I am reminded how there is so much alignment between MACS and NewTech High. Part of this is aligned on the necessity of human-centered, student-focused education to prevent the "factory model" of schooling The discussion emphasized that while academic accountability is essential, yet it we measure this "achievement" through poorly-aligned metrics that narrow proficiency scores rather than measures that would help to protect programs of innovation. I think we learned that we have common agreement on how much we can work together rather than working largely apart.

My favorite line from the podcast with Joey was "If you have seen one charter school, you've seen one!" I see this at work with NewTech High schools as well. "What do NewTech High schools do as part of this initiative?" is what I'm asked frequently. I respond that every one has a unique set of things that they are working with or on; no two schools are the same."

Link to Podcast 

Podcast Summary

Core Philosophies of Education

• Student-Centered Pedagogy: Education should be adaptive to different learning styles and traumatic experiences, utilizing "hip-hop pedagogy" and culturally responsive curriculum to engage marginalized youth.
• Family Choice: Public charter schools provide a vital alternative to neighborhood schools, allowing families to find environments that match their specific learning needs.
• Human-Centered Approach: To remain relevant, high schools must prioritize mentorship, community, and real-world interface over standardized, machine-like experiences.

Charter School Framework in Minnesota

• Legal Purpose: Charter schools are mission-driven, community-built public schools designed to encourage innovative teaching methods and new forms of accountability.
• Governance: Many Minnesota charters are teacher-centered and often feature teacher-majority boards.
• Current Challenges: The sector faces a growing funding gap compared to traditional public schools (which can levy), demographic declines, and "tradition creep" or standardization.

Redefining Achievement and Learning

• Ownership: Achievement should be defined by the learner and teacher rather than exclusively by adults to foster lifelong learning.
• Holistic Metrics: Accountability should include student growth, a sense of belonging, and things like the Hope Survey rather than only relying solely on static 4-year graduation rates or narrow math/reading scores.
• Synergy: Academic growth is often unlocked when students are first engaged through their interests (e.g., music production) and trust-based relationships.

Future of High Schools and Policy

• Innovation Zones: There is a proposal to explore "innovation zones" (similar to models in Denver or Appleton) to foster collaboration between charter and district schools.
• Risk of Standardization: There is a significant concern that policy "tinkering" or shifting to district-run partnerships could lead to political instability or the loss of autonomy for specialized "re-engagement" schools. Imagine that re-engagement term for a second!!
• Strategic Partnerships: To defend public education, traditional and charter schools should form partnerships to share best practices rather than competing for market share.

• Cost of Proficiency: Patrick posed a final challenge regarding how much the system pays specifically to ensure math and reading proficiency versus other educational values. What does it cost for us to do what we do? What part of what we currently spend could be better applied on forces elsewhere that would encourage institutions and high schools to change in the most productive fashion. More rules or more autonomy?