Implementation Series, Part 1: The Missing Instructional Layer with Vidya Sundaram and Elisabeth O'Bryon

Implementation Series, Part 1: The Missing Instructional Layer with Vidya Sundaram and Elisabeth O'Bryon

From EdTech Startup Showcase by BE Podcast Network

May 29, 2026 · 29 min · Episode 29

About this episode

The episode discusses the missing instructional layer in school-home communication and how it affects family engagement.

Today we're excited to bring you part one of a series from Family Engagement Lab. Co-founders Vidya Sundaram and Elisabeth O'Bryan join us to discuss: How the common idea of “family engagement” differs from what families actually need The “missing instructional layer” in school-home communication The difference between communication that informs families and communication that actually supports learning How this shift changes the role of teachers, school leaders, and the system If schools got this right, what would families experience differently day to day? Learn more about Family Engagement Lab: https://www.familyengagementlab.org About the guests Vidya Sundaram is co-founder and CEO of Family Engagement Lab. Over her nearly 20-year career in family engagement, Vidya has managed development, research, and strategy for digital resources used by more than half of US families with school-aged children. Before founding Family Engagement Lab, Vidya led research and insights at GreatSchools, championing a test and learn culture across the organization. Vidya also has an extensive background in software engineering and technology project management to engage diverse partners, and…

People in this episode

Guests: Vidya Sundaram, Elisabeth O'Bryon

Topics covered

  • family engagement
  • instructional layer
  • school-home communication
  • teacher roles
  • learning support

Keywords

  • family engagement
  • instructional layer
  • school communication
  • teacher roles
  • learning support

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Family Engagement Lab, GreatSchools

Places: US, Stanford University, UCLA, UCLA Anderson School of Management

More episodes of EdTech Startup Showcase

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the EdTech Startup Showcase podcast page.