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.PRINCIPAL LEADERSHIP
What it really takes to keep schools open during the Omicron surge
NPR
NPR interviewed teachers and administrators from around the country, and they say the devil is in the details. Schools are just starting to get consistent access to testing. Teachers are still, in 2022, paying out of pocket for essential safety equipment like high-quality masks and air purifiers. And qualified staff, from substitutes to bus drivers, can't be conjured out of thin air, even when federal dollars exist to pay for them.
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CDC reduces quarantine time for school staff
U.S. News & World Report
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated its guidance for how students, teachers and school staff should quarantine and isolate if they test positive or have been exposed to the coronavirus – shortening its recommendation from 10 days to five days.
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Can texting parents improve school attendance?
K-12 Dive
Chronic absence, which is defined as missing 10% or more of school days for any reason including excused, unexcused absences and suspensions, can lead to students having difficulty learning to read by 3rd grade, staying on track academically in middle school, and graduating from high school, according to Attendance Works.
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3 best practices to take with us to the 'other side'
eSchool News
Who would have thought that we would still be teaching in the midst of a pandemic? At the beginning of this school year, public school districts had to make important decisions about how to approach this school year. How would they keep students safe? How would they continue to engage students in learning? And, how would they support teachers in the process?
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Promoted By
Boosterthon
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Promoted By
Lexia Learning
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3 ways district leaders are adapting pandemic learning experiences
K-12 Dive
While the COVID-19 pandemic did uncover many learning equity issues, it also brought about some positives in the form of investments in technology and new digital tools like web conferencing that have helped students, families and teachers better connect.
And though many educators and students were more than ready to return to in-person learning as schools began reopening last year, many of the new tools and models adopted during remote learning are being adapted for in-classroom use now.
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The case for kindergarten tests
Education Next
Forty-one states now require districts to offer kindergarten, and half of them mandate that students attend. Nationwide, 85% of five-year-olds are enrolled in pre-K or kindergarten, with 77% in full-day programs. Furthermore, the vast majority of America’s four-year-olds are in some kind of formal preschool program — 68%, at last count. While there is still vigorous debate about what children should be doing in preschool, there is also a broadly shared expectation that students spend at least part of their time learning pre-literacy and pre-numeracy skills, so they can hit the ground running in kindergarten.
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Why environmental studies need to be included in the curriculum
Enviormental Magazine
The sphere of education has gone a long way over the centuries. Today, academic programs are much more in-depth, extensive, and all-encompassing than they used to be in the past.
Even so, the biggest part of the typical curriculum is still centered inside the classroom. So, what we are really lacking in the 21st century’s education is the study of real-world issues that go beyond classroom walls. And one of the ways to change this is to include environmental studies in the curriculum.
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Fashion faux pas? Uniforms may not be improving behavior in schools
District Administration Magazine
School uniforms are not producing the desired improvements in student behavior and may even reduce a sense of belonging for some children, new research has found.
Data on more than 6,000 school-age children showed that uniforms had little impact on behavior despite proponents’ belief that such a dress code can improve attendance and build community and therefore reduce bullying and fighting, says Arya Ansari, lead author of the study and assistant professor of human sciences at The Ohio State University.
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How to quiet the hyperactive hive mind in schools
Tech & Learning
In December 2021 principals everywhere found themselves scrambling to provide assurances to their communities while investigating an increased number of security threats. I was one of those principals, and have become alarmed, not as much by the threats, but by the misinformation being fed to our communities.
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The science of reading is a powerful lever for equity. Gain a deeper understanding of how to implement the science of reading within an MTSS framework in order to identify and remove barriers to reading success. Tune in to this free webinar at 3 p.m. ET, Jan. 12. Register!
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Retaining and sustaining Black teachers
MindShift
While the reasons for hiring Black teachers may seem obvious to many, there is such a thing as hiring Black teachers for the wrong reason. “People won't admit it, but underneath the desire it’s really about the management of Black bodies,” said Mosely. “When a Black child gets in trouble, it is often a Black adult who is called upon to address the situation.” Schools often push teachers into roles where their job is to manage behavior. Mosely notes that Black educators are likely to be deans or be directed to participate on culture and climate committees rather than on instructional leadership teams.
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Research should guide spending for K-12 COVID relief funds
The Hill (Commentary)
The American Rescue Plan included $122.8 billion for state-level K-12 aid through the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) Fund, providing a rare opportunity to combat the myriad challenges at hand. States plan to utilize these funds to address the ballooning academic and emotional needs of students.
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A former middle school principal looks back on 'gimmicky mistakes' and vows to do better
Hechinger Report
Ample studies show the challenges that Black students face in school and highlight the difficulty educators have in ensuring their academic and social success. Complicating these challenges are teachers’ who desire to control students and systemic beliefs that Black people are unintelligent and uneducable, fed by the stereotypical portrayals of Black youth as untrustworthy and wild, needing to be tamed, that have been propagated in media, politics and other popular discourse for generations.
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Schools sticking with in-person learning scramble for subs
Associated Press
Staff absences and the surge driven by the omicron variant have led some big districts including Atlanta, Detroit and Milwaukee to switch temporarily to virtual learning. Where schools are holding the line on in-person learning, getting through the day has required an all-hands-on-deck approach.
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Parents' top concern is political involvement in K-12
K-12 Dive
The Learning Heroes survey findings reveal a need for family engagement among parents and educators even as teachers face growing distrust from the public fueled by controversial pandemic protocols and debates surrounding critical race theory.
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Tackling education inequality through skills-based education
Forbes
Basing education and subsequent job prospects on academic merit has created a vicious cycle. Those who can afford the highest quality education and all the privileges that come with it continue to dominate the job market, and those communities with limited access to prestigious institutions or even basic necessities are largely ignored and neglected.
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As school communities have struggled to address the mental health needs of their students, the focus has been on treatment. Understandable.
However, we can start proactively helping our students in elementary school. Brain-based mental health literacy & resilience training provide strong Tier 1 support.
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.EDUCATION POLICY
What education policy experts are watching for in 2022
Brookings Institute
Entering 2022, the world of education policy and practice is at a turning point. The ongoing coronavirus pandemic continues to disrupt the day-to-day learning for children across the nation, bringing anxiety and uncertainty to yet another year. Contentious school-board meetings attract headlines as controversy swirls around critical race theory and transgender students’ rights.
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With all 50 states' ARP plans approved, Ed Dept to release remaining $41 billion
K-12 Dive
In total, the lump sum of ESSER funds amounts to just under $4,000 per student to be spent over six fiscal years, or $650 per pupil on average annually, according to Jess Gartner, founder and CEO of Allovue, which specializes in financial solutions and services for school districts. That funding amounts to a 5-6% supplement for K-12 spending, Gartner previously told K-12 Dive.
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.SCHOOL TECHNOLOGY
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The extended classroom and the power to transform
EdTech Digest
The pandemic completely upended so many accepted ways of doing things, forcing us to adapt on the fly. Much of that adaptation was hard slogging at first, then it became less hard. We had to make choices that were previously unimaginable, but now a real opportunity exists to consider what can be applied from that experience to transform teaching and learning.
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How school leaders can empower video creation in classrooms
eSchool News
Some of the best educational content develops with creative thinking and a willingness to try new things–and if teachers and students have the right tools, they’re on the right path.
Think about how students today communicate outside of school–so much of it is video-based, and if educators can meet students in that space, they’ll be able to create more engaging and impactful lessons.
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7 clever, teacher-tested tech hacks
Edutopia
After months of remote and hybrid instruction, many teachers have become accomplished technology users, leveraging sophisticated tech tools to facilitate learning both in and out of the classroom. But like any area of expertise, there are always smart ways to sharpen skills, streamline workloads, and increase accessibility.
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| Promoted by
Brainfuse, Inc. |
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IT leadership that impacts learning
The Tech Edvocate
Information Technology (IT) is not synonymous with those who help you with your computer problems. This view is not entirely incorrect, per se, but it severely understates this field’s span, critical as it is. At its most basic, information technology is the application of technology to solve an organization’s problems or business on a broad scale.
Therefore, an IT person solves all kinds of technology problems.
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5 tips to create a successful hybrid learning environment
eSchool News
Over the past year and a half, “hybrid learning” has become quite the buzzword when it comes to education. With the COVID-19 pandemic impacting learners across the world, we’ve witnessed the growing need for hybrid learning, an education option that combines the benefits of a traditional in-person classroom and online learning. But the need for this option won’t just be a fleeting trend. The future of hybrid learning is bright, and the benefits are unmatched. I’ve seen it for myself.
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How to use emojis in teaching
Edutopia
Do your students love using emojis? While they might seem silly on the surface, emojis can definitely pack a punch. Why not incorporate them into your teaching?
Here are some ideas that go beyond the popular or common ways we use emojis (in text messages, comments, and social media posts) and connect to projects and routines you might already be using in your classroom.
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Learn tips and strategies to deliver inspired feedback, master MTSS, and create a culture and curriculum that’s inclusive and effective for every learner. Bestselling author Katie Novak (Innovate Inside the Box and UDL Now!) and Mike Woodlock show you how. Order A UDL Playbook for School and District Leaders today!
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.PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
How schools can support older students who lag in reading
Education Week
The elementary principals have worked together to create an intervention block for all kids in grades K-5, and the district has hired additional reading interventionists.
Just as importantly, she feels like the pandemic has finally amplified the message she’s tried to convey to her colleagues for years: Many older students in grades 4 and up have gaps in their foundational reading skills, too — and that limits their ability to access grade-level work.
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5 tips for culturally responsive teaching
Tech & Learning
Culturally responsive teaching does not have to be difficult, says Audrey Muhammad.
The college success instructor at Durham Technical Community College in Durham, NC, has long used straightforward and easy-to-implement strategies in her classes to put culturally responsive teaching in action by honoring and celebrating the unique background of all her students. Now she has a new opportunity to share these strategies with other educators.
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A more equitable (and engaging) way to teach writing in elementary school
Edutopia
"I don't know what to write about." This was the sentence I most dreaded and, unfortunately, heard too often in the classroom.
For some time, like many elementary school teachers, I taught writing in a way that invariably led to that response from my students, which made me think there had to be a better approach.
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The all-new AstroPure™ portable air purifier from AAF Flanders features an advanced interface that allows fine-tuning of settings and visualization of particulate levels. This interface can be locked to prevent unauthorized changes, and because the unit makes so little noise, distractions are kept to minimum.
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Imagination Playground
is a breakthrough playspace designed to encourage child-directed unstructured free play. Unlike traditional hardscape playgrounds, Imagination Playground is low cost, requires no installation, and can be used both indoors and out. Our Blue Blocks are proudly made in the USA from a closed cell waterproof foam, making them durable and easy to clean.
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Writing as therapy for teachers and students
MiddleWeb
Writing can be a significant outlet for anyone. It’s something we can all use to help us during these unpredictable times. I know I’m not the first to suggest this – reflective writing frequently appears on lists about self-care. So does “telling and listening to stories” – and I’d like to share some of my story here.
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3 inclusive education myths busted
K-12 Dive
Distance learning forced many educators to go digital — a step in the right direction, certainly, but there were still some shortcomings. Just because a book or worksheet is digital doesn’t mean it is accessible. As an assistive technology (AT) specialist, I work with teachers to ensure all students are given equal opportunities to a quality education so they can reach their full potential.
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Promoted by Stepping Stones Museum For Children
Empower your teachers with exciting new virtual STEAM-powered classes, clubs and workshops at award-winning Stepping Stones Museum for Children. The Stepping Stones Studio makes it easy to inspire and delight young learners with a celebrated lineup of play-filled, brain-building educational offerings now accessible to everyone, everywhere. “This is the most wonderful hands-on experience for children! The Traveling Seeds workshop was extraordinary. The students were engaged and learned a lot. I enjoyed watching the children play and learn at the same time,” a 1st grade teacher, Norwalk Public Schools, Norwalk CT. Click the link here for detailed information: https://www.steppingstonesmuseum.org/app/uploads/2021/12/21-School-and-Groups-Flyer-VIRTUAL-120821.pdf
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.EDUCATION RESEARCH
How downtime and free play help students learn
Tech & Learning
Downtime is an all-too-often overlooked ingredient in student success.
“Many of our most important kinds of construction of meaning about our world actually happens when we're not in task-oriented, goal-directed states,” says Mary Helen Immordino-Yang, professor of education as well as psychology and neuroscience at the University of Southern California.
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Advocates fear suspensions could add to pandemic pain for vulnerable students
NBC
The list of challenges facing school administrators as they head into the new year is long and daunting: crippling staff shortages, nasty battles over mask-wearing, deep academic deficits, terrifying sickness and disruptive quarantines.
On top of that, administrators are also navigating difficult questions about how best to respond to student discipline issues, including violence, which some educators say has been a growing concern this school year.
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.IN THE STATES
LIFT: Diversifying North Carolina's teacher pipeline
EdNC
Did you know that while students of color make up about half of the traditional North Carolina public school student body, 80% of teachers are white? Moreover, between 2000 and 2014 (the latest year for which data are available), the state saw an enrollment increase of 306.7% among Hispanic students.
The mandate is clear: North Carolina must diversify its teacher pipeline and build pathways into education careers for bilingual students and students of color.
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Senate passes bill shifting key school governance decisions
Associated Press
The Kentucky Senate passed a top-priority bill Saturday to shift key school governance decisions to superintendents and away from school-based decision-making councils.
The legislation would give local school superintendents the authority to choose curriculum — an increasingly contentious issue in some school districts across the country. Also under the bill, the selection of school principals would be put in the hands of superintendents.
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Illinois officials want to keep students in school. It's an uphill battle.
Chalkbeat
Intent on keeping schools open, the Illinois state school board recently said it will adopt guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that reduces quarantine by half, from 10 to five days.
It's the latest effort by Illinois' state education officials to keep schools open as more districts temporarily flip to remote learning amid a rising COVID-19 positivity rate and crippling staffing shortages.
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.ASSOCIATION NEWS
Coffee and Cultural Conversations
NAESP
On Saturday, Jan. 15 at 11 a.m. ET, Center for Diversity Leadership fellows Dr. Ryan Daniel and Dr. Edgardo Castro will lead a deep dive conversation on Twitter into how leaders can make empathy a part of their leadership practices. Follow #naespCDL to take part.
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Making a Difference in Discipline
NAESP
Positive behavioral interventions and supports (PBIS), restorative justice, and other research-informed strategies are providing educators with new tools to regulate classroom behavior and create environments that are rooted in equitable practices. And assistant principals are leading the shift toward fairer, less exclusionary practices.
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