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Educational Consultant Advocates for Alternative Discipline Methods in Schools

Educational Consultant Advocates for Alternative Discipline Methods in Schools

A recent article discusses the approach of Scott Ervin, an educational consultant and former teacher, who advocates for alternative methods of handling serious student behaviors without resorting to traditional disciplinary actions like suspension. The article highlights a case where a fifth-grader threatened another student and was suspended, only to return to school without any apparent change in behavior. Ervin criticizes the current disciplinary policies as outdated and ineffective, likening them to 'Dark Ages thinking.' He suggests that schools should empower teachers to take proactive steps in behavior management, such as requiring students to develop plans to rectify their actions and make amends with affected peers. This approach aims to teach students responsibility and the consequences of their actions, rather than simply punishing them.
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Behavioral Consultant Advocates for Alternative Discipline Methods in Schools

Behavioral Consultant Advocates for Alternative Discipline Methods in Schools

A behavioral consultant, Scott Ervin, has criticized traditional disciplinary methods in schools, particularly the practice of suspending students for violent threats. In a recent article, Ervin argues that such methods are outdated and ineffective, likening them to 'Dark Ages thinking.' He suggests that schools should adopt more constructive approaches that involve students in resolving the problems they create. Ervin emphasizes the importance of teaching students responsibility and problem-solving skills, rather than relying solely on administrative actions like suspensions. He proposes that teachers should be empowered to take action and work with students to develop plans that address the harm caused by their behavior.
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Schools Implement Smartphone Locking to Enhance Student Focus

Schools Implement Smartphone Locking to Enhance Student Focus

The Heartwood Learning Trust has implemented a policy across its six secondary schools to lock away students' smartphones in pouches during school hours. This initiative, affecting 5,000 students aged 11-16, aims to reduce classroom distractions and improve student engagement. The policy follows guidance from the Department for Education, which allows schools to prohibit phone use during lessons. The use of Yondr pouches, costing £75,000, has reportedly led to better concentration among students and fewer disruptions. Students like Charlie and Daniel from Vale of York Academy have noted increased engagement and reduced distractions. However, the cost of these pouches poses a challenge for some schools, with alternatives like phone confiscation still in use at institutions like Kettlethorpe High School.
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Educators Highlight Small Teaching Moves to Boost Student Engagement and Learning

Educators Highlight Small Teaching Moves to Boost Student Engagement and Learning

A recent discussion among educators has highlighted the impact of small teaching strategies on student engagement and learning outcomes. Professors Doug Fisher and Nancy Frey from San Diego State University emphasize the importance of greeting students at the door, a simple act that can significantly increase classroom engagement and reduce problematic behavior. Research in middle school classrooms showed a 20% increase in engagement and a 9% decrease in problematic behavior when teachers greeted students personally. Other educators, like Irina McGrath and Cheryl Abla, advocate for quick reviews of previously learned material and personalized feedback to reinforce learning and motivate students. These strategies are designed to be easily integrated into daily routines, requiring minimal preparation but offering substantial benefits in terms of student participation and learning retention.
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Indiana Lawmakers Consider Expanding School Cellphone Ban

Indiana Lawmakers Consider Expanding School Cellphone Ban

Indiana lawmakers are reviewing Senate Bill 78, which proposes expanding the current cellphone ban in K-12 schools to cover the entire school day. The bill, authored by Sen. Jeff Raatz and Sen. Greg Goode, aims to require students to either leave their phones at home or store them securely on campus. The proposal follows a 2024 law that restricted phone use during instructional time but did not cover lunch or passing periods. The bill seeks to address inconsistencies in enforcement and improve educational outcomes by reducing distractions. Public testimony has shown support for the bill, with advocates citing benefits such as improved attention and social interaction among students.
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Educators Highlight Small Teaching Moves to Boost Student Engagement

Educators Highlight Small Teaching Moves to Boost Student Engagement

A recent article discusses the impact of small teaching strategies that can significantly enhance student engagement and learning outcomes. The focus is on simple actions such as greeting students at the door, which has been shown to increase engagement by 20 percentage points and reduce problematic behavior by 9 percentage points in middle school classrooms. Other strategies include personalized feedback, quick reviews of previously learned material, and the use of 'wait time' to allow students to think critically before responding. These methods are designed to be easily integrated into daily teaching routines, requiring minimal preparation while fostering a positive learning environment.
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Arizona State Board of Education Revises DEI Policies to Comply with Federal Order

Arizona State Board of Education Revises DEI Policies to Comply with Federal Order

The Arizona State Board of Education has approved the removal of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) teaching standards to comply with a federal executive order. This decision aims to prevent the potential loss of $866 million in federal education funding. The board's decision follows a letter from state lawmakers and the Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction, Tom Horne, urging revisions to the Structured English Immersion framework. The board plans to review and revise DEI-related teaching standards, with a working group set to define and remove specific DEI language.
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MEDLIFE Announces Peru Trip for Harvard-Westlake Students to Engage in Community Service

MEDLIFE Announces Peru Trip for Harvard-Westlake Students to Engage in Community Service

The Harvard-Westlake chapter of the Medicine, Education and Development for Low-Income Families Everywhere (MEDLIFE) has announced a trip to Lima, Peru, scheduled for July 11-19 next summer. This initiative aims to provide students with the opportunity to engage in community service by working with low-income communities to offer education, healthcare, and safe housing. Club member Charlotte Conrad expressed enthusiasm for the program, highlighting its alignment with her aspirations to become a doctor. The trip is designed to immerse students in a different culture, offering a broader understanding of global communities. Additionally, the program offers a scholarship that can reduce the trip cost by $1,000, making it more accessible to students.
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UFC Fighter Alexandre Pantoja's Injury Update Confuses Joe Rogan and Medical Experts

UFC Fighter Alexandre Pantoja's Injury Update Confuses Joe Rogan and Medical Experts

UFC Fighter Alexandre Pantoja's Injury Update Confuses Joe Rogan and Medical Experts
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Houston Texans Face Defeat Against Kansas City Chiefs in NFL Week 14

Houston Texans Face Defeat Against Kansas City Chiefs in NFL Week 14

Houston Texans Face Defeat Against Kansas City Chiefs in NFL Week 14
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Spotify Announces Leadership Transition Amidst Stock Volatility and Growth Challenges

Spotify Announces Leadership Transition Amidst Stock Volatility and Growth Challenges

Spotify Announces Leadership Transition Amidst Stock Volatility and Growth Challenges
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Videogame Music Explored for Relaxation and Unwinding

Videogame Music Explored for Relaxation and Unwinding

Videogame Music Explored for Relaxation and Unwinding