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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 Ervin criticizes the current disciplinary policies as outdated and ineffective, likening them to 'Dark Ages thinking.'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.

Educational Experts Advocate for Small Teaching Moves to Enhance Student Engagement

Educational Experts Advocate for Small Teaching Moves to Enhance Student Engagement

Educational professionals are emphasizing the importance of small, strategic teaching moves that can significantly enhance student engagement and learning outcomes. Doug Fisher and Nancy Frey, professors of educational leadership, highlight the simple act of greeting students at the door as a powerful tool to increase engagement and reduce problematic behavior. Research shows that such greetings can lead to a 20% increase in engagement and a 9% decrease in problematic behavior. Additionally, Irina McGrath, an assistant principal, suggests quick reviews of previously learned material to reinforce memory retention, while Cheryl Abla, a senior consultant, advocates for personalized feedback to acknowledge student efforts. Ylaiza Perez, a math educator, underscores the importance of 'wait time' to allow students to think critically and respond thoughtfully. These small teaching strategies are presented as effective methods to foster a positive and engaging learning environment.

Students Explore Tech Careers with Focus on Coding and AI

Students Explore Tech Careers with Focus on Coding and AI

Students at a local school are being introduced to potential careers in technology, with a focus on coding and artificial intelligence. The initiative aims to equip students with the skills needed to pursue careers in the rapidly evolving tech industry. School principal Jessica Martin highlights the importance of exposing students to these fields early on, as it prepares them for future opportunities and helps bridge the skills gap in the tech sector.

Reevaluating Teacher Professional Development: Emphasizing Engagement and Relevance

Reevaluating Teacher Professional Development: Emphasizing Engagement and Relevance

A recent discussion highlights the need for a shift in teacher professional development (PD) practices, emphasizing the importance of engagement, relevance, and teacher empowerment. Traditional PD sessions often involve passive learning, where educators sit through lengthy presentations with minimal interaction or practical application. This approach has been criticized for failing to inspire or effectively develop teachers' skills. Instead, the article advocates for professional learning that mirrors effective teaching practices, such as inquiry-based learning, personalized sessions, and collaborative opportunities. The Rhode Island Writing Project and Edcamp are cited as successful models that prioritize teacher involvement and active participation, fostering a more dynamic and impactful learning environment.

Educators Call for Revamp in Teacher Professional Development to Enhance Learning

Educators Call for Revamp in Teacher Professional Development to Enhance Learning

A recent article highlights the growing concern among educators regarding the effectiveness of current professional development (PD) programs for teachers. The piece reflects on personal experiences of attending PD sessions that often fail to engage or empower teachers, instead relying on lecture-heavy, compliance-driven formats. The author recalls a more effective model experienced through Edcamp, an 'unconference' that emphasized teacher-led discussions and choice, fostering a more dynamic and engaging learning environment. The article argues for a shift from traditional PD to more interactive and teacher-driven professional learning opportunities that respect educators' time and expertise.

‘Some kids don’t really have anyone to talk to or trust.’ Chill rooms fill that gap.

‘Some kids don’t really have anyone to talk to or trust.’ Chill rooms fill that gap.

Fifty schools across Western Pennsylvania are partnering with the Allegheny Health Network’s Chill Project to give students a mental health resource

Chandler Unified School District Launches Semiconductor CTE Program to Meet Industry Demand

Chandler Unified School District Launches Semiconductor CTE Program to Meet Industry Demand

Chandler Unified School District in Arizona has introduced a new career and technical education (CTE) program focused on semiconductors at Hamilton High School. This initiative aims to prepare students for careers in the semiconductor industry, which is experiencing significant growth in the state. The program, which began this school year, offers students hands-on experience with semiconductor manufacturing processes, typically reserved for college-level education. The district collaborated with local higher education institutions and industry partners to develop the curriculum, which is designed to be flexible and adaptable to industry changes. The program is part of a broader effort to address workforce shortages in the semiconductor sector, fueled by substantial investments in Arizona following the CHIPS Act of 2022.

CoSN Unveils 2026 Key Topics in K-12 Innovation, Highlighting Cybersecurity and AI

CoSN Unveils 2026 Key Topics in K-12 Innovation, Highlighting Cybersecurity and AI

The Consortium for School Networking (CoSN) has announced its 2026 top topics for innovation in K-12 education. This initiative, part of CoSN's Driving K-12 Innovation project, identifies key hurdles, accelerators, and technology enablers that will shape the future of education. The hurdles include attracting and retaining educators and IT professionals, ensuring cybersecurity and safety online, and promoting critical media literacy. Accelerators focus on building leadership capacity, changing attitudes towards learning demonstrations, and enhancing learner agency. Tech enablers identified are generative artificial intelligence, data visualization, and tools for online privacy and safety. CoSN CEO Keith Krueger emphasized the importance of collective intelligence in shaping educational innovation. The organization plans to explore these topics further at its annual virtual summit on February 4 and in its upcoming Driving K-12 Innovation Report.

Boeing Awards $85K to ReMerge for Workforce Training Initiative Benefiting Oklahoma Mothers

Boeing Awards $85K to ReMerge for Workforce Training Initiative Benefiting Oklahoma Mothers

Boeing Awards $85K to ReMerge for Workforce Training Initiative Benefiting Oklahoma Mothers

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.

New Research Identifies Cognitive Disengagement Syndrome as Distinct from ADHD in Youth

New Research Identifies Cognitive Disengagement Syndrome as Distinct from ADHD in Youth

Recent research has identified cognitive disengagement syndrome as a distinct condition separate from attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and adolescents. This syndrome is characterized by symptoms such as excessive daydreaming, mental confusion, and a general slowing of thinking or behavior, historically referred to as 'sluggish cognitive tempo.' The study, led by G. Leonard Burns and Stephen P. Becker, involved a sample of 5,525 children and adolescents in Spain. It found that approximately 2.5% of children and 1.5% of adolescents exhibited symptoms of cognitive disengagement syndrome without significant ADHD symptoms. The research highlights the need for accurate diagnosis to ensure appropriate support for affected children.

Ministry of E-Governance in Belize Launches Robotics Training to Enhance Workforce Skills

Ministry of E-Governance in Belize Launches Robotics Training to Enhance Workforce Skills

The Ministry of E-Governance in Belize, in partnership with the Belize Robotics Federation, has initiated a robotics training program aimed at enhancing workforce-ready skills among students. The program, which took place at the Fort George Digital Connect Center, involved students from Belize High School and Saint Catherine Academy. They engaged in building and testing VEX robotics systems, which are designed to bolster skills in engineering, automation, and problem-solving. The initiative is part of a broader effort to support Belize's workforce pipeline and is aligned with the national Plan Belize 2.0 strategy. The program is supported by local leaders and technical partners, and it aims to roll out nationally across Digital Connect Centers, with local champions being trained to lead ongoing student training.