Accelerate’s Post

Nine Wyoming school districts are piloting new K-12 education models that could fundamentally change how kids in the state learn. It's a bit of an experiment, with a focus on student-driven learning and bolstered mental health support. Gov. Mark Gordon's Reimagining and Innovating the Delivery of Education initiative rethinks some facets of Wyoming's educational status quo — like traditional assessments or classroom time — and incorporates concepts like competency-based learning and credits for learning outside the classroom. It's also a bit cloudy, as it's short on specifics and obscured by educational jargon. But as pilot districts work to build new systems, the RIDE initiative is making progress, Adam Rubin, cofounder of 2Revolutions, told the Wyoming Board of Education. "There's really great work going on throughout your state." Story by Katie Klingsporn 📰 #wyoming #wyomingnews #journalism #education #k12education #innovation #classrooms #educationforall #educators

In the past few years, several states have identified tutoring as a priority area and some have allocated funding for programs. It’s a good starting point, but now we need a policy agenda to ensure long-term success — and that’s what our State Field Guide will help states accomplish. https://lnkd.in/ePZwwmbK State policymakers need to ensure: 📊 States have data systems that track important metrics 🔍 Rules around collection and reporting of tutoring data reach the student level — it’s not good enough to say that a district delivered thousands of tutoring sessions in aggregate, we need to be more sophisticated 💸 Funding is sustainable for the long term and prioritizes the most effective providers and programs ✅ Districts have guidance on allowable uses of funds that pushes districts and schools to use high-dosage tutoring when it’s the best option for students

Strong Pre-K foundations will catch children up before they fall behind. Prevent the Matthew effect. Ignite by Hatch Early Learning and Key Foundations by Hatch Early Learning Pre-K evidence-based instruction provides data for every child. Invest young to prevent costs later in life! #earlychildhoodeducation #PreK #scienceofreading #headstart

EdTrust’s research indicates two strategies have been most effective in accelerating learning: targeted intensive tutoring and expanded instructional time before or after school, during breaks or over the summer. https://lnkd.in/eNsPV-rV

I wouldn’t be an adult educator if I didn’t recognize that informal learning and challenge happens all around us and moulds who we are today. A new and highly anticipated OCDSB secondary school in Stittsville, now known as Maplewood Secondary School, was set to open in September 2024. In late August, we received a modified contingency plan if Maplewood S.S. didn't open in time. Grade 7 and 8’s to be sent to a school in Bells Corners and Grade 9’s to school virtually at home. This understandably ruffled some feathers. August 28th we received official confirmation that the contingency plan was activated, 2 working days before the first day of school. Listen, I get it; we don’t always get what we want. We need to adapt and be resilient, I understand that. Our family experienced a double job loss within weeks of each other, and we relocated across the province. I get adjusting and being resilient. We can be resilient, but who is accountable for the fact that hundreds of families were informed just days before school started that there were modified school start times to accommodate longer bus rides to a school in another part of the city? Who is accountable for ensuring parents have the necessary support for our kids to study at home because there’s no physical location for them to attend school? The province? The builder? The school board? The trustees? Maybe all? Over the September long weekend, we visited the temporary school for my daughter and got my son setup online and I chose to advocate respectfully. As a leader, I am aware of ethical behaviour, decision making, crucial conversations, professionalism, accountability, project management, teamwork, facilitating towards objectives and setting an example are all critical. Every single one of those skills were flexed and my children got to watch them in action. My path forward was to push for an in person option for our Grade 9 kids if the temporary solution was more than 1-2 weeks. Perhaps together, as a community, we could find a better solution. As of Friday September 6, we received an update from OCDSB that Tuesday September 17 is the target opening date! The news is encouraging that both of my kids will walk through the doors of their new school and join their school community. If that wasn't the solution, my hope continues that decision makers see that solving problems as a collective can result in an improved solution. My media articles: CBC written article (August 30) https://lnkd.in/e4aQtPMM CBC evening news (August 30) https://lnkd.in/eGbT5A3u  Ottawa Citizen (September 1) https://lnkd.in/eWwNC98g  Petition though change.org https://lnkd.in/eWp3xJSt One respectful and community parent advocate.

There’s undeniable evidence that high-dosage tutoring can close gaps in student outcomes and support students’ post-pandemic recovery. In this recent piece, Thomas Toch and Liz Cohen also make a compelling case for high-impact tutoring’s potential to renew the bipartisan effort to create a stronger public education system. At Teach For America, our Ignite Fellowship has brought high-impact tutoring services to over 3,500 students since 2020. This fall, our partner schools reported a 93% positive effect on students’ academic growth and a 95% positive effect on overall student engagement. We must continue to expand high-impact tutoring and find ways to make up for the impending loss of ESSER funds that have helped to support programs to date. High-impact tutoring is an important part of the effort to ensure every child has access to an equitable and excellent education. https://bit.ly/3xsHytN

It's no secret that I believe high-impact tutoring is the most exciting thing happening in K-12 education. It's transformative on many levels, not the least of which is that kids learn more than they would otherwise! Thomas Toch and I had the opportunity to write about the promise and potential of tutoring for The Washington Monthly, and I appreciate Elisa Villanueva Beard's take on our piece. I can't wait to see how TFA Ignite's program continues to evolve, both to accelerate student learning and broaden the pipeline of future educators. The path forward for tutoring is unclear with the expiration of ESSER dollars, but those doing the work are not slowing down. If you care about student outcomes, maintaining (and expanding!) tutoring should be high on your priority list.

Microschools gain popularity as parents seek smaller schools Microschools are small private institutions that serve a median of 16 children. The school is usually in a nontraditional educational building, and some microschools have as few as three students. Proponents say they offer a quality option for education but critics say they are under regulated. With the 2024-2025 school year set to begin next month, the emergence of private microschools may be the next big option for parents pursuing alternatives to public school. Microschools are small private institutions that serve a median of 16 children and offer full-time, part-time or hybrid instruction, according to the National Microschooling Center. The school is usually in a nontraditional educational building, and some microschools have as few as three students.

🔍 Lawmakers in Indiana are considering school vouchers for microschools. 🏫💡 Learn more about this potential game-changer in education and its impact on the schooling landscape. What are your thoughts on this innovative approach? Share your opinions in the comments below! Let's spark a conversation about the future of education. #SchoolVouchers #Microschools #EducationReform #JoinTheDiscussion 💬📚 https://lnkd.in/eGgRqzuz

🌟 Community Collaboration and Alternative Education: A Path to Success 🌟 In today's rapidly evolving world, traditional education models are not always the best fit for every student. Innovative, learner-centered approaches are gaining traction, thanks to the dedication and creativity of educators and community leaders. An inspiring example comes from Bozeman, Montana, where Christa Hayes founded Peak Academy. Originally a mathematics professor, Hayes transformed her career to meet the needs of her children and the community during the pandemic. Her micro-school now thrives on project-based learning and strong community bonds, providing a tailored educational experience for middle school students. Similar stories are emerging across the country, where educators like Lindsey Vose and Rusty Bowers are creating hybrid homeschool programs and Acton Academy affiliates. These models emphasize individualized learning, outdoor experiences, and hands-on projects, catering to diverse learning styles and fostering a strong sense of community. The success of these alternative education initiatives underscores the importance of community involvement and support. By embracing innovative approaches, we can ensure that all students have access to high-quality education that prepares them for future challenges. Let's champion these efforts and continue to collaborate for the betterment of our children's education and our communities. Together, we can build a brighter future for all. 🌟❤️ Read the full article on The 74: https://lnkd.in/eTZhdiqk #EducationInnovation #CommunityCollaboration #AlternativeEducation #FutureReady #EmpowerParents