Alma Advisory Group’s Post

This morning I had the opportunity to participate in a conversation between the district high school, Noble High School, and the businesses that have supported students through extended learning opportunities. As a Student Recruitment Liaison for Rarebreed Veterinary Partners, part of my job involves supporting this early pipeline to careers in vet med. Clear documentation like Noble provides, clearly addressing process, desired outcomes, and liability coverage, helps us in working with these students. I wore two hats at this breakfast as I am also a School Board Director. It is interesting to hear our businesses, clearly critical stakeholders, talk about wanting schools to prepare students with strong soft skills, social-emotional skills, self-awareness, self-confidence, self-motivation, emotional intelligence… though meanwhile at school board meetings there is a push for schools to ‘stick to reading/writing/mathematics’. The idea that parents are all able/willing to do this is just not realistic and schools have necessarily picked this up in order to support #studentsuccess post-graduation. If you’re in the hiring business, make sure your voice is heard at your local school board meetings. It was also a great opportunity to talk to administrators about how we need more access at high school level for students to explore #animalscience and #veterinarycareers to prepare them for making college choices. Some states, like Massachusetts and Connecticut, have strong programs with amazing resources for high school students, but Maine has very little. #buildingcommunity #buildingconnections #careerguidance #vetmed

Estamos felices de compartir nuestra última publicación “Evaluation of the implementation of the school feeding program in Cali. The PAE at the blackboard” en colaboración con Christián Zapata de la Universidad del Valle. Abstract The aim of this article is to assess the execution of the School Feeding Program (Programa de Alimentación Escolar) [PAE] in Cali between 2016 and 2019, focusing on its role in promoting healthy eating habits. Clear, concise language and technical terms have been employed, with an objective and balanced approach throughout. The study used documentary analysis to explore the program’s development at both national and local levels, as well as the impact of new public management strategies since its establishment in 1936. In addition, stakeholder interviews were conducted and analyzed alongside program documents using the thematic networks methodology to characterize the program based on its theory. The primary findings suggest that while the program is effective, there are implementation flaws. As a result, adjustments in the design of the school feeding program are essential to gradually attain effect indicators. The results constribute to the construction of evaluative knowledge on new public management processes, in particular, in relation to effectiveness.

Some 12% of California school nutrition jobs stood vacant at the end of the 2022-23 school year, according to a recent survey by Food Insight Group. For comparison, that’s nearly twice as high as the 6.6% national vacancy rates in the accommodation and food services industry, the report found. California’s severe staffing challenges highlight some of the downsides that can come with adopting permanent universal school meal policies, which allow schools to serve free meals to students regardless of income. How can states that implement universal school meals better support schools' staffing needs as student meal participation grows? #freeschoolmeals #edchat

I was honored to moderate a panel during yesterday's Performance Matters Forum on the promise of high-dosage tutoring (HDT) in Connecticut. Joined by leaders from Manchester, Thompson, and Regional District 15 school districts, we discussed the significant impact of the Connecticut State Department of Education's $11.5 million investment in HDT for math students statewide. Here are my five quick takeaways from listening to the panelists: ⭐ The program is making a difference. Districts are reporting jumps in student performance, and equally important, increases in student confidence, engagement, and attendance. Even more promising data coming soon! 🔨 An initiative like this does not happen on its own. The district leadership required to introduce a disruptive but highly effective intervention mid-school year, with an already jam-packed school day, is nothing short of commendable. 📈 Balancing essential elements with adaptability is crucial to scaling evidence-based policies and programs. We were firm with the model - 3 days a week, minimum 30-minute sessions, tutor-student ratios no greater than 1 to 4, during the school day - but allowed flexibility in other areas. 🟰 Instructional coherence matters. Teacher-tutor coordination matters. A disconnect between what students learn in class and what they experience in tutoring can undermine the program’s effectiveness. 🤗 Finally, the impact of a reliable, dedicated, and motivational tutor cannot be overstated. When students love their tutor, the mindset around tutoring changes from something they "have to do" to something they "get to do." Lots of gratitude to organizations like the National Student Support Accelerator for their help getting our state on board with and invested in this initiative. As a former math teacher, I'm excited to see how school leaders continue to harness the promise of HDT for students across CT! Learn more about what we're doing at https://lnkd.in/efhZVRNB

Collaboration like this ensures we can provide the best possible service to education professionals. Excited to see what we can achieve together! 🙌 #Teamwork #EducationSupport #Collaboration #Essex #Surrey #ClearlyEducation #EducationProfessionals #Schools #Nurseries #Partnerships #EarlyYears #UK

Last year, I began a dialogue with Ohio legislators about the importance of providing every student in the state with free breakfast and lunch at school, regardless of their parents’ or guardians’ income. This initiative aims to eliminate the stigma associated with receiving free meals and ensure that all students have access to the nutrition they need to perform well academically and function effectively throughout the school day. While some may oppose the idea of universal free meals for all students, it is crucial to consider the broader benefits of such a program. Ensuring that every student has access to nutritious meals can lead to: Improved Academic Performance: Proper nutrition is linked to better concentration, memory, and overall cognitive function, which can result in improved academic outcomes. Enhanced Student Well-being: Access to consistent, healthy meals supports students' physical and emotional well-being, reducing anxiety and stress related to food insecurity. Equity and Inclusion: Providing free meals for all students promotes equity and inclusion, fostering a positive and supportive school environment. To achieve this goal, continued advocacy and collaboration with lawmakers, educators, and community stakeholders are essential. By highlighting the positive impacts on student health, academic achievement, and school culture, we can build a strong case for implementing universal free meal programs in Ohio schools. #education #ohioschools

We gathered and cataloged over a dozen local solutions addressing educator shortages. Explore our #PANeedsTeachers Solutions Playbook and be part of the movement to strengthen education in Pennsylvania! Read more: https:// buff.ly/3XulOYM #PANeedsTeachers #TeacherTraining #TeacherRetention #SupportOurTeachers #SolutionsPlaybook

Meet our fifth and final highlight for the #StudentSpotlight profile for the MPA-SJ Program for this edition. Name: Taylor Allgood Program: Master of Public Administration Year in Graduate School: 2nd Research Interest Area & Capstone Project Idea: In the MPA program, my primary research interest has been in studying how the theory and practice of Collaborative Governance can be used in the City of Cincinnati to improve local food systems. Last semester, I conducted a pilot study to better understand the perceptions of and approaches to different models of food access. For my capstone project this semester, I am assisting my faculty advisor in her joint work with a local community organization and other faculty members at UC. Although the project has several components and will span throughout the course of the year, the ultimate goals of this project are to improve Black maternal health outcomes for expectant mothers in certain Cincinnati neighborhoods, strengthen the integrity of Community-University Partnerships, and improve local trust in research. Future Goals: What do you intend to achieve with your degree and how (Industry of work, Organization): I intend to use my MPA degree to work as a consultant for the government and other public organizations. I'm interested in using my education to help these entities solve their staffing and organizational challenges. However, I'm still very passionate about food security and plan to stay very active in my local food system wherever I end up relocating. Prospective students interested can apply to the MPA SJ (Social Justice) program until June 15th 2024 for fall admission through the application link: https://lnkd.in/gqHvu4Q4 #MPASJ #PublicManagement #SocialAndUrbanPolicy #CyberPolicy

#UNCPFaculty, want to learn more about supporting student wellness through UNCP's CARE Report system? Check out this recording of a recent session sponsored by UNCP TLC and led by Kyle Smith, "The Faculty Role in CARE Reporting and Supporting Student Wellbeing." Questions? Just ask!

In an article on chronic absenteeism from The Hechinger Report, I appreciated that Hedy Chang recommends schools prioritize supportive relationships, not threats. Chang: "The most important thing is kids need to know that when they walk into school, there’s someone who cares about them." That view perfectly captures what my colleagues and I heard from many students (see slide for an example!) in a nearly 2-year study of 6 high schools, all of which were working to create more loving and supportive learning environments. Here is our report from the Center on Reinventing Public Education and Center for Public Research and Leadership: https://lnkd.in/gK5cgmqv