School Leaders’ Post

💡 DID YOU KNOW? 💡 Deferred maintenance and safety issues are linked to: Lower test scores Higher absenteeism Increased legal risks A recent audit uncovered widespread deficiencies in California schools—many districts are unknowingly failing State standards. Are you confident in your facilities' safety? 📊 Dixon & Associates goes beyond checkboxes. We deliver accurate, actionable FIT reports so your district can avoid costly surprises. 🎯 Prioritize safety. Prioritize students. Contact Dixon & Associates now for your FIT evaluation. Your students can’t afford to wait. Coalition for Adequate School Housing (C.A.S.H.) CASBO California School Boards Association California Department of Education

🚨 IS YOUR SCHOOL PUTTING STUDENTS AT RISK? 🚨 A recent state audit revealed shocking maintenance deficiencies across California schools. The FIT Reports, required by state law had issues! Unsafe roofs, unsecured hazardous materials, and outdated fire safety systems were just the tip of the iceberg. ❓ Did you know these issues can lead to increased absenteeism, health hazards, and liability claims? 💡 Don't let your school become the next headline. At Dixon & Associates, we specialize in comprehensive FIT evaluations that uncover risks before they spiral out of control. 👉 Act now to protect your students, your staff, and your budget. Let's ensure your facilities meet the highest standards. Contact us today. 📩 Coalition for Adequate School Housing (C.A.S.H.) CASBO California School Boards Association Los Angeles Unified School District Santa Maria Bonita School District PALO VERDE UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT Fresno Unified School District Chico Unified School District

Louisiana has adopted a wide-ranging set of policies to help eliminate classroom distractions for teachers. Based on recommendations from Dr. Brumley's Let Teachers Teach workgroup, the changes include: ✅ Decoupling student behavior and the school accountability system. ✅ Ensuring teachers have the right to have a student removed from the classroom immediately when their behavior prevents the orderly instruction of other students or poses a threat. ✅ Streamlining and reducing dozens of non-academic trainings and lessons teachers had been required by the state to repeat annually. ✅ Increasing professional autonomy for effective educators. https://ow.ly/kE2u50T3wRw

Districts are spending significant time and money to support student well-being. But how do district and school leaders know if these programs are working? Program evaluation. Understand how here. https://hubs.ly/Q02wPfPc0

Are the tests we require actually helpful to teachers? That’s a key question that led one school district to audit and adjust its array of required assessments. In a new blog post, Carla Evans outlines the process California’s Coachella Valley Unified School District used and provides resources we created to help all districts conduct assessment audits. https://loom.ly/owZwic4

What is the Developmental Relationships Survey (DRS)? It's an anonymous, confidential survey of school climate and safety, student wellness, and youth resiliency in grades 4, 5, 7, 9, and 11 which our students will be participating in between October 28 - November 8, 2024. You can learn more about the DRS on our website at https://trst.in/CElQRt.

Ae you interested in learning how restorative practices can improve your school climate and improve student behavior? This video is from a recent presentation I did on "Restorative Practices" at an education conference. A lot of educators have not bought into the concept of restorative practices yet. Why not? It's been said that student behavior and disrespect has gotten so out of control that when students misbehave, teachers want a "pound of flesh" and an "ounce of blood." I refuse to believe that this is always the case. I know that teachers have compassion and empathy for their students and want the same in return. Here's 3 quick restorative practices that will improve student behavior and school climate. 1. Affirm students worth daily and remind them that they are valued and loved! 2. Teach students how to solve academic problems and "social situation" problems and that fighting only leads to further violence. 3. Teach lessons on respect and responsibility and how to understand the difference between "reacting" and "responding." Role play so students understand that they are accountable for the decisions they make that will either benefit them or harm them. Message me for more strategies and continue learning and growing!

Recent Title IX updates shape how schools approach student safety and equity. Our blog post breaks down what is changing and what it means for your school community. https://zurl.co/pEyx #YMC #EducationLaw #TitleIX

August is the back-to-school season in Central Texas. 🎒 What schools are making the honor roll and what others have some extra credit assignments to complete? 🚸 Here's the latest school report I have available compiled by the folks at Texas National Title. . . . . . #austinschools #centraltexasschools #movingtoaustin #AustinTX #Education

As we move into the holiday season, CSBA's Safe Schools Toolkit is available to help LEAs gain a better understanding of the components of a positive school climate, the impact it has on student well-being and academic outcomes, and how to support children and families. Section four of the toolkit — written by Derby Pattengill, whose expertise was honed across 17 years serving as Vice President for Health and Community Concerns for the California State PTA and as President of the 9th District PTA, covering 70,000 members in San Diego and Imperial counties — also offers LEA examples of best practices, outlines potential areas in which governance teams can make the most impact, provides relevant guidance, resources and more! Check out this section and the rest of the toolkit at https://lnkd.in/gbZ6b4Cv