Edgility Consulting’s Post

We are pleased to present JSARD's 2024 Spring Issue: Volume 9, Issue 1. This issue includes a range of article types, including two research articles, two essay/commentary articles, a literature review, and a best practice article. The first research article addresses the predictive power of early high school grades, while the second focuses on hope and school leadership in elementary school. A literature review explores the literature on communications directors and public relations officials in public school districts. The essay/commentary articles explore lessons learned from equity leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic and bilingual methods to support Black language. Finally, the best practice article provides a look into a community collaborative intervention program for middle school students. We invite you to read, reflect, and share ideas presented within these articles in an effort to effectively lead and improve K-12 school communities. (Link in the comments)

In my book, I share some of my lived experiences as a first generation Caribbean-American. School was something to “do,” something that served as a pathway to external measures of success. When I became a teacher, I realized how dangerous the meritocracy myth is. The meritocracy myth “reinforces the idea that an individual can achieve anything they desire solely through hard work” (p.74) Research continues to show that this is not true, especially if you are Black/Indigenous/Person of Color and from communities that have been historically oppressed. In Chapter 3, titled, Heart Healing Through Teaching, Leading, and Unlearning, I discuss the importance of disrupting the status quo by using a Critical Race Theory approach to teaching and learning that addresses systemic inequities. A Social Justice Education framework reimagines schooling not as something to do, but as an ongoing learning and social setting to experience as your full, authentic and free self ❤️ #socialjustice #education #criticalracetheory

Economic development, quality of life, community building, and the growth of the business sector all begin with education. Just consider the Top 10 most important people in your life, how many were teachers? Name 5 teachers that made a difference in your life. Not including the educators I'm related to: 1. Mrs. Menees - Cathedral School 6th Grade 2. Mr. Rigsby - Cathedral School Boys Choir 3. My 7th Grade English Teacher at Forest Heights. Can't even remember her name. She left the profession. She took care of me when I really needed it. 4. Mr. Thomas - Forest Heights - 9th Grade Civics. 5. Dr. L.T. Williams - UALR - Black American History 1865 to Present Not mentioned but they matter - the entire faculty of Little Rock Central High, Class of '94! You know! Give back, get involved.

In our diverse society, the classroom is a microcosm of cultures, languages, and experiences. Culturally responsive teaching practices are essential in fostering an educational environment where every student feels respected, understood, and valued. By integrating students' cultural backgrounds into teaching methodologies, educators can enhance learning, promote inclusivity, and build a classroom culture that celebrates diversity. Benefits of Culturally Responsive Teaching: Boosts Engagement and Achievement: Students are more engaged and perform better academically when they see their culture and identity reflected in the curriculum. Promotes Empathy and Understanding: Helps students appreciate and understand diverse perspectives, preparing them for global citizenship. Encourages a Sense of Belonging: All students feel welcomed and included, which is crucial for their emotional and social development. As we commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Brown v. Board of Education decision, we're reminded of the strides we've made towards educational equity and the journey that lies ahead. This pivotal case underscored the importance of providing an equal and inclusive education for all, a mission that culturally responsive teaching continues to advance. 🌟 Let's honor this legacy by committing to practices that acknowledge and celebrate the richness of all students' cultural backgrounds. 🌟 Join us in reflecting on this historic event and explore how we can collectively work towards more inclusive and responsive educational environments. 🔗 For more information on the commemoration event and how you can participate, visit https://lnkd.in/gtzj6NVD #CulturallyResponsiveTeaching #EducationalEquity #BrownvBoard70 #InclusiveEducation #DiversityInClassrooms

In our diverse society, the classroom is a microcosm of cultures, languages, and experiences. Culturally responsive teaching practices are essential in fostering an educational environment where every student feels respected, understood, and valued. By integrating students' cultural backgrounds into teaching methodologies, educators can enhance learning, promote inclusivity, and build a classroom culture that celebrates diversity. Benefits of Culturally Responsive Teaching: Boosts Engagement and Achievement: Students are more engaged and perform better academically when they see their culture and identity reflected in the curriculum. Promotes Empathy and Understanding: Helps students appreciate and understand diverse perspectives, preparing them for global citizenship. Encourages a Sense of Belonging: All students feel welcomed and included, which is crucial for their emotional and social development. As we commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Brown v. Board of Education decision, we're reminded of the strides we've made towards educational equity and the journey that lies ahead. This pivotal case underscored the importance of providing an equal and inclusive education for all, a mission that culturally responsive teaching continues to advance. 🌟 Let's honor this legacy by committing to practices that acknowledge and celebrate the richness of all students' cultural backgrounds. 🌟 Join us in reflecting on this historic event and explore how we can collectively work towards more inclusive and responsive educational environments. 🔗 For more information on the commemoration event and how you can participate, visit https://lnkd.in/gtzj6NVD #CulturallyResponsiveTeaching #EducationalEquity #BrownvBoard70 #InclusiveEducation #DiversityInClassrooms

Continuing the theme of neurodiversity in schools, this article encapsulates much of what we have been talking about at #SMARTcurriculum for some time. I resonate with Bennie Kara's quote: "It is no longer acceptable to claim your school celebrates diversity because there are posters of black sportspeople in the PE department corridors, or because there is an effort to put in an assembly on black history in October every year." Having worked with curriculum development in several schools where children have said, 'Why is black history only for one month?' The essence of this drive is to make curriculum design locally and regionally relevant, adaptable and reactive. The suggestions in this article focus on primary English delivery and ends with a lovely encouragement not to be nervous to the point of inactivity for fear of getting it wrong; it is an encouragement to do something rather than nothing! What could you do to adapt for your context? https://lnkd.in/etRGpPjZ #edtech #educationreform #educationpolicy #schoolleadership #headteacher #principal #secondaryeducation #primaryeducation

📣💻 HAPPENING NOW: Join Excelencia in Education and AAHHE - American Association of Hispanics in Higher Education for a FREE webinar on "Fast Facts of Latinos in Higher Education". Since 2004, Excelencia has leveraged factsheets as a core mechanism to inform and compel action towards #LatinoStudentSuccess. The factsheets included in this compilation provide a wide array of information on Latino students and the institutions they choose to attend to inform policy and mobilize change. Hear directly from leaders in #HigherEd how the compilation can be leveraged to inform their work and advance #LatinoStudentSuccess in #HigherEd. Join now → https://bit.ly/44a4KJb Panelists include: •Emily Labandera, Director of Research, Excelencia in Education •Cassandra Arroyo, Research Analyst, Excelencia in Education •David A. Fuentes, Associate Dean, College of Education, William Paterson University of New Jersey • Cristóbal Rodríguez, PhD, Chair-elect, AAHHE Board of Directors, Associate Provost for Equity-Centered Initiatives in Academic Affairs, Western Michigan University •Azara Santiago Rivera, PhD, Chair, AAHHE Board of Directors, Professor Emerita, Merrimack College

This Black History Month, we delve into the crucial topic of racial equity in education. We explore the root causes of achievement gaps, the importance of diverse educators, and the significance of understanding our own racial identities. Let's advocate for equity and embrace transformation together. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gmwYYuTV

📣 Thanks to NAFSA: Association of International Educators for including my thoughts in their timely article on countering unconscious bias in our field. 📣 Access the piece at the link below. ⚡ And while you are at it, please follow our team's new LinkedIn page ➡ UMN Office of Curriculum Internationalization ⬅ for tons news you can use for all things #IoC: #professionaldevelopment, #grants, #conferences, #research, #fellowships and more!

Native American education has long been a critical and underfunded area in the broader educational landscape of the United States. Historical injustices, such as forced assimilation and cultural eradication policies, have left lasting impacts on Native communities. Givens & Ison (2023) state that today, educational institutions serving Native American students often face significant challenges, including inadequate funding, lack of culturally relevant curriculum, and limited access to advanced educational resources. Addressing these issues is vital not only for the preservation and revitalization of Native cultures but also for ensuring that Native American students receive an equitable education that prepares them for success in a rapidly changing world. Improving Native American education must focus on a holistic approach that respects and integrates Native cultures and languages into the curriculum. Research has shown that culturally responsive teaching can significantly enhance the academic achievement and engagement of Native students. Furthermore, collaboration with Native communities in designing and implementing educational programs ensures that these communities' educational needs and aspirations are met (Givens & Ison, 2023). By investing in the education of Native American students, we honor their heritage and empower future generations to thrive academically, culturally, and socially. #NativeAmericanEducation #CulturalPreservation #EquityInEducation #NativeVoices #IndigenousEducation #CulturallyResponsiveTeaching #EmpowerNativeStudents #EducationForAll #NativeAmericanHeritage #CommunityCollaboration #FutureOfEducation #SupportNativeYouth Givens, J. R., & Ison, A. (2023). Toward New Beginnings: A Review of Native, White, and Black American Education Through the 19th Century. Review of Educational Research, 93(3), 319-352. https://lnkd.in/ggsTPbkK