Ferguson-Florissant School District’s Post

The YMCA Louisiana Youth and Government (Y&G) program is a statewide initiative promoting civic engagement through the YMCA's philosophy of being an organization that is continuously active in exercising social responsibility. This particular program prepares high schoolers for moral and political leadership. Through Y&G, teens learn about and experience government policies first-hand and learn how they can be changemakers to improve their communities. Plus, teens form lasting friendships, benefit from mentors, and sharpen their critical thinking, public speaking and writing skills. The mission of the YMCA Youth & Government program is two-fold: To encourage and foster leadership through service, fellowship, responsibility, and respect for oneself and others among all participants, and To educate and engage students in the process of government from local to national to international so that they become more active participants in their communities. DEMOCRACY MUST BE LEARNED BY EACH GENERATION"

Sharing a great article from @rochesterbeacon about community schools, built on four pillars: integrated student support, expanded learning time and opportunities, family and community engagement, and collaborative leadership: https://lnkd.in/ekqq7nVp

On this episode of Anchored, Soren Schwab, M.Ed is joined by Darrell Jones, president of The Herzog Foundation. The two discuss how public school culture has changed over the past few years by becoming more resistant to faith. They also explore the work of the Herzog Foundation in enlightening parents, strengthening school culture, and training future Christian school leaders. They conclude by unpacking the foundation’s SchoolBox Initiative, and the purpose, goals, and recent successes that accompany it.  Listen now: https://lnkd.in/gu_UGv3K

Today marks 8 years of Education Forward DC! That's 8 years of supporting visionary education leaders who are providing students furthest from opportunity the educational experiences they need to thrive. Check out some of the work we've supported: https://bit.ly/4cl6RgD

Here is another clarion call to our policy makers, community leaders, business professionals, civil society organizations, ivory tower leaderships, religious heads, educationists etc. to help the schools. May our society survive. Read full note here: https://lnkd.in/dukSwvav

“Divisiveness often comes from disinformation.” While civic education helps people develop the knowledge base to participate in our democracy, when provided in schools it also hones critical thinking skills, helps with effective communication and debate, and confidence in speaking up. The California School Boards Association pulled together a plan for creating the next generation of leaders who both understand how democracy works and can hone a "collaborative, across-the-aisle dialogue" through civics education: https://shorturl.at/uMSZ4

The Children's Defense Fund’s theory of change calls CDF into ongoing conversation with the communities we serve to build a comprehensive policy agenda for child well-being. Our numerous discussions with CDF Freedom Schools scholars, parents, and youth leaders; faith organizers; and young people in our Black Student Leadership Network collectively painted a vivid picture of the world we want for our youth. This policy agenda, presented at CDF’s 50th Anniversary celebration in November, presents these aspirations and illuminates the policy paths to achieve them. It recognizes that children themselves cannot be the only locus of intervention for their well-being. Their life outcomes are first impacted by the environments, families, school systems and neighborhoods in which they sing, dance, and play. Transforming our communities--from national to local--will create the conditions in which all young people grow up with dignity, hope, and joy.

The representation of Black and Latina(x) school superintendents is notably limited. Comprehensive research, such as this study on Black superintendents, is crucial to address and bridge this gap. Ensuring diverse leadership in education is imperative for fostering inclusive and equitable learning environments. Consider participating in this important study to help drive meaningful change.

For #PhilanthropyThursday we want to highlight Kids First Chicago 🏫 Kids First Chicago helps families understand education and policy data so that they can navigate to and advocate for high-quality public schools for their children and communities. They do this through direct services that include one-on-one support, informational events, leadership development opportunities, and community-based convenings and presentations. Their policy priorities align with issues identified by parent leaders in their network; their analysis of publicly available data related to education, census, and life outcomes; and strategic opportunities presented to K1C where parents are invited to the decision-making table on an emerging topic or issue of significance to education in Chicago. They aim to create a system where every kid defies gravity—a system that ensures equitable access to quality schools, funding, and transparent information in all communities. https://lnkd.in/ekqxgVSB

The best, the goat with the records to prove it. Read his book How Good Do You Want To Be for timeless lessons of personal and organizational excellence. Roll Tide!