Partners in School Innovation’s Post

Last night was not a typical school board meeting, and it did not take place in a typical school district. Last night, the Ellensburg School District Board of Directors swore in two student board representatives. This isn't typical, but it should be. In Washington State, there are 295 school boards, and approximately 120 of them have policies supporting student representation. I say approximately because that number is growing every year. Involving students on school boards might be the most critical policy we adopt.    The education system often talks about students without actually talking to them. Board members make decisions that impact students' lives every day, yet rarely include them in the decision-making process. We assume we know what's best for them, but how can we truly understand their perspectives and needs without giving them a real seat at the table? Students live the school experience daily. They have invaluable insights into what's working, what's not, and what changes they believe would lead to a better learning environment. Their voices need to be amplified.    Last night, the Ellensburg School District Board of Directors watched as two students took the exact same oath as the rest of us and were seated at the table.    We are better because they are there. #schoolleaders #edleadership #schoolculture #education #students

I am pleased to share with you a chapter that we have published in the book "Designing Democratic Schools and Learning Environments" authored by Harvard University professor Dr. Linda Nathan and her colleagues. Chapter Title: A Systemic Approach to Promoting Democratic Education in Schools. Abstract: Democratic schools are characterized by an intentional alignment of key systems-level elements, including curriculum that promotes equitable opportunities for learning; a positive work environment driven by the values of transparency and honesty, trust, and collaboration; and distributed leadership that builds stakeholder capacity and provides opportunities to engage in data-driven decision-making and problem-solving. In this chapter, we describe our efforts to operationalize these elements at The Acres Foundation schools. You can find our chapter here, Link - https://lnkd.in/dXy3Hd83

"It’s not about the student being ready. It’s about our system being ready for the student." -Dr. Shelly Viramontez, Superintendent Campbell Union School District’s leaders and teachers were seeing a significant increase in the number of younger students showing up to school with a lack of school readiness skills. This caused disruptions to the classroom and teachers and staff felt underprepared to address these new students’ academic and emotional needs. Something had to be adjusted, and quickly, before the achievement gap became larger and more challenging to close. Download this case study to learn how the district successfully prepared for new challenges and an influx of younger students. https://lnkd.in/eGDixQC4 #edleaders #continuousimprovement #organizationalexcellence #achievementgap #casestudy

Regional Office of Education #33 has partnered with Rural Schools Collaborative to create sustainable teacher pathways for our region. Below is the press release by Rural Schools Collaborative. "The road into the teaching profession can sometimes be daunting, but programs that provide a clear pathway through college and into a career can help passionate future teachers be successful. Rural Schools Collaborative is proud to announce it has partnered with ROE #33, with support from the Galesburg Community Foundation, to convene local education stakeholders to align and strengthen local teacher pathways. Cross-sector participants-including those from the local school district, higher education, educational philanthropy, economic development leaders, teachers, and students will be invited to participate in these important conversations. The overarching goals of this initiative are twofold: to address the educator pipeline as a continuum, and to also engage in storytelling to allow teachers to share best practices. Addressing the educator pipeline starts with recruiting teachers in middle and high schools all the way through supporting the retention, leadership, and development of veteran teachers. It also includes ensuring the transferability of coursework from community colleges into four-year universities for future educators. Engaging in storytelling will expose more districts to practices working to address shortages elsewhere and solve problems, and collect those stories and insight to help districts connect and learn from each other."

John Dewey, a pioneering philosopher and educator of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, profoundly influenced modern education 🌟. His progressive ideas revolutionized how we approach teaching and learning, placing a strong emphasis on experience, democracy, and active participation in the classroom 🏫. Dewey believed education should go beyond rote memorization. He championed the idea that students learn best through hands-on activities and real-world experiences 🌍👐. This approach not only engages students but also helps them develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills 🧠🔍. One of Dewey's most significant contributions is his concept of "learning by doing" ✨. He argued that education should be directly connected to the lives and interests of students, making learning more meaningful and relevant 🌱. This idea has been a cornerstone of educational reform, influencing teaching methods and curricula worldwide 🌏. Dewey also stressed the importance of democracy in education. He believed that schools should be communities where students practice democracy through collaborative learning and shared decision-making 🗳️🤝. This perspective helped shape inclusive and participatory educational environments, promoting equality and respect for diverse opinions . Today, Dewey's legacy lives on in the emphasis on experiential learning, student-centered teaching, and democratic principles in classrooms everywhere 🌟. His work continues to inspire educators to create quality educational experiences that prepare students for a dynamic and interconnected world 🌐. #niqsfoundation #niqsf #ThrowbackThursday #JohnDewey #QualityEducation #EdReform

Picture a landscape where children are not bound by zip codes or economic circumstances, but instead, have access to schools that nurture their talents and aspirations. When parents have the freedom to explore a spectrum of educational options—from traditional public schools to charter schools, private institutions, and homeschooling—they become active participants in their child's educational journey, fostering a sense of ownership and investment in their academic success. Critics may argue that expanding school choice undermines the stability and viability of traditional public schools. However, Governor Doug Ducey's vision transcends the false dichotomy of choice versus public education. Rather than viewing choice as a threat, it should be regarded as a catalyst for positive transformation within our educational systems. What are your thoughts on power of choice when it comes to determining where your student may go to school? Check out our new episode airing tomorrow featuring Governor Doug Ducey to learn more! #BetterLearning #BeTheChange #RadicallyStudentCentered Doug Ducey, Kevin Stoller, A4LE-Association for Learning Environments, Second Class Foundation, Kay-Twelve, Education Leaders' Organization, Phoenix,Arizona

🌱Are you an Ohio educational organization wanting more support to grow your own #K12Talent? The Ohio Department of Higher Education recently opened the application process for a Grow Your Own Scholarship Program. Here's an excerpt from their announcement: ✅ The department will grant scholarships to qualifying individuals accepted into the program who enroll in a teacher training program. 4️⃣ In exchange for receiving scholarship funds (up to $7,500/year for four years), awardees will commit to teaching for four years in their home district within six years of graduation.  🧑🎓Leadership staff at qualifying schools are expected to proactively recruit their own students and employees to participate in this program. 🧑🏫 Each school district interested in participating in the GYO program must attest that it has difficulty recruiting and retaining qualified classroom teachers.  Ohio Department of Education and Workforce #OhioEd #GrowYourOwn #recruitment #TeacherShortage

In a recent Q&A, Daniel Domenech, former Executive Director of AASA, The School Superintendents Association and current Superintendent-in-Residence at Age of Learning, shares insights from his 50-year career, first as a teacher, then as a transformative superintendent. This interview is packed with perspectives on the critical values of equity and academic excellence, and Dan's viewpoints on the evolving landscape of education. If you're interested in the intersection of leadership and educational progress, you won't want to miss his reflections and advice. Click through to dive into the full interview. #EducationLeadership #AcademicExcellence #EquityInEducation #AgeofLearning #EarlyEducation #k12

ISBE has just released a "Getting Started Toolkit" to guide everyone--educators, policymakers, and community members--through the ways in which the new Illinois Comprehensive Literacy Plan can be implemented. Here's a link to that toolkit here: https://lnkd.in/ghenWWgF There's so much helpful guidance in this toolkit! Information on: Legislation Implementation processes Screening information Tools and resources And so much more! I'm really excited to see how comprehensive the Literacy Plan is and also excited to see it moving forward with all stakeholders in mind. One common question I keep getting from principals is regarding curriculum options. ISBE does NOT endorse specific programs or resources (lessons we learned from Reading First) but does provide a Curriculum Evaluation Tool you can find here: https://lnkd.in/geYn8i73 😃 "The Illinois Comprehensive Literacy Plan's Getting Started Toolkit is more than just a collection of documents; it is a roadmap for transforming literacy education across the state. The toolkit offers detailed guidance tailored to each stakeholder, thus ensuring that policymakers, educators, and families are equipped to play an active role in achieving literacy for all. As this initiative unfolds, it promises to make a significant impact on literacy outcomes, setting a strong foundation for lifelong learning and success." I can't wait to help Literacy Leaders successfully move forward with this plan! 😃

Back in 2018 there was an article that was published about education particularly in North Tulsa. One of the quotes that always stuck with me said this: "Students who don’t get into these two [Carver and Booker T] schools quickly slip into depression, thinking their lives are over. They shut down, even if they’ve scored as advanced on state and national standardized tests. They become emotionally closed off when they don’t read or hear the words “We accept ____________ to the Carver Middle School or Booker T. Washington family”. For North Tulsa students, the saying goes. It’s “Carver Middle School or Bust” I'm here to tell you that is the furthest thing from the truth. Our kids, especially those that have been with us for 3 years are joyful, leaders, and have become a family. They have succeeded on the field and in the classroom. They have taken their 8th grade PSAT, have formal coming up and experience clubs like Monroe Philanthropy, Debate and over 20 other afterschool opportunities. We have 8th grade students who have chosen to continue their high school studies at: McLain, Central, TSAS, Rogers, Northstar and Booker T (to name a few). There were a lot of words that were used to describe (non-carver/booker t) students in that 2018 article and I can confidently say.. they were wrong No place i'd rather be, and as always our scholars showing what is possible. #VPE