U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Post

“Unfortunately, it’s not getting better. Teachers were burned out, had no job satisfaction, low morale during the pandemic, and that has just continued as we’ve come out of the pandemic.” This illuminating piece from Education Week shares 5 takeaways from new research reporting that teachers are less satisfied with their careers than they were just a year ago. The results underline the importance of reimagining the teaching job to be more dynamic, rewarding, collaborative, and sustainable. https://lnkd.in/difXFrrp #EdChat #K12 #SchoolLeaders #TeachersOfLinkedIn

The recent The Associated Press article discussing the surge in chronic absenteeism is a stark reminder of the challenges our education system faces in the post-pandemic world (https://lnkd.in/efXAUU28). With more students than ever missing significant portions of the school year, the long-term effects on academic achievement and social development cannot be ignored. At Concorde Education, we believe that every student deserves the opportunity to learn and thrive, regardless of the obstacles they face. This is why our mission is to support educators in providing personalized, flexible learning options that meet students where they are—whether they're struggling with health issues, family challenges, or the lingering impacts of the pandemic. Now more than ever, it is critical that we, as educators, adapt and innovate. We must find new ways to keep students engaged, support their unique needs, and ensure that they have the resources necessary to succeed. This means embracing technology, offering alternative learning environments, and fostering strong relationships with students and their families. Let’s use this moment as a catalyst for positive change. Together, we can address the root causes of absenteeism and help every student reach their full potential. #Education #ChronicAbsenteeism #StudentSuccess #EdTech #ConcordeEducation

🚨 In the post-COVID-19 era, approximately 25% of K-12 students are facing chronic absenteeism, spotlighting a crisis in education re-engagement. This may forecast an even greater loss in global GDP than initially thought by McKinsey. 📉 Addressing root causes is crucial: 🧭 Do students find a sense of purpose and belonging in school? 📚 Are students receiving intervention for learning losses? 🏠 Do parents understand the limitations of remote learning? 🚧 Are barriers to attending school being addressed? For insights, check out the New York Times on the absenteeism crisis and the McKinsey report on the economic implications. Zoubiya Ahmed Abdelfatah Ghozlan Joy Buckner Lena Borno Helen Loxston-Baker Sadia Wajid Penny Storey (no judgement for us taking our kids to the beach on a school day) https://lnkd.in/dN4zhxWU https://lnkd.in/dEqaTW9t

Chronic Absenteeism: The Silent Crisis Undermining Our Education System In the landscape of educational challenges, one issue stands out as particularly insidious yet often overlooked: chronic absenteeism. Defined as missing 10% or more of school days in a year, chronic absenteeism is not just a statistic; it is a clarion call for immediate and comprehensive action. Firstly, chronic absenteeism is a precursor to academic failure. Studies consistently show that students who are chronically absent are significantly less likely to achieve academic milestones and graduate on time. This pattern begins as early as kindergarten and compounds over the years, making it increasingly difficult for students to catch up. In essence, every missed day is a missed opportunity to build foundational knowledge and skills. Moreover, the implications of chronic absenteeism extend beyond academics. It often signals deeper, systemic issues within a community, including poverty, health problems, and family instability. By addressing chronic absenteeism, we are not just improving attendance rates; we are tackling the root causes of educational inequity and fostering a more supportive environment for our students. Chronic absenteeism also affects the entire school ecosystem. When a significant portion of students is frequently absent, it disrupts the continuity of teaching and learning for all students. Teachers must constantly re-teach material, slowing down the progress of the entire class. This dynamic creates a less effective learning environment and hampers the overall academic performance of the school. Furthermore, addressing chronic absenteeism is a matter of economic urgency. The long-term economic impact of a poorly educated workforce is substantial, affecting everything from individual earning potential to national economic competitiveness. By ensuring students attend school regularly, we are investing in a more skilled, adaptable, and productive future workforce. Finally, combating chronic absenteeism is a matter of equity. Marginalized communities are disproportionately affected, with students of color, those from low-income families, and those with disabilities facing higher rates of absenteeism. By prioritizing this issue, educational leaders can make a powerful statement about their commitment to equity and inclusion, ensuring that all students have the opportunity to succeed. Educational leaders, the time to act is now. By prioritizing the fight against chronic absenteeism, we can create a more equitable, effective, and economically robust education system. Let's commit to identifying the causes, implementing targeted interventions, and fostering a culture that recognizes the fundamental importance of consistent, engaged learning for every student. #Education #ChronicAbsenteeism #EquityInEducation #AcademicSuccess #EducationalLeadership

There are so many decentralized education companies building programs that my students need for their individualized learning plans. I believe the agency model will benefit the community. Zircon can connect learners to resources and they can play and grow together in cohorts. They need a guide to help them decipher the new opportunities offered to learn. A survey by Pew Research Center reveals that about half of U.S. adults believe the public K-12 education system is going in the wrong direction. Key reasons cited include inadequate focus on core academic subjects, political and social views being brought into the classroom, and insufficient funding and resources. A report by the Harvard Graduate School of Education indicates that many young adults (ages 18-25) feel a lack of meaning and purpose in their educational experiences. This lack of direction is a major contributor to high levels of anxiety and depression among young adults. The report suggests that fostering a sense of purpose and engagement in meaningful activities could improve mental health outcomes (Harvard Graduate School of Education). Action4Youth’s 2024 report reveals that young people are deeply concerned about mental health, economic uncertainty, and environmental issues. Programs aimed at addressing these concerns, such as mental health support, financial literacy education, and environmental stewardship, are critical to improving their overall satisfaction and well-being (Action4Youth). #metaverse #education #enrollment #agency #teens #highereducation #microcredentials The Blox #decentralized #affiliatemarketing #learning #startup #enrollmentcounselor #homeschool

A new Pew Research Center study finds that 11% of teachers say they are very likely to look for a new job for 2023-24 school year while an additional 18% report being somewhat likely to do so. While these numbers are themselves concerning, those who remain in the classroom are likely feeling extreme stress: This same study found that more then three-quarters of teachers described their job as "frequently stressful" and 68% said they were "overwhelmed." A major cause of stress, particularly for high school teachers: chronic absenteeism. A multi-pronged approach is likely the only way to begin chipping away at the root of absenteeism and bolster everyday attendance. This includes: Money 💵 Technical Assistance 🧠 Innovative Thinking 🤔 Redoubled Efforts to Engage Stakeholders 🙋♂️ 🙋♀️ This two-pager from the U.S. Department of Education offers a starting point for accessing resources to support districts on their way to successfully addressing this issue affecting students, the education workforce, and, ultimately, all of us. https://lnkd.in/eXN3bpiX Have you leveraged any of these resources already? What additional resources would you share with colleagues? #K12 #attendance #educationleadership #teacherattrition

Chronic absenteeism is a significant challenge that undermines the educational success of our students. Each day a child misses school, they lose not just instruction but also the opportunity to build essential social and emotional skills. I’m encouraged to see several states taking meaningful steps to address this pressing issue. Their commitment to identifying and implementing effective strategies is crucial for creating a supportive learning environment where every student can thrive. We must continue to advocate for targeted interventions that address the root causes of absenteeism—be it health issues, transportation barriers, or family circumstances. Every child deserves the opportunity to engage fully in their education, and it is our responsibility to ensure that support systems are in place. As we prepare for the winter months and holiday session, let’s work together to make these commitments tangible outcomes for our students. The future of our education system depends on it. https://bit.ly/3NafoYM #EdEquity #ChronicAbsenteeism #EducationReform #StudentSuccess

Are you familiar with "Grow Your Own" initiatives? Schools are facing a pressing need for educators who can adeptly address the diverse needs of students, fill staffing gaps, and navigate the challenges exacerbated by the pandemic. 🍎📚 #TeacherShortage #EducationReform #TeacherTraining #DiverseEducators #PandemicChallenges #EducationLeadership #StudentNeeds #TeacherDevelopment #SchoolStaffing #EducationalInitiatives #EducationSimulation #FutureEducators https://lnkd.in/eacxpd_x

Back to the Future: How Master of Social Work Students Adjusted to Returning to In-Person Instruction During the COVID-19 Pandemic The COVID-19 pandemic impacted social work students accustomed to in-person learning, forcing a shift to remote education. During fall 2021 and spring 2022, they faced a return to physical classrooms. Few studies have explored the effects of reverting to in-person classes amidst the pandemic. This exploratory study surveyed 135 Master of Social Work students in the U.S. tri-state area, focusing on the emotional and cognitive impacts of transitioning back to in-person learning after at least one semester online. Findings indicate that students prefer choosing their study mode, need emotional preparation for in-person learning, and face multiple psychosocial challenges impacting their education. The study suggests that educational institutions should offer flexible learning options and enhance emotional support to support students' education. Read more: https://lnkd.in/eCNpNWHa #socialwork #socialworkmonth #onecswe

"In the wake of the ongoing school employment challenges that began with the changes forced on schools by the COVID-19 pandemic, the education sector has been grappling with significant shortages of teachers and administrators. This dilemma, often referred to as “The Great Resignation,” has further exacerbated the learning and learning-loss obstacles experienced by students. Amidst these difficulties, districts increasingly turn to innovative ways to help increase teacher supply, and one key strategy for cultivating well-prepared future teachers is the focus on “#GrowYourOwn” initiatives. This article explores the intersection of teacher shortages, teacher development, and the role of simulations in preparing educators for the evolving demands of their roles." 🍎 #TeacherShortages #TheGreatResignation #EducationChallenges #SchoolEmployment #COVID19 #TeacherDevelopment #GrowYourOwn #TeacherTraining #SimulationTraining #EducationInnovation #LearningLoss #FutureEducators #SchoolDistricts #EducatorShortage #TeacherRetention https://lnkd.in/eacxpd_x