Institute for Youth in Policy’s Post

“The one-room #schoolhouse is typically considered a relic, but the intimacy and sense of #community it represents are making a comeback in today’s microschools.” “The National #Microschooling Center launched in August 2022 to support this patchwork quilt of tiny learning communities dotting the American landscape. For a sector analysis released in April, the center examined 100 microschools that exist in 34 states, as well as 100 prospective microschools preparing to open. Though it’s difficult, if not impossible, to pinpoint the exact number of students attending microschools, researchers say it’s likely between 1.1 million and 2.1 million. On the low end, that would mean microschools serve an estimated 2% of school-age #children in the U.S.” “The center’s analysis found that although current microschool leaders are predominantly white (64%), that share drops to 55% among prospective founders – indicating a gradually diversifying sector. More than a quarter of those seeking to start their own microschools are Black, and 5% are Latino. “ “It’s also not an ideologically homogeneous group, Mr. Soifer says. Microschool leaders and families come from all different backgrounds, political perspectives, and religious beliefs. The center’s analysis found that only 27% of microschools offer faith-based #instruction.”

Appreciating your children's teachers is an important aspect of fostering a positive and supportive educational environment for your child. Teachers play a crucial role in their development and well-being, so showing gratitude and recognition for their hard work can go a long way in building a strong teacher-parent partnership. Here are some ways to appreciate your children's teachers: 1.     Express gratitude: A simple thank-you can mean a lot to a teacher. Send a heartfelt note, email, or message expressing your appreciation for the teacher's dedication and efforts in educating your child. 2.     Attend parent-teacher conferences: These meetings provide an opportunity to engage with the teacher, learn more about your child's progress, and express your appreciation face-to-face. It also shows that you value their input. 3.     Volunteer your time: Offer to volunteer in the classroom or help with school activities and events. Your involvement can ease the teacher's workload and demonstrate your commitment to your child's education. 4.     Support classroom initiatives: Participate in fundraisers, donate to classroom projects, or contribute to the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) to help enhance the learning environment. 5.     Encourage your child's respect: Teach your child to respect their teachers, listen attentively in class, and follow classroom rules. A well-behaved child can make a teacher's job more enjoyable. 6.     Acknowledge special occasions: Recognize important events like Teacher Appreciation Week or the teacher's birthday with thoughtful gestures, cards, or small gifts. 7.     Share positive feedback: If your child has had a particularly positive experience with a teacher, share that feedback with the school administration or on teacher evaluation forms. 8.     Respect their time: Teachers have busy schedules, so be mindful of their time when communicating or requesting meetings. Make appointments and be punctual when meeting with them. 9.     Be a partner in education: Work collaboratively with your child's teacher to support your child's learning at home. Establish open lines of communication to address any concerns or questions. Remember that appreciation should be sincere and ongoing, not just a one-time gesture. Teachers appreciate consistent support and recognition for their hard work throughout the school year. By showing your appreciation, you can help create a positive and supportive learning environment for your child and all children in the classroom.  

The 30-Second Rule In Education: A Gateway To Positive Reinforcement In the realm of education, particularly in a Montessori setting, the concept of the 30-Second Rule is as follows: This rule suggests that within the first thirty seconds of interaction, we should aim to say something encouraging to a child. Imagine the scenario in a classroom: a teacher, amid the flurry of activities, takes a moment to connect with a student. “Sara, your curiosity in our science project was inspiring,” or “Jason, your kindness in helping Emma with her reading was wonderful to see.” These quick, yet powerful acknowledgments can significantly boost a child’s confidence and sense of belonging. In applying this rule, educators are not only fostering a positive atmosphere but also subtly reinforcing desired behaviors and attitudes. This approach aligns perfectly with the Montessori philosophy, which values the development of the whole child – emotional, social, and academic. By practicing the 30-Second Rule, educators create an environment where children feel seen, valued, and motivated. It’s a testament to the power of positive reinforcement and its ripple effect in a child’s educational journey. This practice goes beyond mere praise; it’s about recognizing and celebrating each child’s unique contributions to the learning community. The 30-Second Rule in an educational context isn’t just about being positive; it’s a strategic approach to nurturing a supportive, engaged, and collaborative classroom environment. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the most profound impacts come from the simplest acts of kindness and recognition. #education #school #children

📚💡 Exciting Developments in Education and Media Literacy! 💡📚 I've always believed that collaboration between colleges, K-12 institutions, and public libraries can transform communities and ensure access to continued education for everyone. I'm here to share a fantastic example of this vision becoming a reality: Arizona State University Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College recent initiative, which received $1.6 million in funding to better teach K-12 educators about civics, history, and media literacy. This initiative underscores the immediate need for improved media literacy education, which I've passionately advocated for through LibraryUp. In today's digital age, media literacy is the glue that binds together informed citizenship, critical thinking, and a resilient, united community. By partnering with educational institutions and libraries, we can create spaces where individuals from all backgrounds can access resources, engage in meaningful discussions, and sharpen their media literacy skills. This isn't just about combating misinformation but empowering individuals to make well-informed decisions and actively participate in our democracy. At LibraryUp, we are dedicated to shaping the future of education with an optimistic and collaborative spirit. Our partner's platform, Ground News, is more than just a tool; it's an educational partner that equips learners of all ages with the skills to navigate today's media landscape. We invite educators, legislators, and corporations to join us on this journey to foster media literacy, critical thinking, and a brighter future for all. Let's continue to champion these initiatives and work together to bridge the gap between education and media literacy, transforming our communities and preparing the next generation for the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow. 🌟📖 #medialiteracy #education #communitycollaboration #LibraryUp #GroundNews 

Exciting news for the state of Missouri! 🎉 Kide Science by Accelerate Learning makes it to Missouri's recommended early childhood curriculum list! Read more about this fantastic news here: https://hubs.li/Q02vMYzm0 #preschoollearning#playbasedlearning #earlychildhoodeducation

Know a teacher, administrator, school, or district transforming literacy education and making a difference? Nominate them for the: 🏆Winslow Coyne Reitnouer Excellence in Education Award 🏆 Inspired by a true education advocate, Winslow Coyne Reitnouer, or "Winnie," this award celebrates the incredible impact of educators on young lives. In its eighth year, we honor U.S. educators dedicated to literacy and learning for developing readers. Significance of the Award: This award honors leaders who understand the holistic approach to reading instruction, focusing on the learner and the factors influencing their success. It's not just about decoding words; it's about nurturing the whole child. Winners receive cash rewards and opportunities to showcase their valuable work. Who Can Nominate: Parents, students, and educators are eligible to nominate. Educators are encouraged to self-nominate. Award Winners Receive: ✨ Cash prize for both the educator and their school 🎉 Personal congratulations from Learning Ally CEO Andrew Friedman 📜 Certificate of recognition 📝 Individual blog post 🌟 Hall of Fame induction 🌐 National press coverage 📱 Social media spotlight 🎤 Recognition at our June 2024 Spotlight on Dyslexia conference 📢 Feature in our Educator Community Join us in recognizing outstanding educators who shape the future of our children through literacy and learning! #ExcellenceInEducation #LiteracyMatters

What do we know about ensuring a high-quality pre-k curriculum for children ages three through five? A committee with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine has been addressing the question of what a vision for a high-quality pre-k curriculum would look like, with special attention to the needs of Black and Latinx children, dual language learners, children with special needs, and children experiencing poverty. The committee writing the report will look at supporting equitable curriculum development, state and center-level pre-k curriculum selection, and local curriculum implementation. In addition, the committee will review research on early childhood development, including research on access to contemporary early learning opportunities, and consider the lived experience of diverse young children, their families, and early childhood educators.  Releasing spring 2024, the report will include findings and recommendations to guide policy makers, early childhood administrators, educators, and other stakeholders. https://ow.ly/YZRy50QVZ1Q #Education #Children #PreK #Learning

If you've been involved in education for any amount of time, you’ve likely heard people talk about making a difference. "Teachers should strive to make a difference." "The best educators change lives." "Teaching is about making an impact." Those are true, but there’s more to it. There’s a deeper, more impactful way to truly understand the essence of teaching. And we'll prove it with a story: Meet Rhonda McCarthy, a dedicated teacher with a passion for helping students in need. One particular student will always stay with her. This boy had incarcerated parents and was being raised by his grandparents. He struggled with disruptive behaviors, feeling lost and unsupported. Rhonda decided to spend time with him, having lunch together once or twice a week to build a connection. Over time, she saw real progress. He began making gains both academically and emotionally. At the end of the school year, this usually reserved boy came to her class, tears in his eyes, to say goodbye. He wasn’t one for showing emotions, but on this day, he looked at her and said, "Thank you, Mrs. McCarthy. No one has ever cared before." On that day, Rhonda knew she had made a difference. Want to know the absolute craziest part of this story? Every time it’s shared, it resonates deeply with those who understand the profound impact a caring teacher can have. This wasn’t a special circumstance, an anomaly, or a lucky response. This is the heart of teaching. This is the culture of caring. This is how Rhonda treated her students—with dignity, empathy, love, and care. And it’s how every educator should approach their role. You see… You don’t just make a difference. You become the difference. We are thrilled to share that our CEO, Diana Heldfond, and Parallel was recently featured in Florida Today , highlighting our mission to support educators like Rhonda and students in need. A big thank you to Finch Walker for shedding light on these critical issues. At Parallel, we are committed to making a difference for students everywhere. Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/ex6Qvvfg If your school team is feeling overwhelmed or understaffed, Parallel is here to be a resource. Learn more by clicking the link below: https://lnkd.in/euXxTBPD

#CHILDREN #EDUCATION #USA Education for children in the United States is a multifaceted system designed to provide a comprehensive learning experience. The structure typically includes elementary, middle, and high school levels, with optional pre-school and kindergarten programs. The primary goal is to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary for their future endeavors. Starting with early childhood education, pre-school and kindergarten lay the foundation for cognitive and social development. These years focus on basic skills, social interaction, and fostering a love for learning. As students progress to elementary school, they delve into subjects like math, science, language arts, and social studies, building a solid academic base. Middle school bridges the gap between elementary and high school, offering a more diverse curriculum. Students explore various subjects, allowing them to discover their interests and strengths. High school marks a crucial stage, with students taking more specialized classes, preparing for college or entering the workforce. The high school experience often includes extracurricular activities, community service, and the development of critical thinking skills. The U.S. education system emphasizes standardized testing to assess student proficiency, helping educators tailor instruction to meet individual needs. Moreover, there is a strong focus on extracurricular activities, promoting teamwork, leadership, and a well-rounded education. Parents play a vital role in their child's education, participating in parent-teacher conferences and staying involved in school activities. Additionally, education policies may vary between states, contributing to a diverse educational landscape. In recent years, technology integration has become increasingly prevalent in American classrooms. Schools adopt digital tools and online resources to enhance learning experiences, preparing students for the technology-driven world. In conclusion, the education system in the United States strives to provide a comprehensive and adaptable learning environment. By fostering a passion for learning and incorporating diverse teaching methods, the system aims to prepare children for success in their academic and personal lives.

📚 Building educator capacity in the science of reading is one of our four shared strategic priorities to boost school readiness and early literacy in Arizona. Because student outcomes improve when teachers are supported with comprehensive training and coaching on effective approaches to reading instruction. Our focus is on: - Equipping K-3 educators with the tools they need to help all students develop foundational literacy skills. - Preparing pre-service teachers with the knowledge and skills to excel from day one. - Supporting early childhood educators in nurturing the early literacy skills young children need to go on to be successful readers. Investing in educator capacity and training is crucial for student success. Research shows that more than 9 in 10 children can learn to read at grade level with the right support and instruction. More than 13,000 educators in Arizona have already been trained in the science of reading. Check out this article on how Kyrene Elementary School District (Read On Tempe) is dedicated to training and developing educators, which is leading to significant growth for students: bit.ly/49pUGgR #LiteracyPowersLearning #EarlyLiteracy #Educators #Literacy #Education