What Will Schools Do in the Fall? Here Are 4 Possible Scenarios
This article discusses the ways in which schools might deliver instruction in the fall of 2020 after school closures. This clear article outlines four possible scenarios for instruction that include varying mixes of in-person and distance learning. This article is a good read for educators as well as parents or members of the community interested… Read More ›
How to Foster a Positive School Climate in a Virtual World
This article discusses the importance of creating a positive school climate, especially during distance learning. The author details ways to improve culture in four main areas: physical and emotional safety, respect for diversity and equity, relationships, supportive teaching practices and sense of community. This article will be helpful to leaders of schools serving any age… Read More ›
A Plan to Safely Reopen America’s Schools and Communities
This detailed “Plan to Safely Reopen America’s Schools and Communities” was designed to help communities chart a path to safely and responsibly reopen school buildings and other institutions. It features five core pillars based on science as well as educator and healthcare expertise. The document shows how to effectively respond to the crisis, especially emphasizing… Read More ›
Relationships Check
The Relationships Check is a tool to spark self-reflection and conversation among peers and within families. During social distancing, it can be hard to maintain deep relationships with young people. However, meaningful relationships with caring adults are critical to children’s wellbeing during this time. Parents, community partners, educators, or anyone working with youth, can take… Read More ›
Disrupting Inequity: Having Brave Conversations About Bias
This toolkit was designed to help school communities have facilitated conversations about race, bias and prejudice. It features three 90-120 minute facilitated sessions. Sessions are centered around a reading or video with follow-up conversation. Sessions include: Understanding Bias Historical Perspective About Race in America How Does Bias Manifest in Our School? The kit includes a… Read More ›
The Power of Protocols for Equity
In this article, Zaretta Hammond, an expert on equity and building more culturally responsive classrooms, discusses the importance of deep student-led discussions and how to have them. She outlines how to use structured protocols to encourage equitable participation and create more culturally responsive discussions. Her guidance can help teachers in any subject improve student discussions… Read More ›
Can Responsibilities to Family and Community be Empowering for Youth, Even in a Pandemic?
In this article, the author speculates about the empowering effect of personal responsibility young people might gain through service to their families and communities during the pandemic. The author shares research conducted from a Los Angeles community of students who participated, along with their families, in a program to build relationships called Keep Connected and… Read More ›
Fostering a Strong Community in a Virtual Classroom
This article focuses on the importance of building a sense of community during online learning. The author offers practical tips to help students feel comfortable and safe participating in synchronous and asynchronous online learning. The author suggests a process of planning, establishing group norms, and scaffolding students as they learn how to interact online in… Read More ›
Practical Tips for Teaching Online Small-Group Discussions
This practical article suggests ways to facilitate deep discussions amongst peers during online learning. The author details three strategies that can be used during break out sessions held through zoom or other similar platforms. In particular, she discusses the use of real-time note-taking that allows teachers to peek into discussions as they are happening, the… Read More ›
7 Strategies Designed to Increase Student Engagement in Synchronous Online Discussions Using Video Conferencing
This article offers advice to teachers to help increase engagement in online discussions. The author, Catlin Tucker is an educator, author, and blended learning coach; she suggests seven easy actions teachers can take to improve synchronous online discussions. These range from helping students prepare by distributing agendas and expectations for behavior in advance to using… Read More ›
Rural Community Resource Hub
This website features news and resources related to the Coronavirus outbreak that is of particular importance to rural communities. The site is a collaborative effort informed by rural school administrators and leaders across the country and organized in partnership between Mara Tieken, Associate Professor of Education at Bates College and author of Why Rural Schools… Read More ›
66 Years After Brown v. Board of Education, the Work Is More Urgent Than Ever
The 66th anniversary of the Brown v. Board of Education decision provides a moment to pause and consider how much work is still needed to provide equitable educational opportunities to every student. School closures and disruption of services due to COVID-19 have exposed a huge number of equity concerns, with black and brown students and… Read More ›