California Department of Education’s Post

Supporting #studentparents is key to bridging equity gaps in higher education and the workplace. Check out The California Alliance for Student Parent Success's policy agenda to discover how leaders can #empowerbrighterfutures for the 400k student parents and their families in California: https://lnkd.in/gRPmn6Rt

🚨With K-12 state funding flat and mental health/safety dollars being cut by 90% this year, how is your Michigan school district responding? 👍To me, it's just as much a priority issue as it is a funding issue, but our school leaders will need to have the support of their community. ❤️Here in Traverse City, we're forming a Children's Cabinet to: 1️⃣ increase the efficiency/effectiveness of local government efforts to improve child/youth outcomes 2️⃣ leverage evidence-based programs like the National Partnership for Student Success 3️⃣ ensure school efforts to improve student health, wellbeing, and connection are sustainable 4️⃣ coordinate with other local youth-focused systems to improve impact

One of the most commonly overlooked parts of communities is public spaces. Public spaces cultivate a sense of community, an integral part of an area’s overall feel. Neighborhood schools are a prime example of public spaces that foster this sense of community by bridging people together, promoting innovation, educating the local workforce, and providing safe, enjoyable places for gatherings. Earlier this week, on May 14th I was fortunate to attend a community conversation at Marion Franklin High School, a City of Columbus Public School, discussing the school’s future. The potential closure and re-conversion of the space were two heavily discussed topics, along with how these changes could affect the City of Columbus Schools system and the community at large. More than 30 people attended the meeting, including alumni, current and former teachers, coaches, mental health counselors, and other professionals. Most of them disagreed with the current plans for the school’s future. Forums like this are essential because they ensure that boards hear community voices from those who live in the area, coming from different walks of life before making decisions that could alter generations to come, such as closing a neighborhood high school. If you want your voice heard in community decisions, be sure to attend community conversations. The link below highlights the key talking points and takeaways from the meeting: https://lnkd.in/gKcv6NFc Source: https://lnkd.in/gVkxK4DW #PublicSpace #CommunityConversation #Columbus

Forge stronger ties with parents and caretakers to overcome opportunity and achievement gaps and utilize a family-centered approach to creating more equitable schools. On the Same Team offers the guidance you need to nurture strong family-school partnerships that are essential for student success. https://bit.ly/3SU6ti2

Schools and districts that prioritize learning and implementing school-family partnership best practices can see a massive reduction in chronic absenteeism, as well as a host of other positive outcomes. For instance, several districts in California cut their absenteeism rates in half by implementing relationship-centered home visits. Other districts have made significant strides by utilizing TalkingPoints and other two-way communication apps. How is your school or district proactively setting a strong foundation for next school year? Please reach out if I can support your next steps, and pick up a copy of On The Same Team: Bringing Educators and Underrepresented Families Together! #familyengagement #schools #teachers #students #families Solution Tree NAFSCE (National Association for Family, School, and Community Engagement) TalkingPoints National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) Connecticut Family School Partnerships Parent Institute for Quality Education (PIQE) Edutopia - George Lucas Educational Foundation

Chicago Residents… should Local School Councils be charged with the decision to keep or remove Police Officers in their school(s) or should this solely be the responsibility of the school board members? The Chicago Public School Board is on the brink of a historic decision that could reshape the educational landscape in our city. Today, they will likely vote on the removal of officers from schools and the implementation of Restorative Practices. Restorative justice isn't just a concept; it's a philosophy that prioritizes healing, understanding, and community. It's about bringing together everyone affected by wrongdoing to address needs and responsibilities, ultimately fostering stronger relationships and safer environments. But for this to truly work, we need more than just a policy change. We need unwavering belief in our students, especially those of color who are disproportionately affected by punitive measures. We need a commitment to restorative practices and understanding that change takes time—it must be school-wide and experienced by all, adults included. Modeling is key. Moreover, this isn't a one-time fix. We must continuously improve and refine our approach, ensuring that safety remains our top priority while fostering a culture of comfort and community. Restorative justice isn't about ignoring harm; it's about addressing it head-on in a way that promotes growth and understanding. And imagine the possibilities: a future where today's students become tomorrow's adults equipped with the emotional intelligence to navigate life's challenges peacefully. Let's support this pivotal moment in education and pave the way for a brighter, more just future for all our students. Together, we can make a difference. And, of course I used a photo from Lane Tech! Proud alumnus! Go! Lane! Go! #RestorativeJustice #Education #ChicagoPublicSchools #CommunityBuilding #Engagement

In this current environment, one might think the chances for generating any kind of shared agenda for educational equity would be minimal to non-existent. But against the odds, three communities did create such an agenda. Not only that, their agendas were strikingly similar, alerting us to what matters to people when it comes to education in America today. Here's the common agenda items we found from our work in Reading, PA; Lexington, KY; and Clarksville, TN: 1. Mental health and mentoring 2. After- and out-of-school activities 3. Pathways for success 4. Pre-K and early childhood education 5. Teachers who look like the community 6. Equitable allocation of resources 7. Community and student voice The reality of today's ugly politics of education is that it is more about fanatical adults tearing others down than about building up young people. The community-driven agendas created by these three communities serve to bring people together, not divide or destroy them. https://bit.ly/3ROmJ3g

It's been such a privilege being in community with Texas charter leaders through our monthly Texas Public Charter Schools Association-sponsored community of practice. Having a safe space to discuss literacy implementation challenges through the lens of research is critical for sustaining this important work while preventing burnout. Do you have a community to support your implementation journey? #education #structuredliteracy #scienceofreading

Boost student attendance next school year by taking action this summer! 📈 ☀️ EducationWeek explains how schools can use summer programs, family outreach, health initiatives, and strategic planning to keep students engaged. Read more: https://lnkd.in/eVTVdNJe

Audience: General Admission 1pm-2pm EST | 12pm-1pm CST | 11am-12pm MT Description: Community members, classroom teachers, and parents/caregivers all play central personal and professional roles in the continuous equity efforts in schools. In this online professional learning, we will discuss the history and lasting impact the Brown decision has had, and strategies for the future. Community Alliances for Equity are various equity engagement network formats all aimed at collectively centering the expertise and assets of community members, classroom teachers, and parents/caregivers as central collaboratively supporting school district’s equity-driven COVID-19 recovery efforts. Note: This event is open to individuals from school boards, state municipalities, school districts, or other governmental units legally responsible for operating a public school or schools, or from a federally funded technical assistance and dissemination center. Accessibility: Captioning Additional accommodations upon request #EquityInEducation #CommunityAlliances #SchoolEquity #ParentEngagement #TeacherProfessionalDevelopment #EducationEquity #EquityInSchools