Montgomery County Intermediate Unit’s Post

Last week, I presented at the African American Boys and Men Symposium at Grand Valley State University in Michigan. During my session on the ABCs of School Discipline, the room was filled with engaging discussions. I posed two poll questions to the audience: 1. What is the biggest threat to African American Males in the K-12 system? 2. What are the reasons for school discipline disparities? The responses varied, but the majority fell into two main categories: Race/Bias and Lack of empathy. Drawing from my personal experiences of both receiving suspensions and implementing discipline measures, I believe the answer is more intricate than these categories suggest. What are your thoughts on this complex issue?

The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award (‘The Duke of Ed’) is an exciting international youth development program in which all of our elected Year 9 Leaders participate, along with other students who nominated to be part of the program. The program plays a pivotal role in developing our students’ leadership skills and resilience as they transition from Middle School into Senior School. A big shout out to Duke of Edinburgh Leader and Head of Inclusion, Kirsty Keay for her passion and drive in leading the Duke of Ed Awards program at KG and to Middle School Principal Jessica Walker for her enthusiasm and support of the program. The program has many benefits including: 1. Personal Development: Participation in the Duke of Edinburgh Awards encourages students to set goals, push their boundaries, and develop essential life skills such as teamwork, communication, and problem-solving. 2. Physical Fitness: The program promotes physical activity through its requirements for participation in sports, physical recreation, and adventurous activities, fostering a healthy and active lifestyle among students. 3. Leadership Skills: Students have the opportunity to take on leadership roles within their groups, honing their leadership abilities, decision-making skills, and confidence in their own capabilities. 4. Community Engagement: Through volunteering and service activities, participants contribute positively to their communities, developing empathy, social responsibility, and a sense of civic duty. 5. Resilience and Perseverance: Undertaking the challenges presented by the Duke of Edinburgh Awards cultivates resilience and perseverance in students as they navigate obstacles, setbacks, and the demands of the program. 6. Recognition and Achievement: Completing the program and earning the Duke of Edinburgh Award provides students with a tangible recognition of their efforts, achievements, and personal growth, enhancing their self-esteem and motivation. 7. Global Perspective: The program encourages participants to explore new environments, cultures, and experiences, fostering a broader understanding of the world and promoting global citizenship. Below is a fantastic video produced by Education Queensland showcasing KGSC and our staff and students involved in the program. https://lnkd.in/gRrVMjFv #dukeofedinburgh #dukeofedinburghaward #youthleadership #PersonalGrowth #GlobalCitizenship #nurturinggloballycompetentlearnersleadersandcitizens #ThePursuitofExcellenceWithAllOurMight #YourPreptoPathwaysExperience

School of Education alumna Mamie Till-Mobley, MEd '71, used the transformative power of education to instill a sense of worth and purpose in her students, knowing each person could contribute to the fight for equality. Learn more about her story and legacy here: https://bit.ly/48tYJaA

Developmental education is a critical issue at community colleges, according to a new UPDATE on Research and Leadership piece by Nina Owolabi and Stacy Bennett, Ph.D. When first introduced, developmental education was considered a means to support students in their pursuit of college-level courses. More recently, however, much of the research and discussion about developmental education has had a decidedly negative tone. Read "Reforming Developmental Education in Illinois" at https://lnkd.in/g7Yzmp9M.

Thank you to Travis J. Bristol, Ph.D., Associate Professor at the University of California, Berkeley, School of Education and Board Chair at the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, for presenting to the RPPL network in April’s Brown Bag Lunch! This session, “Becoming a Critical Educative Mentor: A Professional Learning Community for Veteran Teachers in an Urban School District”, explored three related research strands in the context of culturally responsive teacher professional learning:  1️⃣ The role of educational policies in shaping teacher workplace experiences and retention; 2️⃣ District and school-based professional learning communities; 3️⃣ The role of race and gender in educational settings.

Today's cultural landscape is in large part the result of educational philosophies adopted over the past century. The transition to progressive and critical education has: Transformed college campuses into hubs of activism rather than centers of scholarship. Diminished knowledge and hindered the capacity for deep, critical thinking. Encouraged relativism, diminishing commitment to objective truth and standards of right and wrong. Promoted grade inflation and emotional indulgence, leading to high school graduates who are unprepared for the next stages of their lives.   A return to classical education is the answer.    Listen as Dan Gibson, CCA Head of School, shares with Columbus area pastors "The Fall and Rise of American Education: A Matter of Transcendence," explaining how schools have changed and why Christians in particular should desire a return to classical education in America.

Darian Little is an alumnae of Hood College, and is pursuing her degree further in the Counseling Ph.D program. See more about Darian's background and aspirations here: https://shorturl.at/d9KeZ #hoodproud #HoodGradSchool #CounselingPhd

In a world full of media bias, it’s essential to remember that good things are happening all around us. Progress is happening. Every. 👏 Single. 👏 Day. 👏 It’s easy to get caught up in the negativity, especially with all the news that comes out of the United States. I’m loving how universities like #BrownUniversity are acknowledging their traditional custodians and embracing diversity and inclusion. 🌟 Let’s keep the momentum. 👏 #diversityequityandinclusion #indigenouspeoplesday

What’s the real value of Christian higher education in our culture, and why is it more important than ever? Our own Dr. Dan Boone shares his heart on these issues, drawing from a unique perspective as a college president and a respected leader in education and faith-based organizations. Read about his vision for the next generation of students at Christian colleges and universities: https://lnkd.in/e7PYY2cS

"College can either be a greenhouse or graveyard for the Christian faith – I find solace that my work might move the needle for students to fully realize their Christian identity and calling." In the latest post in our Series of Faithfulness, Kevin Ung, Ed.D. shares with us how his faith frames his work and his calling. He provides practical advice for work and rest, and encourages us to recognize that our work matters. Give it a read!