Introducing District Administration’s first annual comprehensive list—in no particular order—of some of the country’s most influential, impactful leaders and innovators in K12 education. Collectively but in varying capacities they’re helping shape the future of students across the country— and around the world—by turning their passions into actions:

Monica Burns is an edtech consultant and founder of Class Tech Tips, which hosts a variety of resources designed to help educators leverage edtech more effectively. Burns is a well-known name for her blog posts, podcasts and books.

The DA 100 education influencers list.

The post DA 100 education influencers: Monica Burns appeared first on District Administration.

In schools with a police presence, arrest rates more than doubled compared to those without one, new research from the U.S. Government Accountability Office declares.

Similar outcomes were found when the researchers accounted for race. Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, Black and American Indian/Alaska Native students were arrested at rates two to three times higher than those of white students. The data reflects Department of Education data from the 2017-18 school year, the most recent available data.

“Our analysis and Education’s own guidance recognize that students can experience even greater adverse consequences as their race, gender, and disability statuses overlap,” the report reads.

The report also references recent investigations by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights surrounding disparities in disciplinary practices in several school districts. Most recently, an investigation concluded that the Pasco County School District in Florida engaged in “disability discrimination” under federal law. The Justice Department stated that “the district routinely relied on suspensions and referrals to law enforcement to respond to students’ disability-related behaviors that it could have addressed through proper behavioral interventions and support.”

More from DA: 9 ways to promote STEM to your female students

Recommendations

In light of these findings, the GAO offers three recommendations for the Department of Education, including:

• Collecting arrest and referral data, by race, for students with disabilities who receive services under Section 504.
• Disclosing the limitations of its 2021-22 arrest data. This includes confirming and disclosing which definitions K12 districts used or specifying that arrest data for that year is not comparable among districts.
• Clearly informing school districts about future changes to arrest and referral data in its civil rights data collection.

“Education’s civil rights data are a critical tool for helping OCR, policymakers, researchers, schools, parents and key stakeholders understand and address potential disparities in arrest and referral rates among various groups of students,” the report concludes.

The post Research: Are students really safer with cops in schools? appeared first on District Administration.

Date & Time: Tuesday, August 20th at 2 pm ET

Schools and districts are under increasing pressure to align education with practical skill development, ensuring students are equipped for the workforce. This webinar will delve into innovative strategies for integrating STEM and Career Technical Education (CTE), arming students with foundational skills for a variety of careers—from technical roles to engineering positions.

A panel of experts will explore how to leverage school facilities and data as educational tools, and share insights from Hardin County Schools, where district leaders have implemented experiential learning opportunities and certification programs in their schools.

Topics will include:

• New approaches to integrate STEM and CTE learning through certifications
• How to implement experiential learning opportunities and certification programs in schools for little or no cost
• How to build a career readiness program that equips students for high-demand fields

Presenters

Roger Tadajewski, Executive Director, National Coalition of Certification Centers (NC3)

Ben Sego, Board Member, Hardin County Schools (Ky.), Former NASA contractor

Michael Hines, Education Leader, Trane by Trane Technologies

Register Now

Sponsored by

The post From Classroom to Career: How Certifications Enable Practical STEM Learning and CTE Readiness appeared first on District Administration.

Strikingly, the impact of robust pre-pandemic family engagement was comparable to “replacing over half of the prior school year with in-person instead of remote learning.”

These findings underscore that consistent communication and collaboration between schools and families are truly some of the strongest predictors of academic achievement and engagement, especially in the wake of the pivotal disruptions caused by COVID-19 which have left many students in need of additional learning recovery and support. In this era of persisting pandemic impacts, the summer months take on profound importance as an invaluable opportunity to reinforce core skills, explore new interests and maintain hard-earned academic momentum.

‘Talking Out of School’ podcast: Why the Universal Design for Learning is so powerful

So how can we facilitate this continuity of learning and sustain family engagement throughout the summer? The answer lies in leveraging creative communication strategies to nurture students’ curiosity through low-lift, high-impact activities.

Establishing consistent two-way communication channels is key. Interactive platforms like video messaging, social media, e-newsletters and even physical mailers reinforce the benefits of daily attendance, highlight enrichment opportunities and resources and establish a connection that’s essential for keeping kids in school.

Crucially, we can educate new families on establishing good attendance habits early by sharing data that clearly links attendance to achievement. Kindergarten parents and caregivers, for example, need to know before the school year begins that missing even one day of school impacts their child’s ability to stay on track with the class.

Even during summer, educators can shape the journey of lifelong learning by providing optional reading lists with video commentary, sharing engaging puzzles or prompts for skills practice and highlighting community events and resources that spark curiosity. Technology enables sharing read-alouds, podcasts, nature observations and hosting virtual meetings—allowing educators to remain a consistent mentor presence.

The summer months can also present health and safety challenges for many families. With the pause in school meal programs, lack of access to nurses and potential for children to be unsupervised while parents and caregivers are at work, it’s important we provide guidance to help families navigate this transition. Sharing information on local summer meal site locations, tips for sun safety, bike helmet use, water safety procedures and more communicates that we care about students’ overall well-being year-round. These simple acts help ensure students can return to the classroom healthy, nourished and ready to learn come fall.

The Learning Heroes study reveals that “the powerful relationship between family engagement and student outcomes applied to a diverse range of schools,” holding true whether high- or low-income, elementary or high school, urban or rural. With such stark evidence that “strong family engagement in 2019 is consistently associated with better student engagement and learning outcomes in 2022,” we must prioritize removing any barriers to involvement this summer and beyond.

Ultimately, the greatest “summer slide” to overcome is the very notion that learning must pause between school years. Our role as educators is to inspire students to embrace the lifelong journey of intellectual growth by tapping into their innate sense of curiosity about the world around them. We can model this mindset of passionate, joyful discovery through our own summer actions and interactions with students and families.

Let’s carry forward the empowering mindset that every day brings opportunities to grow, create and be curious. By reframing summer as an integral part of the learning journey, facilitating meaningful two-way communication and serving as guides toward lifelong learning, we can inspire students and families to approach the summer months as an enriching season of exploration and self-discovery.

If you only take one step this summer, prioritize frequent communication with families— share engaging learning resources, check in on their needs and reinforce the importance of establishing positive attendance habits early. Consistent outreach lays the groundwork for a strong family-school partnership that pays dividends in students’ overall achievement and well-being. When educators and families work hand-in-hand to nurture curiosity year-round, all students can continue along their journey as passionate lifelong learners.

The post How to keep the learning journey going all summer long appeared first on District Administration.

Only 3 percent of public schools in the U.S. currently operate 12 months a year, while most students and teachers eagerly await their summer vacations.

While some blame misconceptions around year-round scheduling for its drop in popularity, others say shifting to it can make the lives of families and teachers more difficult.

Read more from The Hill.

The post Summer breaks from school get closer look in post-COVID environment appeared first on District Administration.

“We will not be silent and we will not be complicit,” said Valencea Johnson, president of the parish’s chapter of the Association of Educators teacher union. “We will not be there on Aug. 8 if Adam Smith is not appointed as superintendent of the East Baton Rouge Parish school system.”

Smith, a 28-year veteran of the school district, made an early exit from the search on June 28 when he fell one vote short of being named a finalist himself. Smith has been interim superintendent since January.

Read more from The Advocate.

The post Teacher groups threaten 1st-day sickout over East Baton Rogue superintendent choice appeared first on District Administration.

On Tuesday, Gov. Glenn Youngkin issued Executive Order 33, which directs his administration to “heed the call” of parents, public health professionals, educators and others by establishing cell phone-free policies and procedures for school divisions, in light of growing concerns over children’s health and declines in academic performance.

The Virginia Department of Education, in collaboration with the Departments of Health and Health and Human Services, must clearly define what “cell phone-free education” means, and publish model plans and draft guidance on implementing cell phone-free education in Virginia’s K-12 schools on its website by Aug. 15, according to the governor’s directive.

Read more from the Virginia Mercury.

The post Youngkin signs executive order to establish ‘cell phone-free education’ in Va. public schools appeared first on District Administration.

A few years later, as principal, I was asked to lead a school in Attleboro, Massachusetts, with a mandate to infuse learning with innovation. Over the next decade, I focused on integrating technology and innovative practices into the curriculum, directly enhancing educational experiences. After 10 years, I transitioned to a district leadership position as director of innovation and instruction, where I had the privilege of meeting Carl Hooker and hearing his keynote on the synergy between education, instruction, and technology.

For the past seven years, my work has centered on designing and championing innovative practices in various district stand-alone edtech or curriculum roles, most recently as assistant superintendent of teaching and learning. I work with a visionary leadership team in New Bedford, including Superintendent Andrew O’Leary and Deputy Superintendent Darcie Aungst, who share a commitment to innovative instruction and also want to have technology and instruction more aligned. To make that idea a reality this year, I will transition to assistant superintendent of technology and learning. I aim to merge educational and technological strategies, bringing Carl’s keynote vision to life.

The integration of technology and education

The integration of technology into education has transformed teaching and learning. From traditional classrooms to modern e-learning platforms, technology has become indispensable. I will explore the multifaceted relationship between technology and education this school year, examining this dynamic partnership’s benefits, challenges and future directions.

By developing these areas of learning, we can further emphasize the transformative power of technology in education, showcasing its ability to create personalized, engaging and collaborative learning environments that prepare students for the future.

• Personalized learning: One of the most significant benefits of integrating technology into education is the ability to personalize student learning. Adaptive learning technologies use algorithms to adjust the content and pace based on individual student needs. This personalized approach ensures that students receive instruction tailored to their learning styles, strengths and weaknesses, enhancing their educational experience. Innovation in learning can lead to more personalized educational experiences. Technology, for example, allows for adaptive learning systems that cater to individual students’ needs, learning paces and styles. This personalization can help all students achieve their full potential.
• Access to information: The internet provides access to resources worldwide, including virtual field trips, expert guest lectures and international collaborations. This global perspective enriches the learning experience and broadens students’ horizons. Digital resources can be updated more frequently than traditional textbooks, ensuring students can access the most current information and research in any field. Students can access information in various formats, such as videos, podcasts, articles and interactive simulations, catering to different learning preferences and enhancing understanding through diverse approaches.
• Engagement and interactivity: Technology enhances student engagement through interactive and multimedia content. Educational games, virtual reality and augmented reality provide immersive learning experiences that can make complex concepts more understandable and enjoyable. Interactive tools such as digital whiteboards and collaborative platforms facilitate student learning and collaboration. Innovative learning methods can make education more engaging and fun, increasing students’ learning motivation. Interactive and dynamic teaching techniques, such as gamification, project-based learning and the use of technology can capture students’ interest more effectively than traditional methods.
• Gamification: By introducing game-like elements such as badges, points, and leaderboards, students can be motivated to engage more deeply with the material. This approach can make learning fun and encourage a healthy sense of competition. Gamification tools often include features that allow students to track their progress and set goals. This self-assessment can promote a sense of accomplishment and motivate students to continue improving. Many educational games are designed to develop specific skills, such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and collaboration. These skills are essential for success both inside and outside the classroom.
• Collaboration and communication: Digital tools enable students to work on group projects regardless of their physical location. They can collaborate effectively with shared documents, virtual meeting spaces and project management tools. Online forums and social media platforms provide spaces for peer-to-peer learning, where students can ask questions, share resources and offer support to one another. This can create a collaborative learning community. Technology facilitates connections with classrooms worldwide, allowing students to collaborate on projects with peers from different cultures and backgrounds, fostering a global perspective and cultural understanding.
• Lifelong learning: Technology provides continuous access to educational resources, enabling students to learn at their own pace and revisit materials as needed. This promotes a habit of lifelong learning and self-directed education. Exposure to diverse viewpoints and information sources online encourages students to develop critical thinking skills. They learn to evaluate the credibility of sources, synthesize information and form well-informed opinions. Technology encourages students to experiment with new ideas and creative solutions. Tools like coding platforms, digital design software and multimedia creation tools empower students to innovate and express themselves in various formats.

Challenges in technology integration

Despite the benefits, challenges remain. The digital divide persists, with students from low-income families or rural areas lacking access to reliable internet or modern devices. Bridging this gap is crucial for ensuring equitable access to education.

‘Talking Out of School’ podcast: Why the Universal Design for Learning is so powerful

Effective technology integration also requires proficient teachers. Many educators need ongoing professional development to equip them with the necessary skills. Additionally, more reliance on technology can lead to health issues and diminish the importance of traditional teaching methods and interpersonal interactions.

Data privacy and security are other concerns. Educational institutions must ensure the security of student data and protect their privacy from potential cyber threats.

Looking ahead

Integrating technology into instruction is essential for creating a dynamic, efficient and inclusive educational environment. Collaboration is key to enhancing our district’s learning experiences and preparing students for future challenges. I am excited to be part of a team dedicated to enhancing learning experiences and equipping students with the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive in a complex, dynamic world.

I look forward to this new professional challenge and the opportunity to create classrooms as dynamic as the world around us.

The post Integrating technology with instruction: A path to enhanced learning appeared first on District Administration.

Female students experience exposure gaps to various STEM careers as early as middle school, a new report from YouScience and Ford Next Generation Learning asserts. This gap is measured by comparing the difference between female middle and high school students’ aptitude (their natural ability to learn or perform skills regardless of the environment) and their self-reported interest.

Failure to support a diverse workforce in STEM careers early on can lead to significant problems, including innovation deficits, earning disparities and economic disruptions. “We can no longer overlook young women who have the aptitude but have not been exposed to these opportunities,” Executive Director at Ford Next Generation Learning Cheryl Carrier said in the report. “We are now equipped with the knowledge to do better, so we must.”

The widest exposure gaps exist in advanced manufacturing and computer and technology careers at 87%. Exposure gaps were measured in other fields like architecture and construction, which are around 55%. The health science career gap sits around 30%, and engineering, 22%.

More from DA: School boards and AI—Is it the new hot topic?

Advice for leaders

The researchers have identified nine solutions to closing STEM exposure gaps for female students. These ideas include:

1. Aptitude measures: A foundational tool that helps students discover their best fit for postsecondary education and career pathways.
2. Career academies: High school programs focused on specific career fields.
3. Collaborative planning: Working with family, educators and counselors to help students navigate their postsecondary goals.
4. Interdisciplinary education: Collaboration between schools and districts to create personalized pathways and integrated programs.
5. Career-connected learning: Helps students connect education to the real world.
6. Education-to-career planning tools: Helps counselors and teachers provide personalized plans for postsecondary education and training.
7. Industry-recognized certifications: Quantifying student knowledge and skills that connect the classroom to employers.
8. Work-based learning: Provides students with internships and apprenticeships with business and industry partners.
9. Community connections: Leveraging ties to address local workforce needs.

The post 9 ways to promote STEM to your female students appeared first on District Administration.

Burbio, the online service that tracks several aspects of K12 operations, has captivated District Administration readers with its reports on the subjects that are dominating school board discussions. Lately, the firm has been examining the prevalence of AI, reviewing the school board meeting minutes of 2,000 school districts that serve about 50% of the student population in the past.

In its search for terms such as AI policy, AI guidance and acceptable use policy, the upshot shot is that school boards are spending a lot more time on the broad category of artificial intelligence than policy or guidance.

‘Talking Out of School’ podcast: Why the Universal Design for Learning is so powerful

“It is worth noting how few discussions are occurring around AI policy at the district level,” Burbio reported regarding school boards and AI.

Burbio found the phrase artificial intelligence in the minutes of more than 20% of the meetings. “AI policy,” on the other hand, appeared in around 2% of the meetings. That jibes with recent District Administration reporting that has found educators are eager to adopt AI but want more guidance and training.

Here’s a rundown of Burbio’s tracking of how often school boards are discussing other hot K12 topics:

• School boarding meetings: How much time is devoted STEM?
• The four keywords that keep coming up in the biggest districts 
• Ominous signs are emerging in recent school board discussions 
• School boards are now spending more time on these 5 topics

The post School boards and AI: Is it the new hot topic? appeared first on District Administration.