Here are a few of the education stories we’ve bookmarked recently.
The Pandemic Left Us Looking for Answers. We Found Them in Our Alternative Education Model
This EdSurge article discusses a few ways that alternative learning centers have adapted to support their students' individual social-emotional needs. Alta Vista Innovation High School in Los Angeles County created several plans to help aid students financially, academically and mentally. Through utilizing TikTok, unique shift scheduling and partnering with mental health organizations, the school was able to support their students and help them continue to focus on their education. "The pandemic has reinforced that there is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all approach to supporting students," says Christopher Hong, a teacher at the school. "The more we share about what schools are doing — both traditional and alternative —the better we can support students."
Too Many Students Just Aren’t Interested in What is Being Taught
In this opinion piece from The Hechinger Report, former educator Noah Dougherty explores the importance of teaching content that is relevant to students. Dougherty stresses how “culturally relevant education can increase grades, participation and critical thinking skills and can lead to higher graduation rates.” He often finds that today, students aren’t truly interested and absorbing the lessons they are taught, primarily because culturally relevant education isn’t applied in many classrooms. In order to combat disinterest, Dougherty explains some of the simple ways educators can make their lessons more interesting and culturally relevant to their students.
What Teachers Want You to Know About this Year
In this article, members of EdSource’s Teacher Advisory Group reflect on unique moments from the past year that they want to share with other educators and their communities. Their responses include everything from the challenges they continue to face, to the mentality needed to face each day, and even the positive changes that they believe can come from this time. “I have had some amazing conversations with all of my students this year because I think I created an environment where students feel that they have a say in how they learn,” says 11th and 12th grade teacher Jose Rivas. “Now is the time to look at practices that promote self-regulation, meaningful learning and more open communication with our students.”
