Teaching Personnel’s Post

Letter from the Gateway Cities Legislative Caucus regarding selective admissions policies in Massachusetts Vocational Schools: Dear Governor Healey and Lt. Governor Driscoll, The current selective admissions policies used by 26 of 28 of the Commonwealth’s vocational technical schools discriminate against students of color, students from low-income families, English language learners, and students with disabilities. We write today to ask you to direct the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) to prohibit selective criteria that discriminates against disadvantaged 8th graders and inhibits their social and economic mobility. We believe children who grow up in poverty in Massachusetts—thousands of whom live in Gateway Cities—deserve the same opportunity to attend a vocational school. In 2003, vocational schools were directed by DESE regulation to rank order applicants based on selective criteria: middle school grades, attendance, disciplinary record, and subjective interviews. DESE admissions data shows these criteria discriminate against three protected classes of students: students of color, students with a disability and English language learners. The criteria also significantly discriminate against economically disadvantaged students. In response to these inequities, BESE approved new regulations in 2021 that permit districts the flexibility to change their policies to address these systemic opportunity gaps. This regulation change proved to be inadequate, as 26 of 28 schools chose to continue the use of selective criteria. In fact, since the 2021 regulation change, admission rates for these four classes of students lowered, and opportunity gaps (the difference in percent offered admission between protected and non-protected applicant) grew wider. In every measurable equity metric, the Commonwealth is moving in the wrong direction. In last year’s admissions cycle however, two schools adopted a lottery for the first time--Assabet Valley and Worcester Tech--and meaningfully closed opportunity gaps in admissions between protected classes of students and their peers. Lotteries worked to create an admissions standard that is fair to all students of all backgrounds. We respectfully request you mandate lottery admissions at vocational schools to hold these institutions to the same equity standard our charter schools have successfully met for the  past three decades: a standard where every applicant within a municipality, regardless of race, national origin, disability, or household income, has the same chance at admission to these public high schools. Thank you for your continued leadership and consideration.

In March 2024, news of the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) deregistering certain private colleges in South Africa sent the education space into a whirlwind, with the biggest question at the epicentre of every student’s mind: “What does this mean?” In our latest article, we answer all the burning questions students may have about these deregistered private colleges, as well as a way forward: #privatecolleges #deregisteredcolleges #dhet #news

Faced with 2,500 teacher vacancies, Louisiana has turned to an innovative solution: Proximity Learning. This partnership brings certified teachers virtually to classrooms, especially in rural areas like St. Helena Parish, ensuring students receive the quality education they deserve. "Proximity Learning has been a lifeline for us," says Dr. Kelli Joseph, Superintendent of St. Helena Parish. Since 2018, their collaboration has not only filled critical teaching gaps but also expanded educational equity and connected the community with vital educational resources nationwide. This initiative is more than just filling vacancies; it's about creating equal opportunities for all students, regardless of their location. Proximity Learning's impact in Louisiana is a testament to the power of technology and collaboration in overcoming educational challenges. #EducationEquity #EducationSolutions #ProximityLearning #TeacherVacancies https://lnkd.in/gqWiengi

Many primary school applications in England and Wales have now closed. If you are applying and missed the application deadline do not worry, you can still apply, but will need to wait until after the first round of applications have been processed. This BBC News article gives a good summary of the different approaches in the various countries making up the UK and some key dates to be aware of. https://lnkd.in/eCkQgZGk #primaryschool #feifaninternational #schooladmissions

Private colleges have been deregistered. Now what? In our latest article, we reveal everything you need to know:

🚨 Our Annual Report is here! 📈    Every year we analyze the data we’ve collected to deliver compelling data that quantifies the real difference the CIS WA Network is making in areas like graduation rates, attendance, and social-emotional learning. This also offers a glimpse into the dedicated efforts of our network's educators, community partners, and valued supporters like yourself!    Key Highlights:    1. Students Served: The CIS WA network provided direct support to 107,854 students, out of which 6,204 received individualized supports through our dedicated Site Coordinators.    2. Attendance: 78% of the students either met or showed progress towards achieving their attendance goals.    3. Behavior/Social Emotional: A remarkable 91% of participants not only met but also made progress on both their behavior and social-emotional goals.    4. Coursework: A total of 85% of individuals attained or made progress towards their designated coursework goals.    5. Graduation Stats: 80% of seniors are on track to graduate or complete their GED, while 90% of younger students stay in school, setting them up for future success.    6. School-Level Impact: 397,015 basic need items were distributed    Read the full report at https://lnkd.in/g-DYrPEe   Thank you for being a part of the CISWA community!    #AllinforKids 

Concluding a series of enriching meetings with remarkable individuals at Civics Unplugged, I finalized a comprehensive case brief focusing on the imperative topic of Reforming Education in Low-Income Communities. Please find the attached document below. https://lnkd.in/gWHzTezf

Ethnic diversity in schools in England remains a challenge for all of us. Our new discussion paper is informed by National Foundation for Educational Research (NFER)'s research and by practical feedback from CST member trusts and other sector colleagues about their approaches and challenges. It seeks to offer some concrete steps that school trusts can make to take real ownership of encouraging diversity, and to encourage innovative thought about new approaches to recruitment, retention and progression and, importantly, governance. Download it here: https://zurl.co/bBKx

Embracing diverse perspectives is your key strategic advantage.

Hey there, fellow learners! 😊 Guess what? Adult and community education colleges are all over NSW and are here to help you level up your skills, no matter where you are.   Ready to explore? Check out the opportunities near you in this post! #LearningNeverStops #LifeWideLearning #LifeLongSkills #StudyAtWEAIllawarra