When schools shut down this spring, many weren’t equipped to provide robust remote learning for students with disabilities and English-language learners. The grim facts of how coronavirus affected the spring are well known by now: Schools and districts scrambled to train teachers in virtual learning and to provide educational materials, including computers and Internet access, to their students. This means we can give students a voice and choice in how they learn. No one has suggested they’ve found a perfect solution to ensuring equity for vulnerable students. Mariana Souto-Manning answers questions about her book, "No More Culturally Irrelevant Teaching," in the final post of a two-part series. This content is provided by our sponsor. School districts are already an important source of connecting families with the support they need, and they’ll need to continue that work even more aggressively for the coming school year. Building authentic connections with parents is an essential first step to gaining trust, parents say. 9 Tips for Promoting Equity in the Classroom Compiled by Code.org from resources UNICEF, Google, NCWIT, Rice ... Keep in mind that instead of closing the achievement gap in your classroom, homework tends to separate students further. Data is a gift. There is not one ‘gap’, nor one ‘solution’ for how gaps can be closed’ (Florian (2016:3). Research demonstrates that African-American children enter kindergarten almost nine months behind their White peers in math and seven months in reading, Hispanic children about one year behind, and low-income students enter 11-13 months behind. Closing COVID-19 Equity Gaps in Schools. That is the way we can close the gap. Many students only have exposure to careers that exist in their immediate community; this way, increasing inequity. How We Go Back to School is supported in part by the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative. Establish a foundation of inclusion and respect for diversity that shapes your interactions with others. As we know, a students’ sense of belonging matters. III. She helps teachers incorporate educational technology into their curriculum. With the help of technology, we will begin to produce 21. century-classrooms that are inclusive to everyone by bringing in social and emotional learning in schools. We also recognize that with all the requirements teachers are faced with, this can be a daunting task. Many believe technology is the only solution to enable … We all work harder and learn deeper when we have a passion and relevance for what we’re learning. To advance educational equity, equitable academic resources, programs, and opportunities must be available to students from all backgrounds. Our challenge and responsibility as a nation is to correct this in-equity—to provide all children ... create a classroom that is safe and pre- By doing this, we are allowing our students to have a voice, highlighting their individualities, and showing them that their thoughts and preferences are important. At AGI, professors prefer the term excellence with equity over closing the achievement gap, according to Ronald Ferguson, AGI s faculty director. EQUITY = RESPECT. The Prime Minister’s Closing the Gap Report 2011 acknowledges the importance of promoting strong Indigenous cultures, heritages and languages under the ‘governance and leadership’ building block. This makes digital literacy no longer a “nice to have” but a “need to have.” How do we ensure that every student can navigate, Thu., January 21, 2021, 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. To receive the funding, each of California’s 113 community colleges was required to develop a detailed student equity plan in which they presented institutional data for key outcomes, identified which demographic groups were experiencing inequities, set goals for closing those equity gaps, and proposed specific activities to reach those goals. With asking these types of generalized questions, we allow for an inclusive, equitable environment to grow. Relevance ties to the emotional part of learning; – How much do they care about what they’re learning? Eighth in a series of eight installments. Set benchmarks and track progress. We also recognize that with all the requirements teachers are faced with, this can be a daunting task. Australian Government programs that support Indigenous culture are also linked with the ‘safe communities’ building block. Given Closing the attainment gap is therefore by implication equally complex. For example, when students come back after the Easter weekend, ask if anyone did anything special on their day off; rather than asking if everyone had a nice Easter. Will this school year be more of the same, or will we be able to start bridging the equity gaps that widened in the spring? Topic: K-12 Education. At each station, provide students with a range of materials to access their learning. The first step towards equity is creating the environment for which it lives in and in this case, it’s your classroom. Closing the Gap is an ISTE book series designed to reflect the contributions of multiple stakeholders seeking to ensure that digital equity is achieved on campuses, in classrooms, and throughout education. Creating awareness and dialogue are the first steps in addressing some of the challenges in early childhood education. Equity in the classroom can be defined as giving students what they need. Between 2007 and 2015, the higher education attainment gap between whites and Latinos actually grew by 2.2 percentage points, from a 22.1 percentage point gap to a 24.3 percentage point gap. ©2020 Editorial Projects in Education, Inc. Deep Dive: Do Parents Trust Schools? Education Week talked to dozens of educators and parents about how to infuse equity into learning plans. In the early twentieth century, for instance, this gap was noticed between wealthy American children of Western European descent and poor children of Italian and Eastern European immigrants. At Nearpod, we have recognized that it is critical to move towards an equitable classroom environment, one that ensures that all students can be successful and celebrates students’ unique qualities. Incorporating family and community knowledge enhances the student’s learning experience. The second book in the series, Closing the Gap: Digital Equity Strategies for the K-12 Classroom, includes: examination of digital equity and the “problem of practice” for teachers and coaches; strategies for connecting the ISTE Educator and Student Standards to practice; discussion of key challenges facing teachers in today’s classrooms, such as access, connectivity, limited resources, … WASHINGTON, D.C. – Closing the Gap: Digital Equity Strategies for the K-12 Classroom, a new book from the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE), explores digital equity in depth and provides teachers and coaches concrete strategies for addressing the problem. Studies and Documents:“Reimagining Remote Learning,” by the Logan Square Neighborhood Association (2020); “We Choose To Reimagine Education: Centering On Love And Emotionally Responsive Teaching And Learning,” by Tia C. Madkins and Alexis Patterson Williams (2020); “Centering Children and Families at the Margins,” by Zakiya Sankara-Jabar (2020); “Reopening Resilient Schools,” by John Bailey (2020); “COVID Comeback Models,” By Education Resource Strategies (2020); “Distance Learning Equity Dashboard,” by Titilayo Tinubu Ali, Sujith Cherukumilli and Mirel Herrera (2020); “NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund Position on School Reopening During COVID-19 Pandemic,” by the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund (2020); “For Students of Color, Remote Learning Environments Pose Multiple Challenges,” by Natalie Spievack and Megan Gallagher (2020); “COVID-19 Hospitalization and Death by Race/Ethnicity,” by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2020); “Family-School Engagement of Families Who Are Speakers of Other Languages,” by the U.S. Department of Education Office of English Language Acquisition, 2019; “How Educators Can Support English-Learner Students in Distance Learning,” by WestEd (2020); “Latino Parent Voices: What Our Families Need Now,” by Abriendo Puertas/Opening Doors (2020); “Online Learning for Students with Disabilities: Considerations for LEA Policies, Practices, and Procedures,” Center on Online Learning and Students with Disabilities (2017); “Questions for Proactive and Equitable Educational Implementation During the COVID-19 Crisis,” by COVID-19 Education Coalition Centering Equity (2020); “Special Education and Distance Learning: Supporting Students Through the Pandemic,” by ExcelinEd (2020); “Supporting English-Learners in the COVID-19 Crisis,” by the Council of the Great City Schools (2020); “Supporting English Learners Through Technology: What Districts and Teachers Say About Digital Learning Resources for English-Learners,” by the U.S. Department of Education (2019); “Planning for Equity and Inclusion: A Guide to Reopening Schools,” by the National Center for Learning Disabilities (2020); “Roles and Responsibilities of Parents of Online School Students with Disabilities,” Center on Online Learning and Students with Disabilities (2017); “Understanding Teletherapy as an Option for K-12 Students with Disabilities,” by the Center on Online Learning and Students with Disabilities, (2018). states: “If we ignore the discipline gap, we will be unable to close the achievement gap. The economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic continues to have a profound effect on families, many of whom are facing job loss, evictions, and a general lack of financial stability—all of which affects how prepared students will be for learning. Creating equity in the classroom requires system-wide reform efforts that address academic expectations, access to … – Taking a virtual field trip (VR Field Trip) Policy and Systemic Changes are Needed to Close the Achievement Gap The systems and policies by which districts, schools, and classrooms operate play a critical role in closing the achievement gap for minority students. Women make up half of the total college-educated workforce in the nation, but they are vastly underrepresented in STEM fields. Sources:Titilayo Tinubu Ali, director of research and policy, Southern Education Foundation; Lydia Breiseth, director, Colorín Colorado; Luvelle Brown, superintendent, Ithaca, N.Y., schools; Betty Chang, director, Education Resource Strategies; Patricia Chavez, director of policy, Parent Institute for Quality Education; Jenna Chiasson, assistant superintendent, Louisiana Department of Education; Lora Daily, director of learning supports, Iowa City, Iowa, schools; Angela Davis, parent, Miamisburg, Ohio; Miriam Ehtesham-Cating, director of programs for English-learners, Burlington, Vt., schools; Emily Elliott, instructional liaison, Albemarle County, Va., schools; Laila Ferris, interim chief of languages and dual language, El Paso, Texas., schools; Yvette Goorevitch, chief of specialized learning and student services, Norwalk, Conn., schools; Kenya Haynes, program specialist, National Center for Homeless Education; Greta Hinderliter, homeless liaison, Natrona County School District, Casper, Wyo. For example, students can rotate between stations that involve: – Playing a game (Matching Pairs with Timers) Poll your students to see how they want to learn and prove their understanding of the content. This means we can give students a voice and choice in how they learn. Education Week talked to dozens of educators and parents about how to infuse equity into learning plans. I’m sure you often refer to your students as your ‘kids’ and we should recognize the magnitude of that label. Closing COVID-19 Equity Gaps in Schools. Four educators share suggestions for books and articles white educators can read to learn more about race and racism. Here are ten innovative solutions Americans—whether it’s the government, educators, colleges, activists, or just ordinary concerned citizens—are taking to promote educational equity in this country: D.C. … What happens when when we try to fix problems through equality? Where the Fault Lines Are During COVID-19Downloadable: What Schools Can Do to Build Trust: Advice From Parents. Closing the Gap: Digital Equity Strategies for the K-12 Classroom eBook: Schaffer, Regina, Howard, Nicol R., Thomas, Sarah: Amazon.in: Kindle Store Once achievement gaps are identified, schools can begin to analyze why there are gaps. A key lever for increasing belonging is listening to our students. It’s going to be called Closing the Gap, Digital Equity Strategies for the K-12 Classroom. Support national organizations, like Chiefs for Change , and community-based organizations advocating for policies that make a difference for students. People listen as President Donald Trump speaks during a rally in Washington shortly before the attack on the U.S. Capitol building. Deep Dive: Fighting for Fairness Amid a Pandemic. The answers are multiple, varied, complex, and interconnected, which is one reason why gaps can be so persistent despite the efforts of educators, schools, and whole systems. RESEARCH BRIEF CLOSING THE GAP: CREATING EQUITY IN THE CLASSROOM K-12 EDUCATION Hanover Research In Elementary Schools for Equity, we present case studies of four schools commissioned by San Francisco Unified School District to help school and district leaders understand the practices, structures, and policies of schools that were most effective at closing the achievement gap. Students respond differently to different types of content, whether due to culture, socialization, or learning preference. Each stage is bridging the gap and creating an equitable and inclusive environment for all students to learn. Educators are also working on improving remote lesson accessibility for students with disabilities and English-language learners. While the factors driving this disparity are varied, the findings of this recent study demonstrate there is more work to be done to equitably identify and care for children with ASD. When teachers truly listen to students and respect in the classroom is mutual between teacher and student, a productive classroom can be formed. She is on a mission to promote the endless benefits that edtech can have on 21st century instructional practices. – How much do they care about what they’re learning? It is important that we are cognizant of the significant role we play in our classroom. Closing the Gap is an ISTE book series designed to reflect the contributions of multiple stakeholders seeking to ensure that digital equity is achieved on campuses, in classrooms, and throughout education. Closing the Achievement Gap by Closing the Cognitive Gap: A Matter of Equity . But Black and Latino families were also more likely to be poorly served by remote learning in the spring. Allow your students to engage in social conversations. Download these free K-12 sample lesson bundles to promote equity at your school: Katie is a Personalized Learning Leader in Volusia County Schools. The Planning your lessons to promote an equitable classroom can seem like an intimidating task. Strong reading skills are critical for success across the curriculum, so it is imperative we help students who struggle with reading to close the gap as quickly as possible. It is our job to make sure the needs of these students are met. Originally requested by then-Superintendent Carlos Garcia and Depu- But one positive outcome, experts say, is if schools are open to trying new ways of reaching children and supporting families. Teach with this current events lesson to support c, ✨ #NearpodTip Interactive Video updates tha, New to meditation? Today’s economy is knowledge-based and highly competitive. Join fellow WEA educators of color and future teachers at this 1-day conference to learn about what equity looks like in today's classroom. The attack on the U.S. Capitol shows why we need more inclusive schools, writes a teacher advocate. The 2020-21 school year doesn’t have to be a difficult retread of the previous months, especially for the nation’s most vulnerable students. Common Causes of the Achievement Gaps What causes achievement gaps? She believes that students deserve an instructional practice that resonates with their daily lives, and that includes the utilization of technology. If we are to create effective schools that truly serve all children, then closing the achievement gap is an essential priority. We are often in constraints about what we are teaching our students. Yet, educators and experts say that the new school year doesn’t have to be a repeat of the spring, if educators are committed to focused work in accelerating learning, reaching out to families, supporting technology needs, and revising and evolving plans when necessary. View Equity-in-Education_Research-Brief_FINAL.pdf from COMMUNICAT MISC at Orange Coast College. Originally requested by then-Superintendent Carlos Garcia and Depu- This can be attributed to the opportunity gap, when one group of students has fewer opportunities to optimally learn and develop. In May 2014, the Government committed to closing the gap between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous school attendance by 2018. As their teacher, we have limited control over the content they are exposed to through their classroom textbook or state-provided resources; however, we do possess the ability to help our students analyze biases and gaps. Schools in developed nations are entrusted with students who lack neither skills nor talents, but educational opportunities. Rather than attribute inequities in outcomes to student deficits, being equity-minded involves interpreting inequitable outcomes as a signal that practices are not working as intended. ET. ️, Happy Friday! Many districts plan to keep their buildings closed for at least several more weeks, while others have opened to in-person instruction. DIAGNOSTIC: CHECKLIST FOR CULTURALLY RESPONSIVE INSTRUCTION The Checklist for Culturally Responsive Instruction helps classroom teachers improve their instruction approaches by considering differences in social dynamics, learning styles, and life experiences of students. But we are not as often constrained on. It is based on a rapid review of the research literature involving Deep Dive: Bridging Distance for Learners With Special NeedsDownloadable: Key Back-to-School Questions for ELLs and Students With Disabilities. The achievement gap is defined as the difference between the academic performance of one societal group and another. In this series, authors Nicol R. Howard, Sarah Thomas, and Regina Schaffer offer historical and philosophical insights while exploring challenges and solutions unique to teacher … Students respond differently to different types of content, whether due to culture, socialization, or learning preference. It promotes deeper learning and equity among students in your classroom. Hopin is an online events platform where you can create engaging virtual events that connect people around the globe. Inherent in the term “Achievement Gap” is the notion that the responsibility for achieving is on the student, and the gap is caused by their inability to perform. In the worthwhile struggle for equity in schools, these two urban districts’ commitments to real change that impacts every learner’s experience are showing potential as a model for those who truly want to ensure children entering school with gaps in language, cognitive skills, and social skills can leave school ready for life. Buy Closing the Gap: Digital Equity Strategies for the K-12 Classroom: Read Books Reviews - Amazon.com Amazon.com: Closing the Gap: Digital Equity Strategies for the K-12 Classroom eBook: Regina Schaffer, Nicol R. Howard, Sarah Thomas: Kindle Store Through eight installments, Education Week explores the steps administrators need to take to ensure the safety of students and faculty. But we are not as often constrained on how we teach our students. If we are dedicated to the success of every student, it is important to recognize that there is, at times, an uneven playing field. Access to devices and broadband internet and a secure. Here are ten innovative solutions Americans—whether it’s the government, educators, colleges, activists, or just ordinary concerned citizens—are taking to promote educational equity in this country: D.C. … With basic knowledge on career paths and clusters, students can start to piece together the purpose behind their learning. While data alone will not be enough to change our systems to be more equitable, looking at trends, both nationally and within your school or classroom, can serve as an objective starting point to having discussions about equity and bias. What are you thankful for today, And don't you forget it! – How invested are they? Creating true equity in schools requires a commitment to increasing access to learning tools for students and their families, equipping teachers with the knowledge and skills to use new tech powerfully, and using student data effectively to make informed … Training: Closing the Achievement Gap achievement gap. 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