Steven Blackburn

As the coronavirus (COVID-19) global pandemic restrains education resources and teacher services, solution providers are now offering free teaching resources as well as free education services to help online learning and more.
Briefings

Updated: 114 free K-12 resources during coronavirus pandemic

Here are 114 free resources, services and teaching materials being offered at no charge during the coronavirus outbreak. Updated on April 6.
Uncategorized

A reflection on education in these coronavirus times

I wonder if they will ever be satisfied. I’m talking about the critics who think they have the right answers relative to the balance between a worldwide pandemic and our extended school closure.
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With schools closed, kids with disabilities are more vulnerable than ever

As the vast majority of schools in the U.S. have transitioned from the classroom to the computer — teachers and administrators have struggled to offer learning to special needs students.

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Gov. Kemp orders Georgia public schools closed through April 24

In an effort to reduce the spread of the new coronavirus, Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp on Thursday ordered public elementary and secondary schools to remain closed for in-person instruction through April 24.
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Louisiana teachers, public school employees can expect full paychecks even if schools remain closed

Louisiana teachers, cafeteria workers and other public school employees can generally expect full paychecks even if classrooms remain closed for the rest of the school year because of the coronavirus.
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What schools need to add to their Covid-19 crisis toolkit

This pandemic has exposed gaps in our social safety net for millions of Americans, including nearly 30 million students in the US who depend on free or low-cost meals provided by schools as their primary source of nutrition.
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Arizona governor signs bill that lets students to finish school year from home, if necessary

Gov. Doug Ducey has signed legislation that allows Arizona students to finish the school year from home, if the state’s schools stay closed that long.
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New Mexico public schools closed for rest of year

New Mexico public schools will remain closed for the rest of the current academic year, and local districts and charters will be tasked with continuing to educate students from a distance.
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New York Gov. Cuomo to order all state schools to remain closed until at least April 15

All schools across New York State will remain closed for at least another two weeks, extending the initial order to protect students during the spread of the coronavirus COVID-19 outbreak.
These four administrators were either named a Superintendent of the Year or became the recipient of another distinguished K-12 award recently. DA also recognizes five new superintendents. 
Leadership

Why these 4 superintendents recently won awards and accolades

Here are four school administrators who either recently became a Superintendent of the Year or received another distinguished K-12 award.
Many schools are adopting year-round schooling. However, some schools that originally switched to a year-round school schedule are reverting back to the traditional school calendar.
Business, finance, policy, compliance, operations

Why these schools are adopting year-round schooling

Many schools—even districts—are adopting a year-round school schedule, where a single summer break is replaced by a series of shorter breaks.
College and career readiness

3 districts that developed innovative programs targeting at-risk students

Here are three K-12 districts being honored as Districts of Distinction runners-up for developing innovative programs that target at-risk students.

District 207 created a hybrid block schedule that embeds lunch periods during classes each week. This schedule accommodates weekly ASCEND workshops to help tear down the educational barriers for latino students. At this workshops,  participants discuss the challenges latino students face and what it’s like being a minority student who is “leveling up” at Maine West without cutting into academic classes.
College and career readiness

How this district is tackling educational barriers for Latino students

More Latinx and other minority students are enrolling in high-rigor classes after an Illinois district created and implemented a multipronged program to improve accessibility.

An elementary school principal from a building that adopted STEM education in 2012 shares STEM ideas and how to start a STEM program in elementary school in response to a STEAM survey. 
FETC

Why more principals need to embrace STEAM education

A principal and FETC speaker reacts to a recent survey that says principals either don’t prioritize the advancement of STEAM education or don’t have the means to do so.

More Hayward USD students are taking college classes in high school and middle school thanks to a college readiness and concurrent enrollment program there. By offering college credits in high school and middle school, Hayward USD is offsetting the course work of their students once they graduate high school and helping their families financially.
College and career readiness

How concurrent enrollment and college readiness are benefiting these students

A program from a previous Districts of Distinction honoree that connects middle school students to introductory college-level work has grown significantly.