Here are 5 tested actions for superintendents, cabinet members and board members to consider as they assess what has worked in the immediate past and what needs to be adjusted.
It's the struggle most public school administrators across the U.S. fight every day: teacher absenteeism. The National Center for Education Statistics data shows that chronic teacher absenteeism—defined as missing 10% or more of school days—increased by as much as 49% during the 2021-22 school year. In addition to short-term absences, long-term vacancies continue to grow […]
Teaching Important Content: The Case for Implementing High-Quality Instructional Materials The Framework for Teaching (FFT) was developed to promote clear and meaningful conversations about effective teaching practices and guide professional learning and growth. Today, the FFT is the most widely used instructional framework in the country. Guides and companion tools included in the FFT Component […]
There are tens of thousands of educators with children in their classrooms who just want an opportunity to reach their full potential. That is only going to be possible if we give teachers the time, training and technology.
Anonymous reporting and resolution platforms where employees can feel comfortable giving honest feedback allow educators to focus on what matters most—teaching their students in a safe environment, free from worry.
In all, underfunded districts are seeing significant gaps in teacher salaries when compared to their better funded counterparts, have fewer resources such as counselors and librarians, are more likely to fill open positions with people holding emergency teaching permits or those just starting their careers, and are reporting high attrition rates among teachers and principals.
With affirmative action ending, closing the gap between K12 and higher education might be as important as between students of different races and economic backgrounds.
Districts are raising salaries, building apartments and giving teachers more planning time. But, with superintendents warning of worsening staff shortages, districts may be overlooking another solution: student teaching.
"I look at moms who are from across the world. They have taken the biggest leap of faith," says Storm Lake Community School District Superintendent Stacey Cole. "They trusted that if they brought their kids into this country that they knew very little about they would have a better life. If those moms believe that to be true, I want to help make that true."
