Prioritizing the whole child in meeting the needs of all learners is at the top of the agenda for these leaders. "We're maximizing every minute. And we're leaning into kids' interests," one says.
A group of U.S. children could be set up for failure, despite the fact that they have a notable academic advantage over their peers. Gifted children fall victim to a belief shared by parents, educators and legislators alike that they “will be fine on their own.”
The U.S. Department of Education recognized these leaders for outstanding leadership, building positive school climates, increasing achievement, and finding creative ways to help accelerate students' academic recovery from the pandemic.
Unknowns include how many students are being identified for special education, how many students are awaiting services and whether underqualified teachers are filling vacancies.
One in three U.S. students attended a racially, and often socioeconomically, segregated school in 2020-21, creating inequitable learning environments and outcomes.
