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Tag: Schools

  • A Premier Private Preschool & Kindergarten at Primrose School

    A Premier Private Preschool & Kindergarten at Primrose School

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    Since opening in 2015, Primrose School of Simpsonville at Five Forks has established themselves as a highly valued and respected private kindergarten & preschool. They’ve brought their high standard of education and enthusiasm to local families and continue to provide students with early learning education—making sure students are ready for elementary school!

    Thank you to Primrose School of Simpsonville at Five Forks for sponsoring this article.

    A Strong Foundation for What’s Ahead

    Primrose School of Simpsonville at Five Forks is exactly what parents are looking for in a private kindergarten setting.

    Primrose mom, Maria, said “We chose Primrose for private kindergarten for our five year old. We picked Primrose over the other schools in the area because of the smaller classes, the educated teachers, the curriculum and everything they have to offer (gardening, life skills, Grandparent program, etc…) The teacher was wonderful. My daughter warmed up to her right away even though she is very shy. I am so glad we chose Primrose for our daughter! I think it is worth every penny. (BTW- We pass 3 schools to get to Primrose every day.)”

    Late Bloomers and Birthdays

    If your child misses the cut-off date for the public school system or would be the youngest in class by nearly a year (which makes a BIG difference at that age!), private kindergarten is an excellent option. By choosing Primrose, these children won’t miss out on learning or have to repeat a class. They can attend private kindergarten and be even more prepared for public kindergarten or first grade.

    “Personally, this is what I did with my own daughter, who’s birthday is extremely late in the year,” said Meggie Bradberry, the owner of Primrose of Simpsonville at Five Forks. “Rather than repeating a class or “holding her back,” she attended our Private Kindergarten program.“

    In addition to their wonderful Private Kindergarten program, Primrose School of Simpsonville at Five Forks is a full-time Preschool that offers care for Infants through Pre-Kindergarten and After School Care, as well.

    A School Environment that Makes a Difference

    Meggie knows all about creating a supportive environment that fosters the development of the whole child. Her parents actually began Primrose Schools. Primrose Schools enrolls children ages six weeks to six years and offers an impressive array of learning opportunities!

    Primrose Five Forks 2024

    Developing the Whole Child

    Mucho Mundo Spanish Instruction: Children who attend Primrose receive daily Spanish classes that immerse children into the culture, customs and songs of the language.

    Thumbs Up! Physical Activities: Plenty of outdoor time, in the morning and afternoon, allows students to take advantage of the school’s organized activities and state-of-the-art playgrounds.

    Rhythm & Notes Music Classes: Unique to the Primrose curriculum, Rhythm & Notes not only engages students on a daily basis with music time but also has an app for parents so they can continue to enjoy musical lessons at home.

    Literacy and Math Development: The Houghton Mifflin Reading Program helps Primrose students develop solid foundations for reading and writing skills. The Math Expressions Math Program helps students learn about major mathematical ideas. Both programs are crucial to the school’s kindergarten education program.

    Adopt-A-Grandparent: Primrose is proud to offer students the opportunity to experience regular visits with local senior citizens and develop special friendships.

    Onsite Chef: Good nutrition is a key part of our Healthy Bodies program that promotes healthy eating and an active lifestyle. We know the right food at the right time not only boosts energy, but can also elevate a child’s mood and thinking skills during a crucial stage of development.

    Primrose Five Forks 2024

    Creating a Supportive School Environment

    Low Student-to-Teacher Ratio: Teachers are enabled to work closely with small groups of students, tailoring their instruction to individual needs with the low student-to-teacher ratio of 1:14.

    Character Development: It’s never too early to teach children about generosity, compassion, and gratitude and set a foundation of good character development. Primrose has a program called Happy Hearts Character Development, which focuses on internalizing these traits in a way that small children can understand.

    Parent Partnerships: Primrose makes the relationship with parents a priority. The Leadership Team is available for parents to contact at any time. Parents are also given the opportunity for face-to-face conversations with teachers during morning drop off and afternoon pickup.

    Classrooms: With oversized classrooms, Primrose students spend their days in a modern, safe, clean, and open learning environment perfect for flexible learning areas and guided small group spaces designed to capitalize on meeting individual needs.

    Learn More About Primrose School of Simpsonville at Five Forks

    Primrose School of Simpsonville at Five Forks is open Monday-Friday, 7AM–6:30PM. To learn more and schedule a personal tour, call 864.729.8811 or contact them online!

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    Kristina Hernandez

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  • Students Walk Out Of Oklahoma High School To Protest Nex Benedict’s Death

    Students Walk Out Of Oklahoma High School To Protest Nex Benedict’s Death

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    Dozens of students at Owasso High School in Oklahoma walked out on Monday in the wake of the death of Nex Benedict, a 16-year-old who died on Feb. 8, one day after being beaten in a school restroom. The students said they were protesting a culture of bullying and a lack of response by school officials.

    Police released footage last week showing an interview with Benedict, who describes how three girls “jumped” them after they threw water at them. When the officer asked Nex why they had been getting bullied, Benedict said it was “because of the way that we dress.”

    At a vigil for the sophomore this weekend, several of Benedict’s friends told NBC News’ Jo Yurcaba that Benedict was transgender. They said that Benedict used he/him pronouns at school but also used they/them pronouns.

    LGBTQ+ and other students at the walkout on Monday told NBC News that they feel as if the school doesn’t adequately respond to bullying. Even when students report bullying, they said, nothing seems to change.

    “There’s been bullying issues. This time, the bullying has gone so far that a student passed,” a student organizer named Kane told NBC News. “To me, it doesn’t matter if Nex passed from a traumatic brain injury or if they passed from suicide. What matters is the fact that they died after getting bullied, and that is the story for so many other students. I’ve been close to ending it myself because of bullying. It’s not new for so many students.”

    The Owasso Police Department released a preliminary statement on Facebook last week, noting that after an autopsy was performed, the medical examiner’s office determined that Benedict “did not die as a result of trauma. The cause of Benedict’s death is still pending until the toxicology exam and official autopsy repeat are released, which will inform police whether to arrest or charge individuals involved.”

    Benedict’s family has questioned this conclusion and told The Independent that they are conducting a separate investigation into the cause of their child’s death.

    Alumni of Owasso High School say the school has had a problem with bullying, particularly of LGBTQ+ students, for more than a decade.

    Remy, a 26-year-old pharmacy technician who uses they/them and he/him pronouns, said their time at Owasso High was the worst four years of their life. Remy, who now lives in Colorado, graduated in 2016 and said they experienced bullying from students and teachers because of the way they looked and dressed.

    Remy said a teacher once joked in front of the whole class that they were going to be “tied up like a pioneer woman and thrown in the back of the wagon.”

    They said they brought up the instance with the principal and nothing happened.

    Brock Crawford, a spokesperson for Owasso Public Schools, released a statement to HuffPost when asked about the culture of bullying as described by current and former students.

    “As a district, the safety and security of our students is our top priority and we are committed to fostering a safe and inclusive environment for everyone. Bullying in any form is unacceptable. We take reports of bullying very seriously and have policies and procedures to address such behavior,” the statement says.

    The school encourages people who witness or experience bullying to report it to a parent, teacher or school administrator, or to submit it anonymously on the district’s Bullying Prevention website.

    Though Remy was not out as trans in high school, they said friends who did come out were afraid of what might happen to them and were taunted and mocked by fellow classmates.

    “I felt like I was mostly just living in fear because I didn’t really quite know what I identified as or who I was,” Remy remembered. “I felt like I couldn’t even tap into what I was feeling because I was so scared about what could happen to me.”

    Last week, a video circulated of a recent transgender graduate of Owasso speaking about their experiences being bullied and assaulted by students and teachers.

    “The administration has never cared about its LGBTQ+ students,” the 19-year-old said in the video. “The murder of Nex is the direct product of their design.”

    Benedict’s death has set off waves of grief and fear across the country, Many communities held vigils to mourn Benedict’s death and protest the bullying and harassment that LGBTQ+ students face in schools.

    A candlelight vigil is held for Nex Benedict in Tulsa.

    J Pat Carter via Getty Images

    Last week, the Human Rights Campaign asked the Department of Justice and the Department of Education to investigate the cause of Benedict’s death. There have been similar calls from state officials.

    “We believe that Nex’s death is the natural consequence of a growing wave of hatred against LGBTQ+ people,” read the Human Right Campaign’s letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland.

    “Their death is a gut-wrenching tragedy that exposes the chilling reality of anti-transgender hatred spreading across the United States, and must be investigated by the Department as a potential hate crime,” the letter said.

    Oklahoma’s hate crime statute doesn’t include sexuality, gender or gender identity as protected classes, so crimes against LGBTQ+ people because of their identity are harder to prosecute.

    The Oklahoma Legislature is considering a slew of anti-LGBTQ measures, which would further restrict access to gender-affirming care, force teachers to misgender and deadname students, and continue to limit what little Oklahoma students can learn about gender and sexuality in the classroom.

    The Sooner State has long been a testing ground for some of the more extreme anti-LGBTQ+ bills and policies as the state aligns itself more and more with conservative Christian crusades. Last week, a Republican state senator called LGBTQ+ people “filth” after being asked a question about the Oklahoma’s anti-LGBTQ+ culture and Benedict’s death.

    The Republican state superintendent, Ryan Walters, has a track record of targeting LGBTQ+ teachers and students and last year created a rule to block trans students from updating school records with their correct gender markers.

    In January he appointed Chaya Raichik, the Los Angeles-based right-wing activist behind the inflammatory X account Libs of TikTok, to the library media advisory committee at the state Department of Education. NBC identified 33 instances when people or institutions that were targeted by the Libs of TikTok later received bomb threats or other kinds of harassment.

    Last week, in a meeting of the Oklahoma State Board of Education, Walters briefly acknowledged Benedict’s death as “a heartbreaking tragedy.” He then moved on to speak about the fight a local school district is putting up against his department to challenge its authority to remove books they see as having sexual content.

    “We’re never going to back down to those pressures. We’re going to continue to make sure our kids are receiving a good education, and the type of materials that we’ve seen are incredibly graphic and pornographic and should not be in the hands of kids,” he said.

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  • Tours given at Marion County schools to showcase urgent need for improvements

    Tours given at Marion County schools to showcase urgent need for improvements

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    MARION COUNTY, Fla. – Officials with Marion County Public Schools offered tours Monday at some of its schools to showcase the need for repairs and improvements.

    More tours will be offered Thursday, officials said.

    Monday’s tour started at Marion Technical Institute at 8 a.m. before heading to Belleview Elementary, Dunnellon Middle and Dunnellon High schools.

    Marion County officials offer tour of schools. (Marion County Public Schools)

    The tour on Thursday starts at Sparr Elementary at 12:25 p.m. before heading to Anthony Elementary, Fessenden Elementary, Ward Highlands Elementary and Fort King Middle schools.

    “The tour is really important for people to be able to see first-hand what our buildings look like,” said Dr. Diane Gullet, superintendent of Marion County Schools.

    Marion County officials offer tour of schools. (Marion County Public Schools)

    On Feb. 19, News 6 reported on the need for repairs in many of the district’s schools.

    “It’s not to be overly dramatic. When you look at the data, the growth and our facilities. When you have about half our facilities are over 50 years old, the cost of maintenance continues to climb,” Gullet said.

    News 6 investigated and discovered 80% of Marion County’s school maintenance requests do not get fixed because the district does not have the $840 million to do it. Some of the maintenance money used to come Public Education Capital Outlay funds, also known as PECO. The dollars came from fees from telephone landlines, but the state stopped distributing the money to the district in 2019.

    The following day, on Feb. 20, Marion County commissioners pushed forward a resolution from the school board for a half-cent sales tax to appear on the general election ballot.

    According to the ballot language, the measure is designed to retain high-quality teachers, reduce classroom overcrowding, and improve safety and security by expanding, constructing, and improving school facilities.

    If approved, the impact fees will help handle growth and build new schools and wings. According to school leaders, only five new schools have been built in Marion County since the first iPhone was released in 2007. Now, the district is seeing record enrollment. Its student population grew by 9% in the last decade.

    The referendum question for the half-cent sales tax will be decided by voters during the Nov. 5 general election.

    If approved by voters, the half-cent sales tax would be in place for 10 years.

    “It’s not about just wanting newer buildings, it’s about needing buildings that are safe that are maintaining in a proper manner,” Gullett said. “I’m confident that the community will stand up to support our schools and what we need for our students. We have not had the money to be able to maintain them properly, so all of that has come to a head with we’ve got to do something.  We’re in a crisis state.”

    Get today’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily:

    Copyright 2024 by WKMG ClickOrlando – All rights reserved.

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    Jacob Langston

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  • Measles Strikes a Florida Elementary School With Over 100 Unvaccinated Kids

    Measles Strikes a Florida Elementary School With Over 100 Unvaccinated Kids

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    Florida health officials on Sunday announced an investigation into a cluster of measles cases at an elementary school in the Fort Lauderdale area with a low vaccination rate, a scenario health experts fear will become more and more common amid slipping vaccination rates nationwide.

    On Friday, Broward County Public School reported a confirmed case of measles in a student at Manatee Bay Elementary School in the city of Weston. A local CBS affiliate reported that the case was in a third-grade student who had not recently traveled. On Saturday, the school system announced that three additional cases at the same school had been reported, bringing the current reported total to four cases.

    On Sunday, the Florida Department of Health in Broward County (DOH-Broward) released a health advisory about the cases and announced it was opening an investigation to track contacts at risk of infection.

    At Manatee Bay Elementary School, the number of children at risk could be over 100 students. According to a Broward County vaccine study reported by the local CBS outlet, only 89.31 percent of students at Manatee Bay Elementary School were fully immunized in the 2023/2024 school year, which is significantly lower than the target vaccination coverage of 95 percent. The school currently has 1,067 students enrolled, suggesting that up to 114 students are vulnerable to the infection based on their vaccination status.

    Measles is one of the most contagious viruses known. It spreads via respiratory and airborne transmission. The virus can linger in air space for up to two hours after an infected person has been in an area. People who are not vaccinated or have compromised immune systems are susceptible, and up to 90 percent of susceptible people exposed to the virus will become infected. Measles symptoms typically begin around eight to 14 days after exposure, but the disease can incubate for up to 21 days. The symptoms begin as a high fever, runny nose, red and watery eyes, and a cough before the telltale rash develops. Infected people can be contagious from four days before the rash develops through four days after the rash appears, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About 1 in 5 unvaccinated people with measles are hospitalized, the CDC adds, while 1 in 20 infected children develop pneumonia and up to 3 in 1,000 children die of the infection.

    Those who are not immunocompromised and are fully vaccinated against measles (who have received two doses of the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine) are generally not considered at risk. The two doses are about 97 percent effective at preventing measles, and protection is considered to be life-long.

    The DOH-Broward said it is now “identifying susceptible contacts that may be candidates for post-exposure prophylaxis through MMR or immunoglobulin.”

    While the risk of measles is generally low in the US—the country declared it eliminated in 2000—the threat of large outbreaks is growing as vaccination rates slip. Many cases in the US are linked to travel from countries where the virus still circulates. But, if a travel-related case lands in a pocket with low vaccination coverage, the virus can take off. Such was the case in 2019, when the country tallied 1,274 measles cases and nearly lost its elimination status.

    Health officials typically consider vaccination coverage of 95 percent or greater sufficient to protect from ongoing transmission. In the years since the COVID-19 pandemic began, vaccination rates among US kindergarteners have slipped to 93 percent, and vaccination exemptions reached an all-time high in the latest data from the 2022-2023 school year. There are now at least 10 states that have vaccination exemption rates above 5 percent, meaning that even if every non-exempt child is vaccinated, those states will not have enough coverage to reach the 95 percent target.

    The CDC has tallied 20 measles cases in the US so far this year. But that is the tally as of February 15; it does not include any of the Florida cases reported since Friday. In 2023, there were 58 measles cases reported to the CDC.

    This story originally appeared on Ars Technica.

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    Beth Mole, Ars Technica

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  • Threat brings heavy police response at Dunnellon Middle School

    Threat brings heavy police response at Dunnellon Middle School

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    DUNNELLON, Fla. – A large police presence responded to Dunnellon Middle School on Friday afternoon after a shooting threat, but no shooting occurred, according to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office.

    Deputies told News 6 the response comes after a “call for service” at the school. The sheriff’s officer later added that it received a threat of a shooting at the school.

    Deputies are on the campus to investigate but have not found any evidence of violence or any suspicious individuals.

    [EXCLUSIVE: Become a News 6 Insider (it’s FREE) | PINIT! Share your photos]

    Kevin Christian with Marion County Public Schools confirmed that the middle school was placed on a code-red lockdown following the threat, but staff inside the school said nothing happened. There were 50-60 children on campus at the time for after-school activities. Christian added that neighboring schools were placed on a code-yellow alert as a precaution.

    In the meantime, the sheriff’s office is asking the public to avoid the area until deputies can ensure there are no threats to the school.

    Buildings at the schools are being cleared.

    This is a developing story. Check back with News 6 for updates.

    Get today’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily:

    Copyright 2024 by WKMG ClickOrlando – All rights reserved.

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    Anthony Talcott, Thomas Mates

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  • Loudoun County Public Schools Offers New Youth Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Resources for Parents and Students

    Loudoun County Public Schools Offers New Youth Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Resources for Parents and Students

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    SALT LAKE CITY – The Cook Center for Human Connection, a nonprofit dedicated to mental health and suicide prevention, has partnered with Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS) to provide ParentGuidance.org to LCPS’ schools and families. Members of the LCPS community now have free access to a range of online mental health resources that empower families to help children thrive, including:

    • One-on-one parent coaching individualized for families;
    • Online on-demand lessons taught by licensed therapists; and
    • Live, interactive family mental health series webinars hosted by trained professionals – available in the fall of 2024;

    “Talking about mental health and other concerns is the key to understanding,” says Jennifer Evans, M. Ed., LPC, Director of Student Mental Health Services at LCPS. “Through ParentGuidance.org’s parent coaching and webinars, we are aiming to help parents address important mental health and developmental topics to support their children. Parents will gain tools and strategies that will enable them to talk with their children, engage in, and normalize important conversations about mental health.”

    The Cook Center’s model focuses on the protective factors for youth mental health and suicide prevention in which schools and parents play a critical role. Though only two years old, ParentGuidance.org has already been adopted by 229 districts and 3,617 schools, offering more than 2.4 million families access to services across 37 states.

    “ParentGuidance.org is a powerful tool to help families be the first line of support for their children,” said Anne Brown, president and CEO of Cook Center for Human Connection. “By providing education, resources, and direct support to families, we are helping the people who love and care for their children most: the parents. We are extremely proud to be partnering with a school district of distinction like Loudoun County Public Schools, who are showing they truly care about the role of parents in their children’s well-being.”

    In 2021, the American Academy of Pediatrics and other national medical partners declared a national emergency in child and adolescent mental health, noting that healthcare professionals are “caring for young people with soaring rates of depression, anxiety, trauma, loneliness, and suicidality that will have lasting impacts on them, their families, and their communities.” Mental health factors have become especially formidable barriers to learning following the pandemic, intensifying a national imperative for innovation in student mental health and wellness. Research has established that school-based mental health and suicide programs that engage parents can increase the effectiveness of all interventions.

    Loudoun County Public School families can sign up directly through ParentGuidance.org or learn more from the division’s Student Mental Health Services page. For more information about the Cook Center’s work and resources, visit CookCenterforHumanConnection.org.

    About the Cook Center for Human Connection

    The mission of the Cook Center is to bring together the best organizations, programs, and products to prevent suicide, provide mental health support, and enhance the human connections vital for people to thrive. The foundation’s current focus is on supporting children, families, and schools with youth mental health resources and on the goal of eradicating suicide. This work is accomplished through various grants to schools, programs for parents, and global resources to bring greater awareness to the support needed for those affected by mental health needs and suicide. Its free resources created to support child mental health and suicide prevention include My Life Is Worth Living™, the first animated series about teen mental health and suicide prevention, and ParentGuidance.org, a mental health resource giving parents the tools to have important conversations at home. The content includes free on-demand courses taught by licensed therapists and family mental health nights hosted by trained professionals. Learn more at CookCenterforHumanConnection.org.

    eSchool News Staff
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    ESchool News Staff

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  • Students’ fight-turned-shooting near Denver high school sets neighbors on edge

    Students’ fight-turned-shooting near Denver high school sets neighbors on edge

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    A fistfight between two Excel Academy students escalated into a shooting this week, sending people running for cover and setting neighbors around the Denver public high school on edge.

    The fight-turned-shooting happened at around 12:15 p.m. Monday in the 3100 block of West Colorado Avenue, around the corner from Excel Academy, a pathway school that is designed to help students who are behind on credits get back on track for graduation.

    Two students and their families were involved in the fight, Principal Cynthia Navarro wrote in a letter to parents Monday.

    “At no point were our students or staff inside the building ever in danger,” she wrote.

    The shooting comes as Denver Public Schools faces increased public scrutiny over its handling of gun violence among students, particularly in the wake of last year’s shooting at East High School in which a 17-year-old student wounded two school administrators.

    People who live near Excel Academy said during a Denver Police Department neighborhood meeting Wednesday that they’ve raised concerns about the school for years — particularly around nuisance issues like students parking across driveways, littering or drag racing in the streets — and questioned whether school officials were doing enough to protect students and residents.

    On Monday, two young women met in the street to fight while a crowd of about a dozen people watched, according to video of the incident reviewed by The Denver Post. Most appeared to be high-school-aged, but there were at least two adults in the mix, said Cyan Santillana, who witnessed the fight. One of the adults was encouraging the fight, she said.

    After a couple of minutes of fighting, at least one of the people watching drew a gun and fired shots, the video shows. The crowd scattered, with people diving behind cars or into alleys for cover. A single adult man was shot in the incident and survived, Denver police said.

    No arrests had been made by Wednesday and police did not answer questions about the man’s condition or about the shooting.

    Fights in the neighborhood, which abuts Federal Boulevard, are not entirely uncommon, Santillana said, but this was the first time she could remember shots being fired.

    “It’s getting to the point where something definitely needs to be done now,” she said. “There are kids in this neighborhood, there is an elementary school right down the street, and there was this active shooting right in front of the houses.”

    She added that most of the 250 students at Excel Academy don’t cause problems, but that the small group who do “give the school a bad rap.” One student just happened to be walking by when the shooting happened and had to run for cover, Santillana said.

    The shooting took place during the school’s lunch hour, when many students were out of the building enjoying warm weather, said Scott Pribble, spokesman for Denver Public Schools. The fight prompted a 20-minute “secure perimeter” at the school, during which staff and students stayed inside and locked exterior doors, Navarro said in the letter to parents.

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    Shelly Bradbury

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  • NYC schools ‘experiencing issues’ early with online learning system in first true snow test

    NYC schools ‘experiencing issues’ early with online learning system in first true snow test

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    Let us know how your children’s remote learning day is going here.

    New York City public schools are operating virtually Tuesday, as a winter storm grips the five boroughs.

    It marks a sudden test of asynchronous learning for the nation’s largest public school district, with nearly a million NYC students set to learn online from home. The city had for all intents and purposes “done away” with snow days after the COVID-19 pandemic forced more innovative learning approaches.

    That said, the city hadn’t moved fully remote for a snow day before this point. And issues abounded early.

    Some parents struggled to log in to their kids’ classrooms. Others struggled to even get a connection. Most technological issues appeared to be fixed within a short timeframe, though there were still some complaints.

    “It is an absolute nightmare. I wasted my whole morning trying to login,” Jessica of Staten Island whose child attends first grade at PS32 said.

    Meanwhile, school officials said the department is working with IMB, the log-in system provider of the largest public school district system in the country, and has “added capacity and improvements” that are currently rolling out.

    Get more weather here.

    Christina, the parent of a third-grade student at PS11, praised teachers who she said tried their best and were prepared for the remote school day. However, she also had a “horrible time logging in” and only half of her child’s class was able to get into the DOE’s system.

    New York City officials are getting ready for a snow storm on Tuesday that is expected to bring at least 3 inches, and up to 8 inches, of snow to the immediate metro area.

    “Long gone are the days of just a snow day and everyone just has off,” Schools Chancellor David Banks said Monday. “It’s one of the good things that in fact emerged from the pandemic, was our preparedness to be ready for moments like this. And I think the school system is more than prepared.”

    Banks admitted there could be small technical hiccups, but they will try to “minimize those glitches,” saying technical issues shouldn’t be a major problem Tuesday since the city’s more than 1,800 schools have been drilling for this situation in recent months.

    “COVID took months if not years away from the education and the socialization of our children. We need to minimize how many days our children are just sitting at home making snowmen like I did and they need to catch up,” the mayor said, giving families a day to make alternate childcare plans.

    At a morning press conference with other city leaders outlining their plan for Tuesday, Mayor Eric Adams defended the city’s call to implement remote learning instead of giving kids a snow day.

    “I did no internet or remote learning as a child, I wish we would have,” Adams added.

    Some parents seemed split, or even confused, on the matter. While it won’t be any different than pandemic learning, some parents noted, others said that it means they will have to change their work plans in order to make sure their kids will be attending class online.

    “It’s not a good use of anyone’s time. Adams should call it what it is: a snow day,” one parent shared in a group chat board, saying they wouldn’t be logging their child on because learning in that matter “doesn’t work.”

    Banks did say that thee should be time for snowy recreation for kids — but after class time.

    “By 3 p.m., we want them to have fun. I’m not a Grinch,” he said.

    The introduction of remote learning isn’t keeping snow days from all kids. By Monday afternoon, Yonkers Public Schools was among dozens of districts that announced its schools would be closed on Tuesday.

    In addition, New York City has suspended alternate side parking regulations for Tuesday. Parking meters will remain in effect — and the city reminded New Yorkers of their responsibilities regarding clearing snow.

    Precipitation will begin late Monday. The storm will bring a period of moderate to heavy snow, and rain transitioning to a rain/snow mix and then snow down the coast.

    Snowfall rates up to 2 inches an hour are possible with this system; parts of the Hudson Valley could see 8 to 12 inches. At this point, the New York City forecast calls for 3 to 5 inches, though much remains uncertain.



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    Andrew Siff

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  • BenQ Education Announces “Teach Your Way” Projector Program

    BenQ Education Announces “Teach Your Way” Projector Program

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    COSTA MESA, Calif. — BenQ, an internationally renowned provider of visual display and collaboration solutions, today announced its new “Teach Your Way” Projector Program. Committed to partnering with schools to enable greater positive outcomes for all students by transforming classrooms, BenQ’s program offers planning, pricing, and customer support benefits for BenQ’s latest lineup of maintenance-free LED and laser projectors and InstaShow Wireless Presentation System (WPS).

    “Schools have had to purchase outdated, low-resolution projectors in order to save money, but these fail to meet the standards for the future of learning and provide all students with access to state-of-the-art technology,” said Bob Wudeck, senior director of business development at BenQ Education. “The BenQ Education ‘Teach Your Way’ Projector Program offers an easy and affordable pathway to projector upgrades. Plus, our latest solutions offer exclusive features and benefits that align with modern teaching pedagogies and IT standards while adding immense value and reducing TCO.”

    The BenQ Education “Teach Your Way” Projector Program is available exclusively to educational institutions. It offers schools special discounted pricing on BenQ projectors — aligning with the company’s pledge to provide top-tier service and product accessibility to today’s evolving education community. As a result, education partners can create richer classroom settings enabled by the sector’s most advanced AV projection solutions.

    BenQ Education’s portfolio of classroom solutions is designed to provide not only intuitive use but also greater collaboration and engagement opportunities. BenQ’s lineup of projectors include solutions with 100% solid state and maintenance-free technology, high resolution and brightness, and lower power usage and greater energy quality with unmatched affordability for a substantially lower TCO. This includes the new BenQ LH650 4,000-lumen 1080p laser projector perfectly suited for today’s classrooms. This maintenance-free projector sets a new course in the classroom projector category, delivering twice the pixel density (PPI2) of an average WXGA classroom projector and over 2 million total pixels on a 100” screen. With 90% Rec. 709 coverage for color accuracy, HDR10 for video, lower power consumption, centralized software management, a three-year unrestricted warranty, and special education-only pricing of just $977, the LH650 is designed with sustainability in mind, featuring recycled plastic, a small form factor, and less e-waste.

    The new InstaShow VS20 wireless hybrid classroom presentation solution is also available under the “Teach Your Way” Projector Program. The latest in the WPS Series, the InstaShow VS20 facilitates seamless collaboration with up to four devices displayed simultaneously. It integrates wireless presentation, conferencing, and advanced microphone technology into an intuitive, all-in-one button system. Perfect for hybrid classrooms, it connects within six seconds to various devices, supporting USB-C or HDMI connections, and ensures crisp, secure content delivery with 4K UHD presentation. The system enhances audio with an omnidirectional wireless microphone and prioritizes data and network security with robust cybersecurity measures.

    Schools can learn more about the BenQ “Teach Your Way” Projector Program at campaigns.benq.com/en/teach-your-way-projectors. More information on BenQ is available at www.BenQBoard.com.

    About BenQ Education
    BenQ Education is helping teachers shape the future of learning with interactive display solutions that maximize engagement in and out of the classroom while improving student performance. For over 10 years, BenQ has been the No. 1-selling TI DLP projector brand worldwide, according to Futuresource, and is one of the leading interactive display vendors in North America. The award-winning BenQ Board is the first and only interactive display to feature TÜV- and SIAA-certified germ-resistant screens, interfaces, and pens as part of its purpose-built ClassroomCare technologies designed for healthier classrooms. The BenQ Board RP03 Series has been recognized as the first smart board to achieve Eyesafe® Certification, the advanced blue light mitigation technology developed in concert with optometrists and ophthalmologists. Industry-recognized, BenQ’s Tap ‘N Teach technology for fast sign-on, EZWrite license-free annotation and whiteboard software, InstaShare wireless screen presentation system, and IT-friendly monitoring and management tools create exciting and intuitive active learning experiences. EZWrite 6 is also AWS Qualified, having passed Amazon Web Services (AWS) Foundational Technical Review (FTR), providing schools with assurance in security, reliability, and operational excellence. Educators can focus on giving lessons that leave an impact and give the leaders of tomorrow the tools they need to reach their maximum potential. The company’s products are available across North America through leading value-added distributors, resellers, and retailers. More information is available at www.BenQBoard.com.

    All trademarks and registered trademarks mentioned herein are the property of their respective owners.

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  • The modern CIO’s role is changing–here’s how to keep up

    The modern CIO’s role is changing–here’s how to keep up

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    Key points:

    Eighty-eight percent of CIOs say their role is becoming more digital and is increasingly focused on innovation, which begs the question: How is education, a notoriously slow industry, going to keep pace with digital transformation?

    During a session at FETC 2024, Marlon Shears, CIO of IDEA Public Schools, offered a realistic view of what CIOs across all sectors are prioritizing and how digital transformation is driving changes and investments in education.

    Defining digital transformation, though, isn’t quite as easy as it sounds, because digital transformation will look different for every organization. But while there’s no set definition, in general, such transformation can be defined as the integration of digital technology into all areas of a business, creating fundamental change around how business operates and how the business delivers value to stakeholders, Shears said.

    But to drive this transformation, CIOs must challenge the status quo and must be comfortable with failure, Shears said.

    “You must challenge, ‘We don’t do that here,’” he said. “You have to become the leader who challenges that. You may not always be liked, but you have to build a culture where you can lean in and trust one another to take on that digital transformation. It’s not an overnight success story.”

    In pursuit of transformation, CIOs must be comfortable with failure. “This is one of the hardest ones,” Shears added. “No one’s perfect when you’re trying to change, integrate, and do different things to bring value into your organization. If we’re not comfortable failing, if the organization isn’t comfortable with us failing, are we really doing digital transformation? You have to push that to your superintendent.”

    CIOs across other industries are prioritizing AI—80 percent are spending their time on AI and machine learning, up from 55 percent in 2023, according to new research on CIOs. Seventy percent are focused on cybersecurity, and 61 percent are focused on data privacy and compliance.

    Challenges include staffing and skills shortages, changing business conditions, addressing security threats, and budgetary constraints/demonstrating ROI.

    CIOs are looking for their tech budgets to increase in 2024, citing needs for security improvements, to keep pace with rising costs of tech and services, investments in emerging technologies such as AI, investments in new skills and talent, and modernizing or migrating infrastructure.

    “Digital transformation isn’t just computers–it’s how to get your organization to the next level,” he said. “This is something we’ve all started, but we also need to know where we want to go. It means bold choices.”

    Laura Ascione
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  • Schools are using surveillance to catch students vaping

    Schools are using surveillance to catch students vaping

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    When Aaliyah Iglesias was caught vaping at a Texas high school, she didn’t realize how much could be taken from her.

    Suddenly, the rest of her high school experience was threatened: being student council president, her role as debate team captain and walking at graduation. Even her college scholarships were at risk. She was sent to the district’s alternative school for 30 days and told she could have faced criminal charges.

    Like thousands of other students around the country, she was caught by surveillance equipment that schools have installed to crack down on electronic cigarettes, often without informing students.

    Schools nationwide have invested millions of dollars in the monitoring technology, including federal COVID-19 emergency relief money meant to help schools through the pandemic and aid students’ academic recovery. Marketing materials have noted the sensors, at a cost of over $1,000 each, could help fight the virus by checking air quality.

    ___

    This story is a collaboration between student journalists at Stanford University and the University of Missouri, in partnership with The Associated Press.

    ___

    E-cigarettes have inundated middle and high schools. The devices can dispense vapor containing higher concentrations of nicotine than tobacco cigarettes. Millions of minors report vaping despite efforts to limit sales to kids by raising the legal age to 21 and ban flavored products preferred by teenagers.

    Some districts pair the sensors with surveillance cameras. When activated by a vaping sensor, those cameras can capture every student leaving the bathroom.

    It can surprise students that schools even have such technology. Iglesias, who graduated in May from Tyler High School in Tyler, Texas, first learned it had sensors after an administrator came into a restroom as students started vaping.

    “I was in awe,” Iglesias said. The administrator tried to figure out who was involved but ultimately let all the students go.

    The episode that got her in trouble happened elsewhere in Texas, at Athens High School, where her debate team was competing last February. Iglesias went into a bathroom to vape. Later that day, her coach told her she had been caught.

    “I decided to partake in something that I’m not proud of, but I did it,” Iglesias said, adding that her senior year was a stressful time and a close relative of hers was about to come out of jail. “I had had a lot of personal stuff building up outside.”

    She immediately was pulled from the debate tournament and her coach told her she could face charges because she was 18. She was sent to her district’s alternative school for 30 days, which was the minimum punishment for students caught vaping under Tyler schools’ zero-tolerance policy.

    Students found vaping also can receive a misdemeanor citation and be fined up to $100. Students found with vapes containing THC, the chemical that makes marijuana users feel high, can be arrested on felony charges. At least 90 students in Tyler have faced misdemeanor or felony charges.

    The Tyler district declined to comment on the disciplinary actions, saying in a written statement that tracking of vape usage addresses a problem that is hurting children’s health.

    “The vape detectors have been efficient in detecting when students are vaping, allowing us to address the issue immediately,” the school system said.

    A leading provider, HALO Smart Sensors, sells 90% to 95% of its sensors to schools. The sensors don’t have cameras or record audio but can detect increases in noise in a school bathroom and send a text alert to school officials, said Rick Cadiz, vice president of sales and marketing for IPVideo, the maker of the HALO sensors.

    The sensors are marketed primarily for detecting vape smoke or THC but also can monitor for sounds such as gunshots or keywords indicating possible bullying.

    “What we’re seeing with the districts is they’re stopping the vaping in the schools with this, but then we don’t want a $1,000 paperweight that the school invests for no other uses, right?” Cadiz said. “We want it to be a long-term investment.”

    During the pandemic, HALO noted on its website that monitoring indoor air quality was an approved use for federal COVID relief money.

    “With the HALO Smart Sensor, you can combat COVID-19 in your schools and create a safe work and learning environment, while also reaping the benefits of vape detection, security monitoring, and more,” the company said.

    Schools now also can use some of the nearly $440 million Juul Labs is paying to settle a lawsuit claiming it marketed its products to youth, Cadiz said.

    The company is aware of privacy concerns around the sensors, Cadiz said.

    “All it’s doing is alerting that something’s going on,” he said. “You need someone to physically investigate the alert that comes out.”

    The sensors do not always work as administrators hope.

    At San Dieguito Union High School District in California, the vape smoke was so thick in bathrooms some students found it unbearable. In a pilot program, the district installed vape sensors in bathrooms and cameras outside the doors.

    “In a way it was too successful,” said Michael Allman, a district board member who explained the sensors went off so frequently that administrators felt it was useless to review security footage each time.

    On social media, students around the country describe ways to outsmart the sensors. Some report covering them in plastic wrap. Others say they blow the smoke into their clothes.

    At the Coppell Independent School District in Texas, sensors are part of a prevention strategy that includes educational videos and a tip line. Students can receive $50 for reporting vaping by peers and “they were turning each other in right and left,” said Jennifer Villines, the district’s director of student and staff services.

    Students can be sent to an alternative school or serve in-school suspensions but are not expelled for vaping, she said.

    “We want our kids here. If they’re not here, they’re not learning,” Villines said. “We also feel like in some cases, behaviors such as these are coping mechanisms, and we want to keep them in our environment where they learn to self-regulate.”

    The consequences for Iglesias included having to step down as student council president and debate captain and leaving the National Honor Society. At the alternative school where she spent a month, students do regular coursework but do not attend classes and are not guaranteed to have the materials included in their normal classes.

    Iglesias was still able to attend prom, walk at graduation and stay in most of her clubs. She also kept her college scholarship and now attends Tyler Junior College.

    For her, the punishments for vaping have gone too far.

    “The people that make these policies and implement these things sit in a room and do not walk the campuses or see the results, the consequences to these policies that they’re making to actually ensure that it’s working, because it’s not,” Iglesias said. “I’m never going to do something like that again, because the repercussions I faced were horrible.”

    ___

    In addition to Munis from Stanford University and McCarthy from the University of Missouri, the following student reporters contributed to this report: Yasmeen Saadi, Mikaela Schlueter, Asplen Gengenbacher and Alexis Simmerman from the University of Missouri; Parker Daly, Elise Darragh-Ford, Emily Handsel, Henry Hill-Gorman, Victoria Ren, Shaurya Sinha, Carolyn Stein and Jessica Yu from Stanford University.

    ___

    The Associated Press’ education coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP’s standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org.

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  • Metrasens' Advanced Detection Technology Chosen by Moore Public Schools for Enhanced Safety at Extracurricular Events

    Metrasens' Advanced Detection Technology Chosen by Moore Public Schools for Enhanced Safety at Extracurricular Events

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    NAPERVILLE, Illiois and MOORE, Oklahoma (PRNewswire-PRWeb) —  Metrasens, a leading provider of advanced detection systems for security and safety applications, today announced its collaboration with Moore Public Schools (MPS), Oklahoma’s fourth-largest public school district. Together, they aim to bolster safety measures across the district by deploying Metrasens Ultra detection systems, ensuring a secure environment for extracurricular events at 35 campus sites and various large venues.

    Committed to maintaining the highest safety and security standards, MPS consistently evaluates and updates its protocols. The district, known for its proactive approach, embraces new initiatives and technologies to enhance existing security measures. Building on a successful pilot of Metrasens Ultra detectors in the previous academic year, MPS officially integrated them at the start of the 2023-2024 school year.

    In alignment with their ongoing commitment to safety, several schools within the district have already incorporated Metrasens detection systems. The decision to choose Metrasens was influenced by the unmatched reliability and durability of its detectors, which seamlessly align with the district’s overarching safety goals, whether implemented district-wide or at individual campuses.

    Following a rigorous evaluation process of various detector options, Metrasens stood out with its comprehensive product offerings and exceptional service. The company provided on-location assistance and training, earning high praise from the district.

    Dustin Horstkoetter, MPS Safety and Security Director, expressed his satisfaction, stating, “The reliability and quality of Metrasens solutions are incomparable. We appreciate the partnership we have with Metrasens and the client care and technical support they can provide a district of our size.”

    Metrasens Ultra utilizes state-of-the-art sensor technology to swiftly and accurately identify potential threats, including concealed weapons. Its unique flexibility for both indoor and outdoor use, coupled with portability that allows easy movement within and between facilities without physical contact, set it apart from competitors. Metrasens Ultra met key MPS criteria, including non-threatening design, portability, flexibility, ease of use, battery power option, weather resistance, zonal indication, and accuracy.

    “We are thrilled to play an integral part in helping MPS achieve their objective to accurately identify prohibited threat items before entry into their venues,” said Chis Arbeitman, Vice President of Market and Business Development at Metrasens. “MPS is utilizing the Metrasens Ultra to screen patrons before entering middle school and high school events, including football and basketball games, cheerleading competitions, graduations, and school board meetings. We remain committed to supporting all of their security initiatives to ensure a safe and positive experience for all participants in these venues.”

    About Metrasens
    Metrasens is the world’s leading provider of advanced magnetic detection technologies. With a technology center and manufacturing facility in the United Kingdom, a North American sales and customer service hub in Chicago and a global network of distributors, the company’s innovative products are designed to address deficiencies in conventional screening methods and make the world safer and more secure. Metrasens’ mission is to take cutting-edge science from the laboratory and use it to create revolutionary, award-winning products that meet the distinct and diverse security needs of its customers. Metrasens’ core technologies have a wide range of real-world applications, embodied by solutions that are easy to adopt and simple to use.
    For more information, visit  http://www.metrasens.com.

    About Moore Public Schools

    Moore Public Schools is Oklahoma’s fourth-largest public school district, serving 24,191 students and their families. Our vision is “Shaping Today’s Students Into Tomorrow’s Leaders” and we strive to achieve this vision by providing exceptional and varied opportunities for every student’s personal, physical, and academic growth. We have produced countless National Merit Finalists and academic all-state students over the decades, along with innumerable 6A athletics titles and superior fine arts, STEM, and career exploration offerings. These opportunities work to develop our students into young adults of character and resilience, prepared for their next chapters after graduation.

    Learn more at www.mooreschools.com

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  • EmpowerU Honors Exemplary School Partners for Outstanding Impact on Student Mental Health 

    EmpowerU Honors Exemplary School Partners for Outstanding Impact on Student Mental Health 

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    MINNEAPOLIS –  EmpowerU, a leading national provider of mental health skills and support for schools, recently recognized five school districts for their longstanding commitment to improving student resilience and mental health. The districts, based in Minnesota where EmpowerU was founded in 2018, each worked with EmpowerU for more than five years to deliver vital support to students, leading to a marked improvement in student well-being. 

    “EmpowerU was launched as an effective way to deliver mental health services to young people,” said Katie Dorn, co-founder of EmpowerU. “I am beyond proud of the work we are accomplishing with our district partners who leverage their Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) to positively impact students who are struggling with non-academic barriers to their success. We congratulate these five districts that are shining hometown examples of the potential of what we do.” 

    The recognized districts were: 

    • Independent School District 196: 1,760 students impacted; 97% of students rated [1]EmpowerU courses helpful to their well-being and confidence
    • Independent School District 728: 2,616 students impacted; 95% of students made significant goal progress [2]
    • Minnesota Virtual Academy: 102 students impacted; 100% of students made significant goal progress and reported the program was helpful to their well-being and confidence
    • Minnetonka Public Schools: 316 students impacted; 97% of students made significant goal progress
    • Orono Public School District: 253 students impacted; 95% of students made significant goal progress

    “We’re honored to be recognized for our commitment to the holistic well-being of our students,” said Mary Kreger, superintendent of Independent School District 196, one of EmpowerU’s longest standing partners. “Through our partnership with EmpowerU, we’ve successfully fostered a supportive environment that recognizes the importance of mental health for student success.” 

    Both public and private school districts nationwide utilize EmpowerU programming to make a difference in the lives of students. The company engages students of all ages through digital skill-building lessons that feature evidence-based reflection, support and the coaching needed to drive behavior change so students can reach their goals. EmpowerU data over the previous three years shows that more than 93% of students who complete its online program make a dramatic shift from discouragement and stress to improved well-being, motivation, and hope. 

    “For more than five years, these school communities have demonstrated an ability to prioritize the importance of student resilience,” said Dorn. “We are honored to walk alongside them in partnership to deliver measurable, improved student well-being.” 

    For more information, please visit  EmpowerU.education or contact  info@empoweru.education.

    About EmpowerU:

    EmpowerU, part of the  FullBloom family, is a leading provider of evidence-based programs that support students facing non-academic barriers to success. Through its comprehensive approach, EmpowerU equips schools with the necessary tools and strategies to deliver targeted interventions that empower students to overcome challenges and achieve their full potential. With a commitment to data-driven decision-making and a focus on delivering care alongside evidence-based practices, EmpowerU is dedicated to transforming student outcomes. Learn more at  EmpowerU.education.

    [1] Statistics collected via an end-of-course survey completed by students.

    [2] Statistics collected based on students’ pre-assessment self-ratings on various prompts in four categories – personal, emotional, social and academic compared to post-growth skills achievement. 

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  • 17-year-old kills sixth grader, wounds five others in Iowa school shooting, police say

    17-year-old kills sixth grader, wounds five others in Iowa school shooting, police say

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    PERRY, Iowa — A 17-year-old opened fire at a small-town Iowa high school before classes resumed on the first day after the winter break, killing a sixth-grader and wounding five others Thursday as students barricaded in offices, ducked into classrooms and fled in panic.

    The suspect, a student at the school in Perry, died of what investigators believe is a self-inflicted gunshot wound, an Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation official said. Authorities said one of the five people wounded was an administrator, later identified by his alma mater as Perry High School Principal Dan Marburger.

    Authorities identified the shooter as Dylan Butler, 17, and provided no information about a possible motive. Two friends and their mother who spoke with The Associated Press said Butler was a quiet person who had been bullied for years.

    Perry has about 8,000 residents and is about 40 miles (65 kilometers) northwest of Des Moines, on the edge of the state capital’s metropolitan area. It is home to a large pork-processing plant and low-slung, single-story homes spread among trees now shorn of their leaves by winter. The high school and middle school are connected, sitting on the east edge of town.

    Authorities said Butler had a pump-action shotgun and a small-caliber handgun. Mitch Mortvedt, the state investigation division’s assistant director, said during a news conference that authorities also found a “pretty rudimentary” improvised explosive device and rendered it safe.

    The suspect’s motive is being investigated and authorities are looking into “a number of social media posts” he made around the time of the shooting, Mortvedt added.

    A law enforcement official briefed on the investigation said federal and state investigators are interviewing Butler’s friends and analyzing Butler’s social media profiles, including posts on TikTok and Reddit.

    Shortly before Thursday’s shooting, Butler posted a photo on TikTok inside the bathroom of Perry High School, the official said. The photo was captioned “now we wait” and the song “Stray Bullet” by the German band KMFDM accompanied it. Investigators have also found other photos Butler posted posing with firearms, according to the official, who was not authorized to publicly discuss details of the investigation and spoke to AP on condition of anonymity.

    Sisters Yesenia Roeder and Khamya Hall, both 17, said alongside their mother, Alita, that Butler was bullied relentlessly since elementary school, but it escalated recently when his younger sister started getting picked on, too. His parents brought it up to the school, they said, and that was the “last straw” for Butler.

    “He was hurting. He got tired. He got tired of the bullying. He got tired of the harassment,” Yesenia Roeder Hall, 17, said. “Was it a smart idea to shoot up the school? No. God, no.”

    Calls to Perry Community Schools’ Superintendent Clark Wicks, as well as school board members, were unanswered Thursday, and an emailed request for comment was not immediately returned.

    Perry High School senior Ava Augustus said she was awaiting a counselor in a school office when she heard three shots. Unable to flee through a small window, she and others barricaded the door and were ready to throw things if necessary.

    “And then we hear ‘He’s down. You can go out,’” Augustus said through tears. ”And I run and you can just see glass everywhere, blood on the floor. I get to my car and they’re taking a girl out of the auditorium who had been shot in her leg.”

    Three gunshot victims were being treated at Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines, a spokesperson said. Others were taken to a second hospital, a spokesperson for MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center confirmed.

    Mortvedt said one person was in critical condition but the injuries didn’t appear to be life-threatening, and the others were stable.

    Hundreds of people gathered for a candlelight prayer vigil Thursday evening at a park where hours earlier, students had been brought to reunite with their families after the shooting. Bundled up against freezing temperatures, they listened to pastors from many faiths and heard a message of hope in both English and Spanish.

    A post on the high school’s Facebook page said it would be closed Friday and counseling services would be available for students, faculty and others in the community.

    “This senseless tragedy has shaken our entire state to its core,” Gov. Kim Reynolds said.

    In Washington, President Joe Biden and U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland were briefed on the shooting.

    The shooting occurred ahead of Iowa’s Jan. 15 first-in-the-nation presidential caucuses. GOP candidate Vivek Ramaswamy had a 9 a.m. campaign event scheduled in Perry about 1 1/2 miles (2 kilometers) from the school but canceled it to hold a prayer and intimate discussion with area residents.

    Mass shootings across the U.S. have long brought calls for stricter gun laws from gun safety advocates, and Thursday’s did within hours. But that idea has been a non-starter for many Republicans, particularly in rural, GOP-leaning states like Iowa.

    As of July 2021, Iowa does not require a permit to purchase a handgun or carry a firearm in public, though it mandates a background check for anyone buying a handgun without a permit.

    Ramaswamy said the shooting is a sign of a “psychological sickness” in the country. In Des Moines, GOP rival and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said gun violence “is more of a local and state issue” in an interview with the Des Moines Register and NBC News.

    The high school is part of the 1,785-student Perry Community School District. Perry is more diverse than Iowa as a whole. Census figures show 31% of its residents are Hispanic, compared with less than 7% statewide. Those figures also show nearly 19% of the town’s residents were born outside the U.S.

    Authorities said officers arrived within minutes after an active shooter was reported at 7:37 a.m. Thursday. Emergency vehicles surrounded the complex.

    “Officers immediately attempted to locate the source of the threat and quickly found what appeared to be the shooter with a self-inflicted gunshot wound,” Mortvedt said.

    Rachael Kares, an 18-year-old senior, was wrapping up jazz band practice when she and her bandmates heard four gunshots, spaced apart.

    “We all just jumped,” Kares said. “My band teacher looked at us and yelled, ‘Run!’ So we ran.”

    Kares and many others scrambled out past the football field, as people yelled, “Get out! Get out!” She said she heard additional shots, but didn’t know how many. She was more concerned about getting home to her 3-year-old son.

    Zander Shelley, 15, was in a hallway when he heard shots and dashed into a classroom, according to his father, Kevin Shelley. Zander was grazed twice and hid in the classroom before texting his father.

    Kevin Shelley, who drives a garbage truck, told his boss he had to run. “It was the most scared I’ve been in my entire life,” he said.

    He later posted a photo on Facebook of his son being treated at the Methodist Medical Center and said the boy was feeling fine.

    He added: “I am still shaking and tho I dont show it I’m not OK.”

    ___

    Fingerhut reported from Sioux City, Iowa. Associated Press writer Scott McFetridge and photojournalist Andrew Harnik contributed to this report from Perry, Iowa; Jim Salter contributed from O’Fallon, Missouri; Josh Funk contributed from Omaha, Nebraska. Trisha Ahmed from Minneapolis; Lindsay Whitehurst from Washington; Mike Balsamo from New York City; and John Hanna from Topeka, Kansas. AP researcher Rhonda Shafner contributed from New York City.

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  • The science of reading, beyond phonics

    The science of reading, beyond phonics

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    Key points:

    Schools across the country have been shifting their reading strategies to incorporate knowledge and best practices they have learned from the science of reading. More than 30 states have written legislation that requires schools to utilize scientifically researched instructional strategies.

    The largest change most states will see as a result is a dramatic increase in explicit phonics instruction. As a result, an increasing number of students will be able to access grade-level texts.

    I predict this will be reflected in summative and benchmark scores. However, picking words off the page is only a portion of what is measured in benchmark assessments. If we wish to see continued success, we will need to use everything the science of reading has taught us and provide students with a healthy diet of explicit literacy instruction that includes foundational skills like decoding, in addition to building content knowledge and higher-order comprehension strategies.

    While I do believe that there will be some adjustment to find the right mix, I don’t think improved literacy results from aligning instruction to the science of reading will be cyclical or short-lived. Schools are on the right track; they just need to find the correct balance between instruction and reading experiences.

    Combining phonics and background knowledge

    The science of reading is not a program, curriculum, nor something you can purchase. It’s a collection of scientific research from a variety of fields—including cognitive psychology, education, and neuroscience—that helps us understand how we acquire written language.

    Instruction aligned to the science of reading is sequential and explicit. Currently, it may seem like the science of reading is focused solely on phonics. Perhaps that is an over-correction in response to several popular reading programs that place too small an emphasis on phonics. However, the science of reading includes a lot of research about the importance of skills like background knowledge, vocabulary, and concepts of print.

    In fact, background knowledge can even make phonics instruction more effective. If a student is spending 80 percent of their mental energy trying to figure out what the words on the page mean, they only have 20 percent left to decode. The more background knowledge they have, the more vocabulary they bring to bear on the assignment, and the more they are able to focus on applying their phonics skills.

    Background knowledge and vocabulary also allow students to self-check as they read. If a student decodes the word “cake,” but they’ve never encountered it before, they have no way to know if they actually applied their decoding skills correctly. If they were at a birthday party a few days ago and know what cake is, they have immediate confirmation that they got the word correct when they decode it.

    The need for authentic texts

    To be truly skilled readers, students need diverse experiences and a varied vocabulary. I live in Connecticut, and if a teacher here asked students to read about college football on an assessment, they wouldn’t do as well as students from Texas, where college football is a lot more relevant. Reading a variety of texts on subjects they are already interested in will help students expand their background knowledge and vocabulary naturally over time by adding to what they already know and get excited about.

    Instructional material for student reading is often very didactic. Its purpose is to be used by a teacher to give examples of different elements of writing, and it’s usually highly patterned to make those elements, like a main idea or a conclusion, relatively easy to pick out. Text in the real world isn’t structured the same way. It’s messier, and not laid out in the same way every time. To improve their reading and comprehension skills, students need access to authentic texts whose main purpose is to entertain and inform.

    Libraries that are designed to be enjoyed—whether they’re traditional libraries, digital libraries, or classroom libraries—motivate students to read. When I was in school, one of my teachers flagged me as a reluctant, struggling reader. Every time the moment came to pick up our copy of Island of the Blue Dolphins, I appeared, at best, distracted, and at worst, like I would much rather be anywhere else. However, when we started the next book, a fantasy novel, I finished it independently that same day. Access to books students enjoy can be the difference between them doing everything in their power to avoid reading and them sitting at their desks during recess because they can’t put their books down.

    Ideally, a teacher provides explicit instruction, models the new skill, does it with their students, and then sends students off to practice the new skill in something similar to a real-world context. If students don’t have engaging material to read, they’ll only practice their new reading skills when they’re told to, and that’s not enough.

    Reading as a steppingstone to higher literacy skills

    A good library will offer students not just texts they’re eager to read, but writing that exposes them to things outside their typical experience. This helps expand background knowledge and generate engagement. These days, digital libraries offer a supportive reading experience by providing features such as the ability to hear a fluent reader reading aloud. Many of them offer a glossary, so students can look up unfamiliar words as they read, growing their vocabulary naturally from in-context examples. Once a student finishes reading an article on axolotls, for example, they can move on to another article about reptiles and see many of the same vocabulary words in slightly different contexts.

    Unfortunately, instead of receiving accessible texts with scaffolds to support them, what struggling or disinterested students often receive are watered-down texts at a lower difficulty level. Reading a book for younger children can make an already discouraged student feel even worse, and those simpler texts won’t push them to develop their comprehension skills at the appropriate level, which they need to do if they are going to catch up.

    My hope for the future is that educators won’t let the pendulum swing too far in the direction of phonics. Students are finally getting the kind of explicit instruction in reading that they need and deserve, but they also need lots of opportunity—and motivation!—to practice this foundational academic skill along the way. Whether you graduated from teacher prep in 1950 or 2023, one universal truth all teachers know is that students become good readers by reading, and great readers by enjoying authentic, engaging texts.

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  • I didn’t go to school but read HARRY POTTER books 20 times, says Alex Batty

    I didn’t go to school but read HARRY POTTER books 20 times, says Alex Batty

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    MISSING Alex Batty had so few friends while being dragged around Europe he read each Harry Potter book at least 20 times.

    Now 17, he spent six years on the run with mum Melanie, 43, and grandad David, 64 — and never got the chance to go to school.

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    Missing Alex Batty read each Harry Potter book at least 20 timesCredit: Louis Wood
    Alex (left) in one of their hippy communities with Melanie and David

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    Alex (left) in one of their hippy communities with Melanie and DavidCredit: The Sun
    Alex as a youngster before he went missing

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    Alex as a youngster before he went missingCredit: PA

    Alex who spent time with only one other kid his age, told how JK Rowling’s seven magic novels were his salvation.

    He said: “I had a Harry Potter box set. I’m obsessed with it and must have read each of the books at least 20 times.

    “I carried it everywhere even though it was massive and took up so much space.

    “They’re amazing books. My main pastime was reading because most of the places we were we couldn’t get wifi. I tried to get as many as I could but it was bloody difficult.”

    Alex, who left Britain with his mum and grandad in 2017 for what he believed was a week in Spain, also tried to teach himself maths and computer science whenever he could.

    However he spent most of his teenage years working “five hours a day, five days a week” in return for food and lodging.

    Getting educated was one of the major reasons why he walked out on his mum nearly two weeks ago from a rented house near Chalabre in France.

    He told The Sun: “During all my time away I never attended school for a single day.

    “The only qualifications I have are my SATs test results from primary school when I lived back in Oldham.

    “That’s one of the worst things that’s happened to me throughout all this — not having a proper education.”

    Alex did not have his own phone but had access to a PlayStation which his mum bought him during lockdown.

    Last year he sailed through the entrance exam to a computer coding school in Perpignan but was unable to enrol because he had no ID papers.

    Now back in the UK with his beloved gran Susan, Alex plans to gain as many qualifications as he can so he can study computer science at university.

    Alex disappeared with his mum Melanie and grandad David

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    Alex disappeared with his mum Melanie and grandad DavidCredit: FACEBOOK/UNPIXS
    Alex’s mum Melanie, then approx 22, with her mum Susan

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    Alex’s mum Melanie, then approx 22, with her mum Susan
    Alex said: 'I had a Harry Potter box set. I’m obsessed with it and must have read each of the books at least 20 times'

    6

    Alex said: ‘I had a Harry Potter box set. I’m obsessed with it and must have read each of the books at least 20 times’

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  • Big Deals: Making AI Safe; New STEM Platforms; How To Fix Learning Loss

    Big Deals: Making AI Safe; New STEM Platforms; How To Fix Learning Loss

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    El Segundo Unified School District (ESUSD), in partnership with EdSAFE AI Alliance, is proud to announce the establishment of a new AI Policy Lab. The lab will be focused on fostering safe and ethical use of artificial intelligence (AI) in educational settings, and part of a nationwide network of similar policy initiatives, including the New York City Public Schools AI Policy Lab.

    “Our AI policy initiative underscores our dedication to integrating AI in a manner that prioritizes our values,” stated Melissa Moore, Superintendent at ESUSD. “Our primary objectives include ensuring equity, safety, ethical practices, effectiveness, and transparency. We aim to incorporate a wide array of perspectives in this process, including those of policymakers, industry experts, educators, students, and families, to collaboratively develop AI strategies and policies that resonate with our community’s unique needs and principles.”

    ESUSD’s AI Policy Lab is designed as a collaborative, interdisciplinary partnership that encourages responsible AI development, deployment, and usage. The lab will provide ESUSD with policy recommendations and educational resources for teachers, students, and parents, and facilitate ongoing refinement to ensure policies are in sync with practical applications with a particular focus on community, parent and student engagement.

    The national network – led by the EdSAFE AI Alliance – aimed at addressing the challenges and embracing the opportunities arising from the rapid introduction of AI in education. The network is comprised of 12 districts throughout the country who have come together to develop a “policy stack” – including acceptable use policies, parent communication and consent policies, and professional development resources for their districts.

    By working together in an open science approach the network aims to create a comprehensive policy stack supporting AI’s responsible, secure integration in K-12 education by involving experts from various fields. This collaborative effort is a significant step towards leveraging AI in education more effectively and aligned with the SAFE framework.

    Numerade, the AI-powered online STEM learning platform, announced the company is offering a free year of access to its Numerade Plus subscription to all Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) K-12 students and teachers. With Numerade Plus, students and teachers will have access to a full suite of education features, including over 100 million textbook video solutions, expert-verified answers, full-length video courses, custom quizzes, unlimited “Ask an Expert” questions, and an AI chatbot tutor powered by GPT-4.

    The initiative comes as downstream effects from pandemic-related learning losses continue to manifest. In fact, recent data from the state found that most California students don’t meet grade-level standards in math and reading. And historically, supplemental learning materials and tutoring haven’t been accessible to all students – nearly 1 in 5 upper-income families can afford to hire a private tutor, while only 7% of middle and low-income families can. As an LA-based company, Numerade is giving back to its community to help bridge this divide and reduce barriers by offering its premium features for free.

    “This is a personal initiative for me, as Numerade was born from my own experience growing up in LA and seeing education inequity firsthand,” said Nhon Ma, CEO and co-founder of Numerade. “I believe that everyone deserves a quality education, regardless of their background. Numerade is my way of giving back and helping level the playing field – we’re proud to help support our community and give students opportunities and resources that they may not have otherwise.”

    All teachers within the LAUSD will also have free access to Numerade Plus so they can incorporate Numerade’s trusted educational content into their instruction to reinforce the topics covered throughout the year. Numerade Plus can also help them save time with lesson plans, quizzes and even grading assignments.

    To enroll in 12 months of free Numerade Plus, students and teachers can visit www.numerade.com/lausd and use their LAUSD email address to enroll between now and December 31, 2023.

    Success in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) demands keeping up with the latest tools and techniques. The AI boom, for example, has made coding and data management skills integral. But going back to school isn’t an option for most scientists. Short training programs like webinars and boot camps have become a popular alternative among busy STEM professionals. However, these formats can have significant shortcomings. There’s often no guarantee attendees will leave with the skills needed to advance their careers. And they can be exclusionary, preventing learners of all abilities and circumstances from benefiting equally.

    An interdisciplinary and international team assembled at CSHL’s Banbury Center to address the challenges of short STEM training programs. The meeting was titled “Making Career-spanning Learning in the Life Sciences Inclusive and Effective for All.”

    “We’ve all had horrible teachers,” recalls Jason Williams. Williams is Assistant Director of Diversity and Research Readiness at the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL) DNA Learning Center. “There have been efforts to improve science education at the undergraduate level for decades. But there’s basically no effort to improve education once you’ve graduated. It’s just assumed you’ll somehow keep up.”

    To tackle this problem, Williams and collaborators have created a new teaching framework called the “Bicycle Principles.” It aims to make short STEM training effective, inclusive, and scalable. The principles originated from a meeting at CSHL’s Banbury Center think tank. Williams and co-organizer Rochelle Tractenberg recruited the world’s leading experts in short-format education. They identified the field’s biggest issues and ways to address them.

    The group came up with two sets of principles linked like bicycle wheels. One wheel, Core Principles, focuses on effectiveness and inclusivity. Recommendations here include setting clear objectives participants of all abilities can achieve. The other wheel, Community Principles, revolves around reach, accessibility, and sustainability. It recommends making training adaptable for different institutions, especially those lacking the resources of large universities.

    Williams says the Banbury meeting and the guidelines it inspired are the first of their kind. He hopes they won’t be the last. Williams explains:

    “If we can raise awareness, we can start doing something about it. Our goal was to put the first flag in the ground to say, ‘Here are the key problems scientists face in professional development. And here are some potential solutions.’”

    Such improvements could help researchers achieve their career goals and increase the impact of their work—familiar objectives for Williams and CSHL. The institution supports a number of science career paths through its education initiatives. These begin as early as grade school via the DNA Learning Center. And they continue throughout a scientist’s career, with CSHL’s Meetings & Courses Program.

    After all, learning is a journey. The Bicycle Principles can make the trip more successful for all.

    Kevin Hogan
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  • BenQ Boards Create Affordable, Future-Ready Learning Pathway for Paso Robles Joint Unified School District

    BenQ Boards Create Affordable, Future-Ready Learning Pathway for Paso Robles Joint Unified School District

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    COSTA MESA, Calif. — BenQ, an internationally renowned provider of visual display and collaboration solutions, today announced that Paso Robles Joint Unified School District in California has selected and installed BenQ Boards in more than 200 classrooms across the district. The BenQ Boards allowed Paso Robles to bypass an expensive cabling infrastructure update many of its schools needed while introducing an affordable yet innovative classroom solution for fostering engagement and collaboration and nurturing future-ready students.

    “We were at a fork in the road on how to move our classrooms into the future affordably,” said Scott Buller, MBA, director of information technology at Paso Robles Joint Unified School District. “Instead of rewiring our classrooms and using all available money toward replacing our legacy projectors, we were able to invest in BenQ Boards and propel our school district into the future of learning. We saved money, and increased engagement, accessibility, inclusion, collaboration, and tech skills — all while meeting the needs of our teachers and IT staff. The BenQ Boards’ features and tools have transformed our learning possibilities.”

    BenQ Boards Increase Engagement and Interactivity
    BenQ Boards immediately introduce a new, hands-on way of learning in the classroom. From the display’s antimicrobial screen, students can participate in lessons with enhanced interactivity. To boost engagement without expensive subscription costs, BenQ Boards include the license-free EZWrite 6 annotation and collaboration software. This gives teachers and students the freedom to annotate and work directly from the interactive display or a wirelessly connected device. Rather than sit-and-get lectures, EZWrite encourages students to manipulate content, explore concepts, and solve problems, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills. With EZWrite’s Floating Tool, users can add text to any app, video, website, document, or image. They can also choose the pen color, erase, open files, or take screenshots.

    BenQ Boards Increase Personalized Learning
    BenQ Boards open the door to more easily fostering personalized learning experiences with an abundance of free tools. For example, the EZWrite software’s translation tool can benefit teachers working with ELL students, quickly translating content. The board also comes with built-in InstaShare wireless screen sharing software, which breaks down barriers to collaboration. Students are empowered to present their ideas in class, with up to nine screens being shared simultaneously. When remote students or guests are joining, the display is compatible with all leading videoconferencing software such as Zoom, Google Meet, and Microsoft Teams, with an optional Intel-powered slot-in PC, which expands the utility of the screen even further. BenQ has also made it possible for two apps to be opened on screen side by side, making lessons more efficient. For example, teachers can explain in detail with a whiteboard on one side and support content on the other or, utilizing InstaShare’s Floating Window mode, share a connected screen alongside another app in use.

    BenQ Boards Increase Multimodal Learning
    BenQ Boards feature audio, visual, and touch tools that help teachers enhance lessons that include all learning modalities. With its multiple touch points, EZWrite lets several students work together simultaneously for hands-on, collaborative learning. Students can do more than write. They can use photos and screenshots as well as built-in templates for more context-rich classes. Team Post on EZWrite splits the board into side-by-side workspaces, allowing teams to compete in real-time quizzes and activities. With a built-in six microphone array, it’s easy for educators to capture audio along with screen annotations. These can be saved for review later with crisp audio everyone can hear, thanks to its two 16W speakers.

    BenQ Boards Increase Teacher Tech Skills and Comfort
    BenQ Boards are also purpose-built for teachers so that they can provide exciting learning opportunities, starting from the moment they sign on. Encouraging active participation in class while protecting student and teacher health, the germ-resistant BenQ Boards boast BenQ’s Tap ‘N Teach technology, which features one-tap NFC log-in to load lesson materials and interactive teaching apps, cloud storage, settings, and tools instantly and securely.

    BenQ Board smart displays are cloud-friendly, making them the epicenter for classroom management. They eliminate the complexities of using interactive display technology that steals valuable class time or having to depend on connected devices to access and manage files and content. Once teachers are logged in, their personal settings are instantly recalled and they can securely access and save lesson materials on Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive, or the network.

    BenQ Boards Increase IT and Tech Staff’s Insight
    As a central hub for each and every classroom, it’s important IT and admin staff have the tools they need to manage and update the BenQ Boards. IT managers have access to at-a-glance device analytics for any BenQ display using the included AMS software. They can easily monitor and analyze the status of all the BenQ devices on a single dashboard, including managing displays, apps, and OTA updates remotely for maximum convenience. BenQ Boards integrate with schools’ most favorite apps, including Google, Kahoot!, ClassLink, and more. BenQ Boards also benefit from BenQ’s X-Sign Broadcast software, which turns any BenQ smart board in the school into broadcast signage and allows schools to keep everyone informed and up to date on events, safety protocols, and emergencies.

    “Paso Robles Joint Unified School District is a great example of how schools can increase positive outcomes and support future-ready students without a tremendous infrastructure overhaul, training, or IT resources,” said Bob Wudeck, senior director of business development at BenQ Education. “BenQ Boards are designed to eliminate many of the barriers to 21st-century learning while at the same time meeting teachers where they’re at so they can instruct students with confidence and ease.”

    More information on BenQ is available at www.BenQBoard.com.

    About BenQ Education
    BenQ Education is helping teachers shape the future of learning with interactive display solutions that maximize engagement in and out of the classroom while improving student performance. For over 10 years, BenQ has been the No.1-selling TI DLP projector brand worldwide, according to Futuresource, and is one of the leading interactive display vendors in North America. The award-winning BenQ Board is the first and only interactive display to feature TÜV- and SIAA-certified germ-resistant screens, interfaces, and pens as part of its purpose-built ClassroomCare technologies designed for healthier classrooms. The BenQ Board RP03 Series has been recognized as the first smart board to achieve Eyesafe® Certification, the advanced blue light mitigation technology developed in concert with optometrists and ophthalmologists. Industry-recognized, BenQ’s Tap ‘N Teach technology for fast sign-on, EZWrite license-free annotation and whiteboard software, InstaShare wireless screen presentation system, and IT-friendly monitoring and management tools create exciting and intuitive active learning experiences. EZWrite 6 is also AWS Qualified, having passed Amazon Web Services (AWS) Foundational Technical Review (FTR), providing schools with assurance in security, reliability, and operational excellence. Educators can focus on giving lessons that leave an impact and give the leaders of tomorrow the tools they need to reach their maximum potential. The company’s products are available across North America through leading value-added distributors, resellers, and retailers. More information is available at www.BenQBoard.com.

    All trademarks and registered trademarks mentioned herein are the property of their respective owners.

    eSchool News Staff
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  • Crunch the Numbers: Real-Time EdTech Data You Can Use for December 2023

    Crunch the Numbers: Real-Time EdTech Data You Can Use for December 2023

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    With college application season in full swing and the competition for acceptance into top schools more competitive than ever, students are turning to AI-powered tools for application support, reveals a new survey from Brainly. Seventy percent of high school juniors and seniors believe AI-powered tools, including ChatGPT, can be a resource in brainstorming ideas for their college essays or short answer responses. Brainly’s survey earlier this year reveals that high-school students are also accessing AI-powered tools, such as those integrated into Brainly’s educational app, for individualized homework help. 

    Brainly’s survey comes when the acceptance rate among the best universities continues to shrink, making it harder for students to gain entry to their top higher education choices. For example, the College Board reports that in 2022, Harvard received applications from 61,220 students – the highest-ever number of applicants, but only accepted 1,214, the elite university’s lowest acceptance rate. 

    The survey data underscores a fundamental change in how students utilize AI tools for college applications. Rather than relying solely on AI to write their essays, students use these tools to foster critical thinking, inspire creativity, and brainstorm potential topics. The statistics demonstrate a nuanced and balanced approach, showcasing that AI is not replacing traditional guidance but enhancing and complementing it.

    Highlights of the survey include: 

    • Increasing reliance on AI-powered tools: Nearly 70% of surveyed seniors believe AI-powered tools, including ChatGPT, are valuable resources for brainstorming ideas for college essays and short-answer responses. This data reinforces the growing acceptance and reliance on AI for creative inspiration in the competitive field of college admissions.
    • Growing trust in AI tools: Almost 60% of seniors express trust in responses generated by AI-powered tools, highlighting confidence in the technology’s ability to guide them through the application process. This finding emphasizes that students view AI as a helpful and trustworthy ally in navigating the intricacies of college applications.
    • Juniors plan to engage AI tools:  Nearly 73% of high school juniors are considering leveraging AI-powered tools for brainstorming ideas. This indicates a proactive approach by juniors to integrate AI into their application preparation, showcasing a shift in how students approach college admissions well in advance.
    • Collaboration with traditional guidance: While AI tools are gaining popularity, the survey reveals that seniors also seek guidance from traditional sources, with 57.5% consulting a college counselor and 48.3% turning to a parent or family member. This indicates a complementary relationship between AI and traditional support systems in the college application journey.

    “Brainly’s survey results closely align with what I see in the students I work with and prepare for college,” said Cammy Barber, MEd, School Counselor & Department Chair, St Augustine High School, St Augustine, Fla. “Students are looking for ways to save time and assure them that they are on the right path. AI-powered tools can help students brainstorm ideas for a college essay. It can give suggestions for how to write a college application essay for those who lack writing skills, too. It’s also a great way to narrow a student’s search criteria when looking for a college.” 

    The “Public Libraries and Book Bans – Parent Perception Survey” gathered insights from 1,527 parents and guardians with children under 18 in two surveys during October and November 2023. The surveys asked parents and guardians about their perception of librarians’ trustworthiness as professionals and curators of a library collection. ​The results are detailed in a new report from EveryLibrary Institute and Book Riot.

     Top-level findings are:

    • An impressive 92% of parents, grandparents, and guardians trust librarians to curate appropriate books and materials.
    • 90% of parents report being comfortable allowing their child to select their own materials and 96% feel their children are safe within the library.
    • 83% agree that librarians know what books children would love; 77% agree that librarians are friendly and approachable; 77% agree that librarians make the library a place for fun and creativity; and 85% agree that librarians support children’s learning.
    • 91% of parents and guardians say that they trust public librarians and 86% find school librarians trustworthy.
    • Parents are of mixed opinion on whether they think public librarians have a political agenda:
    • Yes, and they should = 35%
    • No, but they should = 9%
    • Yes, and they should not = 12%
    • No, and they should not = 44%
    • 85% of parents report being satisfied or very satisfied with librarians

    The survey results demonstrate that librarians in schools and public libraries are trusted by families of various backgrounds and income levels and are valued in society. Librarians are valued in society and are central to education and communities. They foster safe, engaging environments that support learning and creativity, with their expertise and warmth resonating deeply with parents nationwide.

    “This survey shows how out-of-touch politically motivated book banning and censorship groups are,” said John Chrastka, EveryLibrary Institute Executive Director. “Contrary to the narratives that so-called parent rights groups are advancing, parents across America value librarians’ roles in our communities and our children’s education. Pro-censorship groups do not represent the vast majority of parents or guardians in their beliefs about librarians, reading, education, and civil society.”

    “Book Riot is excited to continue collaborating with EveryLibrary Institute on this important project. This survey is the next step in our shared goal of championing literacy, supporting libraries and librarians, and learning about parental perceptions of the work that librarians do,” said Vanessa Diaz, Book Riot Managing Editor. “It’s a natural extension of Kelly and Danika’s tireless efforts in spreading awareness of the state of censorship and books bans in the US, and we hope as ever that this research will both educate and be a catalyst for change.”

    “We are once again excited to partner with EveryLibrary on assessing and understanding parental perceptions of the public library,” said Kelly Jensen from Book Riot. “This series of surveys further our knowledge on what libraries are doing right and allows us to see where and how we can advocate for better understanding the roles libraries play in the lives of the average person. We continue to be thrilled to see the vast majority of parents think that the public library is a safe place for their children.” 

    Please review the complete survey findings at https://www.everylibraryinstitute.org/parent_perceptions_librarians_survey_2023. This survey is the second in a series of three focusing on parents and libraries. Please watch for additional surveys on perceptions of school libraries in the coming weeks.

    In a new analysis, the National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ) finds that most states (29 states and the District of Columbia) use a weak elementary teacher reading licensure test, meaning that they do not effectively measure teachers’ knowledge of scientifically based reading instruction prior to entering the classroom. One state, Iowa, requires no reading licensure test at all. This shortcoming means that, every year, nearly 100,000 elementary teachers across the country enter classrooms with false assurances that they are ready to teach reading.

    The data brief, False Assurances: Many states’ licensure tests don’t signal whether elementary teachers understand reading instruction, provides the most up-to-date analysis on the quality of elementary reading teacher licensure exams being used by each state.

    More than 50 years of research has illuminated the most effective way to teach children to read. It requires systematic, explicit instruction in the five core components of the science of reading: phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. Preparing teachers to teach these five components—known as scientifically-based reading instruction—can ensure more than 1 million additional students enter 4th grade able to read each year.

    Unfortunately, far too often, states allow teachers into the classroom inadequately prepared to teach reading. Licensure exams, if rigorous and aligned to the science of reading, can serve as an important guardrail for making sure teachers have this critical knowledge. However, many licensure tests are weak in that they do not adequately assess teachers’ preparedness to teach reading. Far too many states are using these weak tests.

    “Every child deserves great reading instruction, but far too many children aren’t receiving it,” said NCTQ President Heather Peske. “As part of a comprehensive strategy to improve reading instruction, states can help ensure teachers are prepared to teach reading effectively by requiring stronger licensure tests.”

    Examining every elementary teacher reading licensure exam currently being used by states, NCTQ  looked for evidence that the tests adequately address the five core components of reading. NCTQ also examined whether these tests devote undue attention to methods of reading instruction that have been debunked by research and can hinder students from becoming strong readers, such as three-cueing. Additionally, NCTQ checked whether these tests combine reading with other subjects. This is important because if subjects are combined, the teacher’s understanding of reading could be masked. Using these criteria, NCTQ determined whether tests were strong, acceptable, weak, or unacceptable.

    Key national findings:

    • Of the 25 elementary teacher reading licensure tests in use by states, the majority (15) are weak.
      • Just six exams are rated “strong” and four are rated “acceptable.”
    • Across these 15 weak licensure tests:
      • Ten do not adequately address all five components of the science of reading.
      • Five combine reading with other subjects, such as social studies or science.
        • (Note, one test fits into both categories listed above)
      • One includes too much emphasis on content contrary to research-based practices.
    • The majority of states (29 states and the District of Columbia) use “weak” tests that do not signal whether teachers have the knowledge they need to teach students to read.

    “Teachers who aren’t prepared in the most effective instructional practices for teaching reading unknowingly enter classrooms ill-prepared to help students become successful readers,” said Peske. “This lack of preparation has a profound impact on students’ literacy skills and future prospects, especially among students of color and those living in poverty.”

    Roughly one-third of children in elementary classrooms across the country cannot read at even a basic level by the middle of the fourth grade. The situation is even bleaker for historically marginalized students, for whom inadequate reading instruction is yet another barrier to educational equity, with 56% of Black students, 50% of Hispanic students, 52% of students in poverty, 70% of students with disabilities, and 67% of English Learners reading below basic reading levels.

    Students who are not proficient readers are four times more likely to drop out of high school, face lower lifetime earnings, and have higher rates of unemployment.

    Recommendations 
    To address this pressing issue, the NCTQ recommends the following solutions.

    State education leaders should:

    • Transition to a stronger reading licensure test: States select and approve the tests that their teachers must pass for licensure. Requiring a stronger test will likely lead to better reading instruction in elementary classrooms across the state as preparation programs will be motivated to align their courses with the components of reading addressed in a stronger test.
    • Require a strong reading test for anyone teaching students in the elementary grades. In some cases, states require reading tests for general education elementary teachers but not for special education teachers or for early childhood teachers who are licensed to teach lower elementary grades. These loopholes ultimately hurt the students who most need teachers capable of building a foundation in literacy.

    Testing companies should:

    • Shore up weaknesses and clearly identify limitations in existing tests: Both major testing companies, ETS and Pearson, have strong and acceptable reading licensure tests on the market, but they also offer tests that omit numerous topics from the core components of reading, and that combine reading with other subjects, diluting the assessment’s ability to verify teachers’ reading knowledge.

    Resources

    Kevin Hogan
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  • Teen girl, 14, storms school with dad's shotgun shooting six pupils in rampage

    Teen girl, 14, storms school with dad's shotgun shooting six pupils in rampage

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    A TEENAGE girl opened fire on her classmates with her dad’s shotgun during a science lesson.

    She killed one student and injured five others before taking her own life after she stormed the school in Russia.

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    A schoolgirl opened fire on her classmates todayCredit: East2West
    Alina, 14, is believed to be the shooter

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    Alina, 14, is believed to be the shooterCredit: East2West

    Alina A – believed to be 14 – had been late for class at her school, Gymnasium Number 5, in Bryansk.

    It was reported that she then entered her biology lesson and began shooting with her dad’s hunting shotgun.

    The shooter rampaged between classrooms with the gun which she had hidden inside a tub.

    Police rushed to the scene and the girl is then reported to have taken her own life.

    Cops are investigating the motive – and local media reports the girl had been “bullied”.

    Horrific photos – which The Sun Online has chosen to publish – showed blood smeared across the floors of classrooms

    Bodies were seen in the school – one of which was believed to be the shooter – alongside a shotgun.

    Students told of the panic as they heard gunshots, barricading themselves inside classrooms.

    One student told local media said: “We were just sitting in English and heard gunshots. 

    “We panicked, started closing windows, putting desks on top of each other.”

    A second pupil added: “Everything was normal until the second lesson. 

    “The police came, the ambulance. That’s it. 

    “The girl carried a shotgun in her rucksack and shots were heard in the second lesson.”

    One of the wounded boys named Timofei is believed to be in intensive care as doctors fight for his life.

    He was shot in the chest, forearm and knee and lost a lot of blood – and is due to undergo emergency surgery.

    Two other victims were in a “moderate” condition.

    The Ministry of Internal Affairs for the Bryansk region issued a statement saying: “Today the police received a report of a shooting at gymnasium No. 5 in the city of Bryansk. 

    “Police officers immediately went to the scene. 

    “According to preliminary information, one of the students brought a firearm into the gymnasium building and fired several times, as a result of which three people were injured. 

    “After this, the girl committed suicide. 

    “The motives and circumstances of the incident are being established.”

    The shooting reportedly took place at a school called Gymnasium Number 5, in Bryansk, Russia

    4

    The shooting reportedly took place at a school called Gymnasium Number 5, in Bryansk, RussiaCredit: East2West
    Students were evacuated and the school was surrounded by Russian national guards following the shooting

    4

    Students were evacuated and the school was surrounded by Russian national guards following the shootingCredit: East2West

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    Olivia Allhusen

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