“If schools do not take action, experts warn, the career opportunity gaps that already exist will grow even wider.” Standardized Assessments Again Required After a one-year hiatus, the Department of Education’s Ian Rosenblum announced on February 22nd that all states must use standardized assessments “to help target resources and support to the students
Did you know, in 2008 researchers estimated that the number of data bits surpassed the estimated number of stars in the universe? Since that finding, data has grown by a factor of 10 every five years. With greater amounts of raw data, educators have the opportunity to improve their use of data in their RtI/MTSS implementations
During the first week of February this year, new CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky said there is growing evidence that schools can re-open safely. Not coincidently, her statement came at the same time COVID-19 vaccines were beginning to role out en masse. Some states, like Oregon, put educators in the top Phase of vaccine
You don’t need to consult the myriad statistical reports during COVID-19 to know that most students have suffered a learning loss. And students who entered the pandemic below grade level have of course suffered most. How can teachers and learners recover? First, let’s look at the phrase itself. In a recent article in Ed
As I travel the country and meet with special educators, a few themes always arise. The more often I meet with these men and women, the more my heart breaks. The locations differ, but the story never changes. Special educators are tired, overwhelmed, overworked, under-appreciated, under-supported, fearful to speak up, and quite often
The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted nearly every facet of the educational enterprise. Arguably, the most negatively affected are those who are most vulnerable: special education students. It has been widely reported that the shuttering of many schools in the spring and fall of 2020 has likely harmed students’ academic performance significantly. In special
This article assumes that you already understand the basic tenets of Response to Intervention (RtI) and will focus on how RtI can be improved and evolved to better meet the needs of students, as well as fit the technologies and conditions in today’s classrooms and districts. If you need a refresher on RtI,
With chestnuts roasting on the fire, and the eyes of tiny tots all aglow, the winter holidays bring a much needed respite from the rigors of school, especially in 2020. But according to the US Department of Education, the holiday break can also result in the “opportunity for significant learning loss.” Learning loss is
While many students navigate their schools’ online learning environments without difficulty, students who receive special education may find the task daunting. Some special needs students have trouble logging into online learning programs, finding their teacher's face on the screen, knowing when to speak and when to listen, or sitting in front of a computer
After speaking to many teachers it’s clear that teachers are trying to make virtual learning work, despite the tremendous challenges. In addition to the usual curriculum tweaks each year, teachers and administrators must contend with a variety of virtual learning challenges, including disparate parent expectations, enrollment challenges, educational equity for all students, internet access
