Shows
The Educational Triage PodcastWhat Have We Learned So Far?What Have We Learned?
Over the years of experience we share, we both believe we—nor anyone else—who teaches are never truly experts in the teaching arts. For anyone to be honest and forthright in this vocation (used rather than occupation—there is a HUGE difference), they must admit there is always more to learn, even if it is more nuanced than overt in various areas.
Over the past three years, we've had the privilege of reflecting, pausing, and learning from each other and from the insightful interviews we’ve conducted wit...2024-06-241h 01The Educational Triage PodcastDr. Lincoln Stoller: Are Schools Relevant?Dr. Lincoln Stoller: Are Schools Relevant?
A PhD in Quantum Physics, a Teacher, Mountaineer, Hypnotherapist, and EEG Neurofeedback Therapist - Lincoln Stoller has an incredible background. He has a Ph.D. in quantum physics, is a teacher, mountaineer, hypnotherapist, and EEG neurofeedback therapist, and was mentored by the late John Taylor Gatto, who influenced many of his views.
Today, we have the unique opportunity to tap into Dr. Stoller's wealth of knowledge and experience. He serves as a mentor, guiding us to consider alternative perspectives on education. Are we on the right p...2024-06-161h 30The Educational Triage PodcastGrowing Absenteeism - Is There Hope?The Growing Problem of Absenteeism in Schools
Understanding the reasons behind the growing issue of school absenteeism is crucial. It's a problem causing concern in schools, states, and communities. Chronic absenteeism rates are increasing, and it's essential to know why. According to the New York Times, there are various reasons—from family vacations (should kids be able to finish their work remotely?) to the need for extra income at home, illness, and other excuses.
If you’re curious about checking out your local district, click here. In the article, you'll...2024-06-0948 minThe Educational Triage PodcastCoach Gloria Peek on Boxing and EducatiionCoach Gloria Peek
What does boxing have to do with education, let alone alternative education? Fundamentally, they have a great deal in common.
Boxers, like all athletes and students, need to be disciplined. They also need feedback. Boxers need to set and execute their goals, like students. They also need to think quickly on their feet and learn how to move. Students also need to consider and progress. It all comes down to the fact that students and boxers need coaches/mentors/teachers who care about them and their goals as much as...2024-06-021h 10The Educational Triage PodcastAre Schools to Blame for Falling Reading and Math Scores?Falling Math & Reading Scores - Are Schools Really to Blame?
Beginning more than two decades ago, fingers have been pointed at our learning institutions, accusing them of ineffective teaching practices and not teaching our children reading, writing, and math effectively. Parents have thrown their hands up in surrender, trying to fathom the new maths articulated by the schools, and we’ve also been plagued by the beautiful gadgets and toys developed through the latest technologies that render attention spans useless. And, while schools, teachers, districts, and educational companies have worked hard and tried to develop meth...2024-05-2652 minThe Educational Triage PodcastChanging Graduation RequirementsChanging Graduation Requirements
When our students proudly cross the stage, diploma in hand, what have they accomplished? Is it a mere testament to their 12-year attendance, or have they truly absorbed knowledge? Will they thrive beyond academia, or will they seek further enlightenment elsewhere? What, indeed, have they learned? And how can we be certain of their learning without effective assessment?
In the past, states required educators to administer tests that assessed students’ abilities and knowledge skills in core subjects at certain levels. This would allow enough time for the students and the s...2024-05-2055 minThe Educational Triage PodcastIs Education a Cesspool of Hypocrisy?Is Education a Cesspool of Hypocrisy?
Certain aspects of education can be quite unsettling, whether you're a teacher, parent, or student. Could it be that we're all just victims of a pervasive form of gaslighting—a term that seems to apply to almost everything these days?
This week, Philip and Tony examine the situation in which Education states it wants one thing but actually slaps it down and pushes for the opposite. Educators claim inclusion while they exclude many students who “don’t fit the mold.”
We’re also curious - w...2024-05-1256 minThe Educational Triage PodcastGeary Woolfolk and Before the ApplicationBefore the Application with Geary Woolfolk
This week, we meet with Geary Woolfolk, the founder and passionate leader of Woolfolk Works in Atlanta, Georgia. Geary is a full-time IT Engineer at Travel Port, but he sets aside time outside the workplace to mentor and support youth and families pursuing post-secondary education.
Geary knows how expensive colleges, universities, and other training institutions can be. That's why he wrote the book Before the Application: How to Become the Ideal College Candidate.
We are honored to host him this week, and we talk about engagi...2024-05-0559 minThe Educational Triage PodcastIs Education Killing the American Dream?
Is Education Killing the American Dream?
There are so many thoughts about this topic. Defining the American Dream became the tipping point. How does the current system of academics help/deny the dream to those involved both in the instructional and learning sectors? This week, we explored, but we found more hills on top of the mountain in this adventure.
What are your thoughts? Tell us! EducationalTriage@gmail.com
What is the American Dream? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Dream
What is the purpose of secondary education? The purpose of se...2024-04-281h 06The Educational Triage PodcastBuses and Alternative EducationBuses and Alternative Education
People have discussed the apparent link between school buses and school schedules for years. Why are the schools beginning at a particular time? Why do they end at that time? Questions parents, students, teachers, and other folks in the community pose quite often.
Well, there is a link. Students need transportation to school, but is it beneficial? Does riding the bus hinder the child’s education?
We were surprised at what we discovered!
Sage Journals, Who Takes the Bus?
2024-04-2138 minThe Educational Triage PodcastSports and Alternative Education StudentsSports and Alternative Education
Contrary to popular belief, students in Alternative Education programs/schools have the potential to excel in school sports. However, this potential often goes untapped due to the lack of sports facilities and coaching staff unless they are part of a school or district that values their participation. Whether or not the district or the community makes these determinations, they are impactful for several reasons.
This week, we discuss how students can participate in school sports and club sports - or other venues that offer them a chance to par...2024-04-1455 minThe Educational Triage PodcastAre Teachers the New Therapists?Are Teachers the New Therapists?
Even before the pandemic, teachers were asked to check on students’ mental health, which was a realistic request. However, since then, schools, districts, and communities have demanded that more be done in the classroom under the guidance of the classroom teachers to ensure the students are “doing well mentally.”
Teachers' roles have been demanding for years, if not decades. With faculty inclusion, there are fewer supports for them and more for the students. Administrators fail to support teachers as they continue to pile more responsibilities upon them while...2024-04-0750 minThe Educational Triage PodcastPeer PressurePeer Pressure
What is Peer Pressure, and how does it work? What’s interesting about this topic is that we are all privy to its guiles and effects, but few truly understand it and how it works. The biggest question of the week is: How Can We Use Peer Pressure in Teaching? Or can we?
We discuss the implications of peer pressure, studies demonstrating its power, and how it manifests itself in classrooms and other venues—wherever people are present. Are there factors that would help students work harder? Improve achievement? Become more...2024-03-1749 minThe Educational Triage PodcastLessons in Language Learning with Alexis BuschertLessons in Langauge Learning with Alexis Buschert
This week, we have the luxury of hosting Alexis Buschert, a World Languages Trainer, who indulges us with insights on language learning - both from the perspectives of teachers who work with students struggling to learn English in their classrooms and as students of another World Language. What prevents us from learning more rapidly? How can we create an environment that allows for language access?
Join us for this wonderful conversation as we learn much about ourselves, our students, and our world.
Le...2024-03-1057 minThe Educational Triage PodcastThe Parental DilemnaThe Parent Dilemma
Every day, there are posts about entitlements coming from parents and students. Absurd requests or demands, and apparently, these are backed by the administrators. What is a teacher to do? OR are these the exceptions to the rule? What do parents genuinely want - the vast majority and not those snarky few?
This week, we delve into parents' intentions: wants, needs, and hopes. What is it they truly want from us as teachers and educators? And is it really out of the ballpark to provide those?
As parenti...2024-03-031h 02The Educational Triage PodcastWho Is Generation Alpha?Who Is Generation Alpha
This week, we undergo an examination of Generation Alpha - those who were born in 2010 and beyond (thus far). These students are entering the hallowed hallways of the secondary schools, but they’ve already impacted the elementary and middle schools.
What makes them different from other generations? Well, they are the first generation to have technology always available, and for them, it’s a “light switch” moment. They have never known life without it - so it’s a given. How does that impact teaching? How does that impact learning...2024-02-2650 minThe Educational Triage PodcastBlurred Lines Part 2: Critical Thinking versus Teaching to the TestBlurred Lines Part Two: Teaching Critical Thinking v To the Test
In this week's episode, we dive into this meaty topic. Are our children being taught to excel on a test without the necessary tools of Critical Thinking? What are the differences? What are the consequences? While rote learning may be beneficial as a foundation, why are students being drilled on topics without more consequential deeper learning or thinking skills?
Questions of the week:
Are Parents Becoming Too Permissive?
What Needs to Happen To Bring Back Natura...2024-02-1856 minThe Educational Triage PodcastBlurred Lines: What is Going on in Education???Blurred Lines: What is Going On in Education?
This week, we delve into where many boundaries and lines have been blurred in education.
Let’s look at some facts. Who Are Paraprofessionals Digest of Education Statistics
We talk about hiring practices, qualifications, expectations, administration, learning, red flags, and othering of students. Take your pick. It’s a potpourri of issues.
#ParaProfessionals #Teachers #Administrators #Education #GrowthinParaProfessionalHiring #GrowthinEducationalAdministrators #ParaprofessionalsandTeaching #BoundariesinTeaching #ParaprofessionalsTeaching #AreParaProfessionalsTeachers #GrowthinOnlineLearning #ReductioninTeachers #TeacherRetention #BloatedEducationalAdministration #AlternativeEducation #AltEd #EducaitonPodcast #TeachingPodcast #LoweredTeaching...2024-02-1344 minThe Educational Triage PodcastThe Intertwining of VocEd, Career & Technical Ed, and Project-Based LearningThe Intertwining of VocEd, Career & Technical Ed, and Project-Based Learning
During our discussions of Project-Based Learning (PBL), Career and Technical Learning (CTE), and Vocational Education (VocEd), it became pretty evident that one cannot honestly exist without the others - or the allusion to the others.
This week, we discuss using our brains as the whiteboard where we create our own concept of a Venn Diagram and how these three aspects of education honor one another while remaining separate. The entanglements are real!
And we also want to know you...2024-02-0516 minThe Educational Triage PodcastBias in Grading and AssessmentsBias in Grading and Assessment
This week, Philip and Tony delve into biases affecting grading and assessment outcomes. Are there any assessments or grading systems that are without fault? Are there any of us who are without our own prejudgements when we score work? How do we begin to mend those systems, and ourselves? Can we? Should we?
#ReducingBiasinEducation #StudentEmpowerment #DifferentiationandIndividualizationinEducation #ImpactofDifferentiationinEducation #ImpactofIndividualizationinEducation #ContinuousImprovementinEducation #FairnessinEducationalAssessments #BiasinEducationalAssessmentandGrading #SocioEconomicBias #LinguisticBiasinEducation #GenderBiasinEducation #StereotypeGenderBiasinEducation
#ImplicitBiasinEducation #TestTakingBiasinEducation
#AccessBiasinEducation #StandardizedTesting #ObjectiveTesting #PerformancebasedAssessmes #Project-basedAssessments #AnonymousGrading #BlindAssessments #Portfolios #Rubrics
2024-01-3055 minThe Educational Triage PodcastAssessments and Grading - what's effective and when?Assessment & Grading
This week, Philip Summers takes us through the labyrinth that holds types of assessments and grading processes - those we use too much and many we underuse. We attempt to address the questions: “What are the most effective means to assess in various situations?” and “What methods fail to accomplish what we’re after?”
To be honest, we had to give in on some - just for a practical stance, but that doesn’t mean one way is the only way there is much to consider!
Here are some of t...2024-01-2253 minThe Educational Triage PodcastProject-Based Learning - What It Is!This week, we begin to explore Project-Based Learning. We look at the reasons to pursue this learning mode and the pitfalls. We learn more about what it isn't, as well.
Why should you consider PBL? What are the benefits? What are the expectations? How much work do you need to put in before the first lesson? These and many more questions are posed and possibly answered!
Resources:
Buck Institute for Ed
ucation (BIE) - PBLWorks:Website: PBLWorksDescription: BIE is a leading organization in the field of PBL. Their website offers a wealth of resourc...2024-01-1449 minThe Educational Triage PodcastHow Do Schools Set Students Up for Success?We talk a great deal about how students can/cannot read or do math, and we continue to focus on the skills. But are we focused on what makes a student successful outside of school? Remember, according to the SAS report of 2014 schools account for only 1-14% of academic outcomes. Maybe you don't like that number, but it's a bitter pill we need to swallow.
So, what are you teaching students? What are you modeling? What is the district, the community, the Educational Industrial Complex saying? Is it what's really best for the child? or best for their...2024-01-0751 minThe Educational Triage PodcastNew Year’s 2024Happy New Years!
A quick, yet simple challenge for all this new year.
Consider yourself already working on resolutions - but are you modifying and adjusting?
How are you taking care of yourself?
Tweak your #ConfirmationBias to your win!
2024-01-0103 minThe Educational Triage PodcastHow Do You Interview for Alternative Education?The differences between alternative education and mainstream education are beginning to become wider. More students are falling behind in Maths, Reading, Writing, and Sciences. The system demands that teachers do better, but then they add more layers to the equation - they demand teachers also include lessons in Social Emotional Learning and demonstrate equitable lessons and grading systems. They believe teachers should be social workers, parental figures, and more. They demand a teacher-first approach, and if students fall behind, they try to figure out how to handle the dross. Most times, they look to alternative programs - but not witho...2023-12-2447 minThe Educational Triage PodcastThe Growing Rift Between Alternative Education and Mainstream EdThe differences between alternative education and mainstream education are beginning to become wider. More students are falling behind in Maths, Reading, Writing, and Sciences. The system demands that teachers do better, but then they add more layers to the equation - they demand teachers also include lessons in Social Emotional Learning and demonstrate equitable lessons and grading systems. They believe teachers should be social workers, parental figures, and more. They demand a teacher-first approach, and if students fall behind, they try to figure out how to handle the dross. Most times, they look to alternative programs - but not witho...2023-12-191h 02The Educational Triage PodcastWhy Hasn’t Education Evolved for the 21st Century?Why hasn’t Education Evolved for the 21st Century?
Let’s examine what the present looks like in education and ask the question, given the furious pace of advancements in technology, why does it look like it did in the 1950’s? Maybe a better question would be why is the same model used since the early 1800’s still in use and considered effective? Subconsciously proclaiming the inability to meet with cries of, “Zero and ones and AI, oh my!” are received by an audience who indulges the confusion instead of recognizing it. School systems today are ill-suited for...2023-12-0655 minThe Educational Triage PodcastWhat Were You Thinking? Perceptions of Alt EdWhy Do You Think That? Common Misperceptions of Alternative Education
“The only issue with Alternative Education is that those in the mainstream tend to dismiss it as an [illegitimate] mode of education. That is what Alt Ed really needs to work on, itself. Most have fantastic programs that tailor to the needs of the students, and they work with the families, as well – they tend to be comprehensive in that sense. That is what really helps – building trust between the community and the school/program. But if the rest of the educational community sees it as a place...2023-11-296h 59The Educational Triage PodcastWhat Are Tests (for)?The world of standardized testing is not objective. Comparing students under uniform conditions to get an “accurate” measure of similar status in inherently subjective. Equal treatment of unequal’s is inequality. Standardized tests discount, and even overlook, a person as an individual unto themselves with unique abilities by placing artificial criterion on the outcomes. Comparison of individuals through testing produces false results: they find what they are looking for subconsciously.
#AlternativeEducation #Education #AltEdPodcat #Teaching #TeachingtotheTest #WhatAreTests #Whatistestingfor #TestingversusAsessing #TestingversusEvaluating #WhyDoWeTest #WhatDoWeLearnFromTests #EducationalPodcast #Learning #EducationalProcessing #Conformity #QuantifyingLearning #DoTestsMeasureLearningorMemorization #TestsversusDeepLearning #TeachingPodcast
2023-11-2253 minThe Educational Triage PodcastDo Educational Institutions Serve Communities or Vice Versa?How does the educational system impact the culture and the ecosystem of the community? Does it enhance the economy? Does it provide more opportunities for growth and participation? What does it do, exactly? If the system dictates the same rules/factors for everyone then where is equity for those communities that find it difficult to apply or even engage in those?
The Blog:
https://www.educationtriage.net/the-blog
#EducationandCommunity #CommunityandEducation #HowDoesEducationServeCommunity #DoesCommunityServeEducationalInstitutions #AlternativeEducation #AltEd #AlternativeEducationPodcast #EducationPodcast #CommunityInvolvement #ImpactofEducationonCommunity #RelationshipofEducationandCommunity
2023-11-1653 minThe Educational Triage PodcastDunbar’s Number and EducationDunbar’s Number
This week Philip takes us through Robin Dunbar’s anthropological proposition that humans can maintain effective and deep relationships with only a finite number of people. Is his number reliable? What are the implications? How feasible would it be to reset education using this number?
We discuss these issues in education as well as others as they apply to the question of Dunbar’s Number.
LINKS
Medium.com
https://medium.com/@social_archi/dunbars-number-1a8d75b94576#:~:text=It%20is%20attributed%20to%20British
The Atlantic
...2023-11-0846 minThe Educational Triage Podcast[Revist] Growth Mindset in the Alternative SettingThis episode was originally published on August 7, 2022.
We hope you enjoy it while we are on hiatus - planning for even better content for all of you!
Teaching Growth Mindset in the Alternative Schools
We … need to remember that effort is a means to an end to the goal of learning and improving. Too often nowadays, praise is given to students who are putting forth effort, but not learning, in order to make them feel good in the moment: “Great effort! You tried your best!” It’s good that the...2023-10-2251 minThe Educational Triage PodcastRevisit - Credit RecoveryThis episode was originally published on March 20, 2022.
We hope you enjoy it while we are on hiatus - planning for even better content for all of you!
Credit Recovery is popular these days after the pandemic. Districts and schools are working hard to help students recover their credits lost during that time.
The question is how should we have credit recovery in the schools? What works best? Online, Hybrid? Face-to-Face? Many options are there, but districts are going for the most efficient and worrying about any consequences later - after the...2023-10-1557 minThe Educational Triage PodcastBecoming the Mentor/Guide/Facilitator TeacherBecoming the Mentor/Guide/Facilitator Teacher
This week we delve into changing the landscape that many teachers and community members believe is the “proper way” to teach. The field has been changing for years, but some still proffer the information in the same manner and expect great results, despite having a completely different audience.
What would it take for you to be a mentor-teacher? A guiding teacher? A teacher who facilitates learning? Can you be all in the same package?
How do you create autonomy with your s...2023-09-181h 11The Educational Triage PodcastStudent-Centered Learning and Why It Is Vital in EducationStudent-Centered Learning and Why It Is Vital in Education
A Student-Centered Classroom is an educational environment where the learning experiences and activities are primarily designed to cater to the student's individual needs, interests, and abilities. In a student-centered classroom, the teacher is a facilitator or guide rather than a sole disseminator of information. The focus shifts from traditional teacher-directed instruction to a more interactive and collaborative approach where students actively participate in their own learning process.
#IndividualizedLearning #ActiveLearningCollaboration #StudentChoice #FlexibleAssessment #FeedbackandReflection #TeacherasGuide #InquiryBasedLearning #StudentWellBeing #IntegrationofTechnology #EducationalPodcast #AlternativeEducation #AltEdPodcast #TeachinginAlternativeEducation #BestPracticesinTeaching #TeacherasLearner #Teacherisbiggestlearner #T...2023-09-101h 04The Educational Triage PodcastDr. Rosemarie Allen and How To Stem the School To Prison PipelineJuvenile incarceration is problematic; especially when the prisons are teeming with one demographic. So, this week we turn to an expert - Dr. Rosemarie Allen from the Metropolitan University of Denver. Dr. Allen teaches Early Childhood Education and addresses issues of equity. We are led on a journey where she teaches us about post-Civil War era practices to the Compromise of 1877 and Jim Crowe. We look at the Perry Preschool Project, Abecedera Project, Head Start, and bias in the early years' classrooms which begins the struggle for many students and families in education and their communities. There is so...2023-09-031h 00The Educational Triage PodcastShould We Have a Federal School Board?Several weeks ago Tara Garcia Mathewson said something about having a national board of education. It made sense concerning the circumstances we were discussing, but then we dove deeper into the issue. What would it entail? How would it really benefit the students? The community? The teachers? The schools? Or is it about dominion?
Nationalizing the board certification of teachers so we have wonderful teachers sounds wonderful - but it is a great deal of work - and with the expense of needing at least one full year of non-employment for student teaching, is it really r...2023-08-2751 minThe Educational Triage PodcastEquity and Online Learning - oh! the irony!Equity and Online Learning - oh the irony!
More and more districts, programs, and communities are turning to online learning platforms, such as Odysseyware, GradPoint, Edgenuity, and others to fill a need. The need is for teachers who are qualified in whatever area since retention seems to be an issue of late. But are these platforms viable and good enough to replace educators, classrooms, and the school experience? Will the students engaged in these systems be able to outperform their peers? Districts and others believe they will engage the students and have them do...2023-08-2059 minThe Educational Triage Podcast30 Insights for New Teachers to Thrive with Curt RichardsThis week I have the opportunity to meet Curt Richards (curtrichards202@gmail.com), the author of 30 Insights for New Teachers to Thrive. The book is available on GoodReads, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other booksellers. It’s available in e-book, hardback, and paperback.
This is a wonderful discussion because it rejuvenates what I had allowed to collect dust in a corner - the Why and How of teaching. It is universal. Not only is this a great listen for newer teachers, or those working their way into the profession, but for veterans, administrators, and parents, as well. 2023-08-1353 minThe Educational Triage PodcastIntegrating Alternative Education Principles and Practices into Teacher Training ProgramsIntegrating Alternative Education Principles and Practices into Teacher Training Programs
Fresh-faced, idealistic, eager, and gung-ho, fresh bodies enter into the #schoolyear as #teachers - some for the first time, and others making the transition. What have they brought with them that will help them long-term in their quest to educate the young minds that will scamper into their learning zones?
Sure, they may have learned about social justice, about discipline and classroom management, and what standards are, but how well did they connect with their pupils? How well WILL the...2023-08-0742 minThe Educational Triage PodcastThe Role of Institutions, Policymakers, and Educational Systems in Alternative Education Teacher PreparationThe Role of Institutions, Policymakers, and Educational Systems in Alternative Education Teacher Preparation
This week, we examine the role of educational institutions, policymakers, and educational systems in preparing teachers for working in Alternative Education. This would include looking at:
Curriculum Development
Accreditation and Recognition
Partnerships and Collaboration
Providing Professional Development Opportunities
Supportive Policies and Funding
Research and Evidence-Based Practices
Professional Standards and Certification
Support and Mentorship Programs
All of these would include improvement of student outcomes, providing funding and resources, the efficacy of the delivery systems, time, support, as well as many...2023-07-3156 minThe Educational Triage PodcastStrategies and Resources to Prep Teachers for Alternative EducationStrategies and Resources to Prep Teachers in Alt Ed
We continue our series for those teachers in Alternative Education who crave some form of training, insight, or structure to help them succeed and thrive in this faction of the Educational World. While much of what we say may seem common sense it is also those ideas we put to the side and give not much thought to - when, indeed, we really should have them wrapped around ourselves constantly.
How to use peer interactions, and mentorships. what are the resources available? Confer...2023-07-2343 minThe Educational Triage PodcastAlternative Education Teacher Training Pt 2 - Gaps and Challenges in Alt Ed Teacher TrainingOne could, I suppose, just jump into an alternative setting and begin teaching in a similar style as they did in a traditional setting. After all - it's worked for THEM in the past. But this isn't about the teacher - it's about the students. You know. The students who are left behind. The students who may not have caught on because they had another life outside of school that didn't fall into the middle-class norms placed on nearly every child in every school.
Alternative Ed is about rethinking styles, pedagogies, delivery systems, professional development, and assessments. It's abou...2023-07-1642 minThe Educational Triage PodcastAlternative Education Teacher Training - Part One - Foundations of Alternative EducationAlternative Education Teacher Training - Part One - Foundations of Alternative Education
This week we undertake the beginning of a journey that will, we hope, inspire and help people who aren’t quite sure of what they are doing in their alternative classrooms/programs/schools. In fact, most of those working in Alt Ed have minimal idea of what they’re doing - they’re just holding on to the hope they’re doing it correctly.
There are many who are determined to uphold the idea that students need to be babysa...2023-07-091h 09The Educational Triage PodcastWhat We’ve Learned about Digital DementiaDigital Dementia - Are We Encouraging It?
What is this thing being called, DIGITAL DEMENTIA? Is it truly something real? Can it be reversed? What are the symptoms? What are the traits? What should you be worried about? Believe it or not, Gen Z and Millenials are most at risk with projections of dementia cases growing four to six-fold by 2050. Think on that.
Use of the smartphone, and fusing our brainpower with it (how much does it truly do for you?) can decrease brain cells and matter. It’s very concerning...2023-07-0241 minThe Educational Triage PodcastLearning Behind BarsLearning Behind Bars
How odd to find there is so little information from 2019 on - about incarcerated students. Whether they be in boot camps, residential treatment, maximum security, minimum security or whatever type of facility they are given over to for their offenses.
What is also interesting is there is not much information about how they’re taught.
This week we begin to dive in with some data and information that helps us understand who the population is comprised. What can we, as teachers, educators, facilitators, community members, p...2023-06-2550 minThe Educational Triage PodcastWhy Does Mainstream Ed, Inc Disrespect Alternative Education?Why Does Mainstream Ed, Inc Disrespect Alt Ed?
We’ve all felt it and seen it. The looks, sneers, the general snort of unrest when Alternative Educators enter the room with the mainstream. Is there some reason they see the tenets, the students, the curriculum as less than what they believe the students should be working on? What’s the deal?
OR, are the programs that seemingly work despite their efforts a means to another end? What is up with that? Seriously.
This week, Philip and Tony look i...2023-06-1953 minThe Educational Triage PodcastTo Be A Phoenix in EducationTo Be a Phoenix in Education
Year after year teachers finish up and then walk out the doors - sometimes not long after the last student has left, and sometimes a week or even a month after the students leave. Teachers, nonetheless, are exhausted and ready for the rejuvenator splendors of what vacation they can muster - lest they need to return for Summer School, begin tutoring, take on other jobs to help make ends meet, or make family commitments; it all varies. However, there must be something they might do in order to help elim...2023-06-0443 minThe Educational Triage PodcastCalming Young Minds with Joe McQueenCalming Young Minds Show notes
This week we meet up with Joe McQueen, an administrator from Galesburg, Illinois, who has over 25 years of experience working with students. He is currently the director of alternative programming for the regional office of Education in Galesburg, where he oversees two campuses of alternative education students who attend for various reasons, from expulsion, severe acting out behavior, and anxiety or truancy.
Joe wrote the book, Calming Young Minds is a culmination of years of work and love. This book offers a unique perspective on understanding mental...2023-05-281h 40The Educational Triage PodcastEquity and School Discipline with Tara Garcia MathewsonEquity and School Discipline with Tara Garcia Mathewson
Music by Joseph Dade McDowell - “Sundown”
This week we are honored to have Tara Garcia Mathewson, Investigative Reporter for the Hechinger (Heck-in-jur) Report, which covers so many issues in Education. Tara has been investigating student discipline and shares her knowledge with us!
Topics this week include:
Pre-K as a breeding ground for School-to-Prison Pipeline
Confirmation Bias
Corporal Punishment in Schools
Hidden Expulsions
School Suspensions
And Dealing with Student Behaviors since re-opening.
Bill S2029
At Liberty Podcast - on...2023-05-211h 14The Educational Triage PodcastHealth Hacks that Work for TeachersDr. Maria Cristina Sheehan
This week we look at life hacks to increase your joy, life, and vitality. We know that teaching is stressful - as are many other walks of life - especially now! So, Dr. Maria Cristina Sheehan has graciously agreed to come on to the podcast to coach us on how to alleviate stress, anxiety, and figure out methods to make our lives simpler and far more positive.
Vana Hari - Feeding You Lies: How to Unravel the Food Industry’s Playbook and Reclaim Your Health
2023-05-1446 minThe Educational Triage PodcastWhat Critical Race Theory is NOT!!What Critical Race Theory is NOT
One common misconception about Critical Race Theory (CRT) is that it is a divisive, anti-white ideology that seeks to promote "reverse racism" or "white guilt." In reality, CRT is an analytical framework that aims to identify and challenge systemic racism and its intersections with other forms of oppression, such as sexism, homophobia, and ableism.
Another common misunderstanding is that CRT promotes the idea that all white people are inherently racist or privileged. However, CRT recognizes that racism is a social construct that is perpetuated by systemic power s...2023-05-071h 00The Educational Triage PodcastWhat is Critical Race Theory, Anyhow?What is Critical Race Theory, Anyhow?
Much has been said and assigned to CRT or Critical Race Theory. There are accusations that it is being taught in our schools. Some point to CRT as the cause for many issues affecting different communities - including “indoctrination of our children”. How true is all this?
Philip Summers, who holds degrees in Black History and African Studies leads us through this exercise in Sociology so we can understand the basics of CRT. What you learn may surprise you, as well as question so much!
2023-04-3055 minThe Educational Triage PodcastHIdden Expulsions - What they are and why they matterHidden Expulsions
Hidden expulsions? Schools kick students out but call it a ‘transfer’ This is the one that got me thinking about this (LA Times Article)
2012 Civil Rights Data Collection:The **2012 Civil Rights Data Collection** found that Black students were three times more likely to be expelled from school than white students. This disparity was even greater for students with disabilities, with Black students with disabilities being six times more likely to be expelled than white students with disabilities
In response to these findings, the **U.S. Department of Education** issued a **Dear Col...2023-04-2349 minThe Educational Triage PodcastWhat is Educational Policy and Who Makes It?What is Educational Policy? And Who Makes It??
Eye-opening for us! Certainly. We go through the facts as to who makes the decisions that trickle down to the classrooms, and who are the parties responsible for what the kids are learning and the teachers are teaching. They must be educators - right?! Right?!
Here are some of the best books on educational policy:
The Death and Life of the Great American School System by Diane Ravitch
The Teacher Wars by Dana Goldstein
Savage Inequalities by Jonathan Kozol
The Testing Charade by Dani...2023-04-1649 minThe Educational Triage PodcastAre We Still a Nation At-Risk?Are We Still a Nation at Risk?
The 1983 report "A Nation at Risk" warned of a rising tide of mediocrity in US schools. 40 years later, have things changed?
The stimulus for this weeks conversation comes from The Conversation, a news publication that provides intelligent and well-rounded insights into issues - the article this week is from:
40 years ago ‘A Nation at Risk’ warned of a ‘rising tide of mediocrity’ in US schools – has anything changed?
#AlternativeEducation #AltEd #AlternativeEducationPodcast #AltEdPodcast #Education #Teaching #Teachers #AlternativeEducationTeachers #AltEdTeachers #AltEdTeaching #AlternativeEducationTeaching #AlternativeEducationTraining #TeacherSupport #T...2023-04-091h 02The Educational Triage PodcastHow Do You Rate Your Schools/District - Part TwoHow Do You Rate Your Schools/District - Part Two
When people ask “How is that school?” “What can you tell me about that district?” or anything similar, what goes through your mind? Are you considering Academics? Teachers? Pedagogies? Funding? Sports? Or what?
This week we begin by looking at some of the most significant pieces of education that should be in the crosshairs of Parents, Politicians, Administrators, Students, and Teachers. This also means these groups may need some answers for the others, as well - perhaps not so much the teache...2023-04-0246 minThe Educational Triage PodcastHow Do You Rate Your Schools/District? Part OneHow Should We Rate Our Schools? Pt One
When people ask “How is that school?” “What can you tell me about that district?” or anything similar, what goes through your mind? Are you considering Academics? Teachers? Pedagogies? Funding? Sports? Or what?
This week we begin by looking at some of the most significant pieces of education that should be in the crosshairs of Parents, Politicians, Administrators, Students, and Teachers. This also means these groups may need some answers for the others, as well - perhaps not so much the teachers and st...2023-03-2742 minThe Educational Triage PodcastVocational Education - How and Where It WorksVocational Education - How and Where It Works
Resources:
CareerSchoolsNow.org
Hands-On Achievement: Massachusetts’s National Model Vocational Training Schools. Sinacola, Chris and Ferreira, David J. editors. Pioneer Institute. Boston. 2022.
Vocational education provides skills needed for long-term, meaningful work. Peter J. Taylor. 01/26/2017 (Opinion)
k12 Academics.com
Hirsch, E.D, Jr Cultural Literacy: what every American needs to know;
Booker T. Washington, W.E.B. Du Bois, and the Struggle for Racial Uplift (The African American Experience Series) Moore, Jacqueline M and Mjagkij...2023-03-1950 minThe Educational Triage PodcastIs the High School Diploma Outdated?Is the High School Diploma Outdated?
What is the purpose of the #HighSchoolDiploma? We celebrate graduations, and the tradition of making our way through the ceremony is a rite of passage that we share with those around us. Our schools and our classmates define our tribes, so to speak - of course, many we never have contact with again, but there is still that developed consciousness that we have as a collective. But the need for the piece of paper and the actual deed of graduating because we may have enough credits - is...2023-03-1252 minThe Educational Triage PodcastSchool Scheduling and the Alt Ed DiplomaFlexible Scheduling/Alt Ed Diplomas
How are students working in their current environment? How much time do they have/need in order to create a quality product? How involved are they in working toward a goal to enhance their learning and understanding of the concepts they are undertaking? And, how does their current academic schedule allow them to succeed - or does it just exist and wave away their rights to understand better; is it in the way of their success or does it breed failure?
Looking for ways that work for t...2023-03-0540 minThe Educational Triage PodcastStudent Voice/Disrespect in the ClassroomStudent Voice/Disrespect
Consider how you’d like your students to think of their school - a prison. A factory? A Containment? A Community? A place of learning and exploration for their future? So many options, but so many are pessimistic. How do you begin to erase or dissolve those negatives and begin fostering agency, appreciation, accountability, and positive relationships? How about bringing in students to have a say in what is going on in the system that affects them directly?
Schools are not supposed to be organizations of domination, are they? I’v...2023-02-2646 minThe Educational Triage PodcastSleep, Students, Teachers and Learning with Dr. M. Cramer BornemannSleep and Students with M Cramer Borneman MD
This week we are presented with the great knowledge and expertise of Dr. Michel Cramer Bornemann (bio below). We discuss sleep, and its impact on the child and teen, as well as the adult. This is a great opportunity for us to learn more about how important sleep is and how it might determine the efficacy of a student’s learning.
Michel A. Cramer Bornemann, MD grew up in Beaverton, Oregon where he graduated from Jesuit High School. He received a Bachelor of Science...2023-02-191h 01The Educational Triage PodcastTeachers’ Rights - Do They Really Exist?Teachers’ Rights
Lately, we read and observe more that is being done with teachers in mind - instead, we find ourselves expecting more and more of teachers. And, like a frog in a pot, it is reaching the boiling point - there is very little energy left for the teachers - at least those I have spoken with in the past few years. Many teachers I meet after they’ve left and they have no issues telling me the reasons.
This week, we discuss what we find from the Washington Post’s OpEd piece...2023-02-1254 minThe Educational Triage PodcastInside the Student’s Brain - Metacogntion: The What, How, and Why with Liz KeableWhat goes on Inside a Kid’s Head? Understanding Metacognition and Strategies with Liz Keable
We are pleased and honored to have Liz Keable back, again. This time we dive into aspects of Metacognition, what it means, how to go about developing it, and - of course- practicing it in the classroom. There are many moments when we realize where we are making our own mistakes, and fixing them can be so simple! But how do we handle learning equitably? How do we handle it so all students thrive?
Liz is such an impressive speaker and devel...2023-02-051h 12The Educational Triage PodcastEquity, Districts, and Virtue SignallingEducational Equity and the FCPS “Scandal”
Educational equity:
Educational equity is the concept of fairness in education, which means that all students should have access to the same educational opportunities, regardless of their race, gender, ethnicity, language, disability, or socio-economic status. This includes providing resources and support to ensure that all students have the same chance to succeed in school.
This week we look at whether the intentions of #EducationalEquity are really for the benefit of the students or for the appearance of those actors. Are we walking the talk? A...2023-02-0150 minThe Educational Triage PodcastTrauma-Aware Strategies in Alternative Education: Part 2Trauma-Aware Strategies in Alternative Education
Wow! What a fantastic time I had with Jennifer Achari (j.achari@hdr.qut.edu.au). There is so much packed into this conversation that we needed to put it into two episodes (Episode 1 aired last week).
We worked from the books: Distressed or Deliberately Defiant and Trauma-Aware Education: essential information and guidance for educators, education sites, and education systems which I’ve linked to Amazon.
There is so much to learn, and Jennifer delightfully engages and teaches. You will find this both insi...2023-01-2941 minThe Educational Triage PodcastChatGPT - What is it? How can we use it?This week We Explore ChatGPT - it’s strengths and weaknesses - as well as what it is!
Music by Joseph McDade
Yes, we geek out. Philip cannot contain himself - in fact he’s all over the place with enthusiasm.
The first part of the episode we look at what ChatGPT is. And the second part we examine the uses in the classroom. See if you can keep up!
Websites: ChatGPT Homepage
What is ChatGPT and how are people using it?
ChatGPTZero
There are seve...2023-01-2557 minThe Educational Triage PodcastTrauma-Aware Strategies in the Alternative School: Part OneTrauma-Aware Strategies in Alternative Education
Wow! What a fantastic time I had with Jennifer Achari (j.achari@hdr.qut.edu.au). There is so much packed into this conversation that we needed to put it into two episodes (Episode 2 will air next week).
We worked from the books: Distressed or Deliberately Defiant and Trauma-Aware Education: essential information and guidance for educators, education sites, and education systems which I’ve linked to Amazon.
There is so much to learn, and Jennifer delightfully engages and teaches. You will find this both in...2023-01-2244 minThe Educational Triage PodcastNews News News - Why Is Education Failing? A PerspectiveWhy is Education Failing? A Perspective
News News News
This middle-of-the-week episode is taking us on a discussion of vents, facts, insights, and other interesting twists that come from viewing the video: Why the Education System is Failing America? We discuss Common Core, No Child Left Behind, and Race to the Top, among other vital targets.
#AlternativeEducation #AltEd #AlternativeEducationPodcast #AltEdPodcast #Education #Teaching #Teachers #AlternativeEducationTeachers #AltEdTeachers #AltEdTeaching #AlternativeEducationTeaching #AlternativeEducationTraining #TeacherSupport #TeacherMorale #TeachersinCrisis #EducationasHierarchy #EducationalHierarchy #EducationalSupport #EducationalTraining #EducationalInnovation #TeacherInnovation #NetworkinginEducation #CareerinEducation #EducationalAdvancement #NCLB #NoChildLeftBehind #Racetothetop #CommonCore #TeacherMorale #Educationalissues
2023-01-1851 minThe Educational Triage PodcastTrauma-Aware Education with Jennifer AchariTrauma-Aware Education with Jennifer Achari
This week we are privileged to have Jennifer Achari from the Queensland University of Technology join us. She is a treasure, full of information on Trauma Aware Education. She is a Deputy Principal at an Alternative School in Perth, Western Australia, and she is a lecturer at the University as she works toward her doctorate in Truama-Informed Education.
She is the “Protege” of Dr. Judith A. Howard, author of the book Trauma-Aware Education: Essential information and guidance for educators, education sites, and education systems (Australian Education Press, Sa...2023-01-151h 13The Educational Triage PodcastCellphones, Social Media, and Students - Can We?Cell Phones Social Media & Students
What a topic we have chosen for this week!
Let’s talk about Cell phones - why are so many students using them? Are they essential?
Is Social Media breaking down interactions? Is it actually a goodly part of the rationale we need Social Emotional Learning (SEL)?
This week we look into what some have done, and the results, and we discuss the addiction to these platforms and the devices. What are the problems they bring to the learning envir...2023-01-0853 minThe Educational Triage PodcastSocial Emotional LearningSocial Emotional Learning
Social Emotional Learning is happening across the country, whether or not you agree or not. But what is it?
It is actually something we’ve been doing for years - but now it’s more engrained, at least artificially, as schools and districts are determined to grant 30-40 minutes a week to doing SEL lessons for their students - as if this would alleviate the angst, anxiety, learning loss, and problems with relationships students are experiencing.
This week we discuss the SEL Standards, the need, and how we are...2023-01-011h 14The Educational Triage PodcastIs Education Becoming Too Corporate?Is Education Becoming Too Corporate?
A rather not so long ago, there was an institution called Education. This was funded by the tax dollars of the citizens in the communities. Yet, as the world and communities progressed businesses found ways to enter into agreements with the educational systems that would be profitable for not only them, but for the schools themselves - or is it really a two-way street?
This week we delve into the multi-trillion dollar structures that have invaded our schools - not benefiting the students (isn’t that what ed...2022-12-1855 minThe Educational Triage PodcastHow Do You Do Professional Development?All teachers are required to participate and enjoy the “benefits” of PD, or Professional Development. Required because of licensure, and moreover because of employment requirements, as well. But what IS professional development and what SHOULD it be?
This week we look at all the angles of what possibilities PD offers - both on campus and off.
Why aren’t teachers going to more conferences? Why are conferences more biased toward administrators and policy-makers rather than teachers who actually are doing the work and could use the respite, the shoring up of skills, and the coordination of networkin...2022-12-111h 01The Educational Triage PodcastHow to Build A Great Alt Ed Program/School - Program Assessment part 2How to Build a Great Alt Ed Program/School - Program Assessment
pt 2
The National Alternative Education Association Exemplary Practises
The-NAEA.ORG
This week we continue our discussion on Evaluations of our schools and programs. It’s surprising what we have learned through the years, but also what we find we could do better!
We can all improve, but can you find others willing to do this with you?
#AlternativeEducation #AltEd AlternativeEducationPodcast #AltEdPodcast #DiscussingA...2022-12-0457 minThe Educational Triage PodcastHow to Build a Great Alt Ed Program/School - Program Assessment and Evaluation - part oneHow to Build a Great Alt Ed Program/School - Program Assessment and Evaluation pt 1
The National Alternative Education Association Exemplary Practises
The-NAEA.ORG
How do YOU do program/school assessment? What elements are you focusing on? Can you find areas where you excel? Areas where you are surprised?
This week Philip and I talk through each of the practices and make some realizations and find understanding. We can all improve, but can you find others willing to do this with you?
2022-11-271h 03The Educational Triage PodcastBuilding a Great Alt Ed Program/School - FundingBuilding a Great Alt Ed Program/School - Funding
This week we learn about funding, formulas, sources, and methods of how to procure monies for your program or your school. So, we have some sources for you to investigate below.
Another great source for setting things up and keeping everything in-line is the book, Creating Micro-Schools for Colorful Mismatched Kids: A Step-by-Step Process that Empowers Frustrated Parents to Innovate Education by Dr. Maureen O’Shaugnessy. She provides insights on doing all the setups and staying on track. Truly a book to...2022-11-2050 minThe Educational Triage PodcastBuilding a Great Alt Ed Program/School - Curriculum part 2Building a Great Alt Ed Program/School - Curriculum part two
This week we discuss varying modes of Alternative Education Curriculum and how they worked in the classroom - as well as the “Whys” the “Hows”.
Project-Based Learning works, but not always - you cannot always expect what works for one to work for another.
Problem Solving - This, too can be effective, and there are many ways you can integrate this with project-based, writing, math, science.
How are you creating an atmosphere and environment in...2022-11-1351 minThe Educational Triage PodcastBuilding a Great Alt Ed Program - Curriculum part one -The HowBuilding a Great Alt Ed Program/School - Curriculum part one
Textbooks are wonderful for those who don’t have time to create a curriculum for themselves - despite the conundrum that they don’t really engage all students at all levels. Textbooks, in themselves, are there to serve a purpose - to have a canned curriculum that helps the conformity of the students and has them learning the same “facts and figures” as others using the same. It keeps teachers from needing extra time to develop resources and sources of information and allows for...2022-11-0640 minThe Educational Triage PodcastBuilding a Great Alt Ed Program -Population, Delivery, BenchmarksBuilding a Great Alt Ed Program/School - Delivery, Populations, and Benchmarks
When creating your program, or refashioning the schedule, goals, or what have you, here are some questions you might keep in mind:
What is your purpose and how is that aligning with the student's needs?
How are you achieving the school/program goals?
How are the students central to your objectives?
How do you establish the relationship between the staff and the students, as well as the program?
How do you ensure program integrity?
What are your Who and Why Co...2022-10-3047 minThe Educational Triage PodcastBuilding a Great Alt Ed Program/School - Community InvolvementBuilding a Great Alt Ed Program/School - Community Involvement
We sometimes forget that a part of our mission is not only inclusion on the part of the students, but also their families, the businesses, and all those who participate in the community around our school and program. Who better to advocate than those who are also participating in the mix! And, there are also added benefits to having everyone participate - there is more trust, transparency, and involvement to the betterment, overall, of the students, learning, and of the community. It’s not j...2022-10-2351 minThe Educational Triage PodcastBuilding a Great Alt Ed Program/School part 2 - LeadershipBuilding a Great Alt Ed Program/School - Part 2 - Leadership
Having the right leader is imperative to building and maintaining the optimal program(s). This does not mean they are all cut from the same cloth - rather they know their weaknesses and strengths, and this self-awareness makes them genuine and ready for the good fight. These are the ones who will champion the students, the teachers, and staff. These are the ones who are open to critical feedback and know how to use it to further the goals of the school/pro...2022-10-1652 minThe Educational Triage PodcastBuilding a Great Alt Ed Program/School part oneALet’s say you’re on the fence about reworking, starting, or regenerating your program or school. What are the steps you should take in order to put things into perspective? Whenever we work to calibrate our work, environment, and program, we constantly evaluate where we are in these steps - are we focused on what’s best for every student? Are we making headway with our goals? What will you need to figure out to make your program or school the best place for student learning, growth, and success?
This week we look at setting the go...2022-10-0952 minThe Educational Triage PodcastFunding Equity in Alternative EducationFunding Equity in Alternative Programs and Schools
This week I am joined by Roxanne Wilson from the 5 Corners program in rural Oregon. We began having a chat on this issue because her program was refused COVID Relief funds because she received public funding, but it is a private program; yet she was refused the private funds because she receives public funds - a true Catch-22. So, herein we ask the questions.
Are alternative programs indeed receiving the funding required to adequately serve their population(s)? Is it political football? Why shou...2022-10-0259 minThe Educational Triage PodcastUsing Grit in the Alt Ed ClassroomWe talk about Grit this week - Angela Duckworth’s kind of Grit, and how we might implement it in the classroom - or even in school/program. The one constant must be working with perseverance and passion - how to keep it alive and moving? What benchmarks could you use? This week Philip and I chat about what this might look like. Join us!
What’s Grit Got to Do With Learning?
The Role of Grit in Education: A Systemic Review
Grit: The Power of Passion and Persevere...2022-09-2551 minThe Educational Triage PodcastBetween 2 States - How Alternative Education Varies from State to StateBetween 2 States - How Alternative Education Easily Varies from State to State
This week Annie Marges from the Oregon Department of Education and Liz Quayle from the Washington State Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction join me for a chat about how their state defines, funds, audits/evaluates, certifies teachers, and other issues on Alternative Education. There is a lot in this short time, and I learned a great deal! Join us!
Annie Marges is the Alternative Education Options Specialist for the Oregon Department of Education - i...2022-09-181h 02The Educational Triage PodcastAbout the Teacher ShortageAbout the Teacher Shortage…..
The teacher shortage is nothing new. There have been articles proclaiming it as a near “crisis” for decades. But, the numbers leaving are growing, and since the pandemic, more teachers are leaving due to burnout among other reasons.
This week I talk about many of the reasons teachers are leaving as well as why there is a declining enrollment in teacher education programs - why would anyone want to be a teacher?
A Great Question!
While there are altruistic reasons there ar...2022-09-1138 minThe Educational Triage PodcastWhat Are Some Survival Skills Students Should Know By Graduation?What Are Some Survival Skills Students Should Know By Graduation?
Aside from regular academics, there are many skills that students probably should know in order to help them survive and prosper in the real world. What are they? This week, Philip and I discuss - he thinks academics, I think outside the scholastic world.
Why? Because there is nothing worse than realizing you were never taught some skills that might be seen as pretty basic - and yet, there is nothing worse than discovering you are up a creek witho...2022-09-0455 minThe Educational Triage PodcastWingspans with Dr Lindsay KuhnWingspans with Dr. Lindsay Kuhn
So often we are given what feels like a corporate-designed product that helps students figure out their next adventures in life - in other words, careers, educational majors, and other ideas that might pique the interests of those with whom we work. Well, here is another take on that.
Lindsay Kuhn is changing the way a new generation finds their dream career. She is the founder of Wingspans, a platform that uses storytelling to help students find a career that aligns with the market and...2022-08-2844 minThe Educational Triage PodcastGrowth MIndset in the Alternative ClassroomTeaching Growth Mindset in the Alternative Schools
We … need to remember that effort is a means to an end to the goal of learning and improving. Too often nowadays, praise is given to students who are putting forth effort, but not learning, in order to make them feel good in the moment: “Great effort! You tried your best!” It’s good that the students tried, but it’s not good that they’re not learning. The growth-mindset approach helps children feel good in the short and long terms, by helping them thrive on challenges and setbacks on t...2022-08-0751 minThe Educational Triage PodcastBuilding CommunityCommunity Building
…learning and engagement is about the 4Cs—Curating, Creating, Connecting, and Collaborating. These steps are loud and require a teacher to relinquish control. An engaged classroom is one where students own and express the learning and the teacher facilitates. (https://www.edweek.org/teaching-learning/opinion-building-student-engagement-begins-with-community-relationships/2019/10)
How do we build Community? IN the context of the classroom, the building, and, in general, everywhere? What are the facets we must have aligned in order to precipitate the function of Community?
Let’s begin with the adults:
C...2022-07-311h 08The Educational Triage PodcastEducator Burnout Part TwoEducator Burnout Part 2
And again we address the topic - why? Because it’s pretty broad, actually. There are many reasons teachers are burned out.
We have addressed the mental health of students and families. We haven’t addressed any mental health needs of our staff - teachers, support, administrators - everyone is affected and hurting - the only trouble is everyone is so professional they refuse to display it.
We know bullying is going on - from peers, students, other staff, and admin, but what can we d...2022-07-241h 01The Educational Triage PodcastCan We Use the MetaVerse in Education? part oneUsing the MetaVerse in Education - part one
Wow. So the #MetaVerse. What is it, anyhow? We hear Zuckerberg talk about it, others reference it, and some even claim to have visited and used it. But - what are we talking about?
Well, this week we begin investigating what it is - and then we put our heads together as to how we would use it. But, as usual, we find there are even more questions we need to have answered.
Hop along as we find out more inform...2022-07-1754 minThe Educational Triage PodcastEducator Burnout part 1Even before the pandemic teachers were feeling overwhelmed. Suddenly, there seemed to be more pressure to do more - more with the students, more effective teaching, more work with trauma-informed practices. More kept being placed on our shoulders, but there never seemed to be any time to actually reflect, take notice, and ease into any of it - it was simply supposed to happen.
So, while attempting to satisfy these demands, there was nary any help from the administrative side that would allow for any form of mentorship to guide and aid the teachers and staff through this...2022-07-101h 03The Educational Triage PodcastThe Why, How, and Uses of Recess in the Alt Ed and Mainstream ClassroomsThe Why, How, and Uses of Recess in the Alt Ed and Mainstream Secondary Classroom
#EducationPractices #EducationPodcast #Education #AlternativeEducation #SecondaryEducaiton
Who cannot recall the splendors of the bell that alerted us to #recess time? It was superb. How we spent that time was up to us - within reason, of course. It was time to spend with friends, talk to teachers, participate in activities, or play some sort of game/sport, for a reasonable amount of time.
During the elementary years, we had two recesses, plus our lunch that included activity time, wh...2022-07-0343 minThe Educational Triage PodcastFreedom of Speech in the Classroom - Does It Exist?Should Teachers Have the Rights of Free Speech in Their Classrooms?
In the past couple of years, teachers have been put through the wringer. There is much angst, turmoil, and the need to vent and sort out thoughts on what is happening in our world. So some have gone so far as to discuss and bring up issues in the classroom as a form of therapy for themselves, or to simply announce to the world their views. Is this something we can do without being disciplined?
Well, it seems as though it’s a p...2022-06-2630 minThe Educational Triage PodcastWhat is the Purpose of Schools?What is the Purpose of Schools?
Thinking about why we send children to school, why we teach what we teach? and what is the purpose? Is it more than a nanny service? What is the purpose of compulsory education?
This week we take on the purpose of schools. Are we tacking students into placements that might not be a viable future for them? Are we truly presenting as many options within those areas of CTE rather than just the one specific class? How many options are there? Or are we spec...2022-06-1950 minThe Educational Triage PodcastThe School Year In Review - 2022The School Year In Review 2022
Well, we’re in the throes of the end-of-year transition. Graduations, summer plans, retirements, job changes, etc. This year, I’m retiring from the classroom, doing more backstage work with state organizations and teachers, and keeping up with the podcast. But what about Christy and Philip? It’s interesting to hear their take on various issues and where they are focused.
This week, due to conflicting schedules and having multiple commitments for all of us, I decided to speak with each individual when they were able to chat. An...2022-06-121h 08The Educational Triage PodcastAre Charter Schools Alternative Education?Charter Schools - Are They Alt Ed?
Charter schools seem to be enigmatic. You hear from some that they are the most wonderful place for their children, and others tell you they are monstrous places that do not live up to the expectations and demands of a regular public school.
So why are they still growing in number, and more people entering lotteries to place their children in them?
And, what makes them Alternative Education?
Honestly, Any form of education that is not mainstream...2022-06-0547 min