19 Aug2024
By Kean University
Kean University this week signed an agreement with New Jersey officials to facilitate a study of literacy and learning loss among elementary students as lawmakers work to improve educational outcomes for children statewide.
Governor Phil Murphy signed into law two pieces of legislation earlier this month to bolster literary education across the state.
In this initiative, Kean, the state’s urban research university, will provide a learning and literacy loss consultant to the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) to analyze data, coordinate policy, and implement best practices to improve students’ literacy outcomes.
19 Aug2024
By U.S. Department of Education
The U.S. Department of Education (Department) announced more than $40 million in grant awards to seven grantees to improve completion rates for underserved students. The grants are being provided under the Postsecondary Student Success Grant (PSSG) program, which aims to equitably improve postsecondary student outcomes, including retention, transfer, credit accumulation, and completion, by leveraging data and implementing, scaling, and rigorously evaluating evidence-based approaches.
“Across the country, colleges and universities are rejecting the old idea that weeding out students was a sign of quality, and instead they are taking responsibility for all of their students’ success,” said U.S. Under Secretary of Education James Kvaal. “These awards will not only help find new ways to help students graduate; they will help change expectations.”
16 Aug2024
By Amelia Q. Rivera
AACTE recognizes Sean Hembrick, M.Ed., as the August 2024 Holmes Scholar of the Month. A fourth-year doctoral student in higher education at The Pennsylvania State University (Penn State), Hembrick exemplifies the dedication, scholarship, and leadership that the Holmes Scholars program seeks to foster.
From Harlem to Higher Ed: Sean Hembrick’s Journey to Empower Black Scholars
Hailing from East Harlem, New York City, Sean’s academic journey is a testament to his commitment to education and social justice. Hembrick holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and sociology from Binghamton University, a Master of Fine Arts degree in creative writing from Queens College (CUNY), and a Master of Education in student affairs in higher education from Texas State University. Hembrick brings a rich interdisciplinary perspective to his doctoral studies.
13 Aug2024
By Eric Tucker
This article was originally published on LinkedIn and was reprinted with permission.
On July 24, 2024, the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit ruled that the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Universal Service Fund (USF) contribution mechanism is unconstitutional. This decision questions the foundation of a $9 billion a year program that provides essential telecommunication services for schools, libraries, and rural healthcare facilities, putting our nation’s most vulnerable communities at risk.
Background on the Situation
The USF was created to ensure all Americans have access to essential telecommunications services, regardless of their location. Funded by telecommunications providers, the USF supports:
- E-rate: Internet for schools and libraries.
- Lifeline: Internet for low-income families.
- Rural Health Care: Broadband for rural healthcare facilities.
- Connect America Fund: Broadband for rural areas.
13 Aug2024
By College of Education, UT Austin
Kara Huss, College of Education, University of Texas at Austin alumnae, has dedicated her career to supporting neurodivergent children, combining her passion for child development with her extensive training in special education and behavior analysis. Having earned her master’s degree and a BCBA certification, Kara believes that all behavior is a form of communication and is able to work with neurodivergent children both in the classroom and in learning environments outside of a strictly academic setting.
Now, as the executive director of the William’s School, Kara continues to drive the organization’s mission to provide individualized education and therapeutic support for children with autism and other neurodiversities. Her specific vision for a hybrid way of teaching remains a key factor in student success both inside and outside of the classroom.
Continue reading on UT Austin’s College of Education website.
12 Aug2024
By Linda Darling-Hammond
Last month, the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions held a hearing on the status of the American teaching profession, emphasizing the urgent need for policy changes. Chairman Bernie Sanders noted that, because of widespread teacher shortages, “some 300,000 teaching positions—nearly 10% of all teaching positions nationwide—have been left vacant or filled by teachers not fully certified for their assignments.” He, and several other members of the committee, attributed these shortages to the fact that “for decades, public school teachers have been overworked, underpaid, understaffed, and maybe most importantly, under appreciated.”
Teacher shortages have been front and center in the news for a number of years, deepening during the pandemic, and continuing to be a huge issue in many states. Yet, as in all things, states differ in their education policies and in the ways that teachers are prepared, compensated, and supported. These differences can result in dramatically different levels of student access to a diverse, stable, and well-qualified educator workforce across the country.
12 Aug2024
By AACTE
AACTE invites members to nominate their institutions for a prestigious award honoring the incorporation of global diversity educator preparation.
2025 Best Practice Award in Support of Global and International Perspectives
This award recognizes exemplary practice in the intercultural, global, cross-cultural, and international arenas. It is overseen by AACTE’s Committee on Global Diversity as part of its mission to ensure that a worldwide/international perspective is brought to policy and programs associated with the preparation of education professionals.
Nominees must be members of AACTE. Learn more and submit an entry. By nominating your institution, you are invited to use the application to highlight the important work you or your program is innovating and incorporating directly into your preparation program. Nominations are due by September 15.
Visit the AACTE Awards Program page for a complete list of calls for award applications. The 2024 winner of the Best Practice Award in Support of Global and International Perspectives, Howard University, awards visited AACTE in a webinar earlier this year, detailing the importance of their work and what it means to be recognized. Watch the recording now.
12 Aug2024
By Nikki Livingston
Science continues to advance as the global economy rapidly changes, and P-12 students must acquire the knowledge and skills needed for the careers of tomorrow. It’s up to educators to make sure they are sharing the most up-to-date information with these students in an engaging way. As a premier research institution, Indiana University offers high-quality professional development opportunities to teachers across the state to help them prepare students for the future.
The P-12 School Engagement team consists of faculty from the Office of Community Engagement in the School of Education at IU Bloomington. The team works with partners across IU to offer professional development training in global competency, medicine, and environmental science, giving teachers the resources they need to prepare students for success.
12 Aug2024
By Julie Wootton-Greener
The Nevada Department of Education has released a new dyslexia resource guide for school districts and public charter schools to identify and provide instructional support for students who have or are at risk of dyslexia.
“The dyslexia guidance documents will help with serving students across our state who have dyslexia or are at risk,” said Jhone Ebert, Superintendent of Public Instruction. “These efforts will positively impact the trajectory of students’ academic success.”
The Nevada Department of Education has guidance documents posted on its website covering topics such as common myths and misperceptions about dyslexia, screening assessments, accommodations, Individualized Education Program (IEP), instructional supports, and resources.
06 Aug2024
By Karen DeMoss
In one year, Virginia Commonwealth University’s RTR Teacher Residency increased their applicant pool in one school division (Virginia’s name for districts) by 5000% — from an average of six applicants in previous years to over 300. What made the difference? In 2023, VCU and Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS) advertised a groundbreaking new residency offering: A $43,000 salary, plus comprehensive benefits.
“It’s not that people don’t want to go into education—It’s that they don’t want to go into debt,” Kim McKnight, Ph.D., Director of the Center for Teacher Leadership and Executive Director of RTR at VCU said. “It was really encouraging to see such a big increase in applicants.”
06 Aug2024
By Marc Siegel
Oregon Department of Education Director Charlene Williams, Ed.D., visited Imlay Elementary School in Hillsboro for a tour that showcased the school’s bilingual enrichment Summer Learning programs. She was joined by State Sen. Janeen Sollman, State Rep. Susan McLain, and Hillsboro Mayor Steve Callaway.
Williams sits with incoming fifth grade students as they use math skills learned this summer to build sturdy bridges.
“In Oregon, summer is another season for learning,” Williams said. “So exciting to tour today’s programs and see young scholars advancing their learning with innovative, hands-on STEM activities and core literacy instruction.”
“We are so grateful to be able to provide robust summer programming to more than 2,800 students this summer, thanks in large part to funding support from the State of Oregon,” said Hillsboro School District Assistant Superintendent for School Performance Brooke Nova. “These summer programs give our students who are most in need of support the opportunity to strengthen their skills and position themselves for enhanced success in the coming school year.”
05 Aug2024
By AACTE
AACTE invites members to nominate their institution for a prestigious award highlighting programs that infuse technology into their coursework.
The Best Practice Award for the Innovative Use of Technology overseen by AACTE’s Committee on Innovation and Technology, recognizes an innovative use of educational technologies in an AACTE member institution, school, college, or department of education (SCDE).
By nominating your institution, you are invited to highlight the innovative practices and significant contributions you and your colleagues have made in integrating technology into your programs, practices, and activities. Nominations are due by September 15. Learn more and submit an entry.
05 Aug2024
By AACTE
AACTE strives to meet the professional development goals of its members through programs like AACTE Coaching — a new initiative to engage with deans, assistant deans, and other faculty leaders with catered executive coaching to help them accomplish their career goals and excel in leadership.
AACTE sat down with Shari Baker, Ed.D., vice president of professional learning and growth, who coordinates the AACTE Coaching program, to learn more about what the initiative can provide through personal and cohort coaching later this year.
05 Aug2024
By AACTE
AACTE is one of nearly 70 organizations that supports a bill seeking to make advancements in teaching and learning.
U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D-CO) and John Cornyn (R-TX) introduced the New Essential Education Discoveries (NEED) Act to create a national center that advances high-risk, high-reward education research projects, similar to the model employed by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA).
“As a former school superintendent, I know our teachers are doing everything they can to overcome today’s educational challenges – especially as COVID, social media, and nationwide mental health crisis have made their jobs more difficult than ever. They need new tools to overcome these obstacles and educate the next generation of Americans, and Congress can help by investing in cutting-edge education research,” said Bennet. “This bipartisan bill will help schools, educators, and policy makers meet today’s education challenges and make necessary, data-based adjustments in the future.”
30 Jul2024
By AACTE
AACTE invites members to nominate their institutions for two prestigious awards honoring the critical role of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in educator preparation.
2025 Multicultural Education and Diversity: Best Practice Award
This award celebrates schools, colleges, or education departments that prioritize diversity in educator preparation and development by integrating culture, language, demographics, ethnicity, race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, socioeconomic status, and exceptionalities. Learn more and submit your entry.
2025 Increasing Educator Diversity: Promising Practice Award
This award honors outstanding practices that promote international perspectives in educator preparation and recognizes innovators who bring global perspectives to education policy and programs. Celebrate your institution’s excellence in integrating intercultural and global education to you programs. Learn more and submit your entry.
