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This edWeb podcast is hosted by AASA, The School Superintendents Association. The webinar recording can be accessed here.Listen to Dr. Ash Vasudeva, Vice President of Strategic Initiatives for the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, as he and district leaders share how to strengthen systems processes and improve student outcomes. Presenters discuss how systems leaders are using improvement-science-based tools, processes and approaches to strengthen systems processes to advance more equitable student outcomes. A diverse group of district leaders discuss why they have embraced improvement-science approaches and how the mindsets, principles and practices of improvement science are helping them make progress on their goals for every student. They describe how this work has enabled their districts to be user and problem centric, systems oriented, and measurement focused in order to achieve equitable outcomes for ALL students. Dr. Vasudeva is joined by the following district leaders who will discuss advancing equity through improvement science: Dr. Charoscar Coleman, Instructional Director, Prince George’s County Public SchoolsMichael Hanson, Senior Fellow, Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of TeachingDr. Betsy Hargrove, Superintendent, Avondale Elementary School DistrictMeisha Ross-Porter, the Bronx Executive Superintendent, New York City Department of EducationBy surfacing how improvement-based thinking has been used to guide and inform systems actions–before and during the COVID-19 crisis–this edWeb podcast is designed to productively inform and impact district leaders in the United States and globally. This edWeb podcast is of particular value to school superintendents, K-12 school and district leaders, and aspiring leaders.AASA, The Superintendents Association AASA advocates for equity for all students and develops and supports school system leaders.

This edWeb podcast is sponsored by News Literacy Project.The webinar recording can be accessed here.When students connect strongly to what you are teaching, they become motivated to turn assignments into action. If you want to ignite a spark in your students, you don’t want to miss this edWeb podcast, featuring the News Literacy Project’s ambassadors. They describe how their students have elevated classroom lessons to the next level. You learn how to inspire your students as well. In the session, we also provide instructional resources for integrating these concepts into your classroom, explain the News Literacy Project’s free educator resources, including Checkology®, and introduce you to NewsLit Nation, our virtual professional learning community (PLC) to connect with and be inspired by other educators across the nation. This edWeb podcast is of interest to teachers, librarians, and school and district leaders of the middle and high school levels.News Literacy Project A nonpartisan national education nonprofit.

This edWeb podcast is sponsored by CatchOn, An ENA Affiliate.The edLeader Panel recording can be accessed here. Listen to Eric Butash, Director of Education Technology and Data Integration for Foster-Glocester Regional School District in Rhode Island, as he outlines his district’s strategy for leveraging data analytics to ensure students are engaged and on track. In this edWeb podcast, he describes Foster-Glocester’s instruction vision, processes, and data-integration blueprint for enabling educators and administrators to develop the most impactful learning pathways for students. Listeners learn how the integration of analytics programs like CatchOn with Google Data Studio can be utilized to inform best practices and boost student engagement. This edWeb podcast is of interest to school and district leaders of the K-12 and higher education levels.CatchOn, an ENA Affiliate Data analytics tool providing admin leaders efficacy of their tech investments and integrations.

This edWeb podcast is sponsored by Boxlight.The edLeader Panel recording can be accessed here.Teachers have had to navigate extraordinary challenges this past year which forced schools to reevaluate and reprioritize training programs to include a larger focus on education technology (hardware, software, applications, management platforms, etc.) to deliver lessons remotely. Listen to this edWeb podcast on how to leverage the new foundational skills learned this year as a springboard for success in tomorrow’s new normal. This edWeb podcast is of interest to K-12 school and district leaders.

This edWeb podcast is sponsored by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.The webinar recording can be accessed here.How do you address the sensitive yet important issue of racism in America with your students? Learn tips on how to successfully lead courageous conversations in your classroom. Hear from Dr. Tyrone Howard, Professor in the Graduate School of Education and Information Studies at UCLA. His research examines equity, culture, race, teaching, and learning. He has published numerous books and articles on topics related to instruction, most recently Why Race and Culture Matter in Schools. This edWeb podcast is of interest to teachers and school and district leaders of the middle and high school levels. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt We’re helping to create the fullest expression of what learning can be.

This edWeb podcast is sponsored by Classroom Champions and ClassLink.The edLeader Panel recording can be accessed here.The value of discussing the dynamic topic of race early with children is readily agreed upon, but HOW to do it effectively and empathetically is a resounding question. Transform your school culture by hearing from others on strategic ways to both recognize and invite conversations about race and diversity in your local community. Discover new social and emotional learning (SEL) resources to capitalize on those teachable moments that occur daily in our classrooms. Come hear from our panel—an education expert, school leader and a world-class athlete—who share their candid moments from their own experiences of discussing and learning about race as students. This edWeb podcast is of interest to teachers and school and district leaders of the kindergarten through middle school levels.Classroom Champions Classroom Champions partners athletes with schools with an SEL curriculum and mentorship experience.ClassLink ClassLink’s mission is to remove barriers between students and impactful education content.

This edWeb podcast is sponsored by Readable English.The webinar recording can be accessed here.Have you ever wondered why we are facing a literacy crisis? A look at The Nation’s Report Card reveals that there has been no improvement to the low reading rates of our students for the past 30 years, despite increases in special education, Title I and school improvement grant dollars, technology, and the influx of countless intervention programs. This edWeb podcast will explore the underlying causes of literacy failure and how understanding the connections between the brain, reading, and the English language will help. In this edWeb podcast, listeners learn about:The complexities of the English languageThe brain and reading – understanding cognitive load and orthographic mappingWillingham’s cognitive model and Stanislas Dehaene’s neuronal recycling hypothesisA solution to address the intrinsic problems of learning to read EnglishThis edWeb podcast is of interest to K-12 principals, reading teachers, reading specialists, literacy coaches, classroom teachers, curriculum coordinators, federal program directors, and all educators who have a role in improving student literacy.Readable English Readable English simplifies and accelerates the process of learning to read.

This edWeb podcast is sponsored by ClassLink.The webinar recording can be accessed here.Technology planning and investments have never been more critical than in today’s K-12 learning environments. Yet school leaders can often find themselves challenged to balance tight budgets and multiple stakeholder needs and concerns, along with constantly evolving technology tools and resources. In this edWeb podcast, three tech-savvy, leading-edge superintendents share how they lead their districts in creating successful and impactful technology plans. Each superintendent explains the strategies they use to bring together a wide range of needs, interests, and district priorities to create technology plans that address the total cost of ownership, impacts on teaching and learning, and the value of those technology investments. The current crises that have come out of the COVID-19 pandemic have shown the world how critical technology is to continue teaching and learning along with multiple other aspects of school operations. The three superintendents share the technology strategies they have used over the past year to assure that their schools continue to function to benefit all students and families. This edWeb podcast is of particular value to school superintendents, K-12 school and district leaders, and aspiring leaders.ClassLink ClassLink’s mission is to remove barriers between students and impactful education content.

This edWeb podcast is hosted by AASA, The School Superintendents Association.The webinar recording can be accessed here.New York State’s 2017 Superintendent of the Year, Dr. Luvelle Brown, leads a discussion on how to cultivate an anti-racist school district. His transformative leadership style and the powerful knowledge in his book, Culture of Love: Cultivating a Positive and Transformational Organizational Culture, are shared to help leaders mobilize the kind of student-centered approach that is desperately needed in our education systems. Deputy Superintendent Lily Talcott and Principal Deborah Ptak provide examples of how the district is engineering opportunities for schools and classrooms to be laboratories for social change. Essential questions for discussion include:How can school districts shift instructional practices to be more culturally responsive? What is a culture of love and how can school leaders cultivate this in schools and school districts? Why is providing time and structure to self-reflect for yourself and others important? Why should and how do leaders cultivate and support constructive conflict in organizations? Listeners learn about strategies to address systemic disparities and inequities in order to benefit all students. This edWeb podcast is of particular value to school superintendents, K-12 school and district leaders, and aspiring leaders.AASA, The Superintendents Association AASA advocates for equity for all students and develops and supports school system leaders.

This edWeb podcast is sponsored by Sound Supports K12 and Associates & Ripple Effects Social Emotional Learning.The webinar recording can be accessed here.Listen to education leaders—including Chicago Public Schools’ Leadership award winner—as they share how to create trauma-informed schools and districts and support students’ SEL and mental health across tiered systems of support. In this edWeb podcast, the presenters share:How to create safe and predictable environments for students, even in distance learningHow to connect and build trust with students, so engagement and learning can happen in both in-person and distance-learning contextsHow to implement trauma-informed SEL that addresses each student’s unique barriers to learning and builds resilienceHow to implement digital tools in an MTSS for efficacy and sustainabilityHow to bring an equity lens to trauma-informed SEL workSchool and district administrators, teachers and school support staff learn concrete steps they can take to ensure their schools and districts are trauma informed across tiers, and that their students’ SEL and mental health are meaningfully supported as they continue to grapple with the challenges of COVID-19 and the social unrest we are all experiencing. This edWeb podcast is of interest to preK-12 school and district leaders, teachers, school counselors and social workers, federal program coordinators, and those involved in supporting student mental and behavioral health.Sound Supports K12 and Associates Training, coaching, and technical assistance to schools and districts across the Pacific NorthwestRipple Effects Proven effective SEL & Mental Health Digital Programs for preK-12 students and staff

This edWeb podcast is hosted by AASA, The School Superintendents Association.The webinar recording can be accessed here.Please listen to Dr. Aaron Spence and Dr. LaQuiche R. Parrott as they share Virginia Beach City Public Schools’ strategic framework, Compass to 2025, a five-year plan focused on six goals: educational excellence; student well-being; student ownership of learning; an exemplary, diversified workforce; mutually supportive partnerships; and organizational effectiveness and efficiency. Developed with significant stakeholder input, Compass to 2025 is a true roadmap for teaching and learning in the school division. Dr. Spence and his team are staunch advocates of equity, emphasizing that every student—regardless of economic status, race or zip code—should be provided the learning experiences and the knowledge, skills and dispositions needed to succeed. Equity is embedded across all six goals of Compass to 2025 as the school division strives to help achieve student, workforce and organizational success over the next five years. Essential questions for discussion include: Virginia Beach City Public Schools has a new equity policy. How do districts begin the work on adopting an equity policy? What processes and procedures are needed for districts to ensure the success of ALL students? What are the initial action steps for all school leaders to ensure staff have 100% ownership for ALL students learning? Listeners learn about strategies to address systemic disparities and inequities in order to benefit all students. This edWeb podcast is of particular value to school superintendents, K-12 school and district leaders, and aspiring leaders.AASA, The Superintendents Association AASA advocates for equity for all students and develops and supports school system leaders.

This edWeb podcast is sponsored by FIU Online – Florida International University.The webinar recording can be accessed here.In this edWeb podcast, discover practical ways to impact communities, schools, and students across diversity, inclusion, and social justice. Headed by experts on global perspectives in teachers and students, politics of curriculum, urban special education, and literacy education, this discussion will cover curriculum and instruction and special education across diversity, inclusion and social justice for: Intersection of race, language, culture, poverty, and disabilityCulturally and linguistically exceptional learners in urban schoolsParental involvement of families from racial/ethnic minority backgroundsDiverse students in urban education and schoolingCurriculum development for English as a second languageThis edWeb podcast helps you meet the changing education needs of evolving communities and will provide practical tools and theories to impact diverse populations of learners. Presenters include experts with experience teaching students and collaborating with teachers from one of the largest public school districts in the United States. This edWeb podcast is of interest to teachers and school and district leaders of all grade levels.Florida International University Online Connecting students and lifelong learners to the highest quality online educational experience.

This edWeb podcast is sponsored by News Literacy Project.The webinar recording can be accessed here.Conspiracy theories are rampant on social media, particularly related to hyperpartisan political beliefs as well as the COVID-19 pandemic. More importantly, though, the thought processes, cognitive dissonance and biases that lead to beliefs in conspiracy theories are even more common. Most of us engage in some form of conspiratorial thinking regularly, yet somehow don’t fall victim to belief in one or more conspiracy theories. What’s different about people who do?This edWeb podcast explores the psychological and cognitive factors behind conspiratorial thinking, including the role of fears and anxiety, cognitive dissonance and biases, motivated reasoning and institutional cynicism. The presenters discuss the ways conspiracy theories exploit emotions as well as how they fill emotional needs. As part of this session, the presenters also provide instructional resources for integrating these concepts into your curriculum, including our new, interactive lesson which is part of the Checkology virtual classroom.This edWeb podcast is of interest to teachers, librarians, and school and district leaders of the middle school through higher education levels.News Literacy Project A nonpartisan national education nonprofit.

This edWeb podcast is sponsored by The New Meridian Science Exchange.The edLeader Panel recording can be accessed here.As schools around the country struggle with uncertainty, many states continue their efforts to implement three-dimensional science standards, a difficult process under the best of conditions. Listen to this edWeb podcast to hear how educators can highlight the value of science education and continue implementing next-generation standards while meeting the challenges brought by COVID-19. Jim Pellegrino, Ph.D., an education expert from the University of Illinois at Chicago, moderates a roundtable discussion that will address the current challenges in science education and the critical changes needed to ensure children have the STEM skills to succeed in tomorrow’s workforce. Our expert panel will offer insight on science education research, curricula, assessment, professional development and policy, including:The implications of distance science education and growing equity gapsThe complexities of transitioning to three-dimensional science standardsWhat can be done to keep science education in the local and federal spotlightListeners learn what they can do to effect change in science programs today and how they can prepare for the future of science education. This edWeb podcast is of interest to elementary through higher education school and district leaders, state education leaders, assessment directors, and curriculum directors. The New Meridian Science Exchange Science Exchange: A Sensible Approach to Science Assessment

This edWeb podcast is hosted by AASA, The School Superintendents Association.The webinar recording can be accessed here.Since COVID-19 disrupted schools in March 2020, access to mental health services is more essential than ever for students and staff. As a result of the global pandemic and a mission to meet the needs of each student, Duval County Public Schools has developed an “organic” rising of community support systems to address mental health needs. Join the 2021 Florida Superintendent of the Year, Dr. Diana L. Greene, as she and her colleagues share insights into mental health curriculums, advocacy and policies to ensure mental health services for ALL students. Community support has been pivotal to designing behavioral and mental health supports in a blended environment. Dr. Greene discusses intentional steps the district is taking to address disparities with mental health access and service delivery. Dr. Gregory Bostic, Principal of Jean Ribault High School, Katrina Taylor, Duval County Public School’s Director of School Behavioral Health and Full Service Schools Program, and Charis Scurry, Community Partnership Coordinator for the Wolfson Children’s School Based Health Centers at Ribault Senior High School, share how they are applying the system’s design in mental health advocacy within the schoolhouse gates. Essential questions include:What are the basic elements of a district’s strong mental health program before, during and after a worldwide pandemic? How do district leaders work with community partners to meet the needs of a growing mental health crisis for students and staff? What are the next steps for district leaders who are finding themselves needing to develop social and emotional learning and support systems for staff and students? Listeners learn about strategies to address systemic disparities and inequities in order to benefit all students. This edWeb podcast is of particular value to school superintendents, K-12 school and district leaders, and aspiring leaders.AASA, The Superintendents Association AASA advocates for equity for all students and develops and supports school system leaders.

This edWeb podcast is sponsored by Common Sense Education.The webinar recording can be accessed here.A new year is like a blank book. As we begin to write our 2021 story, it is critical to recognize the importance of our well-being as well as others’. In this edWeb podcast we share resources, tips and strategies to celebrate those small wins in life. As we dive into the social and emotional realm, we hope that participants find inspiration in this presentation and motivation within for a dynamic 2021. This edWeb podcast is of interest to teachers and librarians at the elementary through high school levels. There will be time for questions at the end of the presentation.Common Sense Education Dedicated to helping all kids thrive in a world of media and technology.

This edWeb podcast is sponsored by EVERFI.The webinar recording can be accessed here.Students’ well-being and social development are inseparably interwoven with their understanding of diversity, equity and inclusion. By centering equity in your work as an educator, you are not only ensuring that students have equal access to opportunities, but also investing in students’ social-emotional skills—the very foundation from which emotional intelligence and social IQ are born. If we hope to impart social-emotional skills to our students, we have to first have a conversation that includes the whole person each of our students is, and that includes their understanding of and relationship with diversity. Too often, our discomfort with a topic translates to avoidance, but we can’t expect our colleagues who are Black, Indigenous, and people of color to be the only educators in the building willing to have these conversations—the burden is too great to bear, and the stakes for all students are just too high. In this edWeb podcast, educators Stephanie Williams from Norman Public Schools (OK) and Darbie Valenti from St. Joseph School District (MO)  illustrate what it means to center your work in equity, and the far-reaching impact that can have. This edWeb podcast is of interest to K-12 teachers, librarians, school and district leaders, and counselors.EVERFI Tackling society's most challenging issues with education.

This edWeb podcast is sponsored by the National Coalition for Technology in Education and Training.The edLeader Panel recording can be accessed here.In this edWeb podcast, NCTET will present eight Community Builder Awards and its Equity Advocate Award. Throughout its history, NCTET has bestowed the NCTET Community Builder Award on a diverse and bipartisan cross section of leaders who have made a difference in education. This year, there are nine distinguished leaders in five different categories to receive the 2020 NCTET Community Builder Award:Government: Gov. Jared Polis (D-CO) and Sen. Roy Blunt (R-MO)Nonprofit: Sylvia Acevedo, former Chief Executive Officer, Girl Scouts USA, and Sal Khan, Founder, Khan AcademyCorporate: Google and KajeetEducators: Chris Dede, Timothy E. Wirth Professor in Learning Technologies, Harvard’s Graduate School of Education (HGSE) and Hero Educators of COVIDThe Equity Advocate Award Recipient is Hon. John King, President and CEO, Education Trust After the presentation of the awards, Dr. John King, Jr. moderates a panel discussion that focuses on how the incoming Biden-Harris Administration will address digital equity as a policy priority. Please listen to this special event to welcome in the Biden-Harris Administration. This edWeb podcast is of interest to all educators and members of the education industry.NCTET Promoting the effective use of technology to improve education and training in America.

This edWeb podcast is hosted by AASA, The School Superintendents Association.The webinar recording can be accessed here.We are on a multi-month journey of supporting student learning from a distance across the nation. While school and district leaders have learned many takeaways during the COVID-19 pandemic, there is nothing more poignant than the bright light shone on the historical, insidious, and abundant inequities in the U.S. educational system. The impact of common problems existing in the brick-and-mortar milieu including high flight from schools and districts with high numbers of linguistically and culturally diverse students to schools with less diversity and more resources has exacerbated the impact on students in this distance learning context. Students living in urban and rural America are dramatically affected by variance access and opportunity. While there are many reasons for inequities, including school funding protocols, inequitable access to the internet, and disproportionate distribution of technology devices, school and district leaders are in a position to learn from this experience and take intentional steps to eliminate many of these disparities. Although educational research is replete with benefits of equitable leadership, school transformation and educational policy to combat the impact of conditions of poverty, the system is clearly falling short of meeting the needs of all students. Listen to this edWeb podcast to learn how the Tools of Cultural Proficiency may be used as a framework for leveling the learning field for all students regardless of zip code, home language, and ethnic or racial backgrounds. Dr. Stacie Stanley, Associate Superintendent of Eden Prairie Schools (MN) and co-author of Leading While Female: A Culturally Proficient Response for Gender Equity, will discuss intentional steps to addressing many disparities. Eden Lake Elementary School Principal, Tim Beekmann, and Associate Principal, Valora Unowsky, will share application aspects of the Tools of Cultural Proficiency inside the schoolhouse gates. Essential questions for discussion include: What can school leaders learn from the pandemic experience that will make sure intentional steps are taken to eliminate disparities? How can schools transform to combat the impact of conditions of poverty and meet the needs of ALL students? How can Tools of Cultural Proficiency frame action steps for leaders at all levels? Listeners learn about strategies to address systemic disparities and inequities in order to benefit all students. This recorded presentation will be of particular value to school superintendents, K-12 school and district leaders, and aspiring leaders.AASA, The Superintendents Association AASA advocates for equity for all students and develops and supports school system leaders.

This edWeb podcast is sponsored by EveryDay Labs.The edLeader Panel recording can be accessed here.Chronic absenteeism has always been a complex issue since barriers to attendance are often the result of systemic inequity. As the urgency to improve attendance heightens, it’s critical to look beyond the headlines and at the data. With COVID-19 exacerbating the equity gap, stakeholders across learning communities need to work collectively to remove barriers to attendance for students and families. Join our edLeader Panel of district leaders along with Dr. Todd Rogers, Professor of Public Policy at Harvard University, to gain insight into:How they are using data to inform their spring strategyPractices they have found effective for addressing absenteeism and learning lossHow they are supporting and engaging families. This edWeb podcast is of interest to educators at all levels from kindergarten through high school, and of special interest to school and district leaders.EveryDay Labs Absenteeism is complex. We can help.