How districts can support students with disabilities amid school mask debates

The Latest

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  Could Biden's vaccine mandate exacerbate school staff shortages?

  The extent to which districts will be impacted by the new rule could vary depending on several factors.

  School Models

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  What do school districts credit for successful pandemic pivots?

  New research from Next Generation Learning Challenges finds strong cultures and relationships among the most-cited keys to success.

  School Models

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  NASSP: Federal support needed to curb threats, violence toward school leaders

  Conflicts over schools' COVID-19 safety measures have seen principals face threats to their personal safety as well as that of their schools.

  Leadership

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  How are school districts easing transitions for Afghan students?

  Preparations for incoming refugees include expediting enrollment and offering mental health, healthcare and other wraparound services.

  School Models

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  At least 9 states have adopted legislation around suicide prevention as districts invest in SEL

  The focus comes amid a significant increase in youth mental health visits to emergency departments since the beginning of the pandemic.

  School Models

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  Panelists: Heal school community polarization for sake of children's health

  Leaders can start by validating people’s concerns and emphasizing that everyone wants the same thing — to keep students safe.

  Leadership

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  Deep Dive

  3 ways educators are addressing the 20th anniversary of 9/11 in curriculum

  From using a poem written by the U.S. poet laureate at the time as a springboard for discussion to engaging the community, resources are plentiful.

  Curriculum

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  Playing during a pandemic: How schools keep music education going

  Allowable uses under ESSER funding support the continuation of music programming, including the hiring and training of music educators.

  Leadership

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  Report: Fear of discrimination prevents many LGBTQ youth from participating in sports

  Just 4% of respondents in a Trevor Project report said they would feel comfortable talking to their coach or sports leader if they were struggling.

  School Models

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  Rising Leaders: K-12's standout assistant principals and district leaders

  We're recognizing 21 trailblazing administrators providing support, asking the right questions and reinforcing the visions of their schools and central offices.

  Leadership

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  School districts hesitate to use ARP funding for construction projects

  The tight spending deadline and issues finding contractors make it difficult for districts to use American Rescue Plan funds to renovate or build new facilities.

  Policy & Legal

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  Mentorships can expand students' curricular engagement, motivation

  Connecting students with mentorship opportunities can allow deeper exploration of interests while making subject matter more personally relevant.

  Curriculum

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  4 ways schools are enhancing parent relationships in the return to classrooms

  School systems will need to be proactive on outreach and attention to individual students' needs to retain and attract families, researchers say.

  Leadership

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  Report: Attendance boundary changes can alleviate school segregation

  Districts have the power to make even small changes that can reduce inequality between schools, according to Urban Institute research.

  School Models

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  How an inquiry-based approach can support teachers in return to school

  Experts suggest encouraging educators to utilize a descriptive inquiry approach can help them engage school communities in addressing challenges.

  Professional Development

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  Column

  Lessons In Leadership: How a Georgia principal prioritized students in school turnaround efforts

  Marietta High School Principal Keith Ball says being a consistent presence in students' lives matters just as much as logistical overhauls he's overseen.

  Leadership

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  Ed Dept announces Project SAFE grants to support districts facing state penalties over masks

  The program is part of President Joe Biden's latest steps to address the spread of COVID-19 as several states retain bans on school mask mandates.

  Policy & Legal

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  Schools systems continue to weigh roles of police on campus

  Recommended strategies for positive school-police partnerships include clear understanding law enforcement shouldn't be involved in school discipline.

  School Models

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  Rising District Leaders: Assistant superintendents driving inclusion, curriculum and learning

  In an era of increasingly distributed leadership, these assistant superintendents and cabinet-level leaders have proven critical to their districts' success.

  Leadership

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  Justice Kagan sides with district on right to remove student under Title IX

  The case is among the first to challenge emergency powers granted to school districts last year under the Trump administration.

  Policy & Legal

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  Missouri program seeks to strengthen parent communication with $2M Ed Dept grant

  The effort will provide direct training in two school districts on engaging and collaborating with parents to improve interventions and achievement.

  School Models

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  How a Maryland district is using a public-private partnership to build 6 schools in 3 years

  Prince George's County Public Schools will be the first district to use a P3 to bundle design, financing, construction and maintenance of a group of schools.

  Leadership

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  Influx of school devices provides crucial opportunities for data privacy lessons

  Experts suggest students be taught to clear search histories, hard drives and more before returning school-issued devices.

  Technology

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  Feds to require large employers mandate coronavirus vaccine

  The requirements will impact some 80 million workers in the private sector, in addition to many federal employees and contractors, the White House said.

  UPDATED: Sept. 10, 2021 at 9:19 a.m.

  Policy & Legal

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  Rising Principals: School leaders driving mentorship, support, counseling and more

  As principals' roles have expanded, so have those of assistant principals. These leaders exemplify the support and commitment driving school success.

  Leadership

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