-
How educators can begin to dismantle racism in the classroom
Sheilamary Koch EducationPeople in all 50 states continue to take to the streets to support Black Lives Matter and demand an end to racial injustice. Meanwhile, a surge of interest in race and race relations has prompted people to seek out films and books on racism. For this uprising to significantly change the trajectory of 400 years of oppression, radical changes must also permeate the classrooms, hallways and playgrounds of our nation’s schools.
-
Qualified immunity and why changing US policing will be very difficult
Patrick Gleeson Law Enforcement, Defense & SecurityLess than a month after four Minneapolis policemen were charged with the killing of George Floyd — one of them on a second-degree murder count — public opinion in the country on race and criminal justice has shifted dramatically. By a remarkable 28-point margin, Americans now support Black Lives Matter. Additionally, by a three-to-one majority, citizens believe that U.S. police departments need major reform. Unfortunately, achieving this will be much harder than most Americans understand.
-
Even in a pandemic, grades matter!
Brian Stack EducationFellow school principals, I’m calling on each of you to take action with grading reform in your schools. We need grades that matter, and we need them now! Last month, I participated in a Zoom call with 50 fellow high school principals from my state as we all discussed the pros and cons of reverting to a pass/fail grading system to close out the 2019-20 school year. A pass/fail system is a fail for our kids, and a fail for our school. It serves to remind us that we don't have a reliable grading system.
-
Key points of linguistics for ESL teachers
Douglas Magrath EducationESL instructors need to understand how languages work to be better able to serve the student population. Language is what makes us human, and it's something no other creature has. How are language and thought connected? Does language determine thought? The ostensible purpose of language is to transmit thoughts from one mind to another. Language represents thought, but does it also determine thought? Take the example of colors. Different speakers perceive colors differently.
-
5 steps companies can make in the fight for racial justice
Damon Sayles Business Management, Services & Risk ManagementThe death of George Floyd in Minneapolis has lit a global fire to where more people of all colors, creeds and orientations are expressing their opinions in favor of social justice, racial equality and human rights. Some are inquiring about what they can do to help the cause. Others are clueless as to what needs to be done in work and recreational environments. Some have even asked if it goes beyond a donation — which it does. As corporate America continues to cope with racial injustice, here are a few things companies can do to better the advancement of equality.
-
Why experts are urging caution before opening schools in the fall
Bambi Majumdar EducationSchool's out for the summer in most places and districts are now focusing on how to prepare for classes in the fall. While the number of new nationwide COVID-19 cases is abating, and a large percentage of the afflicted have recovered, new cases are still happening daily. Psychologists agree that no amount of distance learning can replicate the benefits of in-person learning. However, we are talking about a deadly virus that has the potential to cause more havoc. Most experts agree that we need more research and information about the virus to guide decision-making for reopening U.S. schools.
-
The forthcoming budget battles in K-12 education
Patrick Gleeson EducationOnce we're past the horrifying COVID-19 pandemic, states are going to be desperately looking for ways to cut expenses, if they aren't already. Teachers and teachers' unions can expect their salaries, benefits and working conditions to take a hit. But how big a hit? And how should teachers and their unions respond?
-
US payrolls add 2.5 million jobs amid reopenings; unemployment drops to…
Seth Sandronsky Business Management, Services & Risk ManagementEmployers added 2.5 million nonfarm jobs in May after April's 20.5 million layoffs, according to the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics. May's rate of unemployment dropped to 13.3% versus 14.7% in April. Some economists had spoken of May's unemployment rate reaching 20%, rivaling the depths of the Great Depression. Instead, the labor market improved due to a partial resuming of economic activity after its curtailment in March and April to slow the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, some areas of the economy did not rebound in May.
-
Charter schools: The good, the bad and the Betsy
Patrick Gleeson EducationIt’s good to remember that the charter school movement began with a 1988 speech on education by Albert Shanker, a fiery, progressive reformer — one of several who saw charter schools as a way to improve the quality of K-12 education in America. Charters would make school more accountable to students and parents and would extend the benefits of education to all. But are today's charter schools good or bad? It’s an interesting question without a clear answer. In this article, I'll sort out some of the conflicting views.
-
Coronavirus and student loans: What’s the impact?
Andy Kearns EducationThe coronavirus pandemic has disrupted life all over the globe. Not only has it taken lives, devastated families, caused excessive stress and worry, but it’s also hit a lot of people hard financially. It’s caused roughly 39 million Americans to file for unemployment benefits. If you’re a student loan borrower, you’ve likely been impacted by the effects of coronavirus, too, so it’s crucial to understand what’s changed.
All Education Articles