As tradition dictates, last year we hypothesized about which topics would take the world of education by storm. Here's how those three conversations are going six months later.
Rebuilding schools for scholars
In December of last year, we hypothesized that school will undergo a renaissance of sorts for students. In reality, what’s coming to fruition is beyond our wildest hopes and dreams.
Nearly half of K12 students prefer to learn with their hands. Studies show that students develop a deeper connection to the course material if they understand the application, not just the passive information. This classroom method is called project-based learning (PBL).
With the rise of tech and artificial intelligence in classrooms, more schools are opting for hands-on learning, tossing textbooks and Chromebooks out the window. Teachers have accepted that AI will show up in their classrooms and have instead chosen to pivot to assigning work that requires students to demonstrate their grasp of standards and concepts. What’s happening looks awfully familiar and even nostalgic compared to screen-heavy practice. When students engage with PBL, they’re more likely to enjoy the class and retain information. PBL gives students opportunities to collaborate with each other and address the different perspectives and solutions to each project. PBL is an opportunity for students to practice transferrable skills like teamwork, creativity, communication, and critical decision-making.
Project-based learning isn’t the only approach teachers are exploring. Some schools are implementing outdoor lessons in which students enjoy hands-on activities in biology, natural resources, and agriculture, as well as the arts and physical education tracks. Learn more about outdoor learning structures here.
Repairing relationships between school and home
Increasing parent involvement at school is a perennial challenge. At this time, it’s difficult to engage parents in their students’ progress and can feel almost impossible to get parents into school buildings to attend conferences, events, volunteer opportunities, and more. Schools are meeting parents where they are and hoping to lay a stronger foundation of parental support.The most some parents can do is get their kid to school, but even that can be a struggle. Part of the absence issue is that students don’t want to go to school. They might not feel it’s a safe place they belong.
Chronic absenteeism is more common for families in poverty with less reliable transportation. Just getting a doctor’s note can be a difficult task for parents that have to leave work and stop at urgent care for a note about a stomach bug. Researchers have pointed out the discrepancy among marginalized students accruing more unexcused absences than their peers, and found that districts can take preventative steps when unexcused absences are piling up.
So what can school leaders do about this? Reimagine the automated attendance letter. This method, with a deliberate twist, has helped parents get on board with battling chronic absenteeism.
First, districts found that letters sent around 8 a.m. or between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. got parents paying attention and even responding. Next, automated letters stayed pretty neutral: “We’ve noticed some absences” vs. lengthy letters with consequences outlined.
Reimagining retention strategies
Teacher retention tells us about 65 per cent of new teachers are staying in the profession within the first five years of employment. Reasons for leaving are varied, like student behavior, appreciation, and salary. Educators are also looking to new tools to help.A study hosted by EdWeek explained that artificial intelligence (AI) didn’t just make teacher’s tasks go by faster, but it made teachers feel more capable and in control of their workload. Teachers that felt confident using AI to support their profession tended to be more engaged in their work, demonstrating enthusiasm and commitment to teaching. Some teachers are turning to AI to help manage the workload for:
- Lesson plans
- Content creation
- Instruction
- Assessment automation
- Administrative assistance
However, teachers who use AI without district oversight risk data security and student information safety. This highlights the crucial role district IT leaders play in writing policies and distributing resources, guidance on safely using AI, and tools that make admin tasks easier.
Teachers become more motivated and committed to their profession when districts find ways to lessen paperwork, emphasize teaching and learning, and create a more harmonious work-life balance.
WHAT'S NEXT FOR YOUR EDTECH? The right combo of tools & support retains staff and serves students better. We'd love to help. Visit skyward.com/get-started to learn more.
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Abby Paulsen Edtech Thought Leader |
