Ed Insight, May 15

Thank you to those that continue to read and support the newsletter each week and welcome to the latest newsletter edition, where we'll delve into some of the most intriguing developments and trends shaping the educational landscape today! As always, please be sure to subscribe, comment, and share the newsletter to foster a more dynamic and widespread discussion around these topics.

First up, we explore the groundbreaking realm of peer-led learning at Gilroy Prep in California. This innovative approach, rooted in constructivist theories of education, empowers students to take on the roles of both learners and teachers. Drawing inspiration from Vygotsky's Zone of Proximal Development, peer-led learning fosters a dynamic classroom environment where students scaffold each other's learning experiences, developing crucial skills such as communication and problem-solving.

In another segment, we address the unsettling trend of widespread teacher layoffs looming in schools across the country. Budgetary constraints, exacerbated by the economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic, have forced many districts to make difficult decisions, impacting educators' job security and student learning experiences. We delve into the underlying reasons behind this trend and discuss potential solutions to address financial challenges while maintaining quality education programs.

Additionally, we shine a light on the legislative actions taken in 2023 to enhance work-based learning initiatives for students. These hands-on experiences, including apprenticeships and internships, bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world application, preparing students for future careers while increasing engagement in education.

Furthermore, we summarize Edutopia's 10 Most Significant Studies of 2023, which reflect a shift towards student-centered approaches and inquiry-based learning in education. From the impact of AI on test creation to the significance of social-emotional learning, these studies offer valuable insights for educators navigating the complexities of teaching and learning.

Lastly, we discuss the findings of the 2023 Enrollment Report on public charter schools, which provide crucial insights into the evolving landscape of alternative education models and school choice. As the demand for educational options continues to grow, charter schools can play a significant role in providing alternatives to traditional public schools, addressing disparities in access and equity.

Now let's explore these fascinating topics as we all try to continue to stay informed about the latest trends and developments in education!

Title: At one Gilroy middle school, students teach each other. Is this new model the future of education?

Link: https://www.mercurynews.com/2024/05/13/at-one-gilroy-middle-school-students-teach-each-other-is-this-new-model-the-future-of-education/

Summary: Gilroy Prep in Gilroy, California has begun a journey to delve into the groundbreaking realm of peer-led learning. In this innovative approach, students are not just receivers of knowledge but also active contributors, taking on the roles of both learners and teachers. Gilroy Prep is a part of the Navigator Schools Charter School group which has offered to teach other educators how to implement the model in schools across the country. The method is described as working the following way:

"A teacher looks over three student teachers, each of whom are responsible for three squads of three each. Before teaching, student teachers are assigned homework that goes over the next day’s lesson plan.On the day of the lesson, while the other students do a warm-up assignment, the teacher checks in with the team leaders to make sure they understand the material. The student teachers are given a key that includes answers as well as the questions and prompts to help their fellow students answer them on their own. The student teachers also monitor whether the members of their squads understand the material and share this information with the teacher, who can stop the class and offer a mini-lesson if the class is struggling with a particularly thorny concept. At the end of class, each student takes an electronic quiz, which immediately informs the teacher which concepts the students grasped."

Peer-led learning, rooted in constructivist theories of education, embraces the idea that learners construct their understanding of the world through social interactions and collaboration. Drawing inspiration from Vygotsky's Zone of Proximal Development, this method empowers students to scaffold their peers' learning experiences, fostering a supportive and dynamic classroom environment. As students take ownership of their learning journeys, they develop crucial skills such as communication, problem-solving, and empathy.

This approach also aligns with Dewey's philosophy of experiential learning, where education is seen as a process of continuous growth and exploration. Methods such as this seem to be on the rise in schools across the country (largely successful, if not bordering exclusively, at charter and private/prep schools) and could be an indicator of shifting tides in the national educational model.

Additional Resource: Peer Learning Links (Edith Cowan University)- https://intranet.ecu.edu.au/learning/curriculum-design/teaching-strategies/peer-learning#:~:text=What%20is%20it%3F,learning%20partnerships%2C%20and%20group%20work.

Additional Resource: View Sonic Peer Learning- https://www.viewsonic.com/library/education/how-to-build-a-more-engaged-classroom-with-peer-learning/

Title: Schools are bracing for widespread teacher layoffs. Here’s why.

Link: https://krdo.com/news/2024/05/11/schools-are-bracing-for-widespread-teacher-layoffs-heres-why/

Summary: The article discusses the looming prospect of widespread teacher layoffs in schools and the underlying reasons behind this unsettling trend. Budgetary constraints, exacerbated by the economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic, have forced many school districts to make difficult decisions, including reducing staff numbers. As a result, educators across the country are facing uncertainty about their job security, with potential layoffs looming on the horizon.

In addition to budgetary constraints, schools are contending with a multitude of financial challenges that are contributing to the specter of teacher layoffs. These constraints stem from various factors, including declining enrollment, which can lead to reduced state funding based on student population. Moreover, fluctuations in property taxes, a primary revenue source for many school districts, can further exacerbate financial instability.

Furthermore, the economic repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic have exacerbated existing financial strains on education budgets. The pandemic has led to increased expenses for schools, including investments in technology and facility upgrades to ensure safe environments for students and staff. At the same time, revenue losses from reduced state funding, declines in tax revenue, and cuts in federal aid have created a perfect storm of financial challenges for school districts.

As a result, school administrators are faced with the daunting task of balancing budgets while maintaining quality education programs and services. Unfortunately, teacher layoffs often become a last resort for districts struggling to meet their financial obligations. These layoffs not only impact educators' livelihoods but also have far-reaching consequences for students, as larger class sizes, reduced support services, and program cuts can diminish the quality of education.

In navigating these budgetary constraints, schools must explore innovative solutions, such as seeking alternative revenue sources, implementing cost-saving measures, and advocating for increased funding from local, state, and federal governments. Collaboration between stakeholders, including educators, administrators, policymakers, and community members, is essential to address these financial challenges and ensure that every student has access to a high-quality education.

Title: K-12 Work-Based Learning Opportunities: A 50-State Scan of 2023 Legislative Action

Link: https://www.americanprogress.org/article/k-12-work-based-learning-opportunities-a-50-state-scan-of-2023-legislative-action/

Summary: The article explores the legislative actions taken in 2023 to enhance these initiatives, shedding light on the growing importance of practical experiences for students as they prepare for future careers.

Highlighted are various policies and programs implemented by states to expand work-based learning, including apprenticeships, internships, and job shadowing. These hands-on experiences offer students valuable insights into different career pathways and bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world application.

Key benefits of work-based learning include:

1. Improved career readiness: By gaining real-world experience, students develop practical skills and knowledge that are directly applicable to their chosen career paths.
2. Increased engagement in education: Work-based learning opportunities often motivate students by providing relevance to their learning and allowing them to see the practical application of academic concepts.
3. Enhanced employability: Through internships and apprenticeships, students build connections with industry professionals and gain valuable networking opportunities that can lead to future employment.

The summary emphasizes the role of state-level legislation in driving the expansion of work-based learning initiatives and ensuring equitable access for all students. By showcasing specific examples of legislative actions taken across the country, the newsletter aims to inform readers about the diverse approaches being adopted to support work-based learning and better prepare students for success in the workforce.

Additional Resource: Work Based Learning Toolkit- https://cte.ed.gov/wbltoolkit/

Title: The 10 Most Significant Education Studies of 2023

Link: https://www.edutopia.org/article/10-most-significant-education-studies-2023?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwl4yyBhAgEiwADSEjeIfO6cdlPPCdSdweA5-83GEKTeaDrXSwuPkGSmzBveZaWEE1KayiBhoCfg0QAvD_BwE

Summary: This Edutopia article summarizes their 10 Most Significant Studies of 2023 in the field of Education. The major points of the summary are outlined below. These findings shadow an overarching theme in the field of education that show a shift towards student centered approaches, a focus on inquiry and project based learning rather than competency based learning, and the intentional blending of direct and inquiry based instruction amongst other topics.

1. AI Revolutionizes Test Creation: AI technology demonstrates potential to significantly reduce educators' planning time by generating test questions and aiding in lesson planning.
2. Testing Effect Boosts Learning: Frequent, low-stakes quizzes improve long-term retention and learning outcomes, advocating for varied testing formats and communal quiz-taking.
3. Tone of Voice in Teaching: Subtle shifts in teachers' tones affect classroom culture, with warm, supportive tones fostering positive learning environments.
4. Brain Synchrony Enhances Learning: Peer-to-peer and teacher-student brain synchrony predicts better academic performance, highlighting the importance of social learning.
5. Math Picture Books Enhance Learning: Math picture books engage students, improve attitudes toward math, and reinforce mathematical concepts alongside traditional instruction.
6. Effective Writing Feedback Strategies: Rubrics and mentor texts improve student writing more effectively than extensive feedback, enhancing self-feedback and clarifying expectations.
7. Impact of Outdoor Play on Mental Health: Decline in outdoor play correlates with a rise in teenage mental health issues, emphasizing the importance of autonomy and purposeful activities for children.
8. Balancing Direct Instruction and Inquiry-Based Learning: Both instructional methods are complementary and effective when combined, providing a balanced approach to teaching and learning.
9. Significance of Social-Emotional Learning (SEL): Comprehensive meta-analysis confirms the positive impact of SEL programs on academic achievement, school climate, and social-emotional skills.
10. Knowledge-Based Reading Instruction: Emphasizing background knowledge improves reading comprehension, highlighting the importance of content-rich instruction alongside skill-building activities.

These insights underscore the complexity of education and the importance of incorporating diverse strategies to support student learning and well-being. As educators navigate the evolving landscape of teaching and learning, these findings offer valuable guidance for promoting academic success and fostering positive learning environments.

Title: BELIEVING IN PUBLIC EDUCATION- A Demographic and State-level Analysis of Public Charter School and District Public School Enrollment Trends

Link: https://publiccharters.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/2023-Enrollment-Report.pdf

Summary: The 2023 Enrollment Report on public charter schools provides crucial insights into the evolving landscape of alternative education models and school choice, which are increasingly prominent in national education discussions. As the demand for educational options continues to grow, particularly in urban areas, charter schools are playing a significant role in providing alternatives to traditional public schools.

One of the key findings of the report is the ongoing growth of charter school enrollment, reflecting the increasing appeal of alternative education models among families seeking diverse educational opportunities for their children. This trend aligns with broader national movements advocating for school choice, which prioritize empowering parents to select the educational settings that best suit their children's needs.

Additionally, the report highlights the demographic diversity within charter school student populations, emphasizing the sector's commitment to serving traditionally underserved communities. This resonates with current national discussions on equity and access in education, as policymakers and educators seek to address disparities and ensure that all students have access to high-quality educational options regardless of their background or zip code.

Furthermore, the report underscores the impact of policy changes and legislative initiatives on charter school growth and expansion. As policymakers continue to debate education reform efforts and funding allocation strategies, the report provides valuable data on how shifts in regulations and funding mechanisms can influence the accessibility and viability of charter schools in different regions.

In summary, the findings of the 2023 Enrollment Report on public charter schools not only contribute to our understanding of enrollment trends within the charter school sector but also offer insights into broader national trends around alternative education models and school choice. As discussions around educational equity, access, and innovation continue to evolve, the report serves as a timely resource for policymakers, educators, and stakeholders seeking to navigate the complex landscape of modern education.

As we conclude this edition of the newsletter, I'd invite us all to reflect on the diverse array of topics we've covered and consider how they intersect with the broader landscape of education. From innovative teaching methodologies to pressing challenges facing our schools, each article highlights the dynamic and ever-evolving nature of the educational journey.

As educators, policymakers, parents, and stakeholders, it is imperative that we remain vigilant in our pursuit of educational excellence and equity for all students. By staying informed, advocating for positive change, and embracing innovative approaches, we can collectively shape a brighter future for generations to come.

I hope you found this newsletter insightful and thought-provoking. Stay tuned for future editions as we continue to explore the latest trends, research, and initiatives shaping the world of education.

Thank you for your continued support and commitment to the pursuit of knowledge and learning. Together, I hope we can make a difference in the lives of all students and learning communities.

Until next time,

Dan Santangelo