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How the Interconnected Systems Framework Transforms School Mental Health Support for Students
Effective mental health practices in schools are essential for student well-being. Still, without a solid, unified structure, they can fall short. When mental health interventions operate in isolation, they risk being inconsistent and less effective. For example, suppose counselors work independently without coordination with teachers or other staff. In that case, gaps in care can…
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How Educators Can Help Every Student Succeed in Math and Build Confidence
“Everyone is capable of mathematical thinking. It’s like an inheritance you get just for being human.” —Daniel Finkel, Founder of Math for Love. Take a minute to think about your math autobiography. Who was considered good at math in your classrooms? What were the expectations in math class? How did math make you feel? Were…
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Empowering Educators: Elevating Literacy, Identity, and Belonging in Pre K-12 Classrooms
In the heart of every vibrant classroom lies a powerful trio: literacy, identity, and belonging. These elements don’t just coexist—they intertwine, shaping how students engage, connect, learn, and grow. To transform Pre K-12 literacy instruction into a force that amplifies student voice and accelerates development, we must examine our practices through a holistic lens, that…
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Unveiling the Power of Belonging: Essential Strategies for Student Success
What is belonging? According to Cornell University’s Department of Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging, belonging is ‘the feeling of security and support when there is a sense of acceptance, inclusion, and identity for a member of a certain group.’ In school communities, belonging occurs when individuals can bring their authentic selves into the learning environment. When…
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How North Godwin Empowered Education: Turning STEM Dreams into Reality
Written by Karen Baum, Instructional Specialist Godwin Heights Public Schools STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) is a fantastic way to engage students in learning about the world around them, develop their problem-solving skills, and provide them with hands-on learning where they can create, collaborate, and think critically. We wanted North Godwin students to have…
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A New Vision for Math: Equity and Inclusion through the Michigan Early Math Essentials
Do you have any memorable experiences from your preK-12 math classes? What specifically stands out to you? How did those experiences make you feel? For me, one standout moment was when I memorized my multiplication tables in third grade to go to McDonald’s with my teacher as a reward. My best friend and I planned…
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Women Rising: A Continuous Celebration of All Types of Bold Women Breaking Barriers
Women’s History Month was established by President Ronald Reagan in 1987 to recognize the important contributions that women have made throughout our rich history. It is a time for us all to reflect on how far we have come as a nation, but also how far we still have to go. As we celebrate these…
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Everything You Need to Celebrate Black History Month Beyond February
“The great force of history comes from the fact that we carry it within us, are unconsciously controlled by it in many ways, and history is literally present in all that we do. It could scarcely be otherwise, since it is to history that we owe our frames of reference, our identities, and our aspirations.”…
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How You Can Use Social Awareness to Celebrate All Students this Month
Wow, it’s that time of year again! The time to reflect on this past year and look to next year. As you reflect on 2022, be proud of the steps you have taken to celebrate all students in your classroom. Whether it’s adding more books to your library that represent your students or learning more…
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Using an Equity Lens to Improve Your Coaching Conversations
Every child, every day. Do these words resonate with you, inspire you, or challenge you? Are you committed to creating more equitable classrooms for students, but need more supports to have conversations that result in change? Elena Aguilar’s book “Coaching for Equity” may be for you! Educational equity, as defined in this book, means that…