News From the Field
Catch top headlines sharing relevant news and stories about Linked Learning practices, schools, and students.
Effective Teachers Are Needed ‘More Than Ever Before,’ New NCTQ President Says
The National Council on Teacher Quality, a research and policy group that advocates for more-rigorous teacher preparation, has named Heather Peske as its new president. Peske spoke with Education Week about her policy priorities in her new role, her thoughts on whether there’s a teacher shortage, and how NCTQ can address its reputational challenges that still exist among some in the teacher preparation field.
The Current State of the Superintendency: 4 Things to Know
Superintendents have had to pivot to endless changes in masking and health policy during COVID-19. They’ve faced disruptive school board meetings, as fractious national politics have come home to roost. They are now in charge of spending a wave of federal cash meant to help students catch up academically. In light of these pressures, Education Week took a look at the state of the superintendent force.
Why Aren’t There More Women Superintendents?
Women—the backbone and brain trust of America’s public schools—are vastly underrepresented in the superintendent’s chair. And as turnover in that crucial role seems to be worsening, especially in large school districts, the churn could be weakening women’s already tenuous hold on the top job.
Field Guide in the Works for ‘Equity-Centered’ Principals
A new field guide in the works could make that clearer for principals and district leaders, with case studies, vignettes, resources, and concrete examples of what “equity-centered” leaders do in different contexts—whether they are working in rural, urban, or suburban districts or in low-poverty or high-poverty schools.
Let’s Dump the Obsession With Standardized Testing
Standardized-test scores should not be the only indicator that defines the effectiveness of a school. Schools should be evaluated by using a holistic approach that encompasses all educators are required to do when it comes to servicing students, writes Denita Harris.
7 Takeaways for Educators From Biden’s State of the Union
President Joe Biden’s first State of the Union address mentioned students and schools alongside pressing national issues like COVID-19 recovery and foreign relations. EdWeek created a cheat sheet of K-12 education mentions in the address.
Don’t Forget the Adults: How Schools and Districts Can Support Educator Mental Health
Student mental health is at the forefront of educators’ minds these days after two years of pandemic-driven stress and disruption—but district leaders forget about the adults in the school building at their own peril, experts say.
School Counselors and Psychologists Remain Scarce Even as Needs Rise
The mental health and well-being of children and teenagers have been driven to a breaking point nationwide by the pandemic and the isolation, disruption, fear, and grief it has brought with it. At the same time, many K-12 schools across the country lack enough school psychologists and counselors to respond to the mounting mental health needs of their students.
Peer Help for Mental Health: ‘We Learn the Red Flags to Watch For’
The pandemic has exacerbated anxiety and depression among young people. Some schools are training students to help spot early signs of mental illness in their peers, and connect them with adult support. Sofia Mendoza is one of those trained students. She’s a senior at Hilliard Davidson High School, in Hilliard, Ohio, and works on the school’s “Hope Squad.”