Abstract

Abstract
  • 4.6 (5)
  • EDUCATION
Abstract

Abstract is the podcast of the Metropolitan Educational Research Consortium at Virginia Commonwealth University. We explore issues in public, PK12 education.

  1. How prepared are PK-12 faculty and staff to support student mental health?

    3 DAYS AGO

    How prepared are PK-12 faculty and staff to support student mental health?

    In this episode we spoke with Kade Goldin (VCU School of Social Work), Maggie Wallace (Washington University in St. Louis), and Shenita Williams (Henrico County Public Schools) about a recent MERC report and dashboard focused on how prepared faculty and staff are to support student mental health in PK-12 schools. Hosted by David Naff (MERC Director). The report and dashboard are linked below the episode description. Report: https://merc.soe.vcu.edu/reports/reports/pk-12-faculty-and-staff-capacity-to-support-student-mental-health.html Dashboard: https://lookerstudio.google.com/reporting/bebeaa85-30f3-442d-a431-9456d31bbae1

    50 min
  2. How do enrollment practices promote access to advanced coursework?

    FEB 6

    How do enrollment practices promote access to advanced coursework?

    In this episode we spoke with Jenna Conlee (Henrico County Public Schools), Andrea Herndon (Hanover County Public Schools), Amy Jefferson (Virginia Commonwealth University), and Tomika Ferguson (Virginia Commonwealth University) about a recent MERC report sharing findings from a multiple case study focused on how enrollment practices promote or inhibit access to advanced coursework. We talked about recommendations for policy and practice based on the findings. The report is linked below the episode description. Hosted by David Naff (MERC Director). https://merc.soe.vcu.edu/reports/reports/exploring-perceptions-of-advanced-coursework-enrollment-practices-a-multiple-case-study.html

    1h 7m
  3. What are trends, challenges, and evidence-based strategies for school dropout prevention?

    10/03/2024

    What are trends, challenges, and evidence-based strategies for school dropout prevention?

    In this episode of Abstract we spoke with Audra Lancaster (Chesterfield County Public Schools), Thea Racelis (Virginia Commonwealth University), and Meleah Ellison (VCU Institute for Collaborative Research and Evaluation) about trends, challenges, and evidence-based strategies related to school dropout prevention. The conversation is based on a MERC research and policy brief on the topic linked below. Hosted by David Naff (MERC Director). Research brief: https://merc.soe.vcu.edu/reports/reports/trends-challenges-and-evidence-based-strategies-for-school-dropout-prevention-in-virginia.html

    48 min
  4. Understanding the Virginia Literacy Act

    08/24/2024

    Understanding the Virginia Literacy Act

    In this episode of Abstract, we discussed the Virginia Literacy Act with Taylor Snow from Henrico County Public Schools, Jennifer McSweeny from the Virginia Literacy Partnerships at the University of Virginia, and Valerie Robnolt, Kim Bridges, and Mike Crusco from the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Education. We discussed a recent MERC research and policy brief providing an overview of relevant trends, literature, and policies pertaining to the Virginia Literacy Act and discussed the implications at the state and local level. The brief is available for free public download through MERC here: https://merc.soe.vcu.edu/reports/reports/understanding-the-virginia-literacy-act.html

    52 min
  5. What is the role of out-of-school time providers in urban school systems in a post-COVID context?

    08/12/2024

    What is the role of out-of-school time providers in urban school systems in a post-COVID context?

    In this episode of Abstract we spoke with Sean Miller (Chief Executive Officer) and Jeanine Turner (Chief Impact Officer) from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Richmond, along with Sidney Gunter (Director of Academic Programs and Supports) from Richmond Public Schools and Alicia Taylor (community nonprofit leader and VCU EdD student) about the role of out-of-school time providers in urban school systems in a post-COVID context. During the conversation, we summarize a recent research and policy brief from MERC on this topic and talk about the future of out-of-school time programming. The brief is available for open access download here: https://merc.soe.vcu.edu/reports/reports/understanding-the-role-of-out-of-school-time-ost-providers-in-urban-school-systems-in-a-post-covid-context.html

    44 min
  6. Understanding Work-Based Learning in Virginia

    11/30/2023

    Understanding Work-Based Learning in Virginia

    In this episode we spoke with Alisha Bazemore (Assistant Director of Innovative Work-Based Learning Initiatives for V-TOP), Ashley Crute (Associate for Innovative Work-Based Learning Initiatives for V-TOP), and Amy Corning (Senior Research Associate, VCU Institute for Collaborative Research and Evaluation) about a recent report from the ICRE and MERC about work-based learning (WBL) in institutions of higher education and PK-12 school systems. Throughout the conversation we discussed how the findings resonate with work-based learning in Virginia, specifically through the work of the Virginia Talent Opportunity Partnership (V-TOP). The report was produced in partnership with the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) Access the report here: https://merc.soe.vcu.edu/reports/published-reports/work-based-learning/

    1h 6m
  7. Addressing School Bullying Since the Onset of COVID-19

    10/03/2023

    Addressing School Bullying Since the Onset of COVID-19

    In this episode, we spoke with Christina Alga (High School Counselor in Hanover County Public Schools), Alicia Gaston (Founder of Maximizing Character), and Kim Dupre (Virginia Tiered Systems of Supports Coach) about research-based strategies for addressing school bullying since the onset of COVID-19. Throughout the discussion we reflected on findings from a MERC research and policy brief focused on school bullying prevention: https://merc.soe.vcu.edu/reports/reports/addressing-school-bullying-since-the-onset-of-covid-19.html

    44 min
  8. What does the data show about advanced coursework participation across K-12 education?

    02/06/2023

    What does the data show about advanced coursework participation across K-12 education?

    Who gets identified as gifted in elementary school? Who takes Algebra I in middle school? Who takes Advanced Placement classes in high school? In this episode we spoke with Andrea Herndon (Hanover County Public Schools), Beverly Fludd-Flanagan (Petersburg City Public Schools), and Chris Parthemos (Virginia Commonwealth University) about two new dashboards from MERC that depict advanced coursework participation across K-12 in the MERC region and Virginia. Listen to learn more about how these dashboards inform the work of local educators and click below to access the dashboards. https://merc.soe.vcu.edu/projects/equitable-access-and-support-for-advanced-coursework/#Dashboards

    38 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.6
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

Abstract is the podcast of the Metropolitan Educational Research Consortium at Virginia Commonwealth University. We explore issues in public, PK12 education.

Information

  • Creator
    Abstract
  • Years Active
    2016 - 2025
  • Episodes
    96
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved
  • Show Website
    Abstract

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