Class Dismissed SchoolStatus - The Podcast for Teachers

Climate change is one of the most urgent challenges of our era, demanding that educators take an active role in educating students about this global issue. Yet, delving into such a multifaceted and occasionally contentious topic can appear daunting. 



In a recent episode of Class Dismissed (Episode 251), we had the privilege of speaking with Mark Windschitl, a distinguished Professor of Science Teaching and Learning at the University of Washington, who also boasts a background as a former middle school science teacher.



Windschitl, who has recently published a compelling book titled "Teaching Climate Change: Fostering Understanding, Resilience, and a Commitment to Justice," shared invaluable insights during our conversation. In particular, he discussed his strategies for addressing parental skepticism about climate change.



To effectively navigate potential concerns from parents while teaching about climate change, educators can employ several proven strategies:



1. Open and Transparent Communication: At the outset of the school year, initiate a transparent dialogue with parents. Clearly outline your curriculum and educational goals, explicitly mentioning your intention to teach about climate change. Provide parents with an informative overview of the topics you plan to cover.



2. Align with Educational Standards: Emphasize that your approach to teaching climate change adheres to established educational standards and guidelines. Demonstrating this alignment can help parents understand the pedagogical value of the subject matter.



3. Emphasize Reliable Sources: Share with parents the trusted sources and materials you will utilize for teaching climate change. Stress the importance of relying on reputable scientific sources and evidence-based information in the curriculum. Reassure parents that your commitment lies in presenting an accurate and balanced view of the subject.



4. Proactive Engagement: Anticipate potential concerns or objections by considering the possibility of holding parent-teacher meetings or informative sessions dedicated to discussing the content and approach of your climate change curriculum.



Furthermore, Windschitl provided a refreshing perspective on the methods we should employ when teaching students about climate change and how we can seamlessly integrate this critical subject into various academic disciplines. His expertise underscores the importance of informed and comprehensive climate change education in our schools today.



To delve deeper into Windschitl’s insights and discover strategies for implementing similar approaches in your school, tune in to Episode 251 of the Class Dismissed Podcast, available on your preferred podcast platform or the Apple Podcasts App.



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Jennifer Serravallo, a renowned best-selling author in the education world, has left a profound mark with her previous works, "The Writing Strategies Book" and "The Reading Strategies Book," which have provided invaluable guidance to countless educators seeking compelling reading and writing strategies. In Episode 250 of Class Dismissed, Serravallo discusses another of her great works, "Understanding Texts & Readers," aimed at helping teachers unravel the mysteries of reading comprehension.



In this book, Serravallo equips educators with the tools to assess a student's grasp of a book, even if the educator is unfamiliar with the specific text the student is immersed in.

The Question of "Getting It"

Serravallo's mission is to demystify the often perplexing concept of comprehension. The world of comprehension is vast, with various theories, such as the Rosenblatt Reader Response Theory and Proficient Reader Research, perplexing some educators.



She poses the critical questions educators grapple with: What am I looking for? What does comprehension indeed entail? What are the telltale signs that a child has truly grasped the essence of a text?



With an engaging blend of stories, illuminating charts, and practical examples, "Understanding Texts & Readers" swiftly guides educators in assessing whether their students are truly "getting it."



Within the pages of this book, Serravallo introduces remarkable qualities of the response mechanism. This mechanism empowers teachers to examine students' responses and discern if the student requires additional support.



For instance, if a "level R" text is known to contain a flashback, teachers can employ this insight when assessing comprehension. Serravallo explains, "If a child reading a 'level R' text is asked to retell the story but narrates events solely in sequence, it may indicate they are missing crucial elements within the text."



Ultimately, the goal is to infuse joy into reading and cultivate lifelong readers.



Serravallo eloquently sums it up: "If comprehension is lacking, then where is the delight in reading? I believe that a significant portion of disengagement with reading stems from a lack of understanding."



To delve deeper into Serravallo's insights and discover strategies for implementing similar approaches in your school, tune in to Episode 250 of the Class Dismissed Podcast, available on your preferred podcast platform or the Apple Podcasts App.



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Teaching is a noble profession that shapes future generations but is challenging. One of the most pressing issues faced by educators is burnout. The demands of managing classrooms, catering to diverse learning needs, and juggling administrative tasks can take a toll on teachers' mental and emotional well-being. To ensure the flame of passion keeps burning brightly, educators can adopt several strategies to prevent burnout in the classroom.



Firstly, maintaining a healthy work-life balance is paramount. Setting clear boundaries between work and personal time allows teachers to recharge and engage in activities that bring joy and relaxation. Regular exercise, hobbies, and spending time with loved ones contribute to a well-rounded life.



Secondly, fostering a supportive community among colleagues can create a sense of camaraderie. Sharing experiences, brainstorming solutions, and offering mutual encouragement can help teachers feel less isolated and more connected, reducing the impact of burnout.



Thirdly, incorporating variety into teaching methods can reignite enthusiasm. Trying new techniques, technologies, and teaching approaches keeps the classroom environment fresh and engaging, benefitting teachers and students.



Lastly, regular self-care practices cannot be underestimated. Engaging in mindfulness exercises, meditation, or even seeking professional counseling can equip teachers with coping mechanisms to manage stress and prevent burnout.



In Episode 249 of Class Dismissed, we chat with Jay Schroder. Schroder is the founder of the Teach From Your Best Self Institute. He's also authored a guidebook, "Teach From Your Best Self."



Schroder spent more than two decades experimenting and refining his techniques to manage burnout, and in this episode, he offers us a sneak peek into his methods. 



Listen to Class Dismissed Podcast on your favorite podcast app or iTunes to hear our complete discussion with Schroder.



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It's essential to recognize that while Generative Artificial Intelligence offers valuable tools, the role of a teacher as a facilitator, mentor, and guide remains crucial. The key is to balance leveraging AI's capabilities and maintaining the core principles of effective teaching, including fostering critical thinking, creativity, and a love of learning.



In Episode 248 of Class Dismissed, we speak with Dr. Tim Dasey. He has a new book titled "Wisdom Factories: AI, Games, and the Education of a Modern Worker." Dasey has been part of the AI world since the 80s when machine learning was born. At MIT Lincoln Laboratory, he engineered and led AI developments for national defense, homeland security, transportation and logistics, biomedical, public health, and disaster management applications.



"We're going to need the ability to understand if AI is spuing B.S. at us," says Dasey. 



In this episode, you'll hear Dasey discuss the future capabilities of AI, and the necessary strategies needed to transform how we educate our students. Dasey also analyzes why this AI wave differs from previous technological advancements in the classroom and why it's so important for educators to adapt.



To hear our complete discussion with Dasey, listen to Class Dismissed Podcast on your favorite podcast app or iTunes.



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A home visit from a teacher before the start of the school year can be incredibly beneficial for both the students and the teacher. Here are some ways in which it can help:



* Building rapport: A home visit allows the teacher to establish a personal connection with the student and their family in a comfortable and familiar environment. This rapport can build a positive teacher-student relationship throughout the school year.

* Understanding the student's experience: Visiting their home provides insight into their living conditions, family dynamics, and cultural background. This understanding can help the teacher tailor their approach to teaching and create a more inclusive and supportive classroom environment.

* Identifying individual needs: During the home visit, the teacher can observe the student's learning space, study habits, and any specific challenges they may face. This information can help the teacher identify individual learning needs and develop strategies to support the student's academic progress.

* Addressing concerns early: If there are any concerns about the student's academic or emotional well-being, a home visit provides an opportunity to address them proactively. Early intervention can prevent potential issues from escalating and ensure the student starts the school year on the right foot.

* Discussing academic goals and expectations: The teacher can use the home visit to discuss educational goals and set expectations with the student and their family. This clarity can motivate students to perform well and instill a sense of responsibility for their education.

* Encouraging parental involvement: Home visits can encourage parents or guardians to participate in their child's education actively. It opens up lines of communication between the teacher and the family, fostering a supportive and collaborative learning environment.

* Reducing anxiety and easing transitions: For younger students or those entering a new school, a home visit can ease the anxiety associated with unfamiliar settings and new people. Meeting the teacher in a familiar environment can help them feel more at ease when school starts.

* Personalizing learning experiences: Knowing more about the student's interests and hobbies through a home visit allows the teacher to incorporate relevant and engaging learning materials into their lessons, making the educational experience more enjoyable and effective.

* Supporting students with special needs: For students with special needs or learning disabilities, a home visit can be especially beneficial. It allows the teacher to understand the student's specific challenges and create an individualized education plan tailored to their requirements.



Our guest in Episode 247 is Valerie Lovato. She teaches elementary school at Eagleton Elementary in Denver, Colorado.  In her school district, it’s encouraged to conduct home visits with upcoming students’ families right around the start of the school year.



Lavato knows it’s one of those things that a teacher can procrastinate on, but she says, “Once you start, you don’t want to stop.”



She’s been doing home visits for several years but admits it’s complicated. It’s one thing for educators to talk about doing home visits; it’s another to accomplish the ambitious task. Lavato says that the most challenging part is just getting started each year.



“That very first phone call, and telling families, I want to come to your house and visit you at your home, in your space. Making that first phone call, I always get butterflies, even now,” says Lavato.



Overall, a home visit from a teacher before the start of the school year helps foster a strong teacher-student relationship, encourages parental involvement, and enables a more personalized and supportive learning experience for the students.

In an ideal world, every student would have an equal chance to succeed and thrive in the education system. However, the concepts of equality and equity reveal that achieving this goal requires more than just providing the same resources to all students. Episode 246 of Class Dismissed will explore the differences between school equality and equity and the importance of promoting equity to ensure fairness and inclusion in education.

Equality

Equality in education refers to treating all students equally, irrespective of their backgrounds, abilities, or circumstances. It emphasizes providing all students equal opportunities, resources, and access to education. While this approach may seem fair, it fails to acknowledge that not all students have the exact needs or face similar barriers to learning.

Equity

Equity in Education: Equity, on the other hand, recognizes and addresses the diverse needs of students, aiming to level the playing field and provide everyone with the support necessary to succeed. It involves distributing resources and opportunities based on individual requirements, ensuring that students receive what they need to achieve their full potential. In an equitable education system, students from disadvantaged backgrounds are given extra support to overcome systemic barriers and bridge opportunity gaps.



Our expert guest on this Episode is Jeff Duncan-Andrade, PH.D. Andrade is a teacher and professor of Latina/o Studies and Race and Resistance Studies at San Francisco State University. He’s also the author of Equality or Equity: Toward a Model of Community-Responsive Education.



Listen to Episode 246 of Class Dismissed on your favorite podcasting app or iTunes to hear our in-depth conversation with Andrade.



All Rights Reserved. Class Dismissed Podcast 2017-2023