Class Dismissed SchoolStatus - The Podcast for Teachers

Many middle and high school teachers avoid discussing controversial topics in class due to their fear of controversy. They may worry about offending students or parents with different viewpoints. However, productive discussions on complex issues are essential to learning. It requires skill, and teachers may need more confidence in navigating disagreements. However, these discussions can be valuable learning experiences with careful planning and clear guidelines.



In episode 264 of Class Dismissed, we interviewed two experts: Dr. Paula McAvoy, an Associate Professor of Social Studies Education at NC State College of Education, and Dr. Greg McAvoy, a professor and department head of political science. The pair offered three structured approaches to help middle and high school students debate current controversies.



Structured Academic Controversy (SAC) is a method that sets up opposing views within a framework that encourages collaboration. By assigning students to research and advocate for different sides of an issue, SAC fosters an environment where students must actively engage with opposing perspectives, aiming to reach a consensus through mutual understanding.



Close-up deliberations, in contrast, focus on exploring a range of policy options related to a given issue. Students are presented with various viewpoints and policy proposals, and through group discussions, they strive to develop a policy recommendation that accommodates diverse opinions within the group. This approach, with its real-world applicability, encourages students to consider the complexity of issues and grapple with the trade-offs involved in decision-making.



Team Debate is a powerful platform for students to articulate and defend their positions on a contentious issue. By organizing students into opposing teams and requiring each participant to contribute to the debate, this format promotes active participation and fosters critical thinking. The competitive element adds a layer of motivation for students to prepare compelling arguments while also fostering resilience in the face of opposing viewpoints.



Through surveys and interviews, the researchers found that these structured formats effectively addressed common concerns about classroom discussions on controversial topics. The structured nature of the activities, coupled with explicit norms promoting respect and civility, helped mitigate the risk of discussions devolving into heated arguments. Moreover, these formats democratized the discourse by ensuring that all students were actively involved, regardless of their prior interest or political expertise. 



These findings suggest that structured approaches to debating public policy issues can be valuable tools for educators seeking to promote critical thinking, civic engagement, and respectful dialogue among secondary students. Despite the challenges posed by today's polarized political climate, these methods offer a hopeful path forward for fostering informed and constructive civic discourse in classrooms.



Listen to Episode 264 of the Class Dismissed Podcast on your favorite podcast app or Apple Podcast to hear our entire conversation with Paula and Greg McAvoy.



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Embarking on the teaching journey is an exhilarating and rewarding experience, but it can also be daunting, especially during that crucial first year in the classroom. New teachers face many challenges, from lesson planning to classroom management, engaging students, and balancing work-life demands. However, with the right mindset and strategies, surviving and thriving through that inaugural year is entirely within reach.



In Episode 263 of the Class Dismissed Podcast, we talk with Helena Hains—the creator of The Present Teacher website and resources. Hains offers teachers strategies to leave work on time and avoid working extra on the weekends. 



One of the time management hacks she shares with us is "batching." Batching is a time management technique where you group similar tasks and tackle them all at once rather than addressing them individually throughout the day. It's like consolidating your efforts into focused blocks of time.



Listen to Episode 263 of the Class Dismissed Podcast on your favorite podcast app or Apple Podcast to hear our entire conversation with Hains.



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As the upcoming Presidential Election draws near, the importance of media literacy in education has never been more evident. In today's digital age, where information is readily accessible and often overwhelming, teaching students how to critically analyze and navigate media sources is essential for fostering informed citizenship and safeguarding democratic processes.



Media literacy encompasses a range of skills, including the ability to evaluate the credibility of sources, recognize bias, understand different forms of media, and interpret messages accurately. In the election context, these skills are invaluable for helping students sift through the barrage of news, social media posts, and campaign advertisements to distinguish fact from fiction and make informed decisions.

So, how can teachers effectively navigate the upcoming Presidential Election with their students?

First and foremost, it's essential to create a safe and open environment where students feel comfortable discussing political issues. Encourage respectful dialogue and emphasize the importance of listening to diverse perspectives. By fostering critical thinking and respectful debate, teachers can empower students to engage thoughtfully with political content and form their opinions based on evidence and reasoned analysis.



Additionally, integrating media literacy into the curriculum is crucial. Teach students to critically evaluate sources by examining authorship, bias, accuracy, and relevance. Provide them with tools and strategies for fact-checking information and verifying sources. Encourage students to question the motives behind media messages and consider the potential impact of misinformation on public opinion.



Furthermore, leverage current events, such as the presidential election, as teachable moments. Analyze campaign advertisements, speeches, and debates together as a class. Encourage students to deconstruct the language, imagery, and persuasive techniques used by candidates to sway voters. Explore how different media outlets frame and interpret political events, highlighting the importance of seeking out multiple perspectives.



In Episode 262 of Class Dismissed, we speak with Andrea De La Cerda, the Founder and CEO of Kandula. Kandula is a strategic communications company that helps nonprofits, entrepreneurs, and educational institutions. To hear our entire conversation with De La Cerda, listen to Episode 262 of the Class Dismissed Podcast on your favorite podcast app or Apple Podcast.



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​Why School Absences Have ‘Exploded’ Almost Everywhere

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In the fast-paced world we inhabit today, intelligence is no longer confined to the realm of IQ scores and academic prowess. An equally important aspect of personal development is emotional intelligence (EI). This term, now ubiquitous in discussions about personal growth and success, was traced back to a seminal 1990 article by Salovey and Mayer, which argued that emotions could be harnessed to enrich one's life. However, Daniel Goleman truly popularized the concept in his groundbreaking book, "Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ," published in 1995.



Contrary to traditional beliefs that emotions reside solely in the unconscious mind, Goleman emphasized that emotions are manageable and play a pivotal role in human behavior and decision-making. This paradigm shift led to a widespread recognition of the significance of emotional intelligence, prompting parents to prioritize fostering it in their children. Consequently, the realm of education witnessed the emergence of social and emotional learning (SEL) programs, underscoring the importance of teaching emotional intelligence in classrooms.



Emotional intelligence encompasses a range of skills, including recognizing, understanding, labeling, expressing, and regulating emotions. 



In Episode 261 of Class Dismissed, we discuss the origins of Emotional Intelligence and highlight an article by Marc Brackett, from Yale University's Center for Emotional Intelligence. Brackett advocates for educators to become adept at these skills themselves, serving as role models for young learners. 



Brackett and his colleagues developed the RULER acronym to unpack emotional intelligence: Recognizing emotions, Understanding their causes and consequences, Labeling emotions, Expressing emotions appropriately, and Regulating emotions effectively.



Listen to episode 261 of the Class Dismissed Podcast on your favorite podcast app or Apple Podcast to learn more about EI and Brackett's RULER acronym.

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Giving Educators Permission to Feel



How We Feel



 



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In an intriguing twist of technological irony, the Peninsula School District in Washington State has embarked on a pioneering journey by utilizing Generative AI (Gen AI) to develop comprehensive guidelines for integrating artificial intelligence (AI) in educational settings. This innovative approach underscores the district's commitment to harnessing cutting-edge technologies to shape the future of teaching and learning.



In an interview with Education Week, Kris Hagel, the executive director for digital learning for the Peninsula district, said he highlighted the US Department of Education's 75-page documents with everything he thought was necessary. He then took all of those highlights and another couple of documents that were out at the time around generative AI in education, and he dumped them all into ChatGPT and said, "Give me a rough draft of a principles and beliefs document."



After that, he took four pieces of his writing and had ChatGPT analyze them and rewrite them in his voice and tone.



That became the first draft. 



By leveraging sophisticated AI tools, the district has meticulously crafted policies that aim to ensure ethical AI usage within classrooms. Despite the apparent paradox of using AI to govern AI, the Peninsula School District's embrace of Gen AI represents a forward-thinking stance in navigating the complex intersection of technology and education.



The Peninsula School District encourages other educators to read and use their guidelines as needed. 



The Peninsula School District's utilization of Gen AI in formulating its guidelines represents a paradigm shift in educational policy-making, signaling a departure from traditional methodologies toward a more tech-savvy and forward-looking approach. As the district navigates the ever-evolving landscape of AI-integrated education, it sets a precedent for other educational institutions to embrace innovation while remaining steadfast in their commitment to ethical practice and student well-being.



To learn more, listen to episode 260 of the Class Dismissed Podcast on your favorite podcast app or Apple Podcasts.



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On April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse is anticipated to be visible from parts of North America, including Mexico, the United States, and Canada. The path of totality, where the Sun is completely obscured by the Moon, will pass through several states, including Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, New York, Vermont, and Maine.



Few occurrences in the vast canvas of celestial phenomena captivate human imagination as profoundly as a total solar eclipse. It's not merely a play of shadows across the sky; it's a cosmic ballet that unites millions under a single celestial spectacle. As we anticipate the upcoming total solar eclipse in 2024, it's essential to recognize why this event transcends mere astronomy—it's an experience that enriches our souls and deepens our connection to the universe.







Firstly, witnessing a total solar eclipse is a humbling reminder of our place in the cosmos. In an age where technology often disconnects us from nature, the eclipse beckons us to look up and behold the grandeur of the universe. The moment when the moon entirely obscures the sun, plunging the world into an eerie twilight, evokes a primal sense of wonder that transcends language and culture.



Secondly, total solar eclipses offer a unique scientific discovery and education opportunity. These events provide researchers with invaluable opportunities to study the sun's corona, revealing insights into solar physics and contributing to our understanding of the universe. Witnessing a total solar eclipse firsthand for students and enthusiasts alike can ignite a lifelong passion for science and exploration.



In Episode 259 of the Class Dismissed podcast, we chat with astronomer and eclipse chaser, Dr. Glenn Schneider. Schneider has viewed more than 30 total solar eclipses.



"There really is no such thing as an almost eclipse," says Schneider. "A partial solar eclipse, even if it's 99.9% covered, is a completely different phenomenon from what you would see if you're in that zone of totality."

Schneider urges those who have an opportunity to see the eclipse in totality to take it.

"So if you're living 5 miles away and you say, well, I'll see a 99.9% eclipse, it's almost the same thing. It isn't!"



To learn more about total solar eclipses and hear how Schneider believes they can trigger student interest in science, listen to episode 259 of the Class Dismissed Podcast on your favorite podcast app or on Apple Podcasts.



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