Class Dismissed SchoolStatus - The Podcast for Teachers

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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Transform Your Science Class

In the ever-evolving education landscape, we must reconsider what we prioritize in our science classrooms. Melanie Trecek-King, an advocate for progressive teaching methods and the founder of thinkingispower.com, offers invaluable insights into reshaping science education for the betterment of students and society.



At the heart of Trecek-King's philosophy is the belief that critical thinking is paramount in science education. Science isn't just about memorizing facts and formulas; it's about cultivating a mindset that questions, explores, and seeks understanding. By prioritizing critical thinking skills, students not only grasp scientific concepts but also learn to analyze information, evaluate evidence, and make informed decisions—a skill set indispensable in navigating the complexities of the modern world.



In episode 258 of Class Dismissed, Trecek-King explains how she emphasizes the importance of fostering curiosity and creativity in science classrooms. After all, science isn't a rigid set of rules but a dynamic process of inquiry and discovery. 



To hear Trecek-King in-depth perspective, listen to Episode 258 of the Class Dismissed Podcast on your favorite podcast app or on Apple Podcasts.

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A Desk Layout Alternative to Rows and Circles



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Over two decades, Elena Aguilar, distinguished as the founder and President of Bright Morning, has ardently devoted herself to education, assuming roles as both a teacher and instructional coach. Throughout this extensive period, she has witnessed a prevalent and pervasive sentiment that resonates deeply within the teaching community—the overwhelming burden accompanying the noble pursuit of shaping young minds.



In an earnest endeavor to address this shared challenge, Aguilar has contributed to an ongoing series with the publication titled "How to Coach the Overwhelmed Teacher." Drawing on her wealth of experience, she extends a helping hand to her fellow educators. She presents a comprehensive framework encapsulated in five invaluable tips for effectively assisting colleagues or employees in navigating overwhelming responsibilities.



1. Describe It

2. Recall Previous Experiences

3. Identify a Next Step

4. Listen

5. Plan for Action



Elena Aguilar's guide transcends the conventional approach to coaching by delving into the emotional and practical intricacies of navigating overwhelming experiences. By intertwining empathy, reflection, and strategic planning, her framework not only equips educators to overcome immediate challenges but also fosters a resilient and empowered mindset for the continuous journey of teaching and learning.



To hear Aguilar go in-depth on her five tips, listen to Episode 257 of the Class Dismissed Podcast on your favorite podcast app or iTunes.

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Should Schools Ban Cellphones?



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