Author: madelynvictoria

How are you making progress towards this vision? I would love to hear what’s working, what’s not, and what you are trying. Thanks for continuing to share the resources you find with me! VISION: By December 2020, we can confidently say that our diverse learners have equitable access to high quality educational opportunities that inspire…

We are past the midpoint of this semester. Many of you, I know, are preparing for new modes of teaching (some in-person) in this second quarter. Please let me know if there is a specific resource or support you need in doing so – or find a resource that I should share. I appreciate all…

We all know that a teacher’s first year in the classroom can be especially challenging, but can you imagine completing your first year of teaching last spring, when COVID-19 shut schools down? That’s exactly what happened to Jacquie Skokna, a special education teacher at a small local charter school. Because of our donors’ financial support,…

By Mary Matthews, DLC Program Specialist & Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)  In moving to remote learning, we have all seen shifts in our students’ behavior. But, what we have to consider is that the behaviors students may have exhibited in school are not necessarily going to be the same as the behaviors they’re exhibiting…

By Cristina Villarreal Smith, DLC Engagement Specialist As school leaders plan to start the school year remotely, health concerns, technology access, and teacher preparation are all top of mind. One area of planning that can get left behind in the sudden shift to remote learning is how schools will consider and include the unique needs…

A real estate agent’s signature phrase has become my recent rallying cry, “Location! Location! Location!” As we move into a season of remote learning, we can maximize student growth by recognizing the significant shift in setting that is taking place and the resultant shift in needs that we must meet. Virtual classrooms have the potential…

A week ago, Metro Nashville Public Schools made the call that all students will begin school in the virtual classroom – at least until Labor Day. These are not easy decisions. There are so many variables to weigh, the most important of which is the health and safety of our students and all those who…

I am grieved over the recent events, especially the unjust murders of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and countless other Black Americans. These deaths reflect the institutionalized racism that runs deep in our country, our schools being no exception.  Centuries of inequity are made clear when considering how we label and discipline black students. Black…

By Mary Rakes, Director of EL Strategy Let’s get right down to it: Teachers of English Learners are always asking the same question: How do I know I am giving my students the right supports? In two previous posts, (part 1, and part 2,) we talked about how teachers can use class data mapping and individual student interest surveys…

By Mary Rakes, Director of EL Strategy Welcome to the second installment in our series about ways to best support your English Learners. Today, we will continue to discuss the answers to this question: How do I know I am giving my students the right supports? As I have said before, knowing your students is the first…