EDEN Newsflash – November 2021

An item from our European colleagues.

November 2021

2021 ICDE Prize of Excellence Award The EDEN Executive Committee is delighted and proud to announce that the Jury for the ICDE Prizes of Excellence 2021 has decided to award EDEN for The Institutional Prize. The prize was officially announced by ICDE during the Closing Session of the ICDE Virtual Global Conference Week October 2021. EDEN thanks to all its members and partners for their support and co-operation in this great achievement! Co-organised by Ellinogermaniki Agogi, the Institute of Educational Policy, the European Distance and E-Learning Network and the EDEN Digital Learning Europe in the framework of the Reflecting for Change project, the aim of the Open Classroom Conference 2021 “Real change takes place in deep crisis” was to explore the idea of “Open School” as an engaging environment that effectively introduces novel methodologies, tools and content by re-designing learning to accommodate and include difference and by bringing together families, community groups, local businesses, experts, universities, into an innovation ecosystem. Read more about the event here. Upcoming NAP webinar 1 December Assessment of Transversal Skills in STEM is an innovative policy experimentation project  being conducted across 8 EU countries and involving a partner network of 12 educational institutions. It aims to enhance digital assessment of students’ transversal skills in STEM. Drawing on key ideas and theories of STEM educational policy, formative assessment, use of digital learning tools, and integrated STEM education the project developed an overarching conceptual framework that underpinned a training and development programme for teachers. More information here… Register The 11th edition of the Lifelong Learning Week is open for registrations! Building on LLLP’s Annual Theme “The changing nature of evaluation in education and its impact on learners’ wellbeing“, the LLLWeek will take place in a hybrid form on the week of 29 November, in Brussels. While the European Parliament is yet to open its doors for events and seminars, LLLP members will bring their concerns directly to European institutions through 12 different online workshops! More details here… An inspiring week of reflections for the EDEN community EDEN thanks all the participants, moderators, panelists, organisers and partner associations who supported us in hosting once again an insightful European Online and Distance Learning Week. We welcomed a total of 700 online attendees at 8 webinars, with 36 moderators and speakers. This year we renewed our partnership with USDLA, ODLAA and FLANZ. We had a special contribution from ICDE and Blackboard. Read more… Sandra Kucina Softic presenting on OEB Global Conference 2021 Sandra Kucina Softic, President of EDEN, is one of the speakers at OEB International Conference on 2 December, 12:00-13:00 with the title Learning Professionals’ Communities of Practice. OEB Global is the annual global cross-sector conference and exhibition on technology-supported learning and training. The 27th edition of the event, which is widely recognised as an unrivalled forum for the people and organisations shaping the future of how we teach and learn through technology, is now available online here. EDEN members will benefit from 100 EUR discount to the conference participation fee. Make sure to contact EDEN Secretariat for information on how to register for the special rate of 795 EUR (excl VAT). Read more information and register here. Link to OEB actual newsletter. Membership Changes in the EDEN Europe Management Board The EDEN Europe 2021 Annual General Meeting has been held on 12 October 2021. We are delighted to announce that at the Annual General Meeting the following Board Members were elected: Denise Whitelock, The Open University, United Kingdom Helga Dorner, Eötvös Lóránd University, Hungary Mark Brown, Dublin City University, Ireland Alfredo Soeiro, EUCEN, Portugal The new Management Board elected Josep M. Duart (Universitat Oberta de Catalunya, Spain) as President of the Association at it’s first meeting. Visit the webpage of EDEN Europe to review the recent changes. Community Updates Evolving as a Digital Scholar an open access book by Wim Van Petegem, and co-authors from Stellenbosch University (South Africa) JP Bosman, Miné De Klerk, and Sonja Strydom We are delighted to share that EDEN Senior Fellow, EURODL Editor-in-Chief, Wim Van Petegem (KU Leuven, Belgium) and co-authors published an open access book on the topic “What does it take to become a digitally agile scholar?” Read  more… Learning from the Past, Looking to the Future EXCELLENCE AND EQUITY FOR ALL by Andreas Schleicher The International Summit on the Teaching Profession (ISTP) 2021 brings ministers and union leaders together to explore how governments, teacher organisations and schools can work together. This report, Learning from the Past, Looking to the Future: Excellence and Equity for all, provides data and analysis from the OECD as background for ministers and union leaders to address these questions. Read the full report here… 3 predictions for the future of responsible technology Over the past two years, the World Economic Forum – working in close collaboration with a diverse group of experts – has been working on advancing the field of ethics in technology. This project, titled Responsible Use of Technology, began when more than 40 leaders from government, civil society, and business, some with competing agendas, met in The Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution in San Francisco. This group agreed on the important goal of providing tools and techniques that leaders can use to operationalize ethics during the lifecycle of technology.. Read more about the project here… MOOCs Are Back As the pandemic began to impact people in every corner of the world in 2020, many looked at their time in lockdown as an opportunity to engage in learning. Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs), particularly from the six major MOOC providers — edX, Coursera, Udacity, Udemy, Swayam and FutureLearn — experienced major growth in registrations, especially for programs leading to credentials. Read more here… European Commission Corner Monthly update from Commissioner Marya Gabriel On 14 October, following the announcement made by President von der Leyen in her 2021 State of the Union address, we, the Commission, adopted the decision to make 2022 the European Year of Youth. Europe needs the vision, engagement and participation of all young people to build a better future, and Europe needs to give young people opportunities for the future, a future that is greener, more digital and more inclusive. Read the full update here… World Teachers Day: Commission launches tool to support primary and secondary teachers in using digital technologies To mark World Teachers Day, the Commission is launching a new online tool for teachers to reflect on how they use digital technologies in their teaching activities. Based on a series of questions, the tool, ‘SELFIEforTEACHERS‘ can help them assess their digital competences and identify where they need further training and support. Learn more here… The Power of Entrepreneurial Education The EIT works with hundreds of educators and administrators in higher education institutes across Europe, training the next generation of entrepreneurs and upskilling lifelong learners.  Read more here… The Future of Learning – EIT Education Conference 2021 Technology is affecting every part of our society – from the way we communicate and collaborate, to the work we do, the skills we need, and the way we learn those skills. Listen and access the presentations held at EIT Education Conference on 05 November. Readings  EUA – Innovation ecosystems for a sustainable Europe In this position paper, EUA considers how the contribution of universities can be enhanced in light of the need for European innovation ecosystems. Read more… 25 Years of Ed Tech by Martin Weller In this lively and approachable volume based on his popular blog series, Martin Weller demonstrates a rich history of innovation and effective implementation of ed tech across higher education. Read more… EDEN 30th Anniversary  Three decades of serving modernisation in education

Like us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter Visit our website EDEN is supported by the ERASMUS+ Programme of the European Union. The publication reflects the authors’ view, the EACEA and the European Commission are not responsible for any use that may be made of the information it contains. The European Distance and E-Learning Network is co-operating with EDEN Digital Learning Europe MTÜ (Estonia), in order to sustain the legacy of the EDEN Association brand after the United Kingdom having left the EU, to ensure continuity of services and activities for the benefit of the European academic and professional community in open, distance and online learning. EDEN 2021 You are receiving this Newsflash as member of the EDEN Network of Academics and Professionals. To read about the benefits and services of the EDEN Membership, visit this link. EDEN Members are kindly encouraged to send relevant brief news for the next issue of the Newsflash. The archive of previous Newsflash issues can be found at the EDEN NAP Members’ Area, further you have free electronic access to the latest EDEN conference proceedings. Contact: Tel: +36 1 4631628 E-mail: secretariat@eden-online.org http://www.eden-online.org

CANeLearn November 2021 Newsletter

And a newsletter from our Canadian colleagues.

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Photo credit: Ellen Kinsel

Welcome to the November CANeLearn News.

This month those of us based in BC saw the best and worst of humanity on display again, this time cast against nature’s turbulent tapestry that is now battering the East coast.  It causes one to ponder how to expect the unexpected – pandemic, wildfire, flood, road closure, power outage, gas shortage, post-pandemic hoarding… are we ever really prepared?

Yet beauty remains.  Without experiencing the worst we can never truly appreciate the best as depicted in another elegant picture from Ellen.  Thank you for the visual reflection.  This month brings reminders and curations worth exploring (scroll down!).

Reminders

• Help us define quality for online learning – take the 10+ minutes to complete the design principles questions here (scroll down for more details) – We need your voice and help this week to build pan-Canadian quality online principles
• Together we are stronger – consider leading or facilitating discussion at our April 6-8 symposium by adding your own proposal here – Register later for half off of the regular onsite registration – Join skill-building workshops, strategic planning and sharing discussions, and networking in a relaxed, social atmosphere – Info Here

Watch for announcements in January regarding the online program of our hybrid April 6-8 event – Proposals welcome for the online program!

In closing

We formed our network to share and learn and CANeLearn is holding steady on that track.  If you have comments or suggestions about our direction, please email me at rlabonte@CANeLearn.net.  I am proud to serve you and our network colleagues.

Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter #CANeLearn, Facebook, or YouTube.

Please forward this on to others in your own networks using the tools at the bottom.

Read, watch, listen

Blended Learning: The Ultimate Resource Guide for 2021 – SMART Technologies

There are likely as many definitions of blended learning as there are education practitioners. Although there’s nothing terribly new about using technology in the classroom or pedagogical practices that promote competency-based progress, the term blended learning has gained new prominence, and it’s time for an agreed-upon definition. This guide exists to help discuss, develop, and improve K-12 education to prepare today’s students for tomorrow’s world.

Read the full article here

How Much Do You Know About PD on Tech?

Once you complete the quiz, you can see how your score compares to your peers, get the correct answers with detailed explanations, and be provided with additional readings and resources on the topic.

Take the quiz here

#OTESSA22 Call for Proposals DUE DEC 15

The Open/Technology, Education, Scholarship and Society Association (OTESSA) is excited to announce the call for proposals for the upcoming #OTESSA22 online conference. OTESSA 2022 will take place between May 16-19, 2022. With a theme of Critical Change, the conference encourages researchers and practitioners to share their scholarship on the complexities that technology and open educational practice raise for education, society, and scholarship, as well as to come together to build connections, collaborations, and critical conversations.

Get more information here

12 guiding principles for teaching with technology – still relevant?

In Tony Bates’ 1995 book, he suggested 12 golden rules for using technology in education and training. It should be remembered that when he first drafted these ‘rules’, three years before the book was published, the World Wide Web was not in general use in education, and there were almost no fully online courses. How many of these principles still apply today?

Read the full article here

Global Oxford University Press report reveals the most significant barrier to online learning

Oxford University Press published a new report which explored the digital divide in education following the shift to online learning during the Covid-19 pandemic. Sixty-eight percent of the teachers surveyed in this report felt that poor digital access (physical access to the internet or a device) was the most significant barrier to online learning. Another finding was that 61 percent of the teachers felt that their greatest challenge during the pandemic was engaging students in online sessions.

Read the full article here and access the report here

Kids who learned remotely felt they ‘mattered less’ than peers studying in-person, study suggests

A study of Canadian students suggests that children who learned remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic reported they felt they ‘mattered less’ than their peers who studied in person. Researchers examined students’ perceptions of mattering during the pandemic in relation to in-person versus online learning.

Read the full article here

Pandemic’s online-learning evolution spells the end of snow days

When COVID-19 shuttered classrooms, it forced the adoption of technology that allowed students to learn from home – and its successful use means the Thames Valley District school board is now doing away with the unscheduled days off that were a rite of winter for generations across the region. The change won’t be popular with students — and it’s getting a frosty reception from teachers, too.

Read the full article here

Photo by @scottgraham on Unsplash

The Future of Blended Learning: What Educators Need to Know

The pandemic and the increasing use of technology in K-12 education it prompted has added renewed energy to the blended learning movement as most students are now learning in school buildings. About two-thirds of educators are expecting their use of the approach to increase during the 2021-22 school year, according to a July survey by the EdWeek Research Center. Nearly 30 percent said they were betting it would “increase a lot.” Just 14 percent expected it to decline.

Read the full article here

Hybrid and Blended Learning: Poor Planning and Rising Opportunities in Uncertain Times

The 2021-22 school year is already turning into a bumpy ride for many schools as misplaced early-summer optimism and the sometimes-rigid priorities limited the ability of educators to put in place flexible plans for teaching and learning and the use of educational technology. Yet some schools and districts did take a more forward-thinking and flexible approach for this school year. This report examines the role of digital learning to help schools face the rising challenges of this school year and experiment with new instructional approaches.

Read the full article here

Oregon Middle School Returns to Online Learning After Fights

A middle school in Oregon will return to online learning this week, but not because of COVID-19. Reynolds Middle School says it will cancel in-person learning for three weeks to develop safety protocols to address student fights and other inappropriate behaviour. The school returned to in-person learning this fall but that return has been interrupted by COVID-19 cases among students and staff and the resulting quarantines. Students are “struggling with socialization skills” after such turmoil and need more social and emotional support.

Read the full article here

Many teens still struggling with condensed school schedules, but relief is coming — for some

To keep students in cohorts and minimize contacts, pandemic-altered schedules have them learn fewer subjects at one time, but spend much longer in each class daily. Yet students must also progress quickly through those subjects before moving onto different courses since they’re expected to take the same total number of courses across the school year overall. These condensed schedules are taking a toll, say both students and school staff. Though some regions are planning to resume more normal timetables based on local public health advice, others are sticking with the modified ones for the rest of the school year.

Read the full article here

Québec tried to keep schools open during the pandemic. Here’s what high school students experienced

Ever since schools closed in March 2020, COVID-19 brought a new reality into our lives. For adolescents, daily routines were transformed as schools closed, and students faced drastic changes in the way they learned. Research has shown that at least three aspects of teenagers’ lives are important for the development of their identity: feeling assured they have parental support, feeling competent, and being able to adopt a self-reflective attitude regarding the future. These aspects are developed through positive, secure, and stable relationships at school or at home, which in turn are an important asset for resiliency. The study examined adolescents’ perceptions of their adjustment, routines, state of mind, and relationships with friends, teachers, and families.

Read the full article here

Photo by @felipepelaquim on Unsplash

Taking the pulse of online learning in Canada

CANeLearn continues to build on its past research of online and blended learning and is embarking on building a base for quality in online pedagogy (see more about the design principles study here).

What we have published:

• e-Learning research overview: https://canelearn.net/2019/10/02/e-learning-research-overview-ontario/
• What e-learning (online learning) really looks like: https://canelearn.net/2019/04/18/what-does-online-learning-really-look-like/
• Backgrounder for the ON mandatory e-learning announcement: https://canelearn.net/2019/04/28/onelearning-backgrounder/
• Journal publication re the ON announcement: http://www.ijede.ca/index.php/jde/article/view/1137/1738
• Definitions for the multiple terms used can be found here: https://k12sotn.ca/papers/defining-e-learning-in-canada/
• And you can find individual jurisdiction data on the State of the Nation website here https://k12sotn.ca/data/

For a more recent description of pandemic pedagogy, check out our research site here: https://sites.google.com/view/canelearn-ert/

Photo by @eugenechystiakov on Unsplash

Upcoming Studies & CANeLearn Research

Remote Learning – how did we fare?

• A study of selected jurisdictions across Canada during the pandemic;
• Successful practices; and
• Where gaps and challenges occurred.

Post-pandemic policy and practice – implications for online learning’s future

• A publication analyzing pandemic policy and impacts.

Add your voice to defining quality online CANeLearn is using design principles to inform quality for online learning and champion effective practices for blended, online, remote, and hybrid learning models that have emerged during the pandemic.  if you have not completed our questionnaire, please take the time now to help us meet this challenge. Please help us contribute to this effort!  It only takes 10-15 minutes of your time. Click here to complete the CANeLearn Questionnaire The survey is open for a limited time, complete it today!

Learn with us – Share with us 2022 Digital Learning Symposium! April 6-8, 2022 Present, Facilitate, Share Save 50% on registration Book your hotel room at the 2020 rate – $185! Rate available before & after event

Classroom Activities

Online or Face-to-Face

Photo by Zbyněk Skrčený on Unsplash

Child Friendly Calls to Action

PDF booklet is a youth-friendly guide to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada 94 Calls to Action.

Resources for the Digital Classroom

Photo by Scott Graham on Unsplash

From previous newsletters…

WEBSITES you didn’t know you NEEDED to know!!

A collection of video resources of websites you did not know you need! This is the winner from Jen Giffen’s BlendEd BC Demo Slam

Back to School 2021-2022: Create a plan that leverages tech effectively and supports students’ digital well-being

Identify the best teaching tools for your classroom. Engage students and families around positive tech use. Support students’ emotional development as they use media for learning and for life. Links to resources.

Videoconferencing Alternatives: How Low-Bandwidth Teaching Will Save Us All
When we try to replicate classroom experiences in an online environment, it’s easy to think of video conferencing as our go-to tool for all sorts of learning objectives—and for good reason. Most of us have participated in a video conference at work or had a video chat with friends or family at some point. We like the idea of being able to see and hear our students while interacting with them in real time just like we do when teaching face to face. But there are two key factors that make this approach problematic.

Teaching Online Resources
The online teaching experience involves pedagogical methods that can be very different from those that many instructors are accustomed to using in a face-to-face environment. Fostering self-directed learning in a digital environment, conceptualizing the learning goals and methods of assessments, requires learner-centered practices and intentional instructional design.  Includes resources providing foundational support for teaching online.

Frameworks, Tools, Resources
A directory of links to resources compiled by BCcampus. Updated frequently.

Information Directory: Blogs and Opinions, Books and Videos, News, Research and Reports
An information directory created to fill the need for Canadian-based information, specifically British Columbia, on open education; however, content from many English-speaking countries is included. This is an ongoing resource that is updated as information becomes available.

Embracing Ways of Knowing
BCcampus supported the co-creation of the OER Pulling Together: A Guide for the Indigenization of Post-secondary Institutions. These resources are designed to

• Engage with varying audiences, including administration and educational leadership, teaching faculty, student services personnel, researchers, and instructional designers;
• Include resources and considerations on meaningful and authentic engagement;
• Supplement rather than replace training currently offered.

 

Conferencing Tools for teaching & learning: Best practices
Included are considerations for general etiquette, hosting virtual office hours, facilitating group work and presentations, lecturing, showing videos, hosting external presenters, and managing the space. Additionally, theoretical frameworks to support best practices when teaching online are provided.

BlendEd
A UK program of professional learning by and for teachers to support the pedagogy of blended learning. BlendEd helps teachers, school leaders, and other educators design effective teaching and learning that makes the most of digital technologies – in the classroom and from home, live and self-paced, in-person and online.

Creating and Using Rubrics for Assessment
Useful ideas for creating and using rubrics with guidelines for assessing a wide variety of activities, including e-portfolios, video and multimedia projects, teamwork, and research process.

Tips to Make Your LMS Content Accessible
While focused on Moodle, the information contained in this post can be applied to any LMS.

Designing for Accessibility (PDF posters) 
Includes tips for designing content for accessibility for special needs such as autism, dyslexia, users of screen readers, low vision, physical or motor disabilities, deaf or hard of hearing, and anxiety.

An Important Distance Learning Resource for Teachers, Students, and Parents

Wide Open School offers free learning activities for all grades. Students can browse activities related to various subjects including social studies, emotional wellbeing, reading and writing, math, arts, music, science, English language learning, digital citizenship, and more. Within each of these activities, you can search for materials by grade level or search label. You can for instance search for activities that include videos, worksheets, lessons, etc. Some of these activities offer free downloadable materials. You can also share them to Google Classroom.

Tools for Project-Based Learning

Project-based learning, or PBL, challenges students to design and engage in more authentic, extended, and complex learning. But while PBL is a trusted strategy for increasing student engagement and learning, it’s not easy to orchestrate. If you’re doing it right, students will be engaging in a variety of interest-driven projects all with various needs and on different schedules. So how do you manage it all? Tech can be a huge help. This list gathers some useful productivity and organization tools that can help both teachers and students keep track of, finish, and assess projects. There are also a few tools designed specifically for PBL, as well as plug-and-play PBL experiences. Learn about these tools here

Rough Guide for Spotting Bad Science

Being able to evaluate the evidence behind a scientific claim is important. Being able to recognize bad science reporting, or faults in scientific studies is equally important. Includes 12 points to help separate the science from the pseudoscience. Download the PDF here

ABC Learning Design 

Spreadsheet template to facilitate the collaborative design of learning scenarios. Check it out here

CANeLearn’s Emergency Remote Teaching Resources, Tools, Ideas 

• CANeLearn has published a page with a collection of resources from other organizations, emerging tools, and ideas about pivoting to remote teaching
• Check it out here

PD Calendar

See more here…

Photo by Mr Cup / Fabien Barral on Unsplash

Adventures in Archives

Check out links to past CANeLearn events

Featured Event

• CANeLearn researched what K-12 school districts across Canada have offered in the way of programming and supports during the pandemic.  Check out the research project website for reports, recordings, and slide decks.

All archives here

Stay Connected!

• Use #CANeLearn to stream specific items of interest to members. Join the conversation!
• Follow @CANeLearn, “like” us on Facebook, subscribe to our YouTube Channel
• Check out our Members’ Site
• Join CANeLearn – only $50 for associate membership!

Join today!

The Canadian eLearning Network (CANeLearn) is a Canadian registered not-for-profit society with a vision to be the leading voice in Canada for learner success in K-12 online and blended learning.  CANeLearn provides members with networking, collaboration, and research opportunities..

CANeLearn promotes effective practice in online and blended learning; fosters community and facilitates interaction among online and blended learning educators; and connects educators to online and blended learning organizations.

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CANeLearn 9269 Truman Road Halfmoon Bay, BC  V7Z 1B5 Canada You are receiving this because you either attended an event or signed up from our website at https://CANeLearn.net.

Scaling Access to Close the Achievement Gap

Note this webinar from the folks at the National Repository of Online Courses.

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Scaling Access to Close the Achievement Gap WEBINAR | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2, 12:00 PM PT / 3:00 PM ET In this webinar, we will examine how to break down barriers to post-graduation success that disproportionately affect low-income and minority students. Join us to explore the ways in which early college and Pathways in Technology Early College High School (P-TECH) have democratized student access to higher education and higher-paying careers for students. Participants will learn about strategies for creating a blueprint for student success by preparing them to enter a rapidly evolving workforce with unique skills that will be in high demand. Are you unable to attend? Register anyway, and we’ll send you a link to the archive. PRESENTERS Dr. Usamah Rodgers Deputy Chief of Strategic Initiatives, Dallas ISD (TX) Cheryl Nevels Executive Director of P-TECH / ECHS Programs, Dallas ISD (TX) REGISTER NOW

The NROC Project is a national nonprofit organization collaborating with secondary, postsecondary, and adult education leaders to develop digital courses and web-based tools that improve college readiness, retention, and success. Meet students where they are. The NROC Project | PO Box 222156 Carmel, CA 93922

Focusing on Families: How Districts and States Can Support Families to Form Strong Partnerships with Schools

The third of four REL/IES items for this afternoon/evening.  These second and third items focus on aspects of the home and family and while not specific to K-12 online learning, something that becomes that much more important in the online environment- particularly in the full-time context.

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Focusing on Families: How Districts and States Can Support Families to Form Strong Partnerships with Schools

By Jaimie Grazi Orland

Photo: Allison Shelley for EDUimages

Strong partnerships, in which families and schools work together, can empower families to engage in and support teaching and learning. There is ample evidence on how important these partnerships are to children’s learning and lifelong success.1 Successful engagement depends on comprehensive, collaborative, and concentrated work to build relationships with families. Family engagement is also a key facet of school improvement.   As a result of the pandemic, family members became critical learning partners. In response, schools and districts have focused on implementing policies and programs that engage families more effectively. The innovative approaches that arose from these efforts are still emerging as we return to full-time, in-person learning. Some of these approaches foster ongoing relationships between teachers and families and the sharing of learning activities and tips.   REL Mid-Atlantic has supported its stakeholders across the region in several projects designed to understand and increase family engagement. Our partnership with the District of Columbia Public Schools revealed the important benefits of the district’s home visiting program: before school started had fewer disciplinary actions and higher attendance during the following school year. In partnership with the Delaware Department of Education, we co-developed a framework for family engagement that we shared with districts statewide. In our work with the New Jersey Department of Education, we examined research-informed strategies for family engagement that support learning in preschool through 3rd grade. We also spoke directly with New Jersey practitioners to discuss aspects of feasibility and accessibility that should be considered when engaging families. We worked with the New Jersey Department of Education to co-develop resources and strategies that complemented the state’s current model for engaging families in early childhood learning and development. This work included encouraging equitable family-school partnerships to expand learning beyond the classroom.   These collaborations suggested several lessons for districts and schools to keep in mind as they design and implement family engagement programs. Build positive relationships with families by acknowledging the challenges and barriers they face and establishing strong, open lines of communication. For example, build on the interests and competencies of families and children. Communicate consistently with families throughout the year, highlighting what is going well. When challenges arise, and the school and family need to collaborate an intervene to support a child, the partnership will already be in place, and families will know how to give input on strategies and next steps. Check out this fact sheet for more tips on building meaningful partnerships. Use evidence-informed practices to engage families directly, giving them activities that help them actively participate in their children’s learning. For example, offer tips for engaging children in storytelling, such as ways to ask children questions, use gestures, and make connections between the stories and children’s lives. Check out this handout,i produced in partnership with the New Jersey Department of Education, that gives families ideas for supporting learning. In addition, there are several REL resources devoted to parents and families, which can be found here. Empower educators and families to use data to set and achieve high expectations, make informed decisions, and strengthen effective practices. Schools can collaborate with families to decide on desired outcomes and develop action plans to achieve them. Families can use school-provided tools and resources to monitor the progress of students and schools, and they should give teachers feedback, offer their observations, and collaborate on shared goals. Establish a teacher home visiting program to improve student behavior and attendance. Home visits meet families where they are. Engaging with families outside of school helps form a shared understanding and shows that teachers care about their students. Schools and districts that have implemented—or are considering implementing—home visiting programs should decide how to use resources effectively to encourage families to get engaged and help improve student outcomes, always with costs and feasibility in mind. Check out this blog post to learn more about home visiting programs.

FOOTNOTE:   [1] Epstein, J.L., Sanders, M.G., Sheldon, S. B., Simon, B. S., Salinas, K. C., Jansorn, N. R., Van Voorhis, F. L, Martin, C. S., Thomas, B.G., Greenfield, M. D., Hutchins, D. J., & Williams, K. J. (2019). School, family, and community partnerships: Your handbook for action (4th ed.). Corwin; University of Plymouth. (2019). Parental involvement plays key role in children’s academic attainment, research shows: Parental engagement has a positive effect on a child’s academic attainment—regardless of age or socioeconomic status. ScienceDaily; National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. (2016). Parenting matters: Supporting parents of children ages 0–8. The National Academies Press. https://doi.org/10.17226/21868; Henderson, A. T., & Mapp, K. L. (2002). A new wave of evidence: The impact of school, family, and community connections on student achievement. National Center for Family and Community Connections with Schools, Southwest Educational Development Laboratory. https://www.sedl. org/connections/resources/evidence.pdf   [i] This handout is also available in Spanish here: https://ies.ed.gov/ncee/edlabs/regions/midatlantic/app/Docs/technicalassistance/FamilyActivityHandout_Spanish.pdf

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Contact Info For more information, please contact us at RELmidatlantic@mathematica-mpr.com or visit our website. Follow Us on Twitter for Latest Updates This work was funded by the U.S. Department of Education’s Institute of Education Sciences (IES) under contract ED-IES-17-C-0006, with REL Mid-Atlantic, administered by Mathematica. The content of the newsletter does not necessarily reflect the views or policies of IES or the U.S. Department of Education, nor does mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. government.

EDC Update | November 2021: Children’s mental health, what works in EdTech, and more

The first of four REL/IES items for this afternoon/evening.  In particular, note the ed tech and student engagement items.

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EDC UPDATE  |  November 2021   edc.org A Crisis in Children’s Mental Health In this opinion piece in The Hill, Shai Fuxman details the urgency of addressing children’s mental health needs now. READ MORE   What We Know about Educational Technology While edtech can improve learning, “it has failed to deliver consistent learning results,” says Mary Burns. Learn More   Supporting Safe Sleep Practices for Infants Education is key to preventing sleep-related deaths among babies, write Erin Ficker and Marcy Raska. Learn More EDC Talks: Examining Research Protocols Babette Moeller discusses what she learned when Math for All pivoted to an online model. Learn More 5 Tips to Boost Student Engagement Teaching online can be difficult. Here are some strategies to help everyone learn and participate. Learn More Noteworthy   Women veterans encounter numerous barriers to success in STEM. Here’s how industry can help. Meg Caven is quoted in a Hechinger Report article about low pay for early child care workers. Katherine Shields discusses her research on accelerated education in K–12 Dive. The New Times celebrates the accomplishments of EDC’s USAID Huguka Dukore Akazi Kanoze program in Rwanda. About EDC        Our Work       Global Reach        Our Services        Resources Careers       Contact      Newsroom       Partner With Us DONATE       Education Development Center (EDC) is a global nonprofit that advances lasting solutions to improve education, promote health, and expand economic opportunity. Since 1958, we have been a leader in designing, implementing, and evaluating powerful and innovative programs in more than 80 countries around the world. © 1994 – 2021 Education Development Center, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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