Archives

EARLY MINDS A BALANCED APPROACH TO EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION

This presentation will share the continuous, holistic work of Middletown’s Early Minds 2022: Pathways to Readiness and Equity. The Early Minds 2022 framework represents a comprehensive approach to ensure that all children are ready and prepared for kindergarten. Three goals will be addressed: Readiness and Achievement, Social and Emotional Learning and Family and Community Partnerships. Through this initiative we have strengthened our community’s understanding of the importance of addressing the preparation gap.

EQUITY, LITERACY AND FAMILY ENGAGEMENT – KORY ENG, UNITED WAY

United Way of North Central Massachusetts has been serving as a backbone agency for a regional early literacy initiative called the Early Literacy Zone of North Central Massachusetts. The project leverages volunteer mentors to provide 1:1 literacy support and a mobile app that allow children and parents to access hundreds of hours of literacy content in both English and Spanish.

The early Literacy Zone also serves as a platform for a continuum of resources to promote health and wellness for families including nutritional support, access to behavioral health, and resources to help families achieve financial stability and success. The presentation will highlight this effort including challenges and opportunities associated with the Covid-19 pandemic and how to think about implementing similar work in your community.

LEARNING TO WRITE, WRITING TO LEARN – KATHRYN BRADY, FITCHBURG PS

Writing is a culminating activity of learning a language. A written piece provides us with the writer’s background knowledge and insight into a chosen
topic. Whether narrative or informational, pre-K to grade 2 students require exposure to meaningful, relevant text and scaffolded experiences on the path to writing.
Fitchburg Public Schools has implemented an innovative, dual language curriculum that provides the supports for all learners to benefit. This session will focus on writing an informational text piece with the support students require to excel.

SUSTAINING AND ENHANCING PSJA ISDS DUAL LANGUAGE PROGRAM IN THE MIDST OF COVID

The greatest challenge of teaching virtually in 2020 – 2021 comes from serving the youngest and least independent Dual Language Learners. Effective classroom teachers know it is crucial to keep the joy of learning for their students, even during these troubling times. This session will focus on best practices that PSJA ISD Dual Language teachers and administrators have developed to (1) advance the joy and progress of their students while developing language and literacy skills in English and Spanish, (2) innovate new ways to keep their community connected, and (3) engage parents and students.

Innovation and Equity: The call for reimagining American Education – Dr. Michael Conner

Dr. Michael Conner, Superintendent for Middletown Public Schools

The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated inequities among
various subgroups in education — specifically race and poverty. Moreover, it has
exposed the inefficiencies and failure modes within the incumbent system. In order to
penetrate our collective new learning from the pandemic, educators must continue to
underscore progressive practices to reimagine education for innovation and equity.
This keynote session will frame disruptive innovation strategies that will lead
educators to think about new approaches for access and opportunity.

PARTNERS IN EDUCATION – BLENDING TECHNOLOGY IN REVERE, MA

Revere School Superintendent, Dr. Paul Dakin brings early reading to all of his pre-k through 3rd grade learners in his district. Watch this video to hear and see what educators, parents and kids have to say about their experience with Footsteps2Brilliance.

NAPA SCHOOLS & FOOTSTEPS2BRILLIANCE WITH PARENTS

Napa County Schools offers Footsteps to Brilliance to students and parents. Martha McCoy introduces this phenomenal program to parents with Lori Hill and joined by Barbara Nemko, Superintendent of Napa County Schools.