The Public School Insights Blog
The April 1st edition of Education Week includes an excellent article on the success of professional learning communities (PLC's) at Adlai E. Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire, Illinois.
The article frequently quotes National Staff Development Council executive director (and Learning First Alliance Board member) Stephanie Hirsh. Hirsh goes so far as to argue that when "you find any high-performing high-poverty school... you will find elements of PLC's.” Many of the success stories on this site bear out her observation.
For more information about Stevenson High School, see this detailed case study. ...
As 
part of our week-long examination of student health and safety, we have gathered together descriptions of our member associations' work to keep students safe. Keep reading for an extensive list of resources from Learning First Alliance member associations.
- School Crisis Guide: National Education Association Health Information Network
This new manual offers step-by-step advice to help schools and districts prepare for, respond appropriately to, and help students and teachers recover after a crisis. Created by educators for educators, this guide aims to keep schools safe and help students return to learning after a crisis. - School and Community Safety Site: National Education Association
New success stories keep coming in from districts across the country--Many thanks to Public School Insights readers who have taken time to submit news about what's working in their schools.
Many of the stories we have posted over the past two weeks focus on community connections.
Here's a sample: ...
An Exclusive Interview with Richard Simmons about His Campaign for P.E. in Schools
Tank top, striped shorts and all, Richard Simmons is becoming a force to be reckoned with in Washington's education policy debate. He has mounted a major campaign to get physical education into the schools and has caught the attention of key policymakers on Capitol Hill.
Amidst all this activity, he recently found time to talk me about his goals, the dire need for physical education and his frustration with the glacial pace of reform in Washington during an election year.
Richard told me about his advocacy for the FIT Kids Act, which would establish a framework for schools to closely look at the quality and quantity of PE they are providing, and to supply parents with that information to better understand the PE their kids are receiving. ...
As part of its week-long examination of student health and safety, Public School Insights has assembled abundant information on its member associations' initiatives to ensure every child a healthy learning environment. Read on for an extensive list of resources from Learning First Alliance member associations...
American Association of School Administrators
The Asthma Leadership Project
AASA helps building school district leaders' capacity \to address childhood asthma.
Healthy School Environments
Poor indoor air quality poses a serious risk to children’s health and academic performance. To prepare schools for children, this program promotes holistic improvements to the school environment, while educating students and staff.
Leadership for Healthy Communities
Working in collaboration with the Leadership for Healthy Communities partner organizations, AASA encourages superintendents' commitment and action to reduce childhood obesity. ...
This week, Public School Insights turns its attention to student health and security. Both are essential to safe, inspiring learning environments that foster strong
So, stay tuned to www.publicschoolinsights.org for a series of on-line events focusing on student health, including: ...
In our exclusive interview two weeks ago, Children's Literature Laureate Jon Scieszka insisted that we should give children greater choice in what they read. Apparently, the Children's Book Council (CBC) agrees.
The organization is sponsoring the Children's Choice Book Award program, which allows children to select award winners. The CBC has just released the titles of 25 finalists in five categories: Grades K-2; Grades 3-4; Grades 5-6; Favorite Author; and Favorite Illustrator. If you know a child in grades K-6, encourage him or her to vote here before May 4th.
The winners will be announced live on May 13 at the Children's Choice Book Awards Gala in New York City. ...
For years now, education reformers have been getting earfuls of advice from business leaders.
Turning this convention on its head last week, a USA Today business Reporter looked to an educator for insights on leadership. The paper's corporate management reporter interviewed Molly Howard, NASSP's 2008 Principal of the Year, about the qualities that have helped her raise academic expectations, student performance and graduation rates at her high-poverty high school in Georgia. ...
Education Week reported a couple of months ago that a change to Medicaid reimbursement rules could cost districts Billions in the coming years. Currently, schools that provide health care services for Medicaid-enrolled children with disabilities can be reimbursed by Medicaid for transportation and administrative costs. But a Bush administration decision may well bring an end to all that.
Districts across the country are now bracing for the double impact of lost Medicaid reimbursements and a potentially "wrenching" fiscal crisis. (A very hasty Google search of news stories over the past few weeks turned up articles about the effect of Medicaid changes on schools in Florida, Arizona, Wisconsin and others.) ...
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Click here to browse dozens of Public School Insights interviews with extraordinary education advocates, including:
- 2013 Digital Principal Ryan Imbriale
- Best Selling Author Dan Ariely
- Family Engagement Expert Dr. Maria C. Paredes
The views expressed in this website's interviews do not necessarily represent those of the Learning First Alliance or its members.
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Excellence is the Standard
At Pierce County High School in rural southeast Georgia, the graduation rate has gone up 31% in seven years. Teachers describe their collaboration as the unifying factor that drives the school’s improvement. Learn more...
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