Many middle and high school teachers avoid discussing controversial topics in class due to their fear of controversy. They may worry about offending students or parents with different viewpoints. However, productive discussions on complex issues are essential to learning. It requires skill, and teachers may need more confidence in navigating disagreements. However, these discussions can be valuable learning experiences with careful planning and clear guidelines. In episode 264 of Class Dismissed, we interviewed two experts: Dr. Paula McAvoy, an Associate Professor of Social Studies Education at NC State College of Education, and Dr. Greg McAvoy, a professor and department head of political science. The pair offered three structured approaches to help middle and high school students debate current controversies. Structured Academic Controversy (SAC) is a method that sets up opposing views within a framework that encourages collaboration. By assigning students to research and advocate for different sides of an issue, SAC fosters an environment where students must actively engage with opposing perspectives, aiming to reach a consensus through mutual understanding. Close-up deliberations, in contrast, focus on exploring a range of policy options related to a given issue. Students are presented with various viewpoints and policy proposals, and through group discussions, they strive to develop a policy recommendation that accommodates diverse opinions within the group. This approach, with its real-world applicability, encourages students to consider the complexity of issues and grapple with the trade-offs involved in decision-making. Team Debate is a powerful platform for students to articulate and defend their positions on a contentious issue. By organizing students into opposing teams and requiring each participant to contribute to the debate, this format promotes active participation and fosters critical thinking. The competitive element adds a layer of motivation for students to prepare compelling arguments while also fostering resilience in the face of opposing viewpoints. Through surveys and interviews, the researchers found that these structured formats effectively addressed common concerns about classroom discussions on controversial topics. The structured nature of the activities, coupled with explicit norms promoting respect and civility, helped mitigate the risk of discussions devolving into heated arguments. Moreover, these formats democratized the discourse by ensuring that all students were actively involved, regardless of their prior interest or political expertise.  These findings suggest that structured approaches to debating public policy issues can be valuable tools for educators seeking to promote critical thinking, civic engagement, and respectful dialogue among secondary students. Despite the challenges posed by today's polarized political climate, these methods offer a hopeful path forward for fostering informed and constructive civic discourse in classrooms. Listen to Episode 264 of the Class Dismissed Podcast on your favorite podcast app or Apple Podcast to hear our entire conversation with Paula and Greg McAvoy. All Rights Reserved. Class Dismissed Podcast 2017 – 2024.

Experienced educator Helena Hains shares time management strategies for new teachers, emphasizing batching tasks to improve productivity. The podcast discusses the importance of work-life balance and offers insights on effective email communication and professional etiquette.

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. Show Links ​Why School Absences Have ‘Exploded’ Almost Everywhere All Rights Reserved. Class Dismissed Podcast 2017 – 2024.

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. Show Links Giving Educators Permission to Feel How We Feel   All Rights Reserved. Class Dismissed Podcast 2017 – 2024.

Kris Hagel from Peninsula School District in Washington used Gen AI to create AI guidelines. They leveraged AI to ensure ethical AI use in classrooms. The district encourages educators to use their guidelines. The podcast also covers AI bias in interviews, restorative practices, professional development, supporting underprivileged students, and teacher impact on students' lives.

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. All Rights Reserved. Class Dismissed Podcast 2017 – 2024.

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. Other Show Notes A Desk Layout Alternative to Rows and Circles All Rights Reserved. Class Dismissed Podcast 2017 – 2024.

Elena Aguilar, the founder of Bright Morning, shares invaluable tips for coaching overwhelmed teachers, including describing the situation, recalling experiences, identifying a next step, listening, and planning for action. She emphasizes emotional awareness and practical strategies to navigate challenges in education. The podcast covers cell phone policies, supporting teachers through coaching, managing overwhelm, addressing financial hardships in education, and the impact of transformative educators on writing skills.

In the ever-evolving landscape of education, technology plays a pivotal role in shaping how we learn and teach. One groundbreaking development that significantly impacted education in 2022 - 2023 was generative AI applications like ChatGPT. Developed by OpenAI, ChatGPT is a language model that has revolutionized the learning experience, offering new possibilities for both educators and students.  As we look back on which stories received the most attention on the Class Dismissed Podcast, it's clear that readers and listeners desire to learn precisely how generative AI will impact the world of K-12 education. In fact, the most clicked-on and listened-to episode of Class Dismissed in 2023 was Episode 237,  "Are there tools that can determine if a student is using ChatGPT" As we reflect on the impact of generative AI on education in 2023, it's clear that this innovative technology has brought about positive changes in the learning landscape. From personalized learning experiences to enhanced collaboration and accessibility, generative AI has demonstrated its potential to transform education and empower learners of all backgrounds. But generative AI also raises many unanswered questions for students and educators alike. To hear how we reflected on our episodes from 2023, listen to Episode 256 of the Class Dismissed Podcast on your favorite podcast app or iTunes. Other Show Notes Top 10 Best AI Tools for Education in 2023 All Rights Reserved. Class Dismissed Podcast 2017 – 2023.

Leading with laughter in a school setting can positively affect the learning environment and the overall well-being of fellow educators. Here are some reasons why incorporating humor and laughter into leadership can be beneficial: 1. Creates a Positive Atmosphere: Laughter is a powerful tool for creating a positive and enjoyable atmosphere. When leaders use humor, it helps to build a sense of camaraderie and fosters a more relaxed and welcoming environment. 2. Builds Connection and Trust: Humor can be a great connector. When leaders use laughter appropriately, it helps to build trust and rapport with staff. It humanizes the leadership figure and makes them more approachable. 3. Reduces Stress: Laughter has been shown to reduce stress and promote a sense of well-being. In a school setting where stress and pressure can be high, incorporating humor can be a helpful coping mechanism for educators. 4. Boosts Morale: Laughter is a natural mood lifter. Leaders who incorporate humor into their interactions can boost the morale of the entire school community.  5. Encourages Open Communication: When leaders use humor, it can break down communication barriers. Staff may feel more comfortable expressing their thoughts and concerns in an environment that values lightheartedness. 6. Strengthens Team Dynamics: Laughter is a social activity that can strengthen bonds within a group. Shared laughter helps build a sense of community and teamwork. While leading with laughter can be highly beneficial, leaders must be mindful of the context and ensure that humor is inclusive, respectful, and appropriate for the educational setting. In Episode 255 of Class Dismissed, we talk to Duncan Lyon and Olaf (Ole) Jorgenson. Each guides independent schools in California, and both know the importance humor can play when leading a team of educators. “I start every faculty meeting with something humorous,” says Jorgenson. “Usually, these meetings are at the end of the day, and everybody is tired, and not everyone likes meetings. For whatever reason, starting with laughter just lightens everything.” Lyon and Jorgenson know that most people would not argue with them; humor works in leadership.  But they wanted to dive deeper into the topic of humor and laughter. So, they surveyed other school leaders across California and asked them how humor helps build trust. They also found existing research supporting the impact humor can have. Listen to Episode 255 of Class Dismissed on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast app to learn more about their research. All Rights Reserved. Class Dismissed Podcast 2017 – 2023.