Crossing the chasm: How one district is moving its innovative staffing model from pilot to mainstream
Scaling up innovations within school systems is a notoriously difficult process. While new instructional approaches or staffing strategies may catch on within a few classrooms or schools, they often fail to become integrated system-wide. Leaders promoting change can achieve early wins by gaining the support of staff willing to leave behind old practices and try something new, but then can hit a wall when seeking buy-in from those who are more entrenched or risk-averse.
Re-designing the role of a special educator through team-based staffing
At a glance This study, conducted in the 2022–23 school year, aimed to examine the impact of team-based staffing models on the working conditions of special educators and their job performance. Key findings underscore the effectiveness of teaming as a strategy to...Whole-Child Learning Requires Whole-System Solutions
MLFTC Collaboration at the Aurora Institute Symposium Last month in Palm Springs, California, leaders from the Center for Whole-Child Education (formerly known as Turnaround for Children), the Center on Reinventing Public Education (CRPE), and the Next Education...
Understanding the career aspirations of paraeducators in Mesa Public Schools
In school districts across the country, paraeducators may be referred to as teacher aides, teacher assistants, or instructional aides. They’re all individuals who work in schools under the supervision of a licensed educator and provide support to teachers and students. They may work with students to reinforce learning, implement behavior intervention plans or work closely with school nurses to support students’ medical needs. They may lead small reading groups or assist in planning mini-lessons with their lead teacher. Some are working towards becoming licensed educators. In Arizona and states around the country, they might also be a part of a Next Education Workforce ™ team-based models, where their skills are strengthened through collaboration.