Friends, in 1978 I started a career in education. My early school years included fire drills. Forty-seven years later schools now conduct fire, tornado, earthquake, and active shooter drills. Today, a retired educator who has friends who work in a suburban district near a large city forwarded me the following email that was sent to all staff. Regarding:

Responding to Immigration Enforcement

The purpose of this memorandum is to provide you with some guidance regarding issues related to possible immigration enforcement. Some of you have raised concerns about how you as school staff need to respond if Immigrations Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials should appear at your schools.

It is important to remember that schools are safe places for our students and staff. For that reason, as staff, we need to maintain a calm and professional demeanor if faced with staff from ICE.

Please keep in mind the following:

1) Gather as much information from the official as you can. This information should include the following:

1. Name and agency affiliation
2. Contact information
3. Purpose of their visit
4. Any documentation, such as a judicial warrant, and make a copy if possible

2) School staff should inform school administration if you are approached by ICE. Your school administration should contact the assistant superintendent who directly oversees your school. 

Do not do the following:

1. Confirm the presence or status of any student or staff member
2. Provide information about students or employees
3. Grant access to the building or facilities. You may have them come to the office but that is as far as they should go.
4. Engage in future discussions beyond the initial questions.

4) Local police will not be involved in this enforcement unless there are criminal violations; therefore, we should not see our local police engaged or involved in any such raids.

5) District administration and legal counsel will manage communication with the officials and provide clear instructions on the next steps.

6) Any requests for student records will be handled by district administration. No school staff should provide any student records to officials under any circumstance.

7) If you are questioned by your staff or by parents or students, you can say something like: “Our schools are considered ‘sensitive spaces,’ meaning immigration enforcement actions are generally prohibited except under extraordinary circumstances. We take every measure to protect the rights and privacy of our students and staff.”

This Isn’t About Politics

I don’t start this conversation to talk about politics. My point is not about policies or politics but rather the nearly impossible circumstances that public school staff face. Now they must not only prepare for invasion by a deranged individual with a gun but also the potential invasion of their schools by the government! All while being expected to create a nurturing learning atmosphere where students can be successful and feel safe.

Regardless of political affiliation, we share collective responsibility for our schools’ issues. We’ve allowed these challenges to evolve by refusing to put our own self (adult) interests aside on behalf of kids. We should all be ashamed that responding to immigration enforcement is even a concern in the schools.

God bless all those individuals who work in our public schools.

If you need help building policies and getting your school prepared, contact me for help. I will not disappoint you. My price is based on PROJECT not hourly.

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Improving reading skills in schools is a cornerstone for educational success, and it starts with recognizing the invaluable contributions of public school board members. These trustees dedicate their time and expertise to making critical decisions—building budgets, hiring staff, attending school events, and fostering communication with parents and legislators—all to support students’ growth.

However, as schools nationwide face challenges in state and national assessments, a long-term solution is clear: investing in robust district reading programs. By prioritizing literacy, we empower students with the tools they need to excel academically and in life.

Scholastic Reading Association (SRA) was first published in 1957 to individualize reading programs for each child. Reading to comprehend and synthesize information helps an individual be content-rich.

It Starts With Improving Reading Skills in Schools

Improve reading, and all students grow!

To improve a Lexile Reading Level, focus on selecting books that match your current Lexile measure, actively engage with the text by asking questions, summarizing key points, building vocabulary, practicing reading regularly, and gradually increasing the difficulty level of your reading materials as your skills develop. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

Key steps to improve Lexile reading: [1, 2, 3]

Find “just right” books: [1, 2, 3]

Use a Lexile chart or online tool to locate books with a Lexile level slightly above your current level to challenge yourself while remaining engaged. [1, 2, 3]

Consult a teacher/librarian for recommendations based on your Lexile measure. [1, 3, 6]

Active reading strategies: [2, 5]

Questioning:
Ask yourself about the text before, during, and after reading to deepen comprehension. [2, 5]

Summarizing:
Retell the main points of each section in your own words to solidify your understanding. [2, 5]

Visualizing:
Create mental images of the scenes and characters described in the text. [1, 5]

Vocabulary building: [2, 5]

Identify unfamiliar words in the text and look up their definitions. [2, 5]

Use context clues to infer the meaning of words based on the surrounding sentences. [5]

Practice using new vocabulary in your writing and conversation. [5]

Regular reading practice: [2, 4]

Set aside dedicated time each day to read. [2, 4]

Read a variety of genres to broaden your knowledge and interests. [2, 4, 5]

Gradual progression: [1, 2, 3]

Once you feel comfortable with a certain Lexile level, gradually increase the difficulty by selecting books with slightly higher Lexile measures. [1, 2, 3]

Seek support when needed: [1, 3, 6]

Ask your teacher/tutor if you struggle with a particular text. [1, 3, 6]

Utilize reading strategies like rereading difficult passages/ using a dictionary to aid comprehension. [2, 5]

Points to remember: [1, 3, 5]

• Lexile is a measure, not a goal: While improving your Lexile score is important, the primary focus should be developing strong reading comprehension skills. [1, 3, 5]
• Enjoyment is key: Choose books that you find interesting and engaging to stay motivated. [2, 4]
• Practice makes perfect:
• The more you read, the better your reading skills will become. [3, 4, 5]

School Improvement Plans

At this time of year, public school board members (the trustees) should begin to compile the results of the school improvement plans. For example:

• Illinois State Board of Education shared steps to develop a comprehensive school improvement plan/ CONTINUOUS SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT – STATEWIDE SYSTEM OF SUPPORT.
• Missouri School Boards are engaged in the legislative priorities.
• Iowa School Board Resources

Contract help for Ed Schoenfelt; he will not disappoint you. His price is based on PROJECT, not hourly.

Investing in reading programs isn’t just about improving test scores; it’s about laying the foundation for lifelong learning and success. Public school board members play a vital role in creating the conditions that make these improvements possible. Whether through strategic school improvement plans, fostering collaboration with educators, or advocating for legislative support, their efforts pave the way for meaningful progress. By emphasizing active reading strategies, engaging with Lexile-level resources, and providing students with tools to build their vocabulary and comprehension, we can collectively improve reading skills in schools and ensure brighter futures for all students.

Additional Resources:

1. [1] https://www.splashlearn.com/blog/how-lexile-framework-can-strengthen-kids-reading-abilities/
2. [2] https://lexile.com/educators/tools-to-support-reading-at-school/strategies-support-readers-level/
3. [3] https://metametricsinc.com/parents-and-students/lexile-for-parents-and-students/lexile-for-reading/
4. [4] https://www.scholastic.com/parents/books-and-reading/raise-a-reader-blog/increase-reading-level-teacher-tips.html
5. [5] https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/reading-comprehension-improvement-strategies
6. [6] https://support.hmhco.com/s/article/A-Student-has-Received-a-Very-Low-Lexile-Score-on-Their-Latest-Reading-Inventory-Test-in-SAM

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The school board needs to understand the importance of their connection with the United States Department of Education and the State Department of Education.

Take time to understand by reading the points shared below. In today’s political climate, some outliers forget these supports and benefits to students served in their school districts – school corporations.

Key Reason For a State Department of Education Partnership

A public school board must partner with its State Department of Education to align with statewide standards, access essential resources, and gain support on policy implementation. This collaboration enables both entities to collaborate on initiatives that enhance student learning outcomes across the state. While the State Department oversees the broader education landscape, the school board focuses on managing its specific local district.

Standardized Curriculum: The State Department of Education sets educational standards and learning goals, which local school boards must implement within their districts to ensure statewide consistency. Many local districts also enhance these standards to better meet their communities’ unique expectations.

Funding Distribution: Manage the distribution of education funding to local districts, necessitating communication and cooperation with school boards to allocate resources effectively. A board member needs to be assigned to watch closely over this piece to keep the rest of the board informed and assist their school superintendent.

Policy Guidance: Provides policy development and interpretation guidance, ensuring local school boards are aware of legal requirements and best practices. Your school attorney will also keep the board informed and up to date.

Professional Development: It offers training and professional development opportunities for teachers and administrators in local districts, enhancing overall teaching quality. This training is often connected to assessments and safety requirements for the health of the school community.

Data Analysis and Accountability: Collect and analyze student achievement data, providing local school boards with insights to identify areas for improvement and implement targeted interventions. Data information drives the school board to plans, actions, and improvements.

Functional Needs Support: Offers support and expertise to local districts in addressing the needs of students with functional needs. Inclusion strategies, and unified approaches to help these populations seem to be broader these days. Not to the detriment of these populations but to the uniqueness, a good opportunity for all.

Overall, a strong partnership between a school board and the state department of education allows for a more coordinated and effective approach to education delivery, ultimately benefiting students within the local district.

School Boards & The United States Department of Education

The United States Department of Education is another important partner for several reasons, including:

• Promoting student achievement: Their mission is to promote student achievement and prepare students for global competitiveness.
• Ensuring equal access: They work to ensure equal access to education for students of all ages.
• Collecting information: They collect information and statistics about the nation’s schools.
• Providing advice: Provides advice to schools.
• Education is important for a few reasons, including:
• Stability: Education provides stability in life and can’t be taken away.
• Financial security: A good education can lead to a higher-paying job and provide the skills needed to get there.
• Equality: Education can help reduce gaps between social classes if everyone has the same opportunities.
• Confidence: Working to achieve educational goals can build self-confidence.
• Improving the economy: People with good academic and educational backgrounds tend to get well-paid jobs.
• Communication skills: Education helps hone communication skills by learning how to read, write, speak, and listen.
• Critical thinking: Education develops critical thinking, vital for using logic when making decisions and interacting with people

Again, in today’s political climate, some outliers forget these supports and benefits to students served in their school districts – school corporations. Connecting with quality consulting supports the school to benefit and reap all benefits that may have been missed in the past.

Hire Ed Schoenfelt, and you won’t be disappointed. I offer project-based pricing, so you get clear value without the hourly rate.

Take the first step towards unlocking your organization’s full potential. Contact me today to explore how my Consulting services can propel your organization towards new heights of success.

Retaining and recruiting high-quality teachers is an ongoing challenge for school boards nationwide. With increasing demands in the education sector and a shrinking teacher pool, finding ways to attract and keep skilled educators has become a top priority. In this post, we’ll explore a variety of teacher retention strategies that school boards can implement to support teacher recruitment and retention. From fostering collaborative environments to leveraging social media, these approaches can make a significant impact on building a strong and dedicated teaching staff for your district.

Here are strategies that the school board can use to retain and recruit teachers.

Teacher Retention Strategies

Retaining high-quality teachers is crucial for building a thriving school community. From adaptive teaching strategies to competitive compensation, there are several ways to support and keep educators engaged. By focusing on professional development, collaboration, and community connections, schools can create an environment where teachers feel valued and motivated.

Adaptive Teaching Strategies

Teachers need to be able to tailor their instruction to the unique needs of each student in their classroom. This involves differentiating instruction to accommodate varying learning styles, abilities, and interests. By offering personalized support, teachers can ensure that every student has the opportunity to succeed. Responding to student feedback also plays a crucial role in adapting lessons to make them more effective and engaging. This flexibility helps create a more inclusive and dynamic learning environment where all students can thrive.

Continuous Professional Development

Teachers can share their expertise and stay updated on the latest developments in education through listservs. These platforms allow educators to exchange valuable resources, ideas, and strategies that benefit the entire teaching community. By collaborating this way, teachers can help each other solve challenges and improve their instructional practices.

Mentoring and Induction for New Teachers

Mentoring programs have a powerful impact on improving teacher retention by offering support and guidance to new educators. These programs also boost teacher satisfaction, as they help teachers feel more confident and connected in their roles. Additionally, mentoring contributes to higher academic achievement by fostering better teaching practices and creating a stronger learning environment for students.

A report supported by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation found that mentoring and induction programs for new teachers can not only improve retention — they have a positive impact on teacher satisfaction and student academic achievement as well. It is a simple intervention that can pay dividends. Mentoring makes a difference.

Collaboration Opportunities

Teachers are more effective when they collaborate, as working together encourages the sharing of ideas and best practices. This teamwork enhances teaching quality and helps create a positive and supportive work environment. New teachers, in particular, enjoy these collaborative projects, as they provide opportunities to learn from experienced colleagues and contribute to group solutions. With their training in problem-solving and teamwork, new educators thrive in environments where collaboration is valued, leading to stronger professional relationships and better outcomes for students.

Community Connection

New teachers should connect with local service clubs, churches, the chamber of commerce, and other community organizations. These groups provide valuable opportunities for teachers to engage with the community and build meaningful relationships outside of the school. By tailoring these connections to their personal interests, new teachers can feel more integrated and supported in both their professional and personal lives.

Competitive Compensation

One of the most important teacher retention strategies is offering competitive compensation. This can help attract and retain a strong and diverse teacher workforce. Board members need to set a competitive entry salary for new or transferring teachers to the school community. What is the starting salary at the school districts that surround you? This can draw the best high-quality teachers to the schools you’re representing as a trustee.

New Teacher Recruitment Strategies

In today’s competitive landscape, schools must adopt innovative teacher recruitment strategies to attract and retain high-quality teachers. Social media plays a crucial role, as a strong online presence can showcase your school’s culture and values to potential candidates, especially with Gen Z looking for engaging workplaces. Additionally, participating in job fairs and nurturing relationships with local colleges helps schools connect with passionate educators eager to make a difference. Highlighting professional development opportunities not only attracts top talent but also fosters a culture of growth and excellence. By utilizing referrals and crafting compelling job descriptions, schools can create an inviting environment that appeals to both new graduates and seasoned professionals alike.

Social Media

Be active on social media and include recent posts and tweets on your employment page. Eighty-five percent of Gen Z use social media to learn about new products, so they expect schools to have an active social presence. Is the human resources department doing that now? A creative approach by HR can make a difference. Engage high school students from your marketing class, to make it a real-world challenge learning experience.

Job Fairs

Attending teacher job fairs is a vital strategy for connecting with potential teacher candidates who are eager to find their dream positions. These events attract many educators looking to showcase their skills and explore job opportunities in various school districts. To maximize the benefits of these fairs, school leaders should cultivate strong relationships with local undergraduate teaching programs, creating a pipeline of talented graduates ready to enter the profession. By actively participating in these connections, schools can ensure they attract passionate and qualified teachers who are well-prepared for the challenges of the classroom.

Professional Development

Highlighting the various programs, workshops, and courses available for your staff is an essential teacher recruitment strategy. Educators are increasingly looking for workplaces that actively invest in their professional growth and development. When schools prioritize ongoing learning opportunities for their teachers, it enhances their skills and fosters a culture of continuous improvement. Ultimately, this investment in teacher development leads to improved student learning outcomes, creating a win-win situation for everyone involved.

Recent College Graduates

Reaching out to local colleges and universities is an effective way to discover young professionals who are well-versed in their subject areas and familiar with the community your school serves. By establishing partnerships with these institutions, schools can tap into a pool of current graduates eager to positively impact education. This connection not only helps in recruiting talented individuals but also fosters relationships that can enhance the school’s reputation within the local educational landscape.

Cadet Teachers

These programs can provide valuable internships for students, allowing them to earn elective credit or participate in a dedicated school club focused on education. Does your school currently have such a program in place? Many young individuals desire to become teachers from an early age, and school districts should actively nurture and support this ambition to create the next generation of passionate educators.

Referrals

Asking for word-of-mouth referrals from current staff, students, parents, and community members can be a powerful way to identify potential candidates for teaching positions. You can easily initiate this by sending out a staff email, making an announcement during a staff meeting, or tactfully reaching out to parents to encourage them to share any recommendations. Engaging the wider school community in this process not only fosters a sense of collaboration but also helps attract qualified educators who may be a great fit for your school’s culture and values.

Job Descriptions

Developing consistent and compelling job descriptions is essential for effectively showcasing the roles and responsibilities available within your school district. These descriptions should highlight the unique benefits of working for your district, such as competitive salaries, professional development opportunities, and a supportive work environment. By clearly communicating what makes your district an attractive place to work, you can attract high-quality candidates who are aligned with your school’s mission and values.

Online Job Boards

Advertising teaching positions on online job boards and at career resource centers is a strategic way to reach a wide audience of potential candidates. Many specialized job boards cater specifically to educators, ensuring that your postings are seen by individuals actively seeking teaching opportunities. By utilizing these platforms, you can effectively connect with qualified applicants who are passionate about education and eager to contribute to your school community.

Emergency Licenses

School districts can apply for emergency certification when they can’t fill an open position with someone who has a teaching license. Qualifications vary by state, but generally, someone with a bachelor’s degree who passes a background check can be assigned to a classroom.

These are some opportunities for the school board to use in retaining and recruiting teachers. As an education consultant, I wil help you expand upon these teacher retention strategies and help you work on teacher recruitment strategies that meet your individual schools needs. Contact me today for your free consultant to get started.

Take the first step towards unlocking your organization’s full potential. Contact me today to explore how my Consulting services can propel your organization towards new heights of success.