11.27
Primary Education
Penn pledges $100 million to the School District of Philadelphia
Penn pledges $100 million to the School District of Philadelphia
The contribution represents an unprecedented commitment to the City and its public schoolchildren, and is the largest private contribution to the School District in its history.
A role model for the changing face of science
A role model for the changing face of science
Jennifer Stimpson, a chemist, teacher, and recent alumna of the Graduate School of Education’s mid-career program, was named an IF/THEN ambassador. The initiative aims to empower women in STEM to inspire the next generation of learners.
Talking to your kids about the election
Talking to your kids about the election
Penn GSE’s Caroline Watts offers advice on how to realistically support children during uncertainty. “Don't try to pretend there isn’t uncertainty in the country,” she says. “Be reassuring. No matter what is happening in the outside world, you will take care of the family.”
Creating a positive home environment, and other tips for uncertain times
Creating a positive home environment, and other tips for uncertain times
Experts at Penn GSE share ways to help parents and teachers care for their students and their own mental wellness during the pandemic.
Three educators celebrated at Penn GSE as winners of the McGraw Prize in Education
Three educators celebrated at Penn GSE as winners of the McGraw Prize in Education
In the first celebration of the McGraw Prize in Education since the Graduate School of Education became its home, President Amy Gutmann said this year’s three winners are among the “great minds devoted to improving education through innovation."
To build community this fall, think of your class as a team
To build community this fall, think of your class as a team
Before COVID-19, it was easier for teachers to build community within their class. How can teachers do that meeting virtually?
Children’s literature as ‘seed work’
Children’s literature as ‘seed work’
Penn GSE’s Ebony Elizabeth Thomas discusses the importance of more diverse books for kids and the challenges that continue to stifle early anti-racist learning. She also shares a curated list of recommended books for youth catered to this particular moment.
The joys and trials of defending a dissertation virtually
The joys and trials of defending a dissertation virtually
When most aspects of university life moved online because of COVID-19, so, too, did the thesis defense for Ph.D. candidates. Despite some challenges, the shift had unexpected benefits.
How do you homeschool kids? The pandemic has lots of parents asking
How do you homeschool kids? The pandemic has lots of parents asking
Penn GSE’s Ameena Ghaffar-Kucher’s new podcast offers guidance on juggling work and homeschooling, and how to focus on what kids and parents truly need during the pandemic.
Parents asked questions about living in lockdown. Penn GSE experts answered
Parents asked questions about living in lockdown. Penn GSE experts answered
Stay-at-home orders, closed schools, and pandemic-induced anxiety are taking their toll on families. Penn GSE’s Caroline Watts offers insights and resources for families requesting online resources.
In the News
Education Week
What principals have learned from COVID-19’s ‘stress test’
The Consortium for Policy Research in Education, housed in the Graduate School of Education, has published five briefs about how U.S. school districts and principals have dealt with the pandemic. “The principals are doing all these amazing things, which are serving urgent needs of kids and families. That’s not taken into account in what we think of as a good school. There is an imbalance between our metrics for assessing quality and the actual role of schools in society,” said Jonathan Supovitz.
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The Washington Post
Two key questions teachers should ask students after the election
Sigal Ben-Porath of the Graduate School of Education wrote about how teachers can address questions that arise after the polls close and votes are counted. “Emotionally charged moments can be at the foundation of powerful learning experiences,” she said. “Teachers can use these moments to help their students develop their voices and direct them toward possible action, regardless of the students’ political views.”
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Philadelphia Inquirer
Many private schools are planning to open in person as public schools are stuck online
Steve Piltch of the Graduate School of Education said private school enrollment has declined during the last decade. “Whatever the classes were there to begin with, they were smaller than most of the public schools are,” he said.
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Newsday
Wanted: A Civilian Coronavirus Corps
Jonathan Zimmerman of the Graduate School of Education advocated for a program that would enlist college students and other young adults to support school-aged children with online learning and extracurricular activities in exchange for a small stipend during the pandemic.
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EdSurge
Report: One of the biggest obstacles too remote learning? Finding a quiet place to work
A team led by Ryan Baker of the Graduate School of Education analyzed the results of a survey about the challenges of remote learning. “School districts’ IT were never prepared for this to happen,” Baker said.
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Philadelphia Inquirer
Why many Philly students aren’t logging on for school, and what that could mean for September
Caroline Watts of the Graduate School of Education commented on the six weeks it took for the Philadelphia school district to distribute laptops to its students after Gov. Wolf ordered schools to close. “The greater the lag in the time off, the harder it is to engage students,” said Watts.
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