Paramount Schools of Excellence’s Post

On World Teachers’ Day, have a read of this lovely blog by Mission 44 trustee Aziza Ajak 👇🏾

"...because youth are not just the leaders of tomorrow, they are the leaders of today❤️" Yes, indeed. Both AmandaGrace Krier, AAS, CPS and Joshua Calarino from Youth MOVE National have been guests on our STAY Tuned podcast, a podcast about mental health, made by, and for, transition-aged youth. The podcast comes from our Transitions to Adulthood Center for Research. If you want to hear more from AmandaGrace or Joshua, you can listen to them here: https://lnkd.in/gC5yvMDd #YouthMentalHealth #YoungAdultMentalHealth

Today we celebrate Juneteenth! Today is a day of celebration, but also for reflection and education. Learn more about Juneteenth: https://lnkd.in/gP3p4q2U

A great teacher and visionary leader.

From the explicit barriers to the invisible tax teachers and school leaders of color often face, retaining teachers and school leaders of color is a consistent challenge for schools. But there are bright spots of innovation in some states and districts, in the policies and practices that serve to retain these educators. Join our CEO and Founder, Amanda Fernandez, and amazing leaders from TNTP, New Leaders, and NAACP, who will discuss these innovative policies and practices, and the potential for scaling these efforts across the country as part of the One Million Teachers of Color Campaign: https://ow.ly/ES7m50PiBaY

OPEN DAY AT FOREST GATE COMMUNITY SCHOOL One of the added advantages of working in international schools is the summer stagger with schools in the UK. This allows really convenient opportunities to be back in UK schools and see good practice before everyone jets off for their holidays. So I feel very privileged to have been in East London to visit Forest Gate Community School today. The school moved from being rated by Ofsted as 'Requiring Improvement' to the current status of 'Outstanding'. It has consistently proven it's ability to add significant academic progress to students in their care, winning various accolades on the way. An opportunity not to miss! We had the chance to meet some of their leaders and see lessons applying their ingredients for success. There were so many great ideas to take away. Some highlights were the impact of the following: - The Dynamic Progress Reporting model on which the curriculum is tracked in each subject. - The codifying of certain evidence-based T&L strategies as part of a toolbox of 'Explicit Directed Instruction', and then the persistence to ensure every teacher applies it in their classroom practice. - A case study of a high leverage tool such as 'Live Marking' to improve outcomes.   - The intentional approach to avoiding 'High Frequency Errors' in school improvement  - The 'Live Coaching' by staff and how the school tries to ensure teachers don't feel undermined in front of students but still address areas for improvement in practice. Spot the Spinach! I'm sure like all schools they have their challenges in applying the above, but clearly a lot of time has been spent to invest in that shared language. This has meant everyone in the community is speaking and applying similar, especially the leaders. The above ideas may seem a bit obvious, but hearing about the impact when promoted as an explicit expectation, by everyone, from everyone, was actually very inspirational. Thanks for a very productive day Community Schools Trust Credit to you guys for being so open to sharing your practice and what made you so successful.  @Simon Elliot Shofiquez Zaman Thahmina Begum Hypemen indeed!

📣 Observing Juneteenth at Charette High School 📚 Today, in observance of Juneteenth, our school community pauses to reflect on a pivotal moment in American history. On June 19, 1865, news of emancipation finally reached enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, marking the end of slavery in the United States. This day, now a federal holiday, stands as a testament to the enduring spirit and resilience of the African American community. While our students and staff are not in school today, we encourage everyone to take this time to learn, reflect, and honor the significance of Juneteenth. Here are some ways we can all engage meaningfully: 📖 Learn: Explore the rich history of Juneteenth and its impact on American society. Numerous online resources, books, and documentaries provide deep insights into this important day. 💬 Reflect: Take a moment to reflect on the progress we have made towards equality and the work that still lies ahead. Consider how each of us can contribute to building a more just and inclusive society. 🤝 Support: Support African American businesses, artists, and organizations that work towards social justice and community empowerment. 🌟 Share: Share your thoughts and learning experiences with family, friends, and the community. Raising awareness helps keep the spirit of Juneteenth alive and promotes understanding and unity. At Charette High School we are committed to fostering an environment of inclusivity, respect, and continuous learning. Let’s honor Juneteenth by coming together in the spirit of reflection, education, and community. #Juneteenth #CharetteHighSchool #ProvidenceEducation #ReflectAndLearn #InclusiveEducation #AfricanAmericanHistory #CommunityUnity

Virginia Randolph - Community Educator Today I serve as a substitute principal for the day at The Academy at Virginia Randolph, where I worked as the special education coordinator 17 years ago; I felt it only fitting to shout out Virginia Randolph for recognition as part of my 60-day commitment to highlighting unsung Black heroes. She is a Virginia-born Black American educator from Henrico County. Post Reconstruction there was limited opportunities for Black American but she found a way. The Reconstruction Era was when America tried, from roughly 1865 to 1877, to uplift the constitutional rights of African Americans following their emancipation from 400 yrs of enslavement (1526 - 1865). As her career progressed, she was the first Black female to lead a Jeanes Foundation-funded program to improve vocational training in the American South. Randolph originally opened the Mountain Road School, the current school's location, as a one-room schoolhouse. Randolph repaired the dilapidated building and recruited students. In addition to academics, Randolph instructed her students in woodworking, sewing, and gardening. Later she became the superintendent of twenty-three elementary schools, implemented the first in-service training program for Black teachers, and worked to improve the curriculum. Randolph raised more than 50 children who were abandoned due to their parent's lack of money and opportunities post-slavery and Reconstruction. It often makes me wonder if we would be in the same place as a country if the Reconstruction Era was as long as enslavement and people like Randolph’s work was uplifted - how America could have been so much Greater if Black Americans did not have always have to best the odds in spite of America.#opportunities #students #careerteched #henrico #blackeducators #blackhistory

Today is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Also recognized on September 30, Orange Shirt Day is an Indigenous-led grassroots commemorative day to raise awareness of the individual, family and community inter-generational impacts of residential schools. Every child matters. We can all learn more by exploring the rich and diverse cultures, voices, experiences and histories of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. https://lnkd.in/gHrRzxkc

“Black scholars SHOULD be running schools! Our HBCUs SHOULD be running schools!” - @citizenstewart Education enthusiasts, assemble! @citizenstewart and @blovesoulpower are back, and this time they’re dropping knowledge bombs about HBCUs and educational equity! The issue? Black scholars and HBCUs deserve a bigger seat at the education table. We need to reimagine education for Black students and teachers, and these institutions can be the key! Imagine lab schools like Chicago’s for white kids, but designed specifically for Black students and teachers! HBCUs are brimming with talent and expertise, waiting to be unleashed! Black educators shaping the next generation of Black leaders. Curriculum that reflects the richness of Black culture and history. This isn’t just a dream, it’s a necessity! Let’s amplify Black voices in education! Let’s harness the power of HBCUs and create learning spaces that nurture, empower, and celebrate Black brilliance! #BlackBrillianceAtTheBlackboard #HBCUsLeadTheWay #ReimagineEducation #BlackTeachersBlackLeaders #LabSchoolsForBlackExcellence #EquityInTheClassroom #ChrisAndCoryDroppingTruth #AmplifyBlackVoices #HBCURevolution #EducationForAll https://lnkd.in/e_sSVpjc