Jason Thatcher’s Post

Concerned about your Child’s Report Card? You are not alone. https://bit.ly/3QYfzcq Receiving a poor report card often leaves #parents wondering what they can do to help their child succeed. Learn how a psychoeducational #evaluation can help understand underlying issues and create a plan for success. #parenting #reportcard #student #grades #AcademicSuccess #academicachievement #mathematics #reading #writing #childpsychology #studentsupport #learningdisabilities #learningdifferences #tutoring #evaluations

Currently in the process of writing about the importance of queer joy and its relation to student retention/student success in higher Ed. If you know any great avenues I should be looking into during the research process feel free to comment!

https://lnkd.in/eqQ6z67T Thoughts???? 🤔 Heterodox Academy © 2024 Heterodox How an Academic Department Replaced Diversity Statements with Service Statements Like many others, we are concerned about the common practice of requiring a “diversity statement” (aka DEI statement) as part of the university faculty hiring process. There are myriad reasons for such concern. FIRE, Conor Friedersdorf, Brian Leiter, Komi Frey, and others have eloquently made comprehensive legal and ethical critiques of diversity statements. We won’t rehash those concerns here. But as two faculty members (and HxA Campus Community co-chairs) who wanted to improve practices in our own department, we realized that it was insufficient to put a spotlight on bad ideas; we also needed to propose an alternative. Last fall we did just that, and after some lively exchanges, our faculty voted unanimously that all future faculty job advertisements will no longer require diversity statements and will instead ask candidates to submit a service statement in addition to the usual research and teaching statements. We believe service statements are a progressive, legal, ethical, and constructive alternative to diversity statements for multiple reasons. These statements offer an opportunity for every applicant to discuss their work on diversity, equity, and inclusion (however defined), but they do not insist that every applicant writes about these things. 1. Service statements align with what’s expected of a successful faculty member. At our university (as at most others) the processes of annual merit review, reappointment, promotion, and tenure require faculty to be successful not just in research and teaching but also in service. Such service can take many forms and can be to their department, university, or profession, or society in general. While tenure is rarely (perhaps never) awarded based purely on service, asking prospective faculty about their past and future service activities fits well with expectations for their future success as a professor. In contrast, DEI statements don’t fit these expectations: There is no requirement at our university that faculty contribute to diversity, equity, or inclusion in order to be reappointed, promoted, or awarded tenure. Requiring service statements for hiring and initial employment fits better with the criteria that are subsequently required for continued employment and career advancement. 2. Requiring service statements signals the value of service. Our department has an ethos of valuing academic service activities and recognizes that there are often trade-offs between meaningful (and time-consuming) service activities and academic productivity (for example, in terms of grant funding and peer-reviewed publications). . . .

Indeed. It starts with language

Unlock the power of parental involvement in your child's academic success! Discover why it matters and how you can make a difference. Read the blog now for invaluable insights. Let's create a brighter future together! #ParentalInvolvement #EducationMatters #ReadNow https://lnkd.in/d7qsxtAt

4 𝙬𝙖𝙮𝙨 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙖𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙘𝙪𝙧𝙧𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙡𝙮 𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙘𝙝𝙞𝙡𝙙’𝙨 𝙩𝙚𝙖𝙘𝙝𝙚𝙧’𝙨 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙠 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙘𝙝𝙞𝙡𝙙’𝙨 𝙖𝙘𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙢𝙞𝙘 𝙨𝙪𝙘𝙘𝙚𝙨𝙨. Did you see my last post? This post is a way to help parents do better. Did you know that the way you relate with your child’s teacher can impact the learning outcome of your child. The truth is that you have an important role to play in the academic progress of your child and your action or inaction might be costing you and your child a lot more than you know. Let's quickly x-ray some of your actions that may be impeding your child's growth and development in school. 1️⃣😖𝘉𝘢𝘥m𝘰𝘶𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥’𝘴 𝘵𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘺 𝘵𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘳: Talking negatively about child’s teacher in the presence of your child is a NO NO❌. Doing this lowers the respect your child has for the teacher and teaches him that it’s okay to talk ill about the teacher. I have had some students call their teachers names and upon interrogation confirmed that their parents call their teachers those same names in the privacy of their homes. If you have something against a teacher, please take it to the administrators or the teacher directly. Stop being a GOSSIP especially with your child. 2️⃣🫡𝘕𝘰𝘵 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘵𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘤𝘵 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘳: Have you ever told your child explicitly that she needs to pay utmost respect to her teachers? I have this amazing mother who always tells the child to respond to my questions with a “Yes ma’am” and not only a “Yes”. Why won’t this child respect me and obey instructions that will help him excel academically. Teach your child to respect and obey their teachers. Instilling these values empowers your child to navigate challenges and build healthy teacher-student relationships. 3️⃣🧎♀️𝘜𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘣𝘺 𝘵𝘢𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘴𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘴 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥: It breaks my heart to see parents who will stand with their children’s wrongdoings and tell the teacher that he can’t punish their child. They will argue with the teacher right in front of the child and “obtain” victory for their insolent child. How then do you expect that teacher to instruct the child afterwards. It’s time to turn a new leaf dear parents. Even when you don’t agree with a teacher’s method, be wise and responsible enough to meet with the teacher privately and disagree sensibly instead of rendering the authority of the teacher useless before the eyes of your child, the teacher’s student。 I have included the last one in the comment section. Finally, l want to deeply appreciate all the parents going over and beyond to ensure that their children are well disciplined and respectful to teachers. You are our 😇 angels.❤️ Cheering you on🎉👏🏽🎊 Myra Samuelson The Digiteacher #parentingtips #parents #parentsupport

This IHE article provides useful insights about how the general public is conflicted and confused about how challenging, controversial, and fraught social and political topics should be handled in higher education. The survey data is useful, albeit contradictory, but I think this article could be enriched with a more thoughtful analysis of power. The free expression discourse too often assumes that speech occurs in a neutral and flat context in which it doesn’t or shouldn’t matter whose body the speech comes from or who it’s directed towards. For example, teaching Judith Butler’s critique of #alllivesmatter may bring up difficult emotions for white students who are in a state of racial and political underdevelopment. These students hold power and privilege, which is obfuscated by their ignorance and naïveté about those very issues. Microaggressions are everyday slights that convey derogatory, hostile, and prejudicial attitudes. Microaggressions are deleterious to the educational environment because they undermine belongingness by ostracizing and marginalizing minoritized learners. Here’s a quote that sums up the contradictory nature of the survey findings but doesn’t unpack politically complicated words, like “offensive.” “Yet asked about the key purpose of higher education, the vast majority of respondents—90 percent—said they see campuses as places where disparate ideas and values can and should be discussed. At the same time, 55 percent said students should not be allowed to invite speakers to campus who have said something offensive.” In the American context, in which there is pervasive denial of racism and climate change—to name a couple of examples—the pursuit of truth is hindered by efforts to make teaching ideologically balanced. Good college teaching does not include right-wing disinformation.

Language matters. Change is possible. The terminology academic probation has been replaced across the University of California system. Moving forward we'll be using academic notice. "While academic standing regulations help us identify students experiencing academic difficulty and provide appropriate resources and guidance, the "probation" label is counterproductive to student success. It suggests criminality, and positions the institution as enforcing rules and penalties. It’s an unfortunate derivative of the criminal justice system, inappropriate to institutions of higher learning. As advisors, this term undermines our position as student allies. In contrast, a more neutral term moves us beyond “probation’s” singular focus on past performance, and allows students and staff to engage in discussions about the circumstances impacting a student’s progress and identify strategies to support future success." - taken from the UC Undergraduate Academic Advising Council proposal. Thank you to Raven Yoshitomi for leading the working group and serving as the primary author of the proposal. Thank you to Barbra Wallace, Corey Hollis, Stacey Sketo-Rosener, and Brett McFarlane , Ed.D. for being willing these past few years to work on getting a voice of advocacy for students and academic advising at the systemwide level. We're making change, sometimes small, but meaningful change nonetheless. And, thank you UC Academic Senate for making this proposal a reality.

Celebrate Your Child ! Most parents often find themselves measuring their children's success by academic achievements, wondering if they're the best in class or meeting certain standards. But what about the child who excels in social skills, emotional intelligence, or creative expression? Shouldn't their efforts and progress be celebrated as well ? The truth is, children learn and grow at different paces, and their strengths may not always be reflected in report cards or grades. Yet, every child puts in effort and demonstrates resilience throughout the academic year. Let's recognize and celebrate these achievements, no matter how big or small they may seem! Your child may have: - Made a new friend or shown kindness to a classmate - Overcome a fear or anxiety, taking brave steps forward - Developed a passion for art, music, or writing - Improved their communication skills or public speaking - Demonstrated empathy and understanding towards others These accomplishments are just as valuable as academic achievements! By acknowledging and celebrating them, you'll: - Boost your child's confidence and self-esteem - Encourage their continued growth and exploration - Foster a sense of purpose and motivation - Show your child that their individuality is cherished So, let's shift our focus from comparisons and grades to the unique journey of each child. Every effort, every progress, and every achievement deserves recognition and celebration! Remember, every child is a winner, not just because of their accomplishments, but because of who they are as individuals. Let's honor their distinct strengths, talents, and personalities. Celebrate your child's awesomeness today, and every day! #CelebrateEveryChild #EffortsOverAchievement #EveryChildIsAWinner #ParentingWithPurpose Mary Akanmu-Bamikefa JIDDA PATRICIA

Turns out the motivators for reading engagement are autonomy, belonging, and competence. These elements aren't just essential for academic achievement; they are pillars of lifelong success. Do we need education research to tell us this? Is it not intrinsic to the education system? Let's make it better together! Stay tuned for new courses and webinars coming from Educate On Purpose this Spring. #eduonpurpose #literacyforall #aiineducation Rita Wirtz, MA Barbara Anna Zielonka Teq Jennifer Womble Jen Thomas Rachelle Dené Poth Hedreich Nichols, M. Ed.