Rory Abbott’s Post

Celebrating #worldautismacceptanceweek Meet our dedicated #senco, Zoe McCall - a highly experienced #education professional who is passionate about #inclusion and ensuring that young people who are #autistic are positively recognised Next Level Learning Ltd and provided with the educational, individual and #pastoralsupport they need and deserve, in order to achieve their maximum #learning and life potential. A key member of our team, Zoe works closely with our #students, as well as liaising regularly with our #tutors, parents and carers, external professionals and the #localauthorities with whom we work, including Salford City Council, Manchester City Council, Wigan Council, Bury Council, Rochdale Borough Council, Oldham Council, Stockport Council, Trafford Council, Wirral Council, Bolton Council and Lancashire County Council. This is to ensure individual learning strategies are reviewed, and potential interventions are discussed and shaped. She also helps to monitor, update and constantly improve our small group, one-to-one and #outreach #tuition provision. As with all members of our team, Zoe role models our core values of #authenticity, #togetherness, #compassion and #progression every single day. Helping our students, including those who are #neurodiverse, overcome their barriers to #learning, and empowering them to make their maximum progression and #succeed. https://lnkd.in/eRaqQux #autismawareness #autismacceptance #neurodiversity #neurodiversityacceptance #neurodivergent #neurodivergence Disclaimer: The headline in this post is taken from a quote by Stuart Duncan @autismfather

WQED would like to invite a team of students to share their interests, concerns & passions with us to help ensure our programming & initiatives are relevant to them. As part of our work to reflect our communities’ diversity & meaningfully engage more neighbors, WQED is excited to announce that we are creating our very first YOUTH ADVISORY BOARD! The responsibilities of the one year commitment include: ·Advocating for, providing feedback on, and collaborating with WQED programs, initiatives & services. ·Increasing student access and awareness of programs provided by WQED with an emphasis on underrepresented & marginalized communities. ·Appraising & evaluating effectiveness of current & potential programs. ·Becoming knowledgeable about WQED, its functions, programs, resources, staff & projects. ·Promoting the value of WQED in the community. ·Attending meetings (no more than four per year) & selected events.  Apply HERE-> https://lnkd.in/eDAkRGDh Parent/guardian consent is required & will be validated.

Very excited to be speaking at this conference! In my session I will be talking about how solution-focused, positive psychology can be applied at the whole class level to build relationships, improve behavioural outcomes and promote inclusion. Let's get Working On What Works!

The Civics Alliance is tracking the most important civics bills across the country. See how legislators are changing the future of civics education in your state, for better or worse: https://lnkd.in/dJy-AsGp

Belonging in schools goes beyond inclusion; it's vital for well-being, academic success, and community building. Here’s how K-12 leaders can foster a greater sense of belonging in their school communities. https://hubs.ly/Q02HDv3h0

The core of our mission at GID is to make a real impact and reach real people. There are countless organizations out there doing the work. Check out these black-led organizations highlighted by Blavity https://loom.ly/7X2fjGo

Today, more than ever, students across the nation are raising their voices for change, driving initiatives that champion equity and inclusion in their schools and communities. From organizing diversity and inclusion workshops to leading social justice clubs, young activists are at the forefront of building a more equitable future. These student-led movements are not just about raising awareness; they're about taking action. By advocating for curriculum reforms, promoting safe and inclusive spaces, and engaging in community dialogues, students are making significant strides toward dismantling barriers and fostering a culture of acceptance and respect. As we approach the 70th Commemoration of the Brown v. Board of Education decision, we're reminded of the powerful impact that collective action and determination can have on our society. This landmark case laid the groundwork for the civil rights movements that followed, and today's students are continuing the fight for justice and equality. 🌟 Let's celebrate and support these young voices for change as they carry forward the legacy of Brown v. Board. 🌟 Join us in honoring this pivotal moment in history and learn how you can support student-led initiatives making a difference in our communities. 🔗 For more information on the commemoration event and how you can participate, visit https://lnkd.in/gtzj6NVD #VoicesForChange #StudentActivism #EquityAndInclusion #BrownvBoard70 #FutureLeaders #MakeADifference #BrownvBoard70 #LR9Legacy #AABPCommemoration2024 #EducationEquity70 #PhilanderSmithEvent #AABPP #ArBlackPsych #NAACP #BrownVBoard #eventoftheday #joinourevent #APA #theABPsi

🔎 My Reflections on Leading Lundy Community of Practice Temi and I were fortunate to attend and participate in the Leading Lundy Community of Practice at Queen's University Belfast. Keynotes, workshops and conversations were insightful and professionally challenging. They focused on the impact of youth engagement on young people and their significant adults, adult decision-makers and policy shapers, and the symbiotic ecosystem in which all three coexist. A few of my "to be curious about" takeaways: 1️⃣ For Young People: Our engagement strategies must cater to their unique needs and aspirations. This includes: ⚒ Skills and Knowledge Development: Empowering young people with the tools and information they need for future success. 🏡 Building Networks: Connecting them with peers and mentors who can open doors and inspire them. 🤹♂️ Enhancing Resilience and Social Opportunities: Helping them build the capacity to face challenges and forge meaningful relationships. 👩🚀 Impacting Services and Choices: Enabling them to shape the services they use and their level of participation, from policies to incentives to HR to capital investments. 💫 Empowerment and Recognition: Encouraging them to own their power, influence decisions, and gain recognition for their contributions. 2️⃣ For Adult Decision-Makers: Engaging with young people provides invaluable benefits, such as: 🌱 Fresh Perspectives and Direct Insights: Gaining a deeper understanding of young minds to make better-informed decisions. 🧠 Cognitive Diversity and Flexibility: Learning to think differently and adapt to new challenges. 🌏 Improved Communication Skills: Adapting our language and approaches to better connect with younger generations. 📈 Enhanced Decision-Making: Leveraging diverse viewpoints to make more effective and inclusive decisions. We recognized the significant mutual benefits of creative youth engagement approaches. There is real joy in embracing the journey without a clear destination, curating a better understanding between generations along with strengthening the societal contributions of both young people and adults as equity partners, grounded in Children's Rights. Thanks to Bez and Laura and their respective teams for such an inspiring and strengths-based event. One for the memory books! Participation People and I are committed to supporting the next iteration of this Community of Practice in any way we can be most helpful. #YouthEngagement #CommunityOfPractice #Leadership #ProfessionalDevelopment #ParticipationPeople

“We should expect to learn as much from our students as we expect them to learn from us.” This timeless sentiment rang as true as ever during our first student panel event at ACS International Schools Egham Campus. Originally an idea from students, Egham Students Speak was brought to life through #childrensmentalhealthweek2024 , which this year was themed, “My Voice Matters.” It took place during a regularly scheduled staff meeting, with 75+ people in attendance. Building a list of student volunteers wasn’t difficult at all, nor was rounding up questions from staff to be posed to the panelists in advance. From a broad range of questions, 22 student panelists from Grades 5-12 chose to share their thinking around these questions and more: *️⃣If you had a magic wand, what would be the one thing you would change for everyone? *️⃣What is one thing you wish your teachers knew about your generation? *️⃣ Did you feel welcome from day 1? *️⃣ Describe your level of stress/calm when accessing meals *️⃣ What has been your most stressful school event? *️⃣ What happens when there are instances of discrimination? What can we do to promote anti-discrimination advocacy? Moderated by G12 students from our Student Voice club, our panelists spoke openly and honestly about their day-to-day lived experiences. Before we even closed the event, one student requested a second Egham Students Speak. The empowerment they felt was undeniable. We are excited to make that happen, too, as there was no denying that creating authentic opportunities for student voice is the way forward in our DEIB work. We fully believe that their voices absolutely do matter, and here is one of many ways we can bring that to life. Among many others, one student’s feedback was, “I can only see benefits for us as students with this; please don’t let this be the only time we do this.” Next steps will include reflection amongst staff as well as further and more targeted discussions between students and staff to implement positive change. When we think of inclusion in schools, we must fully subscribe to “All means All.” Including students in the decisions that impact their experience is an obvious move, and we are thrilled to have been able to provide this opportunity for us all. #myvoicematters #childrensmentalhealth #deij #deib #internationaleducation

It's back-to-school time! 📚 🎒 🏫 As the new school year kicks off, we're taking another look at a blog we shared earlier this year. Explore how our partnerships with schools and universities are fostering meaningful change. #backtoschool #empoweringstudents #empoweringfaculty #empoweringschools