EDU Trending: Education Reboot
Trending in the United States are two seemingly disparate educational views that represent both sides of the political spectrum. Both are gaining increasing awareness in the aftermath of learning regressions suffered during COVID. Each view has a different solution. Importantly, they share a common purpose and values. Both show the desire and promise for a 21st century educational reboot.
The purpose is to improve students’ academic achievement and future potential. The values include: cooperation, forging positive relationships, and putting children first.
One view calls for the White House to hold a conference announcing a national initiative for adult volunteers to tutor students in their towns. The result of this effort would be two-fold: First, a coming together of hearts and minds for the sake of our kids. Second, improved standardized test scores, indicating that students are back on track academically: https://www.thebulwark.com/covid-devastated-education-this-is-a-chance-for-renewal/ In reality, decisions about schools are made at the local level. If approved, regularly scheduled school roundtables to discuss student needs and volunteer community tutors could both have a place.
The second perspective holds that personalized learning is a proven path to ensure diversity, equity, and inclusion for all students and also close learning gaps. For example, at Purdue Polytechnic High School in Indianapolis, IN, students succeed academically and personally, regardless of race or economic status. Likewise, the school develops unique programs and community partnerships that further enhance opportunities specifically for its students: https://www.the74million.org/article/indiana-rethinking-high-school-purdue-polytechnic/ Personalized learning is practiced in hundreds of U.S. schools, yet no two are the same. For a forerunner, visit The Met: https://www.bigpicture.org/
We can have it all: Schools that provide collaborative community input; personalized learning; equity for all students; and success on standardized tests (sometimes with the help of tutors). We can have a new education paradigm across the country - a reboot long overdue for our students and the times.
News and Views: 321 Coffee Is Inclusion
Growing up in North Carolina, four of Lindsay Wrege’s third grade friends had intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). As she and they neared college age, Wrege realized that her friends - like a majority of adults with IDD - would not have career options and experiences worthy of their potential. She wanted to help, and a chance visit to Bitty & Beau’s coffee shop in Wilmington, NC, gave her an idea.
Bitty & Beau’s was founded in 2016 by Amy Gage Wright to give her two youngest children - and others with special needs - the chance to enjoy fulfilling careers and be valued participating citizens in their communities. Today Bitty & Beau’s has 23 shops in 12 states. https://www.bittyandbeauscoffee.com/about/our-story/
Inspired to achieve something similar in Raleigh, in 2017, Lindsay Wrege and her friend Michael Evans (both freshmen at North Carolina State in Raleigh), co-founded 321 Coffee - a reference to the third copy of the 21st chromosome characteristic of Down syndrome. Their purpose: To provide meaningful work experience for adults with Intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) who would be front and center: Roasting the coffee, chatting with customers, taking their orders, and making the lattes.
They started as a pop up with an enthusiastic group of volunteers who had IDD. Next came a trailer and a permanent place at the Raleigh Farmer’s Market: https://www.lx.com/community/a-raleigh-coffee-shop-brews-opportunity-for-special-needs-staff/11917/2022 has been a big year: 321 Coffee opened its first brick and mortar café in August; its own roasting facility, run by employees, in October; and In December, a retail shop in Durham. For details, employee videos, TED Talks, and to be inspired, check out https://321coffee.com
Today the company employs more than 50 adults with IDD. In 2021, CEO Wrege put it this way: “different [isn’t] scary; different [is] interesting…People can do amazing things.” https://www.youtube.com/watchv=zsH7pUVykQ8&ab_channel=TEDxTalksInclusion means: Acceptance, respect, opportunities, community, and pride. Belonging! Whether in a coffee shop or another work place, people deserve the chance to be appreciated and shine. They will benefit us all. We only have to try, or as Wrege says: “When you want to make things better, make a better thing.”
Question of the Day: DisABILITY
Among American adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities, how many have found meaningful employment?
35%
20%
50%
25%
40%
For the answer, please go to the blog:
From Me to You: Listening Is the Greatest Gift
The holiday season has arrived just in time. The finger pointing, shouting, and intensity of 2022 have been replaced by the excitement of shopping for presents, baking cookies, seeing family and friends, sharing fun, hugs, and good times. When the last scrap of wrapping paper and bits of ribbon have been discarded, and the last package of leftovers distributed, each of us can breathe a sigh of satisfaction.
Little children are always looking, touching, listening. They are naturally, wonderfully curious, open to new things. It is how they learn. When we read to them, we learn and feel right along with them.
In that spirit, I recommend a book first published in 2007: Listen, Listen written by Phillis Gershator and illustrated by Alison Jay. Memorable catchy rhymes and beautiful illustrations help children listen to the sounds of the seasons. Whimsical. Lovely. Enjoy listening with your favorite little ones.
Happy Holidays and a New Year of kindness, good will, friendship, peace.
