The next generation of AESA outlines the bold steps we, as an association, will take towards equity and opportunity for all. Our organizational values state, among other things, that we believe that
courageous leadership
inspires bold solutions to current and future complex challenges and that systemic change requires
boundary-spanning leadership.
We are committed to achieving
equity
in learning by actively working to eliminate disparities and inequities. We have talked the talk, but are we walking the talk?
Our country and our association can do better. Due to recent events, our country is mourning. We find broken glass and smoldering wreckage in our communities as protests have turned violent in cities across America over the death of George Floyd, an unarmed black man by a now-fired Minneapolis police officer.
These communities are places where we work to provide exceptional education for all children. They are also, the places where we live, shop, and raise our families. We became educators because we wanted to make a difference in the lives of children and careers are dedicated to improving their lives.
Today, those communities are calling each of us to stand up. No longer can we avert our eyes or shy away from the reality of racism and injustice that is prevalent in our communities, especially as it impacts black Americans and other communities of color.
We must confront the truth that our country has been on a journey of anger and frustration over systemic racism throughout its history. The Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr. said that riots are the language of the unheard. It is unnerving when peaceful protests turn violent and are tarnished by looting and vandalism. Even as violence should never be condoned and is, in fact, not a solution, we should all be listening.
|
|
These are complicated issues full of emotion for many. There are no easy answers. However, ESAs are communities of listeners and problem solvers. We have what it takes to have a collective impact on racism. We must all ask ourselves how can each of us, ensure we build trust in our communities? How can we create communities where there is mutual respect and equal opportunity afforded to everyone? You can make a difference, and so can I, but not if we remain silent.
As educational leaders we must address racial inequalities once and for all. We all need to do the work, to identify, challenging and changing the values, structures and behaviors that perpetuate systemic racism. We cannot be frozen because of feelings of intense anxiety, fear, hopelessness, and despair. AESA advocates for justice and equity as an organization and for those we serve. My hope is that we, as ESAs, will confront the uncomfortable realities in our communities, create safe spaces for true collaboration and be active embracers of a better tomorrow that is equitable for all.
Be safe and stay well,
|
Joan H. Wade, EdD
AESA Executive Director
|
|
|
Award Nominations Due June 15th
|
|
Nominate a Colleague for an AESA National Award
Nominations due
June 15th
.
|
|
The 2020 Summer Leadership Conference
is Going Virtual!
|
|
Cost: $150 per individual/$575 per organization (maximum of 8 registrations)
Your organization will be invoiced after the event in accordance with the above registration fee structure. If you prefer to pay via credit card, arrangements can be made with Ann Fiene after the event.
|
|
Conference Sessions include...
--It's a Recession! Now What Do I Do?
--Systems: What does this have to do with Leadership?
--Panel Discussion--COVID-19: Preparing Your ESA for an Uncertain Future
--Artistry in Culture and Climate
--Peer-to-Peer Discussions; 20 topics to choose from (you determine the topics)!
--We All Share the Same Elephant: Wellness for Ourselves and Supporting Our Staff's Wellness
And at the end of each day, we'll provide time for networking with your peers (with a little fun thrown in)!
|
|
AASA and ASBO recently
created a one-pager
for reopening schools safely, estimating basic costs to implement some of the CDC guidelines/recommendations for social distancing, cleaning/disinfecting, etc. You can find the one-pager here:
And a related US News and World Report article about the analysis here:
|
|
USDA Extends Community Eligibility Provision Deadline
As part of the U.S. Dept. of Ag's (USDA) response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the department has recently decided to extend the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) deadlines for the 2020–2021 school year to provide states, school districts and LEAs with additional time to apply and adopt CEP. Specifically, this newly released
nationwide waiver
will enable LEAs to apply for CEP any time between
April 1, 2020–June 30, 2020,
and to extend the deadline for LEAs to adopt the program by
August 31, 2020.
Considering the economic downturn resulting from the COVID-19 crisis, it is likely that more LEAs and school districts will be eligible to implement CEP for the 2020-2021 school year due to the increases in individuals who are now qualified for SNAP benefits. As such, AESA is encouraging our members to assist their school districts to re-examine their eligibility for CEP, since it will now be a more financially viable option for many more schools.
Are you looking to learn more about CEP? Our partners at the Food Research Action Committee (FRAC) are hosting a
Webinar on June 11, at 3:00 p.m. ET.
,
to discuss the CDC's Interim Guidance for K-12 schools as it relates to operating school nutrition programs, and best practices for districts to implement innovative policies that meet students' nutritional needs. You can register for the event by clicking
here.
|
|
|
Affinity Group:
Blended/Personalized Learning
|
|
Join AESA's Blended & Personalized Learning Affinity Group call on
Wednesday, June 10, at [9:00 am PST, 10:00 am MST, 11 am CST, 12:00 pm EST] for a discussion with guest speakers, Scott Milam, Co-Founder, and Managing Director and Katie Morrison-Reed, Senior Director of Afton Partners, a financial and analytical consulting team dedicating its work exclusively to education. Afton Partners is currently part of the Always Ready For Learning Network, providing pro-bono coaching to school leaders on the shift to remote learning, and ongoing planning for an uncertain future. Scott will share with us some of the challenges he is hearing from districts across the country, as well as resources and strategies for addressing those challenges. Join us!
Register in advance for this meeting using
THIS LINK. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
|
|
This Week in the
AESA e-Classroom
|
|
A Lesson in Social Entrepreneurship: Creating a National SEL Center
Thursday, June 11, 2020
3:00 pm Eastern
Presenters (l to r): Shileste Overton-Morris, Learning Director, Center for the Promotion of Social/Emotional Learning and Carol Paxton, Director, Center for Promotion of Social Emotional Learning, CSIU (PA)
Learn how and why the Central Susquehanna IU, guided by its commitment to social entrepreneurship, launched the Center for the Promotion of Social and Emotional Learning (CPSEL), a national center providing consulting, coaching and professional development on integrating SEL into educational settings. Over the past decade, due to education reform efforts, Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) requirements and a growing body of research in trauma-informed care and behavioral health, SEL has moved to the forefront of the education landscape. CPSEL fills an important gap-translating research to practice for educators. Presenters will share information on our partnerships with researchers and experts, evidence-based training, SEL certificate training, and discuss opportunities for partnerships and bringing these training opportunities to your ESA.
|
|
There's Still Time to Register . . .
|
|
Entrepreneurial ESAs: How to Price with Confidence in an Uncertain Environment
June 10, 17 & 24, 2020
2:00 - 3:00 pm Eastern
|
|
$199 Subscription:
Live participation in all 3 virtual workshops including interactive breakout sessions
(Space is limited to the first 100 registrants.)
$120 Fee:
Access to recordings of the 3 workshops
(Click on "Register for Event" and complete the online form. Credit card payment is required.)
|
|
Returning to teaching this fall will present unique challenges. Whatever the format, the need to reconnect and reboot school culture is more important than ever. Creating a school climate less susceptible to isolation, bullying, suicide, and violence is possible and must be prioritized.
Now is the time to stress the importance of unity, hope, and connection with your students in a live or virtual world. Our resources can help.
Click
HERE
to learn more.
|
|
 |
Virtual 2020 Annual Visible Learning Conference
July 6-9, 2020
8:00 am - 4:30 pm Pacific
Corwin is excited to extend our AESA members an invitation to attend the Virtual Annual Visible Learning Conference. This virtual experience features live keynotes and breakout sessions focused on The Power of Implementation from education thought leaders John Hattie, Peter DeWitt, Sugata Mitra, Jenni Donohoo, John Almarode, and more. The conference will provide insight and tools so that attendees can learn what it really takes to deeply implement the Visible Learning+ principles and practices, with sessions exploring:
• What conditions support deep implementation of the key ideas of Visible Learning?
• What teacher and leader practices are essential for deep implementation?
• What evidence am I using to make the learning from implementation visible to students, teachers and leaders?
Register at
www.corwin.com/AVL2020 using the promo code
AESA50 for 50% off of your registration to the conference!
|
|
|
|
Join the AESA/CESA 7 Book Club!
|
|
AESA/CESA 7 Reading Leaders Book Club
June 18, 2020 @ 7:00 pm Eastern
|
|
|
|
More Webinars from AESA Business Partners...
|
|
Click on the date to register . . .
|
|
2:30 pm Eastern
Navigating a New Normal
by
Infinite Campus
|
|
2:00 pm Eastern
Learning Readiness
with
EyeSpy 20/20
|
|
2:00 pm Eastern
Key Resources to Prepare District for Back to School
by
ClassLink
|
|
2:00 pm Eastern
Using New Smart Phone App for Easier/Custom Access to Data
by
MindShine Technologies
|
|
|
And don't forget our annual events!
|
|
Virtual Summer Leadership Conference
July 20-23, 2020
|
|
Educators' Call to Action Conference
September 28-30. 2020
Registration Open Soon
|
|
AESA Annual Conference
December 2-5, 2020
Hilton Orlando, Florida
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
