Leader 2 Leader

 By: Dr. Paige Pullen, Chief Academic Officer at the UF Lastinger Center for Learning When I returned to my alma mater and took on my position at the Lastinger Center in 2017, I presented a case for what I call “a vision for a literate Florida.” My goal, then and now, is to help Florida become number one in the country in terms of literacy rates. For us to realize this goal, what does it take? This task takes more than providing our teachers with the training and resources they need through our higher education system, and it transcends beyond our schools. It takes a comprehensive ecosystem of all of our Florida communities working together to support our students at every touchpoint. In 2021, we worked with Florida House Speaker Chris Sprowls to start the New Worlds Reading Initiative as one such effort to help us reach this goal and bridge the gap between school and home learning. Created to support K-5 th grade students not yet reading on grade level, New World Reading pro...

 By: Dr. Liz Brooke, CCC-SLP   Is the curriculum we’re using to teach students to read working? The data tells us it is not. While 95% percent of students have the capacity to learn to read (when using programs based on the science of reading), only about 34% of fourth and eighth grade students read proficiently.   That’s a big gap, and a worrying one. As much as 85% of public school curriculum in the United States is delivered via reading, so a literacy curriculum that fails to deliver proficiency is failing students, period.   Given the gap between students’ capacity and their proficiency, it’s no wonder educational equity is such a priority goal for schools and districts. Academic success, personal empowerment, greater economic opportunities, and active civic participation are all literacy benefits that expand opportunities for students to develop their full academic and societal potential.   Equality vs. equity It’s important to clarify...

   Be Visible By:  Star Swain , Elementary School Principal, FAMU Developmental Research School   As a leader, visibility to those that you lead is one key ingredient to culture building and organizational morale. There is a sense of trust and accountability that is built when employees, colleagues, or team members physically see leaders in the everyday grind with them. By no means does this mean that a leader will  always  be out in the cubicles shaking hands or at the water cooler having conversations with those they lead. Otherwise, the leader would not be efficient in accomplishing their own daily required tasks. At the same token, a leader who remains hidden in their large corner office behind the big desk, is a leader who will remain disconnected from those they lead. That disconnection can cause people in the organization to feel isolated and inferior, while respect for the leader diminishes.   Being visible is not limited to the literal meaning...

  SCHOOLS CAN HELP ADDRESS THE VAPING EPIDEMIC By: Dorothy Bishop, CEO, VapeEducate Vaping has become increasingly popular with teenagers, spiking to 5.4 million middle and high school users in 2019. This habit has become popularized for many reasons. Vapes are trendy, do not have the stigma that traditional cigarettes do, and are sold in flavors that attract young buyers. Vape use can be subtle and scentless, making it easy for young people to vape without others knowing. They are also incredibly addictive, as they still contain nicotine as traditional cigarettes and are easy to use as they come with nicotine cartridges in various flavors and concentrations. Reports say that 1 out of 4 teenagers has vaped. Although vaping can seem like an attractive alternative to traditional cigarettes, it still has long-lasting and concerning effects on users’ health. To provide an environment conducive to teaching and learning, schools must take the initiative to educate their students ab...