A 2023 Review of Education’s Most (De)Pressing Issues: Analysis and Solutions (Volume 1, Episode 14)

Davey and Angela end this year (and Volume) by reviewing the critical issues that highlighted the 2023 calendar year. Guided by Dr. Howie Knoff's year-end Blog--summarizing all of his 2023 Blog posts-- your Hosts tackle the persistent challenges faced by virtually every educator.  Five key themes are examined: (a) Hiring, Supervising, Supporting, and Retaining School Staff; (b) Encouraging Effective and Eliminating Ineffective Staff Policies and Practices; (c) Special Education Services for Students with Disabilities; (d) Social-Emotional Learning’s Illusions and Realities; and (d) Race and Equity: Research and Effective Practices. Each theme is discussed by analyzing its inherent problems and offering evidence-based solutions. Angela and Davey emphasize the importance of strategic planning, data-driven decisions, and a cautious adoption of new programs to improve student, staff, and school outcomes. A final summary encourages the critical evaluation of research and practices before classroom or school-wide implementation.