To keep students safe on social media, they need to be aware of many issues, including addictiveness, cyberbullying, age-inappropriate content, and viral social media stunts. For Mental Health Awareness Month, here are a few ways to approach discussions about social media habits to protect students’ safety and mental health. Discuss what students like on social … Continue reading
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Future of K-12 SEL: curriculum integration
The pandemic healthcare crisis underscored the need for comprehensive K-12 SEL programs. Public schools experienced a jump in students seeking mental health services since the start of the pandemic, according to a May 2022 study by the National Center for Education Statistics. The majority surveyed are concerned about the lack of resources despite record-breaking federal … Continue reading
Teach Coding Unplugged
It is possible to teach coding unplugged. For National Wellness Month, we’re showcasing Makey Makey, a popular STEAM education solution that is an ingenious way to get kids active and learning to code without all the screentime. Teaching code through invention literacy What is Makey Makey? It’s a perfect way to instill confidence in kids … Continue reading
Keeping Students Safe Online
August is National Wellness Month, making it a great time to start working with your students to develop healthy online habits. Build your cybersecurity literacy to help your students navigate online safety in today’s hyper-connected world with these K-12 online safety tips and resources. Online Gaming Tips As e-gaming and Esports clubs increase in popularity, … Continue reading
How Schools Can Advance Accessibility and Equity (3-minute read)
Pandemic learning showcased the state of accessibility and education equity across the U.S. Advancing education for all students starts with reevaluating what inclusive education means at your school. How to reevaluate inclusive education To advance accessibility and promote education equity, one assistive technology specialist believes teachers should reevaluate these 3 inclusive education myths: Myth 1: … Continue reading
Teachers Use Edtech to Invent Open-ended Accessibility Tools
When you think of assistive technology, chances are you’re thinking about specialized technology like speech-to-text software, Braille note-taking devices, and screen magnifiers — tools that serve a specific purpose. Think again. Teachers are using edtech to create homegrown, open-ended accessibility tools for their students and here at Douglas Stewart, Co., we’re loving these teacher-inventors who … Continue reading
K-12 Assistive Tech Highlight: IPEVO Document Cameras
Assistive technology eliminates unnecessary hurdles for students with disabilities and improves their learning experiences and outcomes. Document cameras are one powerful tool that can bring learning materials front and center and in focus to improve educational outcomes in special education classrooms. Today we’re highlighting IPEVO document cameras because IPEVO watches how teachers use document cameras … Continue reading
5 Ways to Create Inclusive Classrooms
When students can feel safe, they can focus on learning. Creating a classroom environment that is friendly and inclusive involves a 360-degree look at your teaching methods and materials. Here are 5 ways to create inclusive classrooms. 1. Prepare for teachable moments Planning for teachable moments will make a difference in developing a safe learning … Continue reading
3 Ways to Celebrate Juneteenth and Black History
Here are 3 ways to make Juneteenth special. Continue reading
![ESSER III Spending Plans [Infographic]](https://varconnection.dstewart.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/esser-iii_5.19.22-post.png?w=160&h=120&crop=1 "ESSER III Spending Plans [Infographic]")
ESSER III Spending Plans [Infographic]
Get a snapshot of how schools plan to spend their ESSER III funds, which includes about 7.6% towards student mental and physical health. For schools looking to accelerate learning, there is possibly more time to research new solutions. On May 13, 2022, the Department of Education shared that they would consider requests for 18-month extensions … Continue reading
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