Abstract: Recent Episodes
Abstract
Abstract is the podcast of the Metropolitan Educational Research Consortium at Virginia Commonwealth University. We explore issues in public, PK12 education.
In this episode of Abstract we invited leaders of Career and Technical Education (CTE) from MERC school divisions to have a conversation with authors of a MERC research and policy review focused on the history, purpose, and policy implications of CTE. Guests include Mac Beaton (Director of Career and Technical Education for Henrico County Public Schools), Courtney Ward (Director of Secondary Success Pathways for Richmond Public Schools), Katy Stokes (Coordinator of Work-Based Learning for Chesterfield County Public Schools), LaTonja Wright (Transition Specialist for VCU’s Training and Technical Assistance Center through the Virginia Department of Education), Phelton Moss (Assistant Professor of Educational Leadership at VCU), and David Naff (Director of MERC and Associate Professor of Research, Assessment, and Evaluation at VCU).MERC REPORTCareer and Technical Education: Historical Insights, Current Impacts, and Policy Implicationshttps://merc.soe.vcu.edu/reports/reports/career-and-technical-education-historical-insights-current-impacts-and-policy-implications.html
In this episode of Abstract we spoke with researchers and education leaders in the MERC region about the recent expansion of the Virginia Literacy Act to include middle schools across the Commonwealth. The conversation centers around a MERC research and policy review focused on this expansion (linked below) and how those findings resonate with efforts in local school divisions. Guests include Kendall Hunt (Education Specialist for Middle School Literacy in Henrico County Public Schools), Candace Bechtold (PhD Student in Curriculum, Culture, and Change at VCU), Val Robnolt (Associate Professor of Teaching and Learning at VCU), and David Naff (MERC Director and Associate Professor of Research, Assessment, and Evaluation at VCU). MERC REPORTVirginia Literacy Act Expansion: Implications for Middle Schoolshttps://merc.soe.vcu.edu/reports/reports/virginia-literacy-act-expansion-implications-for-middle-schools.html
In this episode we spoke with Kade Goldin (VCU School of Social Work), Maggie Wallace (Washington University in St. Louis), and Shenita Williams (Henrico County Public Schools) about a recent MERC report and dashboard focused on how prepared faculty and staff are to support student mental health in PK-12 schools. Hosted by David Naff (MERC Director). The report and dashboard are linked below the episode description. Report: https://merc.soe.vcu.edu/reports/reports/pk-12-faculty-and-staff-capacity-to-support-student-mental-health.htmlDashboard: https://lookerstudio.google.com/reporting/bebeaa85-30f3-442d-a431-9456d31bbae1
In this episode we spoke with Jenna Conlee (Henrico County Public Schools), Andrea Herndon (Hanover County Public Schools), Amy Jefferson (Virginia Commonwealth University), and Tomika Ferguson (Virginia Commonwealth University) about a recent MERC report sharing findings from a multiple case study focused on how enrollment practices promote or inhibit access to advanced coursework. We talked about recommendations for policy and practice based on the findings. The report is linked below the episode description. Hosted by David Naff (MERC Director).https://merc.soe.vcu.edu/reports/reports/exploring-perceptions-of-advanced-coursework-enrollment-practices-a-multiple-case-study.html
In this episode of Abstract we spoke with Audra Lancaster (Chesterfield County Public Schools), Thea Racelis (Virginia Commonwealth University), and Meleah Ellison (VCU Institute for Collaborative Research and Evaluation) about trends, challenges, and evidence-based strategies related to school dropout prevention. The conversation is based on a MERC research and policy brief on the topic linked below. Hosted by David Naff (MERC Director).Research brief: https://merc.soe.vcu.edu/reports/reports/trends-challenges-and-evidence-based-strategies-for-school-dropout-prevention-in-virginia.html
In this episode of Abstract, we discussed the Virginia Literacy Act with Taylor Snow from Henrico County Public Schools, Jennifer McSweeny from the Virginia Literacy Partnerships at the University of Virginia, and Valerie Robnolt, Kim Bridges, and Mike Crusco from the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Education. We discussed a recent MERC research and policy brief providing an overview of relevant trends, literature, and policies pertaining to the Virginia Literacy Act and discussed the implications at the state and local level. The brief is available for free public download through MERC here: https://merc.soe.vcu.edu/reports/reports/understanding-the-virginia-literacy-act.html
In this episode of Abstract we spoke with Sean Miller (Chief Executive Officer) and Jeanine Turner (Chief Impact Officer) from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Richmond, along with Sidney Gunter (Director of Academic Programs and Supports) from Richmond Public Schools and Alicia Taylor (community nonprofit leader and VCU EdD student) about the role of out-of-school time providers in urban school systems in a post-COVID context. During the conversation, we summarize a recent research and policy brief from MERC on this topic and talk about the future of out-of-school time programming. The brief is available for open access download here: https://merc.soe.vcu.edu/reports/reports/understanding-the-role-of-out-of-school-time-ost-providers-in-urban-school-systems-in-a-post-covid-context.html
In this episode we spoke with Alisha Bazemore (Assistant Director of Innovative Work-Based Learning Initiatives for V-TOP), Ashley Crute (Associate for Innovative Work-Based Learning Initiatives for V-TOP), and Amy Corning (Senior Research Associate, VCU Institute for Collaborative Research and Evaluation) about a recent report from the ICRE and MERC about work-based learning (WBL) in institutions of higher education and PK-12 school systems. Throughout the conversation we discussed how the findings resonate with work-based learning in Virginia, specifically through the work of the Virginia Talent Opportunity Partnership (V-TOP). The report was produced in partnership with the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV)Access the report here:https://merc.soe.vcu.edu/reports/published-reports/work-based-learning/
In this episode, we spoke with Christina Alga (High School Counselor in Hanover County Public Schools), Alicia Gaston (Founder of Maximizing Character), and Kim Dupre (Virginia Tiered Systems of Supports Coach) about research-based strategies for addressing school bullying since the onset of COVID-19. Throughout the discussion we reflected on findings from a MERC research and policy brief focused on school bullying prevention: https://merc.soe.vcu.edu/reports/research-briefs/addressing-bullying-since-covid/
Who gets identified as gifted in elementary school? Who takes Algebra I in middle school? Who takes Advanced Placement classes in high school? In this episode we spoke with Andrea Herndon (Hanover County Public Schools), Beverly Fludd-Flanagan (Petersburg City Public Schools), and Chris Parthemos (Virginia Commonwealth University) about two new dashboards from MERC that depict advanced coursework participation across K-12 in the MERC region and Virginia. Listen to learn more about how these dashboards inform the work of local educators and click below to access the dashboards.https://merc.soe.vcu.edu/projects/equitable-access-and-support-for-advanced-coursework/#Dashboards
In this episode we spoke with Dr. Julie Ellis (Bridging Communities Regional Career and Technical Center/Governor’s STEM Academy), Dr. Maggie Hartley (The National WWII Museum in New Orleans), Dr. Therese O’Dea (New Kent County Public Schools), Dr. Kate Puschak (Loudon County Public Schools) & Dr. Erin Sturgis (Virginia Department of Education)about strategies for staffing K-12 schools for student mental health supports. The conversation is based on their capstone report for the VCU School of Education available here: https://scholarscompass.vcu.edu/edd_capstone/12/The executive summary is available on the MERC website: https://merc.soe.vcu.edu/projects/mental-health/#Report
Among the critical functions of K-12 schools, they are positioned to support the mental health needs of their students, faculty, staff, and families. To discuss how the research on this topic relates to everyday practice, we spoke with Patrice Beard(Mental Health Liaison for the Center for Family Involvement at Virginia Commonwealth University’s Partnership For People with Disabilities), Laura Early (Coordinator of Psychological and Diagnostic Services in Chesterfield County Public Schools), Amy Johnson (Student Support and Wellness Specialist in Henrico County Public Schools), Matt Shenker (Head of Experience for Pathly, Inc), Erica Daniels (School Counselor at Vernon Johns Middle School in Petersburg City Public Schools), and Felicia Friend-Harris (School Psychologist and Lead Educational Diagnostician for Richmond Public Schools). Hosted by David Naff (MERC Associate Director and former High School Counselor).
Authors of a recent systematic literature review discuss their findings related to the mental health impacts of COVID-19 on PK-12 students. Guests include David Naff (MERC Associate Director at Virginia Commonwealth University), Jenna Darby (Research and Evaluation Specialist in Chesterfield County Public Schools), Shenita Williams (Assistant Professor in the School of Social Work at Virginia Commonwealth University), and Melissa Yeung (Student Services Coordinator for the School of Physical Therapy at Bowling Green State University). Click below to access the full article from AERA Open:
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/23328584221084722
This episode pulled together experts from throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia for a discussion about who takes dual enrollment classes in high school. Guests include: Lori Dwyer (Interim Vice President of Academic Affairs at Reynolds Community College), Jenna Lenhardt (Recruitment Specialist for the VCU School of Education), David Naff (MERC Associate Director), Patricia Parker (Director of Transfer Virginia for SCHEV and VCCS), Taylor Reahard (Dual Enrollment Instructor at Goochland High School in Goochland County Public Schools), Allen Riddle (Director of Dual Enrollment at Reynolds Community College), and Addisyn Winston - 12th grade student at Goochland High School in Goochland County Public Schools).
Check out the research brief that accompanies this episode here:
https://merc.soe.vcu.edu/reports/published-reports/who-takes-dual-enrollment-classes/
Featuring Jesse Senechal (MERC Director, VCU SOE), Andrene Castro (Assistant Professor, VCU SOE, Department of Educational Leadership), Adria Hoffman (Anna Lou Schaberg Professor, VCU SOE, Department of Teaching and Learning), and Andy Armstrong (Assistant Superintendent of Administration, Goochland County Public Schools).
Jose Alcaine (Director of Research Services, VCU SOE) spoke with Sera Lee (Pharmacy Student at VCU), Paige Elizabeth (Sophomore at VCU), and Sofia Alcaine (Sophomore at CNU) about the future of higher education during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Michelle Thompson (Occupational Therapist, Richmond) spoke with Tonya Epps (Elementary Intensive Support Self-Contained Teacher, Richmond), Kathryn Smith (Director of Exceptional Education, Henrico), and Serra De Arment (Assistant Professor of Special Education, VCU SOE)about what they have learned about special education during the pandemic.
David Naff (MERC Associate Director, VCU SOE) spoke with Jon Becker (Associate Professor of Educational Leadership, VCU SOE), Matt Caratachea (Coordinator of Technology Integration and Innovation for Goochland), Andrew Harris (MERC Research and Evaluation Assistant, VCU SOE), and Joy Washington (School Librarian at Cool Spring Primary School in King William) about how to promote digital equity through the lens of access, use, and outcomes. Corresponding reports are available at merc.soe.vcu.edu/reports.
Brian Maltby (Disciplinary Hearing Review Officer in Hanover) spoke with Monica Murray (Principal of John Marshall HS in Richmond), Christopher Martinez (Principal of Patrick Henry HS in Hanover), Robert Lowerre (Director of Maggie Walker Governor's School), and Jon Becker (Associate Professor of Educational Leadership in the VCU SOE) about the role of the school principal during and after a pandemic.
David Naff (MERC Associate Director, VCU SOE) spoke with James Carrigan (School Social Work Supervisor in Hanover), Erica Daniels (School Counselor at Vernon Johns Middle School in Petersburg), Donna Dockery (Director of Clinical Practice and an Associate Professor in the Department of Counseling and Special Education, VCU SOE), Alex Peskin (Junior at Goochland High School in Goochland), Shenita Williams (School Social Worker in Henrico), and Lauren Wynne (Coordinator of Counseling Services in Chesterfield) about how school counseling, social work, and student services overall have been impacted by the events of the past year and a half, and discussed their vision for student services moving forward.
This episode describes key findings from two MERC reports, one focused on the role of the school principal in teacher retention and the other sharing an analysis of data from the Virginia Department of Education Working Conditions Survey from 2019. Featuring Jesse Senechal (MERC Director, VCU SOE), Jonathan Becker (Associate Professor, Virginia Commonwealth University, Department of Educational Leadership), Valerie Robnolt (Associate Professor, Virginia Commonwealth University, Department of Teaching and Learning), Lauren Grob (Student, The College of William and Mary), and John Marshall (Principal, Douglass Freeman High School, Henrico County Public Schools).
Jesse Senechal (MERC Director, VCU SOE) spoke with Deanna Fierro (Math Teacher at Tuckahoe Middle School in Henrico), Patricia Woodberry (Gifted and Talented Teacher in Richmond), Stacie Taylor (Teacher, Bell Creek Middle School in Hanover), and Terry Dozier (former Director of the Center for Teacher Leadership and Richmond Teacher Residency in the VCU SOE) about how the teaching profession has changed over the past year and a half and what it could be in the future.
JoAna Smith (Dean of Students, L.C. Bird HS in Chesterfield) spoke with Caleb Kenney (class of 2021 graduate from Douglas Freeman HS in Henrico), Milagros Torres (Sophomore at L.C. Bird HS in Chesterfield), Mischa Roeung (Senior at Mechanicsville HS in Hanover), and George Hewan (Assistant Principal at Woodson HS in Fairfax) about their experiences over the past year and a half and how high schools should be different moving forward.
In this episode we discuss the importance of professional reading, self-awareness, and continuous reflection for developing as a culturally responsive educator. Guests include Jesse Senechal (MERC/VCU - Host), Victoria Parent (English/Language Arts Teacher, Monacan High School - Chesterfield), Clarissa Adkins (English/Language Arts Teacher, Meadowbrook High School - Chesterfield), and Ricky Ellestad (Math Teacher, Monacan High School - Chesterfield).
In this episode we discuss the importance of learning from students and centering student voice in the classroom and curriculum. Guests include Fantasy Lozada (VCU/MERC - Host), Elizabeth Murray (Social Studies Teacher, Tuckahoe Middle School - Henrico), Brewster Brown (School Counselor, Tuckahoe Middle School - Henrico), Shannon Macaulay (English/Language Arts Teacher - Meadowbrook High School - Chesterfield), Vicky Brucker (English/Language Arts Teacher - Quioccasin Middle School - Henrico)
In this episode we discuss the importance of building a community of culturally responsive teachers at your school, and taking the long view when doing this work. Guests include Hillary Parkhouse (VCU/MERC - Host), Heather Dawson (English/Language Arts Teacher, Quioccasin Middle School - Henrico), David Glass (Social Studies Teacher, Meadowbrook HIgh School - Chesterfield), Kevin Socha (Dean of Students, Meadowbrook High School - Chesterfield), and Jenny Smith (English/Language Arts Teacher, Quiocccasin Middle School - Henrico).
In this episode, students share their thoughts on the importance of culturally responsive teaching and why it is important to their success. Guests include Winfred Walker (MERC/VCU - Host),Cyndi Young (MERC/VCU - Host), Abigail Tailor (Monacan High School - Chesterfield), and Matthew Cherici (Monacan High School - Chesterfield)
Jenna Lenhardt, Mitch Parry, David Naff, and Virginia Palencia from the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Education discuss findings from a recent MERC report titled Analyzing Advanced Placement: Making the Nation's Most Prominent College Preparatory Program More Equitable. In our conversation we discussed the history and trajectory of AP, enduring racial and socioeconomic disparities in the program, the short and long-term implications of those disparities, and what policies and practices help to address them.
We spoke with Dr. Virginia Palencia from the VCU School of Education about her dissertation research focused on access to Advanced Placement (AP) courses across the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Tomika Ferguson (Assistant Professor, VCU School of Education, George Hewan (Assistant Principal, Fairfax), Alison Koenka(Assistant Professor, VCU School of Education), Amy Jefferson (PhD Student, VCU School of Education), John Marshall (Principal, Henrico) David Naff (MERC Assistant Director), and Morgan Saxby(Elementary School Teacher, Chesterfield)from the MERC Equitable Access and Support for Advanced Coursework study team discuss the importance of ensuring that all students have access to accelerated learning opportunities throughout K12. We provide key takeaways from the literature as well as an overview of our collaborative research design for this MERC study.
How can we support student mental health during and after COVID-19? MERC researchers conducted a rapid review of research to help answer this question as we prepare to support students when they return to school this fall in any capacity. Report authors David Naff, Shenita Williams, Jenna Furman and Melissa Lee discuss the key takeaways. You can access the full report on the MERC website at this link: https://scholarscompass.vcu.edu/merc_pubs/112/
What was it like to graduate from high school during COVID-19? We spoke with three members of the class of 2020 to find out: Emma Rice (Midlothian High School in Chesterfield County Public Schools), Paige Lake (Lee Davis High School in Hanover County Public Schools), and Sofia Alcaine (Freeman High School in Henrico County Public Schools). This is part two of a two part series.
What was it like to graduate from high school during COVID-19? We spoke with three members of the class of 2020 to find out: Diamon Patterson (Petersburg High School in Petersburg City Public Schools), Ray Pleasants (Powhatan High School in Powhatan County Public Schools), and Glenic Sandiford (Huguenot High School in Richmond Public Schools). This is part one of a two part series.
What does college access look like during COVID-19? We spoke with Tomika Ferguson (VCU Assistant Professor of Educational Leadership), Tomika Brown (Director of the College Place, Virginia-Alexandria), Amy Jefferson (VCU PhD Student in Curriculum, Culture, and Change and parent of a rising high school senior), Charleita Richardson (President and CEO of Partnership for the Future), Diamond Scott (Class of 2020 graduate from Thomas Jefferson High School in Richmond Public Schools), and Jontae Burton (Class of 2020 Graduate from Henrico High School in Henrico County Public Schools) about how COVID has impacted their work and plans for the future.
We spoke with Carmen Ward (Counseling Director at Armstrong High School in Richmond Public Schools), Ashton Guza (Counselor at Goochland High School in Goochland County Public Schools), Tammy Mizelle (Counseling Director at Quioccasin Middle School in Henrico County Public Schools), and Matt Shenker (Elmont Elementary School Counselor in Hanover County Public Schools) about remotely meeting the social, emotional, and mental health needs of students across K12 during COVID-19.
We spoke with Steve Castle (Hanover County Public Schools), Grady Hart (Richmond Public Schools), Christina Aquilina (Henrico County Public Schools), Nadia Hassan (Powhatan County Public Schools), Oscar Keyes (Virginia Commonwealth University), and Demond Morris (Goochland County Public Schools) about how they navigated the rapid transition to online learning during COVID-19, including the challenges they encountered and strategies they found helpful.
We spoke with Dr. Maria Pitre-Martin (Superintendent of Petersburg City Public Schools) and Dr. Avril Smart-Goggins (Research and Engagement Manager for Future Ready Schools at the Alliance for Excellent Education) about the digital divide in urban school systems, including innovative strategies for providing reliable access to internet and learning devices for students.
Jon Becker (VCU School of Education), John Hendron (Goochland), Alma Kenup (Quioccasin Middle School, Henrico), Peter Martin (Goochland), David Naff (MERC/VCU School of Education), Jesse Senechal(MERC/VCU School of Education), and Alissa Yazinski ( Monacan High School, Chesterfield)discuss the topic of digital equity in the time of COVID, including challenges with technology access and use and the importance of staying connected with students.
This episode features Cara Jean O'Neal (Henrico), Laura Faulcon (Chesterfield), Krystal Thomas (UVA), and Jesse Senechal (VCU/MERC) from the study team for the MERC Professional Development for Success in Culturally Diverse Schools Survey. We discussed the findings of our region wide Cultural Diversity in Schools Survey, as well as what we learned along the way as a study team and how we hope this report will help inform research, policy, and professional development related to cultural diversity.
We spoke with (left to right) Raye Rector (Director of Gifted and Federal Programs), Courtney Grady (Freshman at Longwood University and Class of 2019 Graduate from GHS), Bruce Watson (Director of Career and Technical Education), Brandon Avram (Junior at GHS), Demond Morris (Senior at GHS), and Beth Fowler (Director of School Counseling at GHS) from Goochland County Public Schools about experiential learning in their division. GCPS offers a variety of educational opportunities designed to make sure that all students are ready for life after high school, including programs supporting college and career readiness. Listen to learn about the importance of these programs for helping all students feel a sense of connection and purpose in school. Hosted by David Naff (MERC Assistant Director).
We spoke with (left to right) Merv Daugherty (Superintendent), Isabelle Battle (Class of 2019 Graduate of Academy 360), Michelle Wilder (Assistant Principal at Carver College and Career Academy), Laura Faulcon (Assistant Principal of Alternative Programs), and Sharonda Smith (English Teacher at Academy 360) about alternative education in Chesterfield County Public Schools. CCPS offers a variety of alternative education programs to meet the needs of their large and diverse student body. Listen to learn more about the mission of alternative education, who benefits from these programs, and how they fit into the broader vision of equity for the division. Hosted by David Naff (MERC Assistant Director).
We spoke with Diane Lewis (Elementary Curriculum and Instruction Program Specialist with VDOE Training and Technical Assistance Center at VCU), Torrey Manson (PCPS Director of Special Education), Phyllis Haynes (Co-Director VDOE Training and Technical Assistance Center at VCU), and Kelly Tobe (PCPS Director of Teaching and Learning) about the LETRS initiative in Petersburg City Public Schools. LETRS (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling) is a flexible literacy professional development for teachers that shows how reading, writing, and language are related. Listen to learn more about this program and how it has impacted teaching and learning in Petersburg. Hosted by Cindy Sinanian (Hanover Teacher).
We spoke with (left to right) Darryl Williams (Engagement Coordinator), Derrick Bates (Teacher at George Mason Elementary), Joel Grimaldo (3rd Grade Student at George mason Elementary), and Tamika Massie (Engagement Specialist) from Richmond Public Schools about their Brother's United Mentoring Program. This program pairs mentors with young men of color in RPS, with a current focus on elementary school students. There are plans to expand the program to other schools in the division in the coming years. Listen to learn more about how this initiative launched in RPS, how the division sees mentoring as a vehicle for advancing educational equity, and the impact it has already made on the lives of students and mentors. Hosted by David Naff (MERC Assistant Director).
We spoke with (left to right) Candice Burrell (Special Education Teacher at Atlee High), Brian Maltby (Discipline Hearing Review Officer), and Dana Gresham (Director of Professional Development, Leadership, and Federal Programs) from Hanover County Public Schools about their Equity Day initiative. This one day professional development provides training and support for teachers, administrators, and student support personnel across the division, bringing in community engaged research and guest speakers focused on educational equity. Listen to learn about how the idea for this initiative emerged, what they hope to accomplish in its first year, and the "equity challenge" they have put forth for participants in the upcoming school year. Hosted by David Naff (MERC Assistant Director).
We spoke with (left to right) Ethan Kramer (High School Senior), Amber Foos (Physical Education Teacher), Eli Tiller (Class of 2018 Graduate), Sara Meade (Special Education Teacher), Seth Rogers (Class of 2019 Graduate), and Lauren Llewellyn (University of Florida Freshman and Class of 2019 Graduate) from Powhatan High School about their adapted physical education program. This program helps provide access to physical education for students with physical and intellectual disabilities by pairing them with peer buddies in the school. Listen to learn more about how this program has connected students across PHS. Hosted by Melissa Cuba (MERC Evaluation Specialist).
We spoke to (left to right) Robyn Clark (Business Teacher at Highland Springs High), Monica Manns (Director of Equity and Diversity), Sofia Simmons (Freshman at Virginia Commonwealth University and Class of 2019 Graduate from Henrico High), and Veja Murray (Senior at Highland Springs High) about the Equity Ambassadors program in Henrico County Public Schools. This program brings together student representatives from each of the high schools in Henrico County who are charged with launching initiatives to advance equity in their schools. Listen to learn more about the impact that this program is already making across the division in its inaugural year, as well as how they plan to build on that momentum. Hosted by David Naff (MERC Assistant Director).
In this episode of Abstract we discussed the final report from our Achieving Racial Equity in School Disciplinary Policies and Practices MERC study, titled "Understanding Racial Inequity in School Discipline Across the Richmond Region." The episode featured (left to right) Brian Maltby (Disciplinary Hearing Review Officer for Hanover County Public Schools), David Naff (Assistant Director of Research and Evaluation for MERC), Marcie Terry (Principal from Chesterfield County Public Schools), and Ashlee Lester (research assistant and PhD candidate from the VCU School of Education). We discussed the findings of the study, what we learned along the way as a research and study team, and how we hope this report will help inform research, policy, and practice in school discipline. The full report is available at merc.soe.vcu.edu/reports.
This panel discussion at the Philosophy of Education Society Conference in March 2019 featured Doris Santoro from Bowdoin College (author of Demoralized: Why Teachers Leave the Profession They Love and How They Can Stay), Winston Thompson from Ohio State University (host of the podcast PIPEline: http://www.pipeline.fm/), Allison Fleming (teacher from Hanover County Public Schools), Jesse Senechal (Director of MERC and author of Understanding Teacher Morale), and David Naff (Assistant Director of MERC and host of the podcast Abstract). The panel discussed how to connect educational philosophy, research, and practice to help teachers stay in the profession.
Jonathan Walker (Richmond), LaRon Scott (VCU), Bruce Fillman (Chesterfield), Meredith Parker (Powhatan), and Allison Fleming (Hanover) discuss teacher retention, the topic of MERC's newest study.
When Will McClain transitioned into a new role as assistant principal at Petersburg High School in the 2016-2017 school year, Sha-Lah wasted no time in introducing himself and making sure he felt welcome. As the senior class vice president and a leader on the varsity football team, Sha-Lah has already impacted many people through his instincts for building connections. As someone who knows this first-hand, Dr. McClain is grateful to have met this student who has “leadership in his blood.”
Angel never had Mr. Miller as a teacher, but that did not matter. Their mutual passion for diversity and social justice brought them together to help form the Diverse Hands at Work Club at Powhatan High School. In their first year of work together, they helped grow the club to over 25 members while promoting inclusiveness at their school. As the president of the club, Angel attributes much of its success to Mr. Miller, who she describes as “really really dope."
Emily was one of only a few racial minority students in Ms. Sinanian’s 6th grade class at Chickahominy Middle School. Ms. Sinanian believed it was important to talk about issues related to race and culture with her students, and in doing so she helped Emily feel like she belonged. Emily also began to see her own potential for advocacy work, and attributes this to Ms. Sinanian for providing the space for her to learn and grow in unanticipated ways.
On the day that she was supposed to graduate from Goochland High School in 2017, Samantha Martin texted her alternative education teacher Elizabeth Kuhns with a simple but urgent question, "Can I come back?" Now a proud member of the class of 2018, Sam is the only student in Ms. Kuhns' 28 year career who dropped out of high school and returned.
Kamryn Smith met her assistant principal Queen Bailey in her freshman year at Douglas Freeman High School. Now a junior, she believes she can go to Ms. Bailey for anything because she knows that she respects her and will always be ready to listen. Their story shows the kind of impact an administrator can make on a student's life, and how strong relationships begin with trust.
Denay Haist, a teacher at Beulah Elementary School, taught Paola Henriquez when she was in the fifth grade. Paola is now a senior at L.C. Bird High School, and she attributes much of her success today to Ms. Haist, who advocated for her admission to a middle school honors program years ago. Their story captures the long lasting impact of high expectations in public education, and how some teachers just stick with you.
Gregory McCallum has been an educator for close to three decades. When he met Tykeria (TK) Johnson in her 8th grade year, he quickly recognized her musical talent and worked with her for the next four years as her band director at Community High School. Now a recent graduate, TK is on her way to the Berklee College of Music in Boston as a percussionist. She credits this huge accomplishment to Mr. McCallum, her “father in music."
Brian Condit (RPS), David Naff (MERC), and Brionna Nomi (VCU) introduce the Connections Across Education series from Abstract, featuring stories about the importance of relationships in public education from each of our MERC school divisions. Stay tuned throughout the summer and fall of 2018 for good news about students and educators in metropolitan Richmond.
Listen to Adrian Martin from Chesterfield County Public Schools discuss her action research project: The Effects of Specific Vocabulary Instruction in the Mathematics Classroom.
We spoke with Michael Bolling, Joy Beatty, Rebecca Hall, and Gwen Ashworth (pictured left to right) from CodeRVA Regional High School in Richmond, VA. They discussed the mission of the school and reflected on their first year leading this innovative new approach to education in the Commonwealth. Learn more about their work at www.coderva.org.
We spoke with Juan Bonilla-Olmos, Kayla Brown, Hannah Jones, Grady Anderson, and Shamadre Chambliss (pictured left to right) from CodeRVA Regional High School. CodeRVA is an innovative new school in Richmond, VA that focuses on online learning, technology, computer science, and coding. We talked about what led them to enroll in CodeRVA and what they thought about this new approach to public education. You can learn more at www.coderva.org.
Listen to Solitia Wilson discussing her action research project: Teachers Working Together for Early Childhood Transition into Special Education Self Contained Classes
Listen to Patricia Woodberry (Richmond Public Schools) discussing her action research project: Talent Development in Gifted Education: The Road to Equity
Listen to Brandi Walker (Colonial Heights Public Schools) discussing her action research project: Using Multicultural Literature to Improve Student Relationships and Reduce Classroom Distractions
Listen to Cindy Sinanian (Hanover County Public Schools) discuss her action research project: Measuring Prejudice and Promoting Allophilia in a Suburban, Middle-School Language Arts Classroom
Listen to Maria Negron (Chesterfield County Public Schools) discuss her action research project: Empowering Latino Students to Defy Societal Labels
Listen to Lillie Jones (Henrico County Public Schools) discussing her action research study: The Intentional Inclusion of Race and Racism Dialogue in Classroom Discussions
Listen to Debi Carper (Colonial Heights Public Schools) discussing her action research project: Reading is a Critical Skill! Understand and Addressing the Factors Faced by Challenged Readers
Listen to Kim Bell (Chesterfield County Public Schools) discuss her action research project: Diversity in Student Grouping and the Impact on Student Engagement and Achievement.
As a part of the Professional Development for Success in Culturally Diverse Schools MERC study, we spoke with teachers engaged in action research projects in their classrooms focused on culturally responsive practices. Check out our conversation with Cindy Sinanian and Solitia Wilson from Hanover County Public Schools, Jenny Smith from Henrico County Public Schools, and Hillary Parkhouse from the VCU School of Education about how teachers can capitalize on the opportunity of increasing diversity in their classrooms.
Ram Bhagat is the President of the Conciliation Project and a former public educator of over 30 years. Dr. Bhagat works to promote peace and mindfulness through drumming with students in east Richmond. We talked with him about social/emotional learning and his mission of building "massive resilience" in students.
Margaret Kielty, a kindergarten teacher at G.H. Reid Elementary School in Richmond City Public Schools, discusses her action research project, "Developing Number Systems Knowledge."
Leigh Ann Pullen, a special education teacher at Washington Henry Elementary School Hanover County Public Schools, discusses her action research project, "The Need and Impact of Focused Lessons and Reflection in Student Choice Environments."
Marivic Mitchell, a teacher from the G.H. Moody Middle School in Henrico County Public Schools, discusses her action research project, "To Inquire or Not to Inquire, That is the Inquiry-Based Question"
Cheryl Thompson, a teacher from the Blackwell Preschool Development Center in Richmond Public Schools, discusses her action research project, "Preschoolers and Pretend Gunplay: What Should We Do About It?"
Brian Letourneau, a teacher from Hanover High School in Hanover County Public Schools, discusses his action research project, "Improving Reading Comprehension within Content Courses"
Stephanie Biller, a teacher from Ridge Elementary School in Henrico County Public Schools, discusses her action research project, "A Whole Brain Approach to Improving Student Engagement"
Liza Collins, a teacher from Clover Hill High School in Chesterfield County Public Schools, discusses her action research project, "The Evolution of Cavalier Morning"
As an associate professor of leadership studies and philosophy, economics, and law at the University of Richmond, and Senior Policy Advisor for Opportunity to Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney, Thad Williamson is highly involved in local efforts to address issues related to poverty and supporting Richmond Public Schools. We talked about the intersection of poverty and education and the importance of taking a holistic approach to supporting our students.
As a junior at Monacan High School, Trace Broyles is highly invested in promoting student empowerment. We talked with him about his service to his school, and what his expectations are as an aspiring biology teacher for how public education will look when he enters the profession.
As a senior in the Specialty Center for Education and Human Development at Glen Allen High School, Lauren serves students of varying levels of performance in local elementary and middle schools. We talked with her about supporting the development of students and the importance of communicating high expectations when promoting achievement in the classroom.
Alexis is a freshman at Virginia State University studying pre-veterinary science and a former graduate of George Wythe High School. We talked with her about her experiences as a first-generation college student, her time with Partnership for the Future, and her transition into postsecondary education.
As a senior at Armstrong High School, Asia Jefferson served as the president of her junior class, participated in the Samuel D Proctor Conference on Social Injustices, and supported local efforts to address food deserts in Richmond. We talked with her about the challenges of balancing school with work and service to her community.
As a son, grandson, nephew and great grandson of public school teachers, as well as a graduate of the public school system, Scott Barlow currently serves as the School Board Representative for the second district in Richmond Virginia. We talked about the role of local government in supporting public schools.
As the Director of Student Support and Disciplinary Review for Henrico County Public Schools, William Noel Sr. oversees student discipline for the school division. He previously served as a substitute teacher, alternative education teacher, social studies teacher, and coach. We talked about the evolution of school disciplinary policies and practices.
A product of Richmond City Public Schools, Cynthia (Cyndi) Carney-Robinson serves as an Instructional Technology Resource Teacher for RPS, and formerly served as a high school teacher in the division. Her work includes providing professional development and supporting teachers at Miles Jones, Swansboro, and Greene Elementary School. We talked about the expectations placed on teachers and the gaps that exist in access to technology.
As the Director of Equity and Student Support Services for Chesterfield County Public Schools, Tameshia Grimes supervises CCPS leaders in the areas of school counseling, school psychology, school social work, student health, Title III, Early Childhood Special Education, Head Start, Virginia Preschool Initiative and the Virginia Preschool Initiative Expansion, and alternative education. We talked with her about “building strong children,” and what it takes to promote equity in a large school division.
Entering his fifth year as a teacher of record for Lucille Brown Middle School, Josh Bearman does all that he can to make learning real for his students. Whether he is taking them down to the James River for what he describes as “good old fashioned, hands-on learning,” or bringing his banjo to class, he is committed to his craft. We talked with Josh about how we can be more equitable in public education, and a little bit about bluegrass music.
In his second year as Dean of the VCU School of Education, Dr. Daire is leading a school that seeks to encourage educational researchers to conduct their work with an eye on community impact and equip teachers for service in urban, high-poverty public school settings. We spoke with him about how teacher preparation programs are evolving and the future of community-engaged education research.
As the Superintendent of Chesterfield County Public Schools, Dr. James Lane is responsible for overseeing the education of 60,000 students in 63 schools. We talked with him about the work that he does for students and educators in Chesterfield and how shifting policies have impacted those efforts.
As researchers in the School of Education at Virginia Commonwealth University and advocates for teachers in the metropolitan Richmond area, Stemhagen and Nomi remain focused on current issues in public education and their local implications. They also work with Richmond Teachers for Social Justice, a collection of local educators focused on issues of justice and equity in our public schools. We talked with them about their research and advocacy work and what they see as the future of public education.
As college students studying to become teachers in local public schools, this discussion with preservice teachers Tyler Arnold, Jessica Shim, and Sarah Hunter covered what they thought about the current state of public education and the profession that they are about to enter. We discussed their reasons for wanting to become teachers, what impact they hope to make, and what they expect the role of a public school teacher to be in the future.
As the Director of the Center for Teacher Leadership (CTL) at VCU, Dr. Dozier focuses on providing high quality training to local educators to make them change agents in their schools. She also oversees the Richmond Teacher Residency (RTR) program within the CTL, which works to equip new teachers with the skills and experience they need to serve in high need, urban public school systems like Richmond Public Schools. We talked with her about the role of teachers in an evolving public education landscape.
As an associate professor of educational leadership in Virginia Commonwealth University School of Education, Dr. Siegel-Hawley’s research focuses on the social and political contexts that lead to racial and socioeconomic stratification in public schools. We talked with her about how this stratification impacts students and what some solutions might be for ensuring a more equitable public education system.
This episode of abstract features a roundtable discussion with Amy Corning and Kate Daly from the MERC College Access Study, as well as Paula Robinson from the State Council of Higher Education in Virginia (SHEV) and Bettsy Heggie from the Great Aspirations Scholarship Program (GRASP). We discussed the importance of higher education, the availability access providers in Region One of the Commonwealth of Virginia, and where the current areas of need are. The MERC study, commissioned by SCHEV, was made possible through funding by Virginia 529.
How can educators be culturally-responsive in their work with an increasingly diverse student body? This episode of Abstract featured a roundtable discussion with members of our Cultural Diversity Professional Development for Teachers study team. The conversation focused on the importance of promoting culturally-responsive teaching, how professional development can help with that effort, and what directions this study may take. We had a great discussion about the opportunity that increasing diversity in our schools presents for educators.
We spoke with four awesome teachers who are conducting action research in their classrooms. We discussed the purposes for conducting action research, who benefits from it, and how to do it. Listeners will learn what can happen when teachers become researchers.
This episode of Abstract features a re-broadcast of an event sponsored by the Committee for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the School of Education at Virginia Commonwealth University. The event focused on racial disproportionality in school discipline, with a specific focus on disrupting the school to prison pipeline. It featured educators, artists, and researchers from the Richmond community who came together to discuss this issue.
This episode of Abstract features a roundtable discussion with members of the Understanding Teacher Morale MERC study team. We talked about national trends in teacher morale, contributing factors, and recommendations for making sure that teachers are treated as professionals. We also shared stories from real teachers captured in the full report, available at http://www.merc.soe.vcu.edu/current-research/teacher-morale-study/.
This episode features a roundtable discussion with the study team for the Achieving Racial Equity in Disciplinary Practices and Policies MERC study. We discussed key definitions, evidence of racial disproportionality in school discipline, themes in the research literature, next steps for this study, local and national implications, and new policy directions in the upcoming presidential administration. This episode featured Adai Tefera, PhD, Jesse Senechal, PhD, William Noel, EdD, Evandra Catherine, and Rachel Levy.