Last month, we talked about the status of all the COVID-19 funding and how it has progressed. The situation for many of the states in their effort to obligate funding under all the ESSER (Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief) and GEER (Governor’s Emergency Education Relief) I, II, and III are ongoing. To see the progress of funding allotments and progress by state, district, and for Higher Education, click here: U.S. Department of Education – Education Stabilization Fund. On this site, you will notice a substantial difference among states on how much allocated funding from ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) each has. In many cases, you will see that the ARPA status in states is below 5% meaning that the application process has not started. In other states, the application phase has stopped but funding has yet to be sent out.  

Cows & Calves Preschool (Koetjies & Kalfies Kleuterskool, Centurion, South Africa) encourages their students to “learn and explore the world in which they live through discovery.” This includes integrating technology that enhances the learning experience for their young students.  

Meredith Williams, an 8th grade science teacher at Freedom Middle School (Orlando, FL), specializes in integrating MimioSTEM solutions in her science instruction. To encourage her students to think critically and creatively about problems through science exploration, Williams incorporates a variety of 3D-printed manipulatives so her students have something hands-on to observe, analyze, and form ideas around. Williams also regularly implements and provides feedback on MyStemKits lessons and activities, which she uses in conjunction with her 3D printer. In the coming months, she’ll share her and her students’ experiences using the MyStemKits STEM solution. First up, a lesson on differentiating between Earth’s rotation and its revolution. 

The past couple of decades have shown that the pace at which technology has influenced teaching and learning is moving at hyper speed, and within the past two years – warp speed. Not only have this generation’s students grown up in a technology-rich environment, but they also benefit from lessons and activities that are interactive and immersive. Educators have seen the advantages of implementing educational technology, like interactive whiteboards, that offers students multiple opportunities to engage and collaborate with others.  

There has been an increased focus on Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) in recent years, with teachers working to incorporate strategies to help students recognize and manage their feelings and emotions. According to the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL), “SEL can help all young people and adults thrive personally and academically, develop and maintain positive relationships, become lifelong learners, and contribute to a more caring, just world.” 

A general belief is that incorporating STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) learning is crucial to help spark students’ interest in STEM-related careers where the demand is steadily increasing. STEM learning boosts vital skills such as critical thinking, perseverance, creativity, and problem solving, skills that are important for navigating life and its challenges.  

The National Book Awards will be announced on Wednesday, November 17, celebrating the written word of some of the most outstanding creative minds in America. Established in 1950 and overseen since 1989 by the National Book Foundation, the National Book Awards recognize the best writing in the categories of Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry, Translated Literature, and Young People’s Literature. 

The following is an excerpt from the Federal Relief Funding Guide provided by Boxlight.

Quarrydale Academy, an ambitious secondary school (Sutton-in-Ashfield, Nottingham, UK), prides itself on the pursuit of excellence. "We want to encourage all learners to develop a love of learning and enable everyone to reach the highest standards of which they are capable," stated Joanna Wells, Business Manager at Quarrydale Academy.  

A computer systems analyst combines both their knowledge of information technology and business to improve computer systems and processes for their clients. Although they have many responsibilities, the first task of a computer systems analyst is to understand their client’s business. Computer system analysts, also called system architects, design computer systems which are optimized for their client’s specific industry and needs. A key part of this is preparing analyses on the costs and benefits of different systems and system upgrades so management can make informed decisions about the technical direction of their organization.