Throughout 2021, Kappan‘s columnists reflected on some of the most momentous events and challenges of the year. They gave advice to educators, offered insights from their own experience, discussed legal precedents, and discussed the intersection of policy and practice. The following columns were among the most popular contributions from our regular columnists.
Career Confidential by Phyllis L. Fagell
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Teacher overburdened because colleagues are quitting
You can’t rescue anyone else if you’re drowning, so think about what supports you need, whether that’s clearer boundaries between work and home, a mental health therapist, or better personal protective equipment.
How educators can help kids process the attack on the U.S. Capitol
Six ways educators can alleviate students’ distress in the days and weeks after January 6, even as we struggle to regain our own equilibrium.
On Leadership by Joshua P. Starr
In equity efforts, which voices should be included — and excluded?
In a time when political activists are raising controversy about schools’ pandemic responses and critical race theory, how can district leaders decide whom to listen to?
Too much autonomy can mean too little equity
District leaders can’t afford to pull away the scaffolding and leave principals to fend for themselves. If superintendents want an equity agenda to succeed, then they must continue to take a hands-on approach.
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Under the Law by Robert Kim
Do students have a right to ‘equal extracurricular opportunity’?
Outside the desegregation context, courts have been reluctant to recognize a legal right to participate in extracurricular activities.
How is your community depicted in the curriculum? Who decides?
The CAPEEM decision erects a nearly ironclad legal defense for the state against parents who would seek to influence through lawsuits what public schools teach about their religion or culture.
Washington View by Maria Ferguson
Schools that stayed open: Lessons for St. Charles Parish
The SCPPS Strong Start 2020 plan had two goals for its back-to-school strategy.
Big ideas for a new day
Like every administration before it, the Biden administration will need to strike a careful balance as they consider all these recommendations.
Stay tuned for more on these and other topics in 2022. Upcoming issues will examine interpersonal connections in school, special education, family engagement, and literacy instruction. To support our work and make sure you don’t miss an issue, consider joining PDK!
