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Articles by Vanessa Staudacher
It seems that our students cannot get a break
Less than a decade ago public education in Idaho was cut by the sixth largest percentage in the country. Now Idaho’s schools are facing new budget cuts thanks to the economic downturn caused by the CO VID-19 pandemic. These cuts will likely stall – and perhaps even reverse – much of the progress we have made in education the last several years.
Nine lessons from the COVID-19 school closure
The 2019-20 school year is now behind us. Good riddance. When it comes to the economy some are hoping for a V-shaped recovery with the economy rapidly swinging back to where it was before COVID-19. Maybe we will be so lucky. Maybe we will also see a similar V-shaped recovery in education in 2020-21. Hope springs eternal! Regardless of what the future holds, it is a good time to take stock of some lessons from the past school year, especially since March.
The Idaho Freedom Foundation measures promises made
During the recent election cycle, some were critical of the Idaho Freedom Foundation Index (IFFI), which scores how legislators vote. Some voices proclaimed the IFFI is an extreme hard right ideology out of step with “common sense” Idaho conservative values. These and similar statements often are made by liberals masquerading as Republicans hoping that Republican voters will discount the IFFI.
Learning and teaching together
Feeling a sense of belonging is a basic human need. However, in many schools across the nation students are receiving specialized academic instruction outside of the general education classroom, despite the federal law that requires students with disabilities receive their education in their least restrictive environment.
Voices Archives - Idaho Education News
All eight of Idaho’s colleges and universities are planning to start the fall semester on August 24. It is so rewarding to see the changes that occur when ALL students are included. Thank you to the people of Idaho for your determination during these tough times and the care you have shown others. This issue of privilege is so deeply steeped into our system that we oftentimes forget about it. COVID-19 is making this even harder to ignore. Be headed somewhere. Be determined.
Higher education’s plan for the fall semester
Idaho’s higher education institutions executed a remarkable pivot this spring by moving hundreds of in-person classes to distance learning options such as online, video and teleconference in a short period of time. With the COVID-19 pandemic expected to be active for the foreseeable future, our colleges and universities are now focused on the fall semester and what instruction will look like for their students.
Inclusion unites our learning community, creates high expectations for all
Inclusion, I am told, “It’s something that I learned about in school, but have never seen in practice.” Inclusion is an educational approach grounded in the belief that ALL students, regardless of labels, should be members of the general education community. Back in the late 1990’s, when I was taking classes for my Special Education Credential, we were taught that inclusion is best practice and universally designed lessons ensure all students are able to access the curriculum.
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