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Extra Help with InsideSchools

Extra Help with InsideSchools

By InsideSchools

Every year, millions of readers come to InsideSchools to gain independent insight into the New York City public school system. In this podcast, members of the InsideSchools team offer their expertise and perspective in response to real questions from real readers.
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Episode 13: How Much “Learning” is Really Happening “Online”?

Extra Help with InsideSchoolsApr 08, 2020

00:00
14:56
 The Streets are Watching: The New Hood, Social Stratification, and ‘Fundamental Flaws’ | Season 2, Episode 11

The Streets are Watching: The New Hood, Social Stratification, and ‘Fundamental Flaws’ | Season 2, Episode 11

During this episode, we hear from Talib Hudson, Founder and Project Director of The New Hood. We chat about incoming Chancellor Banks’ appointment announcement and his description of NYC as ‘fundamentally flawed.’

RESOURCES FROM THE EPISODE

https://www.thenewhood.org/about https://www.blackpast.org/african-american-history/moynihan-report-1965/ 

ARTICLES FROM THE EPISODE

https://ny.chalkbeat.org/2021/12/9/22826524/david-banks-chancellor-eric-adams 

STAY IN TOUCH

Please tell us what you think. We LOVE feedback. Here are a few of the main ways to reach us: InsideSchools, our flagship website // Our InsideSchools+ Community or our Facebook Page // Tweet, tweet: Over on Twitter // Sign up for our Weekly Newsletter // SUBMIT YOUR QUESTIONS via 60 second voice message

Dec 15, 202158:15
Black Lives Matter at Schools: A Closer Look | Season 2, Episode 10
Dec 06, 202150:14
CRT and CR-SE: What does it all mean? | Season 2, Episode 9

CRT and CR-SE: What does it all mean? | Season 2, Episode 9

In this episode of InsideSchools+, we are joined by a host of researchers from the African American Policy Forum to give us a primer on Critical Race Theory - what it is, why it’s in the news and what parents need to know. This broadcast focuses on how CRT has evolved in the news and some initial pieces of what parents should know when they hear the topic.

RESOURCES FROM THE EPISODE

NY Introduced CRT Legislation: https://drive.google.com/file/d/177DAlBYY3EcwpCig4CAHKv5tRtJPrW8P/view?usp=sharing

BERC Report: https://www.tc.columbia.edu/black-education-research-collective/research/


ARTICLES FROM THE EPISODE

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/parents-protesting-critical-race-theory-identify-new-target-mental-hea-rcna4991

https://ny.chalkbeat.org/2021/7/13/22575832/critical-race-theory-nyc-public-schools

https://nypost.com/2021/08/21/nyc-moms-coordinating-to-fight-critical-race-theory-in-schools/

https://www.edweek.org/leadership/opinion-no-critical-race-theory-isnt-anti-american/2020/10?s_kwcid=AL!6416!3!486544088589!b!!g!!&utm_source=goog&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=ew+dynamic+recent%20&ccid=dynamic+ads+recent+articles&ccag=recent+articles+dynamic&cckw=&cccv=dynamic+ad&gclid=CjwKCAiA1uKMBhAGEiwAxzvX9-MCc84dv0aKtCvTKaQ5XeFxUlNeThCUhezLF3ibkHMqYNsQlqrPGxoCM_wQAvD_BwE


STAY IN TOUCH

Please tell us what you think. We LOVE feedback. Here are a few of the main ways to reach us: InsideSchools, our flagship website  // Our InsideSchools+ Community or our Facebook Page  // Tweet, tweet: Over on Twitter // Sign up for our Weekly Newsletter // SUBMIT YOUR QUESTIONS via 60 second voice message

Nov 22, 202140:15
Do the Dollars Make SENSE When It Comes to the Importance of Childcare? | Season 2, Episode 8
Nov 15, 202135:26
New Meeting, Who Dis? All Things Parent-Teacher Conferences in NYC | Season 2, Episode 7
Nov 08, 202135:30
Physical and Emotional Safety in Schools: A Bronx Tale | Season 2, Episode 6
Nov 01, 202121:23
Democratizing NYC’s Gifted and Talented Education: The Color Lines of Brilliance | Season 2, Episode 5

Democratizing NYC’s Gifted and Talented Education: The Color Lines of Brilliance | Season 2, Episode 5

During this episode, the InsideSchools staff speaks with Kaliris Salas-Ramirez, PhD, a Distinguished Medical Lecturer at the CUNY School of Medicine and the President of the Community Education Council. This episode focuses on the emerging conversations surrounding Mayor Bill De Blasio's plan to phase out the NYC Gifted and Talented program, in addition to discussing the history and ongoing impact of gifted and talented education, standardized testing, and local government influence on public education policy.

RESOURCES FROM THE EPISODE

NYC Opt-Out https://www.optoutnyc.com/

District 2: Families for Real Educational Equity (FREE) https://freepublic.nyc/about-us/

BLM at NYC Schools https://blmedu.wordpress.com/

ARTICLES FROM THE EPISODE

https://www.cnn.com/2021/10/08/us/new-york-gifted-and-talented-education-program/index.html

https://ny.chalkbeat.org/2021/10/8/22716211/gifted-talented-test-segregation-nyc-overhaul

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/10/08/nyregion/gifted-talented-nyc-schools.html

https://www.diverseeducation.com/opinion/article/15279732/when-the-gates-are-literally-and-figuratively-closed-to-gifted-and-talented-education-for-black-students

https://hechingerreport.org/proof-points-what-research-tells-us-about-gifted-education/

https://tcf.org/content/commentary/gifted-students-separate-classrooms/

https://www.nydailynews.com/opinion/ny-edit-gifted-talented-blasio-20211010-dovwr6tsifa4vpps3m6326irru-story.html

https://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/new-york-elections-government/ny-nyc-de-blasio-to-convince-eric-adams-to-scrap-gifted-talented-schools-20211012-44brr76narhi5bxcvv4z3d5j2e-story.html

STAY IN TOUCH

Please tell us what you think. We LOVE feedback. Here are a few of the main ways to reach us: InsideSchools, our flagship website  // Our InsideSchools+ Community or our Facebook Page  // Tweet, tweet: Over on Twitter // Sign up for our Weekly Newsletter // SUBMIT YOUR QUESTIONS via 60 second voice message

Oct 22, 202142:37
Teaching Truth: The Path Toward Decolonizing the Curriculum | Season 2, Episode 4

Teaching Truth: The Path Toward Decolonizing the Curriculum | Season 2, Episode 4

During this episode, InsideSchools staff build community with Lisa Covington, a representative from the national steering committee of Black Lives Matter at School. We discuss the organization’s initiatives, the recent Attorney General’s memorandum around “threats of violence against school administrators, board members, teachers, and staff who participate in the vital work of running our nation's public schools,” and social justice curriculum in schools.

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RESOURCES FROM THE EPISODE

https://www.blacklivesmatteratschool.com/year-of-purpose.html

https://steinhardt.nyu.edu/metrocenter/ejroc/culturally-responsive-curriculum-scorecards

NEA Know Your Rights | https://neaedjustice.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/2021.8.18-KYR_post.pdf


ARTICLES FROM THE EPISODE

https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2021/03/should-black-lives-matter-agenda-be-taught-school/618277/

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/05/09/us/black-lives-matter-shirt-oklahoma-school.html

https://www.npr.org/2021/04/30/992038052/blm-and-teacher-s-free-speech

https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2020/12/01/black-lives-matter-school-new-book-antiracist-work-education/

https://www.justice.gov/ag/page/file/1438986/download


STAY IN TOUCH

Please tell us what you think. We LOVE feedback. Here are a few of the main ways to reach us: InsideSchools, our flagship website  // Our InsideSchools+ Community or our Facebook Page  // Tweet, tweet: Over on Twitter // Sign up for our Weekly Newsletter // SUBMIT YOUR QUESTIONS via 60 second voice message

Oct 08, 202137:44
Taking Up Arms: The Vaccination Wars in NYC’s Schools | Season 2, Episode 3

Taking Up Arms: The Vaccination Wars in NYC’s Schools | Season 2, Episode 3

During this episode, InsideSchools staff review the back and forth conversations about vaccinations and what the DOE mandates may mean for staffing in schools.  We are joined by Raymond Ankrum, Sr., Superintendent of Riverhead Charter School.

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RESOURCES FROM THE EPISODE

https://www.schools.nyc.gov/school-life/health-and-wellness/covid-information/daily-covid-case-map

https://www.schools.nyc.gov/school-life/health-and-wellness/covid-information/covid-19-testing-for-students/testing-providers

https://www.schools.nyc.gov/school-life/health-and-wellness/covid-information/covid-19-testing-for-students

ARTICLES FROM THE EPISODE

https://www.healthline.com/health-news/vaccine-mandates-in-schools-arent-new-theyve-been-used-since-1850

https://www.usatoday.com/storytelling/school-mask-mandate-covid-vaccine-map/

https://ny.chalkbeat.org/2021/9/27/22697449/vaccine-mandate-nyc-school-ruling

https://ny.chalkbeat.org/2021/9/25/22693168/judge-delays-vaccine-mandate-nyc-teachers

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STAY IN TOUCH

Please tell us what you think. We LOVE feedback. Here are a few of the main ways to reach us: InsideSchools, our flagship website  // Our InsideSchools+ Community or our Facebook Page  // Tweet, tweet: Over on Twitter // Sign up for our Weekly Newsletter // SUBMIT YOUR QUESTIONS via 60 second voice message

Oct 01, 202123:34
What are the Kids Reading? Decoding NYC’s Curriculum Renaissance | Season 2, Episode 2
Sep 24, 202127:26
Rebooting Extra Help and Launching the 2021-22 School Year | Season 2, Episode 1
Sep 09, 202125:40
Episode 30: Season Finale, and What Comes Next for Us All
Jun 25, 202012:39
Episode 29: Well THAT Was A Busy Week in NYC Schools: What It Means For September
Jun 18, 202021:18
Episode 28: #BlackLivesMatter, Culturally-Responsive Teaching, and Reopening NYC Schools

Episode 28: #BlackLivesMatter, Culturally-Responsive Teaching, and Reopening NYC Schools

New York City has erupted in recent weeks in response to the death of George Floyd, a Black man who was killed while being restrained by police in Minneapolis, and far too many other similar events in our city and nation. Under the banner of #BlackLivesMatter, protests sprouted up throughout the city in every borough and across the world. 

For teachers and families who had been mostly concerned about how to sufficiently complete the academic year online, there was now an unanticipated reality to address in school: widespread civic action in response to systemic racism that targets Black Americans. This raises an important question: How can schools respond to these immediate events and to the wider social injustices? As we explored in the last episode, the city has invested heavily in culturally responsive-sustaining education, which should provide some guidance. But does it do enough to help schools account for their roles in perpetuating inequity and racism? In this episode, Tom Liam Lynch talks with Dr. David Kirkland, Executive Director of the NYU Metropolitan Center for Research on Equity and the Transformation of Schools. 


Resources: The CRE HUB // CR-SE reports and guides mentioned // "What is Racism?" blog post


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Please tell us what you think. We LOVE feedback. Here are a few of the main ways to reach us: InsideSchools, our flagship website  // Our InsideSchools Facebook Page  // Tweet, tweet: Over on Twitter // Sign up for our Weekly Newsletter // SUBMIT YOUR QUESTIONS via 60 second voice message

Jun 11, 202019:39
Episode 27: What Happens to Culturally Responsive Teaching When It’s All Online?

Episode 27: What Happens to Culturally Responsive Teaching When It’s All Online?

One of the hallmarks of the de Blasio Administration's education agenda has been "culturally responsive-sustaining education." With an emphasis on teachers appreciating students cultural backgrounds, identities, and histories, CRSE was in full swing across the school system. There were books purchased, workshops given, and schools began implementing new practices. And then Covid-19. And then remote learning. In this episode, Tom Liam Lynch interviews Dr. Gholdy Muhammad from Georgia State University, who led many of the CRSE workshops for NYC schools. 

Resources: Cultivating Genius [book] // Sample Lesson // TOBTR Interview // ACE-ED Article // EduTalk Interview // Language Magazine Article

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Please tell us what you think. We LOVE feedback. Here are a few of the main ways to reach us: InsideSchools, our flagship website  // Our InsideSchools Facebook Page  // Tweet, tweet: Over on Twitter // Sign up for our Weekly Newsletter // SUBMIT YOUR QUESTIONS via 60 second voice message

Jun 04, 202022:45
Episode 26: Survey Says: Some Parents and Teachers Getting Uneasy About Returning to School

Episode 26: Survey Says: Some Parents and Teachers Getting Uneasy About Returning to School

There’s a report making its way around social media about a new survey. The survey asked over 500 K-12 teachers and 400 parents of K-12 students a series of questions about their experiences remote learning and their feelings about returning to school in the fall. 20% of teachers said they are unlikely to return to the classroom in September, concerning some that there’s a flood of resignations on the horizon. And 60% of parents said they would rather pursue at-home learning instead of sending their children back in the fall. In this episode, Tom Liam Lynch explores what this survey does and doesn't mean for New York City schools.  

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Please tell us what you think. We LOVE feedback. Here are a few of the main ways to reach us: InsideSchools, our flagship website  // Our InsideSchools Facebook Page  // Tweet, tweet: Over on Twitter // Sign up for our Weekly Newsletter // SUBMIT YOUR QUESTIONS via 60 second voice message

May 28, 202021:02
Episode 25: Balancing Students' Social Emotional and Academic Needs During a Pandemic

Episode 25: Balancing Students' Social Emotional and Academic Needs During a Pandemic

NYC officials are beginning to signal that remote learning could continue into the fall. That means parents, teachers, and administrators are going to have to work together to make remote learning more than just a stopgap measure. What does it mean to teach remotely and well? In this episode, Tom Liam Lynch interviewed Kaitlyn Zwicke, a math teacher at Queens High School for Information, Research, and Technology. They talked about the challenges of teaching remotely, and why students' social emotional needs are as important (if not more) than academics.  

(NOTE: A special thanks to New Visions for Public Schools for collaborating with InsideSchools on this episode.)

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Please tell us what you think. We LOVE feedback. Here are a few of the main ways to reach us: InsideSchools, our flagship website  // Our InsideSchools Facebook Page  // Tweet, tweet: Over on Twitter // Sign up for our Weekly Newsletter // SUBMIT YOUR QUESTIONS via 60 second voice message 

May 21, 202016:23
Episode 24: Gov. Cuomo’s Post-Pandemic Education Committee Draws Swift Criticism, but Why?
May 14, 202021:05
Episode 23: It is Time for a NYC Virtual School
May 08, 202015:32
Episode 22: UNESCO’s Guidelines Can Help NYC Reopen Schools, Equitably and Well
May 05, 202020:29
Episode 21: $897 iPads Raises Eyebrows, But Not For the Reasons They Should

Episode 21: $897 iPads Raises Eyebrows, But Not For the Reasons They Should

As New York City continues its foray into remote learning, questions persist about the city's digital learning strategy. The high price of iPads recently drew criticism. The committee that approves policy and budgets had to cancel their monthly meeting when their video conferencing service crashed. Officials are still distributing devices to students in need, over a month since their physical schools closed. In this episode, Tom Liam Lynch explains why these kinds of things are important for families. In short: this is just the beginning of widespread digital learning in city schools, and officials need to engage families on instructional quality. Stat.
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Please tell us what you think. We LOVE feedback. Here are a few of the main ways to reach us: InsideSchools, our flagship website // Our InsideSchools Facebook Page // Tweet, tweet: Over on Twitter // Sign up for our Weekly Newsletter // SUBMIT YOUR QUESTIONS via 60 second voice message
Apr 30, 202010:51
Episode 20: Returning to School Will Be Way More Complicated Than You Think

Episode 20: Returning to School Will Be Way More Complicated Than You Think

Going back to school in the wake of Covid-19 will not be as simple as it sounds. That's the premise of a recent report by Opportunity Labs called "Return to Schools Roadmap." Fortunately, the report offers an abundance of tactics for schools and districts to act on--all with an eye toward public education AND public health. In this episode, Tom Liam Lynch interviews one of the contributors to the report, former NYC Department of Education official Cricket Heinze. They talk about the report, including how parents and families will be affected in September based on the kinds of conversations districts and schools are having now. 

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Please tell us what you think. We LOVE feedback. Here are a few of the main ways to reach us: InsideSchools, our flagship website  // Our InsideSchools Facebook Page  // Tweet, tweet: Over on Twitter // Sign up for our Weekly Newsletter // SUBMIT YOUR QUESTIONS via 60 second voice message

Apr 28, 202015:37
Episode 19: We Took Your Questions About Remote Learning via Facebook Live
Apr 23, 202031:37
Episode 18: The City’s Asking Families What They Think of Remote Learning. Here’s Our Take On It.
Apr 21, 202015:56
Episode 17: September Starts Now: What Might NYC Schools Look Like in the Fall?
Apr 16, 202016:40
Episode 16: The Saturday Letter Where the Mayor and Chancellor Commit to Families

Episode 16: The Saturday Letter Where the Mayor and Chancellor Commit to Families

Dated a few days ago, the NYC mayor and schools chancellor published a letter. It included their commitments to families to help improve the quality of learning citywide in the wake of Covid-19. Not all families got the letter (and if you didn't, click here), but what it offers is heartening--and herculean. In this episode, Tom Liam Lynch shares the main points of the officials' letter and offers his insights on why their commitments are important, including what  makes them hard to realize. 

NB: Tom also shares an update on the future of Extra Help. We are getting great feedback on the pod, and intend to continue bringing it to you each week. For details on what we have planned, listen toward the end of episode. ;) 

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Please tell us what you think. We LOVE feedback. Here are a few of the main ways to reach us: InsideSchools, our flagship website  // Our InsideSchools Facebook Page  // Tweet, tweet: Over on Twitter // Sign up for our Weekly Newsletter // SEND US YOUR QUESTIONS via 60 second voice message

Apr 14, 202018:00
Episode 15: We Must Do Online Learning Better. Enter iLearnNYC and WeTeachNYC
Apr 10, 202012:03
Episode 14: A New Hotline Where Students Help Students Cope with #CoronaVirusNYC
Apr 09, 202016:15
Episode 13: How Much “Learning” is Really Happening “Online”?
Apr 08, 202014:56
Episode 12: State Exams Might Be Cancelled, But We Need To Assess More Than Ever

Episode 12: State Exams Might Be Cancelled, But We Need To Assess More Than Ever

With state Regents exams being cancelled in wake of Covid-19, many New York City teaches and students breathed a sigh of relief. That's understandable. But the need for thoughtful assessments might be more important than ever. In this episode, Tom Liam Lynch offers some perspective on why cancelling high-stakes exams was the right move by state officials, but also why it must be balanced with increased formative assessments by teachers.

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Please tell us what you think. We LOVE feedback. Here are a few of the main ways to reach us: InsideSchools, our flagship website  // Our InsideSchools Facebook Page  // Tweet, tweet: Over on Twitter // Sign up for our Weekly Newsletter // SEND US YOUR QUESTIONS via 60 second voice message

Apr 07, 202011:08
Episode 11: This Video Solution Might Just Be What Schools and Families Need Right Now: Screencasts
Apr 06, 202016:55
Episode 10: Zoom is a Privacy Nightmare and Parents Need to Understand Why
Apr 03, 202014:18
Episode 9: Admissions to NYC Specialized High Schools is Still Inequitable, So Say the Data
Apr 02, 202012:46
Episode 8: Son: They Can’t Cancel Spring Break! Dad: Sure They Can.
Apr 01, 202011:10
Episode 7: What Should ELA Class Look Like Online, During a Pandemic?
Mar 31, 202016:56
Episode 6: Let’s Ask a Seasoned Math Teacher How to Help Our Kids with Math, Shall We?
Mar 30, 202014:42
Episode 5: We Got a High School Offer--But Now What Do We Do?
Mar 27, 202011:55
Episode 4: What to Do When You’re Frustrated with Your Child’s Teacher
Mar 26, 202013:44
Episode 3: A NYC Mom Wants to Know What Learning Online Looks Like and Where to Find Resources
Mar 25, 202019:58
Episode 2: Wait, When Did Google Get a Classroom and What the Heck’s a Zoom?
Mar 24, 202019:02
Episode 1: Help Me Help My Child Learn Online
Mar 23, 202012:11
Episode 0: Introducing Extra Help

Episode 0: Introducing Extra Help

In the wake of NYC schools shutting down in response to COVID-19, the team at InsideSchools sent out a survey asking how they could help. The response was overwhelming. There's so much information and insight to share. So they are expanding their communication channels to include audio. 

Mar 18, 202000:38