Blog Feed – Page 29 – Jeff Horton

Why School Counselors Are Deeded | Jeff Horton Duluth

It’s always challenging to tell someone they must go to the principal’s office. But, sometimes, the demands of school can compel an individual to act out.

As a school counselor, you can help students navigate the sometimes challenging school year by providing them with the necessary support and guidance.

People, especially young adults and children, need support and guidance when dealing with various social, academic, and personal pressures. As a school counselor, your goal should be to help individuals reach their potential.

School counselors help students from kindergarten to college. They play a vital role in helping them reach their educational goals and fostering their well-being. As counselors, you’ll listen to their concerns and provide them with the necessary resources to achieve their goals.

Since everyone’s social and home lives are different, you’re the only person who can effectively meet the needs of individuals at a specific time.

School counselors can help students with issues such as bullying, low self-esteem, and relationship problems. They can also refer them to mental health counselors or psychologists when needed. In addition, you’ll help them develop realistic career and academic goals by evaluating their personalities, abilities, and interests.

What Counselors Do

Conduct a comprehensive evaluation of students’ concerns
When necessary, develop a plan for the resolution of students’ concerns
Monitor the relationship between teachers and students
Help to settle disputes
Facilitate peer counseling programs
Assist students with college applications
As a counselor, you should establish alcohol and drug prevention programs.
Work with academic boards to improve the learning environment.

You can work in different school environments, such as elementary, middle, and high schools. Many private and public schools, colleges, and universities require counseling staff members. According to a report from The Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for school counselors will increase over the next couple of years due to the rising number of students.

After completing your master’s degree in school counseling, you may want to pursue a doctorate in clinical psychology. This will allow you to work as a school psychologist, which involves diagnosing and treating disorders. While it will require several years of additional work, it will enable you to expand your career opportunities.

This blog was originally published on January 13, 2023 at https://jeffhorton.co/why-school-counselors-are-needed/

How to Get Students Involved in Leadership | Jeff Horton Duluth

There has been a lot of research about the advantages of social and emotional learning (SEL) for children. It can help them develop their academic skills and make good decisions. But what about its link to leadership?

Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) believes that many learning opportunities in schools and classrooms can help children develop their (SEL) through leadership. Many school leaders and business executives think we should do more to teach kids about leadership.

According to researchers, teaching students to lead can help them develop social and personal skills.

In addition, Forbes and Entrepreneur have published articles about the various skills children need to develop to succeed in their future careers. These articles closely align with the core competencies of SEL that groups like CASEL believe kids need.

On the same topic, Partnership for 21st Century Learning’s mission aims to help students develop their life and career skills. The business community believes schools need to teach more leadership skills.

What to Do
There are various ways that teachers can provide leadership opportunities that will benefit their students.

One of the most effective ways to involve students in the classroom is by allowing them to lead. One way is by having them participate in various leadership activities, such as organizing a discussion or handing out papers. Students can benefit from these activities if teachers give positive feedback about how they handle their responsibilities. For instance, they can congratulate a student for their speech to a class but suggest that they speak more slowly. They can also write a note to let parents know how their students successfully followed through with an assignment.

Ask students to show off their leadership skills by explaining how they expect certain behaviors and how they organize their class. They can also discuss how they would like to share their passion for leadership with others. For instance, they can say that they want to lead by example.
Ask students to provide examples of good leadership. They can do this by regularly participating in discussions about the various aspects of good leadership, such as how a famous leader succeeded. They can additionally look for examples of good leadership from their favorite celebrities.

Ask students to search for one particular example of good leadership. For instance, they can refer to a story about a sports star who helps a particular cause by getting his team to help. Talk about the type of leadership that prominent figures in their field have. Ask students to develop their leadership skills by doing short lessons twice a month.

Improve School Culture
Students can play a vital role in improving school culture by becoming leaders. Some of the most common ways to do this are raising awareness about environmental issues, bullying prevention, and helping students from other backgrounds feel valued and included in the school. You can also enlist them in small ways to make the school more welcoming by inviting lonely students to join the group at lunchtime or having them report any issues to the teacher.

Reward students who take on school-wide leadership positions. You can also have daily announcements that recognize an individual’s leadership accomplishment.

Besides being leaders, engage them in other extracurricular activities, which can ignite their passion for leadership. For instance, forming a club senate can help students develop their leadership skills and club membership.

When students have opportunities to lead, they should be given the space to struggle and fail, and you should support them in any way possible. Experts often say failure is a great lesson, and you can help them bounce back.

This blog was originally published on January 13, 2023 at https://jeffhortonduluth.weebly.com/blog/how-to-get-students-involved-in-leadership

Diversity In The Education Workforce

In 2011, the U.S. Department of Education reported that 48 percent of public school students were children of color. It also reported that 82 percent of their teachers were white. In 2016, that same report showed that 82 percent of public school teachers were white, again– a number that had barely changed in over 15 years, while public school students continued to become more diversified. What’s more, the report highlighted that every US state had a higher number of students of color than teachers of color. By 2024, 55 percent of the public school population will be made up of students of color.

What would increased diversity do for students?

In 2015, the Albert Shanker Institute released a research report that showed teacher diversity is crucial to student success. The report outlined these benefits of teacher diversity:

Teachers of color tend to have higher academic expectations for students of color– a factor that can stimulate increased academic and social growth.
Students of color benefit from having teachers from their own background who can serve as strong role models.
All students benefit from being educated by teachers from a variety of ethnic groups and races; students become better prepared to succeed in an increasingly diverse society.
Teachers of color can be more motivated to work with disadvantaged students of color in high-poverty, ethnically and racially segregated schools.
Positive exposure to individuals from a variety of backgrounds helps to reduce stereotypes and bais, as well as to promote cross-culture social bonding.

While recruiting and retaining a diverse teacher workforce is especially key to improving outcomes for low-income and other under-served populations, increasing diversity is necessary for all students’ success. Yet there are unique barriers that teachers of color face for entering and staying in the profession.

As a national teacher shortage continues to impact the entire country, schools face new challenges of hiring and retaining qualified educators who reflect the racial diversity of their communities. To aid in this endeavor, a variety of programs, policies, and practices are being introduced to reinforce these efforts.

This article was originally published on JeffHorton.co

Highlighting Art, Science, and Emotional Health in Schools

Creativity is essential to succeed in technology careers. Technology is valuable to success in the creative arts. While academia can conjure certain expectations of a strict education environment, the truth is that focusing on the arts and sciences are not only important for overall education but also for emotional health in students. Emphasizing the importance of art and science in schools for elementary to university students will be beneficial to the future global society.

What is science education?

In addition to memorizing facts, laws, formulas, or theories, the scientific method is key in education. This method involves designing experiments, making observations, analyzing collected data, and forming conclusions. This is critical to gain information about the world.

Science is extensive in nature and there are many applications of this discipline. Students learn to use logical thinking to solve problems by identifying causes, evaluating them, and determining solutions. The studies train them to ask questions, notice patterns or relationships, explain results, and understand technology.

What is art education?

Although creativity is helpful in science, people think of art when asked about creativity. Art provides an outlet for expressing ideas, feelings, experiences, beliefs, or opinions. It encourages students to use their imagination. Students learn to share themselves through paintings, drawings, writings, music, dance, and other artworks. There are methods in creating art. They teach students how to generate and organize ideas, polish their work, communicate meaning, describe personal experiences, understand other people and cultures, analyze different presentations, and interpret messages.

Connecting art, science, and emotional health

Classrooms can be a platform for promoting creativity and emotional health through art and science programs. Students develop a growth mindset and discover that they can learn new things throughout their lives. Interesting ways of presenting subjects in schools make students more engaged and open to new opportunities. Some students are proficient with scientific courses and experiments, while some excel in creating paintings, poetry, music, or other art forms. Having a strong foundation in both disciplines regardless of their passions empowers students to explore possibilities in life. Science can be demonstrated using creative language and visuals to help students understand the principles. The process of producing art can be appreciated by looking at the science in components of art materials, themes, and techniques. The skills gained by students using a creative approach to learning improve their confidence. Students’ emotional health grows with the knowledge that they can solve problems and communicate effectively.

This article was originally published on JeffHorton.co

The Role Of Technology In Education Post Covid-19

As schools continue to follow the state’s orders and close all physical locations, the education system is seeing a shift. Online classes are the norm, and there are talks among some states and tech companies on the feasibility of permanent online courses post COVID-19. There’s no disputing everyone from school staff to parents is adjusting to retaining the quality of education taught in physical schools. The advancements in technology made it possible to transition traditional learning to online learning. During the pandemic, school administrators are evaluating their students’ performance and their parents. Instructors also have the opportunity to custom-tailor a child’s learning. Listed below is the role technology will play in education post-COVID-19.

The Investors’ Lens:

Before the coronavirus pandemic, tech companies began investing in the education sector. Whether the investment came in the form of improved technology or new technology, the goal is to get kids interested in learning. Specifically, some investors in the education space wanted to persuade kids into a STEM career. Since the United States is graduating fewer engineers than China, some startups invented products to get kids interested in engineering from a young age. However, no change was enough until the coronavirus pandemic. Some school systems did not embrace technology to the point where it took them longer to adopt an online school system. Not only is technology changing in the education system, but the content as well. The method for content creation and delivery of that content is transforming. The only exception to this is universities. Universities are continually investing in technology infrastructure and content to make their offerings more accessible to prospective students. School systems across the country can learn something from the universities.

The Educators’ Lens:

Scrutiny is present with any change in the education system by parents, the community, and government officials. However, now is the time to embrace technology in the education system. All of the school’s main objective is the safety and learning of all students. Online learning, along with tools to keep kids engaged in learning, will allow kids to continually develop. Any lapse in a child’s education could have detrimental effects later on. The adoption of technology could also help post-COVID19. With snow days, schools can continue online to avoid prolonging the school year in the summer.

This article was originally published on JeffHorton.net

Emerging Tech Fighting the Spread of COVID-19

COVID-19 has changed the way the world works. Church services, workplaces, and transit plans all face disruptions now and in the future. Luckily, technology has been there to aid all the industries and people whose lives have been changed by this pandemic. New technologies are changing the ways some industries work. They’re making it possible for trades like construction to continue even amid a shut-down generally.

One of the most frustrating things for many Americans has been the closure of parks and beaches. In many places, playgrounds were covered with plastic wrap to prevent children from using the equipment. Some different countries are utilizing other strategies. One of the most unusual is the Boston Dynamics robotic dog. In Singapore, these friendly-looking robots patrol some public spaces. They make sure that people are observing rules related to social distancing.

Robots are also being used for disinfecting purposes in Europe. The Policlinico Abano hospital group utilizes robots with ultraviolet lights attached to clean spaces, including operating rooms. This is no great leap for this organization. They’ve been using robots for several surgeries. So expanding to disinfectants made sense, mainly after many doctors fell ill with COVID-19. Made by UVD Robots, the machines harness ultraviolet-C light power to dismantle the RNA in viruses and bacteria. That makes it impossible for the virus to reproduce. It also kills fungal spores.

Wearable technology has also become critical during the coronavirus pandemic. Spot-R sensors have been used successfully in the construction industry for the past few years. They automate the sign-in process and also have safety implications. For example, they alert supervisors if someone has an incident like a fall. This can mean a reduction in complications from injuries sustained on construction sites.

Triax Technologies, the inventor of Spot-R, recently introduced a new product. The Proximity Trace device beeps when a worker gets too close to another person. This helps to ensure that six feet of social distance is always observed. Should a worker test positive, data from the device will let authorities know who else has been exposed to the virus. This data can help to contain the spread of COVID-19. There are some worries about privacy, but company representatives say they are careful with the data.

This article was originally published on JeffHorton.net

Real-World Math Skills People Use Every Day

Although math problems can seem divorced from reality, math is actually incredibly useful in daily life. Math is used in cooking and baking, shopping for groceries, deciding on new appliances, and personal finances.

In the kitchen, knowledge of fractions and proportions is invaluable. Math is useful to alter recipes to one’s needs. If a recipe is for four servings, but you need six, you’ll use math to figure out the new amounts of each ingredient. If you’re missing a particular measuring spoon or cup, you can use fractions to ensure an ingredient’s correct amount is used.

Aside from simple addition to track spending, the most useful math skill for grocery shopping is understanding unit price. A large tub of yogurt may be several dollars and an individual cup only $0.50, but the large tub’s price per ounce is almost guaranteed to be lower. Grocery trips are more cost-effective when one understands that buying soda by the bottle is about half the price of buying it in six-packs.

Of course, for some purchases, cheaper is better, but if one wants an item to last a long time, it is often wiser to invest in a high-quality, more expensive option. If you’re looking for boots, you could buy a $12 pair at the nearest big-box store, but they may wear out over a season. You could instead buy a $100 pair of shoes that may last for years. Dividing the cost by the number of uses of the item goes a long way to helping a person understand the true cost. Buying an inexpensive pair of shoes twice a year adds up to a lot more money spent on footwear than simply spending more on better quality shoes.

Handling our finances requires a lot of math. One part of banking that often confuses people is inverse operations. This can be used to determine change and balance a checkbook. A bit of financial math that often gets people into trouble is understanding interest. Knowing how debt works can save one a lot of turmoil.

Math is far more than something to learn to pass a test; it is a vital part of our daily lives.

This article was originally published on JeffHorton.info

Why More College Students Should Find Mentors

Oftentimes, college students go off to school without having all of the information needed in order to succeed. Whether they need to learn about which classes or professors to take, when to take specific classes, or what to do around town locally, they are destined to need help. This is where mentorship comes into play. A mentor can be someone from their hometown, a professor or advisor, or even a community member who is working in their field or something similar.

Parents might find themselves sending their children off to college with the information needed to go and plan for success but, you can never fully be prepared as a college student. It takes focus and strategy to figure out the college lifestyle, especially if they do not have many mentors or friends who already attended and graduated from college.

Being away from home is reason enough for why more college students should find mentors. According to Best Colleges, a mentor can be someone in your field or a peer. They serve as a champion for your success as well as an anchor to keep you focused on your deadlines, goals, and pathway towards the journey of college and life after college. A mentor is a great person for a college student to talk to if they feel as though they cannot talk to their parents or loved ones back home. Many times, a mentor is someone who serves a temporary or potentially lifelong relationship with their mentee.

A great option for a mentor is someone who is older and within the same major or already working in the field. This is helpful because college students still continue to need guidance, and seeing someone who has already accomplished similar goals is a driving motivator. Mentors can be found at school-wide college and internship fairs, within the community, or through college-related activities such as guest speaker symposiums.

College students should find mentors because instead of feeling overwhelmed or not knowing what to do or when to do something, they can always call, text, or email their mentors for advice. Attaching a face to success is most helpful for college students where they can feel some sort of accountability to make sure they accomplish their college goals. Mentorship helps many students to get through their collegiate careers in a timely manner and ensure that they are on schedule for overall success within their major or field of study.

This article was originally published on JeffHorton.info

Children’s Books for Women’s History Month

While there are many ways you can go about getting involved in women’s history month and the events surrounding it in March, one of the easiest, most educational, and maybe even one of the most interesting ways to celebrate is through reading books. And what better group of people to get reading and learning about women’s history than young children? See below for a list of some of the best reads for women’s history month:

1. ***Rad American Women A-Z*, by Kate Schatz**

Designed for the 8-12 age range, this book gives a brief overview of some of the most important women in history, listed from A-Z, like musician Patti Smith, tennis player Billie Jean King, and scientist Rachel Carson.

2. Betsy Ross by Alexandra Wallner

An easy biography for young ones (recommended for ages 3-6), this book focuses on the woman who is widely believed to have created the first American flag for George Washington.

3. Who Says Women Can’t Be Doctors? by Tanya Lee Stone

Inspiring women all across the USA, in 1849 Elizabeth Blackwell was the first woman to receive a degree in medicine. Children can learn about her life through this picture book for ages 5-8.

4. Miss Moore Thought Otherwise: How Anne Carroll Moore Created Libraries for Children by Jan Pinborough

It’s hard to believe, but there was a time when libraries weren’t for children. In fact, they weren’t even encouraged to read, let alone take books out from the library. But Anne Carroll Moore didn’t think this was right and transformed Room 105 at the New York Public Library into a suitable (and fun!) reading room for children. And thus, libraries and children were connected.

5. Amelia and Eleanor Go for a Ride by Pam Muñoz Ryan

For ages 6-9, this picture book is a fictional tale starring two of the most influential women in American history: First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt and American aviator Amelia Earhart.

Five is undoubtedly not enough when it comes to great children’s books that help celebrate women’s history month. Check this list as well!

This article was originally published on JeffHorton.info

What Counselors Do

1. Rad American Women A-Z, by Kate Schatz

2. Betsy Ross by Alexandra Wallner

3. Who Says Women Can’t Be Doctors? by Tanya Lee Stone

4. Miss Moore Thought Otherwise: How Anne Carroll Moore Created Libraries for Children by Jan Pinborough

5. Amelia and Eleanor Go for a Ride by Pam Muñoz Ryan

1. ***Rad American Women A-Z*, by Kate Schatz**