Happy 2019 from your friends at NYSASCD!

I hope this message finds you healthy and well, with batteries recharged and ready to tackle the challenges of 2019! As an organization, we began the 2018-2019 school year focused on mental health and school safety, and this focus will continue into 2019.

In the majority of school districts in New York, the increasing needs (including mental health) among our public school students are growing at a faster rate than improvements in financial condition. In a recent survey of school superintendents, the leaders of our public school districts cited “improving mental health services” as the highest priority.

https://www.nyscoss.org/img/uploads/file/2017-News-Release-Council-finance-survey-report.pdf

Additionally, we know from the current research of Souers and Hall (ASCD, 2016) in the area of mental health, that adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are linked to trauma and mental health issues later in life. In their book entitled, Fostering Resilient Learners, they stress that our students bring ACEs to school with them every day. These experiences are much more prevalent than originally thought. Nearly half of all children in the U.S. have experienced at least one type of childhood trauma. Trauma affects readiness to learn, and if children are not ready to learn, they will not learn.

Both our Fall Conference and Fall IMPACT e-journal focused on the mental health epidemic in our state.

If you were not able to attend our fall conference this past November in the Albany area, you can access all of the conference materials on the Events page on our website at: https://nysascd.wildapricot.org/Events

The Fall 2018 IMPACT e-journal can be accessed at:

http://publications.catstonepress.com/i/1056551-fall-2018-impact/4?

Our spring resources will continue to focus on the important area of mental health. We are planning both a winter book talk and spring blended learning conference. More details will be forthcoming shortly.

In our schools, we often use a team approach [instructional support team (IST) or child study team (CST)] to address student issues. As in the medical field, a team approach is important so that we can look at the challenges that individual children face from multiple perspectives. Partnerships serve a similar function on a more global scale. NYSASCD will be weaving the concept of partnerships into our work this coming spring.

All the best for a healthy and happy 2019!

Timothy T. Eagen, Ed.D.

President, NYSASCD

Superintendent, Kings Park Central School District

Over the past two decades, much has been published on 21st century learning.  More than ever, we are focused on providing a globally competitive education, where our students can compete with the best and the brightest around the globe.  As public education has come under attack, change has been the only constant.  ESSA, Race to the Top, Common Core, APPR, opt-outs, Next Generation Standards… oh my!  The need for strong leaders in this profession has never been greater.

This September, the Class of 2031 will enter our schools as kindergarteners.  In the grand scheme of things, a year in someone’s life is not that long. However, we know that a year in a child’s education is paramount to their growth and development. Education is the gatekeeper to future opportunities.  However, due to a variety of circumstances, many students come to school each day not ready to learn.

When you think of what children bring to school each day, what comes to mind?  You might answer… pens, pencils, notebooks, erasers, or books.  These are some of the physical items that children typically bring to school.  However, we are all products of our experiences, and children also bring adverse childhood experiences, or ACEs, to school every day.  As educators, we can’t see these items, but they are in the backpack as well. 

In their 2016 (ASCD) book entitled, Fostering Resilient Learners, Kristen Souers and Pete Hall list eight ACEs, which have been shown to be correlated with mental health.  They are as follows:

Research has shown that about half of our students have experienced at least one ACE, and 25% have experienced two or more.  One in 16 students have experienced four or more ACEs.  ACEs result in trauma, which has a lasting effect on the brain.  If our students are in trauma mode and not in learning mode, they simply cannot learn.    

The Parkland tragedy last February opened our eyes to the importance of school safety and mental health.  This is going to be our NYSASCD focus this year.    Currently, we are planning a fall conference, book talk, and spring conference later this year to focus on these important areas.  In addition, our Fall IMPACT Journal will include research and best practice in these areas.  

SAVE THE DATE

We will be releasing a link to register for our fall conference shortly.  Registration will be via MyLearningPlan.  The NYASCD Fall Conference will be held on Friday, November 30 at Union College in the Albany area.  So far our lineup includes MaryEllen Elia (Commissioner of Education), Homeland Security, and key factors correlated to mental health and warning signs that educators should look for.  Kindly pencil November 30 in on your calendar.  More information will be forthcoming shortly.

Lastly, I am a firm believer that leadership matters.  Whether you are a teacher-leader, department leader, principal, or superintendent, your efforts make a difference in the lives of children.  Personally, I am very fortunate to work with great leaders through my involvement with NYSASCD.  I wish you all the best as you embark on another great school year!

Timothy T. Eagen, Ed.D.

President, NYSASCD