I have been incredibly fortunate to interact with the multitude of educators, school leaders, families, and support organizations dedicated to serving our students. These relationships have enabled me to step into learning and teaching environments across dozens of schools in our city with a common understanding that requires all participants to roll up our sleeves and tackle the hard work of school improvement together.
Kim Riley, CEO of The Transition Academy, has spent the duration of 2020 working to ensure that the needs of Special Education students are met during and following the COVID-19 crisis. The Transition Academy, still in its infancy when COVID forced schools and student-focused programs into the digital space, was founded to provide post-high school resources for families of students with disabilities, and Kim recognized the importance of not slowing down with the organization’s mission:
In the history of our country, there have been many milestones in celebrating the cultural mosaic that is the United States of America, and the vibrant and different communities that reside here. In 1988, when Ronald Reagan elevated the previously established ‘Hispanic Heritage Week’ to National Hispanic Heritage Month, it was seen as a long awaited recognition of the significant impact that Hispanic and Latin Americans have made to our nation’s history, and has been widely celebrated ever since.
The Excellence in Education Awards are a high point on our annual calendar. Founded in 2018, these awards have typically taken place during Teacher Appreciation Week in May, and give cash awards to educators that demonstrate excellence in both the Kansas City Public School District and local charter school LEAs. However, the disruption of the COVID-19 crisis forced the awards ceremonies to be cancelled, as schools turned their focus to shifting to remote learning and ensuring no drop in service to Kansas City’s most vulnerable students.
Our educators know they must adapt to whatever challenge comes their way to ensure the success of their students. For educators in the urban core, the year 2020 advanced this need to a level previously unimagined.
By Rebecca WilliamsThe COVID-19 pandemic, and a newly heightened awareness of racial injustices in our country, has amplified the disproportionate impact our systems have on different populations. When it comes to early childhood education, the contrast is stark – but...