Strategies for supporting student’s social-emotional development in k12 schools.

Strategies for supporting student’s social-emotional development in k12 schools.

It is critical for educators to pay attention to children’s social and emotional development in addition to their intellectual growth. In order to help students become self-aware, control their emotions, form wholesome relationships, and make ethical judgements, social-emotional learning (SEL) is essential in K-12 classrooms. The following are some tactics that schools can use to promote student’s social and emotional growth.

Promote Good Relationships: According to Melissa Schlinger, vice president of practice at the Collaboration for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning, “building positive relationships between teachers and students is a crucial component of supporting kids’ social-emotional well-being” (CASEL).

Teaching self-awareness is important because it serves as the basis for social and emotional learning, according to Dr. Marc Brackett, director of the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence. Schools can instruct pupils on how to recognize their emotions and create strategies to effectively handle both the highs and the lows.

Encourage pupils to practice mindfulness since it can improve their ability to concentrate, handle stress and grow empathetically. According to Dr. Brackett, mindfulness practices like deep breathing and guided meditation can teach pupils how to control their emotions and remain composed under pressure.

Include play-based learning: Play-based learning gives kids the chance to connect with one another and learn skills like communication and problem-solving. Angela Hanscom, a pediatric occupational therapist, and the creator of TimberNook, asserts that play is crucial for the growth of social skills.

Encourage Physical Activity: Engaging in regular physical activity can enhance mental health, lessen stress, and boost confidence. Dr. Desiree Shapiro, a pediatrician at Stanford Children’s Health, claims that exercise helps students form good habits and efficiently manage their emotions.

Establish a Secure and Encouraging Environment: According to Shlinger, a secure and encouraging environment can aid pupils in feeling safe and forming wholesome relationships. School may develop areas where kids feel free to express themselves and ask for assistance when necessary.

Teach Conflict Resolution Skills: Social interaction inevitably involves conflict. Effective conflict resolutions skills can assist students in establishing connections and controlling their emotions. Role-playing exercises and group problem-solving are effective ways to teach conflict resolution techniques, according to Shlinger.

Promote Cultural Competence: According to Dr. Adena Klem, Director of Education at the Anti-Defamation League, “Cultural competency is essential for encouraging social-emotional development in diverse communities. By encouraging variety and offering opportunity for pupils to learn about many cultures, schools may promote cultural competence.”

Promote Peer Mentorship: Peer mentoring initiatives can aid in student’s social and relational development. According to Dr. Shapiro, peer mentoring gives kids the chance to learn from one another and foster empathy and understanding.

Work Together with Families and Communities: According to Dr. Klem, collaboration between schools, families, and communities is crucial for fostering social and emotional development. To provide students with tools and support, schools can collaborate with families and community organizations.

Implement Technologies That Allow Students to Express Their Feelings: A software tool, such as Pulse by Linewize, can provide students with a 60-second weekly student wellbeing check-in. This helps schools easily keep a Pulse on student’s wellness by engaging students to find and help those who need early intervention.

These techniques can be used in K-12 institutions to foster a welcoming atmosphere that supports student’s social-emotional growth. To guarantee that students have the abilities and resilience to succeed in school and in life, it is crucial to place a high priority on their well-being.

FilteredNet has been selling webfilters and I.T. security solutions to K12 schools since 1995.

We work with I.T. security vendors covering a range of internet security services including webfilters, classroom managers and student-online monitoring/alerting tools by vendors such as Linewize by FamilyZoneContentKeeper and Blocksi.

To learn more about our services, or schedule a demo contact us today.

10 Reasons to Buy from a Value-Added-Reseller (VAR)

10 Reasons to Buy from a Value-Added-Reseller (VAR)

Here are ten reasons why buying from a value-added reseller (VAR) can be beneficial for your K12 school district:

  1. Expertise: VARs have specialized knowledge and expertise in the products and solutions they offer, which can help school districts make informed purchasing decisions.
  2. One-stop-shop: VARs offer a wide range of products and solutions from multiple vendors, making it easier for school districts to purchase everything they need from a single source.
  3. Customization: VARs can help school districts customize solutions to meet their specific needs and requirements.
  4. Cost savings: VARs often have access to special pricing and discounts, which can help school districts save money on their purchases.
  5. Support: VARs provide ongoing support and maintenance for the products and solutions they sell, which can help school districts keep their technology running smoothly.
  6. Training: VARs can provide training and education on the products and solutions they offer, helping school districts maximize their investment.
  7. Integration: VARs can help school districts integrate new technology solutions with existing systems and infrastructure.
  8. Scalability: VARs can help school districts plan for future growth and scalability, ensuring that their technology investments can grow with them.
  9. Proven track record: Many VARs have a proven track record of working with other organizations and providing high-quality solutions and support.
  10. Accountability: VARs are accountable for the products and solutions they sell, which can provide peace of mind for school districts and help ensure that they are getting the most value from their investments.

FilteredNet has been selling Internet Security solutions to K12 schools since 1995.

We work with I.T. security vendors to provide a range of internet security services to our K12 customers, including web filtering, classroom management, and student online safety monitoring.

To learn more about our services, or schedule a demo contact us today.

On-prem vs cloud filtering.

On-prem vs cloud filtering.

Web filters are an essential tool for any organization to ensure that their network is secure and their employees are productive. With the rise of cloud technology, many organizations are opting for cloud-only web filters. However, there are still significant benefits to using on-prem web filters.

Firstly, on-prem web filters provide faster and more efficient filtering. With on-prem filters, all the filtering takes place on-site, which means that there is no need for data to travel to the cloud and back. This not only saves time, but it also reduces network traffic and can lead to faster internet speeds.

Secondly, on-prem web filters provide greater control and customization. With an on-prem solution, IT administrators have complete control over the web filtering policies and can customize them to suit the specific needs of their organization. This level of control is not possible with cloud-only web filters, which typically have limited customization options.

Thirdly, on-prem web filters offer greater security. By having the web filtering taking place on-site, organizations can ensure that sensitive data does not leave their network. This is particularly important for organizations that deal with confidential information, such as healthcare or financial institutions.

Finally, on-prem web filters offer cost savings in the long term. While cloud-only web filters may seem cheaper initially, they can become expensive over time as the organization grows and needs to add more users. On-prem solutions are often a one-time purchase, and they can be more cost-effective in the long term.

In summary, on-prem web filters offer faster and more efficient filtering, greater control and customization, greater security, and long-term cost savings. While cloud-only web filters have their benefits, on-prem solutions are still an excellent option for organizations looking to ensure the security and productivity of their network.

FilteredNet has been selling webfilters and I.T. security solutions to K12 schools since 1995.

We work with I.T. security vendors covering a range of internet security services, including webfilter solutions such as Linewize by FamilyZone and ContentKeeper.

To learn more about our services, or schedule a demo contact us today.

Has remote learning made snow days obsolete?

Has remote learning made snow days obsolete?

2020 was certainly a challenging year on so many levels for K12 school districts. But as the saying goes, ‘necessity is the mother of invention’. For K12 schools, a sudden shift last year from in-person to at-home teaching created a need to provide remote access to instructional resources. While the transition was difficult for some schools at first, many districts were quick to adapt to the new learning environment.

Now some school districts, such as New York City public schools, have decided to nix snow days all together, opting for remote learning instead. Gone are the days where school buildings in NYC will be closed due to bad weather. Starting the 2021/22 school year, “The DOE will shift all students to remote instruction in lieu of cancelling schools due to severe weather conditions,” the DOE wrote in a statement provided to CNN.

With so many districts now fully supporting at-home instruction, schools are more prepared to switch to remote instruction at a moments notice. Due to damage and power outages at several schools in Fort Smith, Texas, for example, teachers and students at Fort Smith Public Schools used their remote learning plan for the day.

Although switching back and forth based on the needs for that day are made easier by remote learning technologies, securing school owned devices while at home and protecting students while online is more important than ever. Web filtering solutions that can decrypt SSL traffic and accurately report on all student’s surfing activities are crucial; basic DNS filters are no longer enough.

Hybrid-cloud based solutions such as the Linewize Web Filter provide school districts with a web filtering system and classroom management tool equipped with selective SSL decryption, red flag safety alerts, teacher/student screen sharing, and cyber safety education for the community.

Other hybrid-cloud web filters like the ContentKeeper Web Filter not only provide selective SSL decryption, but application controls that allow schools to identify & block suspicious apps such as BitTorrent, Psiphon or Ultrsurf that students us to circumvent school web filters & anonymously access the Dark Web.

Whether students will be learning at home, in school, or a combination of both, technology stands at the ready, and security solutions are finally available to provide the digital safety net needed to help districts keep their students safe while online at home.

FilteredNet has been selling webfilters and I.T. security solutions to K12 schools since 1995.

We work with I.T. security vendors covering a range of internet security services, including webfilter solutions such as Linewize by FamilyZone and ContentKeeper.

To learn more about our services, or schedule a demo contact us today.

Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund

Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund

On December 21, 2020, Congress passed the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2021 (CRRSA). It was signed into law on December 27, 2020. This long-awaited sequel to the CARES Act includes a stimulus and pandemic relief package of just under $900 billion, with just over $81 billion of it for the Education Stabilization Fund. This fund provides an additional $54.3 billion for the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER II) Fund and must be used by September, 2022.

The recently passed legislation also includes $1 billion for the Governors Emergency Education Relief (GEER) Fund. GEER is available for governors to provide either K-12 or higher education funds based on the needs they identify in the state. This fund will also operate similarly to the GEER fund found in the CARES Act.

The ESSER II Fund

Much like the ESSER I Fund within the CARES ACT, the majority of the money allotted to K-12 schools will go directly to districts based on the proportion of funding they receive through Title I of the federal Every Students Succeeds Act. The states can reserve 10 percent for administration, but must use the rest for local education agencies (LEAs). The $54.3 billion is roughly 4 times that received in March, 2020.

School districts can use the fund for any activity allowed under other federal laws for education, aiming to improve outcomes for students who have been significantly impacted by the coronavirus. This can include:

  • Activities authorized by the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965;
  • Slowing the spread of Covid-19;
  • Addressing the specific needs of disadvantaged students;
  • Helping with learning loss;
  • Purchasing PPE and the supplies needed to clean and disinfect schools;
  • Providing mental health services and support for students;
  • Closing the digital divide for students;
  • Summer learning and supplemental after-school programs;
  • Planning for school closures;
  • Purchasing the hardware and software needed to conduct remote and hybrid learning.

How Could The Fund Be Allocated?

If budget allocation from the CARES Act Discretionary Funds is any indication of how this most recent fund might be allocated, a majority of the states will likely focus on broadband, remote training/curriculum, and devices. Below you can see how governors have been using the CARES Act discretionary funds:

Additionally, experts put together a rough estimate of what states should receive compared to the CARES Act.

 

Coronavirus K-12 State Allocation Table

What to expect going forward?

With this much anticipated relief for school districts around the country, should you expect more to come? Many experts predict that the fund is acting as a “bridge” payment and are hopeful for more help, particularly with a new administration taking office on January 20 and the Senate recently moving to Democrat control.

On January 14th, 2021, President-elect Biden released a $1.9 trillion plan for COVID-19 relief that would provide $130 billion in funds for K-12 education. In this plan, funds are aimed at helping K-12 schools reopen or provide distance learning.

“We will do everything we can to keep our educators and students safe and to safely open a majority of our K-8 schools by the end of our first 100 days,” Biden said in a speech announcing his plan.

For more information on the ESSER II Fund, the Office of Elementary & Secondary Education has put together this Fact Sheet

FilteredNet has been selling webfilters and I.T. security solutions to K12 schools since 1995.

We work with I.T. security vendors covering a range of internet security services, including webfilter solutions such as Linewize by FamilyZone and ContentKeeper.

To learn more about our services, or schedule a demo contact us today.

Linewize Cloud WebFilter w/ “Classwize”

Linewize Cloud WebFilter w/ “Classwize”

Available on Demand: Take an in depth tour of the Linewize HYBRID-CLOUD WebFilter and “Classwize” Teacher module… on your schedule.

Learn how the Linewize hybrid-cloud WebFilter is helping K12 schools overcome the limitations of an on-prem-only webfilter when it comes to protecting their distance learning devices.

Learn how the Linewize hybrid-cloud approach  provides a better way to protect all browsers, across ALL devices (Chrome, Windows, Mac and iOS) both on and off prem, through a single interface. If you have a cloud only web filter today, you are aware of it’s inherent limitations.

Learn how the Linewize “Classwize” for Teachers module allows your teachers to not only see what their students are doing on their school owned devices, but to control what internet content they can & cannot access during class… even while their students are working from home!

FilteredNet has been selling webfilters and I.T. security solutions to K12 schools since 1995. If you are not entirely satisfied with your current web filter or the support provided by the manufacturer, let us help you find a better way!