Rita Ferrandino

Looking for innovative educational tools for homeschooling? Read our comprehensive review of Minecraft Education, a game-based learning platform that's redefining educational engagement. Perfect for integrating STEM and creative thinking skills into your curriculum. 🚀

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Why do you need to conduct a partnership audit? Enhanced Educational Outcomes: Partnership audits can identify opportunities to align business resources with school needs, improving educational programs. For example, businesses can use audit insights to support specific school initiatives, enhancing student learning experiences. Schedule a partnership audit with your partners, school leaders and stakeholders! Start the year off on solid ground! https://lnkd.in/efrMHmDP https://lnkd.in/dGrWsYaA

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I seldom come across a blog that resonates so deeply with my own experiences, but this one by Alex Cortez does just that. It took me back to the moment when Change the Equation's WestEd evaluators recognized our program as one of only four nationally to meet the rigorous criteria for inclusion in the STEMworks Database as Ready to Scale. Achieving both "exemplary ROI" status and the "Ready to Scale" endorsement was a proud milestone for us. At the time, we hoped that such validation would naturally open doors to funding and support for scaling. With the CTEQ board comprising 100 CEOs of major companies, we envisioned opportunities to collaborate with leaders eager to champion innovative solutions. Our programs had data showing student improvement in over 37 rural districts and two major cities. Those results reflected years of "listening, identifying real problems, and collaborating with local educators and mentoring groups to develop scalable solutions." While one remarkable company, Motorola Solutions, stepped forward to fund all four programs, it became clear that most companies remained deeply committed to their long-standing initiatives. Rather than seeking new opportunities, they chose to stay the course with programs they had already supported for years. This experience underscored an important lesson: systemic change often requires navigating deeply ingrained decision-making patterns. From my perspective, this blog captures the nuances of philanthropic decision-making and the importance of authentic community engagement. A grassroots approach fueled our growth while great "marketing partnerships" scaled our programs across the US and internationally. Your insights remind us why listening, learning, and dialogue remain crucial—not just for funders but for all of us who aim to make a meaningful impact. ------------------------------------------------------------- Just FYI, for anyone interested: For us, scaling didn’t come through corporate philanthropy but through partnerships with forward-thinking organizations like the US Army, SEMA, Motorola Solutions, SolidWorks, Wards Science Kit, and Mouser Electronics. Together, we launched the Innovators in Training Tour, seeding school programs in a new city each month for seven years while continuing to foster the rural schools that gave us our start. Sports marketing partnerships with NASCAR and NHRA and business mentoring associations like the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) and The Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE), embraced our vision and helped us scale with both funding and mentoring for local youth groups to implement our programs. These groups have boots on the ground and helped us serve kids through volunteering during COVID when funding fell away.

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The Impact of Proposed Social Media and K-12 Privacy Regulations on Edupreneurs: Navigating the Changing Landscape of Educational Technology https://lnkd.in/gnsfXH-e #edupreneurship #edleadership #AI #socialmedia #privacy #regulations #edtech

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How do we get K-12 students into #flow during class? Steven Kotler, The amazing author of The Art of the Impossible, provides tips https://lnkd.in/e93FavKd on how to get into flow state- they align perfectly with an #entrepreneurship program: 1. Find your flow trigger- this can be passion or purpose- when you create a student startup, you are acting on your passion to solve a problem, 2. Set actionable, clear goals- with weekly scorecards, daily huddles and board meetings you learn how to set clear goals with deadlines and accountability 3. Internal locus of control- In entrepreneurship, YOU are the one solving a problem- its empowering, 4. Align your purpose and passion- #students tend to choose problems they passionate about and want to create more #socialimpact than ever, 5. Balance challenge and skill- entrepreneurship class challenges the students to take their skills and actually apply them, 6.organize your workspace- #entrepreneurship and team dynamics forces the students to become organized, easily access data, and become proactive, 7. Start with something you love- need we say more? tackle a challenge you are passionate about, 8. Don't force it- as teachers, we can provide the proper environment for flow and enjoyment of the #entrepreneurship class-Flow will come...

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Teaching #marketsegmentation can be a challenge in the K-12 environment, with many teachers focusing on demographics of the consumer or the products/services of the company . By using the the "Jobs to be Done" framework, market segmentation is better defined. Here are a few resources to get you started: 1. The Christensen Institute: "Everyone has Jobs to Be Done in their lives—the progress they’re trying to make as they strive toward a goal or aspiration within particular circumstances." https://lnkd.in/euBx4q6m Additional Resources: Milkshake Study https://lnkd.in/eN_BZMqe 2. Strategyn: https://lnkd.in/ekNTUUsg. I think Tony Ulwick is THE most thoughtful leader on JTBD- "when applying Jobs-to-be-Done Theory, a market is defined as a job executor and the job that executor is trying to get done" A few Benefits from Strategyn's approach: -customer centric -JTBD remain constant, just solutions change, switching focus from solutions to what the customer is actually trying to achieve -An empirical approach to 'unmet needs" that leads to true innovation Additional Resources: Jobs to be Done: From Theory to Practice https://lnkd.in/eRtBFSn8 to learn more on how to implement Entrepreneurship in your K-12 school, please feel to reach out https://lnkd.in/e7YWSfnV

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Strategic Frameworks > Overspending on external consultants Most higher ed leaders are struggling to differentiate their institutions. And the struggle + slow pacing are impacting the overall budget. That's why we created the Differentiation Toolkit. In just eight weeks, not 12-18 months, you can: → Pin down what truly makes your school unique with Brand Anthropology. → Focus your efforts with a targeted Competitor Analysis. → Align your offerings with real Labor Market Demands. Watch the video below to see how to save time and money while getting ahead.

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Are you helping develop your school/district's policy on AI Use? Gillian Diebold is conducting interviews with educators and administrators in public schools who were involved in formulating their school/district’s policy on AI use. This research is for her master's dissertation and aims to understand the various influences shaping those decisions. See the attached .pdf for more information - please share widely! #AI #edtech #k12education

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Honoring Robert Mislevy, Celebrating How Evidence-Centered Design is Changing the Game Join us in recognizing Evidence-Centered Design (ECD), a transformative approach to integrating rigorous assessment, learning, and instructional design. ECD has revolutionized the build of digital-first learning and assessment systems. ECD enables collaboration among multi-functional teams by clearly defining the roles and responsibilities of subject matter experts, psychometricians, game and LX designers, etc. It facilitates integration across all development phases—from aligning educational objectives to designing tasks and scoring. This approach enhances team efficiency and alignment. ECD was pioneered by Bob Mislevy, Linda Steinberg, and Russell Almond. This post particularly celebrates Bob Mislevy for his decency, kindness, warmth, and incandescent intelligence. Beyond his methodological contributions, Bob’s empathetic listening, thoughtful consideration, and gentle responses have made him a cherished mentor and colleague. His commitment extends beyond ideas to fostering a culture of rigorous, just, and generous science. Mapping the full impact of ECD would be a monumental task. However, instances of ECD in action include: Digital Learning Platforms include Khan Academy, Age of Learning, & Curriculum Associates. Learning games like SimCityEDU: Pollution Challenge!, Glasslab Interactive Inc, and Roblox. The College Board @Advanced Placement redesigns. Language proficiency tests like TOEFL and Duolingo English Test. International assessments like the OECD Education and Skills' PISA exam. U.S. Department of Defense military training simulations. Professional certification and licensing exams such as Cisco Networking Academy Certification Exams. Assessments aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards. What examples demonstrate the broad applicability of ECD's systematic approach in various sectors? How have ECD and Bob Mislevy made a difference for you? Valerie Shute, Andreas Oranje, Alina von Davier, Mario Piacentini, Laura Slover, Jeremy Roberts, Derek Lomas, Susan Lyons, Malcolm Bauer, Laura Hamilton, Edmund Gordon, Kadriye Ercikan, Randy Bennett, Sunil Gunderia, Lydia Liu, Kristen DiCerbo, John Behrens, E. Wyatt Gordon, Sasha Barab, Jim Gee, Jessica Lindl, Elizabeth Albro, PhD, James Pellegrino, Jennifer Randall, Ed Dieterle, Kristen Huff, Seth Corrigan, MPH, Phd,

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The 2024 EDUCAUSE Horizons report focuses on the impact of AI on education. The full report takes longer to read if you opt to click on the links to supporting resources. With apologies to Cliff Notes, I've attempted to provide a comprehensive overview. The quality of the content is worth downloading the report and referring to it from time-to-time as you consider increasing the level of AI activity at your institution. https://lnkd.in/eByXDdj9

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School districts are taking proactive steps to navigate the evolving landscape of AI in education. From ensuring student privacy to promoting equity, these policies aim to harness the benefits of AI while addressing important ethical considerations. Learn how districts are shaping the future of AI in education! #EdTech #AIinEducation #StudentPrivacy 🏫✨ Read more here: https://lnkd.in/eVescbxR

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Learn how higher education can reinforce its relevance by helping students demonstrate their job skills with the adoption of skill-focused digital credentials, while a similar movement is emerging in K-12. 1EdTech Consortium is a critical partner in this work! #microcredentials #digitalcredentials

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Shape the Future of K12 Education: Discover Strategic Imperatives with DA Leadership Institute Compiled by leading experts in education policy and administration, the downloadable guide, 'Navigating Tomorrow' offers an unparalleled look into the strategic planning processes of urban and rural school districts across the United States. Download your guide ➡ https://lnkd.in/ecnagNUy

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Unlock new levels of comprehension and retention with mind mapping. This versatile tool is perfect for college students and educators looking to simplify complex information and enhance learning outcomes. Dive into the world of mind mapping now! 🧠 For more mind mapping ideas and strategies, join the MappineerVille here: https://lnkd.in/gvbx9fVJ #MindMap #MappineerVille #LoveLife #Mappineering #JohnDiggs #CanYouDiggIt #MappineeringJourney

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What is this invention education thing I keep talking about?!? Come find out! Join me for this quick introduction to invention for K-12 & beyond students. #educators #professionaldevelopment #STEAMeducation

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This week you can find me on a new Easy EdTech Podcast episode! I talked with Monica Burns, Ed.D about EdTech’s Role in the Science of Reading. Here’s the link: https://lnkd.in/epMRYKg3 Episode highlights: - Review the SOR definition. - Make cross curricular connections to reading instruction. - Incorporate print and digital texts. - Leverage tech, even AI to support accessibility and differentiation. #ScienceOfReading #knowbetterdobetter #readingisfreedom #accesstoliteracy #researchexplained #readingresearch #readingstrategies #literacynerd #removeshamefromteaching #vulnerability #howtoread #literacy #literacynerd #strugglingreaders #proficientreaders #themoreyouknow

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Discover the secret to academic success with mind mapping! Transform your notes into a visual landscape that simplifies complex concepts and enhances retention. Perfect for students and educators alike. For more mind-mapping ideas and strategies, join the MappineerVille here: https://lnkd.in/gvbx9fVJ #MindMap #MappineerVille #LoveLife #Mappineering #JohnDiggs #CanYouDiggIt #MappineeringJourney

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