Category Archives: What’s New

MTSS in Action: Transforming School Culture with Restorative Practices

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In this episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, we are joined by national keynote speaker and restorative practices expert Ali Hearn, alongside Scott Eckman of Nebraska MTSS, to explore how restorative practices can transform school culture — and to promote the upcoming NeMTSS Summit! Ali shares her experience working with schools nationwide to help students and staff foster connections, build trust, and create safe spaces for students, educators, and learning. The conversation delves into the proactive strategies of restorative practices, the importance of embedding them into multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS), and how schools can shift from a reactive to a proactive approach. Scott provides valuable insights into Nebraska’s implementation of these practices and the ongoing efforts to build sustainable systems across the state. We hope you enjoy this thoughtful discussion on reshaping education through restorative practices and creating environments where every student and staff member feels they belong.

Learn more about the Nebraska MTSS efforts and Summit at https://nemtss.unl.edu/

To connect with Ali and learn more about her work, visit https://heyalihearn.com/

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Learning to LEAD in a Digital Age:
A Preview of the 2024 NE DigCit Symposium

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Preview of the Podcast

In this episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, we spotlight the upcoming Nebraska Digital Citizenship Symposium taking place on October 16th, 2024. Peg Coover of ESU 10 joins us along with the event’s keynote speaker Jen Casa-Todd as we dive into the history and evolution of the annual NE DigCit Symposium event. In the episode, Jen previews her message, highlighting her LEAD framework, which emphasizes learning, empathy, awareness, and digital role modeling as crucial elements of student leadership online. Listen to learn how students will grow as digital citizens while engaging in hands-on activities that empower them to create positive change in their own schools.

REGISTER YOUR STUDENTS FOR THE EVENT and access the NEDigCit online resources and competition at https://bit.ly/NEDigCit

Learn more from Jen Casa-Todd at https://jcasatodd.com/

Listen to the full Podcast

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Amplifying, Not Accelerating: Rethinking How We Leverage AI in Education

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In this episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, we sit down with Mike Kentz, founder and CEO of Zainetek Educational Advisors, to discuss the evolving role of AI in education. Mike shares his journey from being a financial journalist to a middle school writing teacher and eventually becoming an AI education consultant. He unpacks his unique perspective on how AI can amplify the teaching process, emphasizing the importance of depth over efficiency. From guiding teachers through the emotional side of AI adoption to grading chats instead of essays, Mike provides a thoughtful, reflective look at how AI can reshape writing instruction and assessment.

To learn more from Mike Kentz, visit https://zainetek-edu.com/

To watch Mike’s TEDx Talk on the importance of AI Literacy, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DRyWDNjRWaw

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The NeMTSS Team Is Taking Action to Elevate Literacy Statewide

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In this episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, we dive deep into Nebraska’s statewide efforts to improve literacy through the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework. Join us as Mary Jo McElhose (NeMTSS Systems Consultant with NDE) and NeMTSS regional support leads, Heidi Farmer and Kala Peyton, share their insights on the challenges and opportunities in advancing literacy education across the state.

This conversation explores the alarming data on student reading proficiency, the science behind how the brain learns to read, and the critical role of high-quality instructional materials and practices. Learn about the collaborative initiatives, support systems, and practical strategies aimed at empowering teachers and improving literacy outcomes from early childhood through secondary education.

To learn more and connect with these great education leaders, visit https://nemtss.unl.edu/

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Cyber Incident Response Planning Workshop

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Your Nebraska ESUs, in partnership with the Nebraska Department of Education and CDW-G, are offering three Cyber Incident Response Planning Workshops across Nebraska in September. These are one-day workshops aimed at technology directors and administrators at all Nebraska public and non-public schools who would respond in the event of a cyber incident. As a participant, you will learn about common types of cyber incidents, considerations in responding, and begin to prepare a cyber incident response plan for your organization using templates and resources provided.

These events are available at no cost to you in person or via Zoom at these locations and dates:

  • September 9, 2024 at ESU 10 in Kearney, 9:00 AM Central Time
  • September 11, 2024 at ESU 16 in North Platte, 9:00 AM Central Time
  • September 26, 2024 at the Clifton Professional Learning Center in Lincoln, 9:00 AM Central Time

Lunch will be provided also at no cost for on-site participants. To register for one of these workshops, please use this registration form: Cyber Incident Response Workshop Registration

For More information contact:
ESUCC 
Scott Isaacson
Technology Director
402-597-4866
sisaacson@esucc.org

2024-2025 Digital Citizenship Symposium

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You’ve Got the Power to LEAD!

Save the date for our in-person event on October 16, 2024!  Our theme is “You’ve Got the Power to Lead!”  and our focus age group will be middle and high school.  You may choose from any of the five locations for in-person participation, even if it isn’t your ESU. ESUs 3, 5,7,10 and 13 will be hosting schools.

We invite you to send a team of students and teachers. We recommend a team of one teacher or librarian and five students, but you may customize your team to fit your needs best! You may also choose to send more than one team!

Teams of students and adults will work together to formulate an actionable plan to take back to their school aimed to implement the use of technology for good. We are excited to bring author, newly retired teacher, and speaker Jennifer Casa-Todd to facilitate the day and help students from schools across the state connect and learn!

Important Details:

  • Date: October 16, 2024 10:00 to 3:00 CST (lunch provided)
  • Cost: $120 for each team up to 6 (or $20 per person if teams are larger)
  • Who:  Middle School and/or High School Students and a sponsor
  • Where: Join any of our host sites at ESU 3, ESU 5, ESU 7, ESU 10, or ESU 13
  • Registration: available on our website bit.ly/NEdigcit
  • Deadline to register is October 9.

In addition to our in-person event, we will continue to provide online content on our website throughout the year! We will also be hosting our poster and PSA contest again! All school districts in Nebraska are eligible to participate in the online content, at no charge. Stay tuned for more information.

We are looking forward to working with schools in person and throughout the year!  This will be a great way to celebrate Digital Citizenship Week October 14-18.

Digital Citizenship Symposium Flyer 2024-25

Teaching Students to Think Like Historians:
Year Three of the Statewide Social Studies Inquiry Project

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Social Studies Inquiry Project Image

In this episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, we dive into the ESUCC’s statewide Social Studies Inquiry Project with Mark Brady of ESU 7 and three incredible teachers from this summer’s iteration of the project (Cassie Kenedy of Omaha Public Schools, Jeff Maddox of Creek Valley Public Schools, and Sydney Daly of Millard Public Schools). Together, we highlight the three-year journey of developing nearly 90 inquiry-based social studies units for grades 4-8, created by Nebraska teachers for Nebraska classrooms. Cassie, Jeff, and Sydney detail the challenges, successes, and insights gained from this unique professional learning experience and share how these innovative resources are elevating social studies education across the state. Join us to hear firsthand stories of statewide collaboration, creativity, and commitment to engaging students in deeper learning.

Access all resources: Social Studies Inquiry Project – ESU CC

The Nebraska OER Hub site: Nebraska Social Studies Inquiry Project Group Resources | OER Commons

The Nebraska Page of the C3 Teachers site: Nebraska C3 Hub – C3 Teachers

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT, listen to this earlier episode where we connect the SSIP to the C3 Framework and the national effort to transform instructional practices in social studies: C3 Teachers and Nebraska ESUs Are Transforming Instruction in Social Studies

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The AI Conversation No One Is Having, But Educators Need to Hear

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In this thought-provoking episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Evie Wusk, a professor of educational technology at Peru State College, to delve into the evolving relationship between AI and education. Together, we explore how technology is not only reshaping teaching and writing but also influencing the broader human experience. Drawing from her recent EdSurge article, Dr. Wusk offers a nuanced perspective on balancing AI’s efficiencies with the need to preserve the deep, meaningful aspects of education. Join us for a compelling conversation that invites educators to critically reflect on the future of teaching and learning in the age of AI.

Read Dr. Evi Wusk’s EdSurge article: AI Might Save Teachers Time. But What Is the Cost? | EdSurge News

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The Next Chapter in UDL: Katie Novak on UDL 3.0, AI, HQIMs and Professional Learning

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In this episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, we are joined by UDL expert Katie Novak to explore the latest advancements in Universal Design for Learning and how the evolution of UDL is shaping the future of inclusive education. We also delve into the role of AI in enhancing UDL practices and the critical importance of robust professional learning systems in driving meaningful change. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation on how to elevate student learning experiences and outcomes through UDL.

REGISTER TODAY to be a part of the NeMTSS Summit and learn from Katie Novak, live and in-person, on September 26-27 in Kearney, Nebraska!

2024 Nebraska MTSS Summit: Super Systems for Success – (unl.edu)

LEARN MORE FROM KATIE…

SEE ALSO…

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Connecting Nebraska: The Power of Network Nebraska in Education

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In this episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, we explore the pivotal role of Network Nebraska in enhancing education across the state. Our conversation dives into how this collaborative statewide network provides reliable and affordable internet and telecommunications services to K-12 schools, higher education institutions, and other educational entities. Learn about the initiatives, resources, and partnerships that make Network Nebraska a critical infrastructure for educational success and innovation.

Discover how Network Nebraska can support your educational institution by exploring their resources and considering membership. Visit Network Nebraska to learn more.

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