Over the past six months MS Education Connection has been dedicated to helping Mississippi families during this COVID-19 pandemic. Each week we talked with guests who provided relevant educational information, ideas and strategies for parents, teachers, students, and the community at large. And today is our final live on-air show so we decided to take a look back at some of our most interesting shows. You'll hear clips from Lt. Governor Delbert Hosemann and State Superintendent of Education Dr. Carey Wright, plus, MPB's Healthy Eating Ambassador, ED Said. We've even shared clips from our 2020 Senior Day show and our parents gave a few tips on how to balance working and raising a family through this pandemic.

For information about MPB's New Educational Podcast, visit https://education.mpbonline.org/

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For more information about MPB Classroom TV visit https://education.mpbonline.org/

For more information about "Move to Learn visit https://movetolearnms.org/

For information about public education in Mississippi visit https://www.mdek12.org/

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Today on MS Education Connection we’re taking a look at Early Childhood Literacy in MS and how the Champaign for Grade Level Reading programs help to ensure that every child in MS can read proficiently with our guests, Dr. Angela Rutherford, Director of the Center for Excellence in Literacy Instruction, Tamara Hilmer, Director of Early Childhood & Reading Development with Lafayette Oxford University’s Reads program and Michele Connelly, Executive Director of the United Way of West Central MS. 

For more information about the programs we featured on todays show visit:

http://msgradelevelreading.com/

http://msgradelevelreading.com/communities/loureads/

https://www.unitedwayvicksburg.org/

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Today we discussed education and workforce development in MS and took a closer look at MPB’s Workforce Development Initiative, “Getting to Work MS” with our guest, Sharon Person, Director of Community Engagement here at MPB.  We also spoke with Sandy Crist and Bronwyn Robertson from the MS Community College Board about programs they offer and how they benefit the future of Mississippi. 

For more information about the MS Community College Board Adult Education programs visit: https://www.mccb.edu/offices/adult-education

For more information about MPB's Workforce Development programs visit: https://gettingtowork.mpbonline.org/

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At-home learning can be intimidating for anyone but for teachers and parents of visually impaired students, making these adjustments to distance learning presents a wide range of new challenges. Today we’ll take a look at distance learning for visually impaired students with our guests, Dr. Glenda Winfield, Project Director of Jackson State University’s Deep South Synergy TVI Project, Dr. LaShawna Fant, educator in the visually impaired community, and Mike Duke, Director of MPB’s Radio Reading Service.

"Don't loose sight of your dream, it's your eyes that don't work" - Mike Duke

Education and Technology Resources for Blind and Low Vision Students and their Families:

Mississippi School for the Blind

http://www.msb.k12.ms.us/

Hadley Institute

https://hadley.edu/

This school offers online and correspondence courses for grade school through college as well as adult enrichment learning

Perkins eLearning

http://perkinselearning.org

This site offers professional development for teachers of the visually impaired and includes other disabilities.

Computers for the Blind

https://www.computersfortheblind.org

This non-profit 501(c)(3) organization offers re-conditioned computers to persons who are blind or visually impaired at a fraction of the cost of the latest models.

Mississippi Library Commission Talking Book Services

http://bphopac.mlc.lib.ms.us/cgi-bin/webopac.cgi/ms1a

This is the Mississippi point of contact for the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled from the previous link. It provides audio and Braille books through the mail, or via download to individuals who qualify for the service. (Serves a variety of other impairments as well.)

NVDA Screen Reader software (free, or with donations)

https://www.nvaccess.org/

NV Access is a registered charity and software development company. The are the creators of NVDA, a free, open source, globally accessible screen reader for the blind and vision impaired.

American Foundation for the Blind

http://www.afb.org

This site contains information about various topics related to blindness and vision loss, as well as education of blind or low vision students

American Printing House for the Blind

https://www.aph.org/

This site contains a variety of information, along with products and services.

American Council of the Blind

http://www.acb.org

A consumer organization with lots of relevant information for blind or low vision students and their parents, along with a special interest group for families with visually impaired children.

National Federation of the Blind

http://www.nfb.org

Another consumer organization with lots of relevant information for blind or low vision students and their parents.

Freedom Scientific, a division of the Vispero Group

https://www.freedomscientific.com/

This company manufactures and markets adaptive PC software and other specialized technology products

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For parents with school-age children the coronavirus has made this back-to-school season anything but routine and for many students, virtual learning is the default instruction method, so today we’ll take a look at distance learning in public schools with our guests, John Kraman, Chief Information Officer for the Department of Education and Ridgeland high school counselor, Shemeka Hawkins. Listen as John shares details about how MDE is assisting with device distribution and technical support plus Shameka gives tips on how to navigate through the virtual classroom.

Tips for distance learning and virtual classroom etiquette:

• Be on time for classes
• Punctuality is especially important for online classes because we are working in the absence of normal checks to ensure that everyone can be gathered to start classes on time
• Some helpful tips for being on time include using a calendar app of some kind and scheduling reminders 15 min ahead of time or some other increment of time that will best help you. Find a system that works for you that enables you to join the meeting the minute it begins, so you don’t miss out on those crucial first minutes of instruction.
• Wear proper attire
• Learning from the comfort of your home can make it feel desirable to dress down, but you want to make sure that you are looking presentable and professional each day, just like you would at school. While you may not be required to wear a uniform you want to dress in a way that is modest, clean, and avoids any unnecessary distraction. 
• Choose a good location
• The most important thing is to have a clean and non-distracting background. If a student must work in their bedroom, make sure the bed or decorations are not prominent in the background. If possible, set up a desk with materials ready and a neutral background.
• Another factor is the possibility of background noise. If siblings are at all likely to be loud in the room, try to isolate yourself. If your parents have a headset that you can borrow, this will make your situation much more flexible. As much as possible try to make sure nothing from your location becomes a distraction to others in the class.
• Be prepared
• Creating an orderly learning space to do schoolwork will put you ahead of the game. Be sure you have room for your books, computer, pens, paper, and other supplies. 
• Label folders to hold papers and notes for each subject. Go ahead and create electronic folders for each class on your computer and in your email program. If your virtual school provides an online planner, use it to schedule your personal appointments and create your “to do” list, with items ranked in order of urgency.
• Mute yourself
• If for reasons beyond your control noise becomes a problem in what you thought was a quiet space, please click the icon on the bottom left that will mute your audio. Try to do this sooner rather than later, and either ask family members to move or else move yourself.
• Participate fully
• Participating fully may look different depending on what your teacher is expecting of you at any particular moment. At times, your teacher will be leading the class in a discussion and this is when it is most important to speak up and share your thoughts. 
• If your teacher is simply sharing instructions with you, then participating fully means paying close attention to be sure you understand, writing anything down you don’t want to forget, and being ready to ask any questions you have about confusing parts when the teacher is done. Even if it’s just taking notes, make the most of each online meeting by becoming as active a learner as you can be.
• Be respectful
• Don't write anything that sounds angry or sarcastic even as a joke, because without hearing your tone of voice, your peers might not realize you're joking.
• Always remember to say "please" and "thank you" when soliciting help from your classmates.
• Respect the opinion of your classmates. If you feel the need to disagree, do so respectfully and acknowledge the valid points in your classmate's argument. Don't badmouth others or call them stupid. You may disagree with their ideas but don't mock the person.
• Keep up with all assignments
• It can be tempting to put off assignments with multiple days before their due date, however, doing this once can have a spiral effect which can cause you to rush to make up past assignments putting you at risk to get behind.
• Avoid the panic and the feeling of constantly being behind the ball by setting up routines for yourself that ensure you are always on top of your assignments. Adopt a mindset that each day you will put in a solid day’s work on school and learning. Give yourself little breaks and set micro-goals to ensure that you keep up the motivation.
• Set personal goals
• To make great things happen in your life, it helps to set goals for yourself. Think about what you’d like to accomplish, both short and long term. Is there a class you want to ace this semester? Maybe you want to get a certain grade point average or achieve a certain score on the SAT exams. 
• Preparing for college and getting admission into a specific college might also be on your list. Be sure to put your goals in writing and post the list where you’ll see it often.
• Apologize for any breach of etiquette
• As human beings we all make mistakes, and mistakes are even more likely when a new set of experiences and challenges interrupt our normal routine. Online learning is going to involve that sort of interruption, and no one is expected to be perfect. However, if you do break one of these etiquette guidelines—whether it’s not being on time, loud background noise or not being prepared—come right out and apologize sooner rather than later. 
• Apologizing shows respect to your classmates and your teacher and indicates that you are aware of the problem. If you don’t acknowledge it, your teacher may have to come to you to make sure it doesn’t happen again. Make that step unnecessary by calling it out yourself.

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As the pandemic continues, it forces new problems on struggling families, and has put children’s futures at an even higher risk. Today we’ll take a look at those issues and more with our guest, Linda Southward, Executive Director of the Children’s Foundation of MS. Plus, we'll speak with listeners about how the pandemic affected their families.

For more information about Children’s Foundation of MS visit www.ChildrensFoundationMS.org

Distance Learning Tips for parents and children:

• Establish routines and expectations
• Develop good habits from the start, create a flexible routine and talk about how it’s working over time
• Help students get up, get dressed and ready to learn at a reasonable time.
• Keep normal bedtime routines, including normal rules for digital devices. Adjust schedules to meet everyone’s needs. 
• Choose a good place to learn
• Set up a physical location that’s dedicated to school-focused activities. Make sure it is quiet, free from distractions and has a good internet connection. 
• Make sure an adult monitors online learning. Keep doors open, and practice good digital safety
• Stay in touch
• Teachers will mainly be communicating regularly through online platforms and virtual learning environments. Make sure everyone knows how to find the help they need to be successful
• Stay in contact with classroom and support teachers, school leaders and counselors but understand it may take a day or two for us to respond. If you have concerns, let someone know.
• Help students ‘own’ their learning
• No one expects parents to be full-time teachers or to be educational and content matter experts. Provide support and encouragement and expect your children to do their part. Struggling is allowed and encouraged! Don’t help too much
• Establish times for quiet and reflection
• For families with children of different ages, and parents who may also be unexpectedly working from home more often, it’s good to build in some time for peace and quiet.
• Siblings may need to work in different rooms to avoid distraction, negotiate access to devices, priorities for wi-fi bandwidth and schedules throughout the day. 
• Encourage physical activity and exercise
• Living and working at home, we will all need some room to let off steam.
• Moving (independently and together as a family) is vital to health, well-being, and readiness for learning. 
• Manage stress and make the most of an unusual situation
• Children benefit when they get age-appropriate factual information and ongoing reassurance from trusted adults
• Re-frame challenges as opportunities: for spending time together, discovering new ideas and interests, investing energy and attention in activities that often get pushed aside by everyday tasks and responsibilities. 
• Monitor time on-screen and online
• Work together to find ways to prevent ‘down time’ from becoming just more ‘screen time’
• Connect safely with friends, and be kind
• Help your children maintain contact with friends through social media and other online technologies. But monitor your child’s social media use. 
• Remind your child to be polite, respectful and appropriate in their communications, and to follow school guidelines in their interactions with others. 

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As schools announce plans for full or partial distance learning, working parents are faced with the challenge of how to ensure that their children are in a safe learning setting while they work. Today we’ll take a look at a few alternative learning settings for students with our guests, Karrie Womack, Co-creator and administrator for Homeschoolers of Central MS, Jennifer Weiss, Music & Creative Arts Coordinator with the Salvation Army Kroc Center Home School Program and Monica Jones Co-founder and director of the Judah School of Performing Arts.  

For more information about Homeschoolers of Central MS visit https://www.facebook.com/groups/HS.Central.MS/

For more information about the Salvation Army Kroc Center Home School program visit https://krocmscoast.org/homeschool/

Virtual School Learning Assistance Hosting sites:

For MBA virtual learning site visit http://mbahoops.net/ or contact Elisha Lewis at 769-232-2111

For Judah School of Performing Arts virtual learning site visit https://www.judahschool.com/ or contact 769-257-0330

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Back to school is near and the main question on everyone’s mind is how to keep our communities safe while making sure every child has access to the tools they need to succeed. State Superintendent of Education Dr. Carey Wright, joins us this morning to talk about that effort plus reopening options for districts, health and safety guidelines, digital learning plans and more.

For more information about public schools in Mississippi visit https://www.mdek12.org/

Micro Teaching Groups

There are lots of parents who are in a situation where they are forced to send their children to school or forced to keep them home. Sometimes these options put parents in a tough situation, especially when they have to work. What was suggested on the show this morning and that perhaps retired teachers or others who are willing to teach small groups within your community can be started. If you are willing to host a micro teaching group in your community/neighborhood, please send your contact information to [email protected] and we will help get the word out.

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It’s time for students to return to back to school but what will classrooms look like beyond Covid-19? Today we’re taking a closer look at Mississippi school district’s reopening plan options and discuss specific district's reopening plans with our guests, Petal School District Superintendent Dr. Matt Dillon and Gulfport school district Superintendent, Glen East. 

For more information about MPB's Digital Education Network Service visit education.mpbonline.org

Tips For Principals and Superintendents on Leading during the COVID-19 Pandemic provided by Dr. Michael Kozak, professor at Drexel University. 

• Be flexible and adaptive to this new learning environment
• You need to be able to address unplanned circumstances, as well as be planning for change.
• Look out for the physical and mental well-being of students.
• This may mean turning to networks they’ve built within the community. Mental health centers, faith-based organizations, nursing and health centers, social services – administrators can utilize these connections to create a network that parents and students can turn to for help.
• Offer frequent communication
• let people know what is going on
• Be honest and transparent – don’t make up things. If you’re not sure what is going on, you have to let people know.
• Be aware of potential threats
• Some students can become targets for abuse during times of trouble. Teachers and administrators need to be aware of the potential for bullying or even outright violence, and have a plan in place to protect these vulnerable students.
• Don’t operate in a vacuum
• If you’re a principal, you should be communicating with your superintendent during this period. It’s also important to be consistently checking in with teachers to see how they’re doing and let them know about any updates
• Look at current policies to see if any need to be updated to address the current situation, while still keeping the safety of students at the forefront.
• Step back and reflect
• Say to yourself “what have we learned from this, and how can we put things in place to help us, should we come across something like this again?’”

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