Educational Equity

Divided Attention Documentary: Remaining Student-Focused in Trying Times

Course Description: In this course you will watch the 2022 documentary Divided Attention which focuses on the Chester Upland School District during the pandemic. Not only are these educators navigating the challenges of hybrid learning, but they are also trying to address the mental health concerns of their students. Specifically, the film highlights four students and their mindfulness teacher as they participate in activities to face the challenges of returning to the classroom and living in strenuous homes and neighborhoods. On top of this, district schools are under receivership and facing charterization. What can educators do to keep students in school and address their social emotional well-being? While Divided Attention was filmed during the pandemic, the topics addressed (e.g., SEL, school funding, and the school to prison pipeline) are still relevant today.

Following the documentary, participants will complete a written reflection activity and share ideas with PSEA colleagues in a discussion forum.

Course Hours: Members who complete this course receive 2 HOURS of Act 48 and/or a certificate that may apply for Chapter 14 hours. Your employer has sole discretion to determine if this course qualifies for Chapter 14 hours.

• 2 Hours

Educational Equity

Culturally Responsive Literature in the Classroom

Course Description:  This session, presented by NEA members and Chrissy Waldhoer (Oklahoma Elementary Teacher)  and Elizabeth Luis (Michigan Secondary ELA Teacher), was captured from a live PSEA CPL webinar broadcast on July 15, 2021, and it presents ideas for implementation of culture into all literature and standards for reading/writing in the classroom. In this course, participants learn about approaches to learning in the classroom that use cultures and backgrounds to connect students to the literature, particularly at the elementary level. 

Course Hours: Members who complete this course receive 1.5 HOURS of Act 48 and/or a certificate that may apply for Chapter 14 hours. Your employer has sole discretion to determine if this course qualifies for Chapter 14 hours.

• 1.5 Hours

Educational Equity

Inclusivity in Action

Course Description: In this session, educators receive practical and immediate steps to assess the manner in which their curriculum is providing equitable representation to all students.

Course Hours: Members who complete this course receive 2 HOURS of Act 48 and/or a certificate that may apply for Chapter 14 hours. Your employer has sole discretion to determine if this course qualifies for Chapter 14 hours.

• 2 Hours

Educational Equity

Social-Emotional Equitable Learning

Course Description: This presentation, taken from a live PSEA Center for Professional Learning Webinar broadcast session on September, 21, 2021 is rooted in relational equity and culturally responsive social emotional learning. Participants will learn about the importance of building authentic relationships with students, families, and staff members and how these essential relationships impact student success, resiliency, and hope. They will learn how relationships are the core to beginning the work of SEL, and once secure relationships are established, SEL tools can be incorporated.

Course Hours: Members who complete this course receive 2 HOURS of Act 48 and/or a certificate that may apply for Chapter 14 hours. Your employer has sole discretion to determine if this course qualifies for Chapter 14 hours.

• 2 Hours

Educational Equity

NEA's Supporting All Students in an Asynchronous Environment

Course Description: Learn how to meet the needs of English language learners, special needs students, and students who are above or below grade level in reading and writing.  In the course participants will learn how to Identify common accommodations, learning scaffolds and Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol (SIOP) features, understand elements of explicit instruction that support all learners in an asynchronous distance learning environment, and learn how to write learning objectives for asynchronous learning and choose accommodations that are aligned with your objectives.

Course Hours: Members who complete this course receive 3 HOURS of Act 48 and/or a certificate that may apply for Chapter 14 hours. Your employer has sole discretion to determine if this course qualifies for Chapter 14 hours.

• 3 Hours

Educational Equity

NEA's Equity and Challenges for Remote Learning

Course Description: This is a NEA developed course that focuses on how to keep equity at the forefront during COVID-19 school closures. Participants learn about the digital divide and how it impacts students. The course helps educators understand the components of the digital divide, along with the supports and strategies necessary to assist students who experience it, implement a variety of teaching and learning digital resources with students, and consider other issues students may be facing outside of academics, and their impact on students.

Course Hours: Members who complete this course receive 3 HOURS of Act 48 and/or a certificate that may apply for Chapter 14 hours. Your employer has sole discretion to determine if this course qualifies for Chapter 14 hours.

• 3 Hours

Educational Equity

Resisting Backlash: Recognizing & Disrupting Harmful Discourse

Course Description: Join 2021 ASPP School Psychologist of the Year, Dr. Amber Sessoms, Ed.D. for a session on concrete strategies to combat racially insensitive practices or behaviors, while avoiding potential backlash within the school environment.

Course Hours: Members who complete this course receive 1.5 HOURS of Act 48 and/or a certificate that may apply for Chapter 14 hours. Your employer has sole discretion to determine if this course qualifies for Chapter 14 hours.

• 1.5 Hours