Even before Covid-19, many students faced huge learning gaps—particularly those who are homeless, incarcerated, or in the foster system; those who have dropped out; and those who have fallen far behind due to family and personal challenges. With these disparities widened by the pandemic, how can schools support such students?
A webinar hosted by Public Impact and FutureEd introduced a new School Needs Index that helps states and school districts determine the level of student need in each school and allocate resources equitably. Developed by Education Analytics and Public Impact, the index identifies schools that are achieving the greatest success with highest-need students, making it possible to share their practices. The webinar will feature school leaders describing efforts to serve students more equitably and effectively, part of a launch of a National Campaign for Highest-Need Students.
Moderated by FutureEd Director Thomas Toch, the panel included:
- Noah Bookman, Chief Solutions Officer, Education Analytics
- Sonali Murarka, Executive Director, Enrollment and Charter Schools, Oakland Unified School District
- Heather Wathington, President, Girard College, Philadelphia, formerly CEO of Maya Angelou Schools, Washington, D.C.
- Jessica Nauiokas, Head of School and Founder, Mott Haven Charter Academy, The Bronx, New York
- Douglas Harris, Director of ERA-New Orleans and the REACH Center