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Historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) have been an integral part of America’s higher education system for more than 150 years. These institutions were established to provide quality education to Black students and have played a critical role in shaping Black culture and society for generations. However, HBCUs have long struggled with underfunding, leaving them at a significant disadvantage and hindering their ability to offer the same level of education as other institutions. This underfunding is a direct result of state governments consistently failing to provide adequate financial support.

Many states have a legacy of underfunding Black colleges, leading to a lack of resources, outdated facilities, and an inability to pay faculty and staff competitive salaries. This lack of funding has a ripple effect on the education offered at HBCUs, limiting the number of courses and programs offered, and hindering the acquisition of modern equipment and technology to better equip students with advanced skills and knowledge.

Even more concerning, the underfunding of HBCUs can directly contribute to the achievement gap between Black and White students, perpetuating systemic racism.

The lack of funding for HBCUs has not been an unintentional issue, either. Throughout history, states have been accused of intentionally underfunding HBCUs as a way to suppress Black education, limit opportunities for Black students, and maintain the status quo of racial inequality.

Additionally, several court cases have been filed against states for their underfunding of HBCUs, including a landmark case in Mississippi where the state was ordered to pay millions of dollars in reparations to its Black colleges.

To address the issue, state governments must recognize the importance of HBCUs and prioritize their funding needs. This includes not only basic funding, but also resources for updating infrastructure, hiring and retaining highly qualified faculty, and expanding programs to meet the needs of an increasingly diverse student population.

Black colleges have played a significant role in American history. They have educated prominent figures such as Martin Luther King Jr, Thurgood Marshall, and Kamala Harris. The continued underfunding of these institutions sends a message to Black students that they are not valued, and it jeopardizes their ability to receive an excellent education.

It is time for states to acknowledge their responsibility for the underfunding of HBCUs and take action to provide them with the necessary financial support to continue their legacy of providing high-quality education to Black students. As our society continues to move towards equality and social justice, this is a critical step in leveling the playing field for Black students and providing them with the same opportunities as other students.  

As of July 1, 2021, the National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) introduced the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) policies, allowing college athletes to earn money from their personal brand without jeopardizing their eligibility to compete. This has created a whole new landscape for college athletics, and it’s essential that both athletes and fans understand the implications of these new policies.

Compensation

Under the NIL policies, athletes can receive compensation for their name, image, and likeness. This means that they can profit from sponsorships, endorsements, and other merchandise sales. Athletes must report their earnings to their respective universities, and they must comply with all state and federal tax regulations. However, schools themselves are not allowed to compensate athletes directly, and sponsorship deals must be negotiated independently.

Enforcement and Compliance

Athletes are required to comply with their university’s NIL policies and state laws, and they must follow NCAA guidelines. Universities must monitor compliance, and they must report any violations to the NCAA.

It’s worth noting that state NIL laws vary, and some states have additional requirements that athletes must adhere to. Therefore, it’s essential to consult with a legal professional or university compliance representative to ensure compliance.

Impact on Recruiting

NIL policies can also have a significant impact on recruiting. Schools with elaborate branding and sponsorship opportunities may have an advantage in recruiting prospects. Athletes may choose a school based on the potential branding opportunities rather than the school’s athletic program itself. This can ultimately level the playing field among universities, providing greater opportunities for all athletes.

Challenges

There are also challenges with NIL policies. One significant concern is the possibility of pay-for-play scandals, where universities may offer endorsement deals to athletes based on their recruitment status. This could create an unfair advantage in recruiting and hurt smaller schools that may not have as many opportunities for endorsement deals.

Another challenge is universities ensuring that all athletes have equal opportunities for endorsement deals. It’s uncertain how this will play out in practice, and it’s essential for universities to ensure that all athletes have the same opportunities.

Conclusion

Overall, the new NIL policies bring much-needed changes to college athletics, allowing athletes to profit from their personal brand. However, it also presents challenges that universities and athletes must navigate. By understanding the policies and complying with guidelines, both universities and athletes can ensure that their actions are ethical and legal. As the landscape of college athletics continues to evolve, it is essential to recognize the impact of the NIL policies and what it means for college sports as a whole.     

Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have produced some of the most talented athletes in the country. With notable alumni like Michael Strahan, Jerry Rice, and Walter Payton, it’s clear that these institutions have a rich athletic tradition. However, getting drafted in any sport for an HBCU athlete has proven to be a challenging endeavor.

While professional teams scout top colleges and universities for potential draft picks, HBCUs often fall short on the radar. In fact, in the 2021 NFL draft, HBCUs had only two players selected in the entire seven rounds. This is in stark contrast to the dozens of players drafted from Power 5 colleges and universities.

One reason for this lack of representation is the lack of media coverage and exposure of HBCU sports programs. While these institutions boast incredibly talented athletes, their games and matches are often not televised on major networks or covered by mainstream media outlets. As a result, it’s difficult for scouts and teams to evaluate HBCU players and see them compete against top-level competition.

Another factor that could impact the draft prospects of HBCU athletes is the limited resources they have access to. Many HBCUs face financial strain, which affects the quality of facilities, equipment, and coaching staff. Without proper resources, athletes may not have the opportunity to develop the skills and techniques needed to compete at the professional level.

Despite these challenges, there have been a few success stories of HBCU athletes making it to the pros. Dallas Cowboys wide receiver, Michael Gallup, attended Colorado State University-Pueblo, an HBCU located in Colorado. New England Patriots cornerback, Malcolm Butler, attended the University of West Alabama, another HBCU. These instances prove that with hard work and dedication, HBCU athletes can overcome the odds and make it to the next level.

The good news is that a shift is happening, and there is a renewed interest in HBCU sports programs. Major companies like Nike, Chick-fil-A, and Coca-Cola have invested millions of dollars in HBCU athletics. Additionally, the NFL has launched several initiatives to support and promote HBCU programs, including the HBCU Combine and the HBCU Legacy Bowl.

In conclusion, the reality is that it is a challenge for HBCU athletes to get drafted in any sport. However, it’s not impossible. With renewed investment and attention from major companies and leagues, we may see an increase in the number of HBCU athletes drafted in the coming years. These institutions have a long history of producing talent, and with the right support, they can continue to do so.  

As a teacher, classroom management is one of the essential skills you need to master to have a successful academic year. Classroom management involves creating and maintaining a conducive environment for learning and ensuring that students are engaged and challenged. Here are ten classroom management examples you can implement in your classroom.

1. Establish Classroom Rules: Setting clear classroom rules at the beginning of the academic year will create structure and stability in your classroom. Ensure that the rules are easy to understand and consistently applied.

2. Post Class Routine: Posting a class routine will help students to know what to expect and keep them engaged and on course. The routine should outline the objectives of the day’s lessons, activities, and breaks.

3. Use Positive Reinforcements: Positive reinforcements such as praise and recognition can be powerful tools for encouraging good behavior. Celebrate and reward students who follow rules and exceed expectations.

4. Model Positive Behavior: As a teacher, you should model positive behaviors and lead by example. Make sure you are punctual, respectful, well-prepared, and organized.

5. Set Expectations: Establishing clear expectations for your students will ensure that they understand the standards of behavior and academic performance expected of them.

6. Manage Class Transitions: Smooth transitions between lesson periods, activities, and breaks will help students to stay on track and focused on their daily objectives. Provide clear and concise instructions and appropriate signaling.

7. Maintain Active Engagement: Keeping students engaged and active in learning is a crucial factor in classroom management. Incorporating active learning strategies, such as cooperative learning, can maximize student participation and learning.

8. Evaluate Student Progress: Periodically assessing students’ progress through surveys or informal class discussions can measure the effectiveness of your teaching approaches and identify areas for improvement.

9. Encourage Parental Involvement: Parental involvement can help reinforce expectations and create a successful learning journey for the student. Inviting parents to school events and soliciting their input can promote mutual accountability and help create a supportive classroom community.

10. Address Behavior Problems: Quickly addressing behavior problems, whether minor or major, can prevent disruptions that could hamper the learning process and create an adverse classroom environment.

In conclusion, effective classroom management is the foundation for creating a successful academic year. Implementing the above classroom management examples can help foster a supportive and conducive learning environment that promotes student engagement and learning. 

As the academic year ends, America faces a crucial test in the fight for the future of its schools. The education system is at a crossroads, and it is now time for stakeholders at all levels to reflect on the current state of the system and address the challenges that lie ahead.

The state of public education in America is a topic of intense debate, with critiques from educators and students alike. They argue that a system that rewards students’ test-taking abilities over critical thinking skills stifles innovative and creative abilities, which is a crucial factor in shaping the country’s future economy.

Moreover, the system’s chronic underfunding and inequitable distribution of resources have fueled the racial disparity crisis in American classrooms, where students in low-income schools and those from marginalized communities receive a substandard education.

The ongoing fight for the future of America’s schools entails addressing inadequacies across the system, including its infrastructure, curriculum development, pedagogy, teacher support, and student welfare.

For instance, a significant transformation in America’s education system should involve integrating technology into the classroom. With remote learning becoming a primary mode of learning due to the pandemic, the COVID-19 era has demonstrated the power of technology in enhancing learning experiences. For example, technology can assist in access to e-Books, online libraries, and individualized learning opportunities.

Another crucial factor that could revolutionize education is curricula development. Schools must begin assessing if they are equipping their students with the necessary skills to succeed in a constantly evolving and highly competitive job market. This would include moving towards a more project-based curriculum, where students can acquire critical problem-solving skills and learn how to work collaboratively with others.

Moreover, supporting teachers is an integral aspect of the fight for the future of America’s schools. Professional development opportunities will help teachers acquire new teaching methods, modern tools, and technologies and learn from other educators.

The fight for the future of America’s schools also involves addressing the emotional and mental wellbeing of students. Advocating for the incorporation of socio-emotional learning (SEL) into classrooms will help learners tackle feelings of depression, loneliness, and anxiety. SEL provides a safe environment where students can develop healthy coping mechanisms, learn to regulate their emotions and process challenging feelings.

In conclusion, to advance the fight for the future of America’s schools, schools must be equipped with resources for students to thrive, from ensuring adequate funding to fostering an inclusive environment for everyone. Our strengths lie in collaboration and community, and the power of technology, and we must continue infusing these elements into America’s education system to keep up with the rapidly evolving world. Working together, we can provide a bright future for America’s students.  

School choice has been a hotly debated topic in the United States for decades. Parents have long wanted the ability to choose the best education for their children, and policymakers have sought ways to improve the education system and offer more options to families. In recent years, the dialogue surrounding school choice has gained significant traction, and the issue has become more pressing than ever before. Here, we’ll explore the future of school choice in America and what it means for students and families across the country.

The current state of school choice in America

The concept of school choice enables students to choose an educational institution that best fits their needs and interests. It typically includes options like traditional public schools, charter schools, private schools, homeschooling, and online learning. However, not all families have the same access to different school options. Many low-income families, for example, have limited access to quality educational choices due to economic and geographical barriers.

Currently, almost all states in the U.S. have some form of school choice initiative. For example, some states offer tax credits or vouchers that can be used for private or parochial school tuition. Others provide charter schools, which are publicly funded but run by private organizations and operate with less regulatory oversight than traditional public schools. Still, others allow inter-district student transfers or offer online learning options.

Challenges for the future of school choice

While school choice initiatives have made some headway, many challenges lie ahead. A significant barrier is the shift in political power at the federal level. The recent change from the Trump administration to the Biden administration could mean the reversal of school choice policies, especially since President Biden’s agenda includes increased funding for traditional public education. Some experts argue that school choice would suffer potential setbacks unless state legislatures make it a priority to pursue school choice options on their own.

Another challenge is related to funding. While a majority of states support charter schools, these funds are not always enough. A study from the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools noted that many charter schools receive only 70% of the funding of traditional public schools, and many start-up charter schools have no source of funding.

Moreover, critics of school choice point out that it can lead to inequitable access to education. Schools with a high percentage of students from low-income families may not be able to attract enough funding, while affluent parents can choose to send their children to high-quality private schools. Hence, school choice policies must ensure that they will not exacerbate education inequality and that the poorest students have adequate funds to choose schools that meet their needs.

Possible future solutions

Despite the challenges, there are still several ways to ensure quality education for all. For one, policymakers can extend funding to schools through charitable organizations and grant programs. Another way is to develop more targeted school choice options that cater to specific student needs and interests.

Technology is increasingly being seen as the answer to improving educational opportunities through school choice. With the emergence of online learning platforms, students from different geographical regions can gain access to high-quality education. Additionally, technology has helped bridge the gap of information that parents need when considering school choice for their children. In virtual school tours and meetings with staff and administrators, parents can learn more about a school’s culture, curriculum, and educational philosophy.

Lastly, legislation is needed to ensure that every student receives equal educational opportunities. School choice programs should be designed and administered to benefit all students equitably, regardless of their social background, race, or gender.

Conclusion

The future of school choice in America remains unclear. Still, as demographics and learning patterns continue to evolve, the nation’s education system must adopt innovative solutions to address these changes. Advocates of school choice must navigate the challenges of funding, politics, and inequality to achieve an equitable education system that provides students with choices to meet their needs and unlock their full potential.     

As Floridians prepare to head to the polls in the upcoming election, one topic of discussion that has been circulating is what public education would look like under a DeSantis presidency. Education has been a hot-button issue in Florida politics for many years, and with Governor Ron DeSantis running for re-election, many are wondering what changes he might bring to the state’s education system if he wins another term.

One of the most notable changes that could occur under a DeSantis presidency is an increase in school choice and the expansion of charter schools. Governor DeSantis has been a vocal supporter of school choice and has frequently defended the use of taxpayer dollars to fund private and charter schools. DeSantis has also been a strong advocate for expanding voucher programs, which allow students to use state funding to attend private schools. However, many critics of these policies argue that they can harm public schools by directing funding away from them and toward private institutions.

Another area where DeSantis could make changes in public education is with regard to curriculum and testing. Florida has been known for its rigorous standardized testing requirements, and many parents and educators have complained that these tests can be too stressful for students and take up too much time in the classroom. DeSantis has expressed support for lessening the emphasis on testing and increasing flexibility for teachers when it comes to curriculum. However, it remains to be seen what kind of concrete changes he might push for in this area.

In addition to these policy changes, DeSantis has also been very vocal about the importance of individual freedom and parental choice when it comes to education. He has been critical of policies that restrict parents’ ability to make decisions about their children’s education, such as mask mandates in schools. It is possible that a DeSantis presidency could lead to fewer restrictions on what schools are required to do when it comes to health and safety measures.

Of course, it is impossible to know for certain what changes would occur under a DeSantis presidency. Education policy is complex and can be influenced by a variety of factors, from state funding to federal regulations. However, it is clear that DeSantis has a strong vision for education in Florida, and his policies have been popular with many voters. Whether or not those policies will ultimately benefit the state’s students and teachers remains to be seen.   

The Biden Administration has come into power with a promise to prioritize education in the country and to increase access to quality education across the board. With the pandemic raging on, education has become even more critical, given the challenges of online learning and continued instability in many school districts.

One of the first measures taken by the administration was to propose a $1.9 trillion stimulus package known as the American Rescue Plan. This proposal includes a significant amount of funds dedicated to education, with an emphasis on reopening and maintaining safe schools, providing better resources for students, and mitigating learning loss. This has been welcomed by educators across the country, who have struggled for the past year to provide quality education to students while navigating the pandemic’s challenges.

Another key area of focus for the administration has been on increasing access to higher education and making it more affordable. President Biden has proposed a series of measures to help students, including the doubling of the Pell Grant program, expanding debt cancellation, and free community college. These measures aim to make education accessible to more individuals, and hopefully, decrease the financial burdens that students often face.

Furthermore, the administration recognizes the importance of addressing student loan debt, which has become a significant concern for many individuals. The proposal of DAFSA forgiveness for low-income borrowers and plans to simplify the loan repayment process are some of the steps taken towards reducing the student loan crisis.

However, the Biden Administration’s plan for education has not been without criticism. Some argue that the proposal of free community college does not go far enough and that more needs to be done to reduce the cost of higher education further. Critics also point out that the administration is not doing enough to address systemic inequities that exist in the education system.

Overall, the Biden administration has taken significant steps to prioritize education and increase access to education across the country. With a focus on reopening schools safely, investing in quality resources, providing affordable higher education and reducing student loan debt, and addressing systemic inequities, the Biden administration seems to be making strides in improving education standards in the US. However, as the education system faces continuing challenges, it is crucial that the administration continues to listen to educators and advocates to ensure that the necessary efforts are made towards equitable and high-quality education for all.  

Over the last few years, there has been a growing trend of schools withdrawing from the ‘U.S. News’ rankings. The rankings, which have been around since the 1980s, are considered by many to be the gold standard for evaluating colleges and universities in America. However, despite their popularity, some schools are starting to question the value of participating in the rankings.

There are several reasons why schools are withdrawing from ‘U.S. News’ rankings. For one, the rankings are often criticized for being too narrow in their focus. They rely heavily on factors such as selectivity, graduation rates, and alumni giving, which are not necessarily indicative of the quality of education a school provides. This narrow focus can lead to schools prioritizing certain metrics over others, potentially distorting their priorities and goals.

In addition, schools that participate in the rankings are often forced to invest significant resources in order to improve their standing. This can include hiring PR firms, manipulating data, and even outright lying in order to boost numbers. Furthermore, the rankings themselves are the subject of much debate, with some questioning the methods used to determine a school’s ranking.

Another reason why schools are withdrawing from ‘U.S. News’ rankings is that they can be seen as contributing to a culture of competition rather than cooperation. By focusing so heavily on rankings and prestige, schools can become more concerned with their image than with the quality of education they provide. This can lead to a lack of cooperation and collaboration between schools, which is essential for improving educational outcomes across the board.

Finally, schools are also beginning to realize that the rankings can have negative impacts on their students and faculty. By focusing on metrics such as selectivity and graduation rates, schools may be limiting their ability to admit a diverse population of students and faculty. This can have negative impacts on the overall quality of education provided, as well as on the ability of students to succeed in the workforce.

In conclusion, schools are withdrawing from ‘U.S. News’ rankings for a variety of reasons. While the rankings may have provided a valuable way to evaluate colleges and universities in the past, their narrow focus and emphasis on competition may be doing more harm than good. As schools begin to prioritize collaboration, diversity, and quality of education over rankings and prestige, they may find that they can better serve their students and faculty while still achieving their goals.