steven foxworth - Steven Foxworth

Progressive and Restorative Practices

May 22, 2024
by Steven Foxworth

The Power of Restorative Practices in Education: A Path to Healing and Growth
In recent years, the concept of restorative practices in education has gained significant traction, emerging as a promising alternative to traditional punitive disciplinary methods. These practices focus on repairing harm, fostering empathy, and rebuilding relationships rather than simply punishing misbehavior. As schools across the nation grapple with issues of discipline and community building, the question arises: do restorative practices work? According to a recent article from the National Education Association (NEA), the answer is a resounding yes.

A 2021 study of New York City public schools by the American Institute for Research (AIR) found disciplining students through suspensions and expulsions did not reduce future misbehavior for the disciplined students or their peers. It also did not generate an improved academic achievement or perceptions of positive school climate.

The programs in Chicago schools were rolled out slowly, and educators received intensive training and coaching throughout the year. Any restorative practice initiative that relies on quick, one-off training will likely not be successful. “Ongoing professional development and support is critical,” Andukia explained in a recent podcast.

Restorative practices are grounded in the belief that students are more likely to thrive in environments where they feel respected and heard. Instead of suspensions or expulsions, which often exacerbate feelings of alienation and resentment, restorative practices involve dialogue and mutual understanding. Key components include restorative circles, mediation sessions, and collaborative problem-solving. These approaches not only address the root causes of behavioral issues but also promote a sense of accountability and community among students. The NEA article highlights several success stories from schools that have implemented these practices and witnessed significant reductions in disciplinary incidents and improvements in school climate.

The growing acceptance and enthusiasm for restorative justice practices comes on the heels of more than a decade of research documenting the damaging impact of exclusionary discipline.

Moreover, restorative practices are inclusive, catering to the diverse needs of all students, including those from marginalized communities who are disproportionately affected by traditional disciplinary measures. By emphasizing empathy and respect, these practices help to bridge gaps and build a more cohesive, supportive school culture. Teachers and administrators who have embraced restorative practices report a noticeable shift in the school atmosphere, characterized by increased trust, open communication, and stronger relationships between students and staff.
In conclusion, the growing body of evidence suggests that restorative practices are not just a fleeting trend, but a transformative approach to education. By focusing on healing and growth rather than punishment, schools can create nurturing environments where every student has the opportunity to succeed. As the NEA article underscores, when students feel valued and understood, they are more likely to engage positively and contribute to a harmonious school community. The challenge now lies in widespread implementation and ensuring that educators are equipped with the tools and training necessary to effectively adopt these practices.

Walker, Tim. “Do Restorative Practices Work?” NEA, www.nea.org/nea-today/all-news-articles/do-restorative-practices-work. Accessed 21 May 2024.

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Did You Know These Tech Tips?

October 24, 2023October 24, 2023
by Steven Foxworth

Similar to the show “Are you smarter than a fifth grader”, most 5th graders know these.

Technology has become an integral part of our lives. From smartphones to smart homes, technology has changed the way we interact with the world around us. For students, technology has opened up new avenues for learning and exploration. But how tech-savvy are fifth-graders? According to a recent report by the National Education Association (NEA), many fifth-graders have a good understanding of technology and its various applications.

The NEA report, written by Jacqui Murray, found that fifth-graders use technology for a variety of purposes such as research, communication, and entertainment. They are proficient in using search engines and are able to navigate various websites with ease. They are also comfortable using social media platforms and understand how to use them safely and responsibly.

Here are some computer functions you might not use daily, but need to know:

Ctrl+C: Copy selected text
Ctrl+V: Paste copied text
Ctrl+X: Cut selected text
Ctrl+Z: Undo previous action
Ctrl+A: Select all text in document
Ctrl+F: Find a specific word or phrase
Ctrl+P: Print document
Ctrl+S: Save document
Ctrl+N: Create a new document
Ctrl+O: Open an existing document
Ctrl+B: Bold selected text
Ctrl+I: Italicize selected text
Ctrl+U: Underline selected text
Ctrl+K: Insert hyperlink
Ctrl+T: Create a new tab in web browser
Ctrl+W: Close current tab in web browser
Ctrl+Shift+T: Reopen last closed tab in web browser
Ctrl+Tab: Switch between open tabs in web browser
Ctrl+Shift+Esc: Open Task Manager in Windows
Alt+F4: Close current window or program.

However, the report also found that there are areas where fifth-graders could improve their technological skills. For example, they may not be familiar with coding or programming languages, which are becoming increasingly important in today’s job market. Additionally, they may not be aware of the potential risks associated with using technology, such as cyberbullying and online scams.

To help students improve their technological skills, the NEA recommends that schools incorporate technology into their curriculum. This could include teaching coding and programming languages, as well as educating students on how to use technology safely and responsibly. The NEA also recommends that parents and caregivers play an active role in their child’s technology use, by monitoring their online activity and teaching them how to be responsible digital citizens.

In conclusion, fifth-graders have a good understanding of technology and its various applications. However, there is always room for improvement, and schools and parents can play an important role in helping students develop their technological skills. By doing so, we can help prepare the next generation for a world that is increasingly reliant on technology.

Jacqui Murray outlines 16 Tech Solutions:

16 SIMPLE TECH SOLUTIONS

1. Take the first step to solving many problems.
Turn the computer off and then on. Close down and reopen your internet browser. Turn the modem or printer off and then on again.

2. The website doesn’t work.
Check to be sure the URL is entered correctly, and is not missing letters or the http. If that doesn’t work, change browsers.

3. I can’t exit a program.
The universal exit command for Windows-based computers is “alt-f4”

4. I can’t find a program.
Type the name in the “search” field. Most middle and high school students prefer this method of locating a program.

5. ____ doesn’t work.
This could be the mouse, keyboard, monitor, speakers, or some other piece of hardware. Make sure everything is plugged in and turned on. If it is, unplug-replug.

6. The sound doesn’t work.
Is it muted? Are the headphones plugged in? For little ones, do they have the right headphones on?

7. I deleted _____ .
If it’s part of a document, use “ctrl+z” to undo. If it’s a file, check the recycle bin and restore if it’s in there.

8. The font is too small.
Use “ctrl+” to zoom in and “ctrl-” to zoom out.

9. I can’t find _____ in the file.
The universal keyboard shortcut for “find” is “ctrl+f”. This works in documents and online.

10. The document is ‘read-only.’
“Save as” under a different name and edit.

11. I’m worried about security.
This is a massive topic, but two solutions that work even for kids in grades K–5 are to cover the webcam and put smartphones in airplane mode (to cut access to the internet).

12. The program froze.
Is there a dialogue box open that’s waiting for an answer?

13. The”shift” key doesn’t work.
Is caps lock on?

14. Double-click doesn’t work.
Push “enter” after the first click.

15. I can’t remember how to _____ .
Right-click. This reveals the most common actions for the context you are in.

16. The internet toolbar disappeared.
Push “f11”.

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Kind Doesnt Mean ‘Push Over’

October 22, 2023October 22, 2023
by Steven Foxworth

In today’s world, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of our daily lives. With so much going on, it’s important to remember to be kind to one another. That’s why the National Education Association (NEA) has launched a campaign to promote kindness in schools across America.

According to the NEA, “kindness is the foundation of a positive school culture.” When students feel valued and respected, they are more likely to succeed academically and socially. The campaign emphasizes the importance of creating a safe and inclusive environment where students feel comfortable expressing themselves and engaging with others.

One way to promote kindness in schools is through service learning projects. These projects give students the opportunity to work together to make a positive impact in their community. By working together to help others, students learn the value of empathy, compassion, and teamwork.

Another way to promote kindness is through the use of positive reinforcement. Teachers and administrators can acknowledge and celebrate acts of kindness by students, whether it’s through a simple thank you or a public recognition ceremony. This helps to reinforce positive behaviors and encourages students to continue to be kind to one another.

Overall, promoting kindness in schools is about creating a culture of respect and empathy. By teaching young people the value of kindness, we can help to create a brighter future for all.

Being kind is one of the most important virtues that we can possess as human beings. It is an attribute that can be expressed in a multitude of ways, from simple acts of courtesy and consideration to more profound displays of empathy and compassion. Being kind not only benefits those around us, but it can also be beneficial for our own mental and physical health. Studies have shown that kind acts can lower stress levels, decrease symptoms of depression and anxiety, and even improve our immune system. In a world where negativity and cruelty often dominate the headlines, choosing to be kind can be a powerful way to make a difference and create a better world for ourselves and others.

In the article “Learning to Be Kind,” published by the National Education Association (NEA), the importance of teaching kindness in the classroom is discussed. The article highlights the fact that kindness is not only important for creating a positive classroom environment, but it is also essential for the social and emotional development of students.

The article cites research studies that have shown that students who are taught to be kind exhibit more positive behaviors, including increased empathy, improved relationships, and better academic performance. The NEA also emphasizes the importance of modeling kindness for students by demonstrating empathy, forgiveness, and gratitude.

The article provides several practical tips for teachers to incorporate kindness into their everyday classroom routines. These include creating a kindness calendar, where students are encouraged to perform acts of kindness every day, and using literature to teach kindness and empathy.

Overall, the NEA’s article “Learning to Be Kind” emphasizes the importance of teaching kindness in the classroom and provides practical tips for teachers to incorporate kindness into their everyday routines. By teaching kindness, educators can help create a positive classroom environment and promote the social and emotional development of their students.

Flannery, M. E. (2020, April 13). Learning to be kind. NEA. https://www.nea.org/advocating-for-change/new-from-nea/learning-be-kind

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The Engineering Design Process

September 21, 2023October 8, 2023
by Steven Foxworth

The engineering design process is a systematic way of solving problems and creating solutions. It involves a series of steps that engineers follow when creating new products, structures, or systems. Teaching the engineering design process can be a challenging task, but it is crucial for students to learn this skill, as it is an essential part of their future careers.

The first step in teaching the engineering design process is to introduce the concept of problem-solving. Students should understand that engineering is all about finding solutions to problems, and the design process is the framework they will use to do so. Once they understand this, they can begin to learn the steps involved in the design process.

The next step is to teach the specific steps of the design process. This typically includes defining the problem, researching and brainstorming possible solutions, selecting the best solution, creating a prototype, testing and evaluating the prototype, and making any necessary modifications. It is essential to emphasize that the design process is iterative, meaning that students may need to go back and repeat steps as they refine their solutions.

Finally, it is crucial to provide students with hands-on experiences to apply what they have learned. This can include designing and building structures or systems, creating prototypes using 3D printing or other technologies, and testing their solutions to see how well they work. These experiences will help students to develop their problem-solving and critical thinking skills and prepare them for future careers in engineering.

In conclusion, teaching the engineering design process is a critical component of preparing students for careers in engineering and related fields. By introducing the concept of problem-solving, teaching the specific steps of the design process, and providing hands-on experiences, educators can help students develop the skills they need to succeed in these fields.

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Steven Foxworth: Teacher of the Year

August 10, 2021October 5, 2023
by Steven Foxworth

Steven Foxworth, the engineering and technology teacher at Citrus Ridge in Polk County, has been named the Teacher of the Year for his exceptional contributions to education. His passion for teaching and his positive influence on students have earned him this prestigious recognition.

Foxworth has been teaching for over 10 years and his dedication to his profession has never wavered. He believes that education is not only about imparting knowledge but also about instilling values in students. He is a firm believer in the power of education to change lives and has inspired countless students to pursue their dreams.
Foxworth’s teaching style is unique and engaging. He uses a variety of teaching methods to keep his students interested and involved in the learning process. He encourages critical thinking and fosters an environment of open discussion in his classroom. His students have consistently achieved high scores and have been successful in their future endeavors.

Outside of the classroom, Mr. Foxworth is actively involved in the community. He volunteers his time to mentor students and participates in various community outreach programs. He also is active in teaching and training other teachers, mentoring them in technology and engagement.

The impact that Mr. Foxworth has had on his students and the community is immeasurable. He has inspired countless individuals to pursue their passions and has made a positive difference in their lives. It is no surprise that he has been named Teacher of the Year and we are proud to have him as a part of our education system.

Tag: steven foxworth

Progressive and Restorative Practices

Did You Know These Tech Tips?

16 SIMPLE TECH SOLUTIONS

Kind Doesnt Mean ‘Push Over’

The Engineering Design Process

Teaching the Engineering Design Process

Steven Foxworth: Teacher of the Year