SCAPE’s Post

Best news this week: Brampton Manor Academy’s incredible A-level results! It’s inspiring to see students from disadvantaged backgrounds outperforming those at some of the nation’s most elite schools. With 185 students securing straight A or A grades, Brampton Manor is proving that excellence in education isn’t reserved for the financially privileged. Why is this so important to share? My time at university involved adjusting to the “white high income priveleged standard of fellow students”. A professor even advised me to just do it because it would be easier for everyone including myself. I made me even more driven to make real impact in my work with inclusive HR. And I learned at a very young age to apply critical thinking and strategy. I just played along with the standard to get my masters and at the same time, followed my own strategy and path. Yes, I worked the system that was not build for people like me and now I am changing the system. I’m looking forward to seeing more diversity across the academic landscape and within companies. It seems education increasingly caters to the privileged. Sharing stories and experiences like Brampton Manor and the students is still needed. #leadership #inclusion #diversity

Here are our Educational Innovation Finalists! The Future of Education is HERE.

We, as representatives of Maryland APA had an opportunity to meet students, faculty, and partner alongside constituent organization representatives at The George Washington University PA Program. A huge THANK YOU for coordinating and hosting us all!! These types of engagements are often reflective for me, which serves as a meaningful learning experience I later integrate into my ‘being.’ Our messaging for student involvement included not only the traditional ‘why join?’ information, but perhaps more importantly, we encouraged students to BE BOLD. The reasons that led each of them (and us) into a PA school-career pathway are the same reasons that don’t simple end at graduation. Too often, we get stuck in the cycle of familiarity. It is far easier for humans to continue momentum rather than to stop and start on what seems like a new path, even if receiving warning signs along the way that we are headed into dangerous or treacherous territory. Cultivating a culture where it’s acceptable to “press pause” in order to effectively reevaluate a situation is not wasteful, it’s responsible, and we need all the help possible to join in. Choose to open the doors toward healing and resilience. It is a lifelong journey and getting involved in organizations that fundamentally support the profession and align with your values is worth the investment. Through them, the impact of our intentions are amplified through collective action. Whatever doesn’t join us allows doubt and isolation to create gaps. Diversity of representation potentiates that bridge toward unification, shared accountability, and mutual respect. Without discomfort and fear, we would not have the opportunity to be courageous and demonstrate acts of bravery. BE BOLD. It’s time to lead together. #InterculturalLeadership #PositivePsychology #Salutogenesis

The moment we’ve all been waiting for is here! 🎉 The College Reunion Think Tank Document is now complete, and it's ready to be shared with the world. This resource is designed to spark change, foster collaboration, and uplift our communities through deeper engagement resulting in increased college reunions. 🌍📚 https://lnkd.in/gxMXEE7Q Discover insights from education leaders, strategies for boosting student success, and a roadmap for transforming the future of HBCUs and K-12 schools. Ready to make an impact? Read the full document today! #CollegeReunion #ThinkTank #EducationForChange #ReadNow"

So, I finished the week working with colleagues across the range of Kent maintained special schools, as their guest speaker, discussing how we in the specialist sector can support our colleagues in the mainstream to achieve a truly 'inclusion first' environment. The discussion looked at setting up specialist classrooms, the pedagogy needed within, the key curricula content, and then the reasonable adjustments needed to ensure that these pupils have equality of access. It's an enormous amount of information to get your head around, but starts with honest and frank discussions about what can be achieved young people with more complex SEND needs than previously expected, when given access to the right skilled support. And what do we know? It can be achieved. Here's an example of a pupils 'target sheet' from The Pod class at St Nicholas Priory, Great Yarmouth. With targeted learning matching need the pupil has every opportunity to reintegrate back into the mainstream, wherever they can. It also provides the rich evidence needed to create a pathway into more specialist secondary provision if needed, ensuring these places are available to the most complex pupils needing them. #safetyvalve #SEND #inclusionfirst #specialistteaching #leadership #workingtogether

The Urban Leaders Fellowship has kicked off its 2024 summer fellowship in seven regions this summer led by more than 14 incredible Regional and Policy Directors! #WeveStarted This summer marks an especially important juncture of our 14th year - the relaunching of both the Oakland and Indianapolis regions alongside launching ULF's first ever Inaugural Mentor Program. #Year14 ULF Oakland is led by Georgia Savage with Appointed/Elected Official Meredith Curry Nuñez. Oakland has a long-standing history of impactful local policy and impact with more than 50+ alumni going on to led policy and advocacy spaces, serve as Chief of Staff, and Executive Director of local and state organizations. Notable alumni include Kyra Mungia, Forbes 30 Under 30, and Townes Bouchard-Dean of Oakland Thrive. We are excited for Oakland to dig deep in higher education policy - an unchartered arena for ULF. #TeamOakland ULF Indy is led by Danielle Drake, a committed community advocate with Appointed/Elected Official, Karrah Herring, CEIO. Since 2016, ULF Indy has been a critical career intersection for not only K-12 educators, but start-up founders, and civic leaders across the country. Indy alumni include Life Purpose Coach, Angela Choi; Haley Wing, MPA, and Andrew Pillow, who serves our country as an Air Force servicemen. #TeamIndy For the past few weeks, Oakland and Indy fellows have explored the intersection of identity, privilege, power, and class along with leadership style, policy levers, and most importantly self-actualization of the individual and collective change they wish to see in their cities, states, and country. ULF acknowledges that in order to continue to strong experiences aimed at creating more equitable communities, this also means developing our fellows at the highest level. This year we have 9 amazing alumni supporting more than 15 fellows in not only their ULF journey, but also their "next steps." #MentorshipMatters While there is so much work to do, we are excited about the work and transformation that is happening! To learn more about ULF and become a 2025 fellow or partner, please visit https://lnkd.in/gkN2mCwg. #WeAreULF #WelcomeBackIndy #WelcomeBackOakland #WelcomeMentors

So grateful to be back in Chicago, yet of course I am concerned about the violence impacting our city. Hopelessness is a clear driver of violence, and we've shown through our work hope is teachable. What's surprising, is moments of hopelessness are normal throughout the day, it is how we manage them that matters. And we are never taught. And when we don't manage them well, we turn to violence, addiction, self-harm, or ultimately suicide. What do we expect unless we educate? It is time to take a comprehensive, universal approach to ensuring ALL know what hopelessness is, and are equipped with skills to Shine Hope. Including businesses. As higher hope is key to retention, and the likelihood of a company achieving its goals. Grateful to be doing this work in what I think is the greatest city in the world. And for being able to talk to global business leaders, like those at World Business Chicago, to help lead the way. Keep Shining! #KeepShining #Hope #ShineHope #MentalHealth #ViolencePrevention

🚨 New Article Alert! 🚨 I recently had the opportunity to report on a fascinating and timely topic for Volt: "How Do Universities Prepare Their Students for Campus Culture?" 🏫 With the evolving landscape of higher education, preparing students for life on campus goes far beyond academics. Universities are tasked with creating inclusive, engaging, and supportive environments that reflect the complexities of today’s world. 🌍 What I found most rewarding in reporting this piece was diving into how institutions are addressing these challenges by fostering not just academic growth but also cultural awareness, mental health support, and a sense of belonging. 💡 The strategies they’re using provide a blueprint for creating well-rounded, resilient graduates ready for the real world. Check out my full article to see how universities are adapting! 👉 #HigherEd #CampusCulture #StudentSuccess #VoltEdu

In the vibrant communities of Mississippi, the concept of 'cultural fit' within our schools takes on a profound significance. It's the secret ingredient that transforms schools from mere places of learning into the heart of our communities. But what does 'cultural fit' truly entail, and how can we, as educational leaders, identify, nurture, and leverage it to create schools that not only educate but also uplift and unite? We delve into these questions in our latest article, exploring how a strong alignment between educators’ values and the school's mission can lead to increased teacher retention, enhanced student engagement, and strengthened community ties. Read more about transforming schools into communities through the right cultural fit: #EducationLeadership #CommunityBuilding #SchoolCulture

Picture this: my first job out of the gate was at the Nelson Mandela Institute for Rural School. Fresh off my stint as the first female President of the SRC at Fort Hare University, I was ready to dive into the world of innovative thinking with this stellar team. And oh, what a ride it was! Now, let me take you back to one unforgettable adventure. We were on a mission to visit schools in the rural heartland, and boy, did we encounter some wild scenes. Deep in the forests of Mqanduli, we stumbled upon a school that was, well, more of a jungle gym than an actual building. Prefab structures were the name of the game, but this particular one had a surprise in store: asbestos. Yes, you heard that right – the stuff of nightmares straight out of an Erin Brockovich flick. But wait, it gets better (or worse, depending on your perspective). As we cautiously ventured into the classrooms, we learned that the real danger wasn't just the asbestos – it was the snakes. Apparently, these slithery friends liked to cozy up in the insulation when things got toasty in the afternoons. Needless to say, our interviews were cut short as we high-tailed it out of there faster than you can say "snake charmer." Jokes aside, that experience sparked a fire in me to question the very foundation of our education system. Are we really equipping our kids with the tools they need to conquer the world? Are we making the most of our resources to ensure meaningful learning experiences? These are the questions that keep me up at night – and I'm betting I'm not alone. So, where are the leaders with the big ideas? Who's ready to shake things up and ensure that every child has access to quality education? The clock is ticking, and it's high time we start hearing some answers. Are you with me? 🔥 #BTWYRU #Voting #education #EducationRevolution #InnovativeLeadership #SnakesInSchools