For the last several months, I’ve been working on a second edition to my Bandwidth Recovery book and learning lots about asset-focused thinking, neurodiversity, trauma, economic inequality, the after-effects of the pandemic, uncertainty, and how critical human connection is for learning and thriving. I’ve incorporated the wisdom I received from so many people at the 100+ schools where I’ve spoken over the past six years. Look for the new edition this Fall.
On the public school front, book bans and anti-diversity legislation reached new highs in 2023. According to PEN America, over 4,000 books were banned during the Fall semester, mostly books focused on LGBTQ topics, especially trans identity, and books about race and racism. Books by women and non-binary authors are disproportionately targets of bans. Add to that continuing struggles with funding, deteriorating infrastructures in some areas, attendance still down from pandemic days, and teacher shortages, this education sector is under lots of pressure. Our children, the future of our democracy, are the ones getting short-changed in the process. Teachers, counselors, coaches, paraprofessionals, and other school leaders are valiantly trying to do their best with the available resources. Thanks!
If you have a commute to school (or listen to books while you exercise or clean the house), my Bandwidth for Schools audiobook is now available at https://www.audiobooks.com/promotions/promotedBook/756252/bandwidth-recovery-for-schools-helping-pre-k-12-students-regain-cognitive-resources-lost-to-poverty-trauma-racism-and-social-marginalization?refId=129625 It’s about the ways in which poverty and economic inequality, trauma, racism, and other “differentisms” rob students (and parents and teachers and school leaders) of the mental bandwidth they need to learn and live. Thanks for listening. I’d love to hear if the concepts and ideas make sense and what you’re doing to create learning environments in which we can all thrive.