Back to School 2024

 

It is the start of the 2024-25 school year.

Teachers and students will once again meet in classrooms to learn and study.

Schools will be filled with the sound of students passing through the halls.

Friends will meet and greet each other while they share summer stories.

It is a new beginning in the next stage of the educational journey.

It is the start of the 2024-25 school year.

Manuel R. CortezRodas - Educator

Copyright 2024.  MRCR Educational Consulting Firm.  All Rights Reserved.

Falling Back Into Eduation

 

As the end of September is reached, education is back in full stride.

Long gone are the nerves and anticipation of that first day of school.

Schedule adjustments have been made and classes have been filled.

Classmates are back together and new students have been welcomed.

The goals for the new year have been established with available support.

That slow descent back to school now has solid ground beneath our feet.

This is the foundation that will provide a safe and secure educational path.

Grounded in good study habits, our determination to complete the journey, and the encouragement from teachers, piers, and all who support us.

Manuel R. CortezRodas - Educator

Copyright 2023.  MRCR Educational Consulting Firm.  All Rights Reserved.

August 2023

 

We now begin to say goodbye to Summer, as students return to school, and a new school year begins.

August now kicks off "Back to School" season, and now is the time to implement the education plans prepared over the summer break.

It is time to: check the roster, update contact information, meet new staff, and greet those returning.

Wishing all school staff, personnel, administrators, teachers, parents, and students.

An Amazing 2023-24 School Year!!!

Manuel R. CortezRodas - Educator

Copyright 2023.  MRCR Educational Consulting Firm.  All Rights Reserved.

School Year Preparation and Planning

 

It is almost time for teachers to plan 

and prepare for the new school year.

When doing so, 

keep the following items in mind, 

and best of luck!

-Setup The Classroom

-Students New and Returning

-Classes and Schedules

-Concepts to Cover

-Standards to Meet

-Goals and Objectives

-Supplies and Materials

Manuel R. CortezRodas - Educator

Copyright 2023.  MRCR Educational Consulting Firm.  All Rights Reserved.

August 2022

 

As August comes to a close let us reflect on the events that took place.

Beginning with the end of Summer School and Summer educational activities, through the lesson planning for the new school year, new beginnings as staff transitions into other phases and new educators begin in new sites, preparing to welcome students as they come Back To School, and learning of new and updated guidelines with regards to COVID and various interactions.

Educators get ready to start the new school year and students come back, keep in mind that education is still adapting to new norms while addressing damages done to learning over the last two years.

As August comes to a close we look forward to a new school year full of possibilities, growth, and hope.

Manuel R. CortezRodas - Educator

Copyright 2022.  MRCR Educational Consulting Firm.  All Rights Reserved.

July 2022

July comes to an end and now August brings a return to the classroom.

To the classrooms that teachers prepared over the Summer Break.

To welcome students to a new year of school, of learning, of safely interacting with each other.

To accommodate the needs of each student, the requests of each parent.

It is time, once again, to get ready to go "Back To School".

To return to the place where we learn how to Read.

To return to the place where we learn how to Write.

To return to the place where we learn how to Listen.

Students will soon be returning to school.

Where they will be welcomed by teachers.

Supported at home by their parents.

In a classroom where they come together.

Manuel R. CortezRodas - Educator

Copyright 2022.  MRCR Educational Consulting Firm.  All Rights Reserved.

June 2021

CLASS OF 2021

To the Class of 2021:

Congratulations to you for reaching this point in your educational journey.

A journey that ends with a renewed sense of hope.

That recent challenges are being met and surpassed.

With open schools and classrooms.

Reuniting Classmates.

Connecting with Teachers.

Liberating Parents.

Eliminating the need for barriers; both physical and virtual alike.

A steep step in the path towards the future that many were unable to make.

Make the most of it for you have made it through to today.

You have flattened curves and raised social issues.

Technology prepared you for distance learning,

and is now allowing you a greater access to further learning.

Keep moving forward in your educational journey.

Congratulations to the Class of 2021!!!

Manuel R. CortezRodas - Educator

Copyright 2021.  MRCR Educational Consulting Firm.  All Rights Reserved.

April 2020

The effect of COVID-19 in our daily lives continues.

While there have been many improvements made to stop the spread of this deadly virus, there is much work that remains to be done until it is fully under control.
Treatment continues to be limited, so we are left with preventive measures such as: Stay at Home, Social Distancing, and Face masks.

Education, however, continues through these difficult times, as it has and will continue to be.

The Parent-Teacher dynamic has become stronger during this time as both collaborate to implement distance learning.

The role of the Para-educator is now being adapted to include online collaboration and support of students and staff.

As preparations get underway to close the 2019-2020 academic school year, and prepare for Summer school and next year, take time to reflect and acknowledge on the newly discovered relationship bonds that will continue to make education the supporting pillar of society.


Manuel R. CortezRodas - Educator

Copyright 2020.  MRCR Educational Consulting Firm.  All Rights Reserved.

Distance Learning Guide

Schools are now facing the fact that the COVID-19 pandemic will not be a minor set back of a few weeks of learning lost, but rather a long term displacement of education.

Districts are doing the best they can, with the resources available, to take on the unprecedented task of mobilizing in classroom daily instruction into online webinars, home packages, and conference calls.

Gone is the daily social interaction of students and school staff that was so familiar to us for so many years...getting to school by the start of class, talking or playing before getting started, doing group work or silent reading, meeting with a reading buddy, going to the lunchroom to supply nutrients and more playing games in the school yard, lining up for PE or media center, access to supplies and materials for school work... all that is now gone, or to be fair, on hold until further notice.

Parents are now the principal and teacher to their own student-child.  Classrooms are now in a home's living room, dining room, or bedroom.  Classmates are now a profile picture on the sidebar of an online chat.

To help schools, teachers, parents and students adjust to this new way or distance learning, MRCR Education has designed a "Distance Learning Guide" that is available to all.  We hope that it provides you with some needed support as we continue to adjust to the challenges during this time of need.

Stay healthy.


Manuel R. CortezRodas - Educator

Copyright 2020.  MRCR Educational Consulting Firm.  All Rights Reserved.

Returning from Fall Break

It is the final weekend before returning to education from the Fall Break.
Educators became rested and recharged as Thanksgiving was celebrated.
Teachers and students come back to school prepared for the winter that is to come.

After the Fall Break education goes through an adjustment period of limited time that allows for maintenance to be performed heading into the Winter Break.  Students, Teachers, Administrators, and Parents, have been collaborating since returning from Summer break on that first day of school.  Before the Winter Break arrives it is a good time for all stakeholders in education to prepare for the second half of school, that last day of class.


Manuel R. CortezRodas - Educator

Copyright 2019.  MRCR Educational Consulting Firm.  All Rights Reserved.

Listening Attentively

" Are you listening to me? "
" What did I just say? "
" That's not what I said!!! "
" You are not listening to me!!! "

- Overheard in public -

It has been repeated many times over in some variation or another, and it is possible that we, ourselves, have used it too.

We attempt to communicate with others and the communication fails.

Our attempt to communicate crashes faster than an error message is displayed when trying to divide by zero.

But what was the cause of the failure in communication? The messenger? the message? The receiver of the message? The method or technology used for the communication of the message?

If we can Write Clearly and Read Fluently, then shouldn't all forms of communication be successful?

Reading and Writing are communication points, but Listening is the line in communication.

Students must acquire the necessary skills and knowledge of Listening Attentively in order to be able to successfully communicate thoughts, ideas, feelings, and information.

Teachers and parents can help students communicate clearly by practicing with them on a regular basis using the EAR Method:

E - Establish communication exchanges.
A - Assess the success of the exchange.
R - Revise Unsuccessful exchanges.

Utilizing the EAR Method to practice Listening Attentively communication skills can be beneficial to the more than 80% of California students who scored near or below in the listening strand of the 2018 ELA CAASPP.


Manuel R. CortezRodas - Educator

Copyright 2019.  MRCR Educational Consulting Firm.  All Rights Reserved.

Reading Fluently

Reading was the first academic skill I learned and once I learned how to read, read I did.

I could read the same book over again in the same way i can now listen to a single song on repeat.

Sometimes I could have four to five books open at the same time, spread out all over the floor, like so many windows and tabs on a computer screen.

Other times I would read a complete series beginning to end much like binge-watching on a streaming device.

Reading fluently is the first fundamental skill developed that helps with success later in school.

While organizing for the new year I came across a booklet given to me nearly 20 years ago (Most likely early 2002) in it was the following quote: "Reading failure has exacted a tremendous long-term consequence for children's developing self-confidence and motivation to learn." by Susan B. Neuman and it reminded me of just how important reading is to education success.

Much has changed since then yet the importance of reading in education remains a priority to all educators, though much of the burden falls on the shoulders of those in early education, but with 75% of California students scoring near or below reading standards (CAASPP 2018) it is worth reminding all education advocates to keep reading front and center.



Manuel R. CortezRodas - Educator

Copyright 2019.  MRCR Educational Consulting Firm.  All Rights Reserved.

Christmas 2018

Happy Holidays. 2018.

Happy Holidays!

To all who visit our education blog and follow us on Twitter, we want to wish you a Feliz Navidad and Merry Christmas.

and to all Students, Teachers, Parents, Administrators, and all school faculty, staff, and education advocates: Enjoy the Winter Break.


Manuel R. CortezRodas - Educator

Copyright 2018.  MRCR Educational Consulting Firm.  All Rights Reserved.

Preparing for Winter Break

Winter Break is near.

It is time to reflect on what a year it has been.

Schools prepare to take a winter break as people celebrate holidays and welcome in the new year.

Students need breaks from school to rest and recharge, but taking a break from learning can result in the widening of the academic performance gap.  Students can fall behind in education if they do not continue to maintain a minimum level of learning while they are on break.

Students can use the upcoming Winter Break to close this achievement gap by creating projects that help in the development of specific academic skills and/or knowledge & understanding.

Parents, Teachers, and Students can collaborate in the development of projects, establish a support network, and set reasonable goals; while also allowing for an enjoyable Winter Break.

Projects can be as simple as watching a series of pre-selected videos online and preparing reports on them, or as complex as attempting to solve a real-life problem that is currently making a significant impact on society.

During the time that remains between now and the beginning of Winter Break, educators should work with students and parents to develop Winter Break Education Projects (WBEP).  Through early planning, and the setting of clear assessments goals for WBEP's, students, parents, and teachers can help close achievement gaps in education.


Manuel R. CortezRodas - Educator

Copyright 2018.  MRCR Educational Consulting Firm.  All Rights Reserved.

August 2018

Welcome Back August!

It is that time of the year once again.
It is time to get ready to go back to school.

Parents are getting ready to enroll their kids.
Students await New Schedules, Book Pick-up, and Orientation.

In schools, classrooms are getting cleaned up, chalk is being dusted off from blackboards, whiteboards are being cleaned from the accidental use of a permanent marker, screens and monitors are wiped down along with desks, chairs, and tables.

It is the last chance to check the air conditioning that will keep things cool these last few days of Summer as students return to a new year of learning.

Teachers are preparing posters, bulletin boards, cubbie holes, baskets, and welcome back packages.
Lesson plans are in the process of  being developed, and finalized, so they can cover the many strands of standards students must learn.
Plans from previous years, whether they succeeded or failed, are updated and/or reassessed.
Trainings are taking place on topics from School Site Action Plans to new technologies that have been adopted for the classroom.

In this time when We (Students, Parents, Teachers, Principals, Administrators, Support Staff, Education Advocates) get ready to go Back to School let's make sure that we:

-Make Time to Prepare.

-Gather the Necessary Resources.

-Examine and Explore each Site.

-Start with a Positive Attitude.

-Believe in Succeess.



Have a Wonderful 2018-19 School Year!



Manuel R. CortezRodas - Educator

Copyright 2018.  MRCR Educational Consulting Firm.  All Rights Reserved.

2018 Better Together: California Teachers Summit

Better Together: California Teachers Summit

Manuel R. CortezRodas - Educator & 4th year attendee.



It has been my unofficial "Back to School" event for the past four years, the "Better Together: California Teachers Summit".

Established in 2015, the Better Together: California Teachers Summit takes place across multiple locations throughout California, where teachers, educators, administrators, policy makers, and education stakeholders, can come together to kick off the new school year with keynote speakers, break-out sessions and activities, and moderated discussions on issues that affect students and how teachers can prepare to handle them.

From State Standards, Formative Assessments, English Learners, Parent Participation, Mindset, SEL, STEAM, and Coding, to Online Assignments, Assessment, and Collaboration there is no shortage of topics and material that can help teachers get started on a positive note and help them keep the momentum going throughout the school year.

I wish all teachers a wonderful school year for 2018-19 and hope that your experience at this years Better Together: California Teachers Summit serves as an inspiration to each and everyone.

#CATeachersSummit

Better Together: California Teachers Summit.

Welcome Teachers!

Welcome to CA Teachers Summit!

Leave your thoughts on the wall.

Resources for the school year.

Which way to my next session?

Grab breakfast and review the agenda.

The stage is set! Live feed in 4, 3, 2, ...

Auditorium begins to  fill up for the summit.

Introduction and welcoming remarks on site.

Participants in attendance await keynote speakers remarks.

2017 Keynote Speaker Dr. Jill Biden.

Taking notes at a breakout session.

At a breakout session discussing parent involvement.

Attendees proceed to morning breakout sessions.

Attendees wait for colleagues to arrive before registration.

Attendees gathering on site between morning sessions.

Attendees gather for a social luncheon and networking.

Manuel R. CortezRodas - Educator

Copyright 2018.  MRCR Educational Consulting Firm.  All Rights Reserved.

Preparing for a New School Year

A new school year looms over the horizon.

There's growling from the crowd as they read that sentence.

Growling from students, parents, teachers, 

and others who ask:

"Why? 

Why remind us of such things? 

We are still in mid-July. 

Let's enjoy Summer a bit more."

And I join with the chorus of growlers, but it's inevitable.

We must begin to prepare for the new school year.

There are those who have been getting prepared all along,

There are those who will procrastinate and pull it through,

There are many of us who end up doing both: 

Procrastinate & Prepare.

Time lines and schedules are set with reminders:

"By the end of June, this."

"By the end of July, that."

"By August, ...

the night before, ...

the first day of, ...

by back to school..."

We envision a path,

We develop a roadmap,

We calculate and budget supplies,

We enjoy one last Summer sunrise and sunset.

Manuel R. CortezRodas - Educator

Copyright 2017.  MRCR Educational Consulting Firm.  All Rights Reserved.

October 2016

"Pumpkin Patch" (Illustration by the author)

October is here and with it comes the changing of the color in the foliage.

Autumn marks its return as the leaves fall down from the branches of the tree to be carried in the wind.

Harvest season is upon us and serves as a reminder, that if we have not started to make preparations for the winter, there's not much time left.

October also brings changes to education for which we must prepare.

A look at the calendar, from now to the end of the year, reveals all the holidays and events that create breaks.

These breaks are good, and much needed, but they could turn bad if we do not take the time to properly schedule school projects, assignments, presentations, etc.

By planning a new schedule from now to the end of the year, educators can prepare their lessons and incorporate these series of breaks into learning experiences.

Educators should encourage students to pursuit further learning on their own, outside of the school and classroom setting.

And if you already have a plan, take the time to review it too, it is always better to be prepared and prudent.

Educators should also reach out and help other educators who may be struggling at the start of the year, or may have joined our schools after the school year started.



Manuel R. CortezRodas - Educator

Copyright 2016.  MRCR Educational Consulting Firm.  All Rights Reserved.

The Learning Process During Summer Break

The Learning Process can take a toll during Summer break.

During the school year the learning process should be at peak performance. 

Through teaching information can go into the brain to be processed, organized, and be ready to be applied at a moment's notice.

Students study what they are taught and use that information to think critically, take on challenges, create creative solutions, communicate clearly, and assess presented argumentation.

During Summer break this process is interrupted for its longest period of time in comparison to school year holidays and breaks.

If nothing is done to continue on with the learning process during summer break, when returning to school the following year could delay the time it takes to get back to learning peak performance, causing a delay in reaching full learning potential.

To prevent this from taking place it is important to maintain the Learning Process as we take that well deserved Summer Break.

This can be done by taking summer classes, reading and writing regularly, practicing arts or doing crafting, participating in camps or other learning opportunities, as they may be available. 

Enjoy Summer Break!!!

Manuel R. CortezRodas - Educator

Copyright 2016.  MRCR Educational Consulting Firm.  All Rights Reserved.

Blended Learning: President's Day and Chinese New Year

What happens when you blend President's Day and Chinese New Year?
This question got me curious and decided to do some research.
The results are as follows:

15 U. S. Presidents began their terms on the year of the Rooster.
13 U. S. Presidents began their terms on the year of the Snake.
12 U. S. Presidents began their terms on the year of the Ox.
4 U. S. Presidents began their terms on years of the Dog, Pig, Rabbit, and Tiger. 



Washington-1789        Jefferson-1801
J. Q. Adams-1825        Van Buren-1837
Taylor-1849                  Lincoln-1861
Cleveland-1885            McKinley-1897
Taft-1909                      Harding-1921
F. D. Roosevelt-1933   Truman-1945
Nixon-1969                   Regan-1981
Clinton-1993



Adams-1797          Madison-1809
Polk-1845              Buchanan-1857
Arthur-1861           Garfield-1881
Cleveland-1893     Grant-1869
Hoover-1929          Eisenhower-1953
Carter-1977           H. W. Bush-1989
W. Bush-2001

Monroe-1817             A. Jackson-1829
Harrison-1841           Tyler-1841
Pierce-1853               A. Johnson-1865
Hayes-1877               Harrison-1889
T. Roosevelt-1901     Wilson-1913
Kennedy-1961           Obama-2009

Fillmore - 1850

Coolidge - 1923

L. B. Johnson - 1963

Ford - 1974

Manuel R. CortezRodas - Chief Educator/Founder

Copyright 2016.  MRCR Educational Consulting Firm.  All Rights Reserved.