Category: High School & Society

Celebrating Women’s History Month: An Approach for Year-Round Learning

High School & Society

Celebrating Women’s History Month: An Approach for Year-Round Learning

Even during a pandemic, we can still honor the women who've paved the way for gender equality. Here's how you can celebrate Women's history this month and every month.

Listen to "How Teachers Can Make Us Feel Safe" on This Teenage Life

High School & Society

Listen to "How Teachers Can Make Us Feel Safe" on This Teenage Life

What is a “comfort teacher”? Teens have many ways of talking about the teachers they can confide in and talk to when times are hard. Whether they’re called “mentors” or “safe adults,” these educators have a few things in common according to the teens featured in this latest episode of the podcast This Teenage Life. 

What Is Citizenship Education and Why Is it Important?

High School & Society

What Is Citizenship Education and Why Is it Important?

Citizenship education demonstrates how schools play an important role in creating an informed electorate through interdisciplinary and holistic education. It seeks to cut across all subject areas, integrating many skills and competencies that will benefit students throughout their lives as individuals, community members, citizens, and professionals.

Group of students in a library seat on a rounded white table

High School & Society

Supporting Our Libraries: Insights from a High School Librarian

When I was hired as the English teacher at PSI High, an XQ Super School, my school leader encouraged me to build a classroom library. I started with graphic…

Female student with red hair and clear glasses using a Sharpie to write on a notepad with classmate in background

High School & Society

How Service Learning Gets Students Involved

At Iowa BIG, an XQ school in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, students learn by helping their community. Take student Caitie, who graduated from Iowa BIG in 2019. During her time…

How to Address Social Justice Topics that Interest High School Students

High School & Society

How to Address Social Justice Topics that Interest High School Students

The San Francisco Bay Area is notorious for being one of the most expensive housing markets in the country. Its lack of affordable housing means more than 1,700 young people…

Not Just a Grade: How My High School Class Met the Former Prisoner We Lobbied to Free

High School & Society

Not Just a Grade: How My High School Class Met the Former Prisoner We Lobbied to Free

At XQ, we want all high school students to graduate ready to succeed in college and career, feeling confident they can make a difference. We call them XQ Learners—students who…

On the Shoulders of Giants: Algebra, Equity, and a Project-Based Approach to Math

High School & Society

On the Shoulders of Giants: Algebra, Equity, and a Project-Based Approach to Math

This month we honor the legacy of a giant in the field of mathematics teaching and the fight for educational equity for all students. Bob Moses, who founded the…

Why You Should Celebrate Black Joy on Juneteenth and Every Day

High School & Society

Why You Should Celebrate Black Joy on Juneteenth and Every Day

Black joy is an act of resistance against systems of oppression. Here's why celebrating Black joy is important – especially during Juneteenth.

Young man at a demonstration wearing a t shirt that says "i love my history, i love my culture, i love my people, i love me"

High School & Society

What Is Juneteenth and Why Is It Important?

Juneteenth is an important milestone in American culture. It represents resistance, resilience, and Black Joy. Here's why it matters.

So, What Does a School Board Do, Anyway?

High School & Society

So, What Does a School Board Do, Anyway?

School boards are one of the most important decision makers in public education. Here's what they do any why they matter.

What Makes a Good School Board Member?

High School & Society

What Makes a Good School Board Member?

School board members can be some of the biggest change makers for high school. But what does it take to be a good school board member?

Ten Tips for Teacher Self-Care

High School & Society

Ten Tips for Teacher Self-Care

Now more than ever, teachers have a lot on their plates. Here are a few tips for teachers to treat themselves.

How Important is Education for Economic Growth?

High School & Society

How Important is Education for Economic Growth?

Alexies, a recent graduate of Círculos, an XQ school in Santa Ana, CA, felt a strong sense of belonging at school. The community was kind and accepting, and helped…

What Rhode Islanders Saw in the New Billboards by Teens

High School & Society

What Rhode Islanders Saw in the New Billboards by Teens

Pheonix Grey was heading into a convenience store in North Providence when I asked him to look up at a new billboard about 20 feet above the parking lot. It…

Why Representation Matters to BIPOC Teachers and Their Students

High School & Society

Why Representation Matters to BIPOC Teachers and Their Students

We spoke to education leaders on why representation is important. Here’s their perspective on representation, inclusivity, and why we need to move beyond diversity for diversity’s sake.

Hero_Billboard_Mock-Up

High School & Society

Billboard Challenge Invites Teens to Speak Up About School and Their Lives

In the fall of 2020, North Kingstown High School sophomore Olivia Wood wanted to draw something for art class inspired by her outrage over the police murder of George Floyd,…

5 Ways to Connect with Your School Board

High School & Society

5 Ways to Connect with Your School Board

Before the pandemic, most people didn’t think about school boards very often. That’s all changed as families and communities realize how many policies and decisions school boards make. And now,…

5 Ways to Support Student Mental Health

High School & Society

5 Ways to Support Student Mental Health

Addressing mental health is crucial this year.  Last week, we gave you strategies to support your own mental wellness. This week, we’re focusing on how you can best support…

The NASBE Interview: Russlynn Ali on High School Transformation

High School & Society

The NASBE Interview: Russlynn Ali on High School Transformation

The COVID-19 pandemic transformed the world. Entire systems adapted to a new normal, shifting their infrastructure and processes to a remote world. COVID-19 changed the way we work, how we spend our free time, and—most importantly—how we care for and educate young people.

5 Resources for Investing in Civics Education

High School & Society

5 Resources for Investing in Civics Education

Civic education is crucial for today’s high schoolers, but many students, especially those from communities of color, low-income communities, and rural ones, lack access. With ARP ESSER Funds,…

Finding Resiliency: Students Open up About Gun Violence

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Finding Resiliency: Students Open up About Gun Violence

Iowa Big Students who were interested in fighting against gun violence decided to use their voice by creating a documentary to humanize the individuals who have been personally touched by gun violence within their community.

5 Resources for Student-Centered Learning

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5 Resources for Student-Centered Learning

Teachers, you have done incredible work to prepare for this year. This week we’re sharing resources on student centered learning to help.

5 ARP Resources That Center Equity

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5 ARP Resources That Center Equity

Public education is at an inflection point. Learn how to dream big about the future of education in America.

What Do Families and Parents Need to Know (And Do) About ARP ESSER

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What Do Families and Parents Need to Know (And Do) About ARP ESSER

Learn about this historic federal investment in public education and find out how you can get involved today.

5 Best of Resources to Build an Inclusive Classroom

High School & Society

5 Best of Resources to Build an Inclusive Classroom

America’s classrooms are more diverse than ever. To ensure that we are building schools that address biases and existing inequities, are inclusive to all students, and actively strive to be anti-racist, we’ve highlighted resources to help educators bring belonging into the classroom.

Student Advice on Centering Mental Health by Welcoming Students as They Are

High School & Society

Student Advice on Centering Mental Health by Welcoming Students as They Are

The pandemic placed student mental health at the forefront of education, but how schools reopen could help us build a more resilient and caring education.

What Do Parents Want Educators to Know as Students Return to School in the Fall?

High School & Society

What Do Parents Want Educators to Know as Students Return to School in the Fall?

Last year brokedown communication between students, educators, and parents, leaving us in the dark of how students experienced the pandemic and its repercussions. How do we create safe spaces for students who are experiencing financial hardship, racial tension, or fear of ongoing domestic terrorism?

5 Ways to Support Student Mental Health

High School & Society

5 Ways to Support Student Mental Health

Prioritizing Mental Health in School Reopenings.

Equity and ESSER: How Schools Can Embrace a Participatory Approach to Amplify Family Voices in Budget Planning

High School & Society

Equity and ESSER: How Schools Can Embrace a Participatory Approach to Amplify Family Voices in Budget Planning

Schools across the country have a welcome task this summer: deciding how to spend a windfall in federal stimulus funds. Brooklyn Lab is doing that by asking families for their insights.

Advice From a Student Activist on ARP Funding

High School & Society

Advice From a Student Activist on ARP Funding

Student activist Josh Stern on how Student Voice Should Drive ARP Spending

Brown Ballerinas for Change: What One Organization Can Teach Us About Dance, Artivism, and Empowering Young People

High School & Society

Brown Ballerinas for Change: What One Organization Can Teach Us About Dance, Artivism, and Empowering Young People

Learn more about why we’re inviting students ages 13 to 21 to tell their story through movement and dance based on what we learned from the organization Brown Ballerinas for Change.

12th Grade NAEP Science Results Confirm It’s Time for High School Transformation. And ARP Can Help.

High School & Society

12th Grade NAEP Science Results Confirm It’s Time for High School Transformation. And ARP Can Help.

On May 25, 2021, the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) published results from the 2019 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) Science. NAEP science test results—along with the results of the 2019 NAEP assessments in math and reading released late last year—are fundamental to our understanding of the state of our nation’s high schools.

Repeal the Invisible Tax on Educators of Color

High School & Society

Repeal the Invisible Tax on Educators of Color

Black educators move through the profession carrying an extra burden that often pushes Black educators out of the profession. Director of the Center for Black Educator Development Sharif El-Mekki discusses this “Invisible Tax” and proposes solutions to keep educators of colors in the classroom.

Diversity Starts with Teachers: Creating a Community to Keep Educators of Color in the Classroom

High School & Society

Diversity Starts with Teachers: Creating a Community to Keep Educators of Color in the Classroom

Education Scholar Travis Bristol and BIPOC Teach Plus Fellows discuss the politics involved in education and their reasons for staying in the classroom.

Education Policy 101: What Is Education Policy?

High School & Society

Education Policy 101: What Is Education Policy?

Everyone is an education policymaker; some might just not know it. Dive into the basics with this summary and learn everything from how it works to how you can get involved.

5 Resources for Student Wellness and Stress Management

High School & Society

5 Resources for Student Wellness and Stress Management

ISSUE 53 • January 10, 2021 Happy New Year! Students and educators are setting new intentions, resolutions, and goals for 2021. While there’s a ton of excitement and…

Between Empty Class and Corona Education

High School & Society

Connecting Individual Actions to Systematic Change: An Interview with Professor Rich Milner

Education thought leader and Vanderbilt University Professor Rich Milner in conversation with XQ’s Hana Beach.

Close up of vegetables; students choosing food in school cafeteria

High School & Society

What's Happening to School Meals During COVID-19?

COVID-19 has changed the way food-insecure students receive meals and support. Here’s how your family can get involved.

Evolving the Common App: The First Step Toward Anti-Racist College Admissions

High School & Society

Evolving the Common App: The First Step Toward Anti-Racist College Admissions

The Common App is transforming and building a college admissions process that’s equitable for all. Here’s how.

Pearl Esau

High School & Society

Pearl Esau

Exam at school with student's taking educational admission test in class, thinking hard, writing answer in university classroom, education and world literacy day concept

High School & Society

My Journey as a Black Teacher in America

This former teacher of color shares his experiences before ultimately leaving the profession. His reflection offers insights on the value of equity and empathy that we hope we hope will inspire and inform all educators.

Mike Johnston

High School & Society

Mike Johnston

Michelle Purdy

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Michelle Purdy

Mauro Bautista

High School & Society

Mauro Bautista

5 Post-Election Resources To Keep Students Civically Engaged

High School & Society

5 Post-Election Resources To Keep Students Civically Engaged

While we hope that your students have been active in this year’s election, civic engagement is essential year-round.

Frank Luntz

High School & Society

Frank Luntz

Donell Jones-Craven

High School & Society

Donnell Jones-Craven

David Kratzer

High School & Society

David Kratzer

Darian Wigfall

High School & Society

Darian Wigfall

Christine Bischoff

High School & Society

Christine Bischoff

Alberto Carvalho

High School & Society

Alberto Carvalho

At Texas Boys State, the Kids, In Fact, Are Not Alright

High School & Society

At Texas Boys State, the Kids, In Fact, Are Not Alright

As American schools become increasingly economically, racially, and politically segregated, how do we create spaces that bring young people together to find commonalities and build bridges? 

#BLM Mural oakland

High School & Society

Black Lives Mural Painted all Over Oakland by Students and Community

logan browning voting

High School & Society

Does Voting Matter? Find Out With Logan Browning

TRUE or FALSE with XQ: School Boards

High School & Society

Teachers Play True or False: School Board Edition

Demystifying School Boards: What Do School Boards Do?

High School & Society

Demystifying School Boards: What Do School Boards Do?

Looking for ways to spur high school transformation in your community? Getting involved with your local school board is a great place to start. What is a school board? School…

A Black Man Reflects on Sonia Lowman’s film Black Boys

High School & Society

A Black Man Reflects on Sonia Lowman’s film Black Boys

The film ‘Black Boys’ paints a picture of the racial inequities that affect Black men in our country. Here’s one man’s reflection on the film.

Teachers: It’s Time To Graduate From Diversity And Move Closer To Inclusion And Equity

High School & Society

Teachers: It’s Time To Graduate From Diversity And Move Closer To Inclusion And Equity

Diversity and representation gaps in our schools affect students across the country. How do we create space for BIPOC voices to be heard?

Voting and Election Resources for Educators and Students

High School & Society

Voting and Election Resources for Educators and Students

There has never been a more important time for young people to be civically engaged. Here are resources for educators to get students involved.

#BlackLivesMatter Murals in Downtown Oakland Bring Hope and Inspiration

High School & Society

#BlackLivesMatter Murals in Downtown Oakland Bring Hope and Inspiration

After the #BlackLivesMatter protests in June, students and artists in Oakland came together to paint murals to bring hope and inspire the town.

It’s Time to Start Decolonizing America’s History Textbooks

High School & Society

It’s Time to Start Decolonizing America’s History Textbooks

America’s history is complex, contradictory, confusing, and often quite ugly. However, we choose to teach a simplified, incomplete, and whitewashed version to our young people and throughout higher education. It’s time to change that.

100 years later – the complicated legacy of the 19th Amendment

High School & Society

100 years later – the complicated legacy of the 19th Amendment

It's been over 100 years since the 19th amendment was passed, which gives women the right to vote. What's changed between now and then?

100 years later – the complicated legacy of the 19th Amendment

High School & Society

100 years later – the complicated legacy of the 19th Amendment

It's been over 100 years since the 19th amendment was passed, which gives women the right to vote. What's changed between now and then?

The Importance of Civics Education in this National Moment

High School & Society

The Importance of Civics Education in this National Moment

It is more important than ever for young people to play a role in elections. In this environment, civics education is more important than ever. Here's why.

What Will School Meals Look Like With School Re-openings and COVID-19

High School & Society

What Will School Meals Look Like With School Re-openings and COVID-19

The outbreak of COVID-19 has placed additional pressure on school meal programs. And now, students across the country cannot get the food they need.

School Reopening Plans Offer a Chance to Rethink High Schools

High School & Society

School Reopening Plans Offer a Chance to Rethink High Schools

Use reopening plans to re-imagine current educational practices. The COVID-19 pandemic served as a pressure test on our education system—the crisis exacerbated inequalities; wholly disrupted the lives of educators, students, and families; and upended the very notion of what counts as “school”—making it clear that the system, as it exists now, cannot hold.

But Can We Work Together, Though? A Black Woman and a White Woman Get Real

High School & Society

But Can We Work Together, Though? A Black Woman and a White Woman Get Real

Nicole and Suzanne's podcast 'But Can We Work Together, Though?' examines how white and black women can work together on the biggest social justice issues today.

Inspirational Black Educators to Follow on Twitter

High School & Society

Inspirational Black Educators to Follow on Twitter

As allys, we must commit to improving ourselves and to amplifying the voices of Black educators. Here are 9 voices you should be listening to.

Actor and Activist Logan Browning Teaches High School Students to Advocate for Change This Election Season

High School & Society

Actor and Activist Logan Browning Teaches High School Students to Advocate for Change This Election Season

We spoke with Logan Browning about how students can get involved this election, even if they're too young to vote. Here's her advice.

5 Resources to Address Racial and Systemic Inequities in Education

High School & Society

5 Resources to Address Racial and Systemic Inequities in Education

Systemic racism exists in our education system. Here are resources for educators to abolish inequities to help every student succeed.

Step outside the Black History Canon This Juneteenth

High School & Society

Step outside the Black History Canon This Juneteenth

Our history books haven't shared the full narrative when it comes to Black History. Here are a few things you should learn about this Juneteenth.

Making Space for Youth Voices and Feelings during Protests against Police Brutality

High School & Society

Making Space for Youth Voices and Feelings during Protests against Police Brutality

#BlackLivesMatter protests are impacting students across the country, and their voices need to be heard. Here's how we gave our Student Advisory Committee a space to share.

5 Resources to Abolish Systemic Racism Through Education

High School & Society

5 Resources to Abolish Systemic Racism Through Education

Systemic racism exists in our education system. Here are resources for educators to abolish inequities to help every student succeed.

The Civil Right of Education, By the Numbers

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The Civil Right of Education, By the Numbers

We will know that we have achieved educational justice when the faces of our high school graduates look no different from those of entering kindergartners, and our college graduates no different from them.

What Remote Learning Data Tells Us About the Effects of COVID-19

High School & Society

What Remote Learning Data Tells Us About the Effects of COVID-19

COVID-19 and remote learning have changed high school overnight. Here's what we know so far about how it's effected education.

5 Resources to Celebrate High School Seniors in Time for Graduation

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5 Resources to Celebrate High School Seniors in Time for Graduation

The class of 2020 is experiencing a senior year like no other class. Here are 5 resources for us to honor and celebrate their graduation.

How Museums are Engaging with Students Remotely

High School & Society

How Museums are Engaging with Students Remotely

Education today looks radically different than before the pandemic. Museums are no exception to this. Here's how museums across the country have pivoted to serve students.

5 Resources to Support the Mental Well-Being of Your School Community

High School & Society

5 Resources to Support the Mental Well-Being of Your School Community

This is a very hard time to be a student right now. Here are some resources to support students and ensure your school is staying mentally healthy.

What I Learned From Finding, Organizing, and Verifying School Board Data for the Entire United States

High School & Society

What I Learned From Finding, Organizing, and Verifying School Board Data for the Entire United States

Emily spent 170 hours collecting and organizing school board data from across the country. What she learned might surprise you.

Remote Learning Insights: The Role of the Student Is Shifting

High School & Society

Remote Learning Insights: The Role of the Student Is Shifting

How are students adjusting and examining the new skills they are learning? In the wake of COVID-19 closures, students are playing an active role in creating educational experiences with a strong equity focus. They have the capacity to truly lead their own learning and create engaging learning experiences themselves.

How Are School Boards Responding to School Closures in the Time of COVID-19?

High School & Society

How Are School Boards Responding to School Closures in the Time of COVID-19?

Leadership decisions don’t stop when campuses are closed. In fact, they become more important than ever. Here's how school boards are responding to the Coronavirus pandemic.

Students Use Research and Creativity to Explore Black History Month

High School & Society

Students Use Research and Creativity to Explore Black History Month

These students explore Black History Month and our shared history through hands-on, student-guided projects. See how.

Tips on How to Choose a High School From a Former Principal

High School & Society

Tips on How to Choose a High School From a Former Principal

Choosing a high school for your student might seem like a daunting choice. Here's what one former school leader recommends when faced with the decision.

Education & Equity on MLK Day

High School & Society

Education & Equity on MLK Day

Today, more than six decades after Brown v Board, and more than fifty years after Dr. King's assassination, educational equality in America still falls short of his vision for the future.

How Civic Education Breaks Barriers of Systemic Inequities

High School & Society

How Civic Education Breaks Barriers of Systemic Inequities

Young people in under served communities were surveyed on the civics education they've received. The results will surprise you.

Making Time for Self-Reflection: A Gratefulness Routine

High School & Society

Making Time for Self-Reflection: A Gratefulness Routine

Making time for reflection is hard. Here's a gratefulness routine to try to help keep you grounded and looking forward into the future.

School Board Governance Best Practices

High School & Society

School Board Governance Best Practices

Learn how school boards can transform education in their communities by incorporating governance best practices that propel students to success.

Period Poverty in U.S. High Schools

High School & Society

Period Poverty in U.S. High Schools

Resources around menstruation can serve as a barrier to equal access to education. Learn more about period poverty and how it impacts students around the country.

What Can We Do About Teen Vaping?

High School & Society

What Can We Do About Teen Vaping?

Vaping is a public health crisis impacting the health of students today. Here's what we can do to change that.

Community of Practice: What is it, how to run one, and why does it matter?

High School & Society

Community of Practice: What is it, how to run one, and why does it matter?

Communities of practice are groups of people who share a concern or a passion for something they do and learn how to do it better as they interact regularly. Learn how the power of convening can help rethink high school.

7 teacher tips for supporting students who’ve experienced trauma

High School & Society

7 teacher tips for supporting students who’ve experienced trauma

Students who’ve survived early childhood adversity or trauma – such as violence, abuse, or a death in the family – can have unique needs in the classroom. Here are some tips to meet those students where they're at.

Students, do you know your rights?

High School & Society

Students, do you know your rights?

Student rights have changed over the years thanks to student activists who have fought for them. Do you know yours? Here's where to start.

From the school board to the governor: Tips on how schools can engage with elected officials

High School & Society

From the school board to the governor: Tips on how schools can engage with elected officials

From school board to state house, your elected officials regularly make important decisions that impact education. Here's how we can engage with them.

From Stonewall to the classroom: Tips for teaching LGBTQ+ history

High School & Society

From Stonewall to the classroom: Tips for teaching LGBTQ+ history

LGBTQ+ history is often absent from history classes. Here are resources for you to get started teaching LGBTQ+ history in yours.

Long before Brown v. Board of Ed, there was this landmark case in California

High School & Society

Long before Brown v. Board of Ed, there was this landmark case in California

The history of school desegregation is more complicated than you might think. Here's the first successful case of school desegregation in California.

How to Encourage Students to Vote and Where to Send Them

High School & Society

How to Encourage Students to Vote and Where to Send Them

Civics education is critical for students, especially those who are old enough to vote. Here are some tips to help your students become active citizens.

School lunch programs fill an essential gap for students: Here’s why we need to do more

High School & Society

School lunch programs fill an essential gap for students: Here’s why we need to do more

For millions of hungry students, back-to-school also means a guaranteed meal. Here's how we can support our students in need.

How To Run a School Board Campaign

High School & Society

How To Run a School Board Campaign

Running for the board of education is challenging. Here are some school board campaign ideas and steps to help you get started.

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