High School & Society Archives | Rethink Together

Category: High School & Society

High School & Society

A Holistic Approach to Teaching Black History Year-Round

Black history needs to be taught year-round and holistically. We spoke to educators across the country about the importance of representation in the curriculum.

Team XQ #ReThinkHighSchool
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.

Hana Beach Editorial Associate, XQ Institute
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.

Hana Beach Editorial Associate, XQ Institute
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.

Jennifer Ellis Director of Policy Engagement, XQ Institute
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…

Team XQ #ReThinkHighSchool
High School & Society

The Importance of Arts Education and Why the Arts Matter in the Age of COVID-19

In remote learning, arts education has never been more fragile. Here's how these educators are sparking creativity in their students and learn how you can too.

Team XQ #ReThinkHighSchool
High School & Society

Celebrating Women’s History Month From Home

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.

Danielle Balderas Associate Producer, XQ Institute
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.

Hana Beach Editorial Associate, XQ Institute
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.

Summer Kriegshauser Senior Program Manager, No Kid Hungry
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.

Christopher Wright Vice President of Member Solutions, Common Application
High School & Society

Pearl Esau
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.

Ryan Edwards Former Educator
High School & Society

Mike Johnston
High School & Society

Michelle Purdy
High School & Society

Mauro Bautista
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.

Team XQ #ReThinkHighSchool
High School & Society

Frank Luntz
High School & Society

Donnell Jones-Craven
High School & Society

David Kratzer
High School & Society

Darian Wigfall
High School & Society

Christine Bischoff
High School & Society

Alberto Carvalho
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?

Team XQ #ReThinkHighSchool
High School & Society

Black Lives Mural Painted all Over Oakland by Students and Community
High School & Society

Does Voting Matter? Find Out With Logan Browning
High School & Society

Teachers Play True or False: School Board Edition
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? Schools…

silvia li sam Growth and Marketing at XQ
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.

Ali Berry CEO, Composer
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.

Jordan Farris Post-Baccalaureate Resident
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?

Ann-Katherine Kimble Curriculum Writer and Designer at XQ
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.

Team XQ #ReThinkHighSchool
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.

Team XQ #ReThinkHighSchool
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.

Patrick Riccards CEO, Driving Force Institute
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?

Team XQ #ReThinkHighSchool
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?

Danielle Balderas Associate Producer, XQ Institute
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.

Jennifer Ellis Director of Policy Engagement, XQ Institute
High School & Society

The Relationship Between Parental and Family Involvement and Student Success

Research shows when families take a role in a students education, it sets them up for success. Learn how you can play your part.

Team XQ #ReThinkHighSchool
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.

Summer Kriegshauser Senior Program Manager, No Kid Hungry
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.

Jennifer Ellis Director of Policy Engagement, XQ Institute
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.

Nicole Smith Restorative Justice Trainer-Consultant & Writer
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.

Brad Weinstein Consultant, XQ Institute
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.

Team XQ #ReThinkHighSchool
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.

Team XQ #ReThinkHighSchool
High School & Society

Strategies for White Educators Who Seek to Be Anti-Racist

Learn how white educators can begin decolonizing education in their daily work to put anti-racist ideas into practice.

Casey Pettit Director of Strategic Partnerships, Project Wayfinder
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.

Utieyin Ekwejunor-Etchie Operations and Special Projects Associate
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.

Utieyin Ekwejunor-Etchie Operations and Special Projects Associate
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.

Nicole Smith Restorative Justice Trainer-Consultant & Writer
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.

Team XQ #ReThinkHighSchool
High School & Society

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.

Team XQ #ReThinkHighSchool
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.

Project Wayfinder
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.

Dr. Lauren J Bierbaum Managing Director of Data, Research, & Policy, XQ Institute
High School & Society

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.

Team XQ #ReThinkHighSchool
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.

Hana Beach Editorial Associate, XQ Institute
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.

Team XQ #ReThinkHighSchool
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.

Emily Fowler Junior at the University of Oregon & research assistant for Terrapin Data
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.

Mary Ryerse Managing Director for School Success, XQ Institute
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.

Team XQ #ReThinkHighSchool
High School & Society

Why Is Media Literacy Important, Especially in the Wake of COVID-19?

n an uncertain world with social feeds increasingly filled with fake news, we must ensure students are equipped with news and media literacy skills. Here's how we do it.

Team XQ #ReThinkHighSchool
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.

Team XQ #ReThinkHighSchool
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.

Team XQ #ReThinkHighSchool
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.

Danielle Balderas Associate Producer, XQ Institute
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.

Generation Citizen @civiceducation
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.

Team XQ #ReThinkHighSchool
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.

Team XQ #ReThinkHighSchool
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.

Danielle Balderas Associate Producer, XQ Institute
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.

Team XQ #ReThinkHighSchool
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.

Danielle Balderas Associate Producer, XQ Institute
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.

Team XQ #ReThinkHighSchool
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.

Danielle Balderas Associate Producer, XQ Institute
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.

Jennifer Ellis Director of Policy Engagement, XQ Institute
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.

Danielle Balderas Associate Producer, XQ Institute
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.

Danielle Balderas Associate Producer, XQ Institute
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.

Team XQ #ReThinkHighSchool
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.

Danielle Balderas Associate Producer, XQ Institute
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.

Team XQ #ReThinkHighSchool
High School & Society

Celebrating Hispanic heritage, this month and all year round

Hispanic Heritage Month, Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, is commemorated across the country with festivals, exhibits, concerts, awards, lectures, and other events to honor the myriad contributions of Latinx people to American culture. How should schools be a part of this national movement?

Team XQ #ReThinkHighSchool
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?

Team XQ #ReThinkHighSchool
High School & Society

How the Born This Way Foundation is supporting communities affected by mass shootings

"We cannot turn away from ourselves. We cannot turn away from our loved ones. We need each other. Don’t turn away.”

Team XQ #ReThinkHighSchool
High School & Society

School Fundraising 2.0

Schools everywhere turn to fundraising to make their schools sustainable. Here are some tips beyond bake sales to help your school's fundraising efforts.

Team XQ #ReThinkHighSchool
High School & Society

How to Teach Growth Mindset to Teens (For Parents)

Students who have a growth mindset experience challenges as the way to learn and improve. Here's how you can equip students with one of the most important skills.

Michele Cahill Senior Advisor XQ Institute
High School & Society

Schools with cops but no counselors?

ACLU reports 17 million students attend schools with police officers but no school counselors, with disastrous consequences. Here's the bigger picture of what this means.

Team XQ #ReThinkHighSchool
High School & Society

Want to Prepare Students for the Workforce? Let Them Lead.

This teen center learned a lot in the past 20 years about how to empower students to learn and lead. Here's what you can learn from them.

Team XQ #ReThinkHighSchool
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.

Team XQ #ReThinkHighSchool
High School & Society

An Inside Look at Teacher Stress

We asked readers if they feel teaching is increasingly stressful. Here are some of the most common responses we heard.

Team XQ #ReThinkHighSchool
High School & Society

These High School Students Are Learning From Local Businesses Instead Of Textbooks

This school in Indiana is partnering with businesses so that their students can solve real-world problems. Here's how they're doing it.

Team XQ #ReThinkHighSchool
High School & Society

The awesome way one school is helping students broadcast messages to the world.

The students of Ritenour High School had a special way to get their voices heard over the crowd though: a professional media lab.

Team XQ #ReThinkHighSchool
High School & Society

Four Practical Steps to Deepen School & Community Connections

The answer to rethinking high school might be within your community. Here are how four schools connect students with their communities.

Monica Martinez Former Senior Advisor, XQ Institute
High School & Society

Why High School?

Done right, we know high school can launch young people into productive and fulfilling lives.

Russlynn Ali XQ Co-Founder and CEO
High School & Society

Seven ways you can help support students and high schools in your community

Even if you're not an educator, parent, or student, you can still get involved and make an impact to high schools in your community. Here are seven ways you can do just that.

Anne Mackinnon Managing Director of Education Content & Tools, XQ Institute
High School & Society

Treating students like humans

The Aspen Institute report shows the crucial importance of social-emotional learning. Here's why it's critical to empower students in high school.

Team XQ #ReThinkHighSchool
High School & Society

Think you’re born with all your brainpower? This theory will make you think again.

Do you think you’re born with all the smarts you’ll ever have or that you can get smarter over time? Learn the answer.

Team XQ #ReThinkHighSchool
High School & Society

These girls are using their love of science to bridge international borders.

Not only are the Chicas helping to close the gender gap in STEM, but they’re also creating leaders in a marginalized community. Find out how.

Team XQ #ReThinkHighSchool
High School & Society

‘The most rewarding thing I’ve ever done’

Two veteran school board members reflect on their journeys to inspire others, from sharing why they decided to run to providing highlights of their work.

Team XQ #ReThinkHighSchool
High School & Society

Social-Emotional Learning Resources for Educators

Social-Emotional Learning is a critical support teachers can give students. Here's how you can support the mental wellbeing of your students.

Carri Schneider Senior Editorial Director, XQ Institute
High School & Society

SEL Starter Guide and More

New to the world of Social-Emotional Learning? Here are 5 resources to get you started.

Carri Schneider Senior Editorial Director, XQ Institute

Our Mission

We created the Rethink Together  to help high school students, educators,  and families find and share resources.

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