Arik Korman, Author at League of Education Voters Page 9 of 32

Podcast – The Power of Quality Early Childhood Education

February 19, 2021 by Arik Korman

Dr. Alejandra Barraza (L) and Sonja Griffin

In our podcast, we interview policymakers, partners, and thought leaders to spotlight education policies, research, and practices so that together we can create a brighter future for every Washington student.

In this episode, League of Education Voters Communications Director Arik Korman asks Dr. Alejandra Barraza, President of the HighScope Foundation, and Sonja Griffin, Quality Practice and Professional Development Manager for the Seattle Department of Education and Early Learning, why it’s important to invest in ages 0-8, what implementation of these investments looks like, how these investments impact K-12 student outcomes, what worked and didn’t work in their own education journeys, and how they would transform our education system if there were no budgetary constraints.

HighScope provided the early learning curriculum adopted by the City of Seattle’s Department of Education and Early Learning that works with South Shore PreK-8 in South Seattle, a close partner of League of Education Voters.

Listen:

Recap: Why Every Family Deserves a Fair Start

February 16, 2021 by Arik Korman

By Lizzeth Mancilla
Engagement and Policy Intern

Representative Tana Senn (left) and Senator Claire Wilson (right)

In this webinar, Washington state Representative Tana Senn and Senator Claire Wilson, prime sponsors of the Fair Start for Kids Act (House Bill 1213 and Senate Bill 5237), explain how their omnibus legislation takes strong steps to address child care and early learning affordability, access, and the economic crisis. They also answered questions from the audience.

Washington Game Changers Podcast – Marty Hartman of Mary’s Place

February 12, 2021 by Arik Korman

Washington Game Changers with Lauri Hennessey features leaders who give back to our community, drive innovative solutions, and inspire others in making our state more equitable and just. This podcast is a one-on-one conversation with these powerful leaders in a time when we need to hear about more good in the world.

In this episode, Lauri talks to Marty Hartman, Executive Director of Mary’s Place, an organization founded on the principle that no one’s child should sleep outside. Mary’s Place provides safe, inclusive shelter and services that support women, children, and families on their journey out of homelessness.

Marty Hartman talks about homelessness in Seattle, the impact of COVID-19 on families living in homelessness, and what you may not know about families who experience homelessness. Marty also shares inspirational stories about families doing their best with their kids during this tough time of socially-distanced learning and living through the pandemic.

Listen:

Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or Spreaker.

Watch:

Recap: A Listening Session with Voices from the Latino Community Part 2

February 10, 2021 by Arik Korman

By Lizzeth Mancilla
Engagement and Policy Intern

Dr. Susana Reyes (left), Dr. Nydia A. Martinez (middle), Tanya Medina (right)

In this webinar, we assembled another statewide panel of Latino thought leaders, community leaders, and educators to share their perspectives on what is working, and not working, in their communities and what state legislators can do to better support Latino students. Panelists included Dr. Susana Reyes, Assistant Superintendent of Operations for the Pasco School District and Member of the Washington State Board of Education; Dr. Nydia A. Martinez, Director of the Chicana/o/x Studies Program, Academic Director of the College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP), and Assistant Professor of History at Eastern Washington University (EWU); and Tanya Medina, Alianza Youth Leadership Co-Manager with the Latino Community Fund.

Recap: Our Rising Voices – Supporting Emergent Multilingual Students

January 26, 2021 by Arik Korman

By Lizzeth Mancilla
Engagement and Policy Intern

In collaboration with the Road Map Project, League of Education Voters partner OneAmerica has published a new report, Our Rising Voices: A Call to Action to Support Emergent Multilingual Students. In this webinar, Nimco Bulale, Education Program Manager from OneAmerica, shared takeaways from the report and answered questions from the audience.

Washington Game Changers Podcast – Dr. Ben Danielson

January 26, 2021 by Arik Korman

In this episode, Dr. Ben Danielson, formerly the Director of the Odessa Brown Clinic at Seattle Children’s and now with UW Medicine, talks about his personal and career journey, and his work to advance racial equity.

Listen:

Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or Spreaker.

Watch:

Podcast – 2020 Washington state Classified School Employees of the Year

January 25, 2021 by Arik Korman

In this episode, League of Education Voters Communications Director Arik Korman asks 2020 Washington state Classified School Employees of the Year about their role in the education system, what advice they would give a new classified employee, what motivation they still carry with them from their first day on the job, how the COVID pandemic has impacted their work, and what school districts can do to better support employees in their role.

We were honored to interview:

Melito Ramirez, 2020 Washington state Classified School Employee of the Year and Regional Classified School Employee of the Year from Educational Service District 123, who works as Intervention Specialist at Walla Walla High School in the Walla Walla School District

Katie Lee, 2020 Regional Classified School Employee of the Year from Olympic Region Educational Service District 114, who is a Special Education Paraeducator at Vinland Elementary and Poulsbo Elementary Schools in the North Kitsap School District

Listen:

LEVinar Recap: What to Expect in the 2021 Legislative Session

January 14, 2021 by Arik Korman

By Lizzeth Mancilla
Engagement and Policy Intern

The Washington state Legislative Session started this Monday, where hundreds of bills concerning early learning, safe and supportive schools, local levies/LEA, special education, etc. are being introduced in either the Senate or House of Representatives.

In this webinar, League of Education Voters Director of Policy and Research Jacob Vela and government relations consultant Carey Morris give an overview of the 2021 legislative landscape, outline our priorities for the 2021 legislative session, and answer questions.

Childcare Essential for Economic Recovery and on the Brink of Disaster

January 8, 2021 by Arik Korman

By Susan Brown, President and CEO of Kids Co.
Guest Blogger

There is no doubt amongst business leaders, elected officials, employers, and employees that without childcare, economic recovery will be virtually impossible. The harsh reality is that if childcare centers don’t get financial relief soon, families will have even fewer options for care when they feel it is safe to send their children again. The number of families who need care now is not enough to sustain childcare. And the child care businesses who do have savings to draw upon to stay open in the short term may still close as the pandemic continues.

Childcare businesses are struggling to stay open. The cost of care is higher than most working families can afford so childcare businesses are subsidizing that care at substantial losses. In March 2020 Kids Co. was providing care to 889 kids. As of today, there are 63 kids enrolled. Kids Co. is experiencing a nearly 100% decrease in enrollment. Kids Co. is not alone. Dozens of programs in Seattle are experiencing drastically low enrollment. Read More

A Statement on Democracy

January 7, 2021 by Arik Korman

Like many of you, we are processing the violent events that unfolded at our nation’s Capitol yesterday, fueled by white nationalism and against a backdrop of a deadly pandemic. These treasonous acts are a stark reminder of how much work is needed to protect and fully realize the promise of American democracy for everyone, and the vital role that education plays in fulfilling that vision.

At the urging of President Trump, violent insurrectionists stormed the Capitol to disrupt the certification of our duly elected 46th President. This is a clear attempt to undermine our country’s democracy and the will of its citizens.

Election officials in both parties, as well as state and federal courts in more than 60 cases, have determined that the outcome is not in doubt. Joe Biden is our next President, and Congress must heed the voice of the American people.

Millions are suffering at the hands of COVID with many witnessing family members die, loved ones lose jobs, and children go hungry. President Trump and those who have supported him in the stoking of hate and division, bear the burden of this ongoing tragedy and need to stop the violence now and take responsibility for their actions.

We condemn this action and acknowledges Joe Biden as our next President.

Black Education Strategy Roundtable

Building Changes

College Success Foundation

Graduate Tacoma

Stand for Children Washington

Treehouse

Washington State Charter Schools Association

Washington STEM

League of Education Voters

Author: Arik Korman