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AWSP Blog


  • Layla Jasper, Associate Director, AWSL
    Mar 9, 2022
    At AWSL, we are hearing the same feedback from students, teachers, and administrators across the state. There is tension at school. There are tough moments to move through in the classroom, leaving teachers and administrators feeling underprepared and students feeling unseen and frustrated. "Hot moments," a sudden eruption of conflict or tension in the classroom, can bring up an array of big emotions for people. Often, these occur when a student says something politically charged, may exhibit bias(es), or would be considered a microaggression. This moment can bring on feelings of uncertainty for everyone involved. You may not know how to move through it to interrupt harmful comments or behavior without escalating the situation even further. It may be tempting to let it go and not “make a big deal out of it,” however, as students voiced in our Student Voice Groups, not doing anything opens the door to even more harmful behavior. So, what can you do? Read on for five strategies to consider when faced with a Hot Moment in the classroom.
  • Roz Thompson, Governmental Relations & Advocacy Director, AWSP
    Mar 8, 2022
    The state DOH published an update to the Requirements and Guidance to Mitigate COVID–19 Transmission in K–12 Schools, Child Care, Early Learning, Youth Development, and Day Camp Programs document today. These updated school health and safety requirements take effect March 12 to coincide with the lifting of general indoor masking requirements. DOH is releasing it today to help people plan for this transition.
  • David Morrill, Communications & Technology Director, AWSP
    Mar 7, 2022
    Our job jar is currently down. We apologize for the inconvenience. For now, please search for or post a job on WASA's Career Connection site. Our IT support company is working with the job jar vendor to restore functionality as quickly as possible, but we don't have an ETA at the moment.
  • Roz Thompson, Governmental Relations & Advocacy Director, AWSP
    Mar 4, 2022
    It was budget week in the Legislature as both House and Senate Democrats released their supplemental operating budgets. Both budget bills had hearings within hours of their release on Monday, and both were amended within days of these hearings. Budget negotiators from both chambers will now seek to reconcile differences and come to a final budget before “sine die” (the last day of the session), scheduled for March 10.
  • Abby Bowers, Director of Special Programs, Capital Region ESD 113
    Mar 4, 2022
    These emails are sent out weekly to leaders in special education and Section 504. Each email contains tips and resources on a variety of topics that are meant to keep you informed and up-to-date.

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