The Syncretic Effect of Dual-Source Data on Affective Computing in Online Learning Contexts: A Perspective from Convolutional Neural Network with Attention Mechanism

Affective computing (AC) has been regarded as a relevant approach to identifying online learners' mental states and predicting their learning performance. Previous research mainly used one single-source data set, typically learners' facial expression, to compute learners' affection. However, a single facial expression may represent different affections in various head poses. This study proposed a dual-source data approach to solve the problem. Facial expression and head pose are two typical data sources that can be captured from online learning videos. The current study collected a dual-source data set of facial expressions and head poses from an online learning class in a middle school. A deep learning neural network using AlexNet with an attention mechanism was developed to verify the syncretic effect on affective computing of the proposed dual-source fusion strategy. The results show that the dual-source fusion approach significantly outperforms the single-source approach based on the AC recognition accuracy between the two approaches (dual-source approach using Attention-AlexNet model 80.96%;single-source approach, facial expression 76.65% and head pose 64.34%). This study contributes to the theoretical construction of the dual-source data fusion approach, and the empirical validation of the effect of the Attention-AlexNet neural network approach on affective computing in online learning contexts.

Post-Pandemic Onset Trends for Public School English Learners in Virginia. COVID-19 Impacts Research Brief Series No. 3

The COVID-19 pandemic impacted the educational experiences of diverse student populations throughout the country and among Virginia public schools. English Learners (ELs) had a unique set of needs and services prior to the pandemic, and potentially were more vulnerable to pandemic-related disruptions in typical school operations than other student groups. We analyze statewide, student-level administrative data on the composition of the EL population, the identification for and reclassification out of EL services, and the exit of ELs from public school enrollment in kindergarten through grade twelve between the 2010-11 and 2020-21 school years to examine changes between the pre-pandemic period and first post-pandemic onset year (2020-21). Our key findings include the following: (1) Following the onset of the pandemic, the number of students classified as EL decreased for the first time in a decade. Specifically, whereas the number of students classified as EL increased by 26.0% (25,171 more students) between 2010-11 and 2019-20, the number of students classified as EL decreased by 3.2% (3,852 fewer students) between 2019-20 and the first post-pandemic onset year (2020-21). (2) There was a 21.6% decline (6,223 fewer students) in the number of Virginia K-12 public school students newly identified for EL services in 2020-21 as compared to 2019-20. The drop in new EL identification occurred across student groups, but was largest among Hispanic students, economically disadvantaged students, and ninth graders. (3) The number of EL students reclassified as fully English proficient decreased by 57.3% (8,169 fewer students) in 2020-21 as compared to the pre-pandemic period. This decline is nearly three times the size of the previous largest year-to-year change. The drops in reclassification among ELs occurred across student groups and were somewhat larger among Hispanic and economically disadvantaged students. (4) EL students' exits from Virginia public schools in the post-pandemic onset were a continuation of pre-pandemic trends and did not meaningfully vary by race/ethnicity, economically disadvantaged status, or disability status.

Report on the Condition of Education 2023. NCES 2023-144

The "Report on the Condition of Education" is a congressionally mandated annual report from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Using the most recent data available (at the time this report was written) from NCES and other sources, the report contains key indicators on the condition of education in the United States at all levels, from prekindergarten through postsecondary, as well as labor force outcomes and international comparisons. There are core indicators that are updated every year and spotlight indicators that provide in-depth analyses on topics of interest to education agencies, policymakers, researchers, and the public. At the broadest level, the Condition of Education Indicator System is organized into five sections: family characteristics;preprimary, elementary, and secondary education;postsecondary education;population characteristics and economic outcomes;and international comparisons. The Report on the "Condition of Education 2023" encompasses key findings from the Condition of Education Indicator System. The full contents of the Indicator System can be accessed online through the website or by downloading PDFs for the individual indicators. [For "The Condition of Education 2023": At a Glance, see ED628291. For the "Report on the Condition of Education 2022. NCES 2022-144," see ED619870.]

Investigation of Secondary School Students' Opinions on Mathematics Lesson with Distance Education

The aim of this study is to examine the opinions of secondary school students about mathematics lessons taught with distance education. The research was carried out by taking the opinions of 286 secondary school students from one state school selected from each of the provinces (Manisa, Izmir, Mugla, Antalya, Sirnak, Bitlis). Quantitative and descriptive survey method was used in the study. According to the findings, it was seen that the opinions of female and male students were very close to each other, there was no significant difference according to the variables of the number of siblings and whether they had their own study room, and there was a significant difference between 5th grade students and 8th grade students. Students;It was seen that there was no difference in their views on understanding the lesson better and increasing their success, they did not have any problems in accessing the Mathematics lesson, but they had problems due to internet interruptions during the lesson, they did not have any problems in communicating with their teachers and delivering homework during the lesson, but they still preferred face-to-face education at a high rate. It was observed that the motivation of the 5th grade students during the lesson and their better understanding of the lesson were higher than the 8th grade students.

Conversations, progressions, and perceptions: Examining the student experience of a blended sel program in high schools

Social-Emotional Learning (SEL), the process of developing and utilizing interpersonal skills for everyday life, has become a primary vehicle for structuring students' social and emotional health in the United States and across the world. In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of understanding SEL practices, is increasingly at the forefront of many discussions in education today. Since "non-academic factors" like SEL were added to U.S. education law (ESSA, 2015), the state of Florida has also added two mandates concerning SEL (Florida Senate Bill 7026: The Marjorie Stoneman Douglas Act and FS 1003.42;Rule 6A-1.094121: Curriculum mandate for four hours of SEL as part of mental health education). This has led to the adoption of SEL programming in schools. In 2018, Martin County Public Schools adopted the BASE Education learning program, an SEL approach that aimed to help high school students, identified as at-risk after a discipline infraction, to "learn about and apply psycho-social concepts through supportive, therapeutic dialogue" (MCSD Code of Conduct, Chapter V, 2022, p.18). BASE Education is an online program currently being implemented in all high schools within the Martin County School District. In purchasing BASE for implementation into the disciplinary process and SEL supports, the district projected that BASE Education would increase self-awareness and increase responsible decision making, thus decreasing discipline referrals. This study examines two components of the disciplinary experience of MCSD students: (1) The SEL experience of high school students referred to BASE Education intervention programming in the Martin County School District, and (2) How students who have participated in [personalized] BASE Education modules describe the nature of their pathway within the online experience. This study represents the first time that an analysis of the student referral experience data and online SEL intervention experiential pathway program data has been undertaken in Martin County Public Schools. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)

The Future Ready Lab: Maintaining Students' Access to Internships during Times of Crisis

In this manuscript, we highlight the virtual Future Ready Lab as one example of an innovative internship concept designed to increase the quantity of meaningful paid internship experiences available for students to participate in, prepare for further education, and be able to compete in the 21st Century workforce. The Lab's premise is to provide access to student populations (e.g., economically disadvantaged, Black, and Latinx students) who oftentimes are not afforded the opportunity to hone their 21st Century skills in a high-impact internship experience. The virtual nature of the Future Ready Labs provided opportunities for high school students to participate, despite transportation limitations, social distancing, emerging safety precautions, and requirements based on the COVID-19 pandemic. In this manuscript, we help fill gaps in existing literature concerning how schools support students' work-based learning experiences during times of crisis, particularly for diverse and economically disadvantaged learners. We conclude with recommendations for practice, and a broader work-based learning framework for how partnerships can be forged and sustained in high schools across the nation, as well as implications for educational policy, practice, and research. [ FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of Education & Urban Society is the property of Sage Publications Inc. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full . (Copyright applies to all s.)

An Operations Research-Based Teaching Unit for Grade 10: The ROAR Experience, Part I

We introduce "Ricerca Operativa Applicazioni Reali" (ROAR;in English, "Real Applications of Operations Research"), a three-year project for higher secondary schools. Its main aim is to improve students' interest, motivation, and skills related to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics disciplines by integrating mathematics and computer science through operations research. ROAR offers examples and problems closely connected with students' everyday life or with the industrial reality, balancing mathematical modeling and algorithmics. The project is composed of three teaching units, addressed to grades 10, 11, and 12. The implementation of the first teaching unit took place in Spring 2021 at the scientific high school IIS Antonietti in Iseo (Brescia, Italy). In particular, in this paper, we provide a full description of this first teaching unit in terms of objectives, prerequisites, topics and methods, organization of the lectures, and digital technologies used. Moreover, we analyze the feedback received from students and teachers involved in the experimentation, and we discuss advantages and disadvantages related to distance learning that we had to adopt because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Whole Story: A Black Principal's Experience with Race, Racism, and Racial Trauma

Principal Harris, a new Black male principal at Merion High School, has found himself under fire for allegedly promoting critical race theory (CRT). He has received several forms of pushback as he navigates district and state mandates, racial trauma, invisible taxes, and microaggressions. Unfortunately, his best intentions are not good enough. This case is designed to display the various factors Black principals face in schools and districts amid ongoing public health crises (e.g., COVID-19 and racism). I describe the layered role of race, racism, and racial trauma on Principal Harris through his reflections and responses to stakeholders.

Using university–school partnerships to facilitate preservice teachers' reading and responding to student writing

Preparing future teachers to read and respond to student writing is an important part of learning to teach writing. However, preservice teachers (PSTs) often do not have authentic opportunities to read and respond to student writing in methods courses. To create and provide more opportunities for reading and responding to student writing, I partnered with a local high school teacher and her student writers. In this article, I share why it is important for PSTs to have opportunities to read and respond to student writing, a university–school partnership designed to foster these opportunities, and observations from year one of implementation of the partnership. I end the article with important considerations for creating a partnership to foster opportunities to read and respond to student writing. [ FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of Journal of Adolescent & Adult Literacy is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full . (Copyright applies to all s.)

The Views of Middle School Students on Distance and Face-to-Face Education on Mathematics Education during the COVID-19 Pandemic

The spread of the COVID-19 all over the world have negatively affected many areas, leading to a number changes throughout the world. Being one of these areas, education had to undergone some changes and shifted to distance education during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, distance education has also brought some discussions and problems. This study was carried out to investigate the thoughts of middle school students on distance education and face-to-face education. Based on quantitative research design, this study adopted a phenomenological design Data were collected from a participant group consisting of 240 secondary school students (60 5th grade, 60 6th grade, 60 7th grade and 60 8th grade) through a scale prepared by the researchers. The data were analyzed using SPSS package program with descriptive statistics such as frequency and percentage. As a result of the study It was found that middle school students' views on distance education and face-to-face education differed significantly with regard to parents' education level, gender, grade level and average monthly family income.

Experiences of Parents and Practitioners Working with Middle School Students with ASD during the COVID-19 School Shutdown

People with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) may be especially vulnerable to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic due to their unique characteristics. This qualitative case study used interviews with instructional staff and parents to understand the experiences of both families and practitioners during the COVID-19 pandemic, and how this can inform the use of virtual instruction for students with ASD. Through the lens of Bronfenbrenner's ecological systems theory (1979) we examined how the different layers of our world shifted due to the pandemic, and what influence this had on our students with a diagnosis of ASD. Findings revealed several themes of among the interview transcripts, five main themes were observed: COVID-19, conflict of no control versus freedom, setting, technology use and preparation, and perspective.

School Disruptions Exacerbated Inequality in High School Completion

Using school-month-level learning mode data and high school completion rates across three school years from 429 Wisconsin public high schools, this study examines the impact of disruptions to in-person instruction during the COVID-19 pandemic on high school completion rates, with a focus on socioeconomic disparities. Findings reveal that a longer time in virtual or hybrid learning mode in 2020-21 decreases overall school completion rates and increases the within-school gap in completion rates between economically disadvantaged and non-disadvantaged students. This study provides further evidence of the unequal impact of the pandemic and calls for initiatives to support disadvantaged students during school disruptions.

Is there anybody out there? Insights into Teachers' Emergency Remote Teaching Experiences*

This study aims to explore the phenomenon of emergency remote teaching (ERT) during the COVID-19 pandemic in terms of teaching practices from the perspective of public high school teachers. This study, as a phenomenology design pattern in the qualitative paradigm, focused on the phenomenon of ERT as experienced by public high school teachers and as it appeared to the teachers from the first-person point of view. Data were collected from five secondary education public high school teachers who were selected through criterion and convenience sampling methods using an individual semi-structured interview form, transcribed by dictation.io, and analyzed through content analysis. This study yielded vivid descriptions through the themes of "shifting practices", "pearls and pitfalls of ERT" and "most challenging aspects of ERT experiences." Personal gains aside, the study can provide decision-makers with insights for considering the effectiveness of the execution of ERT. The findings can be used to improve the status of ERT practices and learning during crises.

Above and Beyond: A Grounded Theory of Aotearoa/New Zealand High School Teachers' Perspectives on International Study Tours

This paper addresses the dearth of research into the roles high school teachers play in organising and leading international study tours offered by high schools in New Zealand (prior to the COVID-19 pandemic). The aim of this paper is to provide insights into the motivations and experiences of teachers involved in these tours. A grounded theory approach was used, and qualitative data were collected via face-to-face interviews with eight teachers forming the basis of the development of a theory which proposes that both navigating and negotiating learning experiences are key aspects of the teacher's role. Data revealed that the expectations and challenges placed upon the teachers had implications for their personal and professional lives. The tension between teachers' perceived obligations for the safety of the students and the adolescent's desire for freedom to explore whilst travelling proved difficult to resolve and teachers questioned the sacrifices they personally needed to make.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on leadership and learning in Illinois public high schools

The purpose of this descriptive, nonexperimental quantitative research study was to examine Illinois High School Principals' perceptions of principal leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic. Areas of focus include daily leadership responsibilities, instructional leadership, and associated stressors. Quantitative data were collected through a survey sent to all Illinois Public High School Principals. Data were received from principals with various levels of experience and who worked in different-sized high schools with diverse demographics. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were obtained. The findings of this study suggested a perceived change to the instructional and daily leadership of Illinois public high school principals during the COVID-19 pandemic, specifically in defining the school mission, managing the instructional program, and creating a positive school climate. The findings also suggested the usage of instructional technology increased significantly during the pandemic and thus the student learning experience changed as a result. Illinois high school principals reported very high stress levels during the pandemic, with female principals and principals at schools with more low-income students indicating higher stress levels than their peers. COVID-19 mitigation and crisis management, along with concerns about student and staff mental health and well-being, were noted as significant stressors for high school principals. Recommendations for educators included a plea to policymakers and district-level leadership to ensure principals have an opportunity for mentorship, a chance to learn about crisis management, and through their principal preparation and mentorship, have open and honest conversations about the stresses of the job and self-care. The final recommendation to educators is to not expect a return to normal. Even with the difficulties high school principals faced, most importantly, there were many lessons and opportunities to continue the positive change from the pandemic and capitalize on these changes for our students and communities for years to come. Recommendations for future research include studying the shifts in instructional delivery from the pandemic with students and teachers, replicating the study with elementary and middle school principals, and exploring the stress of female high school principals. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)

Implementing social emotional learning through the use of virtual reality

The integration of Social Emotional Learning into the secondary curriculum is recognized globally as an important set of skills to have, especially since the onslaught of the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of combining these skills within a virtual reality program is to engage and enhance the experience the students have learning the new skills. This qualitative exploratory case study was established to determine if the WISE SEL VR program could be easily incorporated into the secondary curriculum in an urban high school. In addition, the secondary purpose was to establish the ease of which virtual reality gave to the instruction of social emotional skills. The findings of the study show that the participants and administrators at an urban high school understand the importance of teaching social emotional learning skills. They also acknowledge that the use of virtual reality enhanced the learning experience for their students. Students were engaged and excited to use the new technology to learn. However, the majority of the participants failed to make the connection between teaching the WISE SEL VR program in their specific content area. The majority of the participants believe the program itself is exceptional but should be a stand-alone course offered as an elective. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)

Retrospective Study and Evaluation of School Failure (Junior High School) in Scientific Subjects

This article aims, on the one hand, to theoretically analyze the fact of school failure by identifying and describing its extent, specifically in the province of Ouezzane in northern Morocco, on the other hand, it aims to describe the effect of hybrid education caused by the COVID-19 health crisis on student results in the 2020/2021 school year as well as to make a comparative analysis of school failure rates following an exploratory approach for previous school years;namely, the years 2015/2016, 2016/2017, 2017/2018 and 2018/2019. In order to carry out this study, we proceeded with an in-depth analysis of the marks of the students relating to the scientific subjects, in particular: mathematical sciences, sciences of life and earth and physics, resulting from the school curriculum obtained at the regional examination for the third year of college. Finally, we have suggested some recommendations regarding the technology plan that aim to reduce the rate of this failure in this province in particular and can be generalized in the other parts of the kingdom. © 2023, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.

The impact of life experiences on the school disciplinary practices of suburban high school administrators

This narrative study examined how the life experiences of high school administrators impact how they conceptualize and understand school discipline. These experiences were then positioned within the current context of COVID-19 pandemic related school closures and protests associated with George Floyd's death which brought light to systemic racism prevalent in school codes of conduct to determine how these events changed their disciplinary practices. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight administrators from suburban schools in the New York metropolitan region that also had a minority student population of at least 10%. Transcripts were analyzed using in vivo and process coding to identify themes across the interviews. Three themes were identified: elements that lead to an initial understanding of school discipline, how these initial practices change over time, and the twin impact of COVID-19 and protests highlighting systemic racism causing a drastic change to how administrators respond to student misbehavior. These findings were then analyzed using Critical Race Theory and situated among the current literature. The first finding was centered on the understanding administrators use their personal experiences as both as student and teacher to establish their understanding of school discipline. The second finding uncovered an awareness that in order to address student behaviors, administrators develop stakeholder connections. Lastly, there was an awareness and discovery that codes of conduct in their respective schools contributed to disproportionate discipline. While some administrators had already been working to enact change, others were in the beginning stages of learning about this problem and were unsure of the next steps. Form these findings, recommendations for practice and research were proposed. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)

Challenges of leading during COVID-19: A qualitative study of K-12 administrators

This research discusses the impact of environmental and social crisis events, how these events affect schools, and how administrators can make informed decision in response to those events. The qualitative phenomenological study explored the lived experiences of K-12 administrators in Mississippi Public Schools and how their perceptions of planning for the 2020- 2021 school year differs from past school years. The study is based on open-ended, in-depth interviews of K-12 administrators at the elementary, middle and high school levels in Mississippi Public Schools. The researcher examined the data and search for emerging themes. The data can be used to inform administrators of future school decisions. Findings revealed the need for proactive approaches to virtual learning, increased crisis management training, and increased collaboration among school staff. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)

Parental care and family support as moderators on overlapping college student bullying and cyberbullying victimization during the Covid-19 pandemic

Purpose: The study examined whether parental care and family support moderate the association between school bullying victimization and cyberbullying victimization among college students by applying the social anthropological approach and social control theory Method: Data were collected for 261 college students (57.9% female) aged between 18 to 24 or older from a university in the Midwest region of the United States. A latent moderated structural equations approach was utilized Results: The data revealed that bullying victimization was positively associated with cyberbullying victimization. Moreover, parental care was a significant moderator between bullying victimization and cyberbullying victimization Discussion: These findings have implications of preventing victims of bullying becoming victims of cyberbullying. Parental involvement especially needs to be emphasized for college students' cyberbullying prevention and intervention programs. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)