Mentoring and support are the foundations for successful learning.  So, what’s going on at your school site to keep your students engaged?  Post your comments below.

Not sure where to get started?  Check out this guide published by the National Mentoring Center on effective relationship development.

Schools have struggled to close a minority achievement gap.  A report published by the Education Trust-West (August, 2009) states that in California, despite some progress, the gaps in achievement separating Latino, African-American, and low-income students from their more advantaged peers are not closing but in some cases, are actually widening.

What are you doing in your classroom to address this issue?  What is being done at your district and state level?

Leave your comments below.  The full report can be found at http://www.edtrust.org/west/publication/persistent-challenges-and-paths-forward-achievement-in-california-2009.

Did you know that RAPSA kicked off its Collabinar series this week?  Our first online collaboration was a great success!  The informal discussion format and free-flowing conversation allowed educators thousands of miles apart to share strategies and easy-to-implement classroom management techniques.  As one participant put it, "“This is a great format.  I’m in Florida and meeting with teachers in California!  I would never be able to meet with you all otherwise!” 

Don't miss out on the future collabinars with topics such as special needs, leadership, virtual classroom strategies, and much more!  Check back frequently as dates will be announced soon. 

Do you have an idea for a collabinar?  Would you like to lead the discussion?  Tell us about it!  Write a topic you would like to facilitate in the blog comments section below.