Page 38 - AASBO EDGE Fall 2021 WEB

Simple Changes Can Enhance the Learning Environment

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Tina Bakalis, who specializes in counseling, talked about the learning environments, deploying technology, and furnishing
need for having an engaging learning environment, but she 21st century learning environments based on lessons-learned
noted: “It’s not easy to keep up with the latest and greatest and best-practices so that every student will contribute to and
developments.” benefit from Arizona’s economic advancement, he said.

She cited a report that shows many students who relied on “There is opportunity to be seized – don't wait for the old
distance learning during the pandemic suffered more than normal to return, it’s gone,” Bakalis said. “Visualize the
education-related disorders, namely mental, emotional, new normal and invest all resources available in advancing
physical, plus anxiety and eating issues. education. This strategy will pay extraordinary dividends.”

Another piece of the puzzle, she said, involves teachers. Most The good news is there is federal money available under
of them are working longer hours, they have utilized different ESSER (Elementary and Secondary School Emergency
teaching methods, and many are considering leaving the Relief). Arizona’s allocation under ESSR I was $227 million;
profession. ESSER II, $1.1 billion; and ESSR III, $2.6 billion. Funds
are for getting schools ready for the return of students, for
“Teacher dissatisfaction is on the rise,” Tina Bakalis said. wellness design expenses.
“The sparkle has gone out of teachers’ eyes.”
The total allocated to Arizona: $3.9 billion. “That’s significant
She gave an example of a former teacher who makes more money,” Paul Bakalis said.
money working fewer hours as a bartender.
In addition, the Governor’s Emergency Education Relief fund
“We need teachers,” she said. “They tell us when kids are totaled $69.2 million in federal money, Bakalis said. Grants
having trouble.” can be given to school districts, higher-education institutions,
and other educational entities, such as nonprofits, libraries,
Looking ahead, Paul Bakalis recommended elementary school and state agencies. The fund budgeted $40 million to expand
trips to nature preserves like the botanical gardens, the zoo, broadband in rural communities, $20 million to bring in
science center, and MIM. “These are enriching experiences extra support for high-need schools through Acceleration
that find their way back into the classroom,” he said. Academies, and $6 million for the Arizona Teachers Academy
to assist with the teacher shortage.
“There is opportunity to be seized Jared Bliss of Corgan showed how architects have responded

– don't wait for the old normal to to such issues as health and safety, social distancing, hand

return, it’s gone.” – Paul Bakalis sanitation, separating sick from the well in nurses’ waiting
areas, the benefits of natural day lighting, and areas to rest,
relax, redirect, and refresh.
Technology enables Arizona students to communicate with
students around the world, working together on projects. A simple change involves reconfiguring libraries. “Libraries
Reaching out to other students in different countries has never don’t get used the way they used to,” Bliss said. “They don’t
been easier, he said. Even conversations with varied languages need as much space. You can turn part of it into a media center
can be conducted using Zoom Interpreter. or a couple of classrooms. Simple moves allow schools to
provide students what they need for 21st century learning.”
“Connection is a powerful tool,” Paul Bakalis said.

It all comes down to funding. He recommended taking Paul and Tina Bakalis can be reached at: (602) 618-6275
advantage of Arizona Department of Education’s social Jared Bliss can be reached at: (602) 393-6104 or (602) 334-8538
worker funding of $60 million to address the social-emotional
stress of teachers and students. Use state funding first for
investments in reconfiguring space, outfitting outdoor

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38 THE EDGE FALL 2021