Transcend is currently recruiting for their NEW cohort which will launch in January 2025. The Rural Schools Design Community is an opportunity for rural superintendents and one of their school communities to partner with Transcend in a six-month cohort program to reimagine their school models together with a national group of innovative rural leaders. 

 

There will be dedicated cohort experiences for both superintendents and the school community and it will take place through in-person convenings, virtual sessions, and coaching from a Transcend partner from January - May of this 2025 academic year. This opportunity will be free of cost to all participants.

To learn more, see this experience overview.

Arsen's study into rural schools found that many Michigan rural schools face similar challenges: recruiting and retaining teachers amid a shortage, serving students with mental health needs, broadband access that extends to student homes, funding and fulfilling state reporting requirements, which can feel onerous for districts with small staffs.

Strengthening these schools, he argues, would benefit everyone.

"They are one of the largest, if not the largest, employer in every rural school district, and they're providing a significant source of relatively stable jobs for those with and without college degrees," he said. "And, of course, they prepare young people for critically important jobs in a prosperous local economy."

CoSN in partnership with CAST recently released a comprehensive report entitled “AI and Accessibility in Education”. The report examines the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance educational accessibility and support for students, particularly those with disabilities. CoSN is also continuing their EmpowerED Panel Series, and has information about the 2025 conference available now.

This list of resources, as well as more information about each item, is available on the NREA Website.