Gorge STEM Connection

President Trump’s recent executive order calls for expanding apprenticeships and vocational training, while scaling back certain public workforce programs—sending mixed signals about the federal direction on job training and education. These shifts could have a major impact on how we prepare students and workers for the future. As priorities evolve, it’s essential for educators, industry leaders, and community partners to stay informed. 📖 Read more from Inside Higher Ed: 🔗 Trump Sends Mixed Signals on Apprenticeship and Job Training (Inside Higher Ed, May 13, 2025)

Summer break is a great time to rest and recharge—but it’s also a perfect opportunity to keep young minds active and curious! To help prevent that summer learning loss, here's my list of free resources that educators can use with their students or pass along to families. 📱 Apps & Websites • Khan Academy Kids – Interactive learning for ages 2–8 • Prodigy – Math practice in a fun, game-like format • Epic! Kids Books & Reading – Thousands of books at kids' fingertips (free for educators!) • Highlights Kids – Puzzles, games, and kid-friendly content • Code.org – Intro to coding with engaging, age-appropriate challenges • Scratch – Create games, stories, and animations (best for upper elementary) • Common Sense Media – Reviews and advice to help choose great content • NASA Kids' Club – Games and activities to teach kids about NASA and its missions 🎧 Podcasts • Tinkercast - (Wow in the World, Flip & Mozi, and more) • PBS Kids Podcasts – Great characters and educational themes • Circle Round – Folktales from around the world with sound-rich storytelling • Who Smarted? – Fun facts and learning in a question-based format • Brains On! – Science made fun for curious kids 🏞️ Community Happenings (Columbia Gorge area) • Your Local Library – Storytimes, classes, clubs, and special events. Find yours here • JDRE Free Days at Fruit Loops Art Center (Hood River) • Library Museum Passes – Ask your library about free passes to Wonderworks Children's Museum, Columbia Gorge Discovery Center, Maryhill Museum of Art, and more! • Play & Learn @ Home – Playgroups for ages 0–5 • Hood River Library Makerspace – Creative tools and tech for hands-on fun 🧰 Resources for Families & Educators • Busy Toddler – Easy, low-prep activities for early learners • Gorge Youth – Local programs, events, and opportunities for kids and teens What did I miss? Comment below to share what your students and families will be up to this summer to stay curious, creative, and connected. 🌞

Yesterday, I had the chance to attend the AI Empowered EDU 2025 Conference (hosted by Multnomah ESD, Clackamas ESD, and Northwest Regional ESD) at the University of Portland – and wow, lots to think about as we continue to navigate AI’s role in education! 🎉 3 cheers for the key note and wrap up from Matt Mervis and Liz Radday of ChatEDU fame! They did a great job with their "State of the Union" on where we are with AI, including some very recent developments and studies. If you're looking for a great AI/EDU podcast, be sure to tune in! Here are a few standout takeaways from sessions I attended: 🔧 AI That Works for You (and Your Students): • In the session "AI Powered Teaching - Shaping the Future of Learning, Today", presenters from Anaheim Union High School District and E-Kadence showcased LMS/AI integration, highlighting student IEPs, real-time feedback, and personalized chatbot support (“Skrappy”) - everything from nudges on missing assignments to FAFSA help. • Students can now ask, “Why am I learning this?” and get tailored, interest-based responses. ✨ How about "When is this assignment due?" The AI tools integrating with the LMS data provides next level personalization for the entire learning community. • The parent-facing app offers the same deep integration including audio/text and multilingual support. 🧠 Balancing Cognitive Lift and Critical Thinking: • In "AI, Cognitive Offloading, and Critical Thinking", ODE's Brian Baker and Sol Joye emphasized that AI tools can scaffold student thinking without replacing it. A key idea: productive struggle matters - AI should support ZPD, not shortcut it. • Loved the analogies: LLMs as “pizza delivery” vs. scaffolded learning as a “meal kit"; LLMs as escalators vs scaffolded learning as a staircase. 🔒 Privacy & Policy in Practice: • The session "Enterprise Level AI in Education - PSD401.ai" highlighted how Peninsula School District has moved from policy writing to real implementation: guidance, data governance, and classroom support - backed by an internal “Learning & Innovation” team. • I've highlighted their work here before but it bears repeating that they are a year or two ahead of most of our school districts and all of their work is CCL. Here's your invitation to NOT reinvent the wheels! 🤖 Equity & Access: • Conversations emphasized AI for student agency - not just efficiency. Tools like Skrappy were co-designed with students, and even offer vetted support resources like local food banks. • “Too much support?” was a real question explored - how do we guide without removing growth opportunities? This event made it clear: AI isn't just coming to education - it’s already here. The goal? Keep humans at the center (📷 see the jazz band conference warm up below!), ensure transparency, and support learning that adapts as quickly as our world does.