Understood nonprofit takes note of educational differences and opportunities after pandemic

A popular sentiment across the country about our public education system might read something like “… to provide fair and equitable educational opportunities for all, regardless of background, socio-economic status, etc.” ”

While the tone and tenor of the statement rings true, the results should prompt more discussion about how students learn and how to provide support and educational pathways that more accurately reflect a diverse student body. One could go so far as to suggest that the next frontier of our education system would benefit greatly from the inclusion of the various learning styles, approaches and support systems necessary to fully engage the child as a whole.

Understood does not wait for the horizon to become clearer. The legacy, social impact-driven nonprofit continues to both clarify and redefine what it means to “think” and “learn” differently. In 2014, they helped 1 in 5 Americans with learning and attention problems, as well as reduce the stigma surrounding these problems.

Understood continues its commitment to research and recently published its back-to-school 2021 study to assess back-to-school readiness since Covid-19. In partnership with UnidosUS, the largest Latino advocacy organization in the United States, they examined concerns about children’s academic and emotional development and the actions needed to address learning challenges.

The collaborative effort examined quantitative data from 495 educators and 1,005 parents of children with and without differences in learning or thinking across the United States. Respondents to the study included educators as well as parents of children ages 5-18, 30% identifying as Hispanic / Latino, 68% as white / Caucasian, 19% as black / African American, 3 % as Asians and 2% as Native Americans

I caught up with Nathan Friedman, CMO of Understood, to learn about the lessons learned from their recent report, the challenges he [2021 Back to School Study] highlights and how Understood helps students reach their potential.

Rod Berger: When you think of the data related to this survey, what stands out to you that the general public might not connect with?

Nathan Friedman: There are probably a couple of things that really stand out.

First, we found that about equal numbers of teachers and parents expect children to go back to school and are happy with it, but 90% of educators fear that there are long-term challenges. . It is a huge sum.

Second, the fact that over 90% of educators will dip into their own pockets to subsidize current shortages due to learning challenges is also a major problem.

The cost and money in this environment make it much more difficult for children to thrive. Historically, teachers have committed their own money for basic resources, but we found that 34% spent more than $ 200 or more, which really needs to be addressed.

Shepherd: How has Covid-19 impacted Understood’s messaging?

Friedman: It has helped us refine the message and really design initiatives and programs that benefit different communities, so they get the resources they need.

For example, 71% of Spanish parents and around 65% of African American parents notice their children have difficulty learning because they were at home last year.

We help teachers have conversations with these parents to provide resources and develop a community that will give both parties the opportunity to work together during uncertain times. We had to reach people where they are, including through partnerships, to understand and communicate the significance of what happened during this time.

Shepherd: What have we learned from Covid-19 about the community that Understood serves?

Friedman: We have had to help parents connect the dots in different ways and answer questions that may have gone unanswered even when other questions come up.

I think when you have different technologies available in school systems, it brings different accessibility challenges. For example, is a particular technology the right solution for all students to thrive? Or what does it really take to get accommodations or an Individual Education Plan (IEP)? There is a definite difference between those who can and cannot get IEPs or even those who can afford to get the diagnosis of the learning difficulties they have observed.

So how do you provide access, resources, and a community to help parents when they notice these things? This is what we really focus on.

Shepherd: How does Understood’s messaging fit into a fluid market? How do you communicate effectively with different audiences and how much attention is given to educator education?

Friedman: I would look at our marketing on a multidimensional level. At the highest level, we try to raise awareness of the issues to reduce stigma and encourage advocacy.

By focusing on awareness, we open the door to marketing to people with different needs or perspectives. This means we meet the teacher where they are with focused outreach and engagement, not only with Understood, but through our partners, districts or wherever teachers are outside of school.

Then how do we elevate our brand and make ourselves more accessible?

This includes everything from AAA compliance in web design and development to partnering with the right organizations to work with alongside our mission. We’ve partnered with the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, not only to raise awareness, but also to ensure that the work we do doesn’t fall on people’s ears. a deaf person.

And finally, how do you make sure you reach the right people?

There will always be individuals who are not open to our message, but we have to start somewhere. We have shown that we can prove our effectiveness so that we can slowly build on this movement and cascade out of it.

Shepherd: You’ve partnered with the American Academy of Pediatrics to support the power of parenting and observation. What has Take NOTE’s role been in helping families define what they see at home?

Friedman: Take NOTE played a vital role when we launched it last year, but even more so this year when it comes to kids going back to school.

We have noticed what a lot of parents have faced with potential differences with their children at home.

There are concerns not only about academic development and socio-emotional learning, but also anxiety. Is it a symptom of differences in thinking and learning, a reaction to going back to school, or something else?

Take NOTE helps parents notice these behaviors, observe what is happening, and then talk to teachers who engage with the child to truly understand their situation in order to foster success and flourishing opportunities for that child.

This assessment is on a case-by-case basis, but there are things our investigation found that we can do now to improve learning more broadly over the next two months.

Teachers identified ways to reinvent learning in the classroom, both under their control, as more hands-on activities, or outside, as different learning environments where tools are available to enhance learning in the classroom. home, which can be useful in these situations.

Shepherd: The logical endpoint for Understood is a world where all the parameters are set, the supports are in place, and you have educated the audience, but where would that leave the organization?

Friedman: I would love to live in a world where everyone has what they need, but I think there will always be more people we can help. Although we have changed to put the individual at the center, there will always be support needed for the individual.

Our mission can remain the same. How, where and to what extent we do it may be different, but I think our CEO and Founder, Fred Poses, express it well by saying, “It would be great if there was a world where Understanding wasn’t necessary, but I’m not sure if I will see it in my lifetime.” “

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The personalization of education seems destined to be our present and our future. The success of this seismic change will be determined by the data we collect, the inferences we make, and the processes we put in place to support diverse student populations.

Friedman and Understood, along with passionate partners like UnidosUS and the American Academy of Pediatrics, are structuring the parameters of what “the future” will look like for millions of people across the country through thoughtful questions and focused solutions. towards action. It is only through proper representation and understanding that the human experience can be fully realized for all. Understood continues to bring the horizon closer to our daily lives, one student and one family at a time.

Interviews have been edited and condensed for clarity