Crisis Fatigue – What it Is, What it Does, and How to Help

 

With degrees in Psychology and Education, Steve Betando recently retired as a superintendent in Silicon Valley. After a 38-year career in education. Betando writes about how life's stressors can damage the quality of daily activities and mental health. To minimize the impact of Crisis Fatigue, he provides ideas for treating the condition by reducing exposure and boosting positive forces in life.

What causes Crisis Fatigue?

Crisis Fatigue is mental and physical distress after prolonged or repeated exposure to crisis. It refers to an individual's response to the cumulative burden of chronic anxiety because of susceptibility to life’s tragic or disturbing events.

Events known to cause drawn out stress through societal, political, environmental, or personal calamity are:

• MASS TRAGEDIES  

• ECONOMIC RECESSIONS OR DEPRESSION

• WARS AND GOVERNMENT INSURGENCIES

• PANDEMICS

• NATURAL DISASTERS

• UNRESOLVED SOCIETAL DISSENTION 

• CONFRONTATION OR TYRANNICAL POLITICAL CLIMATES

• TRAGIC OR DISTRESSING PERSONAL MATTERS

Current crises grind away at resilience and work against mental and physical health: 

1. WAR

At the time of this article’s publication date, over 25 countries are consumed by war or insurgencies. The worries and distractions about the death and horrors of the Russian-Ukraine war, as the largest hostility, is played out on television and the internet 24 hours a day. 

2. PANDEMIC

Almost 7 million deaths worldwide are attributed to the pandemic. For those surviving the pandemic, the disease changed lives in profound ways. The virus remains unpredictable and continues to morph into variants. The intermittent surges, changing health regulations, and political controversy adds to everyone's anxiety. 

3. MASS SHOOTINGS

People are exposed to more gun violence than ever before. In the year 2022, over 600 mass shootings and other domestic shooting amounted to over 40,000 people being shot. Disturbing video of the events and the aftermath is constantly played in the media. 

4. GLOBAL WARMING

Climate change is linked to dramatic weather patterns. Devastating super storms, fires, droughts, and floods are disrupting lives. Alarming news from around the globe describes climate pattern changes on our planet.  

5. MAN-MADE CATASTROPHES

Disasters caused by human error or maliciousness is on the rise. Transportation disasters include railways, aircraft, and ships. Toxic substance spills, terrorist attacks, and devastating power source accidents also create distrust of corporate decision-making and government agencies.

6. BIGOTRY

Race and gender discrimination takes many forms.  Injustices deteriorate human rights while causing inequitable conditions and disproportionate stressors. Limited access to education, jobs, healthcare, housing, food, and clean water are intolerable hardships. Increases in racist, xenophobic, and sexist acts or statements are direct crisis factors for the victims and create societal stress for everyone.

What does Crisis Fatigue do? (Symptoms)

• physical and mental exhaustion

• health ailments or pains

• insomnia, too much or irregular sleep

• lost appetite or gluttony

• argumentative and easy to anger

• increase use of alcohol, drugs, or other substances 

• numbing or addictive behaviors 

• withdrawn and depressed

• work or school absenteeism

• mood swings

• difficulty concentrating

• despondent feelings: (numb, empty, no life purpose, lonely, helpless, lack empathy)

ALERT for Potential Self-Harm - Symptoms above are also seen in those having a tendency for self-harm or suicidal thoughts. If so, call the 24-hour, toll-free, (confidential support for people in distress): CALL OR TEXT: 988 

How to Help

Choose from the following menu of intervention activities if anguished by Crisis Fatigue. 

1. SPEAK with a medical professional about the specific symptoms. Obtain a medical opinion about how to manage or reduce the anxiety or disruptions.

2. ACKNOWLEDGE the symptoms to a trusted friend or family member and discuss support options.

3. INCREASE time spent with close friends and family members. Although sharing matters of concern is helpful, take caution to avoid dominating the conversation with concerns about distressing news and turn the discussion toward planning positive activities not related to any crisis.

4. LIMIT exposure to media and social media. News agencies and media programming tactics and addictive qualities are highly competitive. The media's primary goals are to win viewers and attract advertisers. Resist with hard boundaries for viewing time spent. 

5. PLAN decent sleep. Our brain processes while asleep. Develop bedtime routines. Keep the room comfortable, dark, cool, and quiet. Keep devices off and inaccessible. Avoid alcohol or caffeine drinks before going to bed as they cause disrupted sleep. If having difficulty, reading real books or sleep music can help.

6. JOURNAL about worries and anxieties related to the crises organizes thoughts and feelings and helps work though troubling issues. It helps to add entries about positive and fulfilling thoughts such as those generated by activities in number 7.

7. ENJOY activities away from influence of crisis. Find beauty and inspiration in life. Take time appreciating positive aspects in others, in the world. Walk in nature, visit a museum, meditate, and listen to music. Being around pets is proven to boost mental health. 

8. SCHEDULE physical activity. Planning regular exercise improves circulation and memory while reducing anxiety and depression. 

9. TAKE ON new challenges of dexterity and fine arts creation. Engage your mind in non-sedentary activities. Learning the activities and memories created will overtake some of the brain activity frequented by fixations on crises. Screen activity (computer or television) is NOT included as a suggested activity as much of the activity is passive. 

Resources: 

Coping Tips for Traumatic Events and Disasters | SAMHSA https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/disaster-distress-helpline/coping-tips

Disaster Distress Helpline: Get Immediate Crisis Counseling and Support | SAMHSA https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/disaster-distress-helpline

Fight racism | United Nations https://www.un.org/en/fight-racism?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI0prTtIPL_QIVCxmtBh0DxALZEAAYASAAEgJgZvD_BwE

The Health and Mood-Boosting Benefits of Pets - Help Guide https://www.helpguide.org/articles/mental-health/mood-boosting-power-of-dogs.htm

The Impact of Disaster and Mass Violence Events on Mental Health - PTSD: National Center for PTSD (va.gov) https://www.ptsd.va.gov/professional/treat/type/violence_trauma_effects.asp

The Lifeline and 988  https://988lifeline.org/current-events/the-lifeline-and-988/

Managing Fatigue During Times of Crisis: Guidance for Nurses, Managers, and Other Healthcare Workers https://blogs.cdc.gov/niosh-science-blog/2020/04/02/fatigue-crisis-hcw/

Overwhelmed and Stressed? Why You May Be Feeling Crisis Fatigue - Healthline https://www.healthline.com/health-news/overwhelmed-and-stressed-why-you-may-be-feeling-crisis-fatigue#The-bottom-line

Shooting Incidents at K-12 Schools (Jan 1970-Jun 2022) - CHDS School Shooting Safety Compendium https://www.chds.us/sssc/data-map/

Why Keep a Positivity Journal? | HealthyPlace https://www.healthyplace.com/self-help/positivity/why-keep-a-positivity-journal

Volunteer Puppy Raising Opportunity with Canine Companions

 A resident of California, Steve Betando is an accomplished educator and educational administrator who has served as principal at Chrysler Elementary School and Eisenhut Elementary School in the Stanislaus Union School District. From 2013 to 2021, he served as the superintendent of the Morgan Hill Unified School District (MHUSD). Passionate about giving back to the community, Steve Betando participates in regional activities and supports the organization Canine Companions.

Volunteer puppy raisers at Canine Companions contribute to the organization's service dog-raising efforts. They do this by providing shelter, healthy diets, obedience training, and socialization opportunities to Canine Companions' specially-bred puppies, which will one day become service dogs.

Individuals suffering from disabilities or debilitating medical conditions like arthritis, multiple sclerosis, spina bifida, and cerebral palsy can live more independent lives with the assistance of these dogs. Service dogs can assist with opening doors, retrieving misplaced keys, pushing buttons for automatic doors, and keeping transaction receipts.

A Canine Companions' volunteer puppy raiser must commit themselves to supervise the pet under their care throughout the day and teaching basic commands and puppy manners to the pet. Other responsibilities include feeding the puppy a healthy diet recommended by the nonprofit, attending an average of two Canine Companions classes per month, and working closely with the nonprofit to document the pet's progress.

Furthermore, they must agree to return the puppy when Canine Companions request this. Adults can apply to become volunteer puppy raisers by completing an application form. People under the age of 18 require the assistance of their parents or guardians to complete the form.

The Vision of Canine Companions

Steve Betando is a graduate of San Jose State University, where he majored in psychology with a minor in special education. In his 8-year role as Superintendent of Morgan Hill Unified School District, he was responsible for the general administration of all instructional, business, and other operations of the district. Prior to his positions as Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources and Superintendent, Steve Betando served as the principal of Chrysler Elementary School and Eisenhut Elementary School in Stanislaus County. While Superintendent, the Pandemic hit. Steve Betando reached out to Canine Companions to request comfort support from the therapy dogs for anxious children and adults while receiving their COVID-19 vaccine shots. When asked to support vaccine clinics throughout Santa Clara County, the Canine Companion handlers, trainers, and the dogs themselves provided comfort support to clinics throughout the 31 school districts, private schools, and charter schools in the area.

Canine Companions is a nonprofit that caters to adults and children with physical, auditory, or cognitive disabilities who need the assistance of others like a parent, caregiver, or spouse. They also specialize in working with veterans with PTSD and professionals who work in health, education, and criminal justice.

The organization used proven research to show that pairing humans with canines will improve the quality of life of people affected by physical and emotional trauma. The staff and supporters of Canine Companions act with compassion, integrity, and professional excellence to assist people living with disabilities. Their work in training and matching the highly trained and capable dog companions to those in need achieves a life of greater independence.

 

The Green Foothills' Efforts to Preserve the Stanford Foothills

 Steve Betando is an experienced educator who has earned several awards, including a 2006 Elementary Principal of the Year award. After retiring as superintendent of the Morgan Hill Unified School District in California, Steve Betando continues to actively support various environmental protection causes, including the Green Foothills.

Green Foothills is a California-based nonprofit organization. Formed in 1962, the body plays an active role in preserving the natural environment and resources in San Mateo and Santa Clara counties through advocacy, partnerships, and education programs. Green Foothills works to influence decision-making and legislative action to align with safeguarding the ecosystem, preserving biodiversity, and other environmental policies.

Recently, the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors approved an update of the Stanford Community plan. The plan, which sought to extend the protection of over 2,000 acres of hillside open space in the Stanford Foothills for 99 years, was approved by a unanimous vote. Earlier in December 2022, the Green Foothills had drawn awareness to this issue and encouraged people to email the supervisors to support the approval of this plan.

The protection of this extensive grassland was what originally triggered the formation of the Green Foothills. Its preservation is considered essential, as it provides irreplaceable habitat for wildlife and plays a crucial role in reducing climate impact. As the county makes further steps in drafting an environmental impact report and creating a final plan for the Stanford Foothills, Green Foothills continues to keep community members updated and educate them on how to contribute to this process.

A Social Strategy for a Daily Health Focused Life

 With experience as a principal, Steve Betando is an educational administrator in Northern California who most recently served as superintendent of the Morgan Hill Unified School District. One focus for Steve Betando is helping others achieve life balance in areas that range from physical health to social wellness.

The latter concept refers to the critical close relationships people have with others which has become increasingly sparse since the dawn of the digital age. More challenges to the human connection occurred when the pandemic caused further separation and isolative experiences. Many people struggled with forced distancing experience while heavily desired the physical presence of others. Whether physical isolation is voluntary or forced, there are other ways to support mental wellness by keeping social connected to others through a nurturing communication link with friends, family, old acquaintances, and coworkers.

Physical proximity certainly has a positive influence not quite found by another means of connection. However, it is important to take advantage of old and new technology when it is not possible to by physically together. Staying connected with others does not require close or lengthy physical proximity. A simple phone call, text, or email can help reestablish a sense of continuity with others. Try to integrate “10-second relationships” into the day as well. This involves simple greetings and conversations with neighbors, service workers, and others who share part of daily life's path.

For many, reaching out to others is not necessarily comfortable. For more reserved people, being the first to reach out to others must be an acquired skill before it become a natural part of their daily experience. The connection focus on improving communication skills and interacting with others in ways that carry minimal expectations and ulterior motives.

Proven effects of prosocial behavior include a raise in self-esteem, a stronger sense of purpose, and the frequency of "paying the positive connection forward," to others. Such brief interactions of human connectivity have profound positive influence on each individual involved in the interaction. A study providing a Theoretical Perspective on Thriving Through Relationships, (Feeney and Collins, 2014) found that receiving prosocial acts are associated with fewer depressive symptoms and greater belongingness.

Multiple studies find that the human connection also decreases other health risks and improves physical well-being and longevity. Researchers have found that strong social connections also strengthen the immune system. Over time, infusing prosocial behaviors in your day’s routine will likely increase your chances of a longer life by as much as 50%. Moreover, enhancing the human connection in your and other lives will make each day on earth more healthy, positive, and meaningful.

The Canine Companions Offering Company and Promoting Independence

 

A bachelor of arts graduate in psychology from San Jose State University, California, Steve Betando, a former principal, recently retired as superintendent at Morgan Hill Unified School District. Passionate about community involvement, he actively takes part in local events. Aside from being a benefactor for the Canine Companions organization, Steve Betando invited and arranged for the Canine Companion therapy dogs with their owners to assist in calming down anxious children during hundreds of Santa Clara County Office of Education supported COVID-19 vaccine clinics.

Founded in 1975, the Canine Companions organization provides service dogs to people with various forms of disabilities, whether physical or cognitive, including children, and facility dogs for people working in criminal justice, educational institutions, and healthcare. The organization believes in the transformative spirit of human and dog partnership and provides the canines at no cost to those seeking and needing independence the most.

A full non-profit, the Canine Companions rely on well-wishers to keep the programs running, including fundraising events such as the DogFest. These annual event offers a fun platform for registrants, sponsors, donors, and vendors at over 15 different event locations in the country. Though registration is free, entrants are encouraged to raise funds. The 2022 DogFest series raised a total of $1.5million for Canine Companions.

Conflict Management and Negotiation

A resident of San Jose, California, Steve Betando is an educator with over 36 years of experience. He served as the superintendent of the Morgan Hill Unified School District, during which time he received the California Distinguished Schools Gold Ribbon Award. Steve Betando is also a consultant and trainer on conflict management.

Building relationships provide the basis for conflict resolutions. Conflict management refers to the means by which parties can settle disagreements amicably among themselves. There are various conflict resolution techniques. Some of them are as follows:

Compromising and reconciling. This technique involves both parties letting go of something, be it an opinion or otherwise, to locate a middle path from where they can identify a resolution. Rarely can negotiations be settled without compromise and reconciliation.

Problem-solving/Confrontation. With this method, people involved in the conflict or who may have a difference in opinion come forward to discuss the issues at hand with a very open mind. Constructive confrontation refers to confronting the issue, not confronting other parties in an adversarial manner. For success, parties must focus on resolving the conflict and finding the best alternative or solution while understanding the benefits of resolution for all parties.

Smoothing/accommodating. When two parties dissent on an issue and discussions stall, either party can lead a resolving perspective on the situation by stressing points of agreement while recognizing, but de-emphasizing disagreements. Working together on common goals can act as a catalyst to dissolve the tension between the people involved by instilling trust and motivating both sides to resolve the conflict.

How Does Interest-Based Bargaining Work?

With a career of more than 35 years in teaching and education administration, California resident Steve Betando is the current superintendent of Morgan Hill Unified School District. His previous roles include that of principal for Chrysler Elementary School and Eisenhut Elementary School, both in the Stanislaus school district where he eventually served as an assistant superintendent. Steve Betando also works as a leadership development consultant and has conducted training programs on topics like interest-based bargaining.

While bargaining is often seen as a confrontational activity, an interest-based bargaining (IBB) approach seeks to make negotiations more collaborative. Instead of positional bargaining, where parties pit demands or needs against each other and try to get the better deal, IBB involves more conversation and transparency, where groups lay their issues out and then brainstorm on resolutions that will benefit everyone. That is why IBB is also known as win-win bargaining. Another term for it is ‘integrative bargaining’ since the process often integrates a number of contested issues, and the stakeholders trade off on individual matters for an overall outcome where everyone gets some part of what they want.

The first step in an IBB discussion is to identify the issue. Parties then break down the core matter into their individual and shared interests and concerns in it. Clarifying what each group wants out of the negotiation and why is important and necessary for a more empathetic mindset when coming up with solutions. Breaking down the issue may also enable the negotiators to find specific answers that they mutually agree on. A crucial part of shortlisting solutions, therefore, is to create an objective metric for them; standardizing the desired outcomes ensures that parties do not leverage power or lose sight of the goal where everyone benefits. Finally, once everyone has addressed their needs and expectations, they decide on the solution plan together, rather than one group taking the lead.

Morgan Hill Students Learn Awareness

A former district superintendent, Steve Betando has worked in education administration for close to four decades. Since his graduation from San Jose University in California, he has taken leadership positions in the Morgan Hill, Fremont, and Stanislaus school districts, serving as a teacher, principal, and curriculum developer, and chief human resource officer. Steve Betando has also conducted workshops and courses in leadership development, strategic planning, conflict resolution and anti-bullying initiatives.

As a measure to combat sexual abuse and violence, The Morgan Hill Unified District School has established the program Be Seen and Be Heard. With the 2021 sessions starting in October, it is a set of presentations for different age groups among K-12 students that teach them to recognize and defend against sexual abuse. The school district administration is distributing them to the institutions under their purview; alongside an author’s introduction addressed to the parents, Be Seen and Be Heard includes an hour-long session and four follow-ups to be scheduled over the course of the year.

As a leading district in the United States to use the Be Seen and Heard Program, Morgan Hill has been conducting presentations on this difficult but ubiquitous issue for several years while carefully varying the messages depending on the grade levels so that even the youngest students can gain awareness on staying safe. As such, the rubrics cover an expansive range of topics, from introducing second-grade students to the concepts of body safety and using one’s voice as a safety tool, to talking to high-schoolers about the connections between abuse and bullying, and the the dangers of sex trafficking.

Managing Technology in the Classroom from Set-Up

After studying at the San Jose State University and graduating with a bachelor’s in psychology, Steve Betando served as a teacher and eventually into the principalship of Eisenhut Elementary School in the Stanislaus Union School District. Steve Betando’s service to the education system eventually let to his position Superintendent of Morgan Hill Unified School District in California. Back in 1991, he organized a workshop to address technology in the classroom with practice proven strategies still in use today.

There are certain instructional techniques teachers can adopt to manage technology in the class, and many people may underestimate how important it is to begin with the set-up of the classroom. The teacher should arrange the tables in a manner that allows them to view the screens in the classroom. The students must be engaged in the technology and, at the same time, the teacher has a wide span of surveillance can engaged with the students. The thoughtful classroom design must create optimum opportunity for that functional and instructionally appropriate engagement.

Beyond just arrangement, the teacher or instructor needs to establish the classroom procedures by showing and repeating. Students should understand what is expected of them and how to deal with any difficulties that arise from their usage of the technology. Numbering the technology components helps this, as well as assisting with technological support communications also gives students a sense of ownership.

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Children Developmental Behavior vs. ADHD

Steven Betando graduated from San Jose State University with a degree in psychology in 1983 and became the superintendent of Morgan Hill Unified School District in 2013. As an experienced teacher and principal, Steven Betando has organized several workshops, courses, and seminars for his colleagues. In 1998, he published in the CSU Stanislaus School of Education Journal “What Principals Should Know About ADD/ADHD.”

It is crucial not to mistake a child’s normal development for ADHD. At some point in a healthy child’s life, they are impulsive, inattentive, or hyperactive. Preschoolers are notorious for having short attention spans and the inability to focus on a single task for lengthy periods. This extends to teens and older children, where attention span is usually influenced by interest.

Some children are just born with a higher degree of activity than others, and children who are simply different from their peers and siblings should not be labeled as having ADHD. Children who have difficulties at school but get along well at home or with their peers are most likely facing something different from ADHD.

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NAESP NDP Program Recognizes Outstanding Principals

Steve Betando is a respected California school superintendent who draws on more than three decades of experience. Earlier in his career, he served as the principal of multiple elementary schools before assuming his role as the superintendent of Morgan Hill Unified School District. With a continuous focus on best professional practices, Steve Betando availed himself of highly regarded professional organizations including the National Association of Elementary School Principals.

The National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) is a professional organization that advocates for high-quality professional learning and provides resources aligned to improving leadership standards, mentoring, and support. Membership consists of elementary and middle-level principals and other education leaders across the US, Canada, and overseas.

NAESP has multiple awards including the National Distinguished Principal (NDP) program, which seeks to honor successful elementary and middle-level principals working to establish a solid foundation for America’s children. An annual award, the NDP program was created in 1984, and for over three decades has been honoring principals who’ve set high standards of learning, student character, and achievement, as well as worked to ensure the best environment for students, their families, and staff.

The NDP program seeks to help children become lifelong learners and achievers based on the foundation they receive in their early school years. The award program recognizes the good work principals are doing to shape children’s early educational experiences, along with the help of teachers and caring parents.

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Conflict Resolution in School Environments

An accomplished California education administrator, Steve Betando has experience that spans over three decades. As the recent Superintendent of the Morgan Hill Unified School District, he began his career as a teacher and later served as a principal in various elementary schools. In the course of his teaching and administrative career, Steve Betando developed a program known as “Conflict Managers” which explores and teaches approaches to successful conflict resolution.

Conflict resolution in a school environment is critical, as conflicts can cause disruptions in even the most positive and supportive classrooms. If not addressed well, a conflict can devolve into violence or at minimum, create high anxiety and trauma. Many districts offer conflict resolution training whereby educators and teachers are trained in the various ways to resolve conflicts, such as process curriculum and peaceable classrooms. Process curriculum is whereby children are taught how to resolve disputes by assisting them to envision various types of conflict scenarios that could emerge in the future. Using this approach, solutions are identified before conflicts arise.

On the other hand, the peaceable classroom approach includes integrating conflict resolution into daily management of classrooms, including making it a part of the curriculum. The peaceable classroom approach encourages a cooperative culture which includes embracing and accepting diversity. This approach also emphasizes effective communication and caring for others. When dealing with conflicts, it’s also important to focus on the issue at hand and not the personalities involved, as conflict resolution seeks to find solutions and not lay blame. Additionally, conflicts should be clearly described, including how they affect others, and shouldn’t be ignored or downplayed.

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An Overview of the ASCD Emerging Leaders Program

Starting in 2013, Superintendent Steve Betando served 8 years as the chief administrative officer for the Morgan Hill Unified School District. A former principal, he served in various educational institutions across California before assuming the top position in district-wide responsibilities. With a career spanning over three decades, Steve Betando utilized his membership in the Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development in strong contribution to valuable professional practices.

The Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD) is a community which brings together passionate educators keen on collaborating with each other from across the US to help them develop professionally for the benefit of their students. ASCD has multiple programs including the Emerging Leader program which consists of selected rising educators who’re part of a two-year program where they can participate in important issues touching on education as well as identify leadership opportunities.

ASCD emerging leaders are meant to influence, lead, and inspire educators across all levels. To qualify for the program, ASCD carries out annual nominations targeting applicants who’ve served in education for five to 15 years. In addition, applicants should demonstrate servant leadership and be dedicated to child education and development. Leaders selected to be part of the program should constantly seek to create value by examining how ASCD responds to the needs of the people it serves. Leaders are also expected to be excellent at transforming ideas into practical solutions, as well as continuously seek better solutions to achieve the desired outcomes.

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AASPA’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

A superintendent at Morgan Hill Unified School District, Steve Betando served as a teacher and principal at several educational institutions across California. Besides his professional accomplishments and during his thirteen years as a Chief Human Resources executive, Steve Betando also served members of the American Association of School Personnel Administrators (AASPA).

AASPA offers quality professional development opportunities to human resource leaders in schools. AASPA organizes various summits, including the annual Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Summit. The two-day event targets professionals keen on boosting their expertise in specialized areas of leadership, recruitment and, retention of individuals in PK-12 (Pre-kindergarten through to 12th grade). The summit targets superintendents, directors of human resources, principals, assistant superintendents, district recruiters, and school board members.

Summit participants participate in sessions related to strategic leadership in HR practices to reflect diversity, equity and inclusion, and recruitment. Participants learn include best practices for guiding diversity recruitment, striking a balance between a diverse workforce and inclusivity, and strategies of retaining diverse employees. Others include how to share with their respective school boards and communities, information about diversity, equity and, inclusion.

Morgan Hill Unified School District Benefits from Strategic Resolution

An experienced superintendent, Steve Betando is a former principal of Chrysler Elementary School and Eisenhut Elementary School in Stanislaus Union School District. For eight years, Steve Betando has served as the superintendent of Morgan Hill Unified School District in California.

Multiple districts, including the Morgan Hill United School District, have adopted the Declaration of the Rights of All Students to Equity in Arts Learning and/or Declaration supportive resolution based on a model provided by CREATE CA. Adopting the resolution can help guide teams through the declaration process within art planning endeavors, helping to clarify best practices and aspirational goals. In June 2017, the Morgan Hill Unified School District adopted a resolution in support of the Equity declaration. The resolution was proposed by the assistant superintendent of Morgan Hill Unified School District, Ramon Zavala, EdD, to Steve Betando (the superintendent of Morgan Hill USD), who prepared the resolution for board approval.

In 2018, the adopted resolution helped administrators evaluate the strengths and challenges of the district’s art education program, and also helped them identify entryways to strategic opportunities. The adopted resolution served as a reflective lens for the district’s Art Plan, ensuring that the needs of every student were known and further strengthening and expanding the network of support.

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CSU Stanislaus Award Launches Career Practition

Steve Betando has worked in education for over 36 years, including more than eight years with Morgan Hill Unified School District. While serving as principal of Eisenhut Elementary School in the 1990s, Steve Betando earned his master’s degree in education, administration, and supervision from California State University, Stanislaus.

While earning his master’s degree at CSU Stanslaus, Steve Betando’s thesis, “The Relationship Between Student Achievement and Absenteeism,” was recognized by the University staff for Outstanding Research in Education and awarded honors at the Graduate Symposium. His goal of identifying barriers to student success, then developing research proven practices to remove such barriers is ever-present in his drive to build educator capacity. Having collaborated on the development of the California Standards for the Teaching Profession (CSTP) along with the ESEA Highly Qualified Teaching Standards, Mr. Betando is a frequently requested educational speaker as a valued practitioner, mentor, and advisor to other educators, professional organizations, academic institutions, and legislative bodies..

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AASA Establishes Coalition to Create

In his 36-year career, Steve Betando has worked as a teacher, principal, and superintendent in the California public school system. For nearly a decade he has served Morgan Hill Union School District. Aside from his work in education, Steve Betando is also a member of a number of professional associations including the American Association of School Superintendents (AASA), an organization that is a resource for education professionals in positions of leadership.

In January, the AASA announced that it had partnered with various education stakeholders to create a coalition devoted to making education more student-centered, forward-reaching, and equity-focused. Learning 2025: National Commission on Student-Centered, Equity-Focused Education seeks to bring together business leaders, school system administrators, and non-profit leaders to find ways to prepare students for the future and their careers.

The commission’s work will focus on devising recommendations that can be implemented at demonstration sites. In the course of developing these recommendations, the commission will also build a library comprised of contributions from progressive urban, suburban, and rural school districts.