We have just celebrated 247 years of American independence — though it’s no secret that the United States has suffered an erosion of democratic norms and institutions in recent years.

This is reflected in rising political polarization, extremism, partisan pressure on the electoral process, and growing disparities in wealth, economic opportunity and political influence.

As a political science professor, I often discuss this topic with my students.

We discuss “Big Thoughts” on American democracy. We start at the foundation and ponder whether it’s worth saving and inevitably come to a consensus that it is, though perhaps with some disagreement on potential changes to the current governing structure.

A vast majority of Kansans seem to agree that democracy is valuable.

In exit polls conducted for Fox News during the 2022 election, 88 percent of Kansas voters indicated that the future of democracy was an important consideration in the election.

Forty-six percent said it was the single most important factor in determining their vote and 42 percent said it was an important factor but not necessarily the most important.

Usually at this point in the discussion, I guide my students to think about what can be done to preserve and rebuild American democracy.

Political civility always comes up… or as the current case may be, the increasing lack of civility.

Civility is a social norm based on widely shared beliefs about how individuals should behave. Examples of political civility include things like the ability of citizens to express differences of opinion during political discussions without losing respect for one another.

The primary struggle with civility is that determining it means judging one’s character and motives. But when it comes to people who disagree with us, humans are remarkably poor judges.

The 2022 exit polls portray this dilemma perfectly.

Let’s consider rhetoric that leads to violence as an extreme example of incivility.

Fifty-seven percent of Kansas voters said the way Democrats talk about politics is leading to an increase in acts of violence. Republicans? Also 57 percent.

While 24 percent of voters pointed to both Republican and Democratic rhetoric as being responsible for an increase in violence, another 33 percent said Democrats, but not Republicans, are responsible. A further 33 percent said Republicans, but not Democrats, are responsible.

People’s assessment of political behavior is heavily influenced by their partisan allegiances.

Political science research has found that people tend to approve of what their side does and disapprove of the actions of the other side. Even if both sides engage in the same objectionable political behavior.

Political civility is a two-way street, which is exactly what makes it so difficult.

Polling from the Pew Research Center has found people often perceive those with opposing political views to be untrustworthy, close-minded, dishonest, and unpatriotic.

In other words, our partisan divisions make it incredibly challenging to view our political rivals in a positive light.

This is even more burdensome when many of today’s political issues are so intertwined with questions of human rights.

Not every issue can or should be compromised on. Though what we are losing, it seems, is the ability to determine when we should employ civility over disruption.

Democracy is inherently messy, inefficient and conflict-ridden. Thus, it is imperative for citizens to be forced to wrestle with deep, values-based differences in opinion and to engage in negotiations that end in compromise, even though it may leave all parties slightly unsatisfied with the outcome.

Without these skills, we’re in big trouble.

Without political civility, we cannot overcome the polarization that is tearing our democracy apart.

Only through civility can people with different lived experiences come together and engage in the inclusive decision-making required for a robust and stable democracy.

Alexandra Middlewood, Ph.D. is an assistant professor of political science at Wichita State University.

We have just celebrated 247 years of American independence — though it’s no secret that the United States has suffered an erosion of democratic norms and institutions in recent years.This is reflected in rising political polarization, extremism, partisan pressure on the electoral process, and growing disparities in wealth, economic opportunity and political influence.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633377761670.jpeg" alt="Alexandra Middlewood" />
 <figcaption>Alexandra Middlewood</figcaption>
 </figure>As a political science professor, I often discuss this topic with my students.We discuss “Big Thoughts” on American democracy. We start at the foundation and ponder whether it’s worth saving and inevitably come to a consensus that it is, though perhaps with some disagreement on potential changes to the current governing structure.A vast majority of Kansans seem to agree that democracy is valuable.In exit polls conducted for Fox News during the 2022 election, 88 percent of Kansas voters indicated that the future of democracy was an important consideration in the election.Forty-six percent said it was the single most important factor in determining their vote and 42 percent said it was an important factor but not necessarily the most important.Usually at this point in the discussion, I guide my students to think about what can be done to preserve and rebuild American democracy.Political civility always comes up… or as the current case may be, the increasing lack of civility.Civility is a social norm based on widely shared beliefs about how individuals should behave. Examples of political civility include things like the ability of citizens to express differences of opinion during political discussions without losing respect for one another.The primary struggle with civility is that determining it means judging one’s character and motives. But when it comes to people who disagree with us, humans are remarkably poor judges.The 2022 exit polls portray this dilemma perfectly.Let’s consider rhetoric that leads to violence as an extreme example of incivility.Fifty-seven percent of Kansas voters said the way Democrats talk about politics is leading to an increase in acts of violence. Republicans? Also 57 percent.While 24 percent of voters pointed to both Republican and Democratic rhetoric as being responsible for an increase in violence, another 33 percent said Democrats, but not Republicans, are responsible. A further 33 percent said Republicans, but not Democrats, are responsible.People’s assessment of political behavior is heavily influenced by their partisan allegiances.Political science research has found that people tend to approve of what their side does and disapprove of the actions of the other side. Even if both sides engage in the same objectionable political behavior.Political civility is a two-way street, which is exactly what makes it so difficult.Polling from the Pew Research Center has found people often perceive those with opposing political views to be untrustworthy, close-minded, dishonest, and unpatriotic.In other words, our partisan divisions make it incredibly challenging to view our political rivals in a positive light.This is even more burdensome when many of today’s political issues are so intertwined with questions of human rights.Not every issue can or should be compromised on. Though what we are losing, it seems, is the ability to determine when we should employ civility over disruption.Democracy is inherently messy, inefficient and conflict-ridden. Thus, it is imperative for citizens to be forced to wrestle with deep, values-based differences in opinion and to engage in negotiations that end in compromise, even though it may leave all parties slightly unsatisfied with the outcome.Without these skills, we’re in big trouble.Without political civility, we cannot overcome the polarization that is tearing our democracy apart.Only through civility can people with different lived experiences come together and engage in the inclusive decision-making required for a robust and stable democracy.Alexandra Middlewood, Ph.D. is an assistant professor of political science at Wichita State University.

INSIGHT KANSAS: Celebrating Independence Day with big thoughts on democracy

By TISA MASON Fort Hays State University

We think big. We solve problems. We seek and confront challenges and embrace strategic risks that turn great ideas into exceptional pathways.&nbsp;These are the descriptors of our core values, innovation, and entrepreneurship. I am so inspired by my colleagues who embody our innovative spirit, and I am pleased to share a couple of projects.

Degree in Three: Tourism and Hospitality Management. Stacey Smith and Karen Thal are delivering a specific plan of study that promotes a three-year degree in tourism and hospitality management. A three-year bachelor’s degree option accelerates the traditional undergraduate process. With an academically rigorous schedule, students save time and reach the workforce earlier while gaining the skills and experience needed for a successful career. Students are required to complete an industry internship as part of the program. So, not only will they be done in three years, but they will have completed industry work experience or an industry project.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the U.S. economy to add 8.3 million jobs from 2021 to 2031. Of those, 1.9 million jobs—23.1 percent of all new jobs projected—are expected to be in leisure and hospitality. That is a significant projected increase for a sector that made up 8.9 percent of total employment in 2021. This rapid projected growth—the fastest of any industry, at an annual rate of 1.3 percent—results from the recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic.

Students may start this three-year program this fall.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/academic/programs/tourism-hospitality-management">https://www.fhsu.edu/academic/programs/tourism-hospitality-management</a>

Economic Justice and Advocacy Certificate:&nbsp;Teaming up to lead this innovation, Rachel Dolechek and Ziwei Qi are creating a network of individuals who can actively support and advocate for survivors of gender-based violence by equipping business professionals with the necessary skills and knowledge. One of the critical areas of focus within the certificate program is financial empowerment.&nbsp;

Participants will learn strategies to help survivors gain financial independence and stability, such as understanding the impact of violence on economic well-being, providing resources for financial assistance, promoting financial literacy, and creating trauma-informed workplaces and accommodations. By addressing the financial barriers that survivors often face, the program helps to empower survivors and develop pathways for economic self-sufficiency.

Participants can begin the certificate program in the fall of 2023. Scholarships are available.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/academic/programs/economic-justice-advocacy/certificate">https://www.fhsu.edu/academic/programs/economic-justice-advocacy/certificate.&nbsp;</a>

Exercise is Medicine-On Campus (EIM-OC):&nbsp;Faculty from our Health and Human Performance (HHP) department, led by Emily Washburn, are creating Exercise is Medicine-On Campus, a program developed by the American College of Sports Medicine. The vision of this program is to see all campus and community members across multiple disciplines discover, share, and adopt behaviors to promote a culture of physical activity and chronic disease prevention and management.

Physical inactivity is a fast-growing public health problem and contributes to various chronic diseases and health complications. HHP professionals love creating relationships with people that facilitate positivity and joy around physical activity and movement.

By implementing EIM-OC at FHSU, we can focus more on physical activity to provide health benefits and disease prevention for all community members – faculty, staff, and students. This program will offer HHP undergraduate and graduate students first-hand experience facilitating EIM-OC program elements.

During this past year, the Division of student affairs launched WellTiges to encourage employee health and well-being. The program is designed to help people develop habits that turn into healthy choices. The multi-dimension plan focuses on nutritional, social, physical, occupational, financial, and mental health. The program has been very successful and will partner with EIM-OC as we expand employee well-being initiatives.

Interactive Learning Spaces:&nbsp;Imagine a virtual field trip where students can interact with the environment and each other. Nathan Riedel is working with two faculty partners, Tara Phelps-Durr, biology, and Todd Moore, geoscience, to create a digital space that allows faculty to design interactive and collaborative student learning experiences. The biology project explores mitosis (cell division), while the geoscience project focuses on the elements that create a tornado and provides ways for students to interact with and manipulate the learning content.

This project is based on our belief that the path forward for online education is bridging the gap between what’s possible online and in real life. We want students to feel immersed in their learning, not viewing it from the outside. We want them to be excited about online learning experiences.

The key to this innovation is building a scalable and sustainable infrastructure so that all our faculty can easily develop their own similar class interactive experiences.

Tiger Money Mentors:&nbsp;Christina Glenn, finance professor, is creating Tiger Money Mentors. In this peer-financial counseling program, money-savvy students are trained to provide one-on-one financial education to students who have questions about their personal finances, as well as to provide group financial education to student organizations and classes that might benefit from training on specific financial topics, such as budgeting, student loan debt, credit cards, navigating decisions related to job offers, and making a financial plan for college and beyond. This benefits not only the students seeking counseling but also the money mentors gain experience working with clients and public speaking.&nbsp;

Often young adults need to be provided with the knowledge they need to manage their finances before arriving at college, and their decisions regarding saving, spending, taking on debt, and investing will impact their future significantly.&nbsp;

Research shows that 74 percent of Americans get financial advice from TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook – much of that information is inaccurate. They must have a resource to guide them in making sound financial decisions to set them up for success during and after college.&nbsp;

Coupled with the lack of financial knowledge, financial stress is prevalent among young adults, with finances being a significant factor in the number of credit hours a student takes each semester and even in their decision to continue college. Often students feel the need to choose between school and work, which impacts their academic success.&nbsp;

Beginning in the fall 2023, Tiger Money Mentors will help students gain knowledge and skills that pertain to their unique personal finance situations and hopefully come away with a plan to reduce the financial stress and anxiety that many college students face, reduce student loan borrowing, and feel more confident about their financial future. We want students to feel empowered to take control of their financial situation and not give up on their academic goals.&nbsp;

Virtual Arctic Field Trip: Sternberg Museum Science Camps Director David Levering is working with Laura Wilson, geoscience professor, to create a virtual field trip to the Arctic. Students will explore an Arctic research station, modern Arctic geology, and climate science and travel back in time to explore the Arctic region as it looked millions of years ago. The time travel will allow a more direct presentation of how and why the climate has changed dramatically. The course will be available to students for the spring 2024 semester.

By TISA MASON Fort Hays State UniversityWe think big. We solve problems. We seek and confront challenges and embrace strategic risks that turn great ideas into exceptional pathways.&nbsp;These are the descriptors of our core values, innovation, and entrepreneurship. I am so inspired by my colleagues who embody our innovative spirit, and I am pleased to share a couple of projects.Degree in Three: Tourism and Hospitality Management. Stacey Smith and Karen Thal are delivering a specific plan of study that promotes a three-year degree in tourism and hospitality management. A three-year bachelor’s degree option accelerates the traditional undergraduate process. With an academically rigorous schedule, students save time and reach the workforce earlier while gaining the skills and experience needed for a successful career. Students are required to complete an industry internship as part of the program. So, not only will they be done in three years, but they will have completed industry work experience or an industry project.The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the U.S. economy to add 8.3 million jobs from 2021 to 2031. Of those, 1.9 million jobs—23.1 percent of all new jobs projected—are expected to be in leisure and hospitality. That is a significant projected increase for a sector that made up 8.9 percent of total employment in 2021. This rapid projected growth—the fastest of any industry, at an annual rate of 1.3 percent—results from the recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic.Students may start this three-year program this fall.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/academic/programs/tourism-hospitality-management">https://www.fhsu.edu/academic/programs/tourism-hospitality-management</a>Economic Justice and Advocacy Certificate:&nbsp;Teaming up to lead this innovation, Rachel Dolechek and Ziwei Qi are creating a network of individuals who can actively support and advocate for survivors of gender-based violence by equipping business professionals with the necessary skills and knowledge. One of the critical areas of focus within the certificate program is financial empowerment.&nbsp;Participants will learn strategies to help survivors gain financial independence and stability, such as understanding the impact of violence on economic well-being, providing resources for financial assistance, promoting financial literacy, and creating trauma-informed workplaces and accommodations. By addressing the financial barriers that survivors often face, the program helps to empower survivors and develop pathways for economic self-sufficiency.Participants can begin the certificate program in the fall of 2023. Scholarships are available.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/academic/programs/economic-justice-advocacy/certificate">https://www.fhsu.edu/academic/programs/economic-justice-advocacy/certificate.&nbsp;</a>Exercise is Medicine-On Campus (EIM-OC):&nbsp;Faculty from our Health and Human Performance (HHP) department, led by Emily Washburn, are creating Exercise is Medicine-On Campus, a program developed by the American College of Sports Medicine. The vision of this program is to see all campus and community members across multiple disciplines discover, share, and adopt behaviors to promote a culture of physical activity and chronic disease prevention and management.Physical inactivity is a fast-growing public health problem and contributes to various chronic diseases and health complications. HHP professionals love creating relationships with people that facilitate positivity and joy around physical activity and movement.By implementing EIM-OC at FHSU, we can focus more on physical activity to provide health benefits and disease prevention for all community members – faculty, staff, and students. This program will offer HHP undergraduate and graduate students first-hand experience facilitating EIM-OC program elements.During this past year, the Division of student affairs launched WellTiges to encourage employee health and well-being. The program is designed to help people develop habits that turn into healthy choices. The multi-dimension plan focuses on nutritional, social, physical, occupational, financial, and mental health. The program has been very successful and will partner with EIM-OC as we expand employee well-being initiatives.Interactive Learning Spaces:&nbsp;Imagine a virtual field trip where students can interact with the environment and each other. Nathan Riedel is working with two faculty partners, Tara Phelps-Durr, biology, and Todd Moore, geoscience, to create a digital space that allows faculty to design interactive and collaborative student learning experiences. The biology project explores mitosis (cell division), while the geoscience project focuses on the elements that create a tornado and provides ways for students to interact with and manipulate the learning content.This project is based on our belief that the path forward for online education is bridging the gap between what’s possible online and in real life. We want students to feel immersed in their learning, not viewing it from the outside. We want them to be excited about online learning experiences.The key to this innovation is building a scalable and sustainable infrastructure so that all our faculty can easily develop their own similar class interactive experiences.Tiger Money Mentors:&nbsp;Christina Glenn, finance professor, is creating Tiger Money Mentors. In this peer-financial counseling program, money-savvy students are trained to provide one-on-one financial education to students who have questions about their personal finances, as well as to provide group financial education to student organizations and classes that might benefit from training on specific financial topics, such as budgeting, student loan debt, credit cards, navigating decisions related to job offers, and making a financial plan for college and beyond. This benefits not only the students seeking counseling but also the money mentors gain experience working with clients and public speaking.&nbsp;Often young adults need to be provided with the knowledge they need to manage their finances before arriving at college, and their decisions regarding saving, spending, taking on debt, and investing will impact their future significantly.&nbsp;Research shows that 74 percent of Americans get financial advice from TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook – much of that information is inaccurate. They must have a resource to guide them in making sound financial decisions to set them up for success during and after college.&nbsp;Coupled with the lack of financial knowledge, financial stress is prevalent among young adults, with finances being a significant factor in the number of credit hours a student takes each semester and even in their decision to continue college. Often students feel the need to choose between school and work, which impacts their academic success.&nbsp;Beginning in the fall 2023, Tiger Money Mentors will help students gain knowledge and skills that pertain to their unique personal finance situations and hopefully come away with a plan to reduce the financial stress and anxiety that many college students face, reduce student loan borrowing, and feel more confident about their financial future. We want students to feel empowered to take control of their financial situation and not give up on their academic goals.&nbsp;Virtual Arctic Field Trip: Sternberg Museum Science Camps Director David Levering is working with Laura Wilson, geoscience professor, to create a virtual field trip to the Arctic. Students will explore an Arctic research station, modern Arctic geology, and climate science and travel back in time to explore the Arctic region as it looked millions of years ago. The time travel will allow a more direct presentation of how and why the climate has changed dramatically. The course will be available to students for the spring 2024 semester.

Heart of the Tiger: Sharing innovative projects

By RUSSELL ARBEN FOX WSU

There’s a mayoral election taking place in Wichita, Kansas’s largest stand-alone city, right now. Also, strikes have been declared at Spirit AeroSystems, Wichita’s largest single employer, and Ascension Via Christi, the city’s largest hospital. What does all this have in common?

Potentially many things. The business slowdowns, budget deficits, and unemployment which any labor unrest may contribute to, are obviously all topics that people seeking political office are going to have to struggle with. And similarly, the positions taken by a city’s mayor can play a large role in determining how and when strikes or contract negotiations may be resolved. So, these topics are going to be entwined in Wichita, as they would in any community.

But there is another similarity between them, one that isn’t often noticed, but which I think lurks behind the scenes in how we approach either an election or a strike. When voters organize in support of someone running for political office, or when workers organize and make collective demands of their employer, we are seeing “factions” at work.

The concept of a faction—people who act together in support of their shared interests—has a storied place in our constitutional order. For much of history, factions were seen as poisonous; the assumption was that if people organized around particular agendas, there could be no united, “common” good. This meant societies had to stay small and simple and homogeneous, so as to prevent the factional temptation. But James Madison defended the proposed U.S. Constitution in part by insisting that factions were a natural result of human freedom. The goal shouldn’t be to prevent them, but to expand and include them, and seek to manage their effects instead.

Madisonian pluralism can be criticized, but it remains the way the American system usually looks upon factional differences. When employees have differences with how they are treated by their employers, they can organize into unions and make demands, including through strikes. True, many are suspicious of unions, and the Republican party, both nationally and in Kansas, has often opposed them. But even with the challenges the striking machinists and nurses might pose to Wichita’s economy, none of the candidates for mayor, including the Republican ones, spoke against the strikers as a faction (though some were more supportive than others).

It is odd that our recognition of factional differences on the factory or hospital floor often disappears, though. When it comes to City Hall. As I wrote above, there are Republicans running for Wichita’s mayor, as well as a Democrat and a Libertarian and unaffiliated candidates, which shouldn’t surprise anyone. Yet when it comes to local elections—in contrast to national and state ones—many share the belief that “partisanship” (which can just mean thinking and acting factionally, in support of the interests of one’s supporters) is poisonous, like was assumed by many long ago.

Parties can be corrupt, of course—in the same way unions, or for that matter businesses, can be. Institutional collusion and self-interest within any kind of faction or organization warrants being called out for such. But as the Wichita mayoral race moves forward, it will be interesting to see which candidates, if any, will be forthright--like the striking machinists and nurses have been--in defense of the factions they represent and the particular agenda they offer to voters, and which will instead insist that specific shared interests must be set aside in the name of a “unified” good.

Madison had some doubts about that approach, centuries ago; there are good reasons for us to doubt it still today.

Dr. Russell Arben Fox teaches politics at Friends University in Wichita.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586443443315.jpeg" alt="Dr. Russell Arben Fox teaches politics at Friends University in Wichita. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Russell Arben Fox teaches politics at Friends University in Wichita. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By RUSSELL ARBEN FOX WSU There’s a mayoral election taking place in Wichita, Kansas’s largest stand-alone city, right now. Also, strikes have been declared at Spirit AeroSystems, Wichita’s largest single employer, and Ascension Via Christi, the city’s largest hospital. What does all this have in common?Potentially many things. The business slowdowns, budget deficits, and unemployment which any labor unrest may contribute to, are obviously all topics that people seeking political office are going to have to struggle with. And similarly, the positions taken by a city’s mayor can play a large role in determining how and when strikes or contract negotiations may be resolved. So, these topics are going to be entwined in Wichita, as they would in any community.But there is another similarity between them, one that isn’t often noticed, but which I think lurks behind the scenes in how we approach either an election or a strike. When voters organize in support of someone running for political office, or when workers organize and make collective demands of their employer, we are seeing “factions” at work.The concept of a faction—people who act together in support of their shared interests—has a storied place in our constitutional order. For much of history, factions were seen as poisonous; the assumption was that if people organized around particular agendas, there could be no united, “common” good. This meant societies had to stay small and simple and homogeneous, so as to prevent the factional temptation. But James Madison defended the proposed U.S. Constitution in part by insisting that factions were a natural result of human freedom. The goal shouldn’t be to prevent them, but to expand and include them, and seek to manage their effects instead.Madisonian pluralism can be criticized, but it remains the way the American system usually looks upon factional differences. When employees have differences with how they are treated by their employers, they can organize into unions and make demands, including through strikes. True, many are suspicious of unions, and the Republican party, both nationally and in Kansas, has often opposed them. But even with the challenges the striking machinists and nurses might pose to Wichita’s economy, none of the candidates for mayor, including the Republican ones, spoke against the strikers as a faction (though some were more supportive than others).It is odd that our recognition of factional differences on the factory or hospital floor often disappears, though. When it comes to City Hall. As I wrote above, there are Republicans running for Wichita’s mayor, as well as a Democrat and a Libertarian and unaffiliated candidates, which shouldn’t surprise anyone. Yet when it comes to local elections—in contrast to national and state ones—many share the belief that “partisanship” (which can just mean thinking and acting factionally, in support of the interests of one’s supporters) is poisonous, like was assumed by many long ago.Parties can be corrupt, of course—in the same way unions, or for that matter businesses, can be. Institutional collusion and self-interest within any kind of faction or organization warrants being called out for such. But as the Wichita mayoral race moves forward, it will be interesting to see which candidates, if any, will be forthright--like the striking machinists and nurses have been--in defense of the factions they represent and the particular agenda they offer to voters, and which will instead insist that specific shared interests must be set aside in the name of a “unified” good.Madison had some doubts about that approach, centuries ago; there are good reasons for us to doubt it still today.Dr. Russell Arben Fox teaches politics at Friends University in Wichita.

INSIGHT KANSAS: On unions, factions, and elections

By KARISSA WINKEL KSRE-Cottonwood District

Do you have a hard time getting enough sleep in the summertime? You might blame an irregular schedule or longer days, but there are a few factors that science proves to lead to fewer zzz’s in the summertime.

1. Reduced melatonin production. Longer days lead to greater sunlight exposure in the evenings. While this is great to help you fit in a walk, spend time in the garden, or catch a baseball game, evening light exposure delays the hormone production of melatonin. This results in difficulty falling asleep, and over time, it can decrease the amount of sleep you get each night.

2. Increased core body temperature. The heat that accompanies the summer months often leads to an increased body temperature that suppresses your ability to fall asleep and stay asleep. According to one study, restorative deep sleep is less in those who have a higher body temperature (1). This means that the vital processes of tissue repair, memory restoration, and immune system function may be reduced for those who can’t cool down at night.

3. Age plays a role. Throughout the life cycle, sleep quality and quantity drastically decrease. This factor alone can result in fatigue, and the increased daylight hours of the summertime can add even more stress to the body. This change in daylight hours can throw off the body’s circadian rhythm resulting in earlier wake times of people ages 60+.

As you can see, there are multiple culprits that affect the sleep cycle.

 So how do you combat the restlessness of summer? Practice consistency by closing curtains and dimming indoor lights. Adding this to your bedtime routine can boost melatonin production earlier in the evening. Avoid exercise two hours before bed. High levels of activity are likely to increase core body temperatures that inhibit sleep. Instead, try to workout earlier in the day and fight the heat in the evening with a cold shower. To top it off, create a comfortable environment by adjusting your thermostat to a temperature between 60-68 degrees for optimal sleeping conditions. Finally, soak up the sun early in the day! The body is highly sensitive to sunlight about an hour after waking up, and this exposure in the morning is key in regulating your circadian rhythm (2).

1. National Library of Medicine. Sleep on a high heat capacity mattress increases conductive body heat loss and slow wave sleep.

2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Effects of light on circadian rhythms.

Karissa Winkel is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: 620-793-1910 or krwinkel@ksu.edu. K-State Research &amp; Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687379885179.png" alt="Karissa Winkel&nbsp;is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension, Cottonwood District. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Karissa Winkel&nbsp;is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension, Cottonwood District. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By KARISSA WINKEL KSRE-Cottonwood DistrictDo you have a hard time getting enough sleep in the summertime? You might blame an irregular schedule or longer days, but there are a few factors that science proves to lead to fewer zzz’s in the summertime.1. Reduced melatonin production. Longer days lead to greater sunlight exposure in the evenings. While this is great to help you fit in a walk, spend time in the garden, or catch a baseball game, evening light exposure delays the hormone production of melatonin. This results in difficulty falling asleep, and over time, it can decrease the amount of sleep you get each night.2. Increased core body temperature. The heat that accompanies the summer months often leads to an increased body temperature that suppresses your ability to fall asleep and stay asleep. According to one study, restorative deep sleep is less in those who have a higher body temperature (1). This means that the vital processes of tissue repair, memory restoration, and immune system function may be reduced for those who can’t cool down at night.3. Age plays a role. Throughout the life cycle, sleep quality and quantity drastically decrease. This factor alone can result in fatigue, and the increased daylight hours of the summertime can add even more stress to the body. This change in daylight hours can throw off the body’s circadian rhythm resulting in earlier wake times of people ages 60+.As you can see, there are multiple culprits that affect the sleep cycle. So how do you combat the restlessness of summer? Practice consistency by closing curtains and dimming indoor lights. Adding this to your bedtime routine can boost melatonin production earlier in the evening. Avoid exercise two hours before bed. High levels of activity are likely to increase core body temperatures that inhibit sleep. Instead, try to workout earlier in the day and fight the heat in the evening with a cold shower. To top it off, create a comfortable environment by adjusting your thermostat to a temperature between 60-68 degrees for optimal sleeping conditions. Finally, soak up the sun early in the day! The body is highly sensitive to sunlight about an hour after waking up, and this exposure in the morning is key in regulating your circadian rhythm (2).1. National Library of Medicine. Sleep on a high heat capacity mattress increases conductive body heat loss and slow wave sleep.2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Effects of light on circadian rhythms.Karissa Winkel is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: 620-793-1910 or krwinkel@ksu.edu. K-State Research &amp; Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

WINKEL: Summertime sleeplessness

By MONIQUE KOERNER KSRE Cottonwood District

Hearing the words “what a kind, compassionate child you’ve raised” is often one of the greatest compliments a parent can receive as they turn their young person out into the world.

The foundation for this empathy, says Kansas State University child development specialist Bradford Wiles, happens early in life.

“Children start to figure out that other people have different beliefs, thoughts and desires other than their own at about the age of three,” Wiles said. “This is a crucial time to teach them to appreciate and enjoy other people’s perspectives.”

Before that, he said children can recognize differences in the way people dress or skin color, but they don’t have any opinions — positive or negative — about that.

“As children grow up, they are exposed to our family, regional and local community cultures, and if your family culture is one of acceptance and embracing others, children will pick up on that,” Wiles said.

Embracing others ties to the skill of empathy, Wiles said.

“Empathy is being able to appreciate and understand someone else’s perspective; it’s putting yourself in their place, which is different than sympathy where you feel bad for others,” Wiles said. “Empathy is also different than tolerating something unpalatable.”

He cited the example of how when sitting in a waiting room a person might tolerate overhearing a cell phone conversation, but those who can empathize have an appreciation for what is being discussed in that conversation even if it is something that they personally don’t have an experience with.

And children who learn empathy at a young age often grow into adults who can navigate social situations and perform well as members of a team, Wiles said.

“Research has shown that people who express empathy are able to better work with other people to solve problems in the workforce,” he said.

“It starts with family modeling; if you have friends from diverse backgrounds, make sure your children interact with them and it isn’t just people of different cultures,” Wiles said. “In the U.S. there tends to be a lack of empathy for people who are low income. For some, the perception is that poor people don’t work hard, and while that may be true for a small subset, the vast majority are working hard to maintain a level of poverty.”

To help children cross those cultures Wiles encourages parents to demonstrate empathy by volunteering in the community or in school where children can see them engaging with others and modeling that all people have worth, even if they are different.

“Through volunteer work, parents can demonstrate to children that all people have value, and they are richer for those interactions,” Wiles said.

Another way to model empathy is to expose children to a wide range of books and have family discussions about the story, Wiles said. He explains that through books, children can be exposed to characters who are developmentally delayed or physically challenged, come from another culture or are from a different social class, among other differences.

“One of the best things about books is that the characters provide early opportunities for a parent to facilitate a discussion with the child by asking ‘What do you think that character is thinking about?’ and that forces the child to engage in the process of empathy,” Wiles said.

More information on child development is available online from K-State Research and Extension.

Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at 785-628-9430 or moniquek@ksu.edu.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668522176561.png" alt="Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension, Cottonwood District. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension, Cottonwood District. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By MONIQUE KOERNER KSRE Cottonwood DistrictHearing the words “what a kind, compassionate child you’ve raised” is often one of the greatest compliments a parent can receive as they turn their young person out into the world.The foundation for this empathy, says Kansas State University child development specialist Bradford Wiles, happens early in life.“Children start to figure out that other people have different beliefs, thoughts and desires other than their own at about the age of three,” Wiles said. “This is a crucial time to teach them to appreciate and enjoy other people’s perspectives.”Before that, he said children can recognize differences in the way people dress or skin color, but they don’t have any opinions — positive or negative — about that.“As children grow up, they are exposed to our family, regional and local community cultures, and if your family culture is one of acceptance and embracing others, children will pick up on that,” Wiles said.Embracing others ties to the skill of empathy, Wiles said.“Empathy is being able to appreciate and understand someone else’s perspective; it’s putting yourself in their place, which is different than sympathy where you feel bad for others,” Wiles said. “Empathy is also different than tolerating something unpalatable.”He cited the example of how when sitting in a waiting room a person might tolerate overhearing a cell phone conversation, but those who can empathize have an appreciation for what is being discussed in that conversation even if it is something that they personally don’t have an experience with.And children who learn empathy at a young age often grow into adults who can navigate social situations and perform well as members of a team, Wiles said.“Research has shown that people who express empathy are able to better work with other people to solve problems in the workforce,” he said.So how is empathy developed?“It starts with family modeling; if you have friends from diverse backgrounds, make sure your children interact with them and it isn’t just people of different cultures,” Wiles said. “In the U.S. there tends to be a lack of empathy for people who are low income. For some, the perception is that poor people don’t work hard, and while that may be true for a small subset, the vast majority are working hard to maintain a level of poverty.”To help children cross those cultures Wiles encourages parents to demonstrate empathy by volunteering in the community or in school where children can see them engaging with others and modeling that all people have worth, even if they are different.“Through volunteer work, parents can demonstrate to children that all people have value, and they are richer for those interactions,” Wiles said.Another way to model empathy is to expose children to a wide range of books and have family discussions about the story, Wiles said. He explains that through books, children can be exposed to characters who are developmentally delayed or physically challenged, come from another culture or are from a different social class, among other differences.“One of the best things about books is that the characters provide early opportunities for a parent to facilitate a discussion with the child by asking ‘What do you think that character is thinking about?’ and that forces the child to engage in the process of empathy,” Wiles said.More information on child development is available online from K-State Research and Extension.Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at 785-628-9430 or moniquek@ksu.edu.

KOERNER: Help young children develop empathy

According to <a href="https://hayslibrary.evanced.info/signup/Calendar/eventcalendar.asp?et=8,32" target="_blank">its website</a>, Hays Public Library offers plenty of activities for pre-K and elementary school-aged kids in the children’s department. Something else it offers? A large wall display featuring books about sexuality.&nbsp;

Examples include “<a href="https://tlc.hayslibrary.org/?config=bookmobile#section=resource&amp;resourceid=933458082&amp;currentIndex=0&amp;view=fullDetailsDetailsTab" target="_blank">Trans+: Love, Sex, Romance, and Being You</a>,” which purports to be an “uncensored guide for teens who are transgender, nonbinary, gender-nonconforming, or gender-fluid.” It also provides advice on “relationships, sex, and life as a trans or nonbinary individual.” Keep in mind, this is featured in an area of the library where many patrons are a decade below the age of consent.&nbsp;

What you won’t find, however, are books like “Johnny the Walrus” or “Elephants Are Not Birds,” both of which encourage children to accept their bodies as they are. While this message has always been valuable, it has become even more important in recent years. That’s evident from the growing number of young detransitioners—individuals who underwent “gender affirming care” as minors, only to later realize they made an irreversible mistake.&nbsp;

One of them is Kayla Lovdahl, an 18-year-old old California woman who is suing the Kaiser Foundation Hospitals and four doctors for removing her breasts when she was just 13. The New York Post&nbsp;<a href="https://nypost.com/2023/06/17/woman-sues-hospital-for-removing-her-breasts-when-she-was-13-years-old/" target="_blank">quotes</a>&nbsp;her lawsuit as alleging that “they essentially handed Kayla the prescription pad, and allowed her naïve, emotional, childish, rollercoaster of feelings to dictate the so-called ‘treatment’ that she would receive.”

Meanwhile, fellow teenage detransitioner Chloe Cole <a href="https://www.foxnews.com/media/former-trans-kid-shares-pain-suffering-mutilating-gender-affirming-care-ive-gotten-no-help" target="_blank">recounted</a>&nbsp;to Fox News in February how she was put on puberty blockers and testosterone at 13 before undergoing a double mastectomy at 15.&nbsp;

"Because of the testosterone, I have permanent changes to my bone structure that cannot be reversed,” she said. “And I have issues with my urinary tract, but I'm not sure whether I'll be able to conceive a child or be able to safely carry to term or to birth. And because of the mastectomy, I'll never be able to breastfeed."

Stories like theirs illustrate why so many parents have grown increasingly worried about radical gender ideology. It also makes clear why some are no longer comfortable with sending their kids to the library. Because while it claims to be a place “for the entire community,” those of us who want to protect our children clearly aren’t welcome.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Adam Peters, Ellis County Republican Party Chairman

Editor's note: Letters to the editor to the Hays Post must meet certain criteria for publication. They must be signed by an individual, contain factual information, be on a topic of local concern and be from someone in the local area. They must not have vulgar content or contain personal attacks.

Letters or questions on the letter policy can be submitted to admin@hayspost.com

According to <a href="https://hayslibrary.evanced.info/signup/Calendar/eventcalendar.asp?et=8,32" target="_blank">its website</a>, Hays Public Library offers plenty of activities for pre-K and elementary school-aged kids in the children’s department. Something else it offers? A large wall display featuring books about sexuality.&nbsp;Examples include “<a href="https://tlc.hayslibrary.org/?config=bookmobile#section=resource&amp;resourceid=933458082&amp;currentIndex=0&amp;view=fullDetailsDetailsTab" target="_blank">Trans+: Love, Sex, Romance, and Being You</a>,” which purports to be an “uncensored guide for teens who are transgender, nonbinary, gender-nonconforming, or gender-fluid.” It also provides advice on “relationships, sex, and life as a trans or nonbinary individual.” Keep in mind, this is featured in an area of the library where many patrons are a decade below the age of consent.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582312931775.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>What you won’t find, however, are books like “Johnny the Walrus” or “Elephants Are Not Birds,” both of which encourage children to accept their bodies as they are. While this message has always been valuable, it has become even more important in recent years. That’s evident from the growing number of young detransitioners—individuals who underwent “gender affirming care” as minors, only to later realize they made an irreversible mistake.&nbsp;One of them is Kayla Lovdahl, an 18-year-old old California woman who is suing the Kaiser Foundation Hospitals and four doctors for removing her breasts when she was just 13. The New York Post&nbsp;<a href="https://nypost.com/2023/06/17/woman-sues-hospital-for-removing-her-breasts-when-she-was-13-years-old/" target="_blank">quotes</a>&nbsp;her lawsuit as alleging that “they essentially handed Kayla the prescription pad, and allowed her naïve, emotional, childish, rollercoaster of feelings to dictate the so-called ‘treatment’ that she would receive.”Meanwhile, fellow teenage detransitioner Chloe Cole <a href="https://www.foxnews.com/media/former-trans-kid-shares-pain-suffering-mutilating-gender-affirming-care-ive-gotten-no-help" target="_blank">recounted</a>&nbsp;to Fox News in February how she was put on puberty blockers and testosterone at 13 before undergoing a double mastectomy at 15.&nbsp;"Because of the testosterone, I have permanent changes to my bone structure that cannot be reversed,” she said. “And I have issues with my urinary tract, but I'm not sure whether I'll be able to conceive a child or be able to safely carry to term or to birth. And because of the mastectomy, I'll never be able to breastfeed."Stories like theirs illustrate why so many parents have grown increasingly worried about radical gender ideology. It also makes clear why some are no longer comfortable with sending their kids to the library. Because while it claims to be a place “for the entire community,” those of us who want to protect our children clearly aren’t welcome.&nbsp;&nbsp;Adam Peters, Ellis County Republican Party ChairmanEditor's note: Letters to the editor to the Hays Post must meet certain criteria for publication. They must be signed by an individual, contain factual information, be on a topic of local concern and be from someone in the local area. They must not have vulgar content or contain personal attacks.Letters or questions on the letter policy can be submitted to admin@hayspost.com

Letter to the Editor: GOP chairman challenges Hays Public Library's pride display

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/b71b406b-5c71-44d8-aab5-1d3ed1b63ee1">In response to Ms. Meier’s editorial that appeared on June 15.</a> The need to have greater building efficiency for USD 112 is at the heart of closing a building for the district.

Much has been stated about transporting students, older buildings, utility costs and other factors, but at the end of the day, there are simply not enough students at Wilson Junior Senior High School to continue to support fully staffing a building with certified and classified personnel. 

Last year, Wilson Junior Senior High School had only 63 students for six grade levels. This averages to 10 students per grade level. Those students brought in roughly 305,298 in BASE state aid funding.

However, to educate these students with certified teachers and an administrator, and provide coaches and sponsors for activities the district spent 528,491 in payroll. These payroll figures were obtained from an open record request for district payroll figures for all USD 112 employees.

Rural 1A districts can not afford to financially operate two high schools when payroll expenses are a district’s largest expenditure. For every hundred dollars a public school district brings in for revenue, $90 of that goes back out to pay personnel. This is common to all Kansas school districts large or small, rural or urban. That is why payroll efficiency is important for district financial health and long-term sustainability. 

Moreover, there comes a time when small is too small for students' achievement and growth. The state of Kansas commissioned a study on school size and consolidation from the independent firm of Augenblick and Myers which concluded that the minimum enrollment for a high school to achieve the ideal range of academic programs for students as well as extracurricular offerings was 260.

USD 112 by merging into one high school would come close to achieving this number and being able to offer the highest quality academic and extracurricular offerings for students.

Ms. Meier asked why Covid federal ESSR monies were not used to keep Wilson Junior Senior High School open. These monies can only be used by districts for certain categories such as loss of learning due to the pandemic, improved air quality or school safety. They can not be used to pay salaries of general employees for day-to-day expenses. Moreover, this would only be a band-aid solution as it would do nothing to fix the real problem at Wilson Junior Senior High School of low enrollment that continues to decline.

All Covid monies have to be used in 2024 or they must be returned. Using these funds does not fix the problem after 2024 and would only temporarily keep a building open. Also, Ms. Meier stated the district website and social media sites favor Central Plains over Wilson. Actually, those sites take both Oiler and Dragon mascots and merge them together to show unity as a district. This has been used as the graphic on these pages for several years.

Most egregiously, Ms. Meier stated there are pay inequities for teaching staff in buildings which unfairly target Wilson teachers. Certified teachers are placed on a district salary schedule, which is negotiated by one Wilson teacher and one Central Plains teacher and the Board of Education each year. This negotiated agreement and salary schedule is a legally binding contract. To imply the Board of Education is not following this legally binding contract without offering any proof, is grossly unfair to all parties involved, and borders on libelous content.

Accurate data and factual information are important, please visit unitedusd112.com or Facebook United USD 112. 

RELATED STORIES: <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/1ca616ba-d515-45ec-a6db-ff83cd076127">Petition to disorganize USD 112 filed Tuesday morning</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/650866ad-be2b-4d84-8a28-bf21f90d331c">Wilson High School supporters not going down without a fight</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/b71b406b-5c71-44d8-aab5-1d3ed1b63ee1">In response to Ms. Meier’s editorial that appeared on June 15.</a> The need to have greater building efficiency for USD 112 is at the heart of closing a building for the district.Much has been stated about transporting students, older buildings, utility costs and other factors, but at the end of the day, there are simply not enough students at Wilson Junior Senior High School to continue to support fully staffing a building with certified and classified personnel. Last year, Wilson Junior Senior High School had only 63 students for six grade levels. This averages to 10 students per grade level. Those students brought in roughly 305,298 in BASE state aid funding.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582312931775.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>However, to educate these students with certified teachers and an administrator, and provide coaches and sponsors for activities the district spent 528,491 in payroll. These payroll figures were obtained from an open record request for district payroll figures for all USD 112 employees.Rural 1A districts can not afford to financially operate two high schools when payroll expenses are a district’s largest expenditure. For every hundred dollars a public school district brings in for revenue, $90 of that goes back out to pay personnel. This is common to all Kansas school districts large or small, rural or urban. That is why payroll efficiency is important for district financial health and long-term sustainability. Moreover, there comes a time when small is too small for students' achievement and growth. The state of Kansas commissioned a study on school size and consolidation from the independent firm of Augenblick and Myers which concluded that the minimum enrollment for a high school to achieve the ideal range of academic programs for students as well as extracurricular offerings was 260.USD 112 by merging into one high school would come close to achieving this number and being able to offer the highest quality academic and extracurricular offerings for students.Ms. Meier asked why Covid federal ESSR monies were not used to keep Wilson Junior Senior High School open. These monies can only be used by districts for certain categories such as loss of learning due to the pandemic, improved air quality or school safety. They can not be used to pay salaries of general employees for day-to-day expenses. Moreover, this would only be a band-aid solution as it would do nothing to fix the real problem at Wilson Junior Senior High School of low enrollment that continues to decline.All Covid monies have to be used in 2024 or they must be returned. Using these funds does not fix the problem after 2024 and would only temporarily keep a building open. Also, Ms. Meier stated the district website and social media sites favor Central Plains over Wilson. Actually, those sites take both Oiler and Dragon mascots and merge them together to show unity as a district. This has been used as the graphic on these pages for several years.Most egregiously, Ms. Meier stated there are pay inequities for teaching staff in buildings which unfairly target Wilson teachers. Certified teachers are placed on a district salary schedule, which is negotiated by one Wilson teacher and one Central Plains teacher and the Board of Education each year. This negotiated agreement and salary schedule is a legally binding contract. To imply the Board of Education is not following this legally binding contract without offering any proof, is grossly unfair to all parties involved, and borders on libelous content.Accurate data and factual information are important, please visit unitedusd112.com or Facebook United USD 112. — Denise Schmidt, ClaflinRELATED STORIES: <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/1ca616ba-d515-45ec-a6db-ff83cd076127">Petition to disorganize USD 112 filed Tuesday morning</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/650866ad-be2b-4d84-8a28-bf21f90d331c">Wilson High School supporters not going down without a fight</a>

Letter to Editor: Writer offers reasons for Wilson school closing

It’s no fun being between a rock and a hard place, but that’s the spot Kansas public schools are in today.&nbsp; It’s an unfortunate circumstance begging for action by the Legislature and Kansas State Board of Education.

The two major problems facing schools currently are:&nbsp; 1) teacher shortages and 2) low student achievement. Both have plagued Kansas schools for at least 20 years.

Kansas student achievement on the most recent National Assessment of Student Progress reading and math exams declined again—a situation that can’t improve without schools fully staffed with well-prepared teachers.

The rock/hard-place dilemma is that in the past, the answer to increasing the teacher workforce was to relax the rules for qualifying teachers.

Following precedent, Kansas started down the traditional road again last year by creating an emergency substitute teacher license. Instead of requiring a minimum of 60 hours earned college credit, substitute teacher qualifications are now holding a high school diploma and being at least age 18.

To speed national workforce development, the U.S. Department of Labor is offering funding for apprenticeship programs in a range of occupations including teacher preparation.

These apprentice programs pair accelerated on-line post-secondary education with on-site training. The programs are proving effective for technical careers, and so far, 16 states will&nbsp;receive teacher education funding.&nbsp;KSDE is looking into this as well as creating its own teacher apprentice program.

The best programs place teacher candidates who have completed 60 hours college general education into public schools with 15 to 20 hours paid work per week as paraprofessionals, who assist a teacher, usually with small group activities.

Teacher candidates complete requirements for the bachelor’s degree that include practice teaching experiences in multiple classroom levels with in-person teacher candidate evaluation by credentialed supervisors.

The least effective apprenticeship programs allow 18 year-olds to work as paraprofessionals as little as five hours per week or become full-time classroom teachers with little college-level preparation. The apprenticeship can occur in a single classroom for the full four years of college study which may be shortened through accelerated, eight-week, all on-line courses. The apprentices’ classroom teaching may be with small-groups only, in one grade only with candidate teaching evaluation reduced to student-produced, 15-minute videos observed by on-line reviewers.

COVID taught us that “all online, all the time” is not the best way for students to learn and it follows, also not the best for teacher candidates. Pre-service teachers also need experience through research based, faculty-led roundtables to learn the wide-range of student needs, develop problem solving abilities and practice communication skills—all difficult to accomplish in an exclusively online, one class in one school environment.

If properly organized, paid apprenticeship for teacher candidates can reduce their college costs, give pre-service teachers valuable hands-on experience and speed-up preparation without abbreviated, fully online courses or candidate’s teaching skills evaluated remotely.

Kansans might also consider that in 2023, the median teacher starting salary in Kansas is $40,699 while the average starting salary for college graduates nationally is $58,860.

Kansas ranked 36 nationally in public school salaries in 2021.

The median yearly income of one earner in Kansas is $51,957.

The state projects a $3.2 billion cash surplus by June 2024 and nearly $1 billion more in the rainy day fund.&nbsp;

Raising teacher salaries may be the fastest and most effective way to solve the teacher shortage.

Sharon Hartin Iorio is the dean emerita of the Wichita State University College of Education.

Sources used in this report:&nbsp;KSDE standard &amp; Emergency Substitute License Requirements; KSDE Board Meeting June 13, 2023; Apprentice.gov&gt;Education; Emporia State University February 5, 2020, report and news release. U. S.&nbsp;Trustee Program/Dept of Justice: Kansas; Google Search: Kansas budget surplus; Ed Week June 21, 2023.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1593719779701.jpeg" alt="Sharon Hartin Iorio is Dean Emerita Wichita State University College of Education." />
 <figcaption>Sharon Hartin Iorio is Dean Emerita Wichita State University College of Education.</figcaption>
 </figure>It’s no fun being between a rock and a hard place, but that’s the spot Kansas public schools are in today.&nbsp; It’s an unfortunate circumstance begging for action by the Legislature and Kansas State Board of Education.The two major problems facing schools currently are:&nbsp; 1) teacher shortages and 2) low student achievement. Both have plagued Kansas schools for at least 20 years.Kansas student achievement on the most recent National Assessment of Student Progress reading and math exams declined again—a situation that can’t improve without schools fully staffed with well-prepared teachers.The rock/hard-place dilemma is that in the past, the answer to increasing the teacher workforce was to relax the rules for qualifying teachers.Following precedent, Kansas started down the traditional road again last year by creating an emergency substitute teacher license. Instead of requiring a minimum of 60 hours earned college credit, substitute teacher qualifications are now holding a high school diploma and being at least age 18.To speed national workforce development, the U.S. Department of Labor is offering funding for apprenticeship programs in a range of occupations including teacher preparation.These apprentice programs pair accelerated on-line post-secondary education with on-site training. The programs are proving effective for technical careers, and so far, 16 states will&nbsp;receive teacher education funding.&nbsp;KSDE is looking into this as well as creating its own teacher apprentice program.The best programs place teacher candidates who have completed 60 hours college general education into public schools with 15 to 20 hours paid work per week as paraprofessionals, who assist a teacher, usually with small group activities.Teacher candidates complete requirements for the bachelor’s degree that include practice teaching experiences in multiple classroom levels with in-person teacher candidate evaluation by credentialed supervisors.The least effective apprenticeship programs allow 18 year-olds to work as paraprofessionals as little as five hours per week or become full-time classroom teachers with little college-level preparation. The apprenticeship can occur in a single classroom for the full four years of college study which may be shortened through accelerated, eight-week, all on-line courses. The apprentices’ classroom teaching may be with small-groups only, in one grade only with candidate teaching evaluation reduced to student-produced, 15-minute videos observed by on-line reviewers.COVID taught us that “all online, all the time” is not the best way for students to learn and it follows, also not the best for teacher candidates. Pre-service teachers also need experience through research based, faculty-led roundtables to learn the wide-range of student needs, develop problem solving abilities and practice communication skills—all difficult to accomplish in an exclusively online, one class in one school environment.If properly organized, paid apprenticeship for teacher candidates can reduce their college costs, give pre-service teachers valuable hands-on experience and speed-up preparation without abbreviated, fully online courses or candidate’s teaching skills evaluated remotely.Kansans might also consider that in 2023, the median teacher starting salary in Kansas is $40,699 while the average starting salary for college graduates nationally is $58,860.Kansas ranked 36 nationally in public school salaries in 2021.The median yearly income of one earner in Kansas is $51,957.The state projects a $3.2 billion cash surplus by June 2024 and nearly $1 billion more in the rainy day fund.&nbsp;Raising teacher salaries may be the fastest and most effective way to solve the teacher shortage.Sharon Hartin Iorio is the dean emerita of the Wichita State University College of Education.Sources used in this report:&nbsp;KSDE standard &amp; Emergency Substitute License Requirements; KSDE Board Meeting June 13, 2023; Apprentice.gov&gt;Education; Emporia State University February 5, 2020, report and news release. U. S.&nbsp;Trustee Program/Dept of Justice: Kansas; Google Search: Kansas budget surplus; Ed Week June 21, 2023.&nbsp;&nbsp;

INSIGHT KANSAS: Solving Kansas’ teacher shortage problem

By MONIQUE KOERNER Cottonwood Extension District

There is nothing like the taste of fresh vegetables that come straight to the table from the garden, and often when there is a produce surplus folks turn to processing options such as freezing or canning to make it last throughout the year.

In anticipation of that summer season, I would like to offer tips on how to have a successful canning experience.

First, make sure everything is working properly. 

Canning jars and rings should be free from cracks and no rust on the rings. Handwashing is recommended to keep them from rusting prematurely. Lids, however, cannot be used more than once. 

Next, make sure your canner is in good working order. Dial gauge canners need their valves and gauge checked. Your local extension office can test the gauge for Presto, National, Maid of Honor and Magic Seal canners. 

Check the seal between the pot and lid, looking for cracks or dried rubber. If the seal isn’t good then the canner will not get to the proper pressure. 

The rubber plug can also wear out and sometimes need replaced.

As far as preparing the food, it is recommended to remove the peels to prevent unintended bacteria growth.

After the jars have been processed, they should be placed on a towel on the counter in an isolated place, with no drafts and allowed to cool down naturally.

Finally, write the date the food was canned on the lid before putting them in storage. It is recommended that jars be used within one year and rotate them out for next year’s supply.

And just a reminder about canning recipes. Information about food comes at us from many directions. We might scroll through Facebook, Pinterest or another social media platform and be attracted by a new recipe. Most of the time, recipes for main courses or desserts will not pose food safety risks. Maybe a friend told you about a new canning method. Food preservation recipes that have not been tested for safety could be harmful, or even deadly if the canned food contains the toxin that causes botulism. 

These are some questions to ask yourself:

• Who is the author of the research or publication? The U.S. Department of Agriculture and universities have conducted reputable food preservation research.

• Is the food preservation information based on current scientific research or opinion? Outdated canning recipes should be retired. An exception: if ingredient amounts and processing times are exactly the same as current food preservation recipes, they could be used.

• Where did you find the information? Examine the URL on the website. Does it end with “.edu” (indicating a university or other educational organization) or “.gov” (indicating a government site)? Universities and government sources are credible sources of food preservation information.

Please make sure your canning recipes are from credible sources before trying them. While home canning can be a safe and convenient way to store food, it must be done safely.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668522176561.png" alt="Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension Cottonwood District. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension Cottonwood District. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By MONIQUE KOERNER Cottonwood Extension DistrictThere is nothing like the taste of fresh vegetables that come straight to the table from the garden, and often when there is a produce surplus folks turn to processing options such as freezing or canning to make it last throughout the year.In anticipation of that summer season, I would like to offer tips on how to have a successful canning experience.First, make sure everything is working properly. Canning jars and rings should be free from cracks and no rust on the rings. Handwashing is recommended to keep them from rusting prematurely. Lids, however, cannot be used more than once. Next, make sure your canner is in good working order. Dial gauge canners need their valves and gauge checked. Your local extension office can test the gauge for Presto, National, Maid of Honor and Magic Seal canners. Check the seal between the pot and lid, looking for cracks or dried rubber. If the seal isn’t good then the canner will not get to the proper pressure. The rubber plug can also wear out and sometimes need replaced.As far as preparing the food, it is recommended to remove the peels to prevent unintended bacteria growth.After the jars have been processed, they should be placed on a towel on the counter in an isolated place, with no drafts and allowed to cool down naturally.Finally, write the date the food was canned on the lid before putting them in storage. It is recommended that jars be used within one year and rotate them out for next year’s supply.And just a reminder about canning recipes. Information about food comes at us from many directions. We might scroll through Facebook, Pinterest or another social media platform and be attracted by a new recipe. Most of the time, recipes for main courses or desserts will not pose food safety risks. Maybe a friend told you about a new canning method. Food preservation recipes that have not been tested for safety could be harmful, or even deadly if the canned food contains the toxin that causes botulism. These are some questions to ask yourself:• Who is the author of the research or publication? The U.S. Department of Agriculture and universities have conducted reputable food preservation research.• Is the food preservation information based on current scientific research or opinion? Outdated canning recipes should be retired. An exception: if ingredient amounts and processing times are exactly the same as current food preservation recipes, they could be used.• Where did you find the information? Examine the URL on the website. Does it end with “.edu” (indicating a university or other educational organization) or “.gov” (indicating a government site)? Universities and government sources are credible sources of food preservation information.Please make sure your canning recipes are from credible sources before trying them. While home canning can be a safe and convenient way to store food, it must be done safely.Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at 785-628-9430 or moniquek@ksu.edu.

KOERNER: Tips for safe canning

By TISA MASON FHSU President

Fort Hays State University is pleased to welcome its new dean of the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences, Dr. J. David Macey. Dr. Macey will join us on Monday.

The college Dr. Macey will lead recently began working through a comprehensive reorganization focused on enhancing operational efficiencies, positioning the college to grow, leveraging new academic program opportunities, and creating a collaborative and engaging organizational culture that articulates the value of a liberal arts education.

This appointment is a significant milestone for the university, and we are thrilled to have found someone with such an impressive background and wealth of experience. The new dean brings a fresh perspective to the role, and we are confident that he will lead the college to new heights.

Thus, I am honored to introduce Dr. Macey to our wonderful community via this Heart of a Tiger column.

Like me, David grew up in Massachusetts. His undergraduate degree is from Yale University in Connecticut and his first job after college was as a cook at a storefront soup kitchen in Brooklyn, New York. He later worked as a bank teller and was a Catholic seminarian before earning graduate degrees in English literature at Brown University and Vanderbilt University.

Dr. Macey has served as a faculty member at a small private liberal arts college in Washington state (University of Puget Sound) and a medium-sized public regional comprehensive university in Oklahoma (University of Central Oklahoma). He has also served as an assistant vice president for diversity, inclusion, and globalization and the interim dean of the College of Liberal Arts at the University of Central Oklahoma.

Signaling a good fit with Tiger Nation, Dr. Macey’s career is marked by hard work, thoughtfulness, achievement, and demonstrated commitment to an ethic of care. He received several awards from the University of Central Oklahoma, including the Modeling the Way Award, the Neely Excellence in Teaching Award, and the Division of Student Affairs Faculty Adviser of the Year Award. He also received the Oklahoma Center for Community and Justice's Oklahoma City Humanitarian Award and the Cimarron Alliance's Torch Award.

On a more personal note, David has lived in Oklahoma City for the past twenty years, where his husband, Thomas Horne, has been an English professor (Oklahoma City Community College). Four cats round out their household: Mildred Pierces (a gray tabby), Burt Lancatster (an orange tuxedo tabby), Elvira Whiskress of the Dark (a Bombay), and Prid E. Kitty (an orange tabby).

“I’ve followed the great work of Fort Hays State University’s students, faculty, and staff for many years and am excited by the spirit and creativity of the Tiger Nation! The university has been on the cutting edge of innovation in transformative teaching and learning, online and international education, and affordability and access – all of which will be critical to the future of public higher education. I was impressed by the warmth&nbsp;and the energy of FHSU’s students, faculty, and staff when I visited campus, and I can’t wait to join the university community,” David said.

David is excited to be moving to Hays and looks forward to becoming involved in the community, stating: “Thomas and I are enjoying learning more about Hays and its cultural activities, its restaurants (we’ve found some great ones already!), and its opportunities for service and civic engagement. We look forward to many happy years in Hays!”

FHSU and the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences are home to some of the most talented and dedicated faculty members in the country, and we believe that Dean Macey will provide the leadership and vision necessary to build on our success.

One of the most rewarding parts of my job is welcoming new leaders to Tiger Nation. So, it is truly a joy for me to celebrate FHSU’s newest senior leader. I am thrilled to welcome David and Thomas to Fort Hays State University as well as to our wonderful Ellis County community. We look forward to working with Dr. Macey as he embarks on this exciting new chapter at Fort Hays State University.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575302014229.png" alt="Tisa Mason, FHSU president" />
 <figcaption>Tisa Mason, FHSU president</figcaption>
 </figure>By TISA MASON FHSU PresidentFort Hays State University is pleased to welcome its new dean of the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences, Dr. J. David Macey. Dr. Macey will join us on Monday.The college Dr. Macey will lead recently began working through a comprehensive reorganization focused on enhancing operational efficiencies, positioning the college to grow, leveraging new academic program opportunities, and creating a collaborative and engaging organizational culture that articulates the value of a liberal arts education.This appointment is a significant milestone for the university, and we are thrilled to have found someone with such an impressive background and wealth of experience. The new dean brings a fresh perspective to the role, and we are confident that he will lead the college to new heights.Thus, I am honored to introduce Dr. Macey to our wonderful community via this Heart of a Tiger column.Like me, David grew up in Massachusetts. His undergraduate degree is from Yale University in Connecticut and his first job after college was as a cook at a storefront soup kitchen in Brooklyn, New York. He later worked as a bank teller and was a Catholic seminarian before earning graduate degrees in English literature at Brown University and Vanderbilt University.Dr. Macey has served as a faculty member at a small private liberal arts college in Washington state (University of Puget Sound) and a medium-sized public regional comprehensive university in Oklahoma (University of Central Oklahoma). He has also served as an assistant vice president for diversity, inclusion, and globalization and the interim dean of the College of Liberal Arts at the University of Central Oklahoma.Signaling a good fit with Tiger Nation, Dr. Macey’s career is marked by hard work, thoughtfulness, achievement, and demonstrated commitment to an ethic of care. He received several awards from the University of Central Oklahoma, including the Modeling the Way Award, the Neely Excellence in Teaching Award, and the Division of Student Affairs Faculty Adviser of the Year Award. He also received the Oklahoma Center for Community and Justice's Oklahoma City Humanitarian Award and the Cimarron Alliance's Torch Award.On a more personal note, David has lived in Oklahoma City for the past twenty years, where his husband, Thomas Horne, has been an English professor (Oklahoma City Community College). Four cats round out their household: Mildred Pierces (a gray tabby), Burt Lancatster (an orange tuxedo tabby), Elvira Whiskress of the Dark (a Bombay), and Prid E. Kitty (an orange tabby).“I’ve followed the great work of Fort Hays State University’s students, faculty, and staff for many years and am excited by the spirit and creativity of the Tiger Nation! The university has been on the cutting edge of innovation in transformative teaching and learning, online and international education, and affordability and access – all of which will be critical to the future of public higher education. I was impressed by the warmth&nbsp;and the energy of FHSU’s students, faculty, and staff when I visited campus, and I can’t wait to join the university community,” David said.David is excited to be moving to Hays and looks forward to becoming involved in the community, stating: “Thomas and I are enjoying learning more about Hays and its cultural activities, its restaurants (we’ve found some great ones already!), and its opportunities for service and civic engagement. We look forward to many happy years in Hays!”FHSU and the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences are home to some of the most talented and dedicated faculty members in the country, and we believe that Dean Macey will provide the leadership and vision necessary to build on our success.One of the most rewarding parts of my job is welcoming new leaders to Tiger Nation. So, it is truly a joy for me to celebrate FHSU’s newest senior leader. I am thrilled to welcome David and Thomas to Fort Hays State University as well as to our wonderful Ellis County community. We look forward to working with Dr. Macey as he embarks on this exciting new chapter at Fort Hays State University.

Heart of a Tiger: New leadership for College of Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences

The USD 112 BOE could’ve averted this disorganization vote.

The following material in quotations, were&nbsp;pulled from the KASB website:&nbsp;"School Board Members’ three primary Roles/Responsibilities," shows how BOE actions drove the district to the point of a disorganization vote:

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;They did not&nbsp;“foster an environment of collaboration, coordination and communication.”

&nbsp;Don’t believe; watch the&nbsp;USD 112 Board Meetings Livestream:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;@oilers112media2

*Note the&nbsp;“Oilers”&nbsp;name &amp; logo on&nbsp;District News Channel&nbsp;site. Interesting that it’s called “Oilers 112” not “Central Plains 112."

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“Advocate for the&nbsp;various stakeholders&nbsp;in the district (students, staff, community members) in pursuit of policies and direction that make the system better for&nbsp;all&nbsp;involved.”

They’ve chosen to advocate for&nbsp;their school choice, Central Plains-Claflin, with little equity or concern for students and staff, especially in regard to benefits and burdens. This is not just a present-day problem but includes other building closures, district office relocation, BOE meeting locations (all moved in January to Claflin) and spending choices/priorities (including charges to Wilson for expenses not used; salary inequities across the district;&nbsp; and the fact that ESSER-Covid money, could be used to keep school buildings open).

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“At the state level, school board members are critical voices in the fight for a strong state-wide public education system.”

What has this BOE done at the state level to fight for keeping schools open?&nbsp;

In the past, there were six community schools in this area. Lorraine and Bushton were unfortunately closed; Dorrance, who lost their school in a fire, made the unselfish sacrifice and partnered with Wilson to build a new modern, efficient building in Wilson in 1998.&nbsp;At this rate, who will be the "last school standing"?

Why was/is this BOE afraid to ask the experienced experts at the state level for help?

We need immediate intervention from our educational leaders in Topeka; Gov. Kelly, KSDE,&nbsp;&nbsp;legislators, and attorney general. Our Legislators need to be informed of the needs for updates or new educational law.&nbsp;&nbsp;Maybe the legislators needed more forewarning, especially on the lack of clarity with the present disorganization statues. The KSBOE is concerned about students and school closures and is ready to help out if only asked. Wilson has asked? Has Central Plains? Why not?

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“Make impactful daily and long-term plans for success of students, staff and community members within their districts.”

Wilson’s still waiting for those plans? There are other closer districts that have transition plans.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“Seen as leaders in their communities and across the state.”

Wilson and other schools have invited local BOE members and administrators to fight in Topeka for a Small-School Coalition. The BOE didn’t step up or even acknowledge this need. Wilson went and was instrumental in the passage of HB 2138 and almost passing SB 113, all with hopes of preventing Kansas school closures&nbsp;and providing a smoother,&nbsp;transparent process.

Wilson applauds the Senate and House who united, surprisingly quickly, in response to both the need for school closure, checks and balances and for FTE state funding to follow students, immediately.&nbsp;&nbsp;In 2024-2025 "open enrollment" will become law.&nbsp;&nbsp;Taxpayers across Kansas should demand that funding follow students immediately, not stay in a district that's not providing services to these students for two years. If this change creates different problems, then let the legislators fix them. They're good at this!

Wilson and Central Plains need a mulligan!&nbsp; Time for the BOE to better&nbsp;"Serve, Advocate &amp; Lead."&nbsp; Time for the laws to catch up with present-day educational needs and delivery options. Can this be done?

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582312931775.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The USD 112 BOE could’ve averted this disorganization vote. The following material in quotations, were&nbsp;pulled from the KASB website:&nbsp;"School Board Members’ three primary Roles/Responsibilities," shows how BOE actions drove the district to the point of a disorganization vote: To "Serve, Advocate &amp; Lead"1. Serve:·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;They did not&nbsp;“foster an environment of collaboration, coordination and communication.”&nbsp;Don’t believe; watch the&nbsp;USD 112 Board Meetings Livestream:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;@oilers112media2*Note the&nbsp;“Oilers”&nbsp;name &amp; logo on&nbsp;District News Channel&nbsp;site. Interesting that it’s called “Oilers 112” not “Central Plains 112."2. Advocate·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“Advocate for the&nbsp;various stakeholders&nbsp;in the district (students, staff, community members) in pursuit of policies and direction that make the system better for&nbsp;all&nbsp;involved.”They’ve chosen to advocate for&nbsp;their school choice, Central Plains-Claflin, with little equity or concern for students and staff, especially in regard to benefits and burdens. This is not just a present-day problem but includes other building closures, district office relocation, BOE meeting locations (all moved in January to Claflin) and spending choices/priorities (including charges to Wilson for expenses not used; salary inequities across the district;&nbsp; and the fact that ESSER-Covid money, could be used to keep school buildings open).·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“At the state level, school board members are critical voices in the fight for a strong state-wide public education system.”What has this BOE done at the state level to fight for keeping schools open?&nbsp;In the past, there were six community schools in this area. Lorraine and Bushton were unfortunately closed; Dorrance, who lost their school in a fire, made the unselfish sacrifice and partnered with Wilson to build a new modern, efficient building in Wilson in 1998.&nbsp;At this rate, who will be the "last school standing"?Why was/is this BOE afraid to ask the experienced experts at the state level for help?We need immediate intervention from our educational leaders in Topeka; Gov. Kelly, KSDE,&nbsp;&nbsp;legislators, and attorney general. Our Legislators need to be informed of the needs for updates or new educational law.&nbsp;&nbsp;Maybe the legislators needed more forewarning, especially on the lack of clarity with the present disorganization statues. The KSBOE is concerned about students and school closures and is ready to help out if only asked. Wilson has asked? Has Central Plains? Why not?3. Lead·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“Make impactful daily and long-term plans for success of students, staff and community members within their districts.”Wilson’s still waiting for those plans? There are other closer districts that have transition plans.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“Seen as leaders in their communities and across the state.”Wilson and other schools have invited local BOE members and administrators to fight in Topeka for a Small-School Coalition. The BOE didn’t step up or even acknowledge this need. Wilson went and was instrumental in the passage of HB 2138 and almost passing SB 113, all with hopes of preventing Kansas school closures&nbsp;and providing a smoother,&nbsp;transparent process.Wilson applauds the Senate and House who united, surprisingly quickly, in response to both the need for school closure, checks and balances and for FTE state funding to follow students, immediately.&nbsp;&nbsp;In 2024-2025 "open enrollment" will become law.&nbsp;&nbsp;Taxpayers across Kansas should demand that funding follow students immediately, not stay in a district that's not providing services to these students for two years. If this change creates different problems, then let the legislators fix them. They're good at this!Wilson and Central Plains need a mulligan!&nbsp; Time for the BOE to better&nbsp;"Serve, Advocate &amp; Lead."&nbsp; Time for the laws to catch up with present-day educational needs and delivery options. Can this be done? I sure hope so.Roberta Meier RELATED STORIES: <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/1ca616ba-d515-45ec-a6db-ff83cd076127">Petition to disorganize USD 112 filed Tuesday morning</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/650866ad-be2b-4d84-8a28-bf21f90d331c">Wilson High School supporters not going down without a fight</a>

Letter to Editor: Uncharted waters: USD 112 disorganization by patron vote

LAWRENCE — Any parent can tell you that work doesn’t stop when you leave the office and go home. Yet national and international economic statistics only consider the work that happens “at the market,” or outside the home — not caring for children, cooking, cleaning or caring for elders, tasks largely handled by women, in calculating economic statistics like gross domestic product. 

A new study from the University of Kansas argues for including such work, or “girly economics,” for a full understanding of work happening in the country to produce better labor statistics and equitable public policy.

Misty Heggeness saw firsthand how data often overlooked work in the home during her time with the U.S. Census Bureau. Now an associate professor of public affairs &amp; administration and associate research scientist with KU’s Institute for Policy &amp; Social Research, she has written a study about how care work at home has been traditionally overlooked, how it leads to incomplete economic statistics and how such numbers are necessary for good public policy. Heggeness presented the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aeaweb.org/articles?id=10.1257/pandp.20231108">paper</a>, titled “The Girly Economics of Care Work: Implications for Economic Statistics,” at the American Economic Association annual meeting in January, and it was published in the association’s Papers and Proceedings.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1685723197207.png" alt="Photo by Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>KU News ServiceLAWRENCE — Any parent can tell you that work doesn’t stop when you leave the office and go home. Yet national and international economic statistics only consider the work that happens “at the market,” or outside the home — not caring for children, cooking, cleaning or caring for elders, tasks largely handled by women, in calculating economic statistics like gross domestic product. A new study from the University of Kansas argues for including such work, or “girly economics,” for a full understanding of work happening in the country to produce better labor statistics and equitable public policy.Misty Heggeness saw firsthand how data often overlooked work in the home during her time with the U.S. Census Bureau. Now an associate professor of public affairs &amp; administration and associate research scientist with KU’s Institute for Policy &amp; Social Research, she has written a study about how care work at home has been traditionally overlooked, how it leads to incomplete economic statistics and how such numbers are necessary for good public policy. Heggeness presented the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aeaweb.org/articles?id=10.1257/pandp.20231108">paper</a>, titled “The Girly Economics of Care Work: Implications for Economic Statistics,” at the American Economic Association annual meeting in January, and it was published in the association’s Papers and Proceedings.“Women are and have always been economic agents. If we were to collect information about economic activity in a broader sense, what we would find is women are more active than men,” Heggeness said. “The total amount of paid and unpaid economic activity show for people working full-time jobs, women engage in about one additional hour of economic activity per day.”The study is linked to a&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/2023/04/17/ku-researcher-leading-project-quantify-care-economy-make-stats-available-central-location">project</a>&nbsp;Heggeness has launched with funding from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation. The Care Board is an effort to gather existing data and statistics on the care economy and make them available in one online location with a dashboard to help researchers, policymakers and others find useful information. The project will generate new statistics on such economic data as well.&nbsp;Heggeness cites an Institute for Women’s Policy Research study that found among working adults, women average one extra hour per day on unpaid household chores and care work than men. And while an hour per day may not seem significant, over the course of a year, that adds up to 249 additional hours, or 31 days of additional work by women. The consequences of excluding such data have been in place for decades. Heggeness points out that in 1953, the United Nations standardized a system of measurements to determine gross domestic product. One of the most widely used economic statistics in the world, GDP does not include work done inside the home.The United States does, however, collect data on care work outside the home. Such data shows that roughly 14% of the U.S. labor force is engaged in teaching, janitorial and cleaning services, and child care. That represents 23.4 million people, more than the state of Florida. But with unpaid care work in the home, such as caring for children or other family members, confusion can reign during times of economic crisis.During the COVID-19 pandemic, the additional stress on parents was widely reported. In addition to their full-time jobs, parents had to ensure kids could take part in online learning from home and saw other domestic tasks increase dramatically as well. The concern was that the additional stress would drive many parents, especially mothers, to leave the labor force. But a lack of reliable statistics on unpaid care work left both journalists and economists scrambling to determine just how much additional work was done and carried implications that women’s work in the formal sector of the economy was less important than men’s, Heggeness said.“There are components about global and national history, whether intentional or not, that have been driven historically by men and that are determined by a monetized wage or price,” Heggeness said. “If we limit ourselves to that, we are blinding ourselves to the realities women contribute to the economy and keeping it going.”After pointing out how unpaid care activities — what she calls the underbelly of the economy — are not included in official statistics, Heggeness wrote about the urgency of including such data, as the economy would not function without it. As a result, researchers, statisticians and economists cannot accurately track economic phenomena like a pandemic, growth or recessions without including all economic activity in primary measures. Similarly, it is difficult to measure how overworked or stressed care workers might be, and policymakers cannot develop effective policy to address such problems without a full slate of information, she wrote.“To not generate statistics with depth and nuance now is an egregious flaw in the profession. We owe it to society and the generations that come after us to use the rich depth of cumulating administrative and real-time data on our economic lives both within and outside of our homes to generate a more complete picture of the modern caregiver and more accurately estimate their economic contributions to society,” Heggeness wrote. “With urgency, we must update national accounting systems and leading economic statistics to capture the modern realities of work, care and the economy and incorporate these statistics into mainstream views of our economy.”

Opinion