Latest news with #Judon
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
To Tackle Chronic Absenteeism, This DC High School Lets Students Lead
It was the last Friday before winter break at H.D. Woodson High School in the eastern corner of Washington, D.C. — historically one of the toughest days of the year for attendance. School team leads Rachel Curry-Neal and Ashlee Judon were eager to see how the day would play out. Their colleagues and they had an ambitious goal: improve overall in-seat attendance rates by at least two percentage points. Like schools across the country, Woodson has struggled with high rates of chronic absenteeism. According to the D.C.'s Office of the State Superintendent of Education, nearly half of high schoolers missed school regularly during the 2023-2024 school year. Rates have improved since the worst days of the pandemic, but they remain stubbornly high, hovering around 40 percent across the nation's capital. Nationwide, the picture looks much the same, as disruptions from the pandemic, student mental health, socio-economic status, and chronic disengagement compound on one another to create a perfect storm of worsening attendance. These absences aren't just about missing class. They're predictors of whether students will graduate, pursue higher education, or find stable employment. Get stories like this delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for The 74 Newsletter To address the problem, Curry-Neal, Woodson's redesign director, and Judon, the school's student experience coach, looked beyond conventional solutions — disciplinary threats and mandatory parent calls — and took a novel approach: letting students lead. Woodson is part of DC+XQ, a partnership between XQ Institute and DC Public Schools (DCPS) to improve the high school experience through the implementation of XQ's six, science-backed Design Principles that together lay the foundation for effective high school learning. One of these principles is youth voice and choice: creating authentic, regular opportunities for students to build agency and develop their identities. DCPS Chancellor Lewis D. Ferebee has been out front in linking attendance to students' feelings of engagement and sense of belonging. We know chronic absenteeism is anything but simple,' said Dr. Ferebee. 'As part of DC+XQ, Woodson is enlisting the entire school community to help tackle this and other important challenges—and they're leading with student voice. Our partnership with XQ is showing what's possible when our young people have a seat at the table.' Related In addressing chronic absenteeism, leaders at Woodson seized on the opportunity to bring students into the fold. Curry-Neal and Judon met with about 70 students eager to improve their high school experience and presented them with attendance metrics and Panorama data, which provides valuable insight for schools to monitor their students' learning experiences. From those students, the school selected 10 mentors and charged them with leading a pilot program to boost attendance numbers. Known as the Attendance Pep Squad, these 10 students gather every Tuesday at lunch to strategize. Their goal is twofold: first, identify students who might benefit from peer mentorship. And second, come up with creative ways to change the culture around attendance. During the fall semester, they developed an innovative outreach event — a playful, low-stakes peer networking gathering during which students exchanged stories and identified common experiences. Potential mentees also shared their schedules, academic interests, and any obstacles they were encountering, enabling mentors (along with Curry-Neal and Judon) to determine how best to pair students. About 22 students opted in to receive a peer mentor, and the program began in December of last year. The Pep Squad also took steps to strengthen their fellow students' sense of belonging. They organized a 'Winter Spirit Week,' strategically timed for the week before winter break when attendance rates typically dip. They set up scavenger hunts, social activities and games, and a school-wide assembly to celebrate and close out the week. The results exceeded expectations. In the 2023–24 school year, the Thursday before winter break had an attendance rate of just 42.6 percent. After the Pep Squad's initiative, that number soared to 76 percent. Even the Friday before the break — one of the toughest days for any school to manage — recorded just under 60 percent. 'Students understand the barriers to attendance better than anyone,' said William Massey, Woodson's principal. 'We knew we'd be able to go further and faster with them in the driver's seat.' Not surprisingly, the students' efforts also appear to be having a positive impact on achievement. After just one term, nearly half of mentees have improved their GPA, recovered credits required for graduation, or both. Several mentees also saw a decrease in the number of failed courses. While Woodson isn't declaring victory by any stretch, its early success suggests an alternative to conventional approaches, which often focus on imposing stiffer penalties on students who miss too much school. But these approaches don't address root problems — and they can backfire if they erode positive relationships, alienate students, and put counterproductive burdens on school staff. In contrast, when students are afforded leadership opportunities that give them agency and voice, they feel like they belong and are eager to step up. 'It all coalesces into this magic alchemy,' Curry-Neal said. That alchemy is backed by a growing body of data. Research shows that students who feel a strong sense of belonging not only have better attendance but also higher grades and fewer disciplinary problems than their disconnected peers. They also graduate at higher rates and are more likely to enroll in college. In their recent book The Disengaged Teen, authors Jenny Anderson and Rebecca Winthrop note that when students see school as boring, stressful, or pointless, their desire to show up evaporates. Attendance alone doesn't guarantee learning, but consistent presence is a crucial first step. 'There's a limit to how much we can learn if we're not in the building,' Judon says. Woodson has been intentional about building a community that students want to be part of. Panorama data show that the student experience has improved every year since Woodson began their redesign journey in the 2022-2023 school year. Today, Woodson ranks in the 90th percentile among urban districts for student sense of belonging. Curry-Neal traces this back to XQ's Design Principles and its network of schools across the country, which enabled them to learn from earlier redesign efforts at Iowa BIG, Crosstown, and PSI High. Woodson isn't the only school whose redesign efforts are paying off. At PSI High in Florida, just 1 percent of students were chronically absent in 2023-24, compared to 25 percent for the broader district. At Design Works High School in New York, 10 percent of students were chronically absent in 2023-24, compared to 47 percent for NYC high schools on average. There are no silver bullets when it comes to the very complex problem of chronic absenteeism, but it's increasingly clear that making students feel like they are part of the solution is a step in the right direction. 'It's complicated,' Curry-Neal admits. 'A pep squad, text messages, walking kids to school—that only works if the rest of the school environment supports it. But right now, we're seeing that when students feel they belong here, they want to come back. And that's half the battle.' Want to learn more about how to create innovative teaching and learning in high schools? Subscribe to the XQ Xtra, a newsletter that comes out twice a month for high school teachers. Disclosure: The XQ Institute is a financial supporter of The 74.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Matthew Judon Reportedly Unhappy With Falcons, Not Expected to Return Next Season
Matthew Judon, a veteran outside linebacker, was traded from the New England Patriots to the Atlanta Falcons on Aug. 14, 2024, after rookie Bralen Trice tore his ACL. The Falcons took on Judon's $6.5 million base salary, hoping his experience and pass-rushing skills would boost their defense. Judon, a four-time Pro Bowler, had recorded 12 or more sacks in two of the previous three seasons. But his time in Atlanta fell short of expectations. He finished the 2024 season with 5.5 sacks, 41 tackles, seven tackles for loss and nine quarterback hits, according to NFL Rumors. Pro Football Focus ranked him 70th out of 71 edge rushers. Judon later said he was frustrated because he was asked to drop into pass coverage on 60% of plays, which limited his chances to rush the quarterback. What was once seen as a strong move by Atlanta was later viewed by some fans and analysts as a disappointment due to the mismatch between Judon's strengths and the team's defensive scheme. Veteran Linebacker Frustrated With Usage Judon didn't blame bad luck for his drop in production with the Falcons. Instead, he pointed to how he was used in the defensive scheme. 'Hell naw, (it wasn't bad luck),' Judon said Saturday. 'If you go look at the film, I dropped (into coverage) on 60% of the plays. It's hard to get a pick and a sack on the same play.' He added that he was just following the game plan, saying, 'We got to play the play that's called.' Advertisement When asked about his chances of returning to Atlanta, Judon said it's unlikely, especially after the team invested in younger edge rushers. 'Yeah, probably,' he said. 'And then they had another kid (Bralen Trice) who tore his ACL. They'll want to let them get out there and see what they can do. Hopefully they can be great edges in this league.' As for his future, Judon said he's staying away from offseason programs for now. 'I really haven't gone to OTAs or minicamps since Year 2 in the league,' he said. 'Right now, I'm just weighing the options, chilling and enjoying my family.' Judon's time in Atlanta didn't go as planned, but he's keeping his options open for the future. Wherever he lands next, he hopes to return to doing what he does best — rushing the quarterback. Related: Kirk Cousins Trade Rumors: Latest Update on Falcons QB's Future in Atlanta Related: Why Falcons Fans Are Outraged Over Jalon Walker Wearing Julio Jones' No. 11 Jersey
NBC Sports
14-05-2025
- Sport
- NBC Sports
Matthew Judon: I think I can still play, just weighing the options
Veteran edge rusher Matthew Judon has not signed with a team for the 2025 season and he's not sure if that's going to change. Judon had 41 tackles, 5.5 sacks, and an interception in 17 games for the Falcons after being acquired in a trade with the Patriots last year and he said that he's heard from a couple of teams since becoming a free agent in March. His sack numbers were down on a per-game basis from his time in New England, but Judon said he believes it was due to being asked to drop into coverage more often and that he remains confident in his ability to play. 'I think I can still,' Judon said, via Kyle Odegard of 'But that's not up to me. I'm not a G.M. making that decision. I just have to be ready if and when my name is called.' Judon said a return to the Falcons is 'probably' unlikely after they drafted two edge rushers in the first round and that he's happy to continue 'weighing the options' while teams go through their offseason programs.
USA Today
14-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Ex-Patriots LB Matthew Judon breaks silence on failed run with Falcons
Ex-Patriots LB Matthew Judon breaks silence on failed run with Falcons Matthew Judon's run with the Atlanta Falcons was disappointing for both sides. Statistically, the four-time Pro Bowl edge rusher had his worst season in 2024 since his rookie year. He only mustered 5.5 sacks in 17 games played with the Falcons. That was a major drop-off in production compared to his final healthy seasons with the New England Patriots. He racked up 12.5 sacks in 2021 and 15.5 sacks in 2022, before tearing his biceps and missing most of the 2023 season. After failing to agree on terms for a contract extension, the Patriots traded Judon to the Falcons for a 2025 third-round draft pick. Judon was grateful for the opportunity in Atlanta, but he also seemed frustrated with the way he was utilized on defense. There were failed expectations met on both sides. 'Hell naw, (it wasn't bad luck),' Judon said in an interview with Card Player's Kyle Odegard. 'If you go look at the film, I dropped (into coverage) on 60 percent of the plays. It's hard to get a pick and a sack on the same play.' The Falcons never agreed to a long-term contract extension before they traded for Judon. So the 32-year-old defender is currently a free agent waiting for his next NFL opportunity. He's doubtful that a return to Atlanta is in the cards, but he did note that a "couple" of teams have shown interest. Whatever the case may be, he doesn't appear to be considering retirement at the moment. 'I think I can still [play],' Judon said. 'But that's not up to me. I'm not a GM making that decision. I just have to be ready if and when my name is called.' Follow Patriots Wire on Twitter and Facebook.
Yahoo
10-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
4-time Pro Bowler is a 'perfect fit' for Commanders
The Washington Commanders are close to taking the next step in their quest to become a Super Bowl contender. General manager Adam Peters took a four-win team in 2023 to the NFC Championship in 2024. It was a huge 180-degree turn, and it was a season this team and its fanbase haven't seen in over 30 years. Still, they didn't make it to the Big Game, so they have been on the hunt for the last few pieces they need. Peters has been aggressive in his approach, and he's also been able to find what they need without breaking the bank. The one thing he did not do this offseason was nail down an edge rusher. Fear not, Commanders fans, Jeffri Chadiha of has the perfect fit for your team: Linebacker Matthew Judon. Washington general manager Adam Peters has been aggressive in each of the past two seasons when it comes to free agency. The one thing he still needs to find for this team is more help in pressuring opposing passers. The team leader in sacks from 2024, Dante Fowler Jr., returned to Dallas this offseason, and Peters didn't take any edge rushers in the draft. That leaves Judon as an intriguing option for a team that wants to make another power move in the NFC after reaching last year's championship game. He has his flaws -- he turns 33 in August and only amassed 5.5 sacks in his one season with the Falcons last year -- but he also fits what Peters has been finding in free agency the last couple years. The Commanders received valuable contributions from older veterans like linebacker Bobby Wagner and tight end Zach Ertz in 2024. If Judon can give them a little boost in the pass rush, he would be just as beneficial to Washington's hopes of reaching the Super Bowl. Advertisement Judon has exactly what Peters looks for in a veteran: He's quietly successful, flies under the radar, doesn't make waves, and does what it takes to get the job done. He's a veteran who can read opposing offenses, make plays, and provide leadership and mentor the younger guys in the locker room. Judon played five seasons with the Baltimore Ravens and three with the New England Patriots before joining the Atlanta Falcons in 2024. He already knows what it takes to play on a successful team and the amount of dedication it takes to make it happen. He could be the piece the Commanders need to take their defense to the next level, and Peters should look closely at Judon ahead of OTAs. This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Veteran EDGE Matthew Judon named a 'perfect fit' for Commanders
