Blog

  • The Learning Curve: How Training Supports Recruiting and Retaining Cleared Talent

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    It requires a specific kind of employee to pursue security clearance work. These individuals must embrace pressure and want to make a difference in national security. The constrained talent pool of cleared employees shows how unique this population is, and, on top of that, cybersecurity and technology roles in the intelligence community and government agencies require extremely specific skill sets. The rapid advancement of AI is accelerating this trend even further.

    “The recent Executive Order on AI adoption is just the latest driver of talent demand in the security-cleared space,” says Andy Gill, strategic talent acquisitions lead with MetroStar, a northern Virginia-based digital services and IT modernization company focused on Federal, Department of Defense (DoD) and national security customers at the highest security levels. “The need for technical skills and security clearances means it’s more important than ever to not only find the right candidates but also to retain the cleared folks you already have and ensure talent mobility,” he adds.

    How can staffing firms and HR professionals manage talent acquisition (TA) with this employee population and keep key positions filled? By emphasizing learning and development (L&D) opportunities, recruiters and TA teams can address both sides of this coin — recruiting qualified candidates and retaining valuable employees.

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  • Digital Tools Are Shaping the Future of Preventive Mental Health Care

    Person in blue shirt sitting on bed using a tablet, with a small dog looking at them, in a cozy room with minimal decor.

    The landscape of mental health care is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by the integration of digital tools. Given that less than half of the 57.8 million adults diagnosed with mental illness received mental health services in the past year, the potential for digital technologies to enhance mental health care and prevention is becoming increasingly evident. Untreated mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety can have profound long-term health, social and economic consequences, emphasizing the need for prioritizing preventive mental healthcare.

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  • Exploring Age-Related Characteristics of Dyslexia: A Guide for Educators

    by Tina Eichstadt, MS CCC-SLP, Speech-language Pathologist and Senior Product Manager for Pearson Clinical Assessment

    Young child in a polka-dot shirt reading a colorful book by a window.

    After many years of an arguably “hidden” status in schools, dyslexia has emerged as a critical concern in education thanks to parental advocacy and because of dyslexia’s far-reaching implications for a child’s well-being and educational success. However, while awareness and recognition have increased, dyslexia may still go unidentified or misidentified in elementary school classrooms.

    As a speech-language pathologist (SLP), assessment professional, and parent, I’ve gained an acute appreciation for dyslexia and all the learning I’ve gathered over the decades from research, practice, and individuals/families. Yet, I continue to learn that many professionals still may not be comfortable identifying common symptoms which indicate the need for assessment and will open the door to effective support and growth.

    As educators settle into their routines with the new school year well underway, I think daily about supporting teachers who often notice behaviors and student performance before anyone else. While I encourage all my fellow SLPs to step into the classroom and listen to teacher assessments often, I also want to encourage our classroom teacher colleagues (and the rest of the educational team). Here are some of the indicators that can help identify students who may have dyslexia so they can get the support they need to succeed in school and beyond.

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  • The ADHD Evidence Project

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    Addressing misinformation and promoting evidence-based understanding

    If you attended the 2024 ADHD Virtual Summit, you likely watched the ADHD Evidence Project Presentation by Dr. Stephen Faraone. Dr. Faraone is clinical psychologist, professor in the Department of Psychiatry at SUNY Upstate Medical University, and President of the World Federation of ADHD.

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  • Empowering girls to face body image and social media pressures

    by Lorri Jensen, Senior Product Manager - Behavior Portfolio at Pearson

    A diverse group of three girls smiling while looking at a smartphone in a close setting.

    Growing up in today’s digital era can be a pressure cooker for all kids, but it can be a particular strain for girls as they navigate societal expectations, media influences and peer dynamics — all under the relentless glare of the social media spotlight. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and Snapchat can often promote unrealistic beauty standards, and the barrage of messages can negatively impact girls’ sense of self-worth and identity. 

    While advertising and social media can have a seemingly 24/7 presence, educators can create a safe place within their school community to help counteract these potentially harmful inputs and to support all students in feeling comfortable with being their authentic selves. 

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