The NY Education Week in Review 10.13.2024
Welcome to LEDbetter’s new, yet old initiative… Great School Voices Educator Edition!
Modeled off of our nearly decade old Great School Voices blog that amplifies end-user voice (parents, students, and community), our Educator Edition will include the following:
Our NY Education Week in Review | In-depth coverage of all of the education-related news from New York City, the New York region including Long Island and Hudson Valley, the State and the Nation, which was featured last year in The Daily Show.
Spotlights and Check-Ins | We’ll showcase our team of experts who will discuss deeper issues affecting schools. and tips and strategies to help mitigate them. Coming this year, we’ll have posts about Belonging, the surge in ENL students, strategies to address educator burnout, and interviews from founders of some of the 19 schools that we helped incubate over our 15 years.
We hope this becomes a resource for you, as leaders and educators to stay in the know of education policy and what’s happening in New York. As always, we’re open to feedback!
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You can access our blog anytime at led-better.org/blog
Here’s what’s going on:
Throughout the 5 Boroughs | The NYC Department of Education faces delays in the middle school admissions process due to technical issues with the MySchools platform, frustrating families who rely on timely applications for planning. Additionally, concerns over nepotism have surfaced as Chancellor David Banks’ daughter was promoted to a district job despite lacking qualifications. Meanwhile, federal investigators have issued a subpoena to the DOE, probing potential misconduct within the Adams administration. Incoming schools chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos has vowed to tackle chronic absenteeism, addressing one of the city and nation’s most pressing educational challenges.
In the Greater NYC Region | On Long Island, the South Huntington school board abandoned its plan to reconfigure elementary grades due to concerns from the community, opting instead to focus on transportation and pre-K issues. Additionally, a federal lawsuit has revealed that 56 students were removed from schools due to fraudulent vaccinations in 22 districts. In Westchester, Yonkers' Family Service Society received a $30,000 grant for literacy programs, and Ossining voters approved a historic $210 million bond for classroom expansions and arts facilities. Meanwhile, Clarkstown voters passed a $110 million bond for district-wide school upgrades. In the Hudson Valley Five local school districts earned high rankings in a recent national review of New York State districts. Two Western New York schools, Salamanca City and Kenmore-Town of Tonawanda, will receive $100,000 for farm-to-school programs, while North Syracuse schools implemented creative health education programs. Schenectady schools are set to implement weapons scanners by January. Buffalo schools continue efforts to address chronic absenteeism and have set new superintendent evaluation goals focused on student progress and state assessments.
Throughout the State of New York | Significant changes are on the horizon for education across the state, as the NYSED reintroduces science and social studies into school performance metrics, aiming to rebalance the curriculum beyond just English and math. A new state comptroller report also highlights persistently high chronic absenteeism rates, particularly affecting low-income communities, contributing to widening achievement gaps. Additionally, the Board of Regents faces criticism for loosening graduation requirements, raising concerns about educational standards. Meanwhile, the state’s effort to present a more inclusive teaching of the American Revolution has sparked debate, as new materials focus on marginalized voices in history. Other reforms are being discussed, including a revamp of the Foundation Aid formula, an overhaul of literacy instruction, and the possible replacement of Regents exams with alternative assessments.
Across the Nation | Recent discussions emphasize the urgent need to create safe educational environments for Black children, highlighting the role of community involvement and culturally responsive curricula to address racial disparities. Additionally, a report reveals the challenges faced by students with disabilities in both charter and traditional public schools, pointing to significant differences in service access and quality. Meanwhile, the US Supreme Court has declined to hear pivotal education-related cases, which preserves current state laws regarding public funding for religious education and school safety guidelines. In the realm of early education, a UC Berkeley study underscores the low wages of early childhood educators, calling for reforms to improve compensation and workforce stability. Collectively, these developments underscore the ongoing challenges and necessary reforms within the educational landscape across the nation.
City & State Roundup | Recent reports across various states reveal significant challenges and developments in education. In Nashville, a study highlights a troubling disconnect between Black girls and mathematics, indicating a negative math identity among them compared to Black boys. Meanwhile, in Chicago, a leadership overhaul at the Board of Education follows multiple resignations, as new Mayor Brandon Johnson seeks to reshape educational priorities. In Oklahoma, the state’s Superintendent advocates for incorporating the Bible into public school curricula, aiming to provide moral grounding amid debates on the role of religion in education. Meanwhile, Colorado schools are expanding AI surveillance technologies to enhance safety, while Newark students face transportation issues due to high costs and traffic. Additionally, a lawsuit alleges that New York City's special education system is failing students with emotional disabilities, contributing to increased absences. As these issues unfold, the need for equitable funding and access to quality education remains a pressing concern across the nation.
NEW YORK CITY
Credit: Chalkbeat News
NYC middle school admissions period delayed amid issues with MySchools platform, officials say
What's happening: The NYC Department of Education announced delays in the middle school admissions process due to ongoing technical issues with the MySchools online platform. Parents and students have expressed frustration as the delays disrupt the typical timeline for applications, which are usually submitted in early October, complicating planning for families.
Impact: The situation could significantly affect student enrollment and resource allocation in schools, exacerbating existing inequalities in the admissions process, particularly for families without easy access to information.
What's next: The Department of Education is working to resolve the issues and hopes to provide an updated timeline for admissions soon, with assurances that all students will still have the opportunity to apply.
Notable quote: “Unfortunately, due to technical difficulties impacting the MySchools website, the opening of the Middle School Application Portal will be delayed until next week,” - Jenna Lyle | NYC Education Department spokesperson
By Julian Shen-Berro | Chalkbeat
In Related Coverage…
NYC delays middle school application process after ‘significant’ tech glitch By Cayla Bamberger | Daily News
Daughter of outgoing NYC Schools Chancellor David Banks promoted to district job -- despite lacking qualifications
What's happening: Schools Chancellor David Banks' daughter, who lacks traditional qualifications, was promoted to a district-level job in NYC schools. The promotion has raised concerns about nepotism and transparency within the Department of Education.
Why it matters: The controversy affects public trust in the leadership of NYC schools.
What's next: The Department of Education faces scrutiny and potential investigations.
By Susan Edelman | New York Post
Feds hit NYC Department of Education with subpoena as Adams admin investigations heat up
What's happening: The NYC DOE has been subpoenaed by federal investigators in connection with ongoing probes into the Adams administration. The investigations focus on potential misconduct, including mishandling of contracts and other irregularities.
Impact: This could lead to significant legal and reputational consequences for the NYC DOE and the Adams administration.
What's next: The investigation is expected to intensify as more information is uncovered.
By Carl Campanile, Craig McCarthy and Matt Troutman | New York Post
In Related Coverage…
Feds search NYPD school safety office in Queens amid scrutiny over contracts, source says By Jessica Gould and Charles Lane | Gothamist | Federal investigators searched the Queens headquarters of the NYPD’s School Safety Division on Thursday, according to reports and a person with knowledge of the search.
In other NYC News:
NYC's new schools chief vows to tackle stubbornly high rates of absenteeism By Jessica Gould | Gothamist | Incoming schools chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos has pledged to address the city's ongoing issue with high student absenteeism rates.
How to get ‘school avoidant’ students with disabilities back to class? Lawsuit pushes for solutions By Amy Zimmer | Chalkbeat | The NYC Education Department is systematically failing to provide equal access to education for students with disabilities who are chronically absent due to “school avoidance,” according to a class action lawsuit filed Tuesday by the Legal Aid Society.
NYC launches anti-hate hotline for schools as reports of antisemitism and Islamophobia rise By Amy Zimmer | Chalkbeat | School-based reports from September to January about incidents related to ethnicity or national origin jumped 30% from the year before. Reports related to religion were up nearly 78%.
School Absences Rise as Special Education Fails Students, Suit Says By Claire Fahy & Troy Closson | A class-action lawsuit argues that the New York City school system falls short in helping students with emotional disabilities, leaving them to miss too many school days.
Lawsuit: NYC Dept. of Ed. failing to help students with emotional disabilities attend classes By Cayla Bamberger | Daily News
Schools Chancellor David Banks on the brink of retirement, says he’s writing a book" By Cayla Bamberger | New York Daily News | NYC Schools Chancellor David Banks is considering retirement and working on a book.
David Banks has been the public face of NYC schools. Some call Dan Weisberg the ‘shadow chancellor.’ By Alex Zimmerman | Chalkbeat | Following the resignation of NYC Schools Chancellor David Banks, Dan Weisberg, the chief of staff, has stepped into a crucial role, overseeing operations during this transitional period.
Program equips schools with tools to address student's mental health By Heather Fordham | News12 | TA free community program in Melrose is working to ensure schools are better equipped to support students' mental health needs.
In the Blogs:
Deja Vue, Again: Can Failing Schools Be Revived – the Endless, So Far, Futile Quest By Ed in the Apple | At the last Board of Regents Meeting the State rolled out the “new” plan to “reimagine accountability” and revive struggling schools, schools in the lowest assessment categories, Targeted School Improvement (TSI) and Comprehensive School Improvement (CSI). Read the report here
Doomed to Fail: High rate of charter school failure nationwide -- & how Success Charter Schools juke the stats By NYC Public School Parents Blog | A new report was just released by the National Center for Charter School Accountability and the Network for Public Education on charter school closures.
In Tight Democratic Primaries, New Yorkers for a Balanced Albany Delivers Huge Wins in Crucial Legislative Races By Michael Frisch | Students First NY | New Yorkers for a Balanced Albany’s involvement delivered huge wins in crucial legislative races during last night’s primary election, highlighted by a win for Assembly Member Stefani Zinerman in District 56. The victories meant four champions of parent choice - three incumbents and one challenger in an open seat - will be sent to Albany ahead of the 2025 legislative session.
GREATER NY REGION
Credit Rockland-Westchester Journal
Long Island Coverage…
South Huntington schools ditch plan to realign elementary grades By Darwin Yanes | Newsday | The South Huntington school board has decided to abandon a plan to reconfigure elementary school grades, opting instead to form focus groups to address transportation and prekindergarten issues. The plan was scrapped following community opposition regarding potential impacts on extracurriculars, diversity, and costs.
Lawsuit: 56 students faced removal over Wild Child vaccinations By Dandan Zoudandan | Newsday | Fifty-six Long Island students in 22 districts were removed from school or faced removal for invalidated vaccination records at the end of last month, according to a federal lawsuit, showing more students than previously disclosed have been affected by what the state deemed fraudulent immunizations from a former Amityville nurse.
Carle Place schools community forum Thursday on $16M bond proposal By Darwin Yanesdarwin | Newsday | The bond proposal, to go before voters Oct. 24, is split into two projects, including $10 million to upgrade the middle and high schools' aging HVAC systems, and $6 million toward expanding the Cherry Lane Elementary School building to increase the number of seats in the district’s prekindergarten program.
Westchester, Rockland & Putnam Coverage…
Yonkers human services organization gets $30K grant for educational, literacy programs By Samantha Antrum |lohud | The Family Service Society of Yonkers received a $30,000 grant to support its intergenerational educational programs, including the Reading Buddies initiative.which helps prevent literacy loss during summer.
Judge OKs process to fire Mount Vernon schools chief, who is under criminal investigation By Asher Stockler | Rockland/Westchester Journal News | Federal judge is allowing the Mount Vernon City School District to continue its effort to fire the suspended schools superintendent, Waveline Bennett-Conroy, who is the target of a criminal investigation into the management of grant money received by the district.
Ossining voters approve $210M bond for new classrooms, largest for a Westchester district By David McKay Wilson | Rockland-Westchester Journal News |Ossining voters go to the polls Tuesday to vote on Westchester’s biggest school bond proposal ever, that includes a new building for middle schoolers, new classrooms at Ossining High and Claremont Elementary School, as well as renovations of an historic Church into a theater & classroom for high school arts instruction.
Voters approve $110 million bond proposal for Clarkstown Central School District By News 12 Staff | Clarkstown voters have approved a $110 million bond proposal for the school district. The money will go toward upgrades at all nine elementary schools and the Birchwood School in West Nyack.
Hudson Valley Coverage…
Local School Districts Fare Well in Nationwide Ranking By Rick Pezzullo | Hudson Independent | Five local school districts all earned high marks in a recent national ranking that reviewed districts in New York State.
North & Western New York Coverage:
2 Western N.Y. schools to receive funding for farm-to-school programs By Brian Campbell | Spectrum News | Salamanca City School District and Kenmore-Town of Tonawanda School will each receive $100,000 for their farm-to-school programs, State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball announced Wednesday.
Schools using multi-faceted approach to keep kids healthy By Lacey Leonardi | NY1 Spectrum News | A creative lesson plan makes for a lasting impact on germs and proper hand washing for first graders in the North Syracuse Central School District.
Schenectady school board votes to buy weapons scanners By Paul Nelson | Times Union | District officials say a new system to scan students, staff, and visitors for weapons at entry points in the high school and middle schools should be partly in place by January.
State report on chronic absenteeism cheers Buffalo's plan to improve, but numbers still bleak By Ben Tsujimoto | Buffalo News | In a high-need urban school district, Buffalo Schools’ students are at the epicenter of the state’s crisis of chronic absenteeism, even though the district has committed to a framework to figure out why students aren’t coming to school.
State assessments, freshman year progress are key factors in Buffalo superintendent's new goals By Ben Tsujimoto | Buffalo News | The Buffalo School Board has worked collaboratively over the last several months to set new evaluation goals for the superintendent to achieve from now until next September.
THE STATE OF NEW YORK
Credit Will Waldron | Times Union
Major changes coming as educators renew emphasis on science, social studies
What's happening: NYSED plans to reintroduce science and social studies into school performance metrics, alongside English and math. The move follows findings that these subjects were sidelined due to a focus on tested subjects, impacting curriculum balance.
Impact: Schools will now be evaluated on a broader range of subjects, which could influence funding and performance.
What's next: The state awaits federal approval for the updated accountability system.
Notable quote: "Social studies and science were woven into those academic indicators..." — Theresa Billington | Assistant Commissioner - NYSED
By Kathleen Moore | Times Union
State comptroller's report finds high rates of chronic absenteeism
What's happening: NYC public schools continue to struggle with high chronic absenteeism rates, a lingering issue from the pandemic era. Absenteeism disproportionately affects students from low-income families and communities of color.
Impact: Chronic absenteeism contributes to widening achievement gaps and hinders student learning recovery post-pandemic.
What's next: The Department of Education is exploring strategies to re-engage students and reduce absenteeism.
Notable quote: “After the pandemic, instead of adjusting to that like every other sector of society, we tried to go back to the system that was in place beforehand and students are just not responding to it,” - Sam Radford |Board Member - National Parents Union and Co-Chair of We The Parents.
By Halena Sepulveda | NY1 Spectrum News
In Related Coverage…
Schools must tackle 'stubbornly high' chronic absentee rates, NY comptroller warns By Nancy Cutler | Rockland-Westchester Journal News
NYS Board of Regents' latest assault on education
What's happening: The New York State Board of Regents is implementing new policies that critics argue will weaken educational standards. The changes include loosening graduation requirements, raising concerns about declining academic rigor.
Impact: The policies could lower the quality of education and leave students less prepared for college and careers.
What's next: Educational leaders are expected to push back against the changes.
New York wades into controversy over teaching American Revolution By Kathleen Moore | Times
What's happening: New York State is introducing new educational materials focused on marginalized voices during the American Revolution, ahead of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. The materials include 40 videos, with stories about Indigenous and enslaved people, but are expected to face pushback similar to that over diversity, equity, and inclusion policies.
Why it matters: The initiative aims to present a fuller, more inclusive history of the revolution.
Notable quote: "The revolution...was really incomplete." — Devin Lander | State Historian.
By Kathleen Moore | Times Union
In other NYS News:
Education policy think tank releases study on Foundation Aid formula" By Kelly Mena | NY1 Spectrum News | The Rockefeller Institute has been tasked with revising New York state's 17-year-old Foundation Aid formula, which determines the amount of funding school districts receive.
New York State Path Forward Team Releases Action Plan to Transform Literacy Instruction By NYSED Press Office | Literacy Academy Collective & Education Commissioner Betty A. Rosa announced today the release of the New York State Action Plan: The Path Forward, which seeks to transform the way educators teach literacy.
Replacing Regents exams, revamping high school requirements a true test for NYS leaders By Gary Stern | Rockland-Westchester Journal News | BOCES Blue Ribbon Commission is exploring alternatives to New York’s Regents exams, suggesting a shift to new forms of student assessments.
ACROSS THE NATION
Credit LA School Report
What it Will Take to Make Schools Safe for Black Children
What's happening: In a recent interview, experts discuss the critical need for creating safe and supportive school environments for Black children, particularly in the wake of ongoing racial disparities in education. The conversation emphasizes the importance of community involvement, culturally responsive curriculum, and policies aimed at dismantling systemic racism within educational institutions.
What's next: Schools are encouraged to implement trauma-informed practices and foster inclusive environments, while ongoing advocacy is needed to drive policy changes at the district and state levels.
Notable quote: “In the same way that the inherent racism in our criminal justice system is killing Black and brown people all the time, the inherent racism in our education system is killing the dreams of Black and brown children in the classroom,” - Eric Rashad Fuller | Associate Provost - The New School
By Marianna McMurdock | LA School Report
How Students With Disabilities Fare in Both Charter and Regular Public Schools
What's happening: A new report examines the performance of students with disabilities in both charter and traditional public schools, analyzing their access to services, academic progress, and school environments. The report highlights disparities in enrollment rates and service delivery for students with disabilities between charter and public schools, with some charters criticized for not accommodating diverse needs.
Why it matters: This comparison underscores the need for equal access to quality special education services, regardless of school type, as the rise of charter schools continues.
What's next: Policymakers and educators are encouraged to address the gaps in special education services, particularly in charter schools, to ensure equitable education opportunities.
Which education-related cases did the Supreme Court decline to hear?
What's Happening: The US Supreme Court has chosen not to review several significant education-related cases this week, thereby upholding the decisions made by lower courts. The court declined a challenge to a Michigan law that prohibits public funds from supporting religious schools and dismissed a case from parents claiming that a pandemic-era memo on school violence infringed on their rights.
Why It Matters: The decision reinforces existing state laws that prevent public funding for religious education and upholds the authority of the Attorney General's guidance on school safety amid rising tensions in educational policy during the COVID-19 pandemic.
What's Next: With the court's refusal to hear these cases, the previous rulings will remain in effect, potentially impacting future legal challenges regarding public funding and parental rights in education.
By Brendan Clarey | Chalkboard News
UC Berkeley Study Reveals Early Educators Still Among Lowest Paid Workers
What's happening: A recent study from UC Berkeley highlights that early childhood educators continue to earn some of the lowest wages in the workforce, despite their critical role in child development. The study found that many early educators earn less than minimum wage when accounting for their education and experience, contributing to a high turnover rate in the field.
Impact: Low salaries for early childhood educators not only affect their livelihoods but also jeopardize the quality of education and care provided to young children, which can have long-term repercussions for student success.
What's next: Advocacy groups are calling for increased funding and policy reforms to raise wages for early educators, emphasizing the need for better compensation to improve workforce stability and educational outcomes.
In other National News…
Universal pre-K among the most effective labor market policies, study finds By Madison McVan | Minnesota Reformer | Parents with children enrolled in a universal pre-kindergarten program increased their earnings by an average of 20.9%, according to a working paper published by the National Bureau of Economic Research.
Some schools cut paths to calculus in the name of equity. One group takes the opposite approach by Javeria Salman | Hechinger Report | While some states and districts rethink advanced math classes, the Calculus Project sees that coursework as critical to the success of Black, Hispanic and low-income students
Some Students Are Fighting to Stay in College After the FAFSA Delayed Financial Aid By Jonaki Mehta |NPR via KQED | Thousands of college students across the country are struggling to stay enrolled due to a significant delay in federal financial aid disbursements after problems with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) system.
1 in 3 teens reports experiencing racism in school By Naaz Modan | K-12 Dive | CDC finds Asian, multiracial and Black students were the most likely to report having ever experienced racism in school.
Suspensions, expulsions harm students’ mental and physical health By Kara Arundel | K-12 Dive | The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends schools use trauma-informed practices and analyze discipline data.
Teachers Say the Public Views Them Negatively By Alex Harmwin | Ed Source | 7 of 10 teachers believe the public holds a negative view of their profession, according to EdWeek’s 2024 State of Teaching report.
The 10 most common questions teenagers asked about the election by Terry Parris Jr. and Anna Diamond | The New York Times | Headway Election Challenge and Chalkbeat, have been in conversation with teenagers about the upcoming presidential election.
In Cities With School Choice, Low-Income Kids Catching up to Wealthier Peers By Lauren Camera | The74 | New report on Camden, Newark, Kansas City, St. Louis & Indianapolis finds achievement gaps closing for students in both charter and district schools.
Study: Charters Hastened Catholic School Decline. Will ESAs Slow the Process? By Kevin Mahnken | The74 | New research suggests that the explosive spread of charters in the 2000s led families to abandon Catholic schools.
Petition to establish nation’s first religious charter school reaches Supreme Court By Naaz Modan | K-12 Dive | Oklahoma’s St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School was set to open for 2024-25, but its launch was blocked by the state’s high court.
Private School Choice: What the Research Says By Mark Lieberamn | Ed Week | Research on private school choice programs is mixed, with some studies suggesting benefits for low-income students in academic achievement, while others show little to no significant difference compared to public schools, raising questions about broader impacts on educational equity and resource allocation.
Trump leads, and his party follows, on vaccine skepticism By Darius Tahir | KFF Health News via Chalkbeat News | Trump has promised to cut funding to schools that mandate vaccines. Campaign spokespeople have previously said that pledge would apply only to schools with COVID mandates.
Voters divided on Biden admin's Title IX changes ahead of election By Brendan Clarey | Chalkboard News | A new national poll released this week, voters signaled they are divided over the Biden administration’s Title IX changes to expand gender identity protections ahead of the general election.
The White House Set Out to Recruit Thousands of Tutors. Did It Make a Difference? By Libby Stanford | Ed Week | The initiative to recruit thousands of tutors in response to pandemic-related learning loss faced recruitment challenges and variable effectiveness, highlighting the need for sustainable solutions and a focus on equity in educational access.
Here’s How Many High Schoolers Are Transgender—and How They’re Faring in Schools By Brooke Schultz | Ed Source | According to recent data, about 1.4% of U.S. high schoolers identify as transgender, and they face higher levels of discrimination, bullying, and mental health challenges compared to their cisgender peers, highlighting ongoing struggles for inclusivity and support within schools.
The top K-12 conferences to attend in 2025 | By K-12 Dive | A guide to events where school leaders can share best practices and learn about the issues shaping education in the new year.
City & State Roundup:
Nashville Study Finds Major Disconnect Between Black Girls and Mathematics By Jo Napolitano | The74 | Black girls were far more likely than Black boys to have 'a negative math identity' and to not see how the subject connects with their future.
There’s Been a Big Shakeup at the Chicago Board of Education By Sunni Khalid | KALW | Several top officials at the Chicago Board of Education, including the board president, have either resigned or been replaced as part of a major leadership overhaul. The shakeup is reportedly due to Mayor Brandon Johnson’s desire to bring in new leadership, with a focus on transforming the city's education policies and priorities.
Chicago Teachers Union member suing for audit sees ‘red flags’ amid intimidation tactics By Greg Bishop | The Center Square | Chalkboard News | One Plaintiff is suing the Chicago Teachers Union to open the books for how union dues are spent, after bringing a complaint forward, leaders humiliated and intimidated them.
Illinois educators and parents seek $550 million school funding increase for next year By Samantha Smylie | Chalkbeat | The increase would be $200 million more than what state lawmakers put into the evidence-based funding formula for K-12 schools for the current budget.
Why Oklahoma's Top Public Education Official Aims to Bring Bibles into Classrooms By Janelle Salanga | NPR via KWLA | Oklahoma’s Superintendent is advocating for incorporating the Bible into the state’s public school curriculum, framing it as a way to provide students with moral grounding. Walters argues that the Bible's teachings could foster a sense of ethical direction for students amid ongoing debates about the role of religion in public education.
AI Surveillance Expanding in Colorado Schools with New Security Cameras and Technology By Elizabeth Hernandez | The Denver Post via East Bay Times | Colorado schools are increasingly adopting AI-powered surveillance technologies, including advanced security cameras, to enhance campus safety.
After decision in Catholic preschool lawsuit, Colorado moves to repeal religious preschool rule By Ann Schimke | Chalkbeat | Religious preschools that participate in Colorado’s state-funded preschool program are allowed to reserve seats for members of their congregations. But State officials have proposed a repeal of the so-called “congregation preference” after a recent federal court decision that highlighted problems with that rule.
Amendment 80 would enshrine school choice in Colorado Constitution By Melanie Asmar | Chalkbeat | Supporters say Amendment 80 is about protecting the right to school choice. Opponents say Amendment 80 could lead to the funding of private schools with public money.
Newark students deal with full buses, city traffic to get to school on time By Jessie Gómez | Chalkbeat | Newark Public Schools faces high costs, public transit problems, and rising demand to get nearly 40,000 students to school on time.
Governor says Tennessee has money for both Hurricane Helene recovery and universal school vouchers By Marta W. Aldrich | Chalkbeat | Gov. Bill Lee said Hurricane Helene’s massive destruction in northeast Tennessee, plus a growing backlog of public infrastructure needs statewide, won’t prevent his administration from pursuing a universal private school voucher program during his final two years in office.
M-STEP results show Detroit charter students made some improvements By Robyn Vincent | Chalkbea | On Michigan’s standardized tests, Detroit charter students show some gains in comparison to previous years. But they’re still struggling to return to pre-pandemic numbers.
Taxpayers face 137 school referendum questions across Wisconsin on Nov. 5 By Jon Styf | The Center Square | Chalkboard News | On Nov. 5, there will be 137 school referendum questions combined for local school districts across the state of Wisconsin and includes 57 for a temporary increase in the district’s taxing limit & 22 will ask for a permanent increase, according to the Wisconsin Association of School Boards.
Seattle schools to announce school closures this month; staff cuts to come after By Spencer Pauley | The Center Square | Chalkboard News | Seattle Public Schools is considering closing five schools rather than 17 to 21 as part of a plan to reduce a $94 million budget deficit. The closures would come before the start of the 2025-2026 school year.
Washington superintendent candidates agree state's funding model flawed By Carleen Johnson | The Center Square | Chalkboard News | “Our state only spends about 3.1% of its GDP [gross domestic product] on education, and the national average is 3.6%,” said Reykdal, who is running for a third term.
Critics call jump in Wisconsin standardized test scores ‘ludicrous’ By Benjamin Yount | The Center Square contributor | Chalkboard News | The scores show 51% of Wisconsin children are proficient in reading and 53% are proficient in math - up from last year’s scores that showed 39% were proficient in reading and 41% were proficient in math. It’s alleged the scores jumped dramatically not because Wisconsin students got better at reading and writing, but because DPI changed the test scores.
Stolen Providence school district data may be making its way onto the internet By Alexander Castro | Rhode Island Current | School department racing to issue information to staff on credit monitoring information ‘very soon’
St. Louis Schools Head into Uncertainty Following Superintendent’s Ouster By Kevin Mahnken | The 74 | After just one year on the job, the much-hyped chief has been fired amid complaints about hiring and spending. She plans to appeal.
Test Scores For Hawaii Students Show Little Progress Despite Major Funding Boost By Megan Tagami | Honolulu Civil Beat | The state has received over half a billion dollars in pandemic support, but there's been no tracking of which investments and programs have actually improved student learning.
Kentucky’s lieutenant governor leans on her teaching roots in fighting a school choice measure By Bruce Schreiner | Associated Press | Democratic Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman is in campaign mode in opposing a ballot measure that would allow Kentucky tax dollars to support students attending private or charter schools.
Nevada Asked A.I. Which Students Need Help. The Answer Caused an Outcry By Troy Closson | The New York Times | The new system cut the number of students deemed “at risk” in the state by 200,000, leading to tough moral and ethical questions over which children deserve extra assistance.
School Absences Rise as Special Education Fails Students, Suit Says By Claire Fahy & Troy Closson | A class-action lawsuit argues that the New York City school system falls short in helping students with emotional disabilities, leaving them to miss too many school days.