The NY Education Week in Review 10.20.2024
Welcome to this week’s edition of the New York Education Week in Review! Here, we showcase the biggest education-related stories from every corner of New York, and offer some insights and guidance on pressing issues that LEDbetter can help with in your schools:
Here’s what’s going on:
In the 5 Boroughs | As David Banks steps down as NYC Schools Chancellor, he reflects on his efforts to prepare incoming Chancellor Melissa Avilés-Ramos to continue reform efforts, particularly in addressing staffing shortages and COVID-19 recovery. Avilés-Ramos, on her first day, visited a Bronx school and expressed her readiness to tackle challenges like absenteeism and resource disparities. Meanwhile, the city faces concerns over a new math curriculum, with the teachers' union pushing for better training, and plans for a $17 million computerized SHSAT raise equity concerns. Investigations into NYC DOE and a focus on student mental health further underscore the challenges ahead.
In the Greater NYC Region | In Long Island, South Huntington officials are considering reconfiguring elementary schools to expand pre-K, but parents have raised concerns. Teachers in schools for disabled children face significantly lower pay than public school teachers, highlighting inequities. Meanwhile, Suffolk educators and a congressional candidate discussed the importance of civility and civics education in preserving democracy. In Westchester, racial incidents have sparked investigations, including an unauthorized book read in Suffern classrooms and a substitute teacher’s harmful behavior in Woodbury. In North & Western NY, a lawsuit was filed after a school bus aide allegedly hit a disabled student.
Throughout the State of New York | The NYSUT Voter Guide for 2024 highlights a bipartisan slate of pro-education candidates, while NEA President Becky Pringle joined NYSUT's "Common Ground Over Chaos" bus tour, rallying educators in Rochester. On the policy front, critiques of New York's education system continue, with concerns raised about the city's failure to meet class size mandates and a controversial new Algebra 1 curriculum that has seen lower passing rates. Meanwhile, SUNY's approval of nine new downstate charter schools has drawn mixed reactions from advocates and educators.
Across the Nation | In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, many schools remain closed due to widespread damage, slowing recovery efforts as towns grapple with power outages and inaccessible roads. Meanwhile, the 2024 election campaign has seen little discussion of K-12 education, despite voters pushing for a renewed focus on core subjects like math and science. Conservative states are challenging the landmark Plyler v. Doe ruling, questioning the rights of undocumented children to public education. In addition, nearly 74% of schools reported difficulties filling teacher vacancies, further complicating staffing across the nation. Finally, the increasing influence of AI in classrooms is prompting calls for broader AI literacy and ethical teaching guidelines. Other notable issues include declining SAT/ACT scores, growing support for Social Emotional Learning (SEL) curricula, and expanding private school choice programs.
City & State Roundup | In Massachusetts, Veritas Prep Charter School is helping students prepare for college by teaching skills like time management, while four states have introduced legislation to restrict school curriculums in 2024. In Minnesota, a substitute teacher was banned for reenacting George Floyd's murder in class, sparking outrage. Oklahoma parents are suing to stop a Bible mandate in classrooms, and Oakland, CA will allow 16- and 17-year-olds to vote in school board elections for the first time. Meanwhile, LAUSD is revamping its Black Student Achievement Program after legal challenges, and California’s State Board is revising the math curriculum to better support English learners. On the national front, the number of homeless students in LAUSD continues to rise, vegan meal options are expanding in California schools, and concerns grow in Alabama over potential job losses as federal COVID relief funds dry up. In Tennessee, the state's largest school district is ramping up literacy initiatives, while Detroit schools are focusing on Proposal S to secure critical funding.
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Educator Spotlight
“Enrollment in public schools has been declining in New York and there is seemingly no end to this trend. Further, while school districts consider school closures to be inevitable due to lower enrollment, another alarming shift is emerging. While the state’s school-age population is decreasing, the number of English Language learners is growing significantly.”
Our resident expert Stephanie Clagnaz shares the trend affecting many regions of New York, and not just the city. Read more in this month’s Educator Spotlight and ways we support schools to adjust to this new reality.
NEW YORK CITY
Photo Credit: News 12
On his last day, NYC schools Chancellor David Banks says he ‘did best I could’ to prep successor Melissa Avilés-Ramos
What's happening: David Banks reflects on his tenure as NYC Schools Chancellor, saying he did his best to prepare Melissa Avilés-Ramos for her new role as his successor. Banks highlighted the challenges he faced, including COVID-19 recovery and school staffing shortages, while emphasizing his commitment to improving the NYC public school system.
What's next: Melissa Avilés-Ramos will step in as the new NYC Schools Chancellor, tasked with continuing the reform initiatives Banks set in motion.
Notable quote: "I did the best I could, and I think that will be enough to set her up for success." – David Banks
By Cayla Bamberger | New York Daily News
Melissa Aviles-Ramos takes over as schools chancellor
What's happening: On her first day as NYC Schools Chancellor, Melissa Avilés-Ramos visited a Bronx elementary school, signaling her commitment to connecting with students and educators from the start. Avilés-Ramos takes over from outgoing Chancellor David Banks, who led initiatives focused on equity, and she is expected to continue addressing challenges like lagging test scores and resource disparities.
What's next: Avilés-Ramos will meet with school leaders and stakeholders to further outline her priorities and vision for the district.
Notable quote: “This is a new chapter, and I’m ready to listen, learn, and lead.” — Melissa Avilés-Ramos | NYC Schools Chancellor
By Jillian Jorgensen | NY1 Spectrum News
In related news:
NYC's new schools chief vows to tackle stubbornly high rates of absenteeism By Jessica Gould | Gothamist | Incoming schools chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos said Sunday she wants to get to the root of why so many students are missing class, amid new data demonstrating a statewide absentee crisis and a class action lawsuit that claims the city is failing to provide sufficient educational access to students with mental health issues.
1:1 with Melissa Aviles-Ramos - the new chancellor of New York City Public Schools By Noelle Lilley | News12 | The Bronx native, whose parents were born in Puerto Rico, attended St. Raymond Academy for Girls and still lives in Soundview.
Who is Melissa Aviles-Ramos, the incoming chancellor of NYC public schools? By Cayla Bamberger | New York Daily News | Melissa Aviles-Ramos is not yet a household name, but in local education circles, the former deputy chancellor is well known as a veteran of the public school system with deep ties to the Bronx and immigrant communities.
NYC wants to fix lagging math scores with a new curriculum, but the teachers union is skeptical
What's happening: NYC is implementing a new math curriculum aimed at addressing declining test scores, but the teachers union is pushing back, citing concerns about insufficient training and resources. The overhaul comes after years of stagnant math performance, with city officials hoping to improve student outcomes, while teachers argue they need more support to effectively teach the new material. Only about 53% of public school students are considered proficient in math.
Impact: The success of the new curriculum could significantly affect students’ math achievement, but unresolved tensions with teachers may undermine its implementation.
What's next: Negotiations between the city and the teachers union are expected to continue as educators demand better preparation and resources.
Notable quote: “We cannot just throw new curriculum at our teachers without giving them the proper tools to succeed.” – Michael Mulgrew | President, United Federation of Teachers
By Cayla Bamberger | New York Daily News
NYC eyes $17 million contract to create computer-based Specialized High School Admissions Test
What's happening: New York City is considering a $17 million contract to transition the Specialized High Schools Admissions Test (SHSAT) from paper to computer-based format. Concerns have arisen about equity, particularly around digital access for low-income students and potential challenges for students with disabilities.
What's next: A decision is expected after the Oct. 30 vote.
Notable quote: “This is going to put a spotlight on the issue of testing,”... “I don’t think this is only going to be about us computerizing and updating. This is going to quickly move into the idea of testing and diversity in these schools — and I think that’s a good conversation to have, because clearly, these schools are not diverse.” - Gregory Faulkner | Independent PEP Chair.
By Julian Shen-Berro | Chalkbeat
In other NYC News:
UFT on NYC's inability to provide special education services By UFT Press Release | UFT President Michael Mulgrew today sent a letter to New York State Education Commissioner Betty Rosa outlining educators' concerns with the inability of New York City to provide mandated special education services this school year.
Some NYC teachers experiment with AI-powered tools, while Education Department develops guidelines By Julian Shen-Berro | Chalkbeat New | Teachers are experimenting with AI tools in classrooms while the Education Department is working to develop official guidelines on their use in schools. The city is exploring how AI can enhance teaching methods, though concerns about privacy and misuse remain.
How the NYC high school admissions process sorts kids by race, poverty, disability By Michael Elsen-Rooney | Data analysis by Kae Petrin | Chalkbeat News | The way students are sorted in the city’s notoriously ruthless admissions process tends to hurt those from low-income backgrounds, children with disabilities, and others.
NYC preschool workers get pay increase, $18 minimum wage under contract agreement By Julian Shen-Berro | Chalkbeat News | Early childhood advocates have called for higher wages amid stubborn pay disparities between employees at community-run preschools and their Education Department counterparts.
A trip to Latin America helped this Bronx teacher transform lessons for his immigrant students By Amy Zimmer | Chalkbeat News | Yan Carlos Mejia now incorporates materials from his visits to the Frida Kahlo Museum, Machu Picchu, and other stops in Latin America to help his students learn English.
GPS system for NYC school buses off to bumpy start By Jessica Gould | Gothamist | When New York City’s public school system launched its NY School Bus App in January, officials promised “peace of mind” to families who would be able to track students’ bus trips in real time. But 10 months into the effort, only 19,000 out 145,000 families – or just 13% – are using the app.
School bus service is already rough in NYC. It could get worse By Jessica Gould | Gothamist | NYC is facing ongoing challenges with school bus service, including delays and missed routes, which could worsen due to the threat of driver shortages and contract disputes.
Program equips schools with tools to address student's mental health By Heather Fordham | News12 | The Promise Zone Program is offered in nine schools in the Bronx.
GREATER NYC REGION & BEYOND
In Long Island Coverage…
South Huntington officials unveil proposals to realign schools, look to expand pre-K By Darwin Yanes | Newsday | South Huntington school officials have shared details of their proposals to reconfigure the district’s elementary schools — a move that would expand the prekindergarten program but which was met with concerns and questions by parents.
Congressional Candidate John Avlon stresses the need for civility, civics education to safeguard democracy By NYSUT Communications | In a wide-ranging discussion, educators from Suffolk County districts discussed students' increasing needs and the greater services public schools are providing, all while dealing with ever-fluctuating and uncertain state and federal funding levels.
Teachers' pay at LI schools for the disabled lags far behind public schools By Nicolas Villamil and Bart Jones | Newsday | Teachers at special schools for disabled children on Long Island say they are vastly underpaid compared to public school teachers, even though they work with a vulnerable population. Administrators at the schools say the problem stems from an outdated state funding formula that needs to be reformed.
Mental health expert discusses ways for parents and children to cope with anxiety and stress amid school threats By Liz Burke | News12 | For the fourth day in a row, there was a threat made to Kellenberg High School.
Long Island High School for the Arts students earn prestigious awards in Scholar-Artist competition | By Nassau BOCES | Eight talented teens attending have earned a place in the Long Island Arts Alliance 2024-2025 Scholar-Artist competition for students with exceptional abilities.
Board of Education Meeting Notice - November 2024 | By Joanne Klein | Western Suffolk Boces | 5:30pm Tuesday, November 12, 2024, at the Western Suffolk BOCES Central Administrative Offices, 507 Deer Park Road Dix Hills, NY.
In Westchester, Rockland & Putnam Coverage…
Racial injustice book unapproved by district read in some Suffern elementary classrooms By Diane Caruso | News12 | The Suffern Central School District has launched an investigation after an unapproved book was read to elementary school students earlier this month.
Woodbury substitute reenacts George Floyd's murder on student By Katie Wermus and Corin Hoggard | FOX5 NY News | Woodbury High School's principal sent a letter to families on Tuesday regarding a substitute teacher's alleged "inappropriate and racially-harmful behavior" in several classes.
In North & Western New York Coverage:
Mom files lawsuit accusing bus company for refusing to transport her child after aide allegedly caught on video hitting the girl By Kathleen Moore | Time Union | The disabled Lansingburgh student has been missing school, according to court filing
Big Buddy/Little Buddy program fosters connection & leadership | Capital Region BOCES | Created to enhance school spirit, the Big Buddy/Little Buddy program pairs younger students with older students as mentors. The result: improved communication skills, positive self-image and stronger bonds.
THE STATE OF NEW YORK
NYSUT VOTER GUIDE 2024 | NYSUT has endorsed a bipartisan slate of pro-education, pro-labor candidates up and down the ballot for 2024. View the voter guide and find your candidates.
NEA President Becky Pringle boards NYSUT's Common Ground Over Chaos Bus By Ben Amey | NYSUT Communications | The Common Ground Over Chaos bus tour rolled into Rochester on Thursday morning for a day filled with discussion, dialogue and candidate pledge signings.
In the Blogs:
Gates and the Department of Education’s Quest for the Mythical Magic Bullet: Next Quest: Algebra 1 By Peter Goodman | ED in the Apple | Soon to be former Chancellor David Banks mandated a new Algebra 1 curriculum without prior consultation with teachers, who have been sharply critical of the new curriculum, Michael Mulgrew, the UFT President, “We have a mess on our hands,” the appalling 2023 59% Algebra 1 passing rate dropped to 45% in 2024.
Yet more evidence that DOE has no plan to lower class size to mandated levels By Class Size Matters | See our letter to Commissioner Rosa here and below, that provides yet more evidence that DOE has no actual plan to lower class size as the state law requires.
Event: Sign up now to hear about the threat to Student Privacy from the city's irresponsible disclosure of student data including via Teenspace Hosted By AQE, Class Size Matters and the Parent Coalition for Student Privacy | NYC Public School Parents Blog | briefing on Wed. October 23 at 7 PM EST; you can register here
StudentsFirstNY Responds to SUNY Authorization of Nine New Downstate Charters By Students First NY | StudentsFirstNY today responded to SUNY’s authorization of nine new downstate charter schools. These new schools were approved after StudentsFirstNY fought in Albany for a deal, passed in 2023, to reopen ‘zombie’ charters in New York City.
What Project 2025 Really Means for US Schools | By Thomas Courtney | Network for Public Education | If you still haven’t caught up on Project 2025, the Trumpian plan for the next conservative administration.
Project 1825 | By Have you Heard Podcast | As long as we’ve had public schools, we’ve had ‘edu-grifters,’ slick salesmen armed with promises to provide education on the cheap. Adam Laats, author of new book, Mr. Lancaster’s System, joins to talk about the American addiction to education ‘silver bullets.
ACROSS THE NATION
In Helene-battered towns, many schools are still closed. What that means for recovery.
What’s happening: Hurricane Helene has devastated several towns, leaving many schools closed due to severe damage to infrastructure. Recovery efforts are slowed by widespread power outages, damaged homes, and inaccessible roads.
What’s next: Local officials are working on temporary solutions to reopen schools while long-term rebuilding continues.
Notable quote: "Schools are central to recovery because they help restore normalcy." – Jim Copeland | North Carolina Superintendent
By Allyson Chiu and Nicolás Rivero | Washington Post
In Related Coverage:
Many schools are still closed weeks after Hurricane Helene. Teachers worry about long-term impact By Jocelyn Gecker, Moriah Balingit & Michael Melia | Associated Press | Tens of thousands of students in the Southeast are dealing with school disruptions after Hurricane Helene wreaked havoc.
Rebuilding after Helene and Milton: Educators share experiences from previous disasters By Wellington Soares | Chalkbeat News | Schools in areas hit by recent hurricanes are struggling to reopen, with many still closed as communities recover from the devastation. Mental health challenges among students, alongside physical damage, are key issues being addressed by educators.
Election & Education 2024
What do voters say will fix the country's schools? 'Focus on core subject areas' By Brendan Clarey | Chalkboard News | A renewed focus on math, science, reading and social studies is the best way to improve education in the U.S., a plurality of voters say, according to a. new poll.
Why Trump and Harris Have Barely Talked About Schools This Election By Libby Stanford | Ed Week | The 2024 presidential election is less than three weeks away, and one issue has been notably absent from debates, policy platforms, and stump speeches: K-12 education.
Who Could Be Donald Trump’s Next Education Secretary? By Alyson Klein | Ed Week | Article speculates on who Trump might select as his next Education Secretary if re-elected in 2024. It explores potential candidates with backgrounds in education reform and conservative policy, such as those with ties to school choice, homeschooling, and efforts to limit federal control over education.
Who Could Be Kamala Harris’ Education Secretary? By Alyson Klein | Ed Week | Article explores potential candidates for Kamala Harris’s Secretary of Education if she were to win the 2024 election. It highlights her likely focus on equity and inclusion in education, as well as possible candidates with backgrounds in public education, civil rights advocacy, and progressive education reforms.
Finally, This Election Season, Child Hunger is on the Table By Billy Shore | The74 | With food prices unusually high, lawmakers on both sides of the aisle must come together and support an anti-hunger agenda.
GOP Groups Funnel Millions into State Races to Defeat Critics of Education Savings Accounts. Their Target: Republicans By Greg Toppo | The74 | Supporters say the cash is necessary to offset the ‘humongously large coffers’ of teachers unions. But is it fueling a Democratic backlash?
US law entitles immigrant children to an education. Some conservatives say that should change
What's happening: Republican leaders and school districts are pushing policies that challenge the landmark Plyler v. Doe ruling, which guarantees a public education to children regardless of their immigration status. Conservative states like Oklahoma and Texas have begun initiatives that could lead to legal battles over whether undocumented immigrant children should retain their right to public education.
Impact: If challenged successfully, this could mark a significant shift in U.S. education and immigration policy, potentially denying thousands of immigrant children access to public schooling.
Notable quote: "Previously fringe policies are becoming mainstream." — Tom K. Wong, Director | U.S. Immigration Policy Center at UC San Diego.
By Michael Casey & Jocelyn Gecker | Associated Press
74% of schools had trouble filling teacher vacancies this school year
What's happening: Nearly three-quarters of public schools reported difficulty filling teaching vacancies before the 2024-25 school year. Despite ongoing challenges, some improvements were seen in non-teaching roles, with fewer schools reporting salary and benefits concerns.
What's next: Additional data on staffing sentiment will be available in December.
Notable quote: “The COVID-19 pandemic laid bare teachers’ discontent with aspects of their jobs, including a lack of support for their safety and value as professionals and an increasingly disrespectful and demanding workplace culture — and exacerbated teacher shortages nationwide,” — Government Accountability Office.
In Related Coverage:
Schools Have Fewer Teacher Vacancies This Year. But Hiring Is Still Not Easy By Libby Stanford | Ed Week | One-fifth of vacant teacher positions remained unfilled at the start of this school year, according to new federal data.
AI's growing impact on education calls for wider, wiser curricula.
What's happening: As AI increasingly influences the education sector, experts are calling for curricula that integrate AI literacy and prepare students for a future shaped by technology. Educators are emphasizing the importance of understanding AI's ethical implications, promoting digital literacy, and addressing potential inequalities in access to AI tools.
What's next: Schools are being encouraged to adopt AI-focused curricula and teaching strategies while remaining mindful of ethical concerns and equity in access to technology.
Notable quote: "We need to equip students with the ability to understand and critically engage with AI, not just use it." — Tony Searle | Educational Technologist
By Charles Fadel, Center for Curriculum Redesign | eschoolnews
In other National News…
Black male teachers are a rarity in preschools. This pioneering program wants to change that By Moriah Balingit | Associated Press | The Leading Men Fellowship trains young Black and Latino men to become early literacy instructors in preschool classrooms. The program aims to address both the shortage of early educators and the underrepresentation of Black and Latino male teachers.
SEL implementation soars across U.S. By CASEL Staff | E School News | By the 2023-24 school year, 83 percent of school principals reported that their schools used an SEL curriculum. That number marks a steady increase from 76 percent in the 2021-22 school year and 46 percent in the 2017-2018 school year.
ACT, SAT scores decline year over year By Kara Arundel | K-12 Dive | The class of 2024’s average scores were lower compared to peers from the previous graduating class, but participation in school day testing was stronger.
You Need to Understand Culturally Responsive Teaching Before You Can Do It By Larry Ferlazzo | Ed Week | Educators are encouraged to develop a deep understanding of culturally responsive teaching by exploring diverse perspectives, identities, and experiences.
How Are English Learners Doing? The Answers Right Now Are Broad and Incomplete By Leslie Villegas | The74 | Current data doesn't account for issues with testing, diversity and chronic absenteeism, among other challenges for this key group of kids.
2 Districts Overhauled How They Teach English Learners. Here’s How By Ileana Najarro | Ed Week | Years ago, the Beaverton school district in Oregon participated in a study to determine the right models for improving English learners’ academic achievement. The results, which came out in 2019, pointed to two promising models.
A Guide to Bringing Neurodiverse Learners Into the Fold By Olina Banerji Ed Week | Educators are adopting new strategies to include neurodiverse students, such as those with ADHD, autism, or learning differences, more effectively in general education classrooms. These approaches include personalized supports and a shift in mindset to recognize neurodiversity as a strength.
How a school for students with autism elevated its professional development By Kara Arundel | K-12 Dive | Delaware’s Sussex Consortium teachers are now sharing their instructional best practices with educators at traditional schools.
How to ensure Native Americans are accurately represented in curriculum By Lauren Barack | K-12 Dive | Schools can look to tribal organizations and nonprofits representing Indigenous people for resources to improve curricula.
The False Promise of Device-Based Education By Amy Tyson | Substack | A reevaluation of screens in schools.
Education Choice Can Help Students and Families Affected by Declining Public School Enrollment By Martin Lueken | Real Clear Education | Article argues that school choice, which allows families to select the best educational setting for their children, can mitigate the challenges that come with enrollment drops, such as overcrowded classrooms and limited resources.
More than 25% of charters shutter within 5 years By Naaz Modan | K-12 Dive | A study reveals that 25% of charter schools close within five years, with a higher failure rate as they operate longer, especially due to enrollment and management challenges. Supporters argue that charters provide quality choices and the sector’s ability to shut down low-performing schools is a strength, not a weakness.
3 takeaways on the growth of private school choice By Kara Arundel | K-12 Dive | FutureEd looks at eight states where 569,000 students are participating in these programs at a cost to taxpayers of $4 billion in 2023-24.
Court: Transgender instruction without warning violates parents' rights By Brendan Clarey | Chalkboard News | A federal court has ruled that a Pennsylvania first-grade teacher violated the rights of parents by teaching them about transgender identity during instruction related to Transgender Awareness Day.
Will the Supreme Court take on race-conscious admissions policies in K-12? By Naaz Modan | K-12 Dive | Justices are weighing whether to hear a case on a temporary policy in Boston less than a year after they rejected a similar case out of Virginia.
New E-rate rules could narrow the homework gap By Laura Ascione | E School News | Lack of at-home internet access for many students perpetuates the homework gap--but a new E-rate action can change that
U.S. Department of Education Announces Successful First Beta Test for 2025-26 FAFSA By Hannah Vinueza McClellan | Education NC | An update on the 2025-26 FAFSA process.
Once a Hedgehog, Now a Fox | Ten lessons from six decades in the struggle to improve schools By Chester E. Finn, Jr. | Education Next | Finn shares insights on how his perspectives have evolved over time, moving from a singular focus ("hedgehog") to a more multifaceted approach ("fox"). The lessons cover areas such as school choice, education standards, testing, and governance, highlighting the complexities and challenges of improving education.
City and State Roundup:
A Massachusetts charter school prepares students for college success By Kara Arundel | K-12 Dive | Veritas Prep Charter School provides students with companion courses to help them navigate college expectations like time management and self-advocacy.
4 more states move to restrict curriculum in 2024 By Naaz Modan | K-12 Dive | Though nearly half of states have such laws or policies on the books, the number of proposals declined compared to past years.
Minnesota school district bans officer from teaching after he reenacted George Floyd’s murder By Steve Karnoski | Associated Press | Besides the reenactment of the actions that led to the death of George Floyd, students also complained that the substitute teacher “repeatedly made racially harmful comments,” “told sexist jokes,” “spoke in disturbing detail about dead bodies he had seen,” said “cops would be the best criminals” because “they know how to get away with stuff,” and “stated that police brutality isn’t real.”
'Deeply Troubled:' Grand jury slams Oklahoma's COVID-19 relief handling By Brendan Clarey | Chalkboard News | Oklahoma grand jury found that nonprofit advocacy organizations were charged with managing millions in federal COVID-19 relief funds, which they distributed to families in the state without accountability or fairness.
Oklahoma parents and teachers sue to stop top education official’s classroom Bible mandate By Sean Murphy | Associated Press | The lawsuit filed with the Oklahoma Supreme Court also asks the court to stop Republican State Superintendent Ryan Walters from spending $3 million to purchase Bibles
Lawsuit asks Oklahoma Supreme Court to overturn classroom Bible mandate By Naaz Modan | K-12 Dive | The case follows another heard by the court earlier this year over the state’s funding of a religious charter school.
Oakland lowered the voting age for school board elections. Here’s a guide for teen voters By Jacob Simas, Alejandra Armstrong | Oaklandside | What's happening: For the first time, 16- and 17-year-olds in Oakland can vote in school board elections, following the approval of Measure QQ in 2020.
LAUSD Black Student Success Program Upended, Targeted by Conservatives By Howard Blume | Los Angeles Times What's happening: LAUSD is overhauling its $120-million Black Student Achievement Plan (BSAP) due to legal pressure from a conservative group, eliminating race as a criterion for selecting students. The program aimed to address long-standing racial inequities but will now expand to include non-Black students with similar academic needs, raising concerns among its supporters.
How California can transform math education for English learners By Crystal Gonzales and Martha Hernandez | Ed Source | Next year, our State Board of Education will release its first math adoption list of state-approved curricula since 2014 — recommending math instructional materials that state education leaders believe align with California’s revised math framework.
More schools than ever are serving vegan meals in California. Here’s how they did it By Frida Garza | The Hechinger Report | Credit environmentally conscious students — and a handful of state funding programs
LA Housing Crisis Hits LAUSD as Number of Homeless Students Continues to Grow By Katie VanArnam | The74 | LAUSD’s homeless student population grew by 26% increase last academic year
California school district adopts new policy on transgender students By Erin Allday | San Francisco Chronicle | The Chino Valley Unified school district that adopted a controversial parental notification policy last year requiring educators to report transgender students to their parents passed a new policy Thursday night — in response to a state ban against such policies — that opponents say will still forcibly out children and potentially put them at risk.
Mayor Breed Demands Halt to SF School Closures, Citing Chaos and Confusion By Katie DeBenedetti | KQED News | In a statement posted on social media platform X, Breed said, “It is time to immediately stop the school closure process.”
Report: Half of Florida school district audits find material weaknesses By Steve Wilson | The Center Square | According to a recent report by the Florida Auditor General's Office, 50.7% of audits of school districts found problems with internal controls, noncompliance with state law, rules or regulations or other issues.
Miami-Dade school board member targets teachers with campaign ads, in violation of policy By Clara-Sophia Day | Miami Herald | Mary Blanco, a DeSantis appointee to Miami-Dade’s school board, violated district policy by using the school’s email system for her political campaign, which explicitly forbids such activity even if emails are sent from an external account.
CPS announces record-breaking graduation rate By Ikram Mohamed |Chicago Tribune | Over 84% of students graduate CPS in four years and nearly 87% graduate in five.
CPS marks second consecutive year of increased enrollment and ‘exponential progress’ in staffing By Sarah Macaraeg | Chicago Tribune | CPS has enrolled more than 325,300 students this school year, officials announced.
Former student protections chief Camie Pratt abused her position By Sarah Macaraeg | Chicago Tribune | According to OIG report criticizing CPS’ handling of Lincoln Park scandal
Connecticut school district forges on with 'DEI Jr. Change Agents' program By Austin Gergens | Chalkboard News | Connecticut’s Middletown School District unveiled its latest initiative in mid-September
Wisconsin school choice enrollment grows By Benjamin Yount | Chalkboard News | School Choice Wisconsin said the latest enrollment numbers from the state’s Department of Public Instruction show school choice enrollment is growing.
Colorado’s teachers union doesn’t support a text message sent to voters about Amendment 80 By Yesenia Robles | Chalkbeat News | The amendment would put language about school choice in the state’s constitution.
State renews charter for school exiting Achievement School District, overturning Memphis board By Marta W. Aldrich | Chalkbeat News | Tennessee charter commission members express little confidence in options within Memphis-Shelby County Schools.
How Tennessee’s largest school district is stepping up its literacy work By Marta W. Aldrich | Chalkbeat | Teachers are to begin — and end — every class with a literacy-based activity.
What is Proposal S and why is it important to Detroit public schools? By Robyn Vincent | Chalkbeat News | Proposal S is a millage that would provide additional revenue to pay off long standing debt.
Alabama State Superintendent Warns of School Job Losses as Federal COVID Relief Funds Dry Up By Jemma Stephenson | Alabama Reflector | Job losses might come from the loss of ESSER funds.
Report: South Carolina Students Skip A Lot. The Problem Helps Explain Dismal Test Scores By Skaylar Laird | South Carolina Daily Gazette | 1 in 5 SC students were considered chronically absent in 2022-23.
Why Church-Based Homeschool Learning Centers Are Gaining Popularity in Massachusetts By Kerry McDonald | The74 | Massachusetts is one of at least 19 states reporting an increase in 2023-24 homeschooling numbers compared to the prior academic year.
