The NY Education Week in Review 11.04.2024
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 | The state is considering changes to graduation requirements, potentially replacing the Regents exams with alternative assessments like project-based learning, sparking debate among educators about maintaining equitable standards. Meanwhile, NYC public schools are submitting class size reduction plans to qualify for extra funding, a step towards meeting a state-mandated goal by 2027-28. NYC’s Schools Chancellor Melissa Avilés-Ramos is also pushing for bilingual proficiency across all students, with plans to expand dual.
In the Greater NYC Region | Long Island educators are voicing opposition to the state's regionalization plan, which they fear could compromise local control despite state assurances of district autonomy. In Westchester, Mount Vernon STEAM Academy was recognized as a top 25 public high school, reflecting its strong STEM and reading programs. In the Hudson Valley, Kingston CSD is considering advanced weapons detection systems, sparking a debate on school safety and student impact, while Kingston’s George Washington Elementary faces criticism over its school climate, prompting calls for restorative practices. Further north, Literacy Volunteers of Rensselaer County are expanding to Schenectady with a $75,000 grant to support adult literacy and job-related skills for local residents.
Throughout the State of New York | State education leaders are backing a plan to phase out mandatory Regents exams by 2027, replacing them with skill-based assessments like projects and internships, with the aim of providing a more equitable and flexible educational experience. NYSED has also launched the "New York Inspires" initiative, outlining a roadmap to redefine graduation requirements and promote educational equity, focusing on proficiency-based credits and a unified diploma system. These proposed changes, pending approval from the Board of Regents, are part of a larger vision to prepare students for success in a complex world and address disparities across the state. Meanwhile, in political news, a Democratic candidate in a battleground NY House race pulled a campaign ad filmed at his former high school following complaints from the district about lack of permission.
Across the Nation | A new study underscores the reading challenges facing older students who struggle with complex vocabulary, revealing gaps that hinder comprehension across subjects; experts urge increased support and expanded reading screenings in middle and high schools. As 2024 approaches, public opinion surveys show Americans want K–12 education to focus on core academic skills and student safety, with parents supporting teacher retention and quality curriculum over polarizing issues. In political news, Donald Trump's proposed deportation plan could have devastating impacts on schools, as family separations would force educators to provide emergency support for students affected by immigration enforcement. Additionally, a report highlights that culture wars over race, gender, and sexuality cost schools an estimated $3.2 billion last year, diverting funds from student services and impacting educators. Efforts by the National Education Association and the American Federation of Teachers' PACs are ramping up for the 2024 election, with millions raised to support education-friendly candidates. Furthermore, new reports explore the rising costs of pensions, school district spending of COVID relief funds, and increased Gen Z interest in skilled trades as a viable career path..
City & State Roundup | In New Orleans, schools face a sudden $20 million funding shortfall due to tax miscalculations, while in Houston, a $1 million teacher certification scandal involving 400 unqualified educators has rocked the district, and some teachers may face repercussions nationwide. Florida continues to lead the nation in book bans, and a controversial school board appointment by Governor DeSantis is sparking local debate. Massachusetts is considering eliminating its high school graduation exam, which critics say could dilute standards, and in Newark, a new partnership aims to increase college access for students. In Colorado, Governor Polis’ new budget proposes funding schools based on current-year enrollment, impacting districts with declining numbers, while Chicago faces calls for a CPS overhaul amid increased spending and academic struggles. Meanwhile, Tennessee’s school turnaround efforts show limited long-term impact on student achievement, fueling discussions on the effectiveness of intervention strategies.
In the Classroom | A new study reveals that many older students struggle with basic reading skills like decoding, limiting their comprehension and progress across subjects and prompting calls for increased resources and training for middle and high school teachers. As AI becomes more prevalent in classrooms, educators are exploring its benefits for learning support while navigating ethical concerns around cheating, underscoring the need for responsible guidance. Persistent teacher shortages across the U.S. continue despite decades of attempted solutions, with experts advocating for flexible, multi-pronged approaches as immediate, short-term fixes alongside efforts to professionalize teaching. In other news, a majority of teachers support restricting cell phone use in class due to distractions, St. Louis schools receive a $1 million grant for literacy improvements, and educators focus on teaching students critical thinking to combat misinformation in the digital age.
In the Blogosphere | The UFT is taking a stand against the DOE's decision to outsource 5,000 occupational and physical therapy sessions to private providers, arguing that using in-house therapists would ensure better continuity and collaboration, especially for District 75 students. Meanwhile, the UFT's recent agreement with Mayor Eric Adams to make December 23 an additional holiday has stirred debate, with critics claiming the union traded negotiation leverage for a symbolic victory, leaving major issues like overcrowding and staff shortages unresolved.
To receive these weekly news updates in your inbox, sign up here.
You can access our blog anytime at led-better.org/blog
Missed last week’s Week In Review? Check it out here.
In Our Experience | Our Co-Founder’s Take on Belonging
“As an American-born child of refugees, belonging was an elusive concept...My fellow students would use their fingers to make slanted eyes or call me racial slurs. In high school, even with my brazen attempts to try to fit in, such as standing in the circle with the football team after lunch, I remained separate from my peers....”
In the wake of this week’s Presidential election, our Co-Founder Paul shares his story of belonging both as a follow-up to last week’s Educator Spotlight and to share ways in which we can help your school navigate what will be uncertain times for public education as we know it.
NEW YORK CITY
New York is redefining graduation requirements. Educators have questions
What's Happening: New York education officials are set to unveil plans for reimagining high school graduation requirements, potentially removing Regents exams as a mandatory requirement. The shift may involve alternative pathways like project-based assessments and work-based learning, but concerns persist over maintaining equitable standards across schools.
Why It Matters: Changes to graduation requirements could influence students' preparedness for college and careers, especially for those in underserved communities where resources may be limited.
What's Next: The Board of Regents will discuss the details of the proposed plan in an upcoming meeting, with timelines expected to help schools adapt to new standards.
Notable Quote: “The Regents exams are over 100 years old, and they measure one kind of learning.” — Kiri Soares, Principal |Urban Assembly Institute of Math and Science for Young Women.
By Julian Shen-Berro | Chalkbeat
NYC schools asked to submit class size reduction plans in exchange for extra funding
What's Happening: New York City public schools are required to develop and submit plans to reduce class sizes to qualify for additional state funding. The program is optional and schools that develop plans will submit funding requests as part of their applications, evaluated by a committee that includes teachers and principals union representation. This initiative aligns with a state law mandating smaller class sizes by the 2027-28 school year, aiming to enhance student learning outcomes.
Impact: Implementing these plans may necessitate hiring more teachers and expanding facilities, posing logistical and financial challenges for the city's education system.
What's Next: Schools must finalize and submit their class size reduction strategies by the end of the current academic year to secure the extra funding.
Notable Quote: "Reducing class sizes is essential for providing quality education, but it requires careful planning and resources." — Michael Mulgrew, President | United Federation of Teachers
By Cayla Bamberger | New York Daily News
In related news and coverage:
New York City Public Schools Unveils Framework for Class Size Planning and Funding for the 2025–26 School Year By NYC Public Schools Press Office | This framework follows the $1 billion investment from the Adams administration in FY25, along with an additional $182 million earmarked for class size reduction, allowing schools that opt in to apply for specific funding based on their tailored reduction plans.
In other NYC News:
NYC’s schools chief Melissa Aviles-Ramos says all students should speak more than one language By Cayla Bamberger | New York Daily News | Avilés-Ramos advocates for all students to achieve bilingual proficiency, emphasizing the importance of multilingualism in education and plans to expand dual-language programs and enhance language instruction across the city's public schools to support this initiative.
NYC forces Asian students to disclose ‘sensitive’ background info: ‘CCP would love this’ By Deirdre Bardolf | New York Post | Asian students in the Big Apple’s public schools are being forced to disclose their countries of origin when signing up for after-school activities — a controversial policy pushed by a Gov. Hochul aide now accused of being a Chinese spy.
NYC schools to close on Monday before winter break after Brooklyn 8th grader launches petition | By Cayla Bamberger | New York Daily News | Isaac Regnier, who attends Intermediate School 96 Seth Low in Bensonhurst, launched a petition to fix the school calendar, saying few of his classmates will show up for school that day. By the time of the announcement, his appeal that he crafted with his dad and sister had gathered about 23,000 signatures.
In related news and coverage:
NYC school kids granted full week before Christmas off after 7th grader's petition drew thousands of signatures By Haley Brown | New York Post | NYC Students will get a full week off before Christmas break -- following a petition started by a sharp Brooklyn seventh-grader that garnered tens of thousands of signatures.
NYC public school students to get extra day off for winter recess By Deanna Garcia | NY1 Spectrum News | Monday, Dec. 23 will be a day off for public school students.
Attendance at NYC schools Summer Rising program rate dips to 62% despite demand for free child care | By Cayla Bamberger | New York Daily News | Thousands of New York City parents are grabbing coveted spots for their kids in Summer Rising, only for many children to not show up when the city’s immensely popular summer program begins, new data shows.
NYC parents call for student version of LinkedIn to showcase achievements By Deirdre Bardolf | New York Post | NYC high school parents are advocating for an online portfolio similar to LinkedIn for students to showcase their achievements to potential colleges and employers.
NYC families can earn up to $875 for evaluating financial literacy curriculum By Julian Shen-Berro | Chalkbeat | The recruitment effort comes at a time when city and state education leaders have called for more robust financial education in schools.
NYC overhauled summer school four years ago. Lawmakers want to know if it’s working. By Michael Elsen-Rooney | Chalkbeat | Four years after New York City overhauled its summer program to blend academics and recreation, lawmakers want to know if it’s working.
With 52 students, this Brooklyn school is NYC's smallest. Officials are trying to close it By Alex Zimmerman | Chalkbeat | The Education Department tried to close P.S. 25 six years ago. Will they succeed this time?
Virtual reality Holocaust education comes to Brooklyn school | By Rebecca Greenberg | NY1 Spectrum | Students at Edward R. Murrow High School in Midwood, Brooklyn, are among the first in the nation to experience “Inside Kristallnacht.” - a virtual reality project that integrates real-life footage and photographs with narration from a Holocaust survivor.
GREATER NYC REGION & BEYOND
In Long Island Coverage:
State regionalization plan sparks Long Island educators' opposition
What's Happening: Long Island educators and school officials are opposing New York State's regionalization plan, fearing it could erode local control and shift authority away from locally elected school boards. The New York State Department of Education (NYSED) asserts that the initiative is meant to foster collaboration and improve access to resources across districts, with assurances that districts can opt out of specific initiatives; however, unclear regulatory language has fueled skepticism
Impact: Many Long Island districts worry the plan could compel them to share programs and services, possibly diluting their resources and infringing on local governance, while supporters see it as a means to address educational inequities, especially in lower-income areas.
What's Next: NYSED is requiring districts to complete a needs assessment by December 6, followed by collaboration meetings, with the first progress report due by April 1, 2025.
Notable Quote: "The strength of our local school districts lies in their autonomy. Decisions about how best to educate our children must be made at the community level — not dictated from Albany." — Assemb. Jake Blumencranz, New York State Assembly
In related news and coverage:
Massapequa School Board opposes state regionalization mandate By Mike Polansky | Massapequa Post | In a letter co-signed by Superintendent of Schools William Brennan and Massapequa Federation of Teachers President Malcolm Gilbert, the board said the plan could undermine local control over educational decisions and threaten district autonomy.
NYSED Regionalization Initiative goes public, officials respond to community concerns
What's Happening: The New York State Education Department's (NYSED) Regionalization Initiative, which encourages collaboration among school districts, has sparked discussion and some concern among communities and education officials. The initiative aims to address challenges like declining enrollment and funding cuts, encouraging districts to share resources while maintaining autonomy; however, misinformation has caused confusion about the initiative's goals.
Why It Matters: If successful, regionalization could enhance equity by ensuring that all students, regardless of district, have access to high-quality educational resources; however, officials and community members worry about possible loss of local control.
What's Next: Districts must submit information on their strengths and needs by December 6, 2024, with NYSED reviewing these submissions for advocacy priorities by April 1, 2025.
Notable Quote: "The local districts are in the driver seat of this process…It really is up to the local superintendents and local boards to engage their community." — David Frank, | Assistant Commissioner - NYSED
By Chrissy Ruggeri | Northport Journal News
Regents to lay out timetable for changes to high school graduation requirements
What's Happening: The New York State Board of Regents is set to discuss a timeline for overhauling high school graduation requirements, potentially replacing mandatory Regents exams with alternative assessments like occupational certificates or public service. Currently, students must pass at least four Regents exams to graduate; the proposed changes aim to offer more flexible pathways to a diploma.
Impact/Why It Matters: This shift could significantly alter educational standards and assessment methods, affecting students, educators, and curricula statewide. The Board of Regents will outline the proposed changes and their implementation timeline at their upcoming meeting.
Notable Quote: "Education reform is like moving a steamship in the ocean 180 degrees; it takes a long time for it to turn." — Roger Tilles, Member, New York State Board of Regents
Westchester, Rockland & Putnam Coverage:
STEAM Academy Ranked as Top 25
What's Happening: Mount Vernon STEAM Academy has been ranked among the top 25 public high schools in Westchester County and is in the top 6% of public schools across New York State, as reported by Public School Review's 2024-2025 rankings. The academy outperforms the state average significantly in math and reading, with proficiency rates between 85% and 89%, surpassing both the county and state averages.
Why It Matters: This recognition highlights the academy's strong academic performance and successful STEM and reading programs, which enhance the educational quality and future opportunities for its students.
What's Next: Mount Vernon STEAM Academy will continue to focus on providing high-quality STEM and reading education to maintain and potentially improve its standing among top schools in New York.
Notable Quote: “Our efforts at Mount Vernon STEAM Academy have paid off greatly, and this ranking shows just how valuable an education they provide.” — Acting Superintendent Dr. K. Veronica Smith
In Hudson Valley Coverage:
Kingston school officials consider metal detectors
What's Happening: Kingston CSD is exploring the feasibility of installing weapons detection systems in schools, leading to mixed reactions from parents, community members, and Board of Education trustees regarding the impact on school safety and student well-being. Supporters advocate for advanced detection technology as an efficient and less invasive alternative to traditional metal detectors, while opponents express concerns over potential racial bias, heightened fear among students, and a need to focus on mental health resources instead.
What's Next: The Board of Education will likely revisit the proposal in upcoming meetings on November 6 or 20 to further discuss the potential implementation and gather additional input from the community.
Notable Quote: “Technology has moved past that…You don’t remove any metal. You walk through. It identifies things that are more than metal.” — Marc Rider | Board Trustee
By Crispin Kott | Hudson Valley One (HV1)
In Capital, North & Western New York Coverage:
Parents decry ‘toxic’ environment, lack of support for Montessori at Kingston school
What's Happening: Staff and parents at George Washington Elementary in Kingston have reported a toxic work and learning environment, with complaints of punitive behavior such as yelling and silent treatment, especially affecting students and staff relationships. The Kingston City School District commissioned an EdLife Consulting report, which noted issues with staff morale, communication, and a partial implementation of Montessori practices, while the school also grapples with academic and support challenges for diverse student needs.
What's Next: The EdLife report recommends a shift toward restorative practices to improve culture and relationships within the school, and the district has outlined a two-year improvement plan for academics and school climate.
Notable Quote: “Staff noted a lack of responsiveness from the administration and sometimes felt chastised for minor issues without discussion.” — EdLife Consulting Report
By Maria M. Silva | Times Union
Literacy Volunteers of Rensselaer County expanding to Schenectady
What's Happening: Literacy Volunteers of Rensselaer County is expanding its adult literacy services to Schenectady, driven by requests from local businesses and educational organizations. The organization received a $75,000 grant from the Schenectady Foundation, allowing them to start volunteer training and literacy classes across the county, with a particular focus on supporting individuals needing job-related literacy skills.
Impact: The expansion aims to bridge critical literacy gaps that can affect employment, health, and daily living, especially for those in lower-income communities, non-native English speakers, and individuals preparing for the GED.
What's Next: Literacy Volunteers will continue recruiting volunteers and donors to support the new Schenectady program, and students interested in joining can sign up via their contact channels.
Notable Quote: "When there’s a language barrier, people do the best they can. A lot of our systems, they’re hard to maneuver." — Nancy Benz, Executive Director| literacy Volunteers of Rensselaer County
By Kathleen Moore | Times Union
North Syracuse appoints new school district superintendent By Elizabeth Doran | Syracuse.com | North Syracuse Central school board has selected Terry Ward as its new superintendent of schools.
THE STATE OF NEW YORK
New York education leaders back the end of mandatory Regents test by 2027
What's Happening: The New York State Department of Education has proposed phasing out mandatory Regents exams as a graduation requirement by 2027, focusing instead on skill-based assessments. If approved, students would demonstrate proficiency in areas like critical thinking and cultural competence through projects, internships, or other activities, with specific rubrics and guidelines established for each skill by 2027.
Why It Matters: This shift aims to offer a more flexible, equitable education model, allowing students in all districts, regardless of wealth, to access meaningful educational experiences that better prepare them for life beyond high school.
What's Next: The Board of Regents will vote on this proposal during the 2027-2028 school year, and schools must prepare to implement skill-based assessments and alternative learning methods.
Notable Quote: "This looks to be one of the great transformations of education." — Patrick Mannion | New York State Board of Regents
By Kathleen Moore | Times Union
In related news & coverage:
New York moves one step closer to eliminating Regents exams as graduation requirement By Maggie Hicks | Syracuse.com | NY students who started high school this year may not need to pass Regents exams in order to graduate.
Source: NYSED
State Education Department Announces “NY Inspires: A Plan to Transform Education in New York State”
What's Happening: NYSED has introduced the "New York Inspires" plan, a comprehensive roadmap for implementing the Blue Ribbon Commission’s recommendations on transforming high school graduation requirements and enhancing educational equity across the state. This initiative focuses on four key transformations: adopting a "Portrait of a Graduate," redefining credit requirements based on proficiency, phasing out diploma assessment mandates, and unifying diploma options, with a phased approach allowing for thoughtful planning and professional development.
Why It Matters: The plan aims to create equitable, inclusive, and student-centered educational pathways that equip students for success in an increasingly complex world, directly addressing educational disparities across the state.
What's Next: The Board of Regents must approve changes to graduation requirements before implementation; feedback and engagement with stakeholders will continue throughout the phased rollout, beginning with a planning year and extending across three implementation phases.
Notable Quote: "Our objective is to provide greater opportunities for children to learn and grow… we’re empowering them to lead, innovate, and contribute meaningfully to their communities." — Betty A. Rosa | NYSED Commissioner
Additional information about the Graduation Measures initiative can be found on the Department’s Graduation Measures website.
Dem candidate in battleground NY House race forced to pull campaign ad after complaints from his old HS By Vaughn Golden | New York Post | Union Endicott Central School District officials told The Post that they received inquiries about the school’s involvement in the ad from community members and subsequently asked Riley’s campaign to pull a campaign ad of him at his old high school — because he didn’t get permission to shoot on the property.
ACROSS THE NATION
STUDY | Many Older Students Struggle to Push Beyond Reading ‘Threshold’
What’s Happening: A new study by Educational Testing Service and the Advanced Education Research and Development Fund reveals that many older students, like ninth-grader C.J. Mitchell from Nashville, struggle to advance beyond basic reading skills, facing challenges with complex vocabulary and decoding. About 20% of fifth through seventh graders hit a "decoding threshold," unable to grasp the main ideas of texts due to difficulties with unfamiliar words. While states have largely focused on early-grade reading interventions, this study suggests a pressing need to extend support to older students. Currently, many middle and high school teachers feel unprepared or lack resources to address these basic reading issues. The study notes that these gaps often show up as classroom avoidance behaviors and lack of engagement with reading material, which some teachers find challenging to address within subject-specific curriculums.
Impact: Struggles with reading not only impede students’ comprehension but also limit their success across subjects that demand higher-level literacy. Experts argue that schools need resources and curriculum designed to support adolescents’ reading development. The issue has gained prominence as parents and educators push for literacy reforms, particularly following pandemic learning disruptions.
What’s Next: Researchers recommend expanded reading screenings for older students, using tools like ReadBasix and ROAR. Meanwhile, advocacy groups and literacy specialists are stepping in to support families and educators, highlighting the need for subject teachers to integrate vocabulary exercises and reading practice in their classrooms to bridge these gaps.
Notable Quote: “If decoding a sentence is consuming all of your cognitive capacity, then you’re not going to have anything left for comprehension,” - Rebecca Sutherland | Associate Director of research for Reading Reimagined.
Trump’s deportation plan could separate millions of families, leaving schools to pick up the pieces
What’s Happening: If re-elected, Donald Trump has pledged to enact the largest deportation effort in U.S. history, which would likely involve the deportation of undocumented parents of school-age children, causing severe emotional and logistical challenges for schools, particularly in immigrant communities. Past immigration raids have shown that children suffer long-term impacts from family separations, leading to disruptions in their education and emotional trauma. Schools are left to provide emergency support, including shelter, food, and counseling, often without adequate preparation or resources. The plan could also challenge existing "sanctuary school" policies that protect immigrant families on school grounds.
Impact: This proposed policy would place schools in a difficult position, forcing educators to prioritize care and emotional support over academics as they respond to student distress. The trauma from family separations can lead to behavioral and academic issues, as seen in past raids, with children experiencing symptoms of post-traumatic stress, separation anxiety, and academic struggles.
What’s Next: Schools in immigrant communities may need to create emergency protocols to manage student welfare during immigration enforcement actions, including plans for temporary shelters and clear procedures for handling student pick-ups. Teachers may also need additional resources and training to support affected students.
Notable Quote: “You’re responsible for how these kids get home and who takes care of them,” - Tony McGee | former Mississippi superintendent
By Kalyn Belsha | Hechinger Report
The Year in Public Opinion on U.S. K–12 Education Policy
What’s Happening: Public opinion surveys reveal that Americans want K–12 schools to focus on core teaching and learning priorities rather than highly debated issues like race, sexuality, and school choice. The surveys indicate widespread concern over the quality of education and a desire for improvements in basic educational fundamentals such as student safety, quality curriculum, and teacher retention. While Americans value various goals in education, the emphasis is on academic learning, preparation for financial success, and civic education. Parents are generally more satisfied with their child’s school experience, particularly in charter and private schools, though they share the public’s concern about the direction of education. There is a partisan divide, with Democrats supporting broader educational roles (e.g., social welfare) and Republicans favoring a narrower academic focus.
Why It Matters: As the 2024 election approaches, education is not viewed as a top issue compared to the economy or healthcare, though many Americans see it as important. When prompted, they prioritize teacher recruitment, safety, and funding, while technology use and ideological debates rank lower in importance. High levels of absenteeism and learning loss post-pandemic remain key concerns, but awareness among parents appears limited.
What’s Next: While partisan polarization persists, the public’s consensus on fundamentals suggests that education policymakers could benefit from focusing on core areas that affect all students, including safe environments, curriculum quality, and teacher support. There may be opportunities to bridge divides and drive change by concentrating on shared goals.
By David M. Houston | Education Next
Domino Effect: Without Licensed Teachers, Student Academics Take a Hit
What's Happening: A new policy brief underscores the negative impact of uncertified teachers on student achievement, with recent data revealing over 163,000 unqualified teachers in the U.S. in 2022, leading to poorer student outcomes, particularly in reading and math. Examples from states like Texas, Alaska, and Missouri illustrate the widespread nature of this issue, compounded by a global teacher shortage and reliance on emergency certifications and non-credentialed substitutes, which disrupt learning and diminish educational quality.
Impact: The continued use of unqualified educators, particularly in high-need areas, risks long-term gaps in student knowledge and skills, emphasizing the need for swift, systemic action to uphold educational standards.
What's Next: Experts advocate for community colleges to help bridge the teacher shortage by offering baccalaureate programs in education; currently, 24 states, led by Florida, are enabling community colleges to prepare future teachers, highlighting the need for similar initiatives nationwide.
Notable Quote: “The presence of unqualified individuals in the classroom is…a pressing reality already affecting the quality of education, student outcomes, and a student’s future.” — Dr. Hans Andrews and Dr. Greg Rockhold, Educational Experts
By Hans A. Andrews and Greg Rockhold | District Administration
In other National News…
Culture Wars Cost Schools Estimated $3.2B Last Year, Harming Student Services By Amanada Geduld | The74 | New research says divisive debates over race, gender and sexual orientation have diverted billions of dollars and driven educators from their jobs.
In related news & coverage
Schools Take a $3 Billion Hit From the Culture Wars. Here’s How It Breaks Down By Caitlynn Peetz | Ed Week | Tense conflict over issues like how districts teach about race, their policies related to LGBTQ+ students, and the books they keep in libraries. But not all schools fared equally.
Moms for Liberty: Estimated $2 billion price tag for school conflict is 'nonsense' By Brendan Clarey | Chalkboard News | Superintendents, researchers say schools can save district funds by silencing 'conflict entrepreneurs'
The ‘Zero-Sum Game’ of School Budgets and Teacher Pensions By Mark Lieberman | Ed Week | Pensions are a rising cost for school districts, but administrators have little control over them—and many don’t know how they work
National Education Association PAC Raised Roughly $27 Million for 2024 Election By Lauren Camera | The74 | The country’s largest union traditionally supports Democratic candidates, lending the power of its political action committees’ purses.
American Federation of Teachers’ PAC Raised $12 Million for the 2024 Election By Lauren Camera | The74 | The 1.7-million member teachers union has raised $12 million through its PAC and has thrown its support behind Democrats up and down the ballot.
PARENT VOICE | Why bringing children to the voting booth matters By Amira K.S. Barger | Ed Source | By involving children, parents create opportunities for dialogue on community issues, which can even influence adult perspectives—a phenomenon known as "trickle-up socialization."
Students Don’t Want to Talk About Politics, Either By Brooke Schultz | Ed Week | Young people are reluctant to discuss politics without a space to safely navigate those discussions in such a polarized environment.
GAO: Here's how schools spent COVID money during pandemic years By Julian Roberts-Grmela | Chalkboard News | According to a new Government Accountability Office report, districts nationwide spent about $60 billion in federal COVID-19-related emergency relief funds by the end of the 2022 school year.
How Is Title II, Part A Funding Professional Development in Schools? By Adam Stone | Ed Tech Magazine | The Supporting Effective Instruction State Grants program can improve technology integration and student outcomes in K–12 schools. Learn more about this component of the Every Student Succeeds Act.
Running for School Board? Better Win Over the Teachers’ Union, Research Finds By Kevin Mahnken | The74 | National survey evidence shows that potential voters are significantly more likely to favor a candidate backed by local teachers.
Native American Leaders Call Again for Action After Boarding Schools Apology By Marianna McMurdock | The74 | While the apology was a “critical first step,” these policies “are not a horror of the past.” Advocates push for legislation, education investments
FAFSA rollout is ‘on track,' despite remaining unresolved issues, Education Department says By Jessica Dickler | CNBC | So far, the 2025-26 FAFSA has been available to limited groups of students in a series of beta tests that began on Oct. 1. It will become available to all students and contributors on or before Dec. 1, the Education Department said.
'Inspiring and eye-opening': Gen Z's interest in skilled trades is rising By Tate Miller | The Center Square | “55% of Gen Zers are considering a skilled trade career (up 12% from last year) – including 72% of those with a college degree,” Thumbtack’s report stated.
City and State Roundup:
October Surprise: NOLA Schools Learn They’ll Lose at Least $20M in Funding By Beth Hawkins | The74 | New Orleans district leaders miscalculated local tax revenues — and didn't alert schools until 3 months into the academic year.
Houston ISD scandal: up to 400 unqualified teachers involved in $1M cheating scheme By Bethany Blankley | The Center Square | Scandal has unfolded in Texas’ largest public school district: a $1 million teacher certification cheating scheme through which up to 400 individuals paid a proxy to take their teacher certification test on their behalf.
In related coverage:
Houston certification fraud charges could affect teachers in other states By Brendan Clarey | Chalkboard News | After charges were announced against administrators and test proctors allegedly involved in a fraudulent teacher certification scheme, state agencies said they would follow law enforcement's lead to ensure teachers are properly licensed.
Bipartisan groups oppose Houston ISD bond propositions totaling nearly $11 billion By Bethany Blankley | The Center Square via Chalkboard News | Houston ISD has proposed Proposition A and Proposition B on the Nov. 5 ballot, arguing that increasing debt and taxes by nearly $11 billion over 33 years is necessary to build and renovate school buildings, implement security upgrades and make other improvements.
A Florida school board candidate lost his race. DeSantis appointed him to the board anyway By Kate Payne | Associate Press | Derek Barrs will take an open seat on the Flagler County School Board in northeast Florida, succeeding a member who resigned in September, allowing DeSantis to appoint a replacement rather than the seat going on the ballot for voters to decide.
Florida again leads U.S. in book bans, new report finds By Steven Walker | Orlando Sentinel | There were 4,561 instances of book banning in Florida public school districts last school year — accounting for about 45% of all book bans nationally, according to a report.
Could Massachusetts AI Cheating Case Push Schools to Refocus on Learning? By Greg Toppo | The74 | Lawsuit tackles key questions of academic integrity, college admissions and the purpose of school in an age of AI.
Massachusetts, Famed for Tough School Standards, Rethinks Its Big Test By Troy Closson | New York Times | A ballot measure would do away with the requirement that high schoolers pass a test to graduate. Opponents say it could water down academics for struggling students.
Another School District Stumbles After Cyberattack By The 74 | There has been a massive breach in Rhode Island’s school district.
Newark Public Schools partners with NJ LEEP to launch new program to help students get to college By Jessie Gómez | Chalkbeat | Through a partnership with Newark Public Schools and a grant from MacKenzie Scott’s Yield Giving Foundation, the nonprofit will launch a school-based program next year at Central and East Side high schools to expand students’ access to college opportunities and support high school students
Rural South Carolina School District Regains Some Control Six Years After State Takeover By Skylar Laird | South Carolina Gazette | The lessons learned from Williamsburg County schools could help other rural districts, one legislator said
In North Carolina, Public Education Is at the Heart of Governor’s Race By Marianna McMurdock | The74 | Election day exposed key education issues in the swing state: school funding, teacher pay & vouchers. Why students, educators are anxious but hopeful
How much does your school district spend on special education per student? By Grace Deng | Washington State Standard | There are big differences between districts — but more spending doesn’t correlate to better outcomes for students.
What Happened When Chicago’s Mayor Followed a Teachers’ Union Playbook By Dana Goldstein | New York Times | In Chicago, the mayor and the teachers’ union are tightly connected. The relationship has ushered in generous spending and led to political turmoil.
Analyst calls for overhaul of Chicago Public Schools By Glenn Minnis | The Center Square | Instructional and operational spending per CPSl student spiked to an average of nearly $20,000 in fiscal year 2022, representing a jump of almost 50% over the past six years. Critics argue the time has come for a complete overhaul after data also shows academic performance slowed to the point where less than one out of every four 11th graders were achieving or exceeding proficiency in reading and math.
Chicago Public Schools to resume providing rides for general education students in December By Mila Koumpilova | Chalkbeat | Chicago Public Schools officials said Friday that the district has made headway in providing student transportation after a rocky autumn.
New Chicago school board president resigns after anti semitic and misogynistic Facebook posts surface By Becky Vevea | Chalkbeat | Mayor Brandon Johnson’s newly-appointed school board president Rev. Mitchell Ikenna Johnson is stepping down after past anti semitic and misogynistic comments surfaced online.
Tennessee’s costly, disruptive school turnaround work didn’t help students long term By Marta W. Aldrich | Chalkbeat | New research shows middle school students exiting Tennessee’s two primary school turnaround models experienced few educational gains in high school, raising new questions about the much-scrutinized strategies.
Gov. Jared Polis’ budget would slow the phase-in of Colorado’s new school funding formula By Jason Gonzales | Chalkbeat | Colorado school districts would no longer be funded based on a four-year enrollment average under a 2025-26 budget proposal released by Gov. Jared Polis Friday. Instead, Polis is proposing to fund school districts based on a current-year enrollment estimate, a change that could mean less money for districts with declining enrollment.
Keep or sell: Amid dropping enrollment, Colorado districts decide what to do with closed schools By Ann Schimke, Melanie Asmar and Yesenia Robles | Chalkbeat | Soon, the former Thompson School District preschool would become “The Landing,” the first shelter for homeless youth in northern Colorado. Leaders of the effort say the state-of-the-art-building will give young people ages 15 to 20 a safe place to live and receive services while they get their lives back on track.
Why this Ohio school district is reading a controversial 'Grading for Equity' book By Julian Roberts-Grmela | Chalkboard News | According to a Lakewood City Schools presentation to the school board from earlier this month, the book will be voluntary for teachers as part of a book study. Critics say the book promotes practices that lower students' standards, while its proponents say it is more fair to students.
D.C. charter school accused of violating law for students with disabilities By Lauren Lumpkin | New York Times | The SEED School of Washington, D.C., a charter boarding campus in the District, has been accused of flouting local and federal education laws that protect students with disabilities.
In The Classroom
Reading Interventions for Older Students May Be Missing a Key Component
What's Happening: A recent study by ETS and the Advanced Education Research and Development Fund has highlighted that many older students struggle with foundational reading skills, especially decoding. This “decoding threshold” is essential for reading comprehension, and students who fall below it experience limited reading progress, suggesting that many middle and high school reading interventions may miss addressing their core needs.
Impact: With middle and high schools traditionally less equipped for foundational reading instruction, there’s a growing call for resources and training for teachers to address these literacy gaps.
What’s Next: Experts recommend expanding screening for foundational skills in older grades, creating dedicated support structures for reading intervention in middle and high school, and providing professional development for teachers on phonics and morphology. Building a support system in upper grades, akin to the elementary-level reading ecosystem, is crucial to bridging these literacy gaps.
Notable Quote: “How do we begin to create an ecosystem in 6-12 for reading instruction like we have in K-2?” asked Kate Crist, a literacy consultant, underscoring the need for collaborative and strategic approaches to support struggling readers in higher grades.
In related news & coverage
Older struggling readers can benefit from explicit decoding instruction By Kara Arundel | K-12 Dive | Early and targeted interventions are critical in helping these students understand increasingly complex tests, a study finds.
AI is Everywhere. How Should Schools Handle It? Teachers’ Different Approaches Show Its Potential — and Limits" By Kristen Taketa | San Diego Union-Tribune | Schools nationwide are incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) in classrooms, with teachers like Jeff Simon in Carlsbad using AI to assist students in math, while others like English teacher Katrina Waidelich focus on managing its ethical use to prevent academic dishonesty.
In related news & coverage:
A Teacher Makes the Case for Using AI With English Learners By Ileana Najarro | Ed Week | Her English learners have demonstrated a knack for using and finding a variety of generative artificial intelligence tools and translation apps, prompting Said to learn more about this technology and guide her students in responsible and ethical uses.
Using AI Tools to Give Feedback on High School Students’ Writing By Jen Roberts| Edutopia |A veteran teacher shows how generative AI tools help her provide nearly 150 students with instant feedback on their writing.
Where Harris, Trump stand on AI regulation By Lindsey Wilkinson | K-12 Dive |Analysts expect Kamala Harris to largely continue the current approach to AI oversight, while Donald Trump’s promise to repeal a Biden executive order signals a major shift.
‘We’re at a Disadvantage,’ and Other Teacher Sentiments on AI By Lauraine Langreo | Ed Week | Far more teachers are getting professional development on artificial intelligence, but a majority still have received no training at all, according to new survey results from the EdWeek Research Center.
This program makes AI writing undetectable. What does that mean for cheating? By Brendan Clarey | Chalkboard News | With the rising popularity of generative AI, students can cheat in ways they couldn’t just a few years ago, and now they can do it even better with programs like StealthGPT.
What Happens When an AI Assistant Helps the Tutor, Instead of the Student By Lauraine Langreo | Ed Week | An AI-powered tutoring assistant increased human tutors’ capacity to help students through math problems and improved students’ performance in math, according to a Stanford University study.
Why We Still Haven’t Solved Teacher Shortages (Despite Decades of Trying)
What's Happening: The persistent teacher shortage across the U.S. has led to decades of attempts to resolve the issue, with limited long-term success. While programs like TFA attract young, educated people to hard-to-staff schools, critics argue that short-term commitments and limited training undermine teaching as a profession. The current shortage is also impacted by a decline in traditional teaching degree completions and low public interest in teaching careers, exacerbated by cultural and political pressures on educators.
Impact: Unlike other sectors, public education often cannot differentiate pay based on role difficulty, which limits the effectiveness of financial incentives. The lack of flexibility in the teaching labor market means that schools struggle to compete for specialized positions, and unions and policymakers remain divided over differentiated pay.
What's Next: As teacher shortages evolve, the education sector is likely to continue adopting various temporary solutions, from apprenticeships to district-led residencies, despite criticism. Experts suggest that while professionalizing teaching is important long-term, immediate shortages may require flexible, multi-pronged solutions that adapt to the changing needs of schools.
Notable Quote: "The solutions have changed, but the underlying dynamics of the teacher labor market haven’t changed for a very long time," -Dan Goldhaber | Center for Analysis of Longitudinal Data in Education Research
In other Classroom News…
Doing the Best You Can With the Time You Have By Jay Schauer | Edutopia | Strategies that can help overwhelmed teachers prioritize tasks and find a balance between perfectionism and efficiency.
SEL Has Become Politicized. Schools Are Embracing It Anyway By Arianna Prothero | Ed Week | Eighty-three percent of principals reported that their schools use an SEL curriculum or program, up from 73 percent in 2021-22 school year, and from 46 percent in 2017-18, according to a nationally representative survey by RAND and the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning, or CASEL.
In related news & coverage
Guiding Young Students to Develop Self-Regulation By Lori Blake | Edutopia| Time-saving strategies for teaching early learners social and emotional skills incorporate activities you’re already using.
Keys to teaching data literacy in elementary school By Lauren Barack | K-12 Dive | Tracking the weather and tapping into a child’s natural curiosity are ways to build young learners’ understanding of data, math instruction experts say.
New Findings on Teacher Morale Highlight Ways to Make It Better By Ileana Najarro | Ed Week | In survey findings published this summer, high school teachers cited low student motivation and a lack of public respect for the profession as the top two factors that take away from satisfaction with their jobs. However, teachers who cited a lack of administrative support and a lack of autonomy over what they teach as detractors were more likely to report higher levels of dissatisfaction with their jobs.
SURVEY | Teachers support restricting classroom cellphone use By Sunni Khalid | KALW | The association surveyed more than 1,500 teachers across the country and found that 70 percent ranked cell phone use as one of their top five concerns. It ranked second behind academic achievement.
How to Support Teachers’ Emotional Health By Hedreich Nichols | Edutopia | Emotional well-being plays a major role in teachers’ job satisfaction, and it’s essential that they have effective resources for support.
St. Louis Schools Getting $1M in Grants to Rethink How They Teach Kids to Read By Lauren Wagner | The74 | Emerson Challenge awarded 20K this year, 250K in 2025-26 to help educators collaborate on best ways to implement science of reading, boost literacy.
Computer programs monitor students’ every word in the name of safety By Tribune News Service via East Bay Times | Critics worry about the lack of transparency from companies that have the power to monitor students and choose when to alert school personnel.
Misinformation is pervasive — not invincible. Teachers are helping students learn to adapt By Erica Meltzer | Chalkbeat | Teachers in subjects ranging from language arts, math, and philosophy are taking academic questions about symbolism, sample size in polling, and discerning the truth, then applying them to the information students see every day on their phones.
OPINION | The Blind Spot More Educators Need to Recognize By Peter DeWitt & Michael Nelson | Ed Week |Like many school administrators, the majority in the room worked more than 40 hours each week, yet everyone, including Michael, quickly realized they could only say a few of those hours directly impacted the work at the classroom level.
In the Blogosphere
Union fights outsourcing of therapy work in schools
What's Happening: The UFT is challenging the DOE's decision to outsource approximately 5,000 occupational and physical therapy sessions to private providers, especially impacting District 75 schools. The union argues that the DOE should utilize the ninth session option negotiated in the 2023 contract, allowing full-time therapists to take on additional sessions, which would maintain continuity of care and enhance collaborative support for students.
Why It Matters: Outsourcing therapy undermines the quality of student care, as private providers lack established relationships with school staff and students, reducing therapeutic effectiveness and collaboration opportunities crucial for special education students.
Notable Quote: “The DOE should do the right thing… Let our occupational and physical therapists do what we do best.” — Thomas Ayrovainen | UFT Occupational and Physical Therapists Chapter Leader
By Hannah Brown | New York Teacher
An Empty Win: How the UFT's Holiday 'Victory' Fails NYC Teachers and Families
What's Happening: NYC Mayor Eric Adams, with the support of United Federation of Teachers (UFT) President Michael Mulgrew, has announced December 23 as an additional holiday for NYC public schools, sparking criticism regarding the union’s negotiation approach. Critics argue that the UFT may have conceded valuable bargaining power in exchange for a symbolic day off, with union leadership appearing to prioritize bolstering the mayor’s image over securing substantive benefits for teachers.
Why It Matters: While an extra day off benefits teachers superficially, this decision sidesteps pressing issues like overcrowded classrooms, staff shortages, and resource deficits, potentially weakening union credibility in future negotiations.
What's Next: The UFT faces mounting pressure to demonstrate strong leadership and accountability in upcoming negotiations, with members increasingly vocal about the need for meaningful improvements.
