The NY Education Week in Review 10.27.2024
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 | NYC has expanded special education preschool seats, enabling students like Dezmin, a child with autism, to attend pre-K after long-standing shortages left hundreds without services. Additionally, parents rallied in Staten Island to oppose strict new deadlines that limit special education support in non-public schools, impacting many families who missed the June 1 intent deadline. Incoming NYC Schools Chancellor Melissa Avilés-Ramos, the first Latina to hold the role, plans to address educational inequities, improve bilingual education, and boost family engagement across the district. NYC is also accelerating its school merger strategy to consolidate resources in the face of declining enrollment, with Avilés-Ramos pledging to prioritize community input and minimize disruption to affected schools and neighborhoods. The city has also seen increased efforts to connect schools with arts programs, addressing funding challenges to enrich student experiences and support cultural education across the boroughs.
In the Greater NYC Region | Long Island schools are seeing a surge in diversity as more Latino and Asian families settle in the region, prompting some districts to adapt curriculum and resources to support students' varied backgrounds. Meanwhile, concerns were raised at a recent educators' conference over state plans to de-emphasize Regents exams, with social studies teachers fearing that a reduced focus on standardized testing could undermine civics education. Additionally, a CDC survey highlights how experiences of racism are affecting Long Island students' mental health, spurring schools to expand mental health services and anti-racism initiatives. Long Island educators are also among the state’s highest-paid, reflecting the area’s high living costs and significant investments in educational quality. Six communities across Westchester and Rockland counties have been awarded state grants totaling $4.5 million to expand after-school programs, providing safe and enriching opportunities for students outside school hours. Migrant families moving to Albany have boosted the district's enrollment and diversity, particularly among English learners. Albany schools now provide specialized language and trauma support through the Albany International Academy, with projections indicating enrollment may surpass 9,000 students this year. In Buffalo, advocates call for a shift from punitive discipline to restorative practices as suspension rates remain high, particularly affecting Black and special education students. Additionally, Western New York after-school programs received state grants, while Holland schools approved a $12.75 million improvement project focusing on infrastructure and security.
Throughout the State of New York | Changes are underway in New York's education landscape, as Governor Hochul's new program will automatically accept top 10% high school graduates into nine SUNY campuses, aiming to broaden college access amid declining freshman enrollment, especially among low-income students. Meanwhile, New York continues to grapple with a significant bilingual teacher shortage, impacting education for the state's growing multilingual student population and prompting calls for expanded certification programs and recruitment incentives. Schools are also dealing with developmental delays in young children, a lingering effect of pandemic isolation, leading to increased early intervention efforts. In another significant shift, NYC DOE faces criticism over proposed changes to privacy regulations, which would allow expanded access to students' personal data without strict parental consent, raising data security concerns. Additionally, the upcoming UFT election could reshape NYC’s largest teachers’ union, with members debating the need for new leadership to address issues like class sizes, funding, and union transparency.
Across the Nation | The $190 billion ESSER investment aimed at COVID-19 learning recovery shows limited academic impact, highlighting the need for strategic, outcome-focused spending as districts adjust to post-ESSER budgeting. Educators' innovative teaching strategies developed during the pandemic were largely ignored in reopening plans, underscoring a need for collaborative policymaking to retain effective changes. Meanwhile, federal data shows ongoing teacher shortages in high-need areas, with schools increasingly relying on uncertified staff, exacerbating instructional quality issues in underserved communities. In Head Start programs, a proposed teacher pay increase lacks additional funding, potentially forcing centers to cut enrollment to improve educator retention, presenting a challenging tradeoff in early education. U.S. schools spent $3.2 billion last year addressing conflicts stemming from cultural debates over curriculum, LGBTQ+ policies, and book bans, with studies showing reduced financial strain if divisive issues were minimized. As a response, incubators are training moderate candidates for school board roles to bring stability. Meanwhile, President Biden issued a formal apology for past mistreatment of Native American children, pledged to add 18,000 mental health professionals to schools, and launched an AI toolkit to aid K-12 settings. Education remains a polarized political issue, as school choice initiatives go before voters in Arizona, Texas, and New Hampshire.
In the Classroom | Efforts to address educational gaps and improve learning experiences continue across U.S. classrooms. To increase diversity in computer science, more states now require foundational courses, addressing racial, gender, and socioeconomic disparities (Code.org). Teacher optimism is rising, with nearly half believing their districts are on the right track (Morning Consult for EdChoice). Schools are increasingly integrating workforce skills into academic classes, and disciplinary literacy is gaining traction to teach students subject-specific thinking (Ed Week). As teachers face staffing shortages, webinars by CDW and others promote tech tools to streamline workloads, while resources for Indigenous representation and online safety add to comprehensive education efforts across diverse student needs.
City & State Roundup | Significant changes are shaping education across major U.S. cities and states. Chicago Public Schools has paused board meetings until December, following board and mayoral shake-ups, as the district prepares for a partially elected school board in a bid to balance political influence. In Philadelphia, an alarming report reveals high teacher attrition rates, especially among teachers of color, prompting the district to roll out a comprehensive five-year learning recovery and retention plan. Massachusetts is also facing a contentious debate over a ballot measure to end its high-stakes graduation exam, raising concerns over whether this might lower academic standards. In the Southeast, schools are working to restore routines after Hurricane Helene, with tens of thousands of students facing prolonged educational disruptions. Additionally, Nevada’s use of AI to assess at-risk students has sparked ethical concerns, spotlighting the complexity of integrating technology into education. Across these regions, stakeholders are increasingly focused on equity, resilience, and adapting to new challenges in a rapidly shifting educational landscape.
In the Blogs | Advocacy groups are opposing NYC DOE’s proposed student privacy regulation changes, which they argue compromise data security, while NYC educators face a pivotal spring UFT election that could reshape leadership amid calls for greater transparency and responsiveness on key issues like class size, safety, and funding.
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Missed last week’s Week In Review? Check it out here.
Educator Spotlight
Data has shown that promoting belonging in schools has a dramatic effect on student outcomes, especially with English as a New Language Learners. In our Educator Spotlight this Week, we feature leaders, educators, and even students from LEDbetter’s ENL Consortium, who together offer Six Key Strategies to Promote Belonging in Your Schools.
Check out 8th grader Kadidiatou, who confidently expresses how feeling a sense of belonging via explicit school strategies to do so pushed her out of her shyness:
““I feel like I belong at NYFACS because I feel more represented, I feel more heard, I believe in myself at this school. Before I was a very shy girl but thanks to the announcement of school events that I do every week, I have more voice, more things to say to other students. I feel good in this school.””
Interested in more ways to support your ENL students? Schedule a meeting with us today.
NEW YORK CITY
With More Seats Added, a Student with Special Needs Finally Gets to Attend Preschool
What's Happening: New York City has increased special education preschool seats, enabling Dezmin, a child with autism, to finally attend pre-K after years of waiting due to a shortage of early childhood special education spots. Despite initiatives for universal pre-K and 3-K, NYC had previously failed to meet the demand for special education seats, leaving hundreds of children, like Dezmin, without appropriate services.
What's Next: Advocates are pushing for continued funding and commitment to ensure every child who needs special education can access it as demand rises throughout the school year.
Notable Quote: “As a parent, you don't want to feel powerless to help your child... it shouldn't be this hard of a fight just for education,” - Keyona Davis | Dezmin's mother.
By Jillian Jorgensen | NY1 Spectrum News
In related coverage…
NYC Politicians and Parents Rally for Restoration of Special Ed Services in Non-Public Schools By Staten Island Advance | Politicians and parents gathered at St. Joseph Hill Academy in Staten Island to protest NYC's recent enforcement of a deadline that limits special education services in non-public schools. Families of students with disabilities, like Marissa Jones’s daughter, who missed the June 1 "letter of intent" deadline, are now facing denied access to critical services, including therapies and specialized devices.
Feds urged to hold NYC Department of Education accountable for the lack of special needs services By Kristie Keleshian | CBS New York | Almost two months into the school year, special needs students and their parents are feeling the effects of being denied services due to new regulations put in place by the NYC DOE. Lawmakers are now calling on federal officials to hold the city accountable.
What to Know About Melissa Aviles-Ramos, New York City’s New Schools Chancellor
What's Happening: Melissa Avilés-Ramos has been appointed as the new Chancellor of New York City’s public schools, marking her as the first Latina to hold this position in the largest school district in the United States. : Avilés-Ramos brings extensive experience in educational leadership, having previously served in roles focused on equity and inclusion within NYC’s Department of Education, and she is known for her commitment to addressing educational disparities among diverse student populations.
Impact: Her appointment signals a continued focus on equity-driven reforms in NYC schools, with priorities likely to include improving resources for underserved communities, expanding bilingual education, and increasing family engagement.
What's Next: Avilés-Ramos is expected to outline her vision for the district in the coming months, including strategies to address academic recovery post-pandemic and plans to reduce the achievement gap.
Notable Quote: “This is a historic moment not only for our schools but for every family and community in New York City,” - Avilés-Ramos | NYC School Chancellor
By Claire Fahy and Troy Closson | New York Times
Mergers Ahead: NYC is Combining More Tiny Schools to Combat Enrollment Drops"
What's Happening: NYC has accelerated its strategy of merging small, under-enrolled schools to address a citywide drop in student enrollment, with 13 school mergers or grade eliminations approved last year, the most since 2018. The city’s approach, allowing local superintendents to initiate proposals, has reduced backlash, as community engagement is emphasized. Some argue mergers are less disruptive than closures and may promote more racially and socioeconomically integrated schools.
Impact: With NYC public school enrollment projected to decline further, small schools may increasingly face mergers to ensure efficient resource use, though communities with strong neighborhood ties to schools fear losing a sense of community and identity.
What's Next: Proposals for further mergers are anticipated, with some already postponed for additional review by Chancellor Aviles-Ramos, signaling that community concerns will continue to play a critical role in these decisions.
Notable Quote: “The disruption is not as significant as it typically is with another intervention,” said District 3 Superintendent Kamar Samuels, emphasizing the continuity benefits of mergers over closures.
By: Michael Elsen-Rooney and Alex Zimmerman | Chalkbeat
In other NYC News:
A Plan to Fund High School Newspapers Seeks to Revive Student Journalism By Claire Fahy | New York Times | Just 27 percent of public high schools in New York City have a newspaper. A local nonprofit is offering a solution.
‘Backbone of New York City’: Arts groups showcase their work to schools, as funding concerns remain By Julian Shen-Berro | Chalkbeat | Dozens of cultural arts organizations flocked to Lincoln Center for an event held by Council member Gale Brewer, connecting local schools to arts education programs.
NYC’s new chancellor pitches CUNY to high school seniors, welcome letters in tow By Michael Elsen-Rooney | Chalkbeat | The letters helped spur a dramatic spike in CUNY applications, which multiplied nearly fivefold last fall compared to the year before.
Parents at NYC school say teens in 'forcible touching' football hazing had to be punished -- but not arrested By Georgett Roberts, Dorian Geiger and Jorge Fitz-Gibbon | New York Post | Most parents at James Madison High School said three teens accused of sex assault while hazing a student should be disciplined -- but it should have been handled in-house.
GREATER NY REGION & BEYOND
In Long Island Coverage
Long Island Schools See Increased Diversity Amid Population Shifts
What's Happening: Long Island school districts are experiencing significant demographic shifts, with a rise in diversity among the student population. These changes reflect broader migration trends, as more families from diverse backgrounds move into the region, impacting school populations and resources. Nassau and Suffolk counties have seen particularly high increases in Latino and Asian student populations, and some districts are adapting their curriculums and resources to meet the evolving needs of a more diverse student body.
Impact: The demographic shifts present both opportunities and challenges for schools, including the need for additional language support services, cultural competency training for staff, and adjustments to curriculum to reflect students' backgrounds and experiences.
Notable Quote: "This change reflects a vibrant transformation across Long Island schools, bringing new perspectives and challenges to our education system," - District Representative.
Concerns Raised Over Future of Social Studies as NY Considers Changes to Regents Exam Requirements
What’s Happening: At a Long Island educators conference, social studies teachers expressed concerns to state education officials about proposed changes to New York’s graduation requirements, which aim to de-emphasize Regents exams, including those in social studies. While state leaders propose adding alternative paths to graduation, such as internships and service projects, teachers worry this could reduce focus on subjects like history and government. Deputy Education Commissioner Angelique Johnson-Dingle assured attendees that Regents exams are not being eliminated entirely and emphasized that changes will be gradual, with ongoing input from educators. A formal timeline is set to be announced on Nov. 4.
Impact: Educators fear reduced testing may lead schools to deprioritize social studies, affecting the quality and depth of history and civics education. The changes also highlight a potential inconsistency, as teacher certification still requires passing standardized exams.
What’s Next: Following the Nov. 4 announcement, officials, including Johnson-Dingle, pledged to continue meeting with local educators to address their concerns and collaboratively refine the new diploma requirements.
Notable Quote: "New York is going to be killing social studies education as other states are already trying to do," - Victoria Buonpane |Teacher
CDC Survey Highlights Mental Health Impact of Racism on Long Island Students
What's Happening: A new CDC survey reveals that experiences of racism are linked to mental health challenges among Long Island students.
What Else You Should Know: The survey found that students who reported experiencing racism were more likely to struggle with mental health issues, with many attributing stress to racial discrimination from both peers and institutional sources. Schools across Long Island are beginning to acknowledge the need for improved mental health resources and anti-racism programs.
What's Next: Long Island school districts are looking into expanding mental health support, incorporating anti-bias training for staff, and promoting student-led inclusivity initiatives. Mental health professionals recommend tailored interventions to support students facing racial discrimination.
Notable Quote: “These findings highlight an urgent need for schools to not only recognize but actively address the impact of racism on student mental health,” - CDC spokesperson.
By Tiffany Cusaac-Smith | Newsday
Long Island Educators Among Highest Paid in New York
What's Happening: A recent report reveals that Long Island educators receive some of the highest salaries in New York State. With multiple administrators and teachers earning six-figure incomes, Long Island school districts rank among the top for educator pay, reflecting high local property taxes and significant investments in educational quality. The data shows that several Long Island superintendents earn over $300,000 annually, and experienced teachers can make more than $100,000. The high salaries are partly attributed to the cost of living in the area, union contracts, and the region’s competitive job market.
What's Next: As districts continue to negotiate contracts, balancing fair compensation with budget constraints remains a priority. Discussions around funding and educational spending are expected to intensify amid increasing calls for financial efficiency.
By John Hildebrand and Michael R. Ebert | Newsday
In other Long Island News:
Long Island Teacher Gets 'Oscar Of Teaching,' $25K Milken Award Story By Peggy Spellman Hoey | Patch via MSN | A Long Island teacher has received a $25,000 Milken Educator Award — considered the 'Oscar of Teaching' — for his ingenuity in the classroom, officials said. The prestigious national honor, which was created by philanthropist and education visionary Lowell Milken, recognizes exceptional educators for their dedication to excellence in education.
Important message from the three Long Island BOCES district superintendents By Nassau Boces | Please see an important message from Long Island BOCES’ three district superintendents to local superintendents and school board presidents. The letter addresses recent misinformation circulating on social media and in flyers regarding the New York State Education Department’s (NYSED) regionalization initiative and invites school district leaders to participate in an upcoming virtual webinar. We hope the letter answers any questions you may have.
Legislators, NYSUT leaders hear directly from students about the value of SWBOCES programs By Southern Westchester BOCES | State legislators and education leaders toured Southern Westchester BOCES’ Career Services campus in Valhalla, hearing directly from students about the impact these programs have made for them.
Audit faults Southampton schools' budgeting practices for accumulating $21 million in cash reserves By John Hildebrand | Newday | A newly posted audit report from the office of state Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli also concluded that the Southampton district each year appropriated money that had not been spent on operational costs and made unbudgeted transfers to reserves. This practice continued year after year between July 2018 and June 2023, auditors added.
Long Island leaders, Weingarten meet with Rep. Suozzi for bus tour roundtable By Kara Smith | NYSUT Communications | As part of NYSUT’s “Common Ground Over Chaos” bus tour, Long Island educators and advocates met with U.S. Rep. Tom Suozzi and AFT President Randi Weingarten to discuss bipartisan solutions for education. Key topics included reducing federal testing mandates, online safety for children, and the urgent need for mental health resources in schools. Weingarten emphasized federal support for the Kids Online Safety Act, while Suozzi highlighted bipartisan unity in protecting children’s education and mental health. Leaders shared concerns over funding shortages and high testing pressures impacting students, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Members meet, rally behind Gillen on second leg of Long Island bus tour By Kara Smith | NYSUT Communications | Congressional candidate Laura Gillen joined NYSUT’s “Common Ground Over Chaos” bus tour on Long Island, gathering support from educators and activists committed to advancing school funding, student services, and educational reform. Gillen, joined by AFT President Randi Weingarten, discussed essential issues with NYSUT leaders, including mental health, Title 1 funding, standardized testing reform, and the role of wraparound services in schools, which address student needs beyond academics.
In Westchester, Rockland & Putnam Coverage
Five Westchester communities, one in Rockland, get state grants for after-school programs By Gary SternGary Stern | Rockland/Westchester Journal News | Six communities in Westchester and Rockland counties have received state grants aimed at expanding after-school programs. The funds, totaling nearly $4.5 million, are part of New York’s efforts to provide safe, educational, and recreational options for students outside regular school hours.
In Capital Region, North & Western New York Coverage
Migrant Families Boost Albany's School Diversity and Enrollment
What's Happening: Migrant families relocating to Albany from suburban motels have added 459 new English learners to the Albany school district, raising total enrollment to 8,600 students and making Albany one of the most diverse districts in upstate New York. Albany schools offer specialized language support through the Albany International Academy, a K-12 school that provides intensive English instruction alongside core academics. Students and families benefit from translation services and trauma-trained bilingual counselors. The district anticipates reaching over 9,000 students this year, adding a "worldly energy" to Albany’s schools.
Impact: As many New York districts experience declining enrollment, Albany’s growth highlights the importance of diversity in retaining families and enriching the school community. This influx of students, however, presents logistical challenges, particularly in creating sufficient classroom space for English learners.
What's Next: District leaders are developing a facilities plan, considering boundary adjustments and additional classrooms to accommodate growing enrollment, particularly for students requiring intensive language support.
Notable Quote: “It’s a blessing and an opportunity,” - Joe Hochreiter | Albany Superintendent
By Kathleen Moore | Times Union
'A big need': Community advocates decry continued suspension policy in Buffalo Schools
What's Happening: The Buffalo Suspension Coalition and community leaders are calling on Buffalo Public Schools to reduce exclusionary discipline practices, which disproportionately affect minority and special education students. Advocates argue that the district frequently suspends students for minor infractions, bypasses due process, and fails to follow state recommendations, such as limiting suspensions for young students and implementing restorative justice.
What Else You Should Know: Despite claims by the district that they’re promoting restorative practices, advocates cite high suspension rates and racial disparities as evidence that more significant reforms are needed. Reports show 64% of short-term suspensions are issued to Black students, though they represent 42% of the student population.
Why It Matters: The high suspension rates for minor infractions not only disrupt student learning but also deepen disparities in academic achievement and student engagement, particularly for marginalized students.
What's Next: Advocates urge BPS to adopt restorative justice practices similar to those in Syracuse and New York City, aiming to shift discipline away from punitive measures and towards practices that support student growth and well-being.
Notable Quote: “Buffalo could be a leader in this... But we’re seeing such a big need here,” - Quinn Carroll | NYCLU
By Ben Tsujimoto | Buffalo News
Western New York after-school programs get bump from state grants By Ben Tsujimoto | Buffalo News | Boys & Girls Clubs in Niagara Falls and the Northtowns were major recipients of after-school funds, while grant money was sprinkled across several community organizations in Buffalo.
$12.75 million capital improvement project approved for Holland schools By Dale Anderson | Buffalo News | Planned updates include improvements to building infrastructure, such as heating and electrical systems, classroom upgrades, and enhanced security measures. The district also plans to construct a new transportation facility to improve bus maintenance and efficiency.
The public teacher vs. the home-schooler: How Mannion and Williams split on education By Maggie Hicks | Syracuse.com News | In the New York State Senate race, incumbent Senator John Mannion and challenger Rebecca Williams present contrasting visions for education. Mannion, a former public school teacher, emphasizes supporting public schools through increased funding and resources. Williams, a homeschooling advocate, focuses on parental choice, suggesting that parents should have more autonomy over their children’s education, including options like homeschooling and private schooling.
BOCES Careers in Construction Month Connects Students with Industry Leaders By Capital Region Boces | The Capital Region BOCES Career and Technical Education Center in Albany hosted nearly two dozen businesses, unions, and agencies for Careers in Construction Month on Oct. 25, providing hands-on industry exposure to students interested in skilled trades. “Events like this are great… [for] meeting people in the industry,” said Nicholas Sparzo, a senior in Electrical Trades.
THE STATE OF NEW YORK
NY High School Students in Top 10% of Class to Be Automatically Accepted to SUNY
What's Happening: Gov. Kathy Hochul announced a new program granting automatic acceptance to nine SUNY campuses for New York high school students in the top 10% of their class, starting with NYC public schools and expanding statewide. This initiative aims to reduce college access barriers amid declining freshman enrollment, especially among low-income students. Eligible students need to meet certain advanced degree or test score criteria and will be notified this fall.
Why It Matters: The program supports broader efforts to increase SUNY enrollment and ensure that high-achieving students, regardless of income, have direct access to higher education opportunities.
What's Next: Alongside this program, CUNY and SUNY are waiving application fees through early November to further support college applications.
Notable Quote: “Access to higher education has the potential to transform New Yorkers' lives and change the trajectory of a student’s life,” - Gov. Kathy Hochul
In related coverage…
SUNY launches direct admission program for top high school seniors By Brian Campbell | NY1 Spectrum News | Top 10% Promise is a direct-admissions program that automatically grants acceptance to graduating high school students whose GPAs are in the top 10% of their class to select SUNY campuses.
Gov. Hochul announces new initiative to help high school students get into SUNY schools By News 12 | For more information, click here.
Why Can’t New York Keep Up With the Demand for Bilingual Teachers?
What's Happening: New York State is grappling with a significant shortage of bilingual teachers, a problem that has worsened over the past two years with the arrival of more immigrants and asylum seekers. Despite federal and state requirements to provide language services to English learners, many districts are unable to fill bilingual teaching roles, creating educational gaps for students in need. Districts face difficulties recruiting for roles such as bilingual teachers, counselors, and psychologists, as specialized bilingual certifications are scarce. The New York State Association for Bilingual Education notes that some languages lack certification programs altogether, further complicating efforts to address student needs.
Impact: The shortage is leading to a widening achievement gap between multilingual students and their peers, as those without access to bilingual education have lower graduation rates.
What's Next : This challenge underscores the need for more robust certification pipelines and incentives to attract bilingual educators. Initiatives like the Empire State Residency Program and a proposed $6.8 million pilot to expand certification access are underway. However, without new strategies or additional funding, the state may struggle to meet the growing demand for bilingual education professionals.
Notable Quote: “It’s largely understood that bilingual education programs are the best possible approach for multilingual learners. Why would we not want to ensure that these programs are being provided?” — Kate Menken | Queens College Linguistics Professor
Years of learning how to hold a pencil, socialize with friends lost during pandemic
What's Happening: Children born during the pandemic, now entering preschool and kindergarten, are experiencing noticeable developmental delays, including speech, social skills, and fine motor abilities. Experts attribute these issues to prolonged periods of isolation, limited socialization, and reduced access to early intervention services due to COVID-19 restrictions. Schools and daycare centers are facing added pressures to provide extra support and intervention to help these students catch up.
Why It Matters: Addressing these developmental gaps is critical as they could affect long-term academic performance and social integration. Teachers and administrators are dedicating more resources to accommodate these students’ unique needs, raising concerns about future resource allocation.
What's Next: Schools are ramping up early intervention services and exploring additional support programs to mitigate the long-term impacts of these delays on pandemic-era children’s education.
Notable Quote: “When you don’t provide children with opportunities to practice those skills, then you see what’s happening here,”... “Kindergarten teachers are saying kindergartners are entering their classroom looking one to two years delayed.” - Megan McClelland | Oregon State University researcher
By Kathleen Moore | Times-Union
In other New York News…
New state funding for free and low-cost after-school programs By Brian Campbell | NY1 Spectrum News | The state grants, awarded by the Office of Children and Family Services through the Learning and Enrichment Afterschool Program Supports, will go to help fund new or continuing after school programs targeted to children in high-need areas statewide.
In the Blogs
Concerns Over DOE’s Proposed Revisions to Student Privacy Regulations
What's Happening: Advocacy groups Class Size Matters and the Parent Coalition for Student Privacy sent a letter to NYC’s Department of Education (DOE), opposing proposed changes to Chancellor’s Regulation A-820, which governs student privacy. The revisions, set for a vote on October 30, would allow DOE to categorize students' personal data as “Directory Information,” making it accessible to various third parties without stringent parental consent.
What Else You Should Know: Critics argue the revisions disregard Ed Law 2D, which emphasizes data protection. Additionally, the changes exclude some health records from privacy laws and neglect Ed Law 2D's strict security provisions, increasing risks of data breaches.
Impact: If approved, the changes could expose sensitive student data, compromising the safety and privacy of NYC students.
What's Next: Advocacy groups urge the public to send letters to DOE officials to postpone the vote and attend the October 30 meeting to voice their concerns.
By Class Size Matters and the Parent Coalition for Student Privacy
Crossroads for Change: Why the UFT Election is as Pivotal as a U.S. Presidential Race
What's Happening: This spring, the United Federation of Teachers (UFT) election represents a crucial choice for New York City’s educators. For years, Unity Caucus has maintained control, but many members feel the union has grown unresponsive and self-serving, disconnecting from the needs of everyday educators. Unity Caucus’s focus on retaining power has led to infighting, exclusion of new ideas, and a lack of transparent, proactive leadership. Advocates for change argue that the union needs to become more inclusive, democratic, and responsive to urgent educator concerns like class sizes, funding, and safety.
Impact: With external challenges like charter expansion and budget cuts, UFT members face the decision to retain a leadership they feel has stagnated or elect new leaders committed to transparent and adaptive advocacy.
What's Next: UFT members will vote in the spring, choosing between continued Unity control or a push for reform that promises greater inclusivity and proactive leadership.
Notable Quote: “The stakes are high, and the consequences of this decision will reverberate across New York City’s schools and communities,” - Rebel Teacher.
IN THE CLASSROOM
One Change That Can Get More Girls, Students of Color Taking Computer Science By Alyson Klein | Ed Week | More states are requiring students to take a foundational computer science class to graduate—employing a powerful policy lever to bridge long-standing gender, racial, and socioeconomic gaps in course enrollments, concludes Code.org’s annual report on the state of computer science education.
Survey: Teacher optimism on education bounces back after long decline By Austin Gergens | Chalkboard News | In a survey conducted by Morning Consult on behalf of EdChoice, 49% of teachers polled in September said they thought that education was going in the right direction in their local school districts. In April, only 39% of teachers responded positively to the same question.
Even in Academic Classes, Schools Focus on Building Students’ Workforce Skills By Matthew Stone | Ed Week | One skill students learn in elementary school is how to write an opinion backed up by reasons and details. 1st grade classes at Old Mill Elementary School approached opinion writing and related skills in a way that showed their potential to have a real community impact.
Most Teachers Don’t Think PD Is Relevant. What Can Principals Do? By Jessica Calabrese & Elham Kazemi | Ed Week | Nurturing the craft of teaching will benefit both teachers and students
‘Mom Is Texting': Teachers Say Parents Are a Daily Distraction During Class By Arianna Prothero | Ed Week | Nearly half of teachers, principals, and district leaders say that parents are texting and emailing their children during class at least daily, according to a survey by the EdWeek Research Center.
What Is Disciplinary Literacy? By Stephen Sawchuk | Ed Week | Disciplinary literacy is an instructional approach that teaches students to read, write, and think in ways that are specific to a subject area… Unlike content-area literacy, which emphasizes basic reading strategies across subjects.
How to help kids and teens use the internet safely By Vani Sanganeria| Ed Source | Online safety expert explains why children and teens need strong relationships to thrive online.
CDW Webinar to Share How Technology Can Help With K–12 Teacher, Staff Shortages By Taashi Rowe | Ed TEch | Experts highlighted tools like automated grading systems, digital lesson planning, and virtual learning platforms that reduce teacher workload, allowing educators to dedicate more time to student engagement and personalized learning.
Newly arrived English learners a positive for existing ELs By Kara Arundel | K-12 Dive | A study on Delaware schools published by AERA found no adverse academic impacts for non-English learners with the arrival of new ELs.
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.
ACROSS THE NATION
No Silver School-Spending Bullets: 5 Lessons from the $190B ESSER Investment to Help Drive Continued Learning Recovery
What's Happening: The $190 billion ESSER fund intended for COVID-19 learning recovery in U.S. schools has shown mixed results in boosting test scores, revealing that future spending must be strategic to maximize educational outcomes in the absence of similar funding. Analyzing ESSER’s effectiveness, researchers identified five key lessons: state leadership influence on outcomes, equity challenges in spending, the need for more value-focused procurement, the limited impact of increased special education referrals, and a budgeting process lacking a focus on student outcomes.
Impact: With ESSER funds depleted, the findings underscore that education funding alone does not guarantee results; instead, effective state guidance, equitable allocation, and a value-oriented budget process are essential for sustained improvements in student learning.
What's Next: Districts and states must adopt practices that prioritize student outcomes in budgeting, improve resource allocation, and ensure accountability to continue learning recovery with limited funds.
By Marguerite Roza and Maggie Cicco| Education Next
Teachers Had Ideas for Improving Education After the Pandemic. We Failed to Listen"
What's Happening: Teachers developed innovative solutions during the pandemic, such as alternative assessment methods and new disciplinary approaches, but these were largely disregarded by administrators when schools reopened, leading to missed opportunities for post-pandemic educational improvements. Teachers found success with approaches like portfolio-based assessments and small group engagements, which reduced student and teacher anxiety; however, these methods were not retained, as administrators pushed to return to pre-pandemic norms without consulting teachers.
Impact: The failure to embrace teachers' pandemic-era insights contributes to ongoing dissatisfaction and high turnover among educators, while students miss out on learning methods proven to improve engagement and performance.
What's Next: For future improvement, educational leaders must actively listen to teachers' frontline experiences and incorporate these insights into decision-making processes, fostering a collaborative environment for sustainable change.
By Karen Gross | The Hechinger Report
What Federal Data Tells Us About Challenges Finding Teachers"
What's Happening: A new federal survey from the National Center for Education Statistics reveals that most U.S. schools reported difficulties in filling certified teaching positions for the fall, with special education, physical science, and English as a second language among the hardest roles to staff. While the teacher hiring landscape has seen slight improvement, with a 5% drop in schools reporting challenges compared to last year, underlying issues like geographic disparities, high-poverty school vacancies, and increased reliance on uncertified teachers persist, particularly impacting high-need subject areas and schools with predominantly students of color.
Impact: The reliance on less-prepared teachers to fill gaps, especially in high-need communities, may lead to a decline in instructional quality, placing added strain on experienced educators and potentially worsening turnover rates, which have surged in certain regions post-pandemic.
What's Next: Experts emphasize that a holistic approach considering teacher preparedness, certification pathways, and regional disparities is needed to address teacher shortages sustainably rather than simply focusing on filling vacancies.
Notable Quote: “When we think of it as merely a body count, we are not looking at the whole entire problem...we’re doing a disservice to our students and our educators,” - Megan Boren | Southern Regional Education Board.
By Nadia Tamez-Robledo | EdSurge
These Teachers Often Live in Poverty. A Pay Raise Could Help — But There’s a Cost"
What's Happening: The Biden administration has proposed a rule to raise Head Start teacher salaries by up to $10,000 to address high turnover, yet this mandate lacks additional federal funding, potentially forcing Head Start programs to reduce child enrollment to cover the cost. Head Start educators like Julie Beck and Beryl Davis often earn poverty-level wages, requiring second jobs to make ends meet, while many teachers leave for better-paying positions in public schools, creating a shortage that prevents programs from filling all available child slots.
Why It Matters: Head Start’s mission to break cycles of poverty is undermined when teachers themselves live in poverty, and while the new pay rule aims to stabilize staffing, it may limit Head Start’s reach, forcing centers to choose between adequately compensating staff and maintaining service levels.
What's Next: Without additional funding from Congress, Head Start programs may need to cut back services, despite a seven-year compliance period for the pay increase, as communities balance staffing needs with growing demand for early childhood education.
Notable Quote: “I'm paycheck to paycheck. I had to take out a loan for the summer,” says Beck, who earns roughly $20 an hour, 10 months a year. “I'm about one car payment behind,” - Julie Beck | Preschool techer
In other National News…
How the Culture Wars Are Costing Schools Billions By Caitlynn Peetz | Ed Week | U.S. schools are facing escalating costs due to culture war battles, including lawsuits, increased security measures, and teacher training programs to address conflicts around topics like book bans, gender identity, and race in the curriculum.
In Related News & Coverage
New research puts a cost on school board conflict: $3.2 billion last year alone By Wellington Soares | Chalkbeat | The study, which involved a survey of 467 superintendents, attempts to put a dollar amount on the impact of all this conflict.
Schools spent $3.2B on conflict over divisive issues in 2023-24 By Kara Arundel | K-12 Dive | District leaders say hate mail, threats and public information demands are creating financial and emotional burdens for schools.
Report: Silencing 'agents of disruption' who challenge schools can save $2 billion a year By Brendan Clarey | Chalkboard News | A survey of superintendents says challenges to how districts teach race and racism, LGBTQ+ policies and school library books cost taxpayers $3.2 billion last school year.
The Anti-Culture Warriors: Incubators Training Moderates to Run for School Board By Beth Hawkins | The74 | With 12,000 seats up for grabs nationwide, can a new candidate recruiting effort tame some of the red-hot races at the bottom of the ticket?
Biden Apologizes for U.S. Mistreatment of Native American Children By Network Pool | New York Times | President Biden offered a formal apology on Friday on behalf of the U.S. government for the abuse of Native American children from the early 1800s to the late 1960s.
Biden admin says spending will add 18,000 mental health professionals to schools By Austin Gergens | Chalkboard News | In bolstering its School-Based Mental Health Services and Mental Health Service Professionals Demonstration grant programs, the U.S.DOE announced “the largest-ever expansion of K-12 mental health programs,” citing the youth mental health crisis.
Education Department releases highly anticipated AI toolkit for schools By Anna Merod | K-12 Dive | The federal guidance, prompted by a Biden administration executive order, includes district strategies for mitigating risks and developing AI use policies.
How Educators Say They’ll Vote in the 2024 Election By Libby Stanford | Ed Week | Educators’ preferences vary by age and the communities where they work.
Why education is becoming a bigger divide in politics By Domenico Montanaro | NPR via KALW Voters in U.S. elections are increasingly divided along educational lines, with college graduates tending to vote Democratic and non-college-educated voters leaning Republican. This shift, which began around the 2010s reflects broader cultural and economic grievances among non-college-educated voters who feel disconnected from the gains of a white-collar economy.
GOP candidates embrace Trump’s call to abolish Education Department By Laura Meckler | Washington Post | Republican candidates in tight races speak out on the issue, an on-and-off GOP goal since the agency was created
From isolation to innovation: How superintendents are leading the way through collaboration By Jillian Doggett & Emma Mills | By Digital Promise League of Innovative Schools via K-12 Dive | This national network of superintendents is breaking down silos to elevate innovative solutions.
School choice goes before voters in 3 states, faces pushback in others By Tribune News Service | Voters in Arizona, New Hampshire, and Texas will decide on school choice initiatives in the upcoming election, which could significantly impact public education funding and the availability of vouchers for private school tuition.
Charter Schools Continue to See Enrollment Increases Post-Pandemic By Lauren Camera | The74 | Enrollment declines continue to plague public school districts, but charter schools are bucking the trend, study finds.
Public Funds, Private Schools: A New Analysis of the Early Returns in Eight States By Amanda Geduld | The74 | New FutureEd research shows ‘universal’ programs not all universal, most public school students staying put for now and accountability is very mixed.
Low-income families struggle to get child care subsidies in many states. Here’s why. By Ann Schimke | Chalkbeat | New federal rules are making the program better for parents and providers, but they come with a hefty price tag.
Why housing and education leaders must work together to help students thrive By Betty Márquez Rosales | Ed Source | Researcher Megan Gallagher details why housing characteristics matter in a child’s education and the collaborations that can help children have a fair chance at achieving academic success.
Are FAFSA glitches fixed? Students are testing the form to find out By Jason Gonzales | Chalkbeat |The federal Education Department hopes to fix issues with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid by widespread nationwide testing.
The 2024 choice on education: Trump sides with families, Harris with the teacher unions By Post Editorial Board | Of all the policy issues where the choice between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris is stark, perhaps the most surprising is education.
CITY & STATE ROUNDUP
Chicago Public Schools halts board meetings until December amid board of education and mayor's office shake-ups By Molly Morrow | Chicago Tribune | Chicago Public Schools is rescheduling its next meeting for Dec. 12 more than a month after 10 candidates will be elected to make up half of a new, partially elected, partially appointed school board.
In Related News
New school board meets for the first time, with new members signaling alignment with the mayor By Nell Salzman | Chicago Tribune| After several months of disagreement between Mayor Brandon Johnson and the school district, the public got its first look at seven new Chicago Board of Education members as they were sworn in Thursday morning.
New Chicago school board members swear themselves in By Mila Koumpilova | Chalkbeat
Illinois literacy program expanding By Kevin Bessler | The Center Square | The “Reach Out and Read Illinois” program will now be available in Winnebago County.
Lawsuit targets Illinois minority teacher scholarship program By Naaz Modan | K-12 Dive | The case marks a new step in the debate over race-conscious policies, with plaintiffs claiming the program discriminates against nonminority teacher candidates.
For Some Children, Hurricane Helene’s Ruin ‘Could Take Years to Get Over’ By Troy Closson and Edgar Sandovol | New York Times | Tens of thousands of children across the Southeast remain out of their classrooms one week after Helene, the deadliest hurricane to strike the mainland United States since Katrina. They are cut off from academics, friends and stabilizing routines.
Report finds alarming level of teacher attrition in Philly, suggests solutions By Dale Mezzacappa | Chalkbeat | Teacher attrition in Philadelphia is highest for new teachers and those of color
How Philadelphia is accelerating learning recovery with an ambitious 5-year plan By Roger Riddell | K-12 Dive |
Propelled by impressive academic recovery metrics, Superintendent Tony Watlington has curriculum rollouts, facilities improvements and more on the agenda.
Parents of Massachusetts high schooler disciplined for using AI sue school By Steve LeBlanc | Associated Press via KRON4 | At the time, the student’s teacher, Susan Petrie, did not prohibit the use of AI for preparation and research for the project, according to the lawsuit.
Florida district agrees to improve student restraint policies By Kara Arundel | K-12 Dive | An OCR investigation found concerns about St. Johns County School District’s “very high” rate of restraint for students with disabilities.
Civil liability for parents could deter school threats, Board of Education member says By Jay Waagmeester | Florida Phoenix | Civil penalties for parents whose children threaten schools could deter threats from occurring, a Florida Board of Education member suggested Tuesday.
Miami-Dade teachers vote to keep their union. This right-wing group vows to bust it By Clara-Sophia Dal | Miami Herald | This comes despite attempts by a recent law to destabilize the union and substantial amounts of money being funneled into an alternative group attempting to supplant the union.
Louisiana's 2020 Teacher of the Year sues over Ten Commandments law By Sara Cline and Kevin McGill | Los Angeles Times | It’s the second lawsuit filed against the law, which was enacted in June.
Louisiana Treasury Department launches new financial reporting tool for schools By Nolan McKendry | The Center Square | The site will feature 50 data metrics, though only 18 will come directly from the schools. The rest will be sourced from the Department of Education to reduce the burden on schools.
Maryland school board races see flood of partisan cash from both sides By Katie Shepherd and Nicole Asbury | Washington Post | Democrats and a conservative PAC have poured tens of thousands of dollars into over a dozen races, fueling the culture wars over books, equity and curriculum.
Montgomery schools stopped using two LGBTQ-inclusive books amid legal battle By Nicole Asbury | Washington Post | MCPS pulled two story books with LGBTQ+ characters from classroom use amid an ongoing legal battle.
A charter school’s financial spiral began years before its sudden closure By Lauren Lumpkin and Marissa J. Lang | Washington Post | Eagle Academy in D.C. abruptly closed after years of financial troubles and declining student enrollment. Public records and interviews show the city and Eagle’s own board lacked a clear picture of the school’s situation.
Nevada Asked A.I. Which Students Need Help. The Answer Caused an Outcry By Troy Closson | 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.
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.
Can Connecticut Kids Read? By Carol Platt Liebau & Andrew Fowler | National Review | According to U.S. News & World Report, only 22 percent of Hartford’s elementary students and 26 percent of its middle schoolers tested at or above the proficient level for reading.
Book Bans Live on in School District Now Run by Democrats By Dana Goldstein | New York Times | Democrats swept a school board election in Bucks County after Republicans instituted book bans and other changes. But the right-wing “parental rights” movement has left an indelible mark.
More than $60M going to literacy programs in Ohio By J.D. Davidson | The Center Square | The money is part of Gov. Mike DeWine’s Read Ohio initiative, which the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce is pushing throughout the state as a way to raise literacy achievement.
Kentucky school choice ballot measure pits competing messages from Gov. Andy Beshear, Sen. Rand Paul By Bruce Schreiner | Associated Press | As Kentucky voters ponder whether to allow some of their tax dollars to support students attending private schools, the high-stakes debate has turned into a test of influence between popular political heavyweights.
19.5% of Wisconsin K-12 students were chronically absent from school By Jon Styf | The Center Square | The rates are above pre-pandemic levels for every race, grade level and socioeconomic status and chronically absent rates were the highest above norms for those in elementary school.
Advocates call for new cabinet-level state agency to oversee children’s behavioral health By Alexander Castro | Rhode Island Current | The cost of reorganizing services now spread across seven agencies remains undetermined.
District’s latest financial projections show eminent budget crisis without action school board Budget By Melissa Whitler | Minneapolis School Voices | Significant budget cuts or additional revenue are necessary to alter the district’s financial trajectory.
High school graduation requirements may see overhaul in Washington • Washington State Standard By Grace Deng | Washington State Standard | The initiative, “FutureReady,” is part of the Board of Education’s 2025 legislative platform, which was approved by members. The board is requesting an additional $273,000 in the upcoming 2025-2027 budget.
Related converge:
New grad requirements and 'mastery based learning' among priorities for WA Ed Board By Carleen Johnson | The Center Square |
Billionaire donor covering K-12 private tuition after SC court rejected vouchers By Seanna Adcox | South Carolina Daily Gazette | Pennsylvania billionaire, Jeff Yass, will cover this year’s private tuition costs for South Carolina students who lost their taxpayer-funded scholarships when the state Supreme Court ruled them unconstitutional.
With State Still in Charge, Providence Will Elect New School Board Members By Patrick O’Donnell | The74 | Reorganized board will have to navigate the pull of mayor, state and residents on budget, charter and school closure battles.
New Hampshire lawmakers wrangle over school voucher program By Chris Wade | The Center Square | Lawmakers are considering changes to the state's school voucher program, which uses taxpayer money to fund private, religious and home schooling education amid claims from critics that the system lacks accountability and transparency.
Part accountability hearing, part help desk: Inside Denver Public Schools’ Data MINE By Melanie Asmar | Chalkbeat | DPS is launching a new data analysis initiative aimed at enhancing student success by identifying and addressing educational gaps. The district is focusing on using data to monitor student progress, attendance, and disciplinary actions to tailor resources and interventions where they are most needed.
Here’s what DPSCD board candidates have to say about fighting chronic absenteeism By Lori Higgins | Chalkbeat | High rates of chronic absenteeism continue to impede efforts to improve academic achievement.
San Francisco schools must avoid state takeover at all costs, education veteran warns By Louis Freedberg | Ed Source | Carl Cohn, brought in as a consultant on San Francisco's public school crisis, calls himself a "huge fan" of local control and doubts outside involvement will solve SFUSD's many issues.
SF’s New School Superintendent Is on the Job. Little About It Is Business as Usual By Katie DeBenedetti | KQED | Maria Su, who has been co-leading a team of city administrators sent to help stabilize the District, was appointed its new superintendent of schools on Tuesday night.
Many Black and Latino LAUSD Teachers Considering Leaving the Classroom By Jack Waterman | LA School Report | A recent report by GPSN reveals that one in three Black and Latino Gen Z teachers in LAUSD are considering leaving the profession, with 71% of those intending to leave within one to two years due to low morale and insufficient pay. The study, conducted with the Diversity in Leadership Institute, highlighted that better work-life balance and competitive compensation are essential to retain these teachers, who are passionate about their work but report lower career satisfaction compared to their peers.
Why is San Diego Unified facing a $176 million deficit? By Kristen Taketa | San Diego Union-Tribune | District officials said Monday they have identified roughly $100 million in budget solutions to help address the impending deficit.
Los Angeles Makes Gains in Reading and Math – But Most Kids Still Don’t Meet Standards By Katie VanArnam | LA School Report | Like other school systems across the country, LA Unified saw student achievement plummet during COVID-19. LAUSD scores have risen some since then, with underperforming student groups making particularly big gains.
