The NY Education Week in Review 12.02.2024
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 impact your school community.
We aim to make this a valuable resource for leaders and educators to stay informed about education policy and developments in New York and beyond. As always, we welcome your feedback and ideas!
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Here’s what’s going on:
At the State Level | New York’s education system is navigating significant challenges, including a surge in student homelessness, funding pressures, and evolving policy frameworks. Over 155,000 students experienced homelessness in the 2022-23 school year, the highest since 2009, driven by rising housing costs and the end of pandemic protections, prompting calls for systemic reforms to combat child poverty. Concurrently, educators face a “trifecta of change” in 2025 with expiring COVID-era funds, shifts in Foundation Aid distribution, and potential federal education cuts, threatening critical services for high-need students. Meanwhile, NYSED has updated its Regionalization initiative to address concerns over mandatory participation, allowing districts to opt out with notice by January 2025. While this preserves local autonomy, state leaders aim to balance collaboration with equitable resource distribution amidst shrinking enrollments and escalating student needs.
Metro NYC | New York City’s education landscape is marked by efforts to enhance equity, preserve resources, and promote student-led initiatives. The City Council announced a $3 million partnership with Columbia University to create a Latine Studies curriculum, addressing the underrepresentation of Hispanic perspectives in school materials, as 42% of NYC public school students are Hispanic. Meanwhile, NYC schools avoided $157 million in midyear cuts, maintaining funding for under-enrolled schools under the “hold harmless” policy, while also allocating $146 million to schools with enrollment increases. At Bronx Science, students are driving community change, with projects like Theaters Unsilenced, improving accessibility for the deaf, and Code4NYC, offering free coding education for underserved middle schoolers, showcasing the potential of youth-led activism and innovation.
Empire State Regional Roundup | Across New York, schools face evolving challenges and achievements. Long Island districts rehiring retirees have enabled six-figure pensions alongside salaries, while regional test scores show declines in English (48.1%) and math (57.7%) proficiency among grades 3-8. Concerns over NYSED’s Regionalization initiative persist, while innovative programs like Bethpage’s FLES highlight progress in early language education. In the Hudson Valley, New Paltz teachers are rallying for fair contracts amidst declining enrollment, and East Ramapo faces scrutiny after a $50M budget surplus revealed errors. Elmsford hired former Nyack superintendent Susan Yom, while Ellenville saw gains in state assessment scores, and Livingston Manor and Roscoe plan a December vote on district mergers. Western New York’s Farm to School program is expanding, providing fresh local produce and economic support. Meanwhile, Syracuse remains one of the state’s lowest-performing districts but reports slight improvements through targeted initiatives.
National News & Perspectives | A national survey shows parents increasingly rely on teacher communication over grades due to skepticism about grade inflation, while the Arkansas AP African American Studies debate highlights democratic tensions in curriculum decisions. Linda McMahon's appointment as Education Secretary signals a shift toward workforce development and school choice, sparking concerns about funding inequities. Republican-led voucher expansions face voter resistance, reflecting public concerns over impacts on public schools, while critics of school choice argue it undermines educational independence. Schools brace for disruptions amid Trump’s deportation policies, and lawsuits against social media companies for student mental health impacts gain traction. Meanwhile, Elon Musk’s Ad Astra preschool emphasizes STEM but faces scrutiny for its literacy focus and federal policy implications. Other developments include a Supreme Court review of E-rate funding, debates over a larger child tax credit, and legislation to abolish the Department of Education.
City & State Roundup | The Chicago school board is urging swift contract negotiations with its teachers union, Illinois releasing a Vision 2030 education blueprint, and Arizona indicting two individuals for a $110,000 school voucher fraud scheme. Massachusetts ended its final teacher strikes in two communities, while Black educators in Philadelphia voiced concerns over state rollbacks on culturally relevant teaching guidelines. Newark schools must repay $30,000 for misusing taxpayer funds, and NYC avoided midyear school budget cuts but saw a slight rise in long-term suspensions. Ohio enacted a single-sex bathroom law, and Illinois’ attorney general found District 211 violated laws by ticketing students. D.C. schools saw minimal enrollment growth, Connecticut launched a fellowship potentially expanding charter schools, and Florida reported a near doubling of library book removals, exceeding 700 in the past year.
Classroom Connections | Elementary students benefit from visible thinking strategies like annotating texts and sharing oral explanations to build metacognition and lifelong learning skills. English Language Learners (ELLs) thrive with content-specific scaffolds and tiered support that integrate language development with academic mastery, while culturally responsive education (CRE) fosters equity and engagement by embedding students' identities into teaching practices, distinguishing itself from Critical Race Theory. In middle schools, active engagement through goal setting and structured discussions promotes independence and critical thinking, while integrating SEL programs reduces chronic absenteeism by addressing bullying and weak connections. Additional insights cover classroom tech management, curriculum transparency, the SAMR model for tech integration, and disparities in early keyboarding instruction.
From the Blogosphere | The NYSUT Justice Conference in Albany united activists across civil rights, LGBTQ+, and women’s issues to address social justice priorities, focusing on reducing child poverty, combating hate, and advocating for equitable public funding through taxation on high earners. Meanwhile, criticism mounts against the NYC Department of Education (DOE) for failing to provide transparency in its contracting processes, withholding contract details from Panel for Educational Policy (PEP) members and undermining accountability. Similarly, the United Federation of Teachers (UFT) faces backlash for insufficient action on the city’s special education crisis, with over 2,200 vacancies impacting students and reliance on costly private contractors persisting unchecked. UFT's lack of advocacy extends to concerns over the psychological harm caused by school lockdown drills, as critics call for reforms prioritizing mental health and safety. These challenges underscore the need for stronger union leadership and systemic reform in addressing student and educator needs statewide.
What did we miss? Hit us up in the comments below:
AT THE STATE LEVEL
Trifecta of Change Confronts New York State Educators in 2025 By Susan Arbetter | Spectrum News || New York’s educators face a challenging 2025 as they contend with three converging pressures: the expiration of COVID-era funds, the retooling of the Foundation Aid formula, and potential disruptions from federal education shifts under the Trump administration. Rising student needs, especially in behavior management and special education, strain resources, while many districts grapple with funding cuts to critical roles like counselors and social workers initially supported by one-time federal aid. Foundation Aid changes could further destabilize budgets, particularly for high-need districts, as state leaders reevaluate funding distribution amid shrinking enrollments. Federally, concerns center on potential cuts to programs like Title I and IDEA, as well as growing cultural battles over curriculum and local control. Educators warn that these compounding challenges risk undermining support for students most in need, with pessimism about maintaining adequate services at an all-time high.
Student Homelessness Surges in New York By Emilie Munson | Times Union || Over 155,000 public school students in New York experienced homelessness in the 2022-23 school year, marking the highest level since 2009, according to NYS TEACHS. This represents 6.4% of the state’s student population, with homelessness increasing across urban, suburban, and rural areas. Contributing factors include rising housing costs, gentrification, and the expiration of pandemic-era protections like eviction moratoriums. Many students live in shelters, hotels, or “doubled-up” arrangements, creating instability that hinders academic and emotional well-being. Child poverty remains a broader issue, with nearly one in five children in New York living below the poverty line, placing the state among the highest in the nation. Cities like Syracuse, Rochester, and Buffalo report poverty rates as high as 46%. Advocates are urging legislative action, including expanding child tax credits, housing vouchers, and food assistance. A state advisory council is finalizing recommendations to halve child poverty by 2031, emphasizing the need for systemic solutions to combat this growing crisis.
NYSED Updates Regionalization Initiative to Address Opt-Out Concerns By Chrissy Ruggeri | Northport Journal || NYSED has revised its Regionalization initiative to allow school districts to opt out of both the planning process and the final plans with written notice by January 15, 2025, addressing concerns about mandatory participation. The updates clarify that regionalization plan amendments will remain advisory, preserving district autonomy. This change follows advocacy by the Northport-East Northport Board of Education and the Nassau-Suffolk Schools Board Association, which emphasized local control and equitable resource distribution. While NYSED continues to support the initiative’s potential to enhance collaboration, districts now have the flexibility to decide their involvement.
METRO NEW YORK CITY
In wake of Trump election, NYC Council backs Latine Studies public schools curriculum By Cayla Bamberger | New York Daily News || The New York City Council announced a $3 million initiative to develop a Latine Studies curriculum for public schools, created in partnership with Columbia University and nonprofits. Lessons on Spanish history and culture aim to integrate into core subjects, addressing the underrepresentation of Hispanic perspectives in school materials—42% of NYC public school students are Hispanic, yet 83% of commonly used books are authored by white writers. City Councilwoman Amanda Farías highlighted the importance of combating anti-immigrant stigma, especially following Donald Trump’s election. Schools Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos emphasized the curriculum's significance in celebrating Latine contributions and fostering cultural understanding among all students.
NYC won’t claw back cash from under-enrolled schools, sparing $157 million in potential cutbacks By Cayla Bamberger | New York Daily News || New York City will maintain funding for schools with lower-than-projected enrollment, sparing $157 million in potential midyear budget cuts. Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos emphasized the importance of preserving resources to support student success, continuing the “hold harmless” policy initiated during the pandemic. Though Mayor Adams attempted to end the measure in 2022, backlash led to its partial reinstatement. This year, schools with increased enrollment will still receive $146 million in additional funding. Despite a slight 0.1% enrollment decline citywide, NYC schools avoided sharp pandemic-era decreases.
Bronx Science Students Lead Community Activism in Accessibility and Tech Education By Izania Gonzalez | Riverdale Press || Students at the Bronx High School of Science are leading impactful community initiatives, with senior Sarah Lin recognized as the Girl Scouts of Greater New York's 2024 Future Woman of Distinction for her project, Theaters Unsilenced, which enhances accessibility for the deaf and hard-of-hearing in movie theaters, inspired by her mother's hearing loss. Junior Evan Yang co-founded Code4NYC, a free virtual program teaching coding to middle school students across New York City, aiming to address the lack of computer science education in underserved areas. Both projects highlight Bronx Science students' dedication to fostering inclusivity, innovation, and community engagement.
In Other NYC News:
Budget relief for NYC schools: No midyear cuts, a return to pandemic-era policy By Julian Shen-Berro | Chalkbeat || About half of the city’s public schools would have otherwise lost out on $157 million dollars in midyear cuts, according to the city’s Education Department.
NYC school suspensions dip even as lengthier punishments tick up By Alex Zimmerman | Chalkbeat || Schools issued 27,724 suspensions during the 2023-24 school year, a 2.4% decline year over year. But superintendent suspensions, which last six days or longer, ticked up about 1%.
EMPIRE STATE REGIONAL ROUNDUP
In Long Island Coverage:
Long Island school districts hiring recently retired educators far more since New York suspended waiver By Jim Baumbach | Newsday || Three Mount Sinai school district administrators and a clerk retired in 2022 — but didn’t leave their jobs. Their deals enabled them to collect six-figure pensions and severance payouts on top of reduced district salaries, together more than $1.6 million last school year, according to district memos, payroll and state pension records Newsday obtained from Freedom of Information Law requests.
Long Island test results: English, math scores are down for students in grades 3-8 By John Hildebrand and Michael R. Ebert | Newday || In the Nassau-Suffolk region, 48.1% of students tested in the spring of 2024 scored proficient or better on tests of English Language Arts, down from 52.5% in 2023. Statewide, the latest average was 46.3%, down from 47.9%. On math tests, 57.7% of the Island's students who participated earned ratings of proficiency or better, down from 58.4% last year. The latest statewide average was 52.3%, up from 50.3%.
Port Washington Board Raises Concerns Over Regionalization Proposal By Luke Feeney | Long Island Press || The Port Washington Board of Education discussed the state’s Regionalization initiative during its Nov. 19 meeting, agreeing to submit a letter outlining concerns about the proposal. The initiative aims to enhance educational equity and operational efficiency across districts, but local officials fear it may erode local control and impose unfunded mandates. While state representatives clarified that participation is voluntary and districts retain autonomy, the board criticized ambiguous language in the regulation and questioned the need for emergency implementation. They expressed concerns over duplicative requirements, potential loss of local control, and the burden of unfunded mandates.
Bethpage BOE Highlights FLES Program’s Impact By Long Island Press || At its November meeting at Kramer Lane Elementary, the Bethpage Board of Education showcased the Foundational Language Early Start (FLES) program, which introduces Spanish, French, and Italian to elementary students. Teachers and students demonstrated the program's interactive approach through activities, songs, and cultural storytelling, with students sharing how FLES connects them to global traditions and their own heritage. Hands-on learning, like ordering in Spanish at a local restaurant and participating in the school’s International Festival, enriches language skills and cultural appreciation, with assessments showing high retention and engagement.
North Shore Board of Education Trustee Richard Galati resigns By Luke Feeney | Long Island Press
In the Southern Tier, Hudson Valley Coverage:
New Paltz Teachers Demand Contract After 143 Days By Crispin Kott | Hudson Valley One || New Paltz United Teachers (NPUT) have worked without a contract for 143 days, rallying for fair compensation during a November 20 school board meeting. Vice President Jennifer Hicks highlighted the teachers’ dedication despite uncertainty and called for urgency in resolving negotiations, stressing the importance of parity with neighboring districts. Superintendent Stephen Gratto presented plans addressing declining enrollment, which has dropped from 2,297 students in 2008 to 1,691 today. Staffing reductions have not matched the student decline. The union continues to push for resolution, framing the contract as an investment in the district's future, with mediation talks scheduled for November 22.
New York education leaders: State not to blame for East Ramapo budget error By Kate Lisa | Spectrum News || New York education leaders defended the state Education Department (SED) after a $50 million accounting error in East Ramapo School District revealed a surplus, contradicting a prior $20 million deficit and prompting a controversial 4.4% tax hike. Critics, including Sen. Bill Weber, demanded accountability and taxpayer reimbursement, while officials like Assembly Education Chair Michael Benedetto praised SED’s oversight, citing East Ramapo's history of budget mismanagement. SED attributed the discovery to efforts by its new fiscal monitor and interim district leadership, emphasizing no systemic failure. Focus now shifts to revising the Foundation Aid formula and increasing district fund limits to prevent similar errors. The state comptroller is reviewing SED's request for an audit.
Elmsford to hire Susan Yom, former Nyack superintendent, to lead schools By Nancy Cutler | Rockland/Westchester Journal News || Susan Yom, whose tenure as Nyack superintendent ended early amid union tensions and community dissatisfaction, is set to become Elmsford Union Free School District’s next superintendent, starting Jan. 1, 2025. Yom's three-and-a-half-year term will run through June 2028, pending final approval by the Elmsford school board on Dec. 4. Yom brings 29 years of public education experience, including roles as assistant superintendent in Clarkstown and New Rochelle, along with advanced degrees from Harvard and Columbia. Elmsford’s leadership expressed confidence in her qualifications, citing her expertise as key to guiding the district through current challenges.
Ellenville School District Reports Gains in Student Proficiency By Jim Sabastian | Mid Hudson News || The Ellenville Central School District has recorded significant improvements in state assessments for grades 3-8, with third-grade English Language Arts proficiency rising by 18% and sixth-grade math by 15%. School Board President Phil Mattracion attributed the gains to new academic programs, including a revamped math curriculum, high-dosage tutoring, and additional Academic Intervention Services.
Livingston Manor and Roscoe Set December 19 Merger Vote By Hank Gross | Mid Hudson News || Residents of the Livingston Manor and Roscoe school districts will vote on December 19 to decide whether to merge the two districts. The proposed merger aims to expand academic and extracurricular opportunities while improving financial stability for the community. If approved, the merger would bring approximately $30.7 million in state aid.
In Western New York & FInger Lake Coverage:
Farm to School Program Expands in New York Districts By Kevin Hayes | Spectrum News Buffalo || The Farm to School program, connecting local agriculture with school cafeterias, is gaining momentum across New York, providing students with fresher, more nutritious meals while supporting the state's farmers and economy. Frontier Central School District's food services coordinator, Anne Rich, highlights the program's growth over the past five years, emphasizing its role in serving high-quality meals and fostering partnerships between schools and local growers.
In Central New York & Mohawk Valley Coverage:
Despite testing among lowest in NY, Syracuse schools make ‘incremental’ improvements By Maggie Hicks | Syracuse.com || Syracuse City School District (SCSD) continues to rank among the lowest in the state for standardized test scores, with only 20% of students in grades 3-8 testing proficient in English Language Arts (ELA) this year, the same as last year. Ranked 644 out of 658 districts statewide for ELA performance, district officials describe progress as "incremental." While challenges persist, SCSD emphasizes ongoing efforts to improve literacy, numeracy, and student engagement through targeted initiatives like the District Comprehensive Improvement Plan and partnerships like Say Yes to Education. However, sustained focus and adaptation will be critical for significant change.
See Central NY schools ranked by latest math, ELA New York state test results By Kevin Tampone | Syracuse.com || Four schools in Central New York tied for the highest proficiency levels on the latest round of New York state assessment tests in English language arts and math, according to state data.
NATIONAL NEWS & PERSPECTIVES
Survey: For Most Parents, Grades Have Lost Ground as Measure of Student Progress By Linda Jacobson | The 74 || A national survey of 20,000 parents revealed a growing reliance on teacher communication over grades to assess student progress. With 30% of parents prioritizing teacher insights compared to 20% relying on report cards, the trend reflects skepticism about grade inflation and increased value in direct feedback. Parents of students they perceive as below grade level were even more likely to engage teachers frequently and seek tutoring, though many cite cost barriers. Grade inflation, long a concern, was exacerbated during the pandemic, diminishing grades’ reliability. Teachers like Cicely Woodard emphasize transparency, using detailed grading and listening to parental concerns. Meanwhile, parents like Melony Watson, who felt misled by inflated grades, now prioritize active collaboration with teachers. The shift underscores the need for schools to enhance teacher training in communicating academic performance and integrating parents into learning strategies. Effective engagement could empower families to better sup
Education Culture Wars: Democracy in Curriculum Battles By Robert Maranto, Sarah Ruth Morris, and James V. Shuls | Education Next || The Arkansas debate over AP African American Studies illustrates the democratic tension in public education, with state officials asserting authority while local educators and activists defend curricular autonomy. Critics highlight omissions, like Abraham Lincoln and examples of interracial cooperation, while supporters value the course’s role in addressing historical gaps. These conflicts reflect broader culture wars tied to identity and historical narratives. To manage such tensions, the authors propose embracing pluralism, expanding curriculum options, and prioritizing local decision-making to uphold democratic principles in education.
Education Policy Shifts Under New Administration By Dana Godek and Michael Moore | District Administration || The appointment of Linda McMahon as Secretary of Education signals a significant pivot in federal education priorities, with a focus on workforce development, school choice, and decentralization. McMahon is expected to emphasize career and technical education (CTE) by expanding Perkins V funding and promoting apprenticeships, potentially diverting resources from traditional academic programs. Her policies also aim to bolster parental rights through initiatives like vouchers and charter school support, increasing curriculum transparency but challenging traditional public school budgets. Districts must adapt by fostering industry partnerships, engaging parents, and advocating for equitable funding, as federal support shifts toward state-driven, outcome-based models prioritizing workforce alignment over broader educational equity.
Republicans’ big idea for remaking public education hits voter resistance By Juan Perez Jr. | POLITICO || Republican-led efforts to expand taxpayer-funded private school vouchers are moving forward despite significant voter pushback in key states. Despite legislative wins, resistance persists. Recent voter-driven defeats of school choice measures in Kentucky, Colorado, and Nebraska highlight a disconnect: many voters supporting conservative policies reject broad voucher initiatives, citing concerns over public school funding and inequity. Critics argue that such programs disproportionately benefit wealthier families while undermining public education. Teacher unions and advocacy groups are mobilizing to resist these efforts, employing legal challenges and grassroots campaigns to protect public school funding. The debate underscores a growing rift between state-level policies and voter sentiment over the future of public education.
The Dependency Trap: Why School Choice Is a False Promise By Robert Bortins | Real Clear Education || Government-funded school choice undermines educational independence, creates political dependency, and shifts responsibility from families to the government. Evidence shows such programs erode autonomy through increased regulation, as seen in Sweden, where state control eventually eliminated meaningful choice. These initiatives also make schools vulnerable to political shifts, risking forced alignment with government agendas. Claims of improved outcomes are weak, with examples like Sweden showing declining academic performance. Furthermore, subsidies often benefit existing private school families, driving education inflation and higher taxes without significantly aiding disadvantaged students. Real reform should focus on empowering parents through reduced regulation, expanded homeschooling freedoms, and lower taxes, fostering true educational independence and protecting schools from government control.
Schools Brace for Upheaval Amid Fear of Mass Deportations By Bianca Vázquez Toness | Associated Press || Educators nationwide are preparing for potential disruptions as President-elect Trump’s pledge to deport millions of undocumented immigrants sparks fear among immigrant families. Past experiences, like false rumors of school immigration raids during Trump’s first term, highlight how such threats disrupt education, with students avoiding school out of fear. Policies protecting “sensitive locations” like schools may be rescinded, further exacerbating anxiety. Districts, including Beaverton in Oregon, are training staff to deny immigration agents entry, while others bring in legal aid to help families prepare care plans for children. School leaders emphasize protecting students’ right to education, but fear of backlash from conservative boards complicates efforts to publicly affirm immigrant families' safety. For many, the uncertainty alone already disrupts learning and community stability.
In other National News:
Why E-rate’s future is now in the hands of the Supreme Court By Anna Merod | K-12 Dive || The court is set to review the 5th Circuit’s decision striking down the funding mechanism for the FCC’s Universal Service Fund next year.
A bigger child tax credit would ease poverty, help children in school. But will it happen? By Chabeli Carrazana, The 19th | Chalkbeat || Candidates promised a bigger child tax credit. A Republican-controlled Congress will decide its fate next year.
How trans students and families are preparing for Trump’s second term By Wellington Soares | Chalkbeat || The election of Donald Trump sent a wave of fear through trans youth and their allies. But they’re also organizing and deploying lessons from states that already have restrictive laws.
South Dakota Senator files bill to abolish Department of Education By Tom Joyce | The Center Square || U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds, R-S.D., recently filed a bill titled the "Returning Education to Our States Act." His bill would eliminate the U.S. Department of Education and redistribute any "critical federal programs" to other departments, according to a press release from his office.
School districts join large-scale legal fight against social media companies By Austin Gergens | Chalkboard News || A spate of New York School districts have become the latest to join more than 500 school districts across the United States suing the biggest social media companies for what they allege are adverse effects on students’ mental health.
Elon Musk Is Opening a School for Young Students. Here’s What We Know About It By Sarah Schwartz | Education Week || Elon Musk’s new Ad Astra preschool in Texas emphasizes STEM and project-based learning but faces scrutiny over its literacy focus and potential influence on federal K-12 policy through Musk’s ties to the Trump administration.
Trump picks Rollins to lead USDA — and thus school nutrition programs By Sarah Zimmmerman and Anna Merod | K-12 Dive || Like Trump’s nomination for education secretary, Rollins also comes from the right-wing think tank America First Policy Institute.
City & State Roundup:
Chicago school board wants a teachers contract “in the coming days” By Mila Koumpilova | Chalkbeat || School board members called on the district to settle with its teachers union on the same day the union asked them to intervene.
Illinois education leaders release blueprint for the future of education By Kevin Bessler | The Center Square || Vision 2030 and revolves around three education pillars, including future-focused learning, shared accountability and predictable funding.
Arizona grand jury indicts pair for alleged school voucher fraud By Gabriel Sandoval | The Associated Press || An Arizona grand jury has indicted two out-of-state residents for allegedly applying to the state’s private school voucher program as parents to 50 children – 43 of whom did not exist – and receiving more than $110,000.
Remaining Massachusetts communities reach deals with striking teachers By Steve LeBlanc | Associated Press || Two Massachusetts communities reached deals with their striking teachers union Tuesday, ending the last of three teachers strikes in communities north of Boston.
In wake of effort to restrict ‘culturally relevant teaching,’ Black educators in Philly say they’re worried By Dale Mezzacappa | Chalkbeat || In the wake of a state settlement rolling back some teacher training guidelines about cultural relevance, Black educators say they worry about the impact on the state’s teaching workforce.
Staff fun day costs violated state rules on using taxpayer money, state investigation finds By Catherine Carrera | Chalkbeat || The Newark Board of Education agreed to pay back the state more than $30,000 in state aid.
DeWine signs Ohio bathroom bill into law By J.D. Davidson | The Center Square || Schools in Ohio are required to have single-sex bathrooms and locker rooms after Gov. Mike DeWine signed the state’s bathroom bill into law Wednesday.
AG finds Palatine schools broke law by using cops to ticket students, urges other districts to review policies By Jodi S. Cohen | Chicago Tribune || In a ruling with statewide implications, the Illinois AG's office found District 211 in Palatine broke the law by having police fine its students.
D.C. school enrollment stays relatively flat over last year By Lauren Lumpkin | The Washington Post || About 1,100 more students enrolled in D.C.’s traditional public and charter schools this year, a smaller increase than past years.
Launch of CT fellowship may mean more charter schools By Jessika Harkay | CT Mirror || Four people will receive a salary for up to two years as they undergo “personalized coaching and support from a network of educational and executive leaders”.
Department of Education Reports Near Double Increase in Library Book Removals By Jay Waagmeester | Florida Phoenix || Florida school boards removed over 700 books from school libraries during the 2023-2024 school year, according to the Florida Department of Education.
CLASSROOM CONNECTIONS
Guiding Elementary Students to Show Their Thinking By Kathy Collier | Edutopia || Making thinking visible helps elementary students develop metacognition and deeper learning. Teachers can model strategies using tools like document cameras and rubrics while encouraging students to annotate texts, color-code revisions, and share oral explanations. These practices foster self-assessment, collaboration, and agency, ensuring students see and celebrate their progress while building essential skills for lifelong learning.
Beyond Translations: Effective Scaffolds to Support ELLs By Timothy Montalvo | eSchool Media || Supporting English Language Learners (ELLs) requires a focus on scaffolding strategies that integrate language development with academic mastery, rather than relying on translations, which can hinder English proficiency and engagement. Content-specific strategies enhance learning in key areas: Social Studies benefits from visuals, timelines, sentence starters, and collaborative activities; Math gains from manipulatives, step-by-step instructions, and vocabulary lessons; Science thrives with anchor charts, hands-on experiments, and graphic organizers; and English improves through teaching morphology, leveled texts, and sentence frames. A tiered approach further supports ELLs, with Tier 1 providing universal scaffolds like visuals and modeling, Tier 2 offering small-group support for key skills, and Tier 3 delivering intensive, individualized interventions. By emphasizing differentiated scaffolding across subjects and support levels, educators can help ELLs achieve both language proficiency and academic success.
Culturally Responsive Education Is Not Synonymous with Critical Race Theory By Larry Ferlazzo | Education Week || Culturally responsive education (CRE) is an asset-based approach that integrates students' identities, lived experiences, and cultural values into teaching to foster learning, engagement, and equity for all. Often misunderstood, CRE is mistaken as a strategy, limited to students of color, or synonymous with Critical Race Theory (CRT). However, it is a broader framework rooted in multiple theories, emphasizing identity, critical thinking, and joy alongside academic skills. Missteps include reducing culture to stereotypes or treating CRE as an "extra task," when it should be embedded in all teaching practices. Advocates argue that CRE benefits all students and teachers, advancing equity, inclusion, and social consciousness in education.
Promoting Active Engagement in Middle School By Kasey Short | Edutopia || Active engagement transforms students into independent thinkers by requiring them to take ownership of their learning through strategies like goal setting, reflective writing, and structured discussions. Techniques such as writing breaks, interactive polls, and response cards ensure all students participate, while discussion protocols like pre-planning and dedicated think time foster collaboration and accountability. These approaches build confidence, critical thinking, and a culture of growth in middle school classrooms.
Why SEL Must Be Part of the Chronic Absenteeism Solution By Andrea Lovanhill | eSchool News || Chronic absenteeism, affecting one in four students post-pandemic, threatens long-term academic and personal outcomes. Social-emotional learning (SEL) programs address key drivers of absenteeism, such as bullying, weak teacher-student connections, and family disengagement. SEL builds empathy, fosters trust, and strengthens relationships, encouraging students to attend school regularly. Effective SEL strategies empower educators to connect with students through simple actions like personalized greetings and active listening, creating supportive and engaging learning environments. School leaders can amplify SEL's impact by embedding it in strategic plans, monitoring progress, and prioritizing relationship-building across the school community. By integrating SEL, schools can reduce absenteeism and reengage students in learning.
In other Classroom Connections:
Classroom Management in the Tech Era By Paige Tutt | Edutopia || Integrating technology into classrooms requires strong management strategies to ensure smooth and productive lessons. Teachers must establish clear expectations for device use, storage, and accountability while maintaining structured routines to prevent disruptions.
Inside the Effort to Shed Light on Districts’ Curriculum Choices By Sarah Schwartz | Education Week || Some states, like Massachusetts, are developing tools to bring transparency to K-12 curriculum choices, allowing districts to see which materials others are using and how they align with quality standards.
Applying the SAMR Model in K–12 Education By Alexandra Shimalla | EdTech K-12 || The SAMR model, developed by Ruben Puentedura in 2010, offers a framework for integrating technology into K–12 classrooms to enhance learning rather than replace instruction. The model’s four tiers—Substitution, Augmentation, Modification, and Redefinition—guide educators in progressively incorporating tech tools to foster creativity and real-world skills.
How and When Students Learn to Type, in Charts By Ileana Najarro | Education Week || With the rise of digital standardized tests, such as the College Board’s AP exams, schools are increasingly emphasizing keyboarding instruction, particularly in grades 3-5. However, only 8% of schools offer dedicated keyboarding classes, with most integrating the skill into general classroom instruction. Early keyboarding instruction can help students avoid inefficient typing habits like "hunt-and-peck," but disparities persist, with wealthier districts more likely to introduce the skill in grades K-2.
IN THE BLOGOSPHERE
NYSUT Justice Conference Unites Committees to Advance Social Justice By Kara Smith | NYSUT Communications || The first-ever NYSUT Justice Conference brought together the union’s Civil and Human Rights, LGBTQ+, and Women’s committees in Albany for a weekend of collaboration and commitment to social justice. Activists united to amplify voices, celebrate diversity, and address key issues impacting communities statewide. NYSUT leaders emphasized collective action to tackle challenges in the coming years, focusing on three priorities: combating childhood poverty through the One-in-Five initiative, addressing hate via implicit bias training and awareness programs, and advocating for equitable public funding through a tax on high earners.
Backsliding in terms of transparency: DOE fails to post list of contracts 30 days in advance of vote & refuses to allow PEP members to see them By Leonie Haimson | NYC Public School Parents Blog || Critics argue that the NYC Department of Education (DOE) has regressed in transparency and oversight, particularly regarding its contracting process. Despite a history of scandals involving inflated and corrupt contracts, the DOE is now failing to post proposed contracts 30 days prior to Panel for Educational Policy (PEP) votes, a practice established to improve accountability. Additionally, PEP members are denied access to actual contracts before voting, relying instead on summaries—unlike earlier practices that allowed full review. Advocates, including former PEP member Patrick Sullivan, stress that meaningful oversight requires access to full contract details to prevent fraud and ensure fiscal responsibility.
Union Without a Backbone: UFT's Failures in Special Education By Jeff Kaufman | ICEUFTBLOG || The United Federation of Teachers (UFT) faces sharp criticism for its inadequate response to New York City's special education crisis, where over 2,200 vacancies, including 1,558 paraprofessional roles, leave thousands of students without mandated services. Critics argue that UFT's proposed solutions, such as reforming hiring systems and reallocating resources, fail to address the urgent need for systemic reform, sustainable staffing ratios, and accountability from the Department of Education (DOE). Longstanding issues, including overcrowded classrooms, reliance on $900 million in private contractors, and neglect of paraprofessionals and counselors, persist without bold union advocacy. Rather than mobilizing citywide action or partnering with parents and advocacy groups to demand reform, UFT leadership offers hollow rhetoric, leaving educators and vulnerable students unsupported.
Double Trauma: Lockdown Drills and Our Union's Silent Treatment By Jeff Kaufman | ICEUFTBLOG || Lockdown drills, common in schools, aim to prepare for rare emergencies but often cause significant psychological harm, including increased anxiety and depression. While some studies suggest drills improve safety, critics question their necessity and effectiveness given the rarity of school shootings. Legislative efforts in states like New York seek to reform drills to be trauma-informed and age-appropriate, but true safety requires prioritizing mental health services. Meanwhile, the UFT’s silence on the issue highlights its broader failure to advocate for educators and students, leaving critical safety and well-being concerns unaddressed.
