The NY Education Week in Review 12.16.2024
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:
Across the Nation | The 2023 TIMSS revealed significant declines in U.S. math performance, deepening concerns about pandemic learning loss and growing inequalities, while challenges in diversifying the teacher workforce persist, with only 21% of educators identifying as people of color. Federal surveys show 40% of students remain behind grade level, especially in math and English, disproportionately affecting low-income and majority-minority schools. Expired ESSER funds, rising youth violence fueled by social media, and persistent staffing shortages exacerbate systemic issues, as schools struggle with declining enrollment and budget constraints. Meanwhile, debates over school choice programs highlight barriers for marginalized families, and FAFSA guidance faces challenges under new immigration policy fears. Despite hurdles, districts like Johnston County, NC, showcase success with strategic investments, and innovations in AI tutoring, CTE pathways, and suicide prevention technologies offer hope for future solutions.
City & State Roundup | Providence schools face a budget crisis as the city imposes spending freezes and considers tax hikes, while New Jersey debates allowing higher property taxes to stabilize school funding. West Virginia approved seven school closures amid enrollment declines, and Michigan lawmakers passed charter school reforms alongside a new School Safety and Mental Health Commission. The Supreme Court rejected appeals challenging Boston's elite high school admissions policy and Wisconsin's transgender student support guidance. In New York, a new law mandates private insurers cover dyslexia testing, and Georgia’s expanded school voucher program raises concerns over costs as eligibility far exceeds expectations. Meanwhile, CPS faces fiscal warnings from S&P as tensions rise over union contracts and charter school closures, and Oklahoma pushes the boundaries of church-state separation with proposed Christian-focused public schools. Across states, broadband gaps, mental health funding, and teacher pay boosts remain pressing education priorities.
Classroom Connections | Educators face diverse challenges: teachers worry most about student behavior and mental health impacts, while principals and district leaders cite funding, staffing shortages, and political pressures as top concerns. Districts like Neshoba County, Mississippi, highlight how effective instruction can drive math success despite socioeconomic challenges, while Virginia’s new accountability system encourages advanced math pathways to promote equity. Teachers emphasize critical discussions on offensive language in literature and stress the need for better pay, benefits, and working conditions to retain talent, particularly among Black educators. Turning data into actionable evidence and addressing instructional time losses are seen as essential for student success. Meanwhile, innovations in technology, AI, and reflection-based strategies enrich teaching, offering promising pathways for deeper learning, equity, and student engagement.
What did we miss? Hit us up in the comments below:
NATIONAL NEWS & PERSPECTIVES
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6 observations from a devastating international math test By Jill Barshay | Hechinger Report || The 2023 Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) revealed a worrying decline in U.S. math performance, furthering concerns about pandemic learning loss and widening inequalities.The 2023 TIMSS results revealed a significant decline in U.S. math performance, with a shrinking middle tier of students and worsening scores among the lowest-performing fourth graders, reflecting growing inequality. Even top-performing eighth graders experienced sharp drops, while a re-emerging gender gap saw boys outscoring girls at record margins. Global trends were inconsistent, with some nations like Sweden improving, but U.S. scores have been declining since well befo re the pandemic, indicating deeper issues in math education. Despite these challenges, the U.S. still produces a large number of high-achieving students, and recent state tests show early signs of recovery, offering hope for a rebound in the coming years.
The Teaching Pool Isn’t Diversifying As Quickly as Other Workers. Why? By Sarah D. Sparks | Education Week || Despite efforts to diversify the teacher workforce, only 21.1% of U.S. teachers identify as American Indian, Black, Hispanic, Pacific Islander, or multiracial—lagging behind the diversity of students and other college-educated workers. Factors like lower pay, "invisible tax" burdens (e.g., extra unpaid responsibilities), and lack of administrative support hinder recruitment and retention. While states like Minnesota have introduced incentives, such as bonuses, to attract diverse educators, systemic hiring barriers and higher attrition rates among teachers of color persist, underscoring the need for more robust and equitable policies.
Federal data: School leaders say 40% of students are behind grade level By Brendan Clarey | Chalkboard News || A federal survey found that 40% of students in U.S. public schools started the 2024-25 school year behind grade level in at least one subject, a decrease from last year but still above pre-pandemic levels. Students from low-income families and majority-minority schools were disproportionately affected, with 52% estimated to be behind. Urban schools and smaller schools with fewer than 300 students also reported higher rates of academic lag. Students were most likely to struggle in math and English/language arts (98%), followed by science (76%) and social studies (55%), reflecting persistent inequities exacerbated by the pandemic.
The Big Picture | Pandemic, Politics, Pre-K & More: 12 Charts That Defined Education in 2024 By Kevin Mahnken | The 74 || As 2024 ends, K–12 education faces lingering COVID disruptions, with learning still below 2019 levels and $190 billion in federal ESSER funds expired. Data shows the pandemic widened achievement gaps, leaving eighth graders a year behind in math and reading. College freshman enrollment dropped 5%, with Pell-eligible schools hit hardest, while schools battle teacher dissatisfaction, growing culture wars, and increasing youth crime during the school year. Meanwhile, AI tutoring tools show promise, pre-K programs boost family incomes, and marijuana use among high schoolers rises alongside legalization. These trends will shape education in an uncertain political landscape under President-elect Trump.
After a “lost decade,” let’s restore high expectations for students By Robert Pondiscio | Thomas B. Fordham Institute || Education reformer Steven Wilson warns in his forthcoming book The Lost Decade that social justice-driven pedagogy has undermined academic rigor, leaving marginalized students less educated and more vulnerable. Once-effective "No Excuses" charter schools, built on high expectations and orderly classrooms, have faced backlash amid claims of cultural insensitivity, leading to declines in academic outcomes and behavioral chaos. Panelists like Doug Lemov and Stephanie Saroki de Garcia emphasize that literacy and numeracy are foundational to justice and upward mobility. The urgent post-pandemic reality demands a return to proven, high-expectation approaches to help students succeed.
Amid Explosion of School Choice, Report Spotlights the Marginalized Families Left Behind By Linda Jacobson | The 74 || Amid the rapid expansion of school choice programs like education savings accounts, a new report highlights how marginalized families—low-income, minority, and those with disabilities—are often left behind. Barriers such as complex admissions processes, lack of transportation, and insufficient high-quality options prevent these families from fully benefiting. While choice programs aim to offer alternatives, issues like inconsistent access, bureaucratic hurdles, and limited support leave many families struggling to find suitable options for their children.
In other National News:
3 Budgeting Lessons School Administrators Learned From ESSER By Mark Lieberman | Education Week || ESSER funding taught schools valuable lessons in budgeting, emphasizing the importance of incorporating educator input in resource allocation, maintaining a list of priority projects for future opportunities, and rigorously evaluating program effectiveness to sustain impactful initiatives despite financial challenges.
3 Ways Trump Can Weaken the Education Department Without Eliminating It By Alyson Klein | Education Week || Trump aims to weaken the Education Department by reclassifying staff, scaling back guidance, and transferring key functions to other agencies. These moves could curtail the department’s reach while impacting its effectiveness in supporting K-12 education nationwide.
How this district made a great leap in state rankings By Micah Ward | District Administrator || Johnston County Public Schools rose from 83rd to 35th in North Carolina state rankings by using ESSER funds to implement a research-based curriculum, district-wide benchmark assessments, and targeted strategies for acceleration and remediation.
50% of school leaders report 'feeling understaffed' while 97% of teaching jobs are filled By Brendan Clarey | Chalkboard News || Despite no net change in the number of teaching positions compared to last year, 50% of school leaders report feeling understaffed, particularly in special education roles and urban schools, highlighting ongoing challenges with enrollment shifts and budget cuts.
An Epidemic of Vicious School Brawls, Fueled by Student Cellphones By Natasha Singer| New York Times || Schools across the U.S. are grappling with an epidemic of violent brawls fueled by student cellphones, as fights are recorded, spread via text and social media, and often escalate into further aggression and disruption.
Private Schools Group Apologizes After Claims of Antisemitism at Event By Sarah Maslin Nir | New York times || The National Association of Independent Schools has apologized after remarks at its annual diversity conference, where speakers’ comments on Israel and Gaza were criticized as antisemitic, prompting backlash from Jewish organizations.
Trump deportation threats weigh on groups offering FAFSA help By Ariel Gilreath | The Hechinger Report || While FAFSA data is protected under federal privacy laws, some groups like the National College Attainment Network are cautioning families with mixed immigration status, citing uncertainty under the incoming administration. Concerns are heightened as Trump signals a hardline approach, leaving counselors worried that warnings could deter students from seeking financial aid. Advocacy groups are advising students to proceed carefully, while others encourage using paper forms to limit data exposure.
The DeVos’ing of Linda McMahon By Fredrick Hess | Education Next || Critics argue education journalists are applying a double standard by harshly scrutinizing Trump’s Education Secretary nominee Linda McMahon while giving favorable treatment to her predecessors.
Spying on Student Devices, Schools Aim to Intercept Self-Harm Before It Happens By Ellen Berry | New York Times | | New technology alerts schools when students type words related to suicide. But do the timely interventions balance out the false alarms?
Moody’s issues negative outlook for K-12 public schools in 2025 By Kara Arundel | K-12 Dive || Competition for students, rising staffing costs and slowing revenue were among factors weighed by the firm, which gave charter schools a stable outlook.
Biden signs law mandating Oct. 1 deadline for FAFSA release By Laura Spitalniak | K-12 Dive || The FAFSA Deadline Act will require the education secretary to update Congress on if the U.S. Department of Education expects to meet the deadline.
Addressing the Teacher Shortage: Six Strategies for Inspiring Future Educators By Jason Odom | eSchool News || To combat teacher shortages, schools can inspire future educators by creating CTE pathways, offering hands-on teaching experiences, implementing peer tutoring programs, celebrating teachers, and partnering with higher education for workshops and mentorship opportunities.
City & State Roundup:
Budget battle over Providence schools intensifies as Smiley warns of tax hikes, service cuts By Christopher Shea | Rhode Island Current || Providence has halted all discretionary spending and imposed a hiring freeze to comply with a court mandate to fund the city’s public schools — with the potential for cuts to municipal services and even a property tax hike.
Supreme Court rejects appeal from Boston parents over race bias in elite high school admissions By Associated Press || The Supreme Court rejected an appeal from Boston parents claiming a temporary pandemic-era admissions policy for elite high schools discriminated against white and Asian students, with Justices Alito and Thomas dissenting.
More Connecticut Teachers Issuing Votes of No Confidence in Superintendents By Jessika Harkay | CT Mirror || Amid growing frustration over safety concerns, workload, and leadership transparency, teacher unions in Connecticut are increasingly issuing votes of no confidence against superintendents, a trend described as “not normal” by Fran Rabinowitz of the Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents.
Private Insurers Must Now Cover Dyslexia Testing in New York By Claire Fahy | New York Times || Gov. Kathy Hochul signed into law a first-in-the-nation bill requiring insurance companies to cover costs associated with dyslexia diagnosis.
NYC’s international schools cater to immigrant students. Here’s how they’re preparing for Trump By Michael Elsen-Rooney | Chalkbeat || The nonprofit network helps operate 17 city public schools that cater exclusively to newly arrived immigrant students, serving as a national model for educating newcomers.
State rejects complaints against Newark board members for not seating charter school teacher By Jessie Gómez | Chalkbeat || The New Jersey School Ethics Commission dismissed complaints alleging two Newark school board members violated the Ethics Act after failing to seat Thomas Luna to the board last fall.
New Jersey Governor Signs New Law to Limit Book Bans and Protect Librarians By Dana DiFilippo | New Jersey Monitor || The “Freedom to Read Act” limits book bans in public schools and libraries and shields librarians from lawsuits and criminal charges filed by folks who find library materials obscene or otherwise objectionable.
School funding bill may allow bigger property-tax increases By Hannah Gross | NJ Spotlight || Under pressure to minimize cuts to school aid, New Jersey lawmakers are considering changes to the school funding formula, including allowing larger property-tax increases to stabilize school aid and avoid last-minute budget cuts.
WV school board approves more school closures, counties struggling to fund public education By Amelia Ferrell Knisely | West Virginia Watch || West Virginia’s state school board approved the closure of seven schools across Clay, Preston, Wetzel, and Wood counties, driven by financial strain from a rapidly declining student population.
In Ohio, Phonics-Based Science Of Reading for Preschoolers By Patrick O’Donnell | The 74 || Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine is expanding the phonics-based science of reading to preschools by offering free, voluntary online training for teachers and administrators.
Minnesota schools must report cybersecurity incidents under new law By Anna Merod | K-12 Dive || The information will be anonymized and shared with “appropriate organizations” to help officials understand how to provide support.
Michigan Democrats approve charter school reforms in marathon session By Hannah Dellinger | Chalkbeat || During a lame duck session, Senate Democrats approved bills that could require more financial transparency for charter schools.
S&P tells Board of Education to find revenue or ‘scale down’ operations to fund CTU contract By Sarah Macaraeg | Chicago Times || S&P Global has warned Chicago Public Schools (CPS) that funding the Chicago Teachers Union's contract without new revenue or cost containment could jeopardize the district's fiscal stability, as it faces deficits of up to $560 million annually over the next five years.
New member joins CPS board for heated debate over Acero school closures By Nell Salzman | Chicago Tribune || CPS Officials presented plans to address the closure of seven Acero charter schools, including potentially absorbing the campuses, as tensions over leadership decisions and the Chicago Teachers Union contract dominated a lengthy school board meeting.
In related coverage:
Several Acero charter schools are slated to close. Here’s the CPS plan to save (some of) them By Reema Amin | Chalkbeat
Michigan House unites to pass school safety package By Anna Liz Nichols | Michigan Advance || The legislation replaces the current School Safety Commission with a new School Safety and Mental Health Commission to enhance safety measures and mental health resources.
Georgia makes many more students than expected eligible for school vouchers By Jeff Amy | Associated Press || Georgia's new school voucher program could make over 400,000 students eligible for $6,500 vouchers due to an expansive interpretation of eligibility rules, far exceeding initial expectations and raising concerns about future costs.
Kansas Broadband Disparities Persist Despite Major Investments By Tim Carpenter | Kansas Reflector || Kansas struggles with broadband disparities as income, geography, and infrastructure challenges persist despite significant investments.
Could This Tiny School Break Down the Wall Between Church and State? By Caleb Gayle | New York Times || Officials in Oklahoma are laying the groundwork to push Christianity into public schools.
New Tennessee charter school law for at-risk students draws interest in Memphis and Nashville By Marta W. Aldrich | Chalkbeat || So-called ‘opportunity’ charter schools will be held to a different standard
Teacher Pay, School Funding Boosts Remain Top Asks of Indiana Teachers Union By Casey Smith | Indiana Capital Chronicle || Indiana’s largest teachers union listed educator pay boosts, increased public school funding and consolidated training requirements among its top asks for the 2025 legislative session.
Supreme Court rejects Wisconsin parents’ challenge to school guidance for transgender students By Mark Sherman | Associated Press || Supreme Court rejected an appeal from Wisconsin parents challenging a school district’s guidance on supporting transgender students, leaving in place lower court rulings that dismissed the case.
Wisconsin DPI receives $10M federal grant for school mental health services By Jon Styf | The Center Square || The funds will be spent on expanding online certification options, developing a “Grow Your Own” program to recruit and train candidates and expanding the mental health options available to include telehealth school-based mental health professionals.
CLASSROOM CONNECTIONS
What Worries Educators Most? It Depends on Their Jobs By Arianna Prothero & Vanessa Solis | Education Week || Educators across roles face distinct challenges keeping them awake at night, as revealed by a recent EdWeek Research Center survey. Teachers are most troubled by student behavior and discipline issues, with many citing the impact of mental health and social challenges on classroom dynamics. Principals and district leaders are more preoccupied with funding, staffing shortages, and political pressures, with district leaders expressing acute concerns over the divisive climate and its implications for public education. While all groups align on lesser worry about curriculum and standards, their top stressors highlight the varied pressures shaping education today.
Which School Districts Do the Best Job of Teaching Math? By Chad Aldeman | La School Report || Neshoba County, Mississippi, defies expectations by achieving math scores that rival wealthier districts, despite serving a high-poverty community. Using eighth-grade math proficiency rates relative to poverty levels, researchers identified nearly 600 districts nationwide that are outperforming their expected outcomes. Neshoba’s math gains took its students from scoring below the national average in 2016 to nearly 1.5 grade levels above it by 2023, even during the pandemic. Other standout districts include Steubenville, Ohio; Worcester, Maryland; and Wise County, Virginia. Unlike reading, where home environments play a role, math outcomes are more closely tied to school-based instruction. These districts demonstrate that effective teaching can drive academic success, regardless of socioeconomic challenges.
Don’t Shield Students From Offensive Language in Literature. Do This Instead By Larry Ferlazzo | Education Week || Teachers should address offensive language in literature by fostering critical discussions and creating safe, inclusive classrooms. Experts like Sonja Cherry-Paul recommend refraining from using harmful terms, teaching their historical context, and encouraging anti-racist approaches. Strategies include co-creating brave spaces for dialogue, critically analyzing texts with "compass" questions, and using culturally responsive pedagogy. Educators should avoid shielding students from challenging topics, instead equipping them with tools to critically examine and dismantle harmful narratives, promoting a more just and informed perspective.
How Teachers View Their Pay and Benefits By Tim Walker | NEA || A new RAND survey highlights the critical role of professional salaries and benefits in retaining teachers, revealing that while two-thirds received pay increases for 2023-24, many still view their pay as inadequate. Teachers in collective bargaining states reported higher pay, better benefits like paid parental leave, and employer contributions to retirement plans compared to those in non-bargaining states. Financial pressures are most pronounced for Black teachers, who face lower salaries, unpaid extra work, and simultaneous childcare, housing, and loan costs. The survey underscores that competitive pay, benefits, and improved working conditions are essential for retaining educators.
The Difference Between Data and Evidence: What School Leaders Need to Know By Peter DeWitt & Michael Nelson | Education Week || School leaders often collect data but struggle to turn it into actionable evidence that improves teaching and learning. Data refers to raw information, while evidence is analyzed and interpreted to inform decisions. By focusing on actionable insights, leaders can foster collective efficacy and address gaps in student learning, professional development, and program effectiveness. Asking targeted questions about school culture, instructional processes, and student outcomes can inspire action and prevent data discussions from becoming overwhelming. Emphasizing evidence-driven practices can create a culture of continuous improvement and better support student success.
New Accountability System Supports Advanced Math Learners By Todd Truitt | Thomas B. Fordham Institute || Virginia’s new accountability system incentivizes schools to offer advanced middle school math pathways, countering anti-acceleration ideologies that have previously limited opportunities for underprivileged students. Recognized as a civil rights issue by leaders like Bob Moses, access to Algebra I in middle school prepares students for advanced coursework, STEM careers, and economic mobility. Despite evidence showing positive outcomes for students taking algebra early, some districts have quietly eliminated accelerated pathways, citing unfounded claims. The new system ensures schools identify and support students ready for advanced math, fostering equity and transparency while reinforcing the vital role of public education in creating pathways to opportunity.
In other Classroom Connections:
5-Year Study Highlights Impactful School Innovation Practices By Kara Arundel | K-12 Dive || A new report from CRPE and Transcend highlights key themes driving school innovation, including anticipating challenges, maintaining consistent practices, and using evidence-based solutions to meet student and family needs. Schools in the Canopy project, which tracks 319 innovative schools, focus on student well-being, equity, deeper learning, and postsecondary pathways.
Results of a time study may help educators get more time out of the school day By Cory Turner | NPR || A new study by Stanford and Brown Universities reveals that instructional time varies significantly across U.S. states, with classroom disruptions and scheduling issues causing students to lose substantial learning time annually, prompting calls for reforms to maximize focus and reduce learning loss. Students in top-ranked states like Texas and Alabama receiving up to 1.5 more years of schooling than those in lower-ranked states such as Hawaii and Oregon.
How to counter AI mathbots? Have students show their work By Lauren Barack | K-12 Dive || Addressing confusion in-person and keeping math challenging are key to ensuring students don’t lean on artificial intelligence bots, one expert suggests.
How to Get Teens Engaged as Readers By Edutopia || Using strategies like in-class reading, creative chapter recaps, and book choice to increase engagement and equity when teaching novels in middle and high school classrooms.
How can teachers use AI without triggering a student privacy nightmare? These 9 tips can help By Wellington Soares | Chalkbeat || Surveys show many teachers haven’t been trained by school districts on how to use AI. That presents a potent risk to sensitive personal data.
Why Reflection Matters in Math Class—and How to Get Started By Ranjani Iyer | Edutopia || Teachers can help students build resilience and confidence in their math abilities through the power of reflection.
Turning Difficult Lessons Into Deeper Learning By Michael McDowell | Edutopia || Pop quizzes, self-tests, and other active strategies are more effective for students than simply reviewing notes.
Preparing Future Educators for Their Careers By John Schembari | Edutopia || Student teaching advisers and students share ideas for making teacher preparation programs more relevant.
The 10 Most Significant Education Studies of 2024 By Youki Terada, Stephen Merrill | Edutopia || It’s that time again—our yearly review of the research you should read, from the sneaky ways that inattention can spread in your classroom to the promises and perils of AI.
How instructional audio technology can reach more learners By Micah Ward | District Administrator || Instructional audio technology in San Jose's Union School District enhances engagement and equity by helping English language learners, supporting clear communication, and giving students and teachers tools to interact effectively in classrooms of all sizes.
