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Recent Editions
Education Slice
National
Over the past 15 years, racial and economic segregation has significantly increased in large U.S. school districts, according to a study by Sean Reardon and Ann Owens of the Stanford University Center on Poverty and Inequality. The study tracked the demographics of schools from 1967 to 2022, highlighting a regression in student exposure to other races and income levels since 1991. In particular, 533 school districts serving the majority of Black K-12 public students saw a 25% increase in Black-white segregation. Hispanic and Asian students, as well as those eligible for free meals, also experience more segregation now compared to 1991. The researchers attribute the rise in segregation not to neighborhood segregation, which has declined, but to the cessation of efforts to integrate schools beyond neighborhood patterns, coupled with the expansion of charter schools and other school choice programs following reduced court oversight. This shift away from court-enforced integration policies, such as bussing and rezoning, has allowed schools to revert to their local demographic patterns, intensifying segregation, according to the research.
Full IssueEducation Slice
California
Since California shut down its state juvenile facilities and transitioned the responsibility to county control, the juvenile justice system has seen a varied response. Some counties have introduced new educational programs for incarcerated youths, while others grapple with basic safety concerns. The closure of the state's Division of Juvenile Justice was met with mixed reactions, with some seeing it as a step toward necessary reform and others skeptical about immediate improvements in longstanding issues like violence and educational deficits. The transition, enforced by Senate Bill 823, aims to provide a less restrictive environment for rehabilitation and reduce confinement, mandating that youth stay within their home counties. This has led to the development of Secure Youth Treatment Facilities (SYTF) for those committing serious offenses, and these facilities are now operational in 36 of California’s 58 counties. However, the shift has highlighted significant challenges, including disparities in how counties manage these facilities. The Office of Youth and Community Restoration (OYCR) oversees this new structure, providing guidance and resources but without regulatory power to enforce changes. It’s working on improving transparency and educational outcomes with initiatives like a database for tracking academic progress and developing special curricula for older learners.
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Texas
Torrential rain in the Houston area has caused widespread flooding, leading to mandatory evacuation orders for some residents. Heavy rains in Texas have stranded motorists, flooded streets, and closed schools. The National Weather Service reports that southeast Texas and parts of Louisiana have received over 2 feet of rain in some areas. The San Jacinto River is a major concern as it is expected to continue rising with more rain and the release of extra water from a full reservoir. Videos on social media show flooded roadways and partially submerged tractor-trailers. While no injuries or deaths have been reported, at least nine people have been rescued from rising water. Evacuation orders have been issued for areas along the river, and residents have been urged to leave or prepare for being stranded for several days. More than a dozen school districts north of Houston have canceled for today because of the weather and shelters opened in some communities.
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Florida
Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed a controversial teacher-training bill that seeks to prevent "indoctrination" in teacher-preparation programs at colleges and universities. The bill, which will take effect on July 1, prohibits the inclusion of "identity politics" in these programs. Supporters argue that the bill prevents teacher-preparation programs from becoming captive to a political agenda, while opponents claim that it limits freedom of speech and prevents honest discussions about the country's history. The Southern Poverty Law Center criticized the bill, stating that it silences educational programs that teach empathy and respect for all. The bill also applies to programs that prepare school leaders such as principals.
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