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According to a recent report from School Services Inc., school attendance rates are gradually recovering from the historical lows experienced during the 2021-22 school years due to pandemic-related disruptions. The overall attendance rate increased by 1.18% last school year, although it remains 2.17 percentage points below the pre-pandemic levels of the 2019-20 school year. The report highlights improvements across different types of school districts. Elementary school districts saw an increase from 92.28% in the 2022-23 school year to 93.76% in the last school year. High school districts and unified school districts also reported increases, with attendance rising to 91.77% and 92.46%, respectively. The most significant attendance improvements were observed among the youngest students, with kindergarten through third graders showing a 1.63% increase in attendance rates, reaching 92.66%. Fourth through sixth graders and seventh and eighth graders also saw their attendance rates climb to 94.12% and 93.13%, respectively. However, high school students experienced the smallest increase, with their attendance rate rising by only 0.76% to 91.37%.

 

EdSource

Recent MAP Growth test results for over 7.7m students reveal that eighth graders are still a full school year behind in math and reading compared to pre-pandemic levels. The data highlights the substantial challenges that students face as they transition to high school, particularly those who were in fourth grade at the onset of the pandemic. These challenges have been exacerbated by teacher shortages and heightened absenteeism during their critical educational years. Despite significant federal COVID relief funds, which are set to expire this September, recovery has been minimal, especially for older students who typically make slower academic gains. The NWEA report underscores the pressing need for continued educational support and innovative strategies to address the widening achievement gaps exacerbated by the pandemic.

 

The 74

According to a report by the National Education Association (NEA), teachers' salaries have declined by 5% in the past decade when adjusted for inflation. This has led to financial stress among teachers, with 61% of teachers in the United States worrying about their finances. Many teachers are considering getting a second job or leaving their current job for better pay. The financial challenges faced by teachers can impact their performance and well-being, as well as the education system as a whole. To address this issue, systemic changes are needed to support educators and ensure they are adequately compensated. One solution is the implementation of Earned Wage Access (EWA) programs, which provide immediate financial relief for unexpected expenses. Additionally, advocating for higher salaries, housing stipends, comprehensive health insurance, and financial literacy programs can help alleviate teachers' financial stress. It is crucial for policymakers, education leaders, and communities to prioritize solutions that support teachers and promote their financial well-being.

 

TTown Media

As the role of school principals becomes increasingly demanding, the ability to engage in meaningful and effective conversations has emerged as a vital leadership skill. During the UNITED school leadership conference organized by the National Associations of Secondary and Elementary School Principals, educators discussed the complexities of their roles and the importance of communication. Julie Kasper, a principal with 30 years of educational experience, stressed that today’s principals are expected to handle an ever-growing array of responsibilities without corresponding increases in resources. This challenge makes the art of conversation crucial, particularly when addressing sensitive issues such as teacher morale or the need for changes in classroom management. Kasper, together with Benjamin Feeney, principal of Lampeter-Strasburg High School, shared strategies for facilitating these difficult discussions. They advised organizing thoughts and keeping detailed notes, choosing the appropriate setting and style for different types of conversations, and basing discussions on solid data rather than assumptions.

 

Education Week News

Concerned that out-of-school suspensions disproportionately target Black and brown students and stifle learning, some U.S. schools are doing away with the practice. Using data from the National Center for Education Statistics and other sources, Study.com examined the racial disparities of out-of-school suspensions and why some schools are opting out of this discipline. The debate about how to discipline America's school children is as old as the founding of the country. In the 1700s, school teachers disciplined students via corporal punishment, a practice that was criticized by educational reformer Horace Mann. By the 1950s, teachers unions agreed to focus on education instead of behavior and no longer doled out classroom punishments. However, the "war on drugs" of the 1980s and 1990s ushered in zero-tolerance policies in schools, leading to strict punishments for various offenses. Out-of-school suspensions can have a negative impact on students, and the scale of racial disparities varies across states. Some schools are exploring alternative methods beyond exclusion to address disciplinary issues. "Out-of-school suspensions can do more harm than good," says Study.com.

 

Missoulian

Los Angeles Schools Superintendent Alberto Carvalho plans to appoint a task force to investigate the failed artificial intelligence (AI) initiative in the district. Carvalho aims to understand what went wrong and how to move forward. The task force will examine the bidding process and oversight to prevent similar scenarios in the future. The AI project, which included an AI-enhanced student advisor called "Ed," was supposed to be a part of a unique Individual Acceleration Plan for every student. However, the full rollout of the plan is on hold, and the chatbot has been unplugged due to the financial collapse of the technology company, AllHere Education. Carvalho hopes that the task force, consisting of independent experts, will complete its review in about three months. The investigation will also address allegations of security and data privacy violations made by a former AllHere manager.

 

Los Angeles Times

Los Angeles USD Superintendent Alberto Carvalho has announced 48 new initiatives for the upcoming academic year. These initiatives include the creation of a Principal Academy to empower school administrators and a training program at the Port of Los Angeles to help employees work with new technology. The district will also introduce iDream and Esports labs for immersive learning experiences. In addition, LAUSD will provide students with eye care services and digital wellness plans. Carvalho also revealed a project called "5,000 role models of excellence" to support male students of color. Other initiatives include partnerships with the University of Southern California and the SoLA foundation, the provision of new devices, and a safety program called Safe Kids Alliance. Carvalho emphasized that these initiatives aim to expand opportunities for students and challenge societal limits.

 

EdSource

Tehama County Superintendent of Schools, Richard DuVarney, has been elected as the new president of the California County Superintendents. With eight years of experience leading the Tehama County Office of Education, DuVarney said he is dedicated to advocating for all students in the state. He aims to strengthen the voice of students from small and rural communities, ensuring equal opportunities for every student. Dr. Todd Finnell, the Imperial County Superintendent of Schools, will join DuVarney on the 2024-2025 Executive Committee, while Gayle Garbolino-Mojica, from Placer County, serves as the immediate past president. DuVarney expressed his commitment to public education and his excitement for this new statewide role.

 

EdSource

Los Angeles USD is witnessing a notable improvement in standardized test scores across all grade levels in both math and English, signaling a recovery from the educational disruptions caused by the pandemic. Although the majority of students still perform below the state's grade-level standards, there has been a positive shift with English proficiency rising from 41% to 43%, and math scores increasing by 2.3 percentage points to 32.8%. Superintendent Alberto Carvalho emphasized these gains during his back-to-school address, noting that while the achievement gap persists, some students have reached or are approaching pre-pandemic performance levels. The district is employing a "distance from standard" measure to better illustrate the proximity of student performance to expected standards. Meanwhile, science test results are pending.

 

Los Angeles Times

The Sacramento Bee

There is growing uncertainty among students and school counselors regarding the math courses required for admission to the University of California (UC). The crux of the debate is whether AP Statistics or data science courses can replace Algebra 2, a typical admissions requisite. Previously, UC had recognized these courses as acceptable substitutes, but a recent reversal by a UC faculty committee has withdrawn this approval, leading to widespread confusion and calls for greater transparency and consistency in admissions criteria. This issue primarily affects students and districts planning future course schedules, as the majority of UC applicants currently enroll in Algebra 2. However, the increasing popularity of data science as a field of study brings into question its recognition in the UC admissions process. Advocates for data science argue that its curriculum, which covers content similar to that of AP Statistics, should qualify as an equivalent to higher-level math courses rather than being deemed less rigorous.

 

EdSource