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In recent months, K-12 educators have faced increasing pressure regarding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. A notable incident occurred at Herriman High School in Utah, where a poster for Inclusion Week sparked backlash from a former state school board member, who criticized it as a defiance against anti-DEI sentiments. Principal Todd Quarnberg expressed frustration, commenting: “When did diversity and inclusion—when did these become nasty words?” The U.S. Department of Education has issued directives to eliminate what it deems “illegal DEI practices,” but has not clearly defined these terms, leading to confusion among educators. A survey revealed that about 5% of educators reported a complete halt in DEI programs since the Trump administration began, with larger districts more likely to report a decrease. As investigations into DEI practices unfold, concerns grow about the impact on educational equity efforts.

 

Education Week News

School Leadership’s Guide to Career and Technical Education

Economic impacts are changing the employment landscape. Now more than ever it's critical to prepare students for careers in current and emerging professions through Career and Technical Education (CTE). Having developed 200+ award-winning digital courses, FlexPoint knows that CTE offerings look different for every school, based on location and student population. School and district leaders can learn how to enhance their CTE programs through the free FlexPoint guide.

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• An overview of nationally recognized Career Clusters and Programs of Study
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The U.S. Department of Education is urging states to identify more public schools as "persistently dangerous," a designation that allows students to transfer to safer schools within their district. Currently, only five states have such schools, with Oregon not among them. Liz Merah from the Oregon Department of Education said: “The lack of any school that meets those criteria reflects the effectiveness of our school safety measures.” A recent letter from Hayley Sanon, the deputy assistant secretary in the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Elementary and Secondary Education, suggests revising the criteria for labeling schools, focusing on reported incidents of violence rather than expulsions. Additionally, poor academic performance and the absence of school resource officers could also indicate a school's dangerous status.

 

The Oregonian

Brenda Cassellius, the new superintendent of Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS), is set to implement significant changes to address pressing issues within the district. With over $500,000 in funding from local organizations, including Herb Kohl Philanthropies and the Greater Milwaukee Foundation, Cassellius plans to reduce the central office staff and enhance teaching roles to combat understaffing and improve academic performance. She faces challenges such as lead paint hazards and financial mismanagement, which led to her predecessor's resignation. Joel Brennan, president of the Greater Milwaukee Committee, emphasized the urgency of Cassellius' mission, commenting: “It is clear that she is bringing the appropriate sense of urgency and action that we believe is needed within MPS.” The funding will focus on rebuilding public trust, leadership training, and improving district culture. Cassellius expressed gratitude for the community's support, highlighting the need for intentional and bold actions to benefit students and families.

 

JS online

Upper Arlington City Schools in Ohio requires approximately $125m for essential repairs to three school buildings, with total rebuilding costs potentially reaching $345m due to rising construction expenses. Superintendent Bob Hunt said “There's no no-cost option here,” emphasizing the financial challenges ahead. The district plans to gather community feedback and will likely present recommendations to the school board by the end of the year, with potential voter decisions in November 2026. District chief financial officer Andrew Geistfeld noted that funding would typically come from voter-approved bonds, which could lead to significant annual property tax increases for homeowners. For a home valued at $500,000, basic repairs could result in an additional $435.75 in taxes annually, while rebuilding could cost up to $1,062.

 

The Columbus Dispatch

Civics education is increasingly contentious, with President Donald Trump advocating for "patriotic" education to counter perceived "radical indoctrination." Recent debates in Texas and Oklahoma over including Bible stories in social studies highlight the tensions. Despite these challenges, there is a push for enhanced civics instruction, with 44 states introducing related measures this legislative session, according to CivxNow. Wisconsin state Rep Amanda Nedweski said: “The more people are educated, the less frustrated they are with government.” However, the ideological divide complicates the implementation of civics education, raising questions about whether increased mandates can truly bridge partisan gaps. As Scott Warren from the SNF Agora Institute noted: “People, especially young people, don’t trust institutions.” The ongoing debate over knowledge versus skills in civics education further complicates the landscape, with bipartisan efforts emerging in some states.

 

Education Week News

Introducing students to STEM early can significantly impact their academic success and career paths. Kristen Vesely, director of advanced academics in Ector County, Texas, emphasized: “STEM is everywhere,” highlighting the importance of integrating STEM concepts into everyday learning. Despite disparities in access to robust STEM programs, teachers can still foster interest through discussions on current technologies like artificial intelligence and hands-on experiences. For instance, field trips can serve as practical lessons in STEM, as noted by Robin Johnson Ford, who shared how a visit to the post office illustrated logistics and technology. These small efforts can ignite a passion for STEM, potentially altering students' educational trajectories and self-belief, as seen in the success stories of students who found their calling through exposure to STEM-related activities.

 

Education Week News

On Thursday, the city clerk and 30 aldermen urged the Chicago Public Schools board to uphold a resolution mandating that the incoming chief executive possess a valid Illinois professional educator license with a superintendent endorsement. The missive comes with board president Sean Harden attempting to reverse the resolution, which was passed unanimously two months prior. Ald. Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth emphasized: “Our students deserve leaders with the qualifications, experience and evidence-based knowledge necessary to guide their education.” The current CEO, Pedro Martinez, is set to leave on June 19, and concerns arise over the potential appointment of Cristina Pacione-Zayas, who lacks the required endorsement. The district faces a $500m deficit, and the new leader will need to navigate significant financial decisions affecting Chicago's schools.

 

Chicago Tribune

Andra Hoffman, a college instructor and board member for the Los Angeles Community College District, has announced her candidacy for California Superintendent of Public Instruction. With a background in educational leadership, including her role as the immediate past president of the Community College League of California Board of Trustees, Hoffman emphasized the need for reform. “California must do better,” she stated, highlighting issues such as underpaid teachers and students lacking essential skills. She aims to prioritize foundational education, safeguard special education, and integrate climate education into curricula. Hoffman also pledges to protect public education from what she describes as President Donald Trump’s “barbaric assault” on the system, promising to guide schools into a new era of excellence.

 

EdSource

Measles, once eradicated in the U.S., is experiencing a significant resurgence, with 1,001 cases reported this year, the second highest in 30 years. In Oregon, vaccination rates among K-12 students have dropped to 94.3%, with only 90.5% in kindergarten, below the 95% threshold for herd immunity. Jonathan Modie from the Oregon Health Authority warned, “Measles is one of the most contagious diseases, and even a small drop in coverage can lead to outbreaks.” The decline in vaccinations is attributed to parental beliefs and vaccine skepticism. Health officials emphasize the importance of vaccines, stating that “just like we have antibiotics that treat bacterial infections, likewise we have vaccines that prevent viral infections.” As the threat of measles grows, officials urge parents to ensure their children are vaccinated.

 

The Oregonian

In the aftermath of the Eaton fire, which displaced around 10,000 students in Pasadena USD, mental health support has become crucial. Tanya Ward, a project director at the Los Angeles County Office of Education, helped a distressed student cope with his feelings about a stuffed rabbit. This support has been echoed by Julianne Reynoso, the district's assistant superintendent, who expressed gratitude for the overwhelming assistance received. John Lynch, a community schools initiative coordinator, reached out to families to assess their needs, emphasizing the importance of community connection during such crises. As students returned to school, many faced emotional challenges, with some experiencing grief and survivor's guilt. Kim Griffin Esperon, a project director, noted: “This is going to take a long time for some of these kids to work their way through.” The district is now focusing on long-term care and support for students as they navigate their recovery.

 

EdSource

Sharon Kelso, a special education advocate, assists Detroit families in navigating the complexities of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). Many parents, like James Stacy, face significant delays and challenges in securing necessary services for their children with disabilities. “I want to fight them holding him back because he didn't have the support in place for him to succeed,” Stacy expressed regarding his son’s struggles. The Detroit Public Schools Community District is grappling with staffing shortages, which contribute to these delays. Superintendent Nikolai Vitti acknowledged that the average time to complete an IEP is 26 days, but advocates argue that this is insufficient. Heather Eckner from the Autism Alliance of Michigan noted that IEP delays are a widespread issue, with many families feeling that the evaluation process is designed to limit eligibility. Solutions proposed include better communication with parents and exploring partnerships with local organizations to improve support for students with disabilities.

 

Chalkbeat

Sama Ebrahimi Bajgani and her fiancé, Alireza Doroudi, faced a life-altering event when immigration officers arrested Doroudi at their home in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Bajgani expressed, “I was living a normal life until that night. After that nothing is just normal.” The couple, both doctoral students, are part of a larger group of international students affected by President Donald Trump's immigration policies, with over 1,000 students having their visas revoked since late March. Doroudi, who entered the U.S. legally, is currently detained in Louisiana awaiting a deportation hearing. His lawyer, David Rozas, stated he was “flabbergasted” by the lack of evidence against Doroudi, who has no criminal record. The situation has instilled fear within the Iranian student community, with many feeling they must “lay low” to avoid drawing attention.

 

Los Angeles Times

Violence against educators in schools across Ontario is now so frequent that it has reached crisis levels, according to a new report by researchers at the University of Ontario. The report, titled Running on Fumes: Violence, Austerity, and Institutional Neglect in Ontario Schools, is based on a survey of 6,000 Ontario education sector workers regarding their experiences of workplace violence in the 2022-23 school year. Researchers found that 67% of respondents had experienced at least one act of student-initiated force, and 30% had experienced more than 20 different acts of force during the school year. As well, 63% of respondents reported a threat of physical force from a student, with 23 % reporting being threatened by students at least 20 times during the year. Underfunding, overcrowded classrooms, increasing student needs, lack of supports such as school psychologists and dwindling professional health services are all to blame for the increase, researchers say. The problem is compounded by the food insecurity many families are facing and other socio-economic stressors, according to Darby Mallory, a graduate student and co-author of the report. “We’ve found ourselves in this time period where all of these really intense things have happened, they’ve accumulated. And at the same time, we’re seeing a decline in funding and an increase in needs. We’re just now hitting a crisis point,” she said.

 

The Globe and Mail

The China–Central Asia Education Ministers' Meeting was held earlier this week in Urumqi, capital of Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, further strengthening educational cooperation between China and the Central Asian nations of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. Minister of Education Huai Jinpeng said both sides share a vital mission in national development and cultural exchange and have achieved notable progress in recent years through mutual learning and innovation. To further deepen cooperation, Huai proposed building a collaborative higher education system and establishing an advanced research institute in Xinjiang to serve regional development. He also called for expanding vocational education tailored to local needs and developing shared digital education resources.

 

China Daily