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School districts are increasingly adopting artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance communication with the public, according to a report by the National School Public Relations Association and ThoughtExchange. Over 90% of surveyed school communication professionals utilize AI for tasks such as brainstorming, content creation, and translation. However, many lack formal policies and training, with nearly 70% reporting no district guidelines on AI use. Barbara M. Hunter, executive director of NSPRA, emphasized the importance of a thoughtful approach, commenting: “AI can be a powerful support for school communicators, but it cannot replace the strategy, relationships, and human voice.” The report highlights the need for comprehensive training and policy development to address the ethical use of AI in school communications.

 

Education Week News

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According to a Gallup survey, nearly 60% of teachers utilized AI in the past school year, saving up to six hours of work weekly. While many educators find AI beneficial for tasks like creating worksheets and analyzing student data, 28% remain opposed to its use in classrooms. The survey also revealed that 61% of teachers believe AI enhances insights into student learning, and 60% agree it improves accessibility for students with disabilities. However, concerns persist regarding AI's potential to diminish critical thinking and independent thought among students. The U.S. Department of Education has recommended establishing standards for AI use in education to address these challenges.

 

Missoulian

Between fall 2019 and 2023, U.S. public school enrollment dropped from 50.8m to 49.5m, a 2.5% loss, with projections showing fewer than 47m by 2031. Declines vary by race, grade, and region, with white students seeing the largest drop and Hispanic and Asian enrollment slowing. Urban districts and high-poverty schools are hardest hit, while some southern and Midwestern states saw growth. Reduced enrollment threatens school funding, leading to program cuts, staff layoffs, and closures. As one report notes, districts must adapt “balancing fiscal responsibility with community needs” to sustain opportunities.

 

The 74 (Online)

As students return to school, health-related challenges are a major concern for educators. Lynn Nelson, president of the National Association of School Nurses, emphasizes the importance of addressing both communicable diseases and mental health issues, which have surged during and after the pandemic. "The two overarching issues for sure are communicable diseases... and behavioral and mental health issues," she states. Schools are encouraged to implement hygiene practices and ensure proper maintenance of facilities to mitigate health risks. Additionally, Nelson advocates for proactive communication with parents regarding vaccination compliance and the use of telehealth resources to support students' mental health needs.

 

Education Week News

New York City's public schools experienced significant improvements in state test scores for the last academic year, with nearly 57% of students in grades 3-8 achieving proficiency in math, a 3.5% increase, and about 56% in reading, a 7% increase. Mayor Eric Adams emphasized the importance of overhauling reading instruction, which has garnered support from various stakeholders. However, experts like Aaron Pallas from Columbia University caution that while the gains are promising, they cannot solely be attributed to curriculum changes, as statewide scores also rose similarly. Disparities remain, particularly among racial groups, with Black students showing the largest gains but still trailing behind their peers. The state tests have stabilized, allowing for more reliable comparisons moving forward.

 

Chalkbeat

The United Teachers of Los Angeles are advocating for enhanced safety measures for students amid rising concerns over immigration raids. A recent incident involved immigration agents detaining a 15-year-old student outside Arleta High School, prompting strong condemnation from Los Angeles Unified board member Kelly Gonez. In response, the district is implementing various safety protocols, including providing legal support and virtual learning options for students fearful of attending in person. The teachers' union is pushing for further actions, including the return of detained students and establishing a perimeter around schools to prevent immigration officials from entering.

 

EdSource

The Columbus Education Association (CEA), representing nearly 5,000 educators, is nearing a contract agreement with the Columbus City Schools ahead of the school year. CEA President John Coneglio said: "In the environment we're in with public education, negotiations were fine," highlighting positive outcomes for the community and students. The conceptual agreement follows months of negotiations that began in March. Both the union and the school board must approve the contract for it to take effect, with a vote scheduled for August 14. The first day of school is set for August 25. If approved, this agreement could prevent a repeat of the 2022 teacher's strike, which disrupted the start of classes.

 

The Columbus Dispatch

The Michigan State Board of Education has narrowed down 33 applicants to seven semifinalists for the state's top education leader position, following the retirement announcement of State Superintendent Michael Rice, effective October 3. The candidates include Thomas Ahart, Lisa Coons, Glenn Maleyko, Paul Salah, John R Severson, Christopher Timmis, and Judy Walton. The board will conduct 90-minute interviews on August 18 and 19, with a final decision expected in early September. Max McGee from the search firm Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates stated that these candidates best meet the "12 desired characteristics and qualifications" identified through stakeholder feedback. Some board members expressed concerns about the search process, with Republican Nikki Snyder suggesting it was "inherently flawed."

 

Chalkbeat

Teachers increasingly combine core and supplemental materials, complicating curriculum consistency. At New Lisbon Elementary, Principal Stephanie Moore noted: “Students are getting different things” due to varying teacher resources. Surveys show most teachers use multiple programs, but experts like David Steiner argue many popular supplements lack coherence. Educators seek flexibility for diverse learners, yet tension persists between teacher autonomy and instructional rigor. Some districts, like Portage, Mich., strategically pair core programs with targeted supplements to boost teacher buy-in and student outcomes. Cost and quality gaps often drive this patchwork approach to reading instruction.

 

Education Week News

In a reflective piece, Mary Hendrie discusses the insights of various educators on what they wish they had known before entering the classroom. Pernille Ripp, a Wisconsin teacher, recalls her early fears of losing control, stating: “I could sense so much wasted potential beneath my iron grip.” Education Week highlights common pitfalls and offers alternatives, emphasizing the importance of creating a positive classroom environment. Educators like Starr Sackstein and Stephen Guerriero share their experiences and advice, while Kristen St. Germain calls for collective support for new teachers. The piece underscores the need for joy in teaching, with Gary Kowalski advocating for smiles from day one. Overall, it serves as a guide for new teachers to navigate their first year with confidence and positivity.

 

Education Week News

The Urbandale Community School District has chosen to maintain its policy protecting gender identity, despite a new Iowa law that removes such protections for transgender and nonbinary individuals. The school board voted 6-1 to keep gender identity in its policy, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding vulnerable populations. Superintendent Rosalie Daca noted that the board was not legally required to change the policy but aimed to avoid potential legal issues. 

 

DesMoines Register.com

New York state has mandated a “bell-to-bell” cellphone ban for all schools this year, leading to varied implementation strategies. Some schools may collect phones at the start of the day, while others might allow students to keep them in Yondr pouches or lockers. The ban extends to all personal electronics, including smart watches and tablets, but excludes school-issued devices. Henry Rubio, president of the union representing school administrators, emphasized the importance of thoughtful implementation, stating: “We agree that a bell-to-bell restriction, if implemented thoughtfully, can help restore focus.” Schools will receive $29m to support the ban's rollout, with $16m already distributed.

 

Chalkbeat

Little Rock School District (LRSD) is enhancing student and community health by introducing a fleet of 25 electric school buses from Blue Bird. This initiative, supported by a $9,875,000 grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean School Bus Program, aims to reduce operating costs and pollution. The new buses can travel up to 130 miles on a single charge and will transport around 500 students daily, covering nearly 1,400 miles. Dr. Jermall D. Wright, LRSD superintendent, emphasized the importance of this transition, stating, “This is more than just adding new buses — it’s about doing what’s right for our kids and our community.” The district's commitment to cleaner transportation marks a significant step towards a healthier future.

 

School Bus Fleet