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A federal judge in Oregon has said she will block the Trump administration from requiring 16 Democratic-led states and the District of Columbia to strip references to "gender ideology" from sexual health education curricula to retain federal grant funding. U.S. District Judge Ann Aiken said she plans to issue an injunction after a lawyer for Washington state told her during a hearing that the Department of Health and Human Services wants them to effectively "edit transgender kids out of their curricula." The states argued the policy violated constitutional spending powers and congressional intent behind the grant programmes. The administration maintained the policy aligned with promoting abstinence. "We're not excluding anybody from these programs. We're just simply saying you cannot teach that boys can be girls and girls can be boys," added Assistant U.S. Attorney Susanne Luse, representing the Trump administration.

 

Reuters

Connect Students’ Math Classrooms to the Real World

When students do not see a connection between their math classroom and their everyday lives, math learning can feel pointless. How many times do math teachers hear, “When will I ever use this?” When you transform mathematics from a classroom subject into a lens with which students see, evaluate, and describe their world, students experience the true power of math.

One effective approach is a Math Walk, which uses real-world locations to find and solve mathematical problems. For example, a video might prompt students to use math to answer a question. Students are encouraged to observe and wonder about the scenario. They then identify what they already know, what information they need, and which math skills to apply. This transforms an ordinary video into an engaging opportunity for students to become active math explorers who make meaningful connections and recognize math as a problem-solving tool outside the classroom. 

Learn More and Download Classroom Resources Now!

 

Cincinnati Public Schools (CPS) is addressing the growing homelessness crisis by opening a Safe Sleep Lot at William Howard Taft Elementary School in March. The initiative, the first of its kind in Ohio, will provide twelve parking spots for families living in their vehicles, along with essential services such as meals and bathroom facilities. Peg Dierkers, chief executive of Bethany House, noted: "We have been full since the summer of 2018," highlighting the urgent need for such solutions. The lot aims to expedite families' transition to shelters, as CPS reported a 77% increase in homeless students over the past decade. Funding for the initiative comes from grants and donations, with a total estimate for the lot's costs still being calculated. While board members see this as a step forward, they acknowledge the need for more comprehensive solutions to homelessness. Marcus Roth, spokesperson for the Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio, emphasized: "No child should have to sleep in a car night after night."

 

Cincinnati Enquirer

According to new data from Advocates for Children, over 150,000 New York City students experienced homelessness last year, marking a record high. This figure includes students living in shelters and those doubled up with family or friends, surpassing the entire Dallas school system. Jennifer Pringle, Director of Advocates for Children's Learners in Temporary Housing Project, said: "Every year for the past decade, more than 100,000 students in our public schools have been homeless." The rise in homelessness reflects the city's housing shortage and an influx of migrant families. In the Bronx, 17% of students lacked permanent housing, while homeless students faced significant educational challenges, including chronic absenteeism. Advocates are calling for structural changes to improve support for these students, including better transportation and funding adjustments. Zohran Mamdani, a mayoral frontrunner, has pledged to address this issue by expanding mentorship programs for homeless students.

 

Chalkbeat

Members of the Portland Public Schools board are deliberating a proposal to raise the outside-vendor contract approval threshold from $150,000 to $250,000. Board chair Eddie Wang advocates for this change, stating it would streamline operations and align with other districts. The current threshold, established in 2010, has not kept pace with inflation. In the past three years, the district initiated 647 contracts at or below the current threshold, totaling $20.2m. Concerns have been raised regarding oversight, particularly as the district faces a projected budget cut of at least $32m for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. A recent internal audit revealed that while some recommendations have been implemented, others remain outstanding. The board's subcommittee on policy will discuss the proposed increase at an upcoming meeting.

 

The Oregonian

The Naval Academy's reliance on civilian faculty is threatened as the Trump administration plans to increase military educators to enhance the armed forces' effectiveness. Former Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro cautioned against this shift, stating: "Why mess with something that's worked so effectively for so long?" He emphasized that civilian educators have been crucial in developing well-rounded naval officers. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced a reduction of the civilian workforce by 5% to 8%, impacting approximately 50,000 to 60,000 employees. Naval Secretary John Phelan supports removing civilian faculty to focus on a "warrior ethos." Del Toro warned that such changes could harm midshipmen's education and the Navy's overall effectiveness, highlighting the importance of strategic thinking taught by civilian professors. The Naval Academy currently maintains a 50% civilian faculty ratio, essential for its STEM-heavy curriculum, but future changes may jeopardize this balance.

 

The Baltimore Sun

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is forming a community interview panel to assist in selecting the next chief executive/superintendent. The panel will consist of up to 15 members, including CPS students, parents, alumni, and community representatives. Debby Pope, a school board member, said: "We hope that they will be able to help us see the candidate in a different way." The deadline for applications is noon on Tuesday, with selected panelists notified the following week. The board aims to conclude the search by December, seeking a leader with public education experience and a community-centered approach. The new CEO will need to hold an Illinois teachers license and a superintendent certificate, emphasizing the importance of educational background in prioritizing student needs.

 

Chicago Sun Times

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is poised to approve a contract with CDW, a technology supplier, worth up to $60m over four years to enhance the tracking of its devices. The decision follows investigations by Chalkbeat and WBEZ, which revealed significant losses of technology devices during the pandemic. Bart Epstein, an education technology expert, emphasized the importance of proper implementation, stating: "An RFID system automates the counting of devices, but it does not eliminate the humans." CPS aims to reduce its annual loss rate from 11% to 7% through this initiative, which will utilize radio frequency identification (RFID) technology. The district has acknowledged past challenges in managing its technology assets and is committed to improving accountability among staff. The school board is expected to vote on the contract later this month.

 

Chicago Sun Times

Columbus City Schools (CCS) is grappling with a financial crisis, prompting the board to consider closing additional schools and altering busing requirements for thousands of students. Superintendent Angela Chapman must present a plan for budget reductions by the end of November. The board is contemplating the closure of four schools, which could save over $3.5m annually and protect $65m in state investments. Additionally, a new policy allows the district to opt out of busing high school students, potentially affecting over 2,000 students. The district's financial challenges stem from reduced state funding, inflation, and a projected $10m penalty for transportation noncompliance. As Chapman noted: "The district will run out of money by fiscal year 2029." CCS is also planning community engagement sessions to discuss these issues further.

 

The Columbus Dispatch

The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has initiated an investigation into approximately 2,000 Waymo self-driving vehicles following reports of unsafe behavior near stopped school buses. According to a media report, one incident involved a robotaxi that initially halted beside a school bus but then proceeded to drive around it, disregarding the extended stop arm while students were disembarking. Waymo has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding the investigation.

 

U.S. News

California has enacted a new law mandating phonics-based reading instruction in elementary and middle school classrooms. Signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom, the law aims to enhance literacy through training for school principals and reading specialists in the “science of reading.” This method emphasizes vocabulary, comprehension, and phonetic skills over sight words. Marshall Tuck, chief executive of EdVoice, said: “California has one of the best literacy policy frameworks in the country right now.” The law also updates educational materials to align with phonics and includes provisions for optional implementation, allowing schools to retain existing curricula if desired. Assemblywoman Blanca Rubio, a co-author of the bill, expressed hope that the law will empower teachers and improve student outcomes, stating: “It can shape someone's whole life.” With $200m allocated for teacher training, the initiative aims to support a significant shift in reading instruction across California.

 

U.S. News

A national survey by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM) has found that 67% of U.S. adults believe school cafeterias should offer plant-based meals and nondairy milk alternatives like soy milk. Support was especially strong among younger respondents. The findings coincide with National School Lunch Week and growing concern over childhood obesity, which now affects 20% of U.S. youth. Nutritionist Stephanie McBurnett highlighted health benefits such as reduced fat and cholesterol, improved fibre intake, and better overall nutrition. The PCRM supports legislative efforts like the Healthy Future Students and Earth Pilot Program Act to fund plant-based options and address current legal barriers. Misconceptions about lactose intolerance persist, despite its high prevalence in communities of colour, and advocates argue soy milk is a safe and nutritionally equivalent alternative. The group also contests the belief that plant-based meals are more expensive, citing research suggesting they can be more cost-effective.

 

Newsweek

Private school leaders in Alabama are expressing concerns regarding the enrollment multiplier and competitive balance factor, which they believe create inequitable opportunities for their student-athletes compared to public schools. In response, they plan to seek greater representation on the Alabama High School Athletic Association's (AHSAA) Central Board of Control. A meeting was called by the AHSAA on October 14 to address these concerns with member private high schools. Beckie Share, principal of Tuscaloosa Academy, stated: "The secondary meeting was really to focus on our particular issues and what options we had to move forward." This marks a significant moment as it is the first time independent school leaders in the state have convened to discuss their collective challenges.

 

Tuscaloosa News

An Ohio common pleas judge, Jaiza Page, has issued a temporary restraining order allowing high school athletes in the state to profit from their name, image, and likeness (NIL). This ruling affects approximately 818 schools within the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA). Jasmine Brown, the mother of top prospect Jamier Brown, filed the lawsuit, claiming her son has lost over $100,000 in potential NIL deals. Luke Fedlam, Brown's attorney, said: "This is a significant ruling not only for Jamier but high school athletes across the state of Ohio." The OHSAA previously rejected an NIL proposal in 2022 but is now expected to expedite discussions on the matter. A preliminary injunction hearing is scheduled for December 15. Fedlam emphasized that high school NIL regulations differ from those at the college level, ensuring the integrity of sports remains intact.

 

U.S. News