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Preliminary findings from a study conducted by researchers at Kennesaw State University indicate that cellphone bans in middle schools may enhance teacher well-being and reduce stress levels. Mei-Lin Chang, a professor of educational research, noted: "What I've found in my other research where we look at teacher burnout is that a lot of them are saying the classroom dynamic is different." The study surveyed teachers in the Marietta City School District, Georgia, revealing that 90% felt the ban improved classroom management and 85% reported enhanced overall well-being. While some teachers have expressed concerns about the logistical challenges of enforcing such bans, Chang emphasized the importance of supporting teachers to ensure successful implementation. The study aligns with broader trends, as at least 32 states have enacted laws to restrict cellphone use in schools. Chang plans to conduct further research to assess the long-term effects of these policies on teacher satisfaction and student engagement.

 

Education Week News

In response to rising discrimination, California has established a new Office of Civil Rights within the Department of Education, signed into law by Gov. Gavin Newsom. This office will include a staff of at least six, including an antisemitism coordinator, to educate school districts and investigate discrimination complaints. “I think it's a good idea and the state of California will pull it off,” said Gary Orfield, co-director of the Civil Rights Project at UCLA. The initiative aims to eliminate bias in classrooms and ensure protection for all students. However, it faced opposition from the California Teachers Association, which expressed concerns about potential restrictions on teachers' free speech. The office will oversee antidiscrimination cases and provide resources to schools, with the authority to recommend funding cuts for non-compliance.

 

San Mateo Daily Journal

The search for a new chief excutive of Chicago Public Schools has encountered significant delays, with the school board reconsidering its process. Michilla Blaise, an appointed board member, stated that the board is “reconsidering the process,” while Jessica Biggs, an elected board member, confirmed that finalist interviews are being rescheduled. The board initially aimed to have a new leader in place by the end of the year, following the dismissal of former CEO Pedro Martinez in June. However, the timeline remains uncertain as board members have declined to disclose details due to nondisclosure agreements. The search process began in the spring, incorporating community feedback, and aimed to ensure the new CEO possesses a superintendent's license. Mayor Brandon Johnson emphasized the importance of the position, stating: “There’s a reason why a lot of folks want this position, because they’re going to have a mayor who believes in public education.” The board's commitment to transparency has faced criticism, particularly from the Chicago Teachers Union.

 

Chalkbeat

The Philadelphia principals union, the Commonwealth Association of School Administrators Teamsters Local 502 (CASA), has reached a tentative contract agreement with the school district that includes salary increases and recognizes administrators as "vital partners in the educational process." CASA President Robin Cooper stated that the agreement addresses key issues such as wage equity for experienced administrators and includes "collaborative language" affirming their role as "pivotal change agents." Superintendent Tony Watlington emphasized that the agreement provides "stability, clarity, and momentum" for their partnership and supports the district's five-year strategic plan. The tentative agreement will be presented to union members for a vote at a later date.

 

WHYY

Chalkbeat

Philly Voice

Parents and faculty at the Newark School of the Arts are advocating for the resignation of Executive Director Divad Sanders and Board Chair Lori Scott-Pickens following the abrupt closure of the afterschool and weekend arts academy. Paddie Donohue, a grandparent affected by the closure, said: "Our goal is 500 signatures." The petition has garnered approximately 100 signatures so far. The closure, attributed to unspecified financial concerns, follows a projected year-end deficit of over $300,000 on a budget of $1.3m. The leadership described the closure as a 90-day "pause" to restructure the school's finances. However, many parents, including Rocio Magana, expressed frustration over the lack of communication and leadership foresight. The school's bylaws do not clearly outline the process for removing board members, but they do state that a majority of the board must approve any removal. Newark's Director of Cultural Affairs, fayemi shakur, has pledged to meet with Sanders to discuss the school's future.

 

NJ.com

As generative artificial intelligence (AI) becomes increasingly integrated into educational settings, educators face the challenge of balancing its benefits with potential drawbacks. During a K-12 Essentials Forum session moderated by Education Week Deputy Managing Editor Kevin Bushweller, panelists discussed the importance of a cautious approach. Aaron Cinquemani, principal of Woodstock Union Middle and High School in Vermont, emphasized the need for schools to "go slow and steady" in adopting AI technologies. Justin Reich, an associate professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, highlighted the necessity of being open to criticism and the evolving nature of AI, commenting: "We should be definitely open to the possibility that these tools harm student development." The panelists advocated for flexible policies and the teaching of AI literacy to ensure responsible use among students and staff. As the technology continues to evolve, schools must remain adaptable and informed.

 

Education Week News

California schools are utilizing a $7m state grant to combat youth suicide through the Creating Opportunities in Preventing and Eliminating Suicide (COPES) initiative. This program implements a suicide risk screener based on the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating scale, which consists of six questions aimed at identifying students at risk. Sarah Cozik, an education specialist, emphasized the importance of understanding a student's intent and means when they express suicidal thoughts, stating: “If a student comes in and they are saying things like, ‘I just don’t want to be here anymore, I just want to die,’... we sit down with the student and talk with them.” The initiative has led to a decrease in reported suicidal thoughts among students, with Lemon Grove reporting a drop from 22% to 13% in students considering suicide. Despite potential cuts to social workers, the program aims to maintain support through new policies and resource mapping.

 

EdSource

Schools across the U.S. are embracing unique Thanksgiving traditions to teach gratitude and community service. At Pilgrim Park Middle School in Wisconsin, students “stuff the boat” with donated food items, collecting over 3,600 this year. In Texas, Sundown Middle School Principal Miguel Salazar set up a hallway microphone for students to share gratitude messages, creating a heartfelt video compilation. Colorado’s Mountain Vista School introduced thank-you note writing and pumpkin hunts, while Nevada’s Northeast Career and Technical Academy hosted a student-led Thanksgiving parade, blending fun with real-world learning. “It takes intentionality and planning,” said principal Nicole Paxton.

 

Education Week News

Aging K-12 school infrastructure remains a major challenge, with many facilities nearing 50 years old and fewer than half having seen major renovations. Despite significant investment in new buildings, maintenance of existing schools is often underfunded. Effective facilities planning must begin with aligning infrastructure to educational goals, focusing on programmatic offerings that attract students and improve outcomes. Assessments of both physical condition and educational adequacy help identify infrastructure gaps, leading to long-term, community-informed planning. Demographic shifts, such as declining birth rates and housing affordability, are further complicating enrolment forecasts and facilities planning decisions.

 

School Construction News

A recent performance audit by the Office of the Washington State Auditor indicates that Washington state charter schools are effectively serving at-risk students. The audit analyzed four Catalyst Public Schools, Pinnacles Prep, Rainier Prep, and Innovation High School, and found that they implemented numerous leading practices to support these students. State Auditor Pat McCarthy said: "While this report is not a close examination of all charter schools, it nonetheless offers examples of approaches that could serve at-risk students." The audit highlighted the schools' strengths in collaboration, family engagement, and culturally responsive learning environments. However, it also noted that the results cannot be generalized to all charter schools in the state. Chris Korsmo, executive director of the Washington State Charter Schools Association, expressed optimism about the findings, emphasizing the need for continued improvement across the public school system.

 

The Columbian

The International Dyslexia Association (IDA) has removed the phrase “unexpected in relation to other cognitive abilities” from its definition of dyslexia, challenging the long-used discrepancy model. Charles Haynes of the MGH Institute explained: “People with below-average IQs can demonstrate word-reading and spelling difficulties that don't differ… from people who are of average or superior IQ.” Critics argue this change may overlook gifted dyslexic students. Though IDA doesn’t set policy, Nicole Fuller from the National Center for Learning Disabilities noted, “It does mark a shift,” potentially influencing how states screen and support students.

 

Education Week News

British Columbia has launched a four-month independent review into the sustainability of public post-secondary education funding, led by former deputy education minister Don Avison, amid layoffs, rising costs, and a sharp drop in international student enrolment following federal visa caps. Post-secondary groups have criticised the tight timeline and lack of new funding, while the province maintains it cannot offer additional support despite a C$1.2bn ($851m) increase in operating grants since 2016. Student and faculty representatives warn the review could lead to tuition hikes, campus closures, and long-term damage to the sector. 

 

CBC News

Toronto Star