Become a more informed educator in minutes....

Enikia Ford Morthel, superintendent of Berkeley USD in California, is to travel to Washington, D.C., for a May 8th hearing to testify in front of congressional members amid allegations of antisemitism in her schools. The district of 9,100 students battles accusations that it has become an unwelcome place for Jews since the October 7th Hamas attack on Israel and Israel's retaliatory war in Gaza. In March, the Louis D. Brandeis Center for Human Rights Under Law and the Anti-Defamation League filed a federal complaint with the Department of Education over “severe and persistent” harassment and discrimination against Jewish kids enrolled in Berkeley schools. Pro-Palestinian parents in the district have said that people making complaints conflate anti-Zionism with antisemitism. Ms. Morthel will be joined at the hearing by New York City Schools Chancellor David C. Banks and the board of education president of Montgomery County, Maryland, Karla Silvestre.

 

Los Angeles Times

Ruby Bridges Elementary School in Washington state is leading the way in inclusive education, creating an environment where students with disabilities can learn alongside their peers. The school, in partnership with the Haring Center for Inclusive Education at University of Washington, ensures that students with special needs spend 80%-100% of their academic time with grade-level peers, providing supports like assistive communication devices and flexible learning spaces. Research shows that inclusive education benefits all students, improving achievement and social skills. The model fosters a sense of belonging and dignity for students with disabilities, while also reducing staff turnover and creating a rewarding environment for educators. 

 

Education Week News

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is touting an education bill aimed at expediting the process of turning around failing schools and limiting the ability of adults to dominate the book challenge process of a school district their children do not attend. In a news conference at Warrington Preparatory Academy on Monday in Pensacola he said that HB 1285, which he said he will be signing "very soon," provides a clear and concise process for a struggling school to convert to a charter school, restricts the amount of book challenges for residents without children in their school district, and adds Purple Star school districts in the state. Expediting schools that are in turnaround status DeSantis' said if a school district’s plan to turn a school around does not succeed, the pathway for the school to find new direction and leadership should be simple and efficient. “We are really beefing up our turnaround school status,” he added.

 

Daytona Beach News Journal

Florida Phoenix

The Floridian

A new recruitment tactic in schools across the country involves high school seniors signing declarations of intent to become teachers. These future teacher signing days are gaining popularity as a way to strengthen the teacher pipeline and position teaching as a respected career. District leaders recognize the importance of targeting K-12 students to ensure a sustainable supply of teachers. By celebrating and encouraging students interested in teaching, signing days aim to change the negative perception of the profession. Some districts even offer incentives for students to return and teach in their communities. The signing ceremonies not only honor future teachers but also show appreciation for the current teachers who inspired them.

 

Education Week News

American Olympic athletes now have access to college degrees and other skills for life after sports through a partnership with the Denver-based education company Guild. The deal between Guild, the organizers of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, and the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee aims to assist athletes in transitioning to the next phase of their lives after retirement. Guild's online platform offers over 250 opportunities, including undergraduate and graduate programs, certification programs, and career counseling. The partnership addresses the need for career and professional development among Olympic and Paralympic athletes, with 60% of athletes aged 39 and younger expressing the need for assistance. The program has already attracted 95 athletes within days of its launch. Guild's services provide an opportunity for athletes to acquire skills for new careers that they may have missed out on while focusing on sports. The partnership aligns with the commitment to supporting athletes' overall well-being and offers fully funded programs, with the USOPC covering up to $10,000 a year for partially funded programs. Athletes can utilize Guild for up to 10 years after retirement.

 

U.S. News

Internet addiction in teenagers, particularly girls, is linked to high rates of school absence, according to a study. The research, based on data from a survey in Finland and published in the Internet addiction in teenagers, particularly girls, is linked to high rates of school absence, according to a study. The research, based on data from a survey in Finland and published in the Archives of Disease in Childhood journal, found that excessive internet use was associated with neglecting family and friends, as well as lack of sleep and anxiety when not online. Girls were 96% more likely than boys to be classified as excessive internet users. The study also revealed that excessive internet use increased the risk of truancy and medical school absences. The researchers suggested that digital media may tempt teens to stay home from school and hinder learning. The study emphasised the importance of promoting health and educational attainment in schools. Factors such as good relationships with parents and adequate sleep and exercise were found to be protective against truancy.   journal, found that excessive internet use was associated with neglecting family and friends, as well as lack of sleep and anxiety when not online. Girls were 96% more likely than boys to be classified as excessive internet users. The study also revealed that excessive internet use increased the risk of truancy and medical school absences. The researchers suggested that digital media may tempt teens to stay home from school and hinder learning. The study emphasised the importance of promoting health and educational attainment in schools. Factors such as good relationships with parents and adequate sleep and exercise were found to be protective against truancy.  

 

The Guardian

A new report from UNICEF shows that only 37% of schools across 10 states in Nigeria have early warning systems in place to identify threats such as school attacks. The analysis looked at 6 result areas – strong school system, violence against children, natural hazards, conflict, everyday hazards, and safe school infrastructure – and uncovered significant disparities in the implementation of safe school standards in states. "The kidnapping of the Chibok girls was a wake-up call to the severe risks our children face in their pursuit of education," said Cristian Munduate, a UNICEF representative in Nigeria. "Today, reflecting on this tragedy and other recent abductions, it is evident that our efforts to safeguard our children’s futures must be amplified. Given these alarming statistics, we must address not only the symptoms but also the root causes of this crisis. Education is a fundamental right and a crucial pathway out of poverty. Yet, for too many Nigerian children, it remains an unattainable dream.” 

 

The New Telegraph