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Recent federal data indicates a resurgence in enrollment for teacher preparation programs across the U.S., marking a potential shift toward addressing the long-standing teacher shortage crisis. From 2018 to 2022, these programs saw a 12% increase in enrollment, adding approximately 46,231 candidates. This growth, particularly significant during the pandemic, was observed in states like Maryland, Arkansas, and Florida, among others. Despite this encouraging development, the overall landscape remains challenging. The surge is not yet sufficient to meet the escalating demand for teachers, especially in regions like the South and Midwest or in specialized areas such as special education and math. The shortage is exacerbated by a broader educational downturn, with a national reduction of 300,000 teachers prepared annually compared to a decade ago, influenced by economic strains and shifting public perceptions of the teaching profession. Efforts to revitalize interest in teaching have included financial incentives such as stipends for student teachers in states like Colorado and Michigan, and a significant $30,000 living stipend in Maryland. These initiatives aim to make the teaching career path more viable and attractive. However, the challenge extends beyond just recruiting new teachers. The sector is also grappling with high attrition rates, with 10% of teachers leaving the profession by the end of the 2021-22 school year, up from 6% pre-pandemic, according to RAND Corporation. This underscores the need for a multifaceted approach that not only boosts recruitment but also enhances job satisfaction and retention through improved working conditions and opportunities for professional growth.

 

The 74

Even before the pandemic-induced disruptions, America's education system was experiencing a decline in student performance. New research from Stanford economists attributes this to the 2015 Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), which marked a significant shift from the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) of 2001. NCLB's rigorous standards for student testing and school performance showed gradual improvements in education, but it also faced criticism from various stakeholders leading to its replacement by ESSA. ESSA, criticized for its leniency, reverted significant control back to states, moving away from NCLB’s more centralized, outcome-based approaches which linked teacher evaluations and policies directly to student performance. This shift towards more input-based policies (e.g., valuing teacher experience or qualifications over direct performance outcomes) correlated with a slight decline in student learning outcomes, a trend exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The retreat from proactive educational reform has had significant consequences, particularly for Black and Hispanic students who have historically benefited the most from stringent educational standards. Current educational policies, influenced by a broader political and social backlash against standardized testing and accountability, risk undermining the potential for real improvements in educational equity. As political will for substantial educational reform wanes, the need for a focused, bipartisan effort to revitalize America’s educational system becomes ever more critical. The potential for reform, particularly in a favorable economic climate that could support merit-based rewards for teachers rather than punitive measures, represents a hopeful pathway. Yet, achieving this requires a national consensus on the importance of quality education and the political courage to implement effective reforms.

 

Bloomberg

Ohio senators' changes to House Bill 8, referred to as the parents' bill of rights, bring the potential law more in line with Florida's controversial law nicknamed the "Don't Say Gay" law by opponents. The bill has sparked controversy as opponents argue that it will force the outing of students to their parents and targets LGBTQ students or students with LGBTQ families. Supporters argue that it's about giving parents authority over their children. The bill originally required schools to notify parents about sexually explicit learning materials, but has since been changed to "sexuality content." The bill also explicitly requires parents to be informed if a student requests to identify as a gender that does not align with their biological sex. The bill has faced criticism for potentially endangering students' safety and violating their privacy. The changes to the bill have caused debate and outrage among various groups. The bill passed the Ohio House in June and is now being reviewed by the Senate.

 

The Columbus Dispatch

The Alaska House of Representatives has passed House Bill 254, which seeks to regulate children's access to online content by banning those under 14 from using social media and requiring age verification for viewing internet pornography. The bill, which received bipartisan support, now moves to the state Senate for further consideration. This legislation raises significant concerns about privacy and free speech, with detractors warning of potential legal challenges. Proponents argue that the measures are necessary to protect young people from harmful content, citing mental health and developmental impacts. The bill also includes a provision for a state voucher to assist parents in purchasing content-filtering software.

 

The 74

Florida has joined other Republican-led states in rejecting the federal government's pending revisions to Title IX guidelines. The updates to Title IX, which aim to protect against discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation, have been met with resistance. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis said that the state "will not comply" with the changes, potentially endangering access to federal education funding. DeSantis accused President Joe Biden of injecting gender ideology into children's education and undermining the rights of girls and women. The state's rejection aligns with its history of marginalizing LGBTQ+ student concerns. Other states, including Oklahoma, Louisiana, and South Carolina, have also indicated their unwillingness to follow the revised guidelines. The governor's stance has been reinforced by Education Commissioner Manny Diaz Jr., who has instructed superintendents not to implement the changes. The rejection comes as the 2024 presidential election approaches and political tensions rise.

 

Tampa Bay Times

The growing reliance on technology for communication between parents and teachers offers both opportunities and challenges in enhancing family engagement in education. Tools like ClassDojo and Seesaw have transformed the way educators interact with families, providing real-time insights into the classroom through instant messaging and updates. This shift has improved transparency and allowed for more dynamic interactions, making it easier for parents to get involved in their children's education from a distance. However, the increased use of these platforms also raises concerns about accessibility and privacy. Not all families have equal access to the necessary technology, which can create disparities in communication. Furthermore, the handling of sensitive information such as student photos and progress reports necessitates stringent data privacy measures to protect against misuse. Despite these challenges, the benefits of digital communication tools are significant. They can strengthen the connection between families and schools by providing a continuous stream of information that supports learning at home. To maximize the advantages and mitigate the risks, schools need to ensure that these digital tools are used as part of a broader strategy that includes traditional communication methods. This approach helps maintain a balanced interaction that respects families' time and privacy while promoting an inclusive educational environment.

 

Education Week

Allowing community colleges to offer K-12 credentials could be a solution to the teacher shortage in rural California counties, according to a report from the UCLA Center for the Transformation of Schools. The report highlights nine rural counties that lack teacher preparation programs within 60 miles of their county offices of education, leading to a higher percentage of underprepared teachers. The study suggests expanding early childhood education programs at community colleges to include K-12 licensing programs and developing residency programs in collaboration with county offices of education. The report also recommends comprehensive support for recruiting and retaining teachers in these counties, including financial support, mentorship programs, and professional development. Collaboration among community colleges, universities, and the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing is needed to implement these changes.

 

EdSource

Amidst concerns of a potential state takeover of Florida's Broward County's School District, Howard Hepburn has been finalized as the fourth permanent Superintendent in just over three years. He replaces Peter B. Licata, who resigned due to medical issues after only nine months. The district faces various challenges, including demands from the state Education Board to allocate $80m to charter schools and a significant decline in student enrollment. The turbulence in the district intensified in 2022 when Governor Ron DeSantis suspended four School Board members due to mismanagement issues. The appointment of Hepburn has raised questions from some board members, including Dan Foganholi, who was appointed by DeSantis. He said: “Dr. Licata went through a process. And we’re now bypassing that and giving it to someone that did not go through that process."

 

Florida Politics

Leon County Schools have experienced a significant decline in student enrollment over the past five years, resulting in a loss of state funding. The pandemic, along with increased competition from charter and private schools, has contributed to this decline. Duval County Public Schools is also considering closing schools due to low enrollment and high costs. The issue of downsizing has been raised in Tallahassee, with school board member Alva Swafford Smith suggesting the possibility of closing schools to address the enrollment decline. However, despite the decline, the superintendent of Leon County Schools, Rocky Hanna, said that there are no plans to close schools at this time. The district has implemented a rebranding campaign to compete with charter and private schools and attract more students.

 

Tallahassee.com

As a $60m budget shortfall is facing Austin ISD, at the same time as enrollment numbers are slowly declining. Transfer data from the Texas Education Agency shows 22% of AISD families left the district in the 2022-23 school year. Data shows 90% of students that transferred out of AISD for the 2023-24 school year chose a charter school. Wayside Schools saw over 1,600 students transfer in for the 2022-23 school year, with 76% coming from AISD. The district's enrollment for the same year was over 73,000, capturing about 66% of local students.

 

Community Impact Newspaper

Montana's Board of Public Education has approved 19 new public charter schools this year, with more applications expected to be submitted this summer. The new schools are a significant addition to Montana's education system, following the passage of House Bill 549. The rollout of the schools faced a dispute between the Montana Quality Education Coalition and the Office of Public Instruction, but a judge has temporarily resolved the issue. The judge's order requires compliance with the Office of Public Instruction's school opening statutes, except for the requirements of a parental petition, county superintendent approval, and county commission approval. The order is seen as a win for both the Montana Quality Education Coalition and the Office of Public Instruction. The new charter schools are set to open in the fall, providing more options for students and families in the state.

 

Great Falls Tribune