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More than a dozen Republican-led states are suing the Biden administration over new Title IX regulations that include protections for transgender students. The Education Department unveiled the final changes to Title IX, which also cover discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. The lawsuits argue that the new regulations are "plainly illegal" and undermine protections for cisgender students. The regulations would also prevent states from enforcing laws that bar transgender student-athletes from competing on sports teams consistent with their gender identity. The legal battle with the White House increases the likelihood that the measures will be blocked in court before taking effect. The administration's Title IX revamp would also bolster nondiscrimination protections for pregnant students and change how schools handle claims of sexual harassment and assault. If the lawsuits are successful, it would deal a significant blow to LGBTQ students, especially in the South where most of the lawsuits were filed. Elections have consequences for the long-term trajectory of any litigation on this matter.

 

The Hill

State laws that permit teachers to carry guns in schools have been deemed "dangerous" by U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona, who added they could lead to accidents and tragedy. He expressed his concerns during an interview at the EdWeek Leadership Symposium. While some argue that arming teachers is necessary to address active shooter situations, Cardona questioned the effectiveness and safety of this approach. He raised concerns about the potential for a less safe school environment if armed teachers are absent, as well as the possibility of parents lobbying for or against armed teachers. The interview also saw Cardona emphasize the need for states to increase funding for schools as federal aid diminishes. He urged states to invest more in K-12 education to ensure a smooth transition and avoid resource shortages. Cardona said that, in the future, he aims to strengthen privacy laws to protect students from harm on the internet.

 

Education Week News

The Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) is negotiating a new contract with the public school system and is asking for an additional $50 billion to cover wage increases and other demands. The demands include members getting 9% annual wage increases through fiscal year 2028. Despite underwhelming results for students, the union is pushing for fully paid abortions, new migrant services, LGBT-related requirements, and training in schools. The leaked demands also address disparities in healthcare, with 100% coverage benefits for abortion care and fertility. The union wants more taxpayer funds to go to migrants, earmarking $2,000 for each migrant. They also want unused school facilities to be converted into housing for migrants. Other demands include annual LGBTQ+ training for workers and educators, gender-neutral bathrooms in every school, and policies prohibiting the disclosure of a student's rejection of their sex.

 

Fox News

Memphis-Shelby County Schools is asking the county for more than $200 million in funding for school buildings, both to address maintenance needs at existing schools and to support construction of two new high schools. Completing construction of the two new high schools would deliver on a promise to Frayser families, plus the communities at three Germantown schools that the state is forcing the district to close. The request is also aimed at tackling a long backlog of existing facility needs, including new fire alarm systems, roofs, and heating and air upgrades. The district is petitioning others for funding, too, she said, including the City of Memphis, which has not had a funding relationship with the district in years. “We have immediate needs in several buildings, almost 100 buildings, right now,” said Superintendent Marie Feagins. “There are multiple ways to move this forward. I’m confident that we’ll get it done.”

 

Chalkbeat

A top Florida public school, A.D. Henderson School in Boca Raton, credits its pupils' strong test scores to the flexibility its instructors are given in the classroom. The school administrators allow their staff high levels of classroom creativity, which has resulted in the school scoring in the top 1% to 3% in every subject and grade level on the state's latest standardized tests. The school's teachers place an emphasis on science, technology, and maths, supplemented by arts and humanities studies. The school's success can be duplicated anywhere if administrators cede some control and give teachers the freedom to teach beyond the textbook. Autonomy has a high correlation to faculty morale and success, but it must be paired with administrative support. The school's emphasis on project-based learning and hands-on activities has led to high student engagement and achievement. The success of the school has also resulted in grants and recognition, such as winning a national drone competition. The teachers at the school are praised for their dedication and training, which has helped students excel.

 

U.S. News

Lawyers have filed an administrative complaint against Flagler Schools on behalf of Brendan Depa, a former special education student facing 30 years in jail for assaulting a school aide. The complaint alleges that the school district failed to meet Depa's needs as required by the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. The complaint will go through the Department of Administrative Hearings and be decided upon by a judge. Depending on the outcome, the case could possibly go on to federal court. The complaint is seeking compensatory education for Depa. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act ensures that students with disabilities are provided education that meets their unique needs. The complaint states that the school district's plan and support services were not sufficient, and that staff training was inadequate. The goal of the Act is to have students graduate school as independent and productive members of society. The filed complaint is separate from the criminal case, but the lawyer believes that if Depa's disabilities had been adequately provided for, the incident might not have happened.

 

PalmCoastObserver.com

Low-income families in Illinois with school-aged children may be eligible for $120 in grocery benefits per child this summer thanks to a new federally funded program. The Summer EBT program aims to replace free school meals during the summer break. Participating families will receive a one-time grocery debit card loaded with $120 per child, which can be used at all SNAP locations. Families with a household income that's 185% below the poverty line are eligible for the program. Families already receiving public assistance benefits will automatically receive the benefits. The program is a proven strategy for reducing food insecurity and ensuring children remain nourished and active during the summer.

 

Chicago Sun Times

When Illing Middle School in Connecticut banned cellphones, it sparked objections from students and parents. However, the ban has already generated profound and unexpected results. Scores of schools across the country have taken similar steps to remove cellphones altogether. Concerns over the harmful effects of cellphones and social media on children have led to rising bipartisan alarm. The use of cellphone pouches, made by a company called Yondr, has become increasingly popular in schools. The pouches are locked and stay with students until dismissal. Educators have found that the pouches have been transformative, leading to increased focus and decreased distractions. While some parents initially had concerns, many have come to appreciate the benefits of the ban. Students have reported positive changes, including reduced vaping, less social media-fueled conflict, and increased face-to-face interaction. The ban has also highlighted the need for alternative communication methods and safety protocols in schools.

 

Boston Globe

Detroit Public Schools Superintendent Nikolai Vitti, along with other members of the district's board, is calling lawmakers to help address what they describe as an “increasingly alarming” rise in student use of marijuana edibles and vape pens containing marijuana. From the 2019-20 to the 2020-21 school years, the Detroit Public Schools Community District had 289 drug-related incidents. Between the 2021-22 and 2022-23 school years, there were 1,735 incidents. It is unclear how many of those incidents included marijuana use. “This school year alone, we have already faced 745 drug-related infractions as of last week,” Vitti wrote in a letter to federal, state and local governments. “A week of school rarely passes where a student is not taken to the hospital due to intentional or unintentional consumption of edibles."

 

Chalkbeat