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Over the past 15 years, racial and economic segregation has significantly increased in large U.S. school districts, according to a study by Sean Reardon and Ann Owens of the Stanford University Center on Poverty and Inequality. The study tracked the demographics of schools from 1967 to 2022, highlighting a regression in student exposure to other races and income levels since 1991. In particular, 533 school districts serving the majority of Black K-12 public students saw a 25% increase in Black-white segregation. Hispanic and Asian students, as well as those eligible for free meals, also experience more segregation now compared to 1991. The researchers attribute the rise in segregation not to neighborhood segregation, which has declined, but to the cessation of efforts to integrate schools beyond neighborhood patterns, coupled with the expansion of charter schools and other school choice programs following reduced court oversight. This shift away from court-enforced integration policies, such as bussing and rezoning, has allowed schools to revert to their local demographic patterns, intensifying segregation, according to the research.

 

Education Week News

State Sen. Erin Grall sponsored a bill allowing religious chaplains in public school districts in Florida. The new law, set to take effect in July, has already attracted attention from the Satanic Temple, who expressed interest in participating. While Governor Ron DeSantis dismissed concerns about Satanists being involved, Grall herself acknowledged the constitutional problems that may arise. The law does not define what constitutes a legitimate religion, potentially opening the door for various religious groups to bring their chaplains into schools. Parents may have concerns about their children being exposed to non-mainstream religions and alien belief systems. The law also raises practical considerations, such as defining the services chaplains would offer and the logistics of their presence in schools. Critics argue that the law may distract from improving classroom instruction and that it was passed without fully considering its potential consequences.

 

TCPalm

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed a controversial teacher-training bill that seeks to prevent "indoctrination" in teacher-preparation programs at colleges and universities. The bill, which will take effect on July 1, prohibits the inclusion of "identity politics" in these programs. Supporters argue that the bill prevents teacher-preparation programs from becoming captive to a political agenda, while opponents claim that it limits freedom of speech and prevents honest discussions about the country's history. The Southern Poverty Law Center criticized the bill, stating that it silences educational programs that teach empathy and respect for all. The bill also applies to programs that prepare school leaders such as principals.

 

Orlando Weekly

The vote to codify the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's definition of antisemitism in schools has raised concerns among Democrats who fear it could limit freedom of speech. The bill, H.R. 6090, would require schools receiving federal funding to comply with the definition. Republicans have criticized higher education institutions that are the sites of protests and are calling for tougher oversight and funding cuts. Columbia University has been a focal point of protests, with students demanding the university cut financial ties with companies doing business with Israel. The New York Police Department was deployed to the campus after students occupied a building. Arkansas Sen. Tom Cotton and other Republicans are urging university presidents to crack down on protests and protect Jewish students. Democrats argue that the bill's language is too broad and could curtail freedom of speech. The bill's supporters say a clear definition of antisemitism is needed to ensure the safety of Jewish students.

 

Florida Phoenix

Anne Arundel school leaders have given County Executive Steuart Pittman's proposed $2.3bn fiscal 2025 budget a passing grade, despite receiving $37m less than requested. The budget includes a $48m increase in funding for schools, a step increase and a 3% cost-of-living adjustment for teachers and school staff. It also provides funding for three new schools opening this fall and meets all Maryland Blueprint for Education requirements. However, the expiration of federal COVID relief grants will impact the school system's budget. The proposed budget fully funds a step increase for eligible employees and includes $183.1m for school system capital projects. While some areas were not fully funded, school leaders express confidence in the county's ability to meet its obligations. Superintendent Mark Bedell commends the county executive for prioritizing the school system while addressing critical needs in other parts of county government.

 

The Baltimore Sun

North Carolina Senate Republicans have approved legislation to set aside approximately $500m for programs that provide taxpayer money to help K-12 students attend private schools. The legislation aims to eliminate waiting lists and meet the surge in demand for Opportunity Scholarship grants. The bill, which could reach the desk of Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper next week if the House votes on the Senate language, removes income caps and eligibility requirements, resulting in a six-fold increase in new applications. However, critics argue that the wealthiest families should not receive taxpayer-funded scholarships for private schools. The bill also faces opposition due to concerns about academic accountability and potential discrimination in private schools. The measure would allocate additional funds to eliminate waiting lists and increase spending for the next school year. The bill also addresses Education Student Accounts for students with disabilities.

 

U.S. News

The Mississippi Supreme Court has declined to rule on whether the state is violating its own constitution with a program that would spend $10m of public money on infrastructure grants for private schools. The court ruled 7-2 that an advocacy group lacked legal standing to sue the state. In a dissent, Justice Leslie King wrote that Parents for Public Schools has proper legal standing because it represents parents of public school students. The grants were put on hold after the American Civil Liberties Union of Mississippi, the Mississippi Center for Justice and Democracy Forward sued the state. Hinds County Chancery Judge Crystal Wise Martin blocked the law in October 2022 after Parents for Public Schools argued the grants would give private schools a competitive advantage over public schools. Legislators created a separate program to provide interest-free loans to public schools to improve buildings and other facilities. The grants to private schools would not need to be repaid.

 

U.S. News

Alabama lawmakers have given final approval to legislation establishing a new high school focused on preparing students for careers in healthcare, science, and technology. The Alabama School of Healthcare Sciences will be a tuition-free public high school located in Demopolis, aimed at addressing the shortage of healthcare workers in the state. The bill received a 28-3 vote in the Alabama Senate and now awaits Gov. Kay Ivey's signature. The proposed education budget for the next fiscal year includes a $15m appropriation for the school. "Students from all over Alabama will soon benefit from an education at this specialty high school and then go on to bolster our healthcare workforce," said Ivey. The new high school is expected to be a valuable addition to the state's educational system.

 

Montgomery Advertiser

Valencia College has partnered with Orange and Osceola County school districts to combat the ongoing teacher shortage in Florida. The collaboration involves the implementation of Elementary Education Apprenticeships, which allow college students to gain classroom experience while working towards their teaching degrees. Both school districts estimate a need for 500 new elementary school teachers annually. Valencia College President Dr. Kathleen Plinske emphasizes the value of students simultaneously studying and gaining practical experience. The program enables students to work in nearby schools, earn college credit, and receive guidance from teacher mentors. The Florida Education Association reports over 7,500 job openings for teachers and educational support staff, potentially leaving numerous students without full-time teachers. Participating students can also complete their bachelor's degree for less than $10,000. Ruby Berthole, a Valencia College student, expresses excitement about the program's benefits, including financial support and valuable experience.

 

News 13

The Washougal School District's board of directors has named Aaron Hansen as the interim superintendent for the 2024-2025 school year. Current Superintendent Mary Templeton will be moving elsewhere in Washington, to take the helm of the Lake Stevens School District. Hansen has been with the Washougal School District for 23 years and has served as the assistant superintendent of human resources and student services for the past five years. He has also held various positions such as classroom teacher, instructional coach, assistant principal, and principal of Washougal High School. Hansen expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to lead in such a supportive community. His first day as interim superintendent will be on July 1.

 

The Columbian

A new review suggests that implementing school mandates for the HPV vaccination could significantly boost immunization rates among American adolescents. Currently, only about half of American children are up-to-date with their HPV shots, which are crucial in preventing cervical and other cancers linked to the human papillomavirus. The study, led by Brigid Grabert, found that not only do such mandates increase HPV vaccination rates, but mandating other vaccines also has a "spillover" effect, encouraging more comprehensive vaccination coverage, including for HPV. Presently, only a few regions—Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, Virginia, and Washington, D.C.—require the HPV vaccine for school entry. Grabert emphasizes the importance of these findings for policymakers, highlighting that effective strategies are essential to increase HPV vaccination and reduce related cancers and diseases.

 

Killeen Daily Herald

Moore County News Press

In Wisconsin, public and private schools are required to run at least one annual drill for responding to a "school violence event." The drills can include lockdown procedures, reunification of students and families, and other safety measures. One popular model is the "ALICE" Training, which focuses on alert, lockdown, inform, counter, and evacuate. Mental health professionals warn that some drills can be traumatic for children, so the Wisconsin Department of Justice recommends following guidance from the National Association of School Psychologists to reduce trauma. Wisconsin schools must also produce annual evaluations of their drills and share them with the state DOJ, along with a school safety plan and blueprints of every building. All school employees in Wisconsin are required to receive training about mandatory reporting of school violence threats every five years.

 

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