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The recent shooting at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia, where a 14-year-old student killed two classmates and two teachers, has raised urgent questions about school threat assessments. The FBI had received several anonymous tips in May 2023 regarding online threats of a school shooting, but the Jackson County Sheriff's Office could not definitively link these to the suspect at the time. Dewey Cornell, a professor at the University of Virginia, emphasized the need for caution, stating: “We’ve got to not jump to conclusions about this particular case.” Experts stress the importance of comprehensive threat assessment strategies in schools, as 85% of public schools reported having a behavioral threat assessment team. However, challenges remain due to varying practices and a lack of resources. As Pauline Moore from the RAND Corporation noted: “There is such a volume of threats these days on social media against schools,” complicating the identification of real threats.

 

Education Week News

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has announced the application window for its $200m Schools and Libraries Cybersecurity Pilot Program, running from September 17 to November 1. The three-year program aims to enhance cybersecurity in educational institutions, offering funds between $15,000 and $1.5m based on a $13.60-per-student funding formula. Schools and libraries can use the funds for advanced firewalls, endpoint protection, identity authentication, and network monitoring. The program is separate from the FCC's E-rate program but shares eligibility requirements. Schools are encouraged to apply early to ensure eligibility verification. The initiative comes as schools face a surge in cyberattacks, with 121 incidents reported in 2023.

 

K-12 Dive

The emergence of artificial intelligence (AI)-generated nude images of students at Beverly Hills Middle School has sparked outrage among parents and officials. A report by Thorn, a tech company focused on combating child sexual abuse material, reveals that 11% of surveyed students aged nine to 17 are aware of peers using AI to create non-consensual nude images. Stefan Turkheimer, vice president of public policy for the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network, noted that “the numbers are certainly up, and up significantly,” indicating a rise in reports of deepfake abuse. While the survey found that 24% of youths aged 13 to 17 had been shown nude images without consent, this figure has decreased from previous years. The study highlights a concerning trend in digital abuse, with 6% of students reporting experiences of sextortion. Thorn's findings emphasize the urgent need for awareness and preventive measures in schools.

 

Los Angeles Times

New York City public schools will implement a new Black Studies curriculum this fall, covering pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. Developed by Columbia University's Teachers College's Black Education Research Center and funded by the New York City Council's Education Equity Action Plan (EEAP), the curriculum aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of inequality in the U.S. Sonya Douglass, a professor at Columbia, stated, “This is not a curriculum about a particular racial group, necessarily, but about the history of inequality and stratification hierarchy in the United States.” The curriculum will enhance existing school programs with additional units, activities, and lesson plans, contrasting with other states like Oklahoma and Texas that are removing certain educational materials. Douglass emphasized the importance of teaching the truth, saying: “We're in the midst of a struggle over the minds of our children.”

 

The Hill

Iowa City education leaders are exploring a new model called "pairing" to enhance educational equity and improve class sizes. This approach would involve younger elementary students attending one campus while older students would go to another, potentially starting in fall 2025. Eliza Proctor, executive director of elementary schools, emphasized the need for change, stating: “This isn't just about cost savings. It's about trying to elevate and improve our school experience.” The plan aims to reduce class sizes to an average of 22 students and create more balanced classrooms. Additionally, the district is considering implementing specialized academies to attract a diverse student body and provide unique educational opportunities. The proposal includes a three-year implementation plan, with community input being a priority. School board member Jayne Finch noted the urgency, saying: “It's ambitious, but we hear concerns from parents saying we have to do something about class sizes. We can't wait.”

 

The Gazette Cedar Rapids Iowa

The Cedar Rapids Community School District is urging voters to renew the Physical Plant and Equipment Levy (PPEL) to fund essential school improvements and maintenance. The levy, which must be renewed every 10 years, is crucial for projects like the recent expansion of the Metro Care Connection health clinic at Jefferson High School. Nurse practitioner Sam Pape stressed the importance of having a safe space for students, stating: “You want to have space for students to come and feel safe.” If approved, the PPEL is projected to generate nearly $146m over the next decade, supporting various projects including transportation and accessibility improvements. Other districts, such as North Linn and Central City, are also seeking voter approval for funding measures.

 

The Gazette Cedar Rapids Iowa

Hafsa Hamdaoui, a senior at Crofton High School, has been elected as the student representative on the Anne Arundel County Board of Education for the 2024-2025 academic year. “It's enjoyable because I'm so aware of the fact that where I am now and what I'm doing is such a privilege,” she stated. Hamdaoui, who began her duties on July 1, represents over 83,000 public school students in the county. Robert Silkworth, president of the board, praised her dedication, saying, “She is a great listener. She knows her role.” Motivated by her diverse experiences and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on her peers, Hamdaoui aims to address educational equity and mental health issues. She plans to pursue a law degree after graduating and is already engaged in her new role, looking forward to the next board meeting. “There's always more to learn,” she remarked.

 

The Baltimore Sun

U.S. teenagers’ e-cigarette use dropped by two-thirds over the past five years as health regulators cracked down on illegal sales and distribution of the addictive products. The National Youth Tobacco Survey of middle and high school students, conducted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, found that about 1.6m school children currently use the devices, a third of the 5m peak seen in 2019. Nearly half a million middle and high school students used nicotine pouches in 2024, about the same number as a year earlier, and more than one in five used them daily, the survey found. Brian King, director of the FDA’s Center for Tobacco Products, said: "Our guard is up. We’re closely monitoring the evolving tobacco product landscapes for threats to public health, particularly when it comes to kids".

 

Bloomberg

Between 2013 and 2022, 1,082 people lost their lives and 132,000 were injured in school bus accidents, according to a report by Brumley Law Firm and 1Point21 Interactive based on data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The report highlights that there were 976 fatal school bus crashes during this period, with an average of 108 deaths and 13,200 injuries annually. Notably, occupants of other vehicles are most likely to be killed in these accidents. The report also indicates a gradual decline in fatalities over the decade, attributed to advancements in safety measures. "School buses are among the most regulated vehicles in the United States," the report states, emphasizing their safety compared to standard cars. However, the report calls for improved safety laws, as only eight states have school bus seat belt laws.

 

School Bus Fleet