Become a more informed educator in minutes....

Staffing shortages in education have become a pressing issue, with 44% of public schools starting the year with teaching vacancies, particularly in high-poverty areas. The Institute of Education Sciences has launched a new center to analyze the teacher workforce and improve staffing strategies. Dan Goldhaber, principal investigator for the center, highlighted that while some areas may see a decline in K-12 enrollment, the demand for qualified teachers, especially in STEM and special education, remains high. The center will evaluate various recruitment and retention policies over the next five years, aiming to bolster the pipeline of new educators. Goldhaber noted, “You could have declining [full-time employees] in elementary ed., at the same time that you're still struggling to hire enough STEM teachers.”

 

Education Week News

Choose the Right Digital Curriculum

How do you determine which digital courses will meet your students’ and teachers’ needs best? Get expert answers to your digital curriculum questions in the free Digital Curriculum Buyer’s Guide from FlexPoint. While you learn how to identify quality digital courses, you’ll complete worksheets that will offer a clear path toward your goals. These insights, tips, and more are vital to making the right purchasing decisions for your school or district.

Download Free Guide

 

Natural light is crucial for the well-being of teachers and students, yet a significant number of educators report inadequate sunlight in their classrooms. According to a new survey by the EdWeek Research Center, 20% of teachers lack natural light entirely, while another 20% receive it for only half the school day. Mohamed Boubekri, an architecture professor at the University of Illinois, emphasizes that “we could be losing anywhere between 30 to 45 minutes of sleep per night because of not having natural light.” This lack of exposure can lead to various health issues, including anxiety and depression. Research indicates that classrooms with larger windows positively impact student performance, but glare can hinder test results. Boubekri suggests that teachers should enhance classroom lighting and take breaks outdoors to ensure adequate vitamin D exposure. Incorporating houseplants can also alleviate stress and improve academic outcomes.

 

Education Week News

Web Hutchins, a former Civic Educator of the Year, emphasizes the importance of voter registration and get-out-the-vote drives in schools to enhance civic engagement among students. He argues that “if people don't make voting a practice, democracy drowns,” highlighting the urgency as election deadlines approach. With 20m students in grades 6-12, there is a significant opportunity to increase voter participation, especially in swing states. Hutchins notes that many students feel unprepared for voting, with a 2023 Harvard Youth Poll revealing that only 7% believe democracy is “healthy.” He advocates for classroom initiatives that not only educate students about voting but also connect them with their communities, fostering hope and engagement. The benefits of these drives extend beyond civic education, helping to combat the youth mental health crisis by providing meaningful connections. Hutchins encourages educators to integrate these activities into their curriculum, stating that “nothing beat the voter drives for impact.”

 

Education Week News

At the recent Association of School Business Officials International annual conference, Moore Public Schools administrators shared crucial lessons learned from the devastating tornado that struck their district in 2013. Superintendent Robert Romines recounted the rapid response needed as a tornado warning was issued just minutes before the storm damaged multiple schools, tragically claiming the lives of seven students. Panel discussions emphasized the importance of having clear reunification plans, backup systems, and mental health resources in place. Officials, including Deputy Superintendent Michelle McNear, highlighted the need for immediate counseling services for both students and staff following crises. The district has since constructed storm shelters for all buildings and is committed to honoring the memory of the lost students through memorial efforts. The experiences shared serve as vital reminders for school districts to be prepared and resilient in the face of emergencies.

 

K-12 Dive

In response to controversial active-shooter drills in California schools, Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed Assembly Bill 1858, known as the Safe and Prepared Schools Act. The legislation aims to standardize active-shooter drills and mandates the state's Department of Education to revise its guidance. Newsom stated: “The Safe and Prepared Schools Act will ensure that we are not doing more harm than good in training our students.” The law, effective January 1, requires schools to notify parents about drills in advance, ensure age-appropriate practices, and provide resources for students post-drill. It also prohibits simulated gunfire during these exercises. Everytown for Gun Safety has raised concerns about the psychological impact of such drills, linking them to increased anxiety and stress among students and staff.

 

Los Angeles Times

In Washington, over 378,000 students attend schools built before modern seismic codes, lacking risk evaluations or retrofits, according to the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction. An additional 167,000 students are in schools assessed with high seismic risks. Scott Black, program development manager, stated: “Slowly we get more money and slowly we get more information.” The state has no law mandating seismic evaluations, leaving many communities unaware of existing risks. The Department of Natural Resources estimates that 70% of K-12 schools are in high-risk areas. Despite efforts, less than half of older schools have undergone evaluations, and many seismic upgrades are unrecorded, leading to inflated risk ratings. Experts emphasize the need for comprehensive evaluations to ensure student safety.

 

The Columbian

The Peninsula School District has implemented a cell phone ban during class and passing periods, a move that reflects a growing trend across the U.S. aimed at addressing concerns about the negative impact of devices on children. Cora Zimmerman, a 12-year-old student, stated: “It's a good idea, but within reason,” suggesting that phones should be accessible for safety. While some parents and educators welcome the change, others express skepticism, fearing it may hinder communication in emergencies. Peter Stiepleman, a retired superintendent, argues that phones can create unsafe situations and spread misinformation during crises. The new policies aim to reduce distractions and improve student engagement, with many students adapting to the changes, although some feel it makes them more inclined to sneak their devices into school.

 

The Columbian

California is set to prohibit the use of certain synthetic food dyes in schools, following the signing of Assembly Bill 2316, known as the California School Food Safety Act, by Gov. Gavin Newsom. The legislation, effective December 31 2027, was prompted by a report from the California Environmental Protection Agency linking these dyes to hyperactivity and other neurobehavioral issues in children. Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel, who authored the bill, stated: “California is once again leading the nation when it comes to protecting our kids from dangerous chemicals.” The law aims to enhance student health and may influence food manufacturers nationwide, as they often reformulate products for broader markets rather than state-specific versions. However, the ban does not apply to foods sold during school fundraising events if sold on campus after school hours or off-campus.

 

EdSource

New York City has initiated a pilot program to install cameras on school bus stop arms to capture images of vehicles that illegally pass stopped buses. The program, which began with 30 buses, has proven successful enough to warrant an expansion to 250 buses, according to James Sarkis, executive director of contract operations in the city’s Office of Pupil Transportation. The cameras are part of a collaboration with two vendors, including BusPatrol, led by Justin Meyers, a former chief of staff to Deputy Mayor of Public Safety Phil Banks. While the city has not disclosed the pilot's start date or funding details, the initiative aims to enhance safety for schoolchildren. As Meyers noted, the program is a step towards integrating new technology for law enforcement.

 

Chalkbeat

Red Lake Schools has introduced two new electric buses, each capable of transporting around 50 students, through a partnership with Highland Electric Fleets. This initiative marks a significant step for the district, which is the only public school district on a sovereign tribal nation in Minnesota and has a 98% indigenous population. Tim Lutz, the superintendent, stated: “As an educational institution, our priority is to provide learning opportunities for students and community members in as many ways as we can.” The buses are expected to save costs and improve air quality, with an average range of 110 miles per charge. A ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrated this achievement, highlighting the district's commitment to sustainability and cultural heritage.

 

School Bus Fleet