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As the 2024 presidential election approaches, K-12 education remains conspicuously absent from candidate discussions and debates. During the only debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump, education was not mentioned at all. While Harris has criticized Trump's education policies, she has not provided specific plans of her own. Trump has proposed eliminating the U.S. Department of Education and has made broad claims about school policies without detailed proposals. Bettina Love, a professor at Teachers College, Columbia University, remarked: “It sends a message that the federal government is not truly concerned about public education.” The lack of focus on education reflects a broader trend where candidates prioritize issues like the economy and health care over K-12 education, which is primarily governed at state and local levels.

 

Education Week News

The importance of passing Algebra 1 in 9th grade is underscored by a new study from Stanford University, which reveals that students who would typically be placed in remedial math can succeed in Algebra 1 with the right support. The research, led by Thomas Dee and Elizabeth Huffaker, examined a de-tracking initiative in a California district that combined below-grade-level and on-grade-level students in the same classes, providing teachers with intensive training. The results showed that struggling students in these mixed classes were more likely to pass higher-level math courses and performed better on 11th grade tests compared to their peers in remedial tracks. Dee emphasized the significance of “attending to the instructional core,” highlighting the role of professional development in achieving these outcomes. However, challenges remain, as many students still struggled and had to retake Algebra 1, raising questions about the scalability of such initiatives in different districts.

 

Education Week News

The New York City education panel is set to vote later this month on a $17m contract to transition the Specialized High Schools Admissions Test (SHSAT) to a computer-based format. The change, proposed by Pearson, aims to modernize the exam, which is the sole criterion for admission to the city's eight specialized high schools, including Stuyvesant and Bronx Science. Jenna Lyle from the Education Department said “Our students continue to live in a more digital world,” emphasizing the need for such a shift. However, concerns have been raised about potential inequities, as the current admissions process already shows low representation of Black and Latino students. Jessamyn Lee, a member of the Panel for Educational Policy, highlighted the digital literacy gaps that could affect students from different socioeconomic backgrounds. The contract is expected to pass, but discussions about testing diversity and accessibility continue.

 

Chalkbeat

Chicago Public Schools chief executive Pedro Martinez announced improvements in math and reading test scores for students in grades 3-8, with 30.5% meeting or exceeding reading standards and 18.3% in math, according to the latest academic data. The results indicate a recovery from setbacks caused by the coronavirus pandemic, with reading scores increasing by 4.6 percentage points and math by 0.8 points, compared to the previous year. Martinez emphasized the significance of these results, stating: “This data represents the hopes and dreams and achievements of thousands of students and families.” Deputy Mayor Jen Johnson attributed the gains to investments in additional staff following a new teachers' contract in 2019 and the use of federal COVID relief funds.

 

Chalkbeat

Recent findings reveal that teenagers struggle to discern accurate information in today's chaotic digital landscape. Peter Adams, senior vice-president of research and design at the News Literacy Project, noted that conspiracy theories appeal to many because they provide “simple explanations for complex, incomprehensible events.” A survey of 1,110 teens aged 13 to 18 found that 94% desire media literacy instruction in schools, with 57% believing it should be mandatory. However, only three states require such education. Many teens fail to identify branded content and often trust misleading sources over professional journalism. As Adams stated, teens are “inheriting the largest, most complex, most frenetic information environment in human history.” To combat this, educators are implementing strategies like lateral reading and reverse image searches to help students navigate the digital world more effectively.

 

Education Week News

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) has reported a slight increase in student enrollment for the second consecutive year, with 325,305 students enrolled as of the 20th day of school, compared to 323,251 last year. This represents growth of less than 1%. The increase is primarily seen in grades before middle school, which grew by nearly 2%. Notably, Hispanic student enrollment rose by nearly 1.5%, while Black student enrollment declined by nearly 1%. According to district officials, "the 20th day of school is the official date to take stock of enrollment and demographics each year." Despite the overall increase, concerns remain regarding the declining numbers of Black students in the district.

 

Chalkbeat

California's foster care system is facing a significant crisis as many agencies, including Koinonia Family Services, received non-renewal notices for their insurance policies. This situation threatens the stability of approximately 9,000 school-aged children who rely on these agencies for support. Christine Stoner-Mertz, CEO of California Alliance of Child and Family Services, stated: “If you're worried about where you're going to sleep, how well do you show up?” The crisis stems from rising litigation costs and changes in laws regarding child sexual abuse, leading to a lack of available insurance. As agencies struggle to find coverage, the potential for increased displacement of foster youth looms, impacting their education and well-being. Advocates are urging educators to be aware of these challenges and to support affected families during this tumultuous time.

 

EdSource

The Austin school district is grappling with a $119m deficit, exacerbated by rising costs and stagnant state funding. Despite a historic budget surplus in Texas, lawmakers led by Gov. Greg Abbott have withheld additional school funding in favor of private school vouchers, leaving public schools in a lurch. Proposition A, on the Nov. 5 ballot, proposes a property tax increase to mitigate budget cuts and fund essential services, including teacher raises and mental health support. Trustee Lynn Boswell emphasized the community's need for a "rich mix of opportunities to every student." Even with Prop A's approval, the district anticipates cutting $90m over the next three years. The situation calls for urgent action from both voters and lawmakers to ensure adequate funding for education.

 

Austin American-Statesman

State Superintendent Ryan Walters and other officials are facing a lawsuit from 32 Oklahomans, including parents, teachers, and faith leaders, regarding the use of state funds to purchase Bibles for public schools. The lawsuit, filed with the Oklahoma Supreme Court, aims to block the $6m allocation for the New King James Version of the Bible, which Walters mandated to be included in the curriculum for grades 5-12. Rev. Lori Walke, a senior minister and one of the petitioners, stated that the mandate "interferes with parents' ability to direct the religious and moral upbringing" of their children. The petitioners argue that the mandate violates the Oklahoma Administrative Procedures Act and state procurement requirements. They also claim that the spending of state funds on Bibles contravenes religious provisions in the Oklahoma Constitution. Walters defended the mandate, asserting that understanding the Bible is essential for grasping American history and culture.

 

Hunstville Item

Principal Tarik McFall has successfully implemented cellphone restrictions at Sutter Middle School in California, leading to a significant improvement in campus culture. Folsom Cordova USD began limiting cellphone use during passing and lunch periods at the start of the 2022-23 school year. “The difference is palpable,” said Assistant Principal Brian Zan, highlighting the positive impact on student engagement. The initiative aligns with California's new law, AB 3216, which mandates similar policies statewide by July 1, 2026. McFall noted that the restrictions have fostered better social interactions among students, reducing bullying incidents and enhancing focus in the classroom. “When you eliminate one of the biggest distractions, it helps them focus,” said social studies teacher Lindsay Castro. Despite initial resistance from some parents, the overall response has been supportive, with many recognizing the benefits of a phone-free environment. Eighth-grader Vidditi Khanna expressed relief, stating, “Not having a cellphone is kind of refreshing.”

 

The Columbian

Graciela Miranda, named Indiana's Teacher of the Year, has transformed her classroom at Pike High School into a welcoming space that resembles a cozy coffee shop. With blankets, books, and a focus on building connections, she creates a safe environment for her students, many of whom are English language learners. “She is always helping,” said Leandra Rodríguez, a senior, highlighting Miranda's nurturing approach. Miranda, a daughter of Mexican immigrants, emphasizes the importance of representation in education, commenting: “Diversity brings different ideas... It just builds a better community.” Her efforts extend beyond teaching; she actively supports students in navigating their educational journeys and encourages them to envision their futures. Teach Indy executive director Sara Marshall noted that Miranda's recognition symbolizes respect for Latino identities in education, emphasizing the need for more diverse educators to benefit all students. “What I hope people will see from this story,” Marshall said, “is the power of one educator and the ripple effect that that has across a school, across a community.”

 

Chalkbeat

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service has released a preliminary list of schools in Florida that received meat involved in a significant recall. The recall, affecting nearly 12m pounds of meat, was prompted by the discovery of listeria monocytogenes in BrucePac's ready-to-eat poultry. The USDA confirmed that the recalled products were distributed to various schools, which do not participate in the National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs. "FSIS will continue to update this and the retail product list as it receives more information," the agency announced. The recall has expanded to include 348 pages of affected products, with BrucePac's facility in Durant, Oklahoma, identified as the source.

 

News Herald

Daytona Beach News Journal