Become more informed in minutes....

K-12 education technology spending reached $30bnn in 2024, with it projected to nearly double by 2033. To address the significant waste generated by outdated technology, the Consortium for School Networking (CoSN) and the State Educational Technology Directors Association (SETDA) have released guidelines aimed at helping schools make cost-effective and environmentally friendly technology purchases. Louis McDonald, a project director on environmental sustainability for CoSN, emphasized the importance of prioritizing sustainability: "It's time for school districts to prioritize sustainability in their tech purchasing because it will save them money in the long run and help protect the environment." The guidelines recommend focusing on energy efficiency, durable products, and e-waste reduction strategies. By adopting these practices, schools can not only save money but also contribute to environmental protection, such as in San Diego USD, which saved around $90m over the past 12 years. The district suggests that extending the life of Chromebooks from four years to eight could save U.S. schools as a whole an estimated $1.8bn.“District leaders need to think about sustainability procurement [as] every purchase tells a story about their priorities,” McDonald said. “When it comes to sustainability on devices, you have to think long term, not short term, which is the tendency. We buy things based on cost, but we don't think about the bigger picture.”

 

Education Week News

10 Expert Tips to Prevent Bullying and Suicide in Schools  

In recognition of Bullying Prevention Month, this guide provides 10 evidence-based strategies for K-12 leaders to help reduce bullying and suicide risk. From staff training to parent involvement and policy creation, discover practical steps to build a safer and more connected school community.  

Download Guide

 

California's initiative to implement ethnic studies in high schools is facing challenges due to a lack of funding in the state budget. Starting with the class of 2030, students are required to complete an ethnic studies course to graduate, but the latest budget does not allocate necessary funds. Ian Hanigan, spokesperson for the Orange County Department of Education, said: "There isn’t ongoing state funding dedicated to ethnic studies, so districts will need to use other resources to sustain their programs moving forward." Despite these hurdles, many districts in Orange County are moving forward with their own plans, including pilot programs and standalone courses. The county has also been recognized for developing model curricula for various ethnic groups, which is being shared statewide.

 

The Orange Country Register

Despite comprising one in four students in the United States, Hispanic families remain underrepresented in public and private school choice programs. A recent analysis by Conoce tus Opciones Escolares and Child Trends highlights that where data is available, Hispanic families often participate at lower rates than their overall student population share. The lack of consistent state-level data obscures the true extent of this issue, making it difficult to assess whether programs are equitably reaching Hispanic families. Krissia Campos Spivey, senior director of navigation programs and partnerships at Conoce tus Opciones Escolares, emphasized: "Parents are making tough choices and searching for schools where their children will be safe, supported, and inspired. The least the system can do is make sure those opportunities are visible and that participation is reported effectively."

 

Missoulian

Jeanine Rupert, a teacher at Phoebe A. Hearst Elementary School, is facing legal action after being reassigned following her attempt to remove unsafe carpeting from her classroom. Attorney Eric Lindstrom stated that Rupert is not seeking financial compensation but rather her reinstatement, alleging retaliation for reporting unsafe conditions and opposing administrative decisions. Lindstrom emphasized: "Ms. Rupert's classroom was not safe and conducive to learning because of the filthy, infested, frayed, and bubbling carpet." The district claims Rupert's actions were a "lapse in judgment" and that the carpet removal risked exposing students to asbestos. Community support for Rupert has surged, with parents and students advocating for her return, while Superintendent Lisa Allen declined a request for a town hall meeting to discuss the matter. Despite the district's stance, Rupert's supporters remain determined to continue their advocacy.

 

The Sacramento Bee

Brightworks, a K-12 school in San Francisco founded by Gever Tulley, offers a unique educational experience that emphasizes creativity and autonomy. Unlike traditional schools, Brightworks has no grades or classes; instead, students are grouped by interest and maturity. Tulley believes that "children's capacity to learn is limitless," and he encourages hands-on learning, allowing students to use tools and explore their interests freely. The school operates on themes each semester, fostering a culture of agency where students take charge of their education. With a diverse student body, including many from Silicon Valley, Brightworks aims to prepare students for future challenges by promoting collaboration and problem-solving skills. Tulley’s approach has drawn both praise and criticism, but he remains committed to redefining what education can be, saying: "I think we should measure joy." Brightworks graduates have successfully entered top universities, showcasing the effectiveness of this innovative educational model.

 

San Luis Obispo Tribune

Gabe Ontiveros, a respected educator and principal of eCademy Charter at Crane School, passed away on October 4, leaving the Turlock USD community in shock. After his wife reported him missing, authorities found him deceased in his vehicle on Greeley Hill Road. Kristie Mitchell, a public information officer, said: "It was reported to our office as a suspicious vehicle," and the cause of death is pending toxicology results. TUSD clerk Lori Carlson recognized Ontiveros’ contributions, noting: "Gabe’s investment of his life as an educator and educational leader in Turlock touched the lives of countless students, families, and colleagues." Tributes from colleagues highlighted his passion for education and his genuine care for students, with former TUSD superintendent Dana Salles Trevethan noting his "constant desire to make a difference for every student."

 

Turlock Journal

California Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed AB 715, a significant law aimed at combating rising antisemitism in K-12 schools. Authored by Assemblymembers Rick Chavez Zbur and Dawn Addis, the bipartisan bill passed without opposition and is the top priority for the California Legislative Jewish Caucus. Despite Jewish individuals making up about 3% of the state's population, antisemitic hate crimes represented 15% of all hate crimes in 2024. The Anti-Defamation League reported an alarming 893% increase in antisemitic incidents nationwide over the last decade. AB 715 establishes an Office of Civil Rights with coordinators focused on preventing antisemitism and supporting educators. "Every student deserves to be safe, valued, and respected," Zbur said. The law will take effect on January 1 2026.

 

Santa Monica Daily Press

According to a recent study by University of Florida researchers, nearly two-thirds of teachers take on second jobs to supplement their income. The analysis of federal teacher data from 1994 to 2021 revealed that teachers who engage in additional work within their school district, such as tutoring or coaching, are more likely to remain in their positions. In contrast, those who seek jobs outside the classroom tend to leave the profession. On average, teachers with extra jobs earn an additional $3,250 annually.

 

EdSource

In the 2024-25 school year, students in Napa and Sonoma counties showed improvements in English, math, and science, according to the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP). Despite these gains, scores remain below California averages and pre-pandemic levels. In Napa County, English scores rose for the first time since the pandemic, while Sonoma County saw modest gains across all subjects. "While we're seeing some gains across the county and statewide, these scores are another reminder that educators in Sonoma County – and California – have a lot of work ahead," said Sonoma County Superintendent of Schools Amie Carter. The report highlights ongoing disparities, particularly among socioeconomically disadvantaged students, who scored about 10 percentage points lower than their peers. Napa County Superintendent of Schools Joshua Schultz pointed out that schools require targeted support to address these gaps.

 

Press Democrat

In a recent open letter, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) President Sally Kornbluth expressed her opposition to a White House memo, a "compact" outlining policies for elite U.S. universities to secure federal funding. Kornbluth stated: "The premise of the document is inconsistent with our core belief that scientific funding should be based on scientific merit alone." The memo proposed controversial measures, including capping international undergraduate enrollment at 15% and banning race or sex considerations in admissions. MIT was the first institution to reject the memo, which follows a trend of the Trump administration exerting financial pressure on universities perceived as liberal. Other universities, such as Brown University and the University of Virginia, are currently evaluating their responses to the memo.

 

U.S. News

The trend of Northeastern students attending Southern universities is on the rise, driven by factors such as warmer climates, vibrant social scenes, and lower tuition costs. Jeff Selingo, author of “Dream School: Finding the College That's Right for You,” noted: “Some students in the Northeast felt politics was in their face every day.” The number of Northern students enrolling in Southern public schools increased by 84% over the past two decades, with a 30% rise from 2018 to 2022, according to a 2024 Wall Street Journal analysis of Department of Education data. This shift has been accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, as students observed peers in the South enjoying a more active college experience. While many students are drawn to the Southern charm, some face cultural mismatches, highlighting the diverse experiences of those making this transition.

 

Boston Globe