You are receiving this email newsletter because you are a subscriber of Education Slice (formerly Principal News) or you signed up for our email newsletter on our site.

A recent report by the Fordham Institute reveals that nearly 500 low-performing schools have lost 20% or more of their students since the pandemic, marking them as potential candidates for closure. The study emphasizes the need for school districts to proactively address these declines through interventions such as family engagement and targeted support. Sofoklis Goulas, a fellow with the Brookings Institution, cautioned against framing the findings as a “bad schools list,” urging instead that they serve as a starting point for necessary discussions. The report highlights that increased family dissatisfaction, especially in high-poverty urban areas, is driving students away, suggesting that solutions will vary by district. As many as 5,100 schools nationwide are affected, with districts like Los Angeles Unified facing significant enrollment challenges due to broader socioeconomic issues. The report calls for careful planning and community-specific solutions to address the root causes of student disengagement and potential school closures.

 

The 74 (Online)

In response to the tragic shooting at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia, where four lives were lost, Frank DeAngelis, former principal of Columbine High School, has urged Congress for increased financial and legislative support to combat gun violence in schools. Speaking at a congressional roundtable, he said: “One more death is one too many,” highlighting the need for bipartisan action. DeAngelis, along with other school leaders, called for enhanced funding through Title II and IV and Project SERV grants to support schools affected by violence. They argued that current allocations are insufficient to address the rising incidents of school violence and the long-term mental health needs of students. Patricia Greer, a principal who experienced a school shooting, noted the ongoing trauma in communities and the necessity for more mental health resources. The group advocates for a significant increase in federal funding to ensure student safety and support recovery efforts.

 

Education Week News

Threats of violence pose significant challenges for schools, even without credible attack plans. Administrators must swiftly assess threats, support affected students, and reassure parents about safety. Key strategies include educating staff on "leakage," where potential shooters share intentions, and helping students recognize warning signs of violence, as emphasized by Sandy Hook Promise. Effective reporting systems are crucial, with about half of schools utilizing them. Threat assessment practices vary, with 85% of public schools having teams to identify risks. Clear communication with parents about safety plans is essential, according to safety consultant Kenneth Trump. Additionally, schools should prepare for bomb threats and support students recovering from hoax swatting incidents.

 

Education Week News

ABC13 has uncovered significant data regarding school threats in Harris County, revealing that 127 students faced criminal charges over the past year. Despite concerns about accountability, the Harris County District Attorney's Office reported no notable increase in charges compared to the previous year. Spring Branch ISD police Chief Larry Baimbridge emphasized the importance of treating these threats seriously, stating: "Kids shouldn't have to go to school in fear." The data indicates that 85 of the charges involved weapons, with 107 offenses occurring during the last school year. Baimbridge noted that many students who make threats often claim they were joking, but the context suggests otherwise. He advocates for immediate acceptance of charges to deter future incidents, highlighting the need for a safe school environment.

 

KTRK-TV

Hays CISD is launching a "threat regret" campaign to address recent threats made by students against its campuses. Jeri Skrocki, chief safety and security officer, noted that six students aged 11 to 15 have been arrested for making threats this school year, which, while not posing immediate danger, have caused significant concern within the community. Skrocki noted: “It is disheartening to say the least that the community itself... are all overwhelmed by these horrific type of activities.” The campaign will include posters and videos aimed at educating students about the serious consequences of their actions, particularly targeting middle schools and high schools. Chief Communication Officer Tim Savoy emphasized the need for students to understand the gravity of their threats, as many may not be aware of the repercussions. Skrocki also urged community members to report threats rather than share them on social media, warning: “Every time you repost [a threat], we are losing valuable time and information.”

 

Community Impact Newspaper

Parents expressed concern after a video surfaced showing a gun being drawn during a fight near Burbank High School in San Antonio. Principal Irene Talamantes reassured families that the individual with the weapon was not a Burbank student and that "neither the individual with the weapon, nor the weapon, was on campus during the school day." The incident occurred on Burbank Loop, just off campus, and was reported shortly before 5 p.m. on Monday. Nearby Harris Middle School Principal John Hilliard confirmed that district officers quickly detained the individual and recovered the weapon. Parents, recalling past school shootings, voiced their worries on social media, attributing the violence to various societal factors.

 

Star-Telegram

Two juveniles in Navasota were arrested for allegedly making online threats against a local school, facing charges of making a false alarm or report, a state jail felony. The Navasota Police Department, with help from the Grimes County District Attorney's Office, identified the source of the social media posts after extensive investigation. Chief of Police Mike Mize emphasized that “any threat made against them is unacceptable and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.” Increased police presence will be seen at school campuses and activities over the weekend. The police urge parents to monitor their children's online activities and report any suspicious behavior.

 

Bryan-College Station Eagle

A new report advocates for a shift from the traditional one-classroom, one-teacher model to a team-based teaching approach in schools, aiming to tackle labor shortages, low morale, and declining student enrollment. By forming collaborative teams of teachers, paraprofessionals, and instructional coaches, schools can enhance student engagement and outcomes. Leaders from various team-based programs highlight the model’s benefits, including improved teacher retention rates and increased student performance. Although transitioning poses challenges such as funding and regulatory barriers, the report emphasizes that the potential for a more sustainable and effective educational environment is significant.

 

The 74 (Online)

Author Alfie Kohn highlights the detrimental impact of traditional educational practices on children's curiosity. Susan Engel, a developmental psychologist, observed that many classrooms exhibit a "astonishingly low rate of curiosity," with teachers often redirecting students back to the planned lesson instead of encouraging their questions. Engel's research indicates that curiosity is crucial for academic success, particularly for children from low-income families, who often face rigid instructional methods. Kohn emphasizes that teachers should nurture curiosity by engaging with students' questions and allowing exploration, yet structural constraints like standardized curricula and a focus on test scores hinder this process. As Kohn notes, "too many kids start out as exclamation points and question marks, but leave school as plain periods," underscoring the urgent need to rethink educational policies that stifle curiosity.

 

Education Week News

Fort Worth ISD is poised for change following the resignation of Superintendent Angélica Ramsey. Her departure comes after community leaders, including Mayor Mattie Parker, criticized the district's stagnant academic performance. Steven Poole, executive director of the United Educators Association, stated: “Fort Worth ISD has been playing catch-up for a long time,” emphasizing the need for a fresh start. The school board is now tasked with appointing both an interim and permanent leader who can mend strained community relations and address academic challenges. Concerns have been raised about the district's performance, particularly regarding Black students, as noted by Trenace Dorsey-Hollins of Parent Shield Fort Worth. She stated: “We still expect to hold them accountable, because we know that our kids, they still don't have the luxury of waiting.” The future leadership will be crucial in rebuilding trust and improving educational outcomes in the district.

 

Star-Telegram

Sharyland ISD has made a significant move by appointing Laura Cavazos as the first woman to serve as assistant athletic director. Cavazos expressed her excitement, stating, “I am honored and excited to serve as Assistant Athletic Director and to continue contributing to a district that has given me so much throughout my career.” With a strong background in athletics, including leading her teams to multiple playoff appearances and a 2021 District Championship, Cavazos has been a vital part of the district's athletic program since 2014. She holds a master’s in athletic administration and has experience coaching at the collegiate level. Cavazos aims to enhance opportunities for student-athletes while upholding Sharyland’s Tradition of Excellence.

 

The Monitor

At a special board meeting on August 29, the Terrell ISD Board of Trustees discussed strategies to reduce district debt related to maintenance tax notes and previous bonds. Separately, the Terrell ISD Excellence Foundation raised more than $125,000 during North Texas Giving Day on Thursday, Sept. 19.Every dollar from North Texas Giving Day for Terrell ISD goes toward student and teacher grants and empowering educational opportunities.

 

The Terrell Tribune

The Terrell Tribune

Moisés Molina High School in Oak Cliff is excelling in college readiness, with nearly 60% of its recent seniors meeting the Texas Success Initiative (TSI) standards. Principal Jacob Nuñez attributes this success to a combination of state policies and focused leadership. Despite serving a predominantly economically disadvantaged student body, Molina's performance stands out compared to the 32.6% average of recent Dallas ISD graduates meeting TSI standards. The school’s approach includes early college preparation, with juniors taking the TSI or SAT assessments. Nuñez emphasizes the importance of tracking graduates' progress into their second year of college, as over 70% of jobs in Texas will require postsecondary credentials by 2036, according to Texas 2036. Molina High is paving the way to increase these numbers.

 

Dallas News

On September 23, Pampa ISD held its monthly school board meeting, highlighting the importance of technology in education. Superintendent Hugh Piatt praised the Technology Department, saying: “We can’t do this without our Technology Department because everything now is technology.” Madison Floyd expressed concern about the lack of a nurse at Woodrow Wilson Elementary during the meeting's public comments. Floyd expressed her worries about the lack of medical staff, especially for children with serious health conditions. She questioned the integrity of the information provided to parents, which stated that a nurse would be present at all times. Floyd urged the board to consider changes to ensure proper medical care for students, emphasizing the need for transparency and safety in schools.

 

Pampa News

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced the opening of the 2024 Clean School Bus (CSB) Rebate Program, which will provide up to $965m in funding for the purchase of zero-emission and alternative fuel buses. This year, the maximum number of buses per application has increased from 25 to 50, allowing for "more transformative projects." Eligible applicants can also use rebate funds for workforce training and consulting costs. The deadline for applications is January 9, 2025. Casey Harris, an EV business analyst for Thomas Built, has developed a free curriculum to raise awareness about electric school buses. The initiative aims to improve air quality and reduce emissions, particularly in disadvantaged communities.

 

School Bus Fleet