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The transition from elementary to middle school presents significant challenges for students, as they adapt to new environments and multiple teachers. A partnership between the Association for Middle Level Education (AMLE) and the National Association of Elementary School Principals aims to support this transition. Katie Powell, director for middle level programs at AMLE, emphasized the importance of understanding students' developmental needs: "This partnership is an opportunity for us to stand together in support of the educators we serve." The lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic also pose additional challenges, as many students entering middle school faced disruptions during their elementary years. Rhonda Boyd, emeritus associate professor at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, noted that these experiences could shape how students respond to the transition. Educators must be equipped to address these unique challenges to foster a supportive environment for incoming middle schoolers.

 

Education Week News

Parents of deaf and hard of hearing students in Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) are expressing concerns over inadequate resources, particularly the lack of full-time sign language interpreters. At a recent board meeting, Kiera McGhee Ross, a parent, said: "They can't write; they don't know sign." MSCS has five American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters, but hiring more is challenging due to certification barriers and low pay. The district invests approximately $1.6 million annually in deaf education services, which has remained stable over the past decade. However, the effectiveness of teaching practices for deaf students is still largely unknown, and many students graduate at lower rates than their hearing peers. MSCS is hosting a community meeting on November 17 to discuss growth opportunities for the deaf and hard of hearing program, where parents plan to seek further answers.

 

Chalkbeat

New York City schools reported a decrease in suspensions during the 2024-25 school year, with a total of 27,143 suspensions issued—down 2.1% from the previous year. This decline was primarily attributed to a significant reduction in superintendent suspensions, which fell by 10% to nearly 5,600 instances. Rohini Singh, the director of the school justice project at Advocates for Children, said: “Certainly, we're happy to see that the overall number of suspensions is decreasing.” However, disparities remain, as approximately 39% of suspensions were issued to Black students, who represent only 19% of the student population. Advocates for Children noted that children in foster care were suspended at least four times more than their peers. The Education Department acknowledged the decline but did not address the existing disparities, emphasizing their commitment to promoting positive disciplinary approaches.

 

Chalkbeat

The Indianapolis Local Education Alliance (ILEA) is exploring the development of a universal accountability system for schools in Indianapolis, which has not received performance ratings for seven years. This initiative aims to provide a framework that can fairly evaluate both charter and Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) based on their unique demographics and challenges. Barato Britt, a member of the ILEA, emphasized the importance of creating a system that holds all public schools to similar accountability standards: "There is at least mutual agreement that trying to get to a framework that does evaluate and hold all of our public schools to similar levels of accountability for performance is, I think, a north star." The ILEA is expected to present its recommendations by the end of December, addressing how to share resources and develop a uniform performance framework.

 

Chalkbeat

San Luis Coastal USD in California is transforming its food offerings to include diverse and nutritious options, such as sweet potato and black bean chimichurri bowls. Erin Primer, the director of food and nutrition services, emphasized the importance of introducing students to various flavors from different cultures. The district benefits from the Local Food for Schools program, which supports farm-to-school initiatives, providing fresh produce and educational opportunities about food systems. However, recent federal funding cuts have strained resources, impacting the ability to maintain these programs. Suzanne Morales, president of the California School Nutrition Association, said: "The last thing we want to do is cut for children’s nutrition because children who are hungry or malnourished can’t learn." As districts adapt to these challenges, the focus remains on providing high-quality meals while fostering a connection between students and local agriculture.

 

EdSource

Demetria L. Haddock, a professor of education at Gordon State College, emphasizes the importance of three interconnected forces, parents, teachers, and students, in transforming school culture. She defines this framework as “The Power 3,” which can help restore trust and connection within schools. Haddock advocates for building bridges with parents, leading teachers with trust, and inspiring student voice and agency. She notes: “When families are invited to the table, schools stop reacting and start collaborating.” By asking three daily questions, connecting with teachers, creating partnerships with parents, and empowering students, school leaders can shift their institutions from merely surviving to thriving.

 

Education Week News

In a recent webinar hosted by AASA, The School Superintendents Association, district leaders emphasized the importance of maintaining focus on teaching and student care during turbulent times. Jason Stricker, chief policy officer of the K12 Coalition, noted: "There are threats to creating a cohesive system, and how we as leaders respond to these threats … is where the magic is going to be." Challenges such as declining enrollment, political issues, and funding uncertainties were highlighted. A survey indicated that 29% of leaders identified politics and 24% cited funding as major threats to district cohesion. Strategic plans were recommended as essential tools for guiding districts through challenges, with leaders like Tony Watlington of Philadelphia's public schools advocating for a focus on student safety, community partnerships, and academic achievement. LeTricia Gloster, head of transformation for Prince George's County Schools, also stressed the value of strategic planning in navigating difficult times.

 

Education Week News

The issue of chronic absenteeism is exacerbated by parents taking children out of school for non-urgent family trips, particularly since the pandemic. Research indicates that while parents recognize chronic absenteeism as a problem, they often underestimate their children's absences. Retired principal Gail Johnson remarked: "It's 2025 and I actually have parents trying to defend pulling their child out of school for a vacation." In response, some school districts are adjusting their calendars to accommodate family trips. A recent poll by Education Week revealed that 53% of respondents believe such absences provide real-world experience, while 33% argue they disrupt education. The debate continues as educators express concerns about the impact of these absences on learning and funding.

 

Education Week News

Senate lawmakers in New Jersey have advanced legislation aimed at overhauling the state's charter school regulations for the first time in thirty years. The proposed bill, led by Senate Education Committee Chair Vin Gopal, seeks to ban for-profit charter schools and fully virtual charter schools, while enhancing transparency requirements. Gopal saidd: "We have not looked at charter schools as a whole legislatively in this committee since the 1990s." Key provisions include mandating charter schools to post user-friendly budgets, meeting notices, and board member identities online. The legislation also proposes a residency requirement for one-third of charter school trustees, which has drawn criticism for not being stringent enough. The bill aims to ensure accountability and transparency in charter school operations, addressing concerns raised by critics regarding financial practices and governance.

 

Chalkbeat

As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes increasingly integrated into education, the Computer Science Teachers Association (CSTA) emphasizes the necessity of foundational computer science (CS) education for all students. According to the upcoming 2025 Teacher Landscape Report, 70% of computer science teachers are already incorporating AI into their curricula. The CSTA's recent survey, conducted in partnership with the Alliance for Interdisciplinary Innovation in Computing Education (AiiCE), found that 80% of K-12 computer science teachers view AI as essential to the curriculum. The report highlights that 44 states have established standards for teaching these foundational skills, with many requiring computer science for graduation. The CSTA asserts: "A foundational computer science education is the cornerstone of AI literacy." To prepare students for a future driven by computing, educators must engage them as creators of AI, not just users.

 

EdSource

The Department of Education has announced $167m in competitive grants under the Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE) for FY2025, targeting artificial intelligence (AI) integration, accreditation reform, and short-term workforce programmes. AI-related priorities will receive $50m to support tools that enhance learning and expand AI and computer science education. Accreditation reform is allocated $7mto aid transitions between agencies and establish new accreditors. Another $50m is directed at high-quality short-term academic programmes, supporting curriculum development and employer collaboration. Applications are due by December 3 2025.

 

ETIH

The University of California (UC) serves 300,000 students, yet only one of the two student representatives on the 26-member Board of Regents has voting rights. Student leaders are advocating for a second voting position to better reflect the diverse perspectives of the student body. Current student regent Sonya Brooks stated: "I've always been an advocate for all things justice," emphasizing the need for broader representation. The UC Student Association is leading the charge for this change, aiming to have a measure on the November 2026 midterm election ballot. Unlike California State University and California Community Colleges, which have two voting student representatives, UC's governance structure is more complex, requiring either a regent vote or a constitutional amendment for policy changes. Advocates believe that a second vote would enhance student representation and influence on critical issues, such as tuition increases.

 

Los Angeles Times

Ontario's Bill 33 has sparked criticism in Durham Region for potentially undermining parental advocacy and local democracy in schools by allowing the education minister to appoint supervisors over school boards and override trustees. While the province cites financial mismanagement in five existing takeovers, critics argue the bill paves the way to eliminate elected trustees altogether, weakening accountability and community representation in education decisions. Trustees are an accessible source of information for parents and also advocate for issues such as bussing routes or additional support for children, commented Mary Fowler, president of the Durham Region Labour Council. School boards that have been taken over by the province “don’t have the same support in trying to navigate … what can sometimes be a very bureaucratic system,” she added. Last week, the province moved to fast-track Bill 33 by limiting debate and skipping the committee hearing stage.  The bill is a “foregone conclusion” because of the majority government, but community members should still speak out against it, said Jennifer French, Member of Provincial Parliament for Oshawa. 

 

CBC News

Moorpark College's Animal Care and Training Program provides students with practical experience at the campus' Teaching Zoo, which is open to the public on weekends. The California college's program, established in 1971, allows students to engage in various tasks, including animal care, feeding, and conducting demonstrations for visitors. Gary Mui, who oversees the program, stated: "We do a lot of hands-on training, and to me, it's always magic." With an annual admission of sixty students, the program prepares graduates for diverse careers in animal care, including zookeeping and wildlife conservation. The zoo houses 120 animals across 110 species and has established partnerships with over one hundred facilities for internships. Despite its challenges, the program remains popular, attracting around 150 applicants each year.

 

Los Angeles Times