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The Supreme Court has declined to hear an appeal from parents in Michigan and Virginia who accused Attorney General Merrick Garland of infringing on their free speech rights through a memo addressing threats against school officials. The memo, issued in 2021, aimed to address a "disturbing spike in harassment" but faced backlash, with some claiming it labeled protesting parents as "domestic terrorists." The parents argued that the memo was a tactic to intimidate them, forcing a choice between exercising their rights and facing federal scrutiny. However, lower courts dismissed the case, stating the memo did not impose new regulations and was focused on understanding threats of violence. The Biden administration supported the dismissal, noting that the parents had not faced any government action.  

 

CNN Edition

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Education Week explores the contrasting teaching approaches for neurodiverse students, emphasizing the benefits of a strengths-based method over a deficits-based one. Neurodiversity encompasses various learning differences, including autism and dyslexia, which require tailored educational strategies. Emma Cole, a pediatric neuropsychologist, cautions against labeling disabilities as "superpowers," stating, “They require you to do things in a little bit of a non-traditional way.” Experts advocate for a balanced perspective that recognizes both strengths and weaknesses, promoting self-advocacy among students. However, challenges such as large class sizes and insufficient training hinder the implementation of strengths-based teaching. Cole suggests leveraging district resources and modeling strengths-based approaches to better support neurodiverse students.

 

Education Week News

Howard Adelman and Linda Taylor, co-directors of the Center for MH in Schools & Student/Learning Supports at UCLA, criticize education leaders for their responses to growing learning, behavioral, and emotional issues among students. While there are ongoing discussions about educational transformation, they argue that current proposals fail to address the need for a comprehensive approach to student support. Schools are struggling with fragmented, minimal resources, unable to meet student needs effectively. Adelman and Taylor advocate for a systemwide reform that integrates school and community resources into a unified, equitable framework. They acknowledge the adoption of multitiered systems of support (MTSS) as a positive step but stress that deeper changes are needed. As they explain: "Transforming how schools play their role in addressing barriers to learning and teaching into a unified, comprehensive and equitable system... is essential to enhancing equity of opportunity for students." This comprehensive approach, they argue, is crucial for overcoming current barriers to learning and improving outcomes for all students.

 

EdSource

Next month's election for LA USD's school board District 3 has become the most consequential race for the nation's largest charter school sector and second-largest public school district. Incumbent Scott Schmerelson, backed by the teachers' union, faces a challenge from Dan Chang, a teacher and charter school advocate, in a race that could tip the board in favor of charter-friendly policies or retain the union’s influence. With over $4m raised or spent, this race has become the most expensive in LA this year. Schmerelson, a former teacher and principal, won 45% of the vote in the primaries, compared to Chang’s 29%, but the runoff could swing either way. Chang, who previously led two charter schools, advocates for expanding charter access and repealing policies limiting charter school operations, saying: “LA Unified needs a new voice.” Schmerelson focuses on supporting traditional public schools while ensuring charters don't strain public school resources.

 

The 74 (Online)

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson is facing a backlash after appointing six new members to the Chicago Public Schools (CPS) board following the resignation of all seven board members on October 4. The resignations stemmed from ongoing fiscal disputes between district leadership and the Chicago Teachers Union, which Johnson previously supported. The new appointees include Olga Bautista, Debby Pope, Michilla “Kyla” Blaise, Mary Gardner, Frank Niles Thomas, and the Rev. Mitchell Johnson, with the seventh member still to be announced. Johnson defended his actions, stating: "The city elected me mayor to transform public schools," and emphasized the need for a smooth transition to a partly elected board in January. However, 41 of Chicago's 50 aldermen condemned the shakeup, calling it destabilizing amid ongoing contract negotiations with the Chicago Teachers Union.

 

Chalkbeat

New York City’s Education Department has launched an anti-hate hotline to address rising incidents of antisemitism and Islamophobia. The hotline, available at 718-935-2889, aims to streamline reporting of hate, harassment, and discrimination incidents, supplementing an existing online bullying portal. Incoming Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos said: “There is zero tolerance for hate in our schools,” emphasizing the hotline's role in ensuring incidents are reported and addressed. The initiative coincides with the one-year anniversary of the October 7 terror attacks by Hamas, which have heightened tensions and led to increased reports of hate-related incidents in schools. Public data indicates a 30% rise in reports related to ethnicity or national origin and a 78% increase in reports related to religion from the previous year. The hotline is open Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., allowing callers to remain anonymous while encouraging them to provide student or staff ID numbers for quicker assistance.

 

Chalkbeat

The Iowa City Community School District is postponing its plans to revise elementary schools following significant community pushback. Superintendent Matt Degner acknowledged the "stress and frustration" caused by the initial proposal and emphasized the need for a thorough review process. He stated: "This in-depth process will take time, but it also will help us get more accurate projections of future enrollment." The district plans to form committees of educators and parents to explore options later this winter. Proposed changes include pairing schools for different grade levels and repurposing some schools for preschool education. Board member Mitch Lingo highlighted the challenges posed by declining enrollment and the impact of Education Savings Accounts, which have resulted in a loss of revenue for public schools. "Vouchers bleed school districts at the margins," he argued.

 

The Gazette Cedar Rapids Iowa

Cedar Rapids Community School District has joined the League of Innovative Schools, gaining access to a national network of educators and technology experts. The membership will support the district's upcoming college and career academies, aimed at preparing students for high-demand careers. Superintendent Tawana Grover commented: “We are transforming what's possible for the students of Cedar Rapids and shaping a future where every learner is equipped, empowered and engaged to excel.” The district, one of two in Iowa, will also contribute to national discussions on educational innovation, enhancing learning experiences for students and staff. The League, organized by Digital Promise, focuses on equity and excellence in education, with 30 districts accepted for the 2024-25 school year.

 

The Gazette Cedar Rapids Iowa

School-based health centers in New York are raising concerns over a significant change in Medicaid payment structures set to take effect on April 1. The Hochul administration's plan will shift these centers from a fee-for-service model to contracts with private insurers, a move that has been delayed multiple times since 2014. Adria Cruz, deputy director of health programs and integration for Children's Aid, warned that this transition could lead to a revenue drop of 30% to 40% for their services. Despite state lawmakers' efforts to keep these centers out of managed care, Gov. Kathy Hochul is proceeding with the change. Sen. Gustavo Rivera expressed his concern, stating: “We can address issues with the program without dismantling the current funding structure that effectively supports it.” The New York Health Plan Association also supports maintaining the existing system, citing potential disruptions to care.

 

Politico

The Ohio Supreme Court has denied the emergency motion filed by Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost, which sought to compel Columbus City Schools (CCS) to provide busing for charter and nonpublic school students. The court's decision, announced on Monday, did not provide a rationale for the denial. CCS had previously stated on October 3 that it would establish new routes to accommodate over 100 charter and nonpublic school students. Yost's motion, filed on September 25, aimed to ensure that CCS began busing public school students, but the district responded by requesting the court to dismiss Yost's lawsuit.

 

The Columbus Dispatch

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is facing criticism for its inadequate transportation services for students with disabilities, attributed to a nationwide bus driver shortage, a strike, and vendor issues. A recent complaint to the Illinois State Board of Education claims CPS is violating federal law by failing to provide necessary transportation. CPS officials denied these allegations, stating: "We have ongoing challenges with busing students due to a lack of bus drivers." The district's largest paratransit vendor, SCR, which provides 45% of the district's bus services, experienced a strike that reduced available routes from 164 to about 65. Despite these challenges, CPS reported a 32% increase in students with disabilities receiving bus routes compared to last year, although 1,099 students were still awaiting service as of September 23.

 

Chalkbeat