It’s time for the Oakland Ed Week in Review!
We’re back with our roundup of education news from around The Town, the Bay Area, state, and nation for your weekend reading. This is a Dirk favorite and one of the last blogs he published for Great School Voices.
Here’s what’s been going on:
Here in Oakland | Oakland’s school board candidates recently engaged with student voters, discussing budget allocation, mental health, safety, and equity at a youth-led forum, highlighting student concerns and boosting civic engagement as 16- and 17-year-olds prepare to vote for the first time. Meanwhile, OUSD continues addressing its $95 million projected deficit with proposed operational restructuring and plans for community updates via budget briefings.
In the Greater Bay Area | Throughout the Bay Area, local measures aim to bolster education. San Francisco’s Proposition A proposes a $790 million bond to finance school repairs, facility upgrades, and a centralized food distribution hub for SFUSD students. Additionally, Proposition J suggests creating an oversight body to track and optimize spending on youth programs, redirecting substantial funds toward student services. SFUSD is grappling with severe financial and leadership challenges. Newly appointed Superintendent Maria Su, endorsed in a 6-1 board vote, is now responsible for stabilizing district finances amid a significant $113 million deficit, aiming to avoid a state takeover by delivering a balanced budget by December. Su’s top priorities include staff recruitment and retention, alongside operational improvements. In Berkeley, civic engagement has surged as nearly 1,500 teenagers, aged 16 and 17, prepare to vote in upcoming school board elections for the first time, made possible by Measures Y1 and QQ. San Ramon Valley Unified School District has recently instituted an ethnic studies graduation requirement, aligning with regional trends towards inclusive education. Meanwhile, the Las Lomitas Elementary District resolved a labor dispute following a teacher strike centered on improved compensation and working conditions, highlighting ongoing labor discussions across the region.
Throughout the State of California | California’s education system faces a range of critical issues from teacher shortages to infrastructure needs and academic reform. A recent report by GPSN reveals that 71% of LAUSD’s Black and Latino Gen Z teachers are considering leaving within two years due to low morale and inadequate pay, highlighting retention challenges. To address widespread facility issues, Proposition 2 on November’s ballot proposes $10 billion to fund essential K-12 school and community college renovations, prioritizing support for underserved areas. Assemblymember Blanca Rubio is revising her science of reading bill, aiming to improve literacy with structured, phonics-based methods in response to low third-grade reading scores. The California Department of Education also released new guidance for schools on handling wildfire smoke days to protect student health. Additional efforts across the state include large education funding bonds, academic support programs in the Inland Empire, and ongoing recovery in student performance post-pandemic, especially for disadvantaged groups.
Across the Nation | The $190 billion ESSER investment aimed at COVID-19 learning recovery shows limited academic impact, highlighting the need for strategic, outcome-focused spending as districts adjust to post-ESSER budgeting. Educators’ innovative teaching strategies developed during the pandemic were largely ignored in reopening plans, underscoring a need for collaborative policymaking to retain effective changes. Meanwhile, federal data shows ongoing teacher shortages in high-need areas, with schools increasingly relying on uncertified staff, exacerbating instructional quality issues in underserved communities. In Head Start programs, a proposed teacher pay increase lacks additional funding, potentially forcing centers to cut enrollment to improve educator retention, presenting a challenging tradeoff in early education. U.S. schools spent $3.2 billion last year addressing conflicts stemming from cultural debates over curriculum, LGBTQ+ policies, and book bans, with studies showing reduced financial strain if divisive issues were minimized. As a response, incubators are training moderate candidates for school board roles to bring stability. Meanwhile, President Biden issued a formal apology for past mistreatment of Native American children, pledged to add 18,000 mental health professionals to schools, and launched an AI toolkit to aid K-12 settings. Education remains a polarized political issue, as school choice initiatives go before voters in Arizona, Texas, and New Hampshire.
In the Classroom | Efforts to address educational gaps and improve learning experiences continue across U.S. classrooms. To increase diversity in computer science, more states now require foundational courses, addressing racial, gender, and socioeconomic disparities. Teacher optimism is rising, with nearly half believing their districts are on the right track. Schools are increasingly integrating workforce skills into academic classes, and disciplinary literacy is gaining traction to teach students subject-specific thinking. As teachers face staffing shortages, webinars by CDW and others promote tech tools to streamline workloads, while resources for Indigenous representation and online safety add to comprehensive education efforts across diverse student needs.
City & State Roundup | Education systems across U.S. cities face sweeping changes and challenges. Chicago Public Schools has postponed board meetings until December as it transitions to a new board structure with elected members. Philadelphia, grappling with high teacher attrition, is rolling out a five-year plan focused on curriculum and facilities improvements. Florida and Louisiana address policy controversies, with Florida enhancing student restraint protocols and Louisiana facing a lawsuit over its Ten Commandments law. New York City is merging small, under-enrolled schools and expanding bilingual programs to meet demand, despite staffing challenges. In Washington State, new graduation standards prioritize career readiness, while Minneapolis tackles budget crises to sustain operations. Meanwhile, NYC’s new schools chancellor is encouraging high school seniors to apply to CUNY, part of an effort to strengthen post-secondary transitions. Across various states, from Massachusetts reconsidering test-based graduation to South Carolina seeking alternatives to vouchers, education leaders navigate financial constraints and policy reform amid a growing national focus on educational equity and student well-being.
What did we miss? Hit us up in the comments below:
OAKLAND
At youth-led candidate forum, Oakland school board hopefuls talk budgets, closures, and safety
What’s Happening: Oakland school board candidates addressed local high school students at a youth-led forum, discussing key issues like budget equity, school closures, mental health, and safety ahead of the upcoming election in which 16- and 17-year-olds will vote for the first time. Candidates in districts 1, 3, 5, and 7 emphasized themes of equity and community involvement; several proposed budget reallocations to prioritize classroom needs and suggested increased student representation in budget planning.
Impact: With a student-led forum spotlighting these issues, candidates aimed to resonate with younger voters on matters that directly impact their school experiences, and the forum reflected growing youth engagement in educational policy.
What’s Next: Oakland youth voters can cast mail-in ballots or vote in person at the registrar’s office, while candidates continue to advocate for their platforms in the final weeks before Election Day.
Notable Quote: “Your vote has the power to bring us closer to your vision,” -Diego Garcia | Skyline High School senior and moderator
OUSD Budget Adjustment Work Reaches New Stage, Showing Possibilities for Changes to Budget and Schools
What’s Happening: OUSD faces a $79 million budget deficit projected for this school year and another $95 million next year, prompting the Board of Education to direct staff on how to make necessary budget adjustments. In a recent Board study session, OUSD discussed its “3Rs” strategy (Redesign, Re-envision, Restructure) to address fiscal sustainability through potential school consolidations, optimizing facility use, and implementing operational efficiencies across departments.
Impact: With OUSD’s enrollment declining and operational costs rising, the district’s restructuring aims to ensure financial viability while preserving educational quality for students across its 77 schools, a high number relative to similarly sized districts.
What’s Next: OUSD will use data analysis tools, like Optimal School Location Analysis, to identify ideal school locations and explore potential revenue streams from district assets to address budget challenges sustainably.
Notable Quote: “Significant adjustments need to be made to our budget in unrestricted funds,” stated Chief Business Officer Lisa Grant-Dawson, emphasizing the critical need for financial restructuring.
Inside OUSD: Upcoming Meetings, Budget Briefs on District Budget and Impending Challenges By OUSD Newsroom | Communications & Public Affairs | OUSD has initiated several new communication efforts, including interviews, budget briefs, and public meetings, to inform the community about its $95 million projected deficit and the steps needed to address it.
THE BAY AREA
Maria Su approved to lead embattled SFUSD; prioritizes balancing budget, restoring trust
What’s Happening: Dr. Maria Su has been appointed as superintendent of the SFUSD, following a 6-1 approval by the Board of Education after former Superintendent Matt Wayne’s departure. Su, previously the head of San Francisco’s Department of Children, Youth and Their Families, will work alongside Deputy Superintendent Karling Aguilera-Fort and focus on stabilizing SFUSD’s finances and restoring community trust amid fiscal and operational challenges.
What’s Next: Immediate goals include completing a balanced budget by the December deadline and implementing operational improvements in teacher hiring and credentialing as part of a comprehensive support strategy from local and state officials.
Notable Quote: “Her deep expertise leading teams and running a large government agency is exactly what we need to stabilize our school district,” – Matt Alexander | SFUSD Board President.
In Related Coverage
- SF’s New School Superintendent Is on the Job. Little About It Is Business as Usual By Katie DeBenedetti | KQED | Maria Su, who has been co-leading a team of city administrators sent to help stabilize the District, was appointed its new superintendent of schools on Tuesday night.
- ‘The time is right for new leadership’: SFUSD announces new superintendent By Hamza Fahmy | KRON4 | “Dr. Maria Su has been a champion for families and children in our city and she has my full confidence in this new role leading our public schools,” said Mayor London Breed.
- SFUSD superintendent resigns: Timeline shows events that led to school chief’s ouster By Jill Tucker | San Francisco Chronicle | The road to Wayne’s forced resignation started slowly and then in recent weeks sped to the end.
SF School Closures Halted for Now, But District’s New Leader Will Be Tested”
What’s Happening: SFUSD halted its school closure plans and accepted Superintendent Matt Wayne’s resignation, naming Maria Su as the likely interim leader to stabilize finances and community trust. Su, currently the executive director of San Francisco’s Department of Children, Youth and Their Families, will work under a unique agreement, remaining a city employee while reporting to the SFUSD Board of Education.
Why It Matters: Su’s leadership aims to prevent a state takeover by addressing SFUSD’s $113 million deficit and preserving local control, crucial for maintaining stability amid enrollment declines and budget challenges.
What’s Next: Su must deliver a balanced budget to the state by December 15, a task likely involving staff cuts and program reductions, while exploring long-term solutions for SFUSD’s fiscal health.
Notable Quote: “The role of the California Department of Education is to assist with financial decisions…but…never to lead the district,” – Tony Thurmond | State Superintendent
In Related Coverage:
- San Francisco schools must avoid state takeover at all costs, education veteran warns By Louis Freedberg | Ed Source | Carl Cohn, brought in as a consultant on San Francisco’s public school crisis, calls himself a “huge fan” of local control and doubts outside involvement will solve SFUSD’s many issues.
- SFUSD school board candidates focus on avoiding state takeover By Jill Tucker | San Francisco Chronicle |
- SF School Closures Are on Pause – For Now By Ericka Cruz Guevarra, Katie DeBenedetti, Jessica Kariisa, and Alan Montecillo | KQED
Berkeley Teens Say Voting for School Board is ‘Not Exactly Wow, But Still Cool’”
What’s Happening: Nearly 1,500 teens in Berkeley and Oakland have registered to vote in the upcoming school board elections. Students expressed various priorities, with many emphasizing teacher quality and improved school infrastructure as top concerns, while others felt limited by only being able to vote in local school board races, rather than broader state or national elections.
Why It Matters: The initiative, enabled by Measures Y1 and QQ in Berkeley and Oakland, is intended to boost civic engagement and increase future voter participation among young people, a group historically showing low turnout rates in elections.
What’s Next: Although online registration has closed, 16- and 17-year-olds can still register in person before Election Day, with advocacy groups encouraging youth to embrace this opportunity to influence their local education policies.
Notable Quote: “This gives them that voice and hopefully makes them more likely to vote in the future,” – Joshua Daniels | former Berkeley Unified board member
Two Alameda Council, Three School Board Seats Contested Nov. 5″
What’s Happening: Alameda voters will decide on two City Council seats and three Alameda Unified School District Board of Education seats in the upcoming November 5 election. The race includes candidates focused on improving district transparency, educational equity, and resource allocation, with some challengers advocating for greater community engagement in school decisions.
What’s Next: Candidates will continue to campaign on issues relevant to parents and community members, with forums and debates expected in the lead-up to Election Day.
Notable Quote: “This election is crucial for setting the direction of our district,” – Carla Gomez | AUSD Board candidate
In other Bay Area News:
- San Francisco Proposition A Election Brief | By KALW | Proposition A would let the San Francisco Unified School District borrow up to 790 million dollars to upgrade, repair and retrofit its properties. That money would also pay for a 221 million dollar central food hub to produce and distribute high-quality food to students. The funds can not be used to pay for teachers or staff beyond those who administer the bond.
- San Francisco Proposition J Election Brief | By KALW | Proposition J would create an oversight body to monitor city government spending on programs helping children and young people. The measure would direct the city to spend ten of millions of dollars of additional funds on an existing program that supports students, by changing the way the city calculates mandated contributions to all children’s programs.
- San Ramon Valley Unified School District to require ethnic studies course for graduation By Madeleine Hanavan | Contra Costa Youth Journalism via Local News Matters | SRVUSD now requires students to complete an ethnic studies course to graduate, the district announced in August.
- Recalled East Bay school board member could win his seat back | By Erin Allday | San Francisco Chronicle | One of the two board members recalled from a tiny East Bay school district earlier this year after it banned Pride flags on campus could win back the seat he was ousted from in November.
- Peninsula teachers end strike in wealthiest ZIP code in US By NBC Bay Area News | The Las Lomitas Elementary School District, which oversees two schools in Menlo Park and Atherton, the Las Lomitas Education Association, and the school district confirmed late Saturday that an agreement was reached.
- Related Coverage:
- Las Lomitas elementary district and teachers reach agreement, strike ends | By Bay City News
- Teachers in the Bay Area’s most expensive city go on strike | By Kayla Galloway | KTVU FOX2
- Related Coverage:
- Controversial West Valley school superintendent leaves district By Annalise Freimarck | San Jose Spotlight | An embattled education official has made a hasty exit from a West Valley school district, following months of community strife that left parents and students feeling unheard.
- Santa Clara County leaders could expand control over education board By Brandon Pho | San Jose Spotlight | Santa Clara leaders may exert more power over the Office of Education. The Board Supervisors on Tuesday voted 4-0 to look into whether it should decide who sits on the countywide school district’s Board of Education.
- AUSD Notes: Keep Up with the Alameda School District Online” By Susan Davis | East Bay Times | The district’s website and social media channels now feature regular updates on board meeting agendas, district initiatives, and student programs, aiming to foster better community engagement and transparency.
- At a San José School, a Cosmic Visit From Astronaut José Hernández By Carlos Cabrera-Lomelí |KQED
THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA
Many Black and Latino LAUSD Teachers Considering Leaving the Classroom
What’s Happening: A recent report by GPSN reveals that one in three Black and Latino Gen Z teachers in LAUSD are considering leaving the profession, with 71% of those intending to leave within one to two years due to low morale and insufficient pay.
Why It Matters: Teacher diversity is linked to improved student outcomes, particularly for Black and Latino students, making the retention of Black and Latino educators critical in a district where they are underrepresented relative to the student population.
What’s Next: LAUSD is actively working to recruit diverse teachers, including outreach at Historically Black Colleges and Universities and offering tuition waivers to help retain diverse talent.
Notable Quote: “Gen Z educators are looking for something that is sustainable,” – Dr. Laura McGowan Robinson | CEO of the Diversity and Leadership Institute
Lack of candidates means many Californians won’t vote for school board
What’s Happening: Over half of school board races in California will not appear on the November 5 ballot due to uncontested seats or a lack of candidates, leaving many seats filled by default or by appointment in rural and urban areas alike. Rural districts face particular difficulties in recruiting candidates due to limited populations, low stipends, and fewer political aspirations, while urban areas see candidates deterred by heightened polarization and hostility at board meetings.
Why It Matters: The shortage of school board candidates challenges democratic representation, especially in underserved communities, and risks leaving essential school policy and budgetary decisions in the hands of unopposed or appointed board members.
What’s Next: Districts facing a candidate shortage may appoint board members after the election, often reappointing incumbents who missed the filing deadline, and some counties may even assign members from the county Office of Education to ensure board quorum.
Notable Quote: “We always want to encourage people who have the right faculties and demeanor…and don’t have just one specific issue they’re concerned about,” -Allan Carver | Siskiyou County Superintendent.
Q&A: The Fight for Science of Reading in California Classrooms Continues
What’s Happening: California Assemblymember Blanca Rubio is revising her science of reading bill, AB 2222, after it failed to pass due to opposition from major educational organizations. Despite resistance from groups like the California Association for Bilingual Education and the California Teachers Association, Rubio is working on adjustments to reduce costs and reframe the language around the bill, while maintaining the core objective of improving literacy through phonics-based instruction.
Why It Matters: With only 43% of California’s third graders reading at grade level, proponents argue that improving literacy rates through structured, science-based reading instruction is essential for addressing broader social issues such as workforce readiness and incarceration rates.
What’s Next: Rubio hopes to reintroduce the bill by the end of the year, collaborating with stakeholders to make it more acceptable without compromising its intent to standardize effective reading instruction across California.
Notable Quote: “Philosophical differences are hurting children,” – Blanca Rubio | Assemblymember
CALIFORNIA SUPERINTENDENT COMMENTARY – FACILITIES: Proposition 2 is Essential for California’s Students and Run-down Schools”
What’s Happening: Proposition 2, a bond measure on the November ballot, seeks to provide $8.5 billion for K-12 school renovations and $1.5 billion for community colleges across California, targeting much-needed facility repairs and upgrades. This measure would allow districts that cannot raise substantial local funds to access matching state funds, prioritizing equitable distribution to lower-income districts and those with high numbers of English learners and foster youth.
What’s Next: If approved, Proposition 2 will create thousands of construction jobs across the state, with funds dedicated to facilities improvements, supporting both education and local economies.
Notable Quote: “Proposition 2…is a vitally necessary, common-sense step forward to provide critically needed upgrades to California’s schools,” – Tony Thurmond | State Superintendent of Public Instruction.
In other California News…
- California Department of Education Announces Updated Guidance on Air Quality for Schools During Wildfire Smoke Days | By California Department of Education Newsroom | The guidance, developed in partnership with public health and air quality agencies, provides schools with a framework for using air quality index (AQI) data and assessing the adequacy of air filtration systems to protect student health under smoky conditions.
- California Students Make Progress in Key Academic Areas, But Challenges Remain By Jow W. Bowers | California Black Media via Oakland Post | Post News Group | California DOE released its 2023-24 statewide assessment results showing gradual progress within some key academic areas. The report highlights improvements, especially among Black and socioeconomically disadvantaged students, while overall scores remain below pre-pandemic levels.
- Bay Area judge rules Meta, Google, TikTok must face schools’ addiction claims By By Isaiah Poritz | Bloomberg via Bay Times | Federal judge lets claims proceed after state judge declined
City & County Roundup:
- Why is San Diego Unified facing a $176 million deficit? By Kristen Taketa | San Diego Union-Tribune | District officials said Monday they have identified roughly $100 million in budget solutions to help address the impending deficit.
- Los Angeles Makes Gains in Reading and Math – But Most Kids Still Don’t Meet Standards By Katie VanArnam | LA School Report | Like other school systems across the country, LA Unified saw student achievement plummet during COVID-19. LAUSD scores have risen some since then, with underperforming student groups making particularly big gains.
- Who is funding Sacramento school board campaigns? These candidates received the most money By Jennah Pendelton | Sacramento Bee | The 32 candidates running for school board seats in Sacramento County have raised half a million dollars in campaign funds this election season, with the majority of those funds coming from local PACs.
- Charter School Founder and LAUSD Teacher Runs for School Board District 3 By Ben Chapman | LA School Report | LAUSD teacher and charter school booster Dan Chang is running to unseat incumbent Scott Schmerelson in LA Unified’s Board District 3, covering the West San Fernando Valley and Studio City.
- Allegations of workplace misconduct dogged West Valley high school superintendent By Isha Trivedi | Mercury News Group | Bill Sanderson resigned after complaints about his leadership style. Members of Los Gatos, Saratoga community criticized Sanderson’s “top-down” style of leadership.
- What students learned about voting during mock election at West Campus in Sacramento By Renee C. Byer | Sacramento Bee | Government students participate in a mock election held by the Sacramento County elections office at West Campus High School in Sacramento on Oct. 2, 2024. Eligible students were also able to fill out pre-registration forms.
- Inland Empire schools propose $3.6 billion in bonds By Deborah Brennan | Cal Matters | In addition to voting on $10 billion in state school bonds, Inland Empire residents will consider bonds for 22 school districts.
ACROSS THE NATION
No Silver School-Spending Bullets: 5 Lessons from the $190B ESSER Investment to Help Drive Continued Learning Recovery
What’s Happening: The $190 billion ESSER fund intended for COVID-19 learning recovery in U.S. schools has shown mixed results in boosting test scores, revealing that future spending must be strategic to maximize educational outcomes in the absence of similar funding. Analyzing ESSER’s effectiveness, researchers identified five key lessons: state leadership influence on outcomes, equity challenges in spending, the need for more value-focused procurement, the limited impact of increased special education referrals, and a budgeting process lacking a focus on student outcomes.
Impact: With ESSER funds depleted, the findings underscore that education funding alone does not guarantee results; instead, effective state guidance, equitable allocation, and a value-oriented budget process are essential for sustained improvements in student learning.
What’s Next: Districts and states must adopt practices that prioritize student outcomes in budgeting, improve resource allocation, and ensure accountability to continue learning recovery with limited funds.
Teachers Had Ideas for Improving Education After the Pandemic. We Failed to Listen”
What’s Happening: Teachers developed innovative solutions during the pandemic, such as alternative assessment methods and new disciplinary approaches, but these were largely disregarded by administrators when schools reopened, leading to missed opportunities for post-pandemic educational improvements. Teachers found success with approaches like portfolio-based assessments and small group engagements, which reduced student and teacher anxiety; however, these methods were not retained, as administrators pushed to return to pre-pandemic norms without consulting teachers.
Impact: The failure to embrace teachers’ pandemic-era insights contributes to ongoing dissatisfaction and high turnover among educators, while students miss out on learning methods proven to improve engagement and performance.
What’s Next: For future improvement, educational leaders must actively listen to teachers’ frontline experiences and incorporate these insights into decision-making processes, fostering a collaborative environment for sustainable change.
What Federal Data Tells Us About Challenges Finding Teachers”
What’s Happening: A new federal survey from the National Center for Education Statistics reveals that most U.S. schools reported difficulties in filling certified teaching positions for the fall, with special education, physical science, and English as a second language among the hardest roles to staff. While the teacher hiring landscape has seen slight improvement, with a 5% drop in schools reporting challenges compared to last year, underlying issues like geographic disparities, high-poverty school vacancies, and increased reliance on uncertified teachers persist, particularly impacting high-need subject areas and schools with predominantly students of color.
Impact: The reliance on less-prepared teachers to fill gaps, especially in high-need communities, may lead to a decline in instructional quality, placing added strain on experienced educators and potentially worsening turnover rates, which have surged in certain regions post-pandemic.
Notable Quote: “When we think of it as merely a body count, we are not looking at the whole entire problem…we’re doing a disservice to our students and our educators,” – Megan Boren | Southern Regional Education Board.
By Nadia Tamez-Robledo | EdSurge
These Teachers Often Live in Poverty. A Pay Raise Could Help — But There’s a Cost”
What’s Happening: The Biden administration has proposed a rule to raise Head Start teacher salaries by up to $10,000 to address high turnover, yet this mandate lacks additional federal funding, potentially forcing Head Start programs to reduce child enrollment to cover the cost. Head Start educators like Julie Beck and Beryl Davis often earn poverty-level wages, requiring second jobs to make ends meet, while many teachers leave for better-paying positions in public schools, creating a shortage that prevents programs from filling all available child slots.
Why It Matters: Head Start’s mission to break cycles of poverty is undermined when teachers themselves live in poverty, and while the new pay rule aims to stabilize staffing, it may limit Head Start’s reach, forcing centers to choose between adequately compensating staff and maintaining service levels.
What’s Next: Without additional funding from Congress, Head Start programs may need to cut back services, despite a seven-year compliance period for the pay increase, as communities balance staffing needs with growing demand for early childhood education.
Notable Quote: “I’m paycheck to paycheck. I had to take out a loan for the summer,” says Beck, who earns roughly $20 an hour, 10 months a year. “I’m about one car payment behind,” – Julie Beck | Preschool teacher
In the Classroom:
- One Change That Can Get More Girls, Students of Color Taking Computer Science By Alyson Klein | Ed Week | More states are requiring students to take a foundational computer science class to graduate—employing a powerful policy lever to bridge long-standing gender, racial, and socioeconomic gaps in course enrollments, concludes Code.org’s annual report on the state of computer science education.
- Survey: Teacher optimism on education bounces back after long decline By Austin Gergens | Chalkboard News | In a survey conducted by Morning Consult on behalf of EdChoice, 49% of teachers polled in September said they thought that education was going in the right direction in their local school districts. In April, only 39% of teachers responded positively to the same question.
- Even in Academic Classes, Schools Focus on Building Students’ Workforce Skills By Matthew Stone | Ed Week | One skill students learn in elementary school is how to write an opinion backed up by reasons and details. 1st grade classes at Old Mill Elementary School approached opinion writing and related skills in a way that showed their potential to have a real community impact.
- Most Teachers Don’t Think PD Is Relevant. What Can Principals Do? By Jessica Calabrese & Elham Kazemi | Ed Week | Nurturing the craft of teaching will benefit both teachers and students
- ‘Mom Is Texting’: Teachers Say Parents Are a Daily Distraction During Class By Arianna Prothero | Ed Week | Nearly half of teachers, principals, and district leaders say that parents are texting and emailing their children during class at least daily, according to a survey by the EdWeek Research Center.
- What Is Disciplinary Literacy? By Stephen Sawchuk | Ed Week | Disciplinary literacy is an instructional approach that teaches students to read, write, and think in ways that are specific to a subject area… Unlike content-area literacy, which emphasizes basic reading strategies across subjects.
- How to help kids and teens use the internet safely By Vani Sanganeria| Ed Source | Online safety expert explains why children and teens need strong relationships to thrive online.
- CDW Webinar to Share How Technology Can Help With K–12 Teacher, Staff Shortages By Taashi Rowe | Ed TEch | Experts highlighted tools like automated grading systems, digital lesson planning, and virtual learning platforms that reduce teacher workload, allowing educators to dedicate more time to student engagement and personalized learning.
- Newly arrived English learners a positive for existing ELs By Kara Arundel | K-12 Dive | A study on Delaware schools published by AERA found no adverse academic impacts for non-English learners with the arrival of new ELs.
- How to ensure Native Americans are accurately represented in curriculum By Lauren Barack | K-12 Dive | Schools can look to tribal organizations and nonprofits representing Indigenous people for resources to improve curricula.
In other National News…
- How the Culture Wars Are Costing Schools Billions By Caitlynn Peetz | Ed Week | U.S. schools are facing escalating costs due to culture war battles, including lawsuits, increased security measures, and teacher training programs to address conflicts around topics like book bans, gender identity, and race in the curriculum.
- In Related News & Coverage
- New research puts a cost on school board conflict: $3.2 billion last year alone By Wellington Soares | Chalkbeat | The study, which involved a survey of 467 superintendents, attempts to put a dollar amount on the impact of all this conflict.
- Schools spent $3.2B on conflict over divisive issues in 2023-24 By Kara Arundel | K-12 Dive | District leaders say hate mail, threats and public information demands are creating financial and emotional burdens for schools.
- Report: Silencing ‘agents of disruption’ who challenge schools can save $2 billion a year By Brendan Clarey | Chalkboard News | A survey of superintendents says challenges to how districts teach race and racism, LGBTQ+ policies and school library books cost taxpayers $3.2 billion last school year.
- The Anti-Culture Warriors: Incubators Training Moderates to Run for School Board By Beth Hawkins | The74 | With 12,000 seats up for grabs nationwide, can a new candidate recruiting effort tame some of the red-hot races at the bottom of the ticket?
- In Related News & Coverage
- Biden Apologizes for U.S. Mistreatment of Native American Children By Network Pool | New York Times | President Biden offered a formal apology on Friday on behalf of the U.S. government for the abuse of Native American children from the early 1800s to the late 1960s.
- Biden admin says spending will add 18,000 mental health professionals to schools By Austin Gergens | Chalkboard News | In bolstering its School-Based Mental Health Services and Mental Health Service Professionals Demonstration grant programs, the U.S.DOE announced “the largest-ever expansion of K-12 mental health programs,” citing the youth mental health crisis.
- Education Department releases highly anticipated AI toolkit for schools By Anna Merod | K-12 Dive | The federal guidance, prompted by a Biden administration executive order, includes district strategies for mitigating risks and developing AI use policies.
- How Educators Say They’ll Vote in the 2024 Election By Libby Stanford | Ed Week | Educators’ preferences vary by age and the communities where they work.
- Why education is becoming a bigger divide in politics By Domenico Montanaro | NPR via KALW Voters in U.S. elections are increasingly divided along educational lines, with college graduates tending to vote Democratic and non-college-educated voters leaning Republican. This shift, which began around the 2010s reflects broader cultural and economic grievances among non-college-educated voters who feel disconnected from the gains of a white-collar economy.
- GOP candidates embrace Trump’s call to abolish Education Department By Laura Meckler | Washington Post | Republican candidates in tight races speak out on the issue, an on-and-off GOP goal since the agency was created
- From isolation to innovation: How superintendents are leading the way through collaboration By Jillian Doggett & Emma Mills | By Digital Promise League of Innovative Schools via K-12 Dive | This national network of superintendents is breaking down silos to elevate innovative solutions.
- School choice goes before voters in 3 states, faces pushback in others By Tribune News Service | Voters in Arizona, New Hampshire, and Texas will decide on school choice initiatives in the upcoming election, which could significantly impact public education funding and the availability of vouchers for private school tuition.
- Charter Schools Continue to See Enrollment Increases Post-Pandemic By Lauren Camera | The74 | Enrollment declines continue to plague public school districts, but charter schools are bucking the trend, study finds.
- Public Funds, Private Schools: A New Analysis of the Early Returns in Eight States By Amanda Geduld | The74 | New FutureEd research shows ‘universal’ programs not all universal, most public school students staying put for now and accountability is very mixed.
- Low-income families struggle to get child care subsidies in many states. Here’s why. By Ann Schimke | Chalkbeat | New federal rules are making the program better for parents and providers, but they come with a hefty price tag.
- Why housing and education leaders must work together to help students thrive By Betty Márquez Rosales | Ed Source | Researcher Megan Gallagher details why housing characteristics matter in a child’s education and the collaborations that can help children have a fair chance at achieving academic success.
- Are FAFSA glitches fixed? Students are testing the form to find out By Jason Gonzales | Chalkbeat |The federal Education Department hopes to fix issues with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid by widespread nationwide testing.
City and State Roundup:
- Chicago Public Schools halts board meetings until December amid board of education and mayor’s office shake-ups By Molly Morrow | Chicago Tribune | Chicago Public Schools is rescheduling its next meeting for Dec. 12 more than a month after 10 candidates will be elected to make up half of a new, partially elected, partially appointed school board.
- In Related News
- New school board meets for the first time, with new members signaling alignment with the mayor By Nell Salzman | Chicago Tribune| After several months of disagreement between Mayor Brandon Johnson and the school district, the public got its first look at seven new Chicago Board of Education members as they were sworn in Thursday morning.
- New Chicago school board members swear themselves in By Mila Koumpilova | Chalkbeat
- In Related News
- Illinois literacy program expanding By Kevin Bessler | The Center Square | The “Reach Out and Read Illinois” program will now be available in Winnebago County.
- Lawsuit targets Illinois minority teacher scholarship program By Naaz Modan | K-12 Dive | The case marks a new step in the debate over race-conscious policies, with plaintiffs claiming the program discriminates against nonminority teacher candidates.
- For Some Children, Hurricane Helene’s Ruin ‘Could Take Years to Get Over’ By Troy Closson and Edgar Sandovol | New York Times | Tens of thousands of children across the Southeast remain out of their classrooms one week after Helene, the deadliest hurricane to strike the mainland United States since Katrina. They are cut off from academics, friends and stabilizing routines.
- Report finds alarming level of teacher attrition in Philly, suggests solutions By Dale Mezzacappa | Chalkbeat | Teacher attrition in Philadelphia is highest for new teachers and those of color
- How Philadelphia is accelerating learning recovery with an ambitious 5-year plan By Roger Riddell | K-12 Dive |
- Propelled by impressive academic recovery metrics, Superintendent Tony Watlington has curriculum rollouts, facilities improvements and more on the agenda.
- Parents of Massachusetts high schooler disciplined for using AI sue school By Steve LeBlanc | Associated Press via KRON4 | At the time, the student’s teacher, Susan Petrie, did not prohibit the use of AI for preparation and research for the project, according to the lawsuit.
- Florida district agrees to improve student restraint policies By Kara Arundel | K-12 Dive | An OCR investigation found concerns about St. Johns County School District’s “very high” rate of restraint for students with disabilities.
- Civil liability for parents could deter school threats, Board of Education member says By Jay Waagmeester | Florida Phoenix | Civil penalties for parents whose children threaten schools could deter threats from occurring, a Florida Board of Education member suggested Tuesday.
- Miami-Dade teachers vote to keep their union. This right-wing group vows to bust it By Clara-Sophia Dal | Miami Herald | This comes despite attempts by a recent law to destabilize the union and substantial amounts of money being funneled into an alternative group attempting to supplant the union.
- Louisiana’s 2020 Teacher of the Year sues over Ten Commandments law By Sara Cline and Kevin McGill | Los Angeles Times | It’s the second lawsuit filed against the law, which was enacted in June.
- Louisiana Treasury Department launches new financial reporting tool for schools By Nolan McKendry | The Center Square | The site will feature 50 data metrics, though only 18 will come directly from the schools. The rest will be sourced from the Department of Education to reduce the burden on schools.
- Maryland school board races see flood of partisan cash from both sides By Katie Shepherd and Nicole Asbury | Washington Post | Democrats and a conservative PAC have poured tens of thousands of dollars into over a dozen races, fueling the culture wars over books, equity and curriculum.
- Montgomery schools stopped using two LGBTQ-inclusive books amid legal battle By Nicole Asbury | Washington Post | MCPS pulled two story books with LGBTQ+ characters from classroom use amid an ongoing legal battle.
- A charter school’s financial spiral began years before its sudden closure By Lauren Lumpkin and Marissa J. Lang | Washington Post | Eagle Academy in D.C. abruptly closed after years of financial troubles and declining student enrollment. Public records and interviews show the city and Eagle’s own board lacked a clear picture of the school’s situation.
- Nevada Asked A.I. Which Students Need Help. The Answer Caused an Outcry By Troy Closson | New York Times | The new system cut the number of students deemed “at risk” in the state by 200,000, leading to tough moral and ethical questions over which children deserve extra assistance.
- Massachusetts, Famed for Tough School Standards, Rethinks Its Big Test By Troy Closson | New York Times | A ballot measure would do away with the requirement that high schoolers pass a test to graduate. Opponents say it could water down academics for struggling students.
- Can Connecticut Kids Read? By Carol Platt Liebau & Andrew Fowler | National Review | According to U.S. News & World Report, only 22 percent of Hartford’s elementary students and 26 percent of its middle schoolers tested at or above the proficient level for reading.
- Book Bans Live on in School District Now Run by Democrats By Dana Goldstein | New York Times | Democrats swept a school board election in Bucks County after Republicans instituted book bans and other changes. But the right-wing “parental rights” movement has left an indelible mark.
- More than $60M going to literacy programs in Ohio By J.D. Davidson | The Center Square | The money is part of Gov. Mike DeWine’s Read Ohio initiative, which the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce is pushing throughout the state as a way to raise literacy achievement.
- Kentucky school choice ballot measure pits competing messages from Gov. Andy Beshear, Sen. Rand Paul By Bruce Schreiner | Associated Press | As Kentucky voters ponder whether to allow some of their tax dollars to support students attending private schools, the high-stakes debate has turned into a test of influence between popular political heavyweights.
- 19.5% of Wisconsin K-12 students were chronically absent from school By Jon Styf | The Center Square | The rates are above pre-pandemic levels for every race, grade level and socioeconomic status and chronically absent rates were the highest above norms for those in elementary school.
- Advocates call for new cabinet-level state agency to oversee children’s behavioral health By Alexander Castro | Rhode Island Current | The cost of reorganizing services now spread across seven agencies remains undetermined.
- District’s latest financial projections show eminent budget crisis without action school board Budget By Melissa Whitler | Minneapolis School Voices | Significant budget cuts or additional revenue are necessary to alter the district’s financial trajectory.
- High school graduation requirements may see overhaul in Washington • Washington State Standard By Grace Deng | Washington State Standard | The initiative, “FutureReady,” is part of the Board of Education’s 2025 legislative platform, which was approved by members. The board is requesting an additional $273,000 in the upcoming 2025-2027 budget.
- Related converge:
- New grad requirements and ‘mastery based learning’ among priorities for WA Ed Board By Carleen Johnson | The Center Square |
- Related converge:
- Billionaire donor covering K-12 private tuition after SC court rejected vouchers By Seanna Adcox | South Carolina Daily Gazette | Pennsylvania billionaire, Jeff Yass, will cover this year’s private tuition costs for South Carolina students who lost their taxpayer-funded scholarships when the state Supreme Court ruled them unconstitutional.
- With State Still in Charge, Providence Will Elect New School Board Members By Patrick O’Donnell | The74 | Reorganized board will have to navigate the pull of mayor, state and residents on budget, charter and school closure battles.
- New Hampshire lawmakers wrangle over school voucher program By Chris Wade | The Center Square | Lawmakers are considering changes to the state’s school voucher program, which uses taxpayer money to fund private, religious and home schooling education amid claims from critics that the system lacks accountability and transparency.
- Part accountability hearing, part help desk: Inside Denver Public Schools’ Data MINE By Melanie Asmar | Chalkbeat | DPS is launching a new data analysis initiative aimed at enhancing student success by identifying and addressing educational gaps. The district is focusing on using data to monitor student progress, attendance, and disciplinary actions to tailor resources and interventions where they are most needed.
- A Plan to Fund High School Newspapers Seeks to Revive Student Journalism By Claire Fahy | New York Times | Just 27 percent of public high schools in New York City have a newspaper. A local nonprofit is offering a solution.
- What to Know About Melissa Aviles-Ramos, New York City’s New Schools Chancellor By Claire Fahy and Troy Closson | New York Times | Melissa Aviles-Ramos, who will take over in January as the next chancellor of New York City’s public school system, is a longtime New York educator who oversaw the schools’ response to the arrival of tens of thousands of migrant children.
- Mergers Ahead: NYC is Combining More Tiny Schools to Combat Enrollment Drops” By: Michael Elsen-Rooney and Alex Zimmerman | Chalkbeat | NYC has accelerated its strategy of merging small, under-enrolled schools to address a citywide drop in student enrollment, with 13 school mergers or grade eliminations approved last year, the most since 2018.
- Why Can’t New York Keep Up With the Demand for Bilingual Teachers? Bianca Fortis | New York Focus | Bilingual education is the fastest-growing department in the Hudson Valley’s Suffern Central School District — but hiring for it is tough. Years of shortages have led to a staggering problem across the state, with few solutions on the horizon.
- NYC’s new chancellor pitches CUNY to high school seniors, welcome letters in tow By Michael Elsen-Rooney | Chalkbeat | The letters helped spur a dramatic spike in CUNY applications, which multiplied nearly fivefold last fall compared to the year before.
- Here’s what DPSCD board candidates have to say about fighting chronic absenteeism By Lori Higgins | Chalkbeat | High rates of chronic absenteeism continue to impede efforts to improve academic achievement.