The Oakland Education Week in Review

Oct 28, 2024 – Nov 03, 2024

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 education landscape is evolving with increased student and community involvement and new efforts to support educational equity. For the first time, 16- and 17-year-olds will vote in school board elections, marking a milestone in youth engagement, while noncitizen parents are still awaiting the implementation of a 2022 measure granting them voting rights in these elections. Amid declining political spending in school board races, the Oakland Education Association leads as a significant supporter, creating a more community-centered election. The Oakland Unified School District faces a $95 million deficit, with potential school closures on the table and decisions expected in December. In other news, Yemeni students have created a documentary sharing their experiences as part of the Arab Film Fest, and a new scholarship program aims to support college-bound students who face economic challenges. School board candidates are prioritizing Black education, with a focus on closing literacy gaps and ensuring equitable resources for Black and Brown students.

In the Greater Bay Area | Across the Bay Area, school districts are grappling with budget challenges that threaten the stability of essential school programs and services. In San Francisco, SFUSD Superintendent Maria Su is working to address a $113 million deficit without immediate school closures, though significant budget cuts may impact staffing and resources. Similarly, East San Jose’s Alum Rock Union School District faces a potential $20 million shortfall, considering closures for nearly half of its schools to consolidate resources and preserve vital programs. In other local news, Cal State East Bay has partnered with two local districts for guaranteed admission of qualified students, and Berkley schools have begun bond-funded construction projects. Meanwhile, a new measure aims to support teacher housing through school bonds in Santa Clara and San Mateo counties.

Throughout the State of California |  California is seeing intensified efforts to engage students and communities in civic life, with teachers navigating politically charged classroom discussions on the 2024 election while encouraging respectful, fact-based discourse. Meanwhile, a $30 million “California Thriving Youth Initiative” seeks to boost student civic engagement, especially for students of color, providing opportunities to influence their communities on critical issues. School board elections across the state have grown contentious, with unions and conservative groups supporting ideologically aligned candidates, particularly in debates over curriculum and parental rights. In other developments, new legislation aims to protect students from extreme weather, improve translation for special education documents, and address funding for religious school placements, while LAUSD is seeking a $9 billion bond for school upgrades.

Across the Nation |  A new study underscores the reading challenges facing older students who struggle with complex vocabulary, revealing gaps that hinder comprehension across subjects; experts urge increased support and expanded reading screenings in middle and high schools. As 2024 approaches, public opinion surveys show Americans want K–12 education to focus on core academic skills and student safety, with parents supporting teacher retention and quality curriculum over polarizing issues. In political news, Donald Trump’s proposed deportation plan could have devastating impacts on schools, as family separations would force educators to provide emergency support for students affected by immigration enforcement. Additionally, a report highlights that culture wars over race, gender, and sexuality cost schools an estimated $3.2 billion last year, diverting funds from student services and impacting educators. Efforts by the National Education Association and the American Federation of Teachers’ PACs are ramping up for the 2024 election, with millions raised to support education-friendly candidates. Furthermore, new reports explore the rising costs of pensions, school district spending of COVID relief funds, and increased Gen Z interest in skilled trades as a viable career path.

City & State Roundup |  In New Orleans, schools face a sudden $20 million funding shortfall due to tax miscalculations, while in Houston, a $1 million teacher certification scandal involving 400 unqualified educators has rocked the district, and some teachers may face repercussions nationwide. Florida continues to lead the nation in book bans, and a controversial school board appointment by Governor DeSantis is sparking local debate. Massachusetts is considering eliminating its high school graduation exam, which critics say could dilute standards, and in Newark, a new partnership aims to increase college access for students. In Colorado, Governor Polis’ new budget proposes funding schools based on current-year enrollment, impacting districts with declining numbers, while Chicago faces calls for a CPS overhaul amid increased spending and academic struggles. Meanwhile, Tennessee’s school turnaround efforts show limited long-term impact on student achievement, fueling discussions on the effectiveness of intervention strategies.

In the Classroom |  A new study reveals that many older students struggle with basic reading skills like decoding, limiting their comprehension and progress across subjects and prompting calls for increased resources and training for middle and high school teachers. As AI becomes more prevalent in classrooms, educators are exploring its benefits for learning support while navigating ethical concerns around cheating, underscoring the need for responsible guidance. Persistent teacher shortages across the U.S. continue despite decades of attempted solutions, with experts advocating for flexible, multi-pronged approaches as immediate, short-term fixes alongside efforts to professionalize teaching. In other news, a majority of teachers support restricting cell phone use in class due to distractions, St. Louis schools receive a $1 million grant for literacy improvements, and educators focus on teaching students critical thinking to combat misinformation in the digital age.

What did we miss?  Hit us up in the comments below: 

OAKLAND

After two years of waiting, noncitizen parents still can’t vote in Oakland school board elections

What’s happening:  Despite a 2022 ballot measure granting noncitizen parents the right to vote in Oakland school board elections, the city has yet to implement a registration and voting process. Noncitizens make up 14% of Oakland’s population, and advocates argue that including immigrant parents in school board elections could lead to better student outcomes by allowing parents to have a say in decisions affecting their children.

What’s next:  Oakland officials aim to revisit the issue after the November elections, with hopes of advancing the process for noncitizen voting in the next six months.

Notable quote: “It feels like we are not taken into account just because we are immigrants.” — Maria Cordova | OUSD Parent

By Vanessa Flores and Ximena Loeza | The Oaklandside

Oakland Students Reflect on Their Journey Voting for the First Time in Local Elections

What’s Happening:  Oakland teens are preparing to vote in school board elections for the first time, following a delayed implementation of Measure QQ, which grants voting rights to 16- and 17-year-olds in district decisions.  The youth-led push for Measure QQ was driven by students’ desire to influence issues affecting them, like school closures, teacher retention, and resource shortages in schools; the initiative faced a four-year delay as Alameda County developed necessary voting software.

What’s Next:  Eligible students will cast their ballots soon, with organizers hoping this voting right will be preserved and expanded in the future.

Notable Quote: “Nothing about us, without us.” — Nidya Baez, Principal, Fremont High School

By Magaly Muñoz | Post News Group

In related news & coverage:

  • For the first time in Oakland history, teens vote for school directors. So what do they want changed? By Haydee Barahona | Oakland North |  “If our representatives can talk to us about these issues, that’s a bigger impact than if a bunch of adults are talking to each other when they don’t go through the experiences that we do,” – Edamevoh Ajayi, 17, a student organizer at Oakland Technical High School, who lives in District 4.
  • Bay Area History is Made: Oakland Youth Cast their Ballots For the First Time for School Board Elections By Magaly Muñoz|  Post News Group | After 5 years of campaigning and fighting to be heard, Oakland teens have finally crossed the finish line and began casting their ballots for city school board director elections outside of Alameda County Courthouse. 
  • More Than 1.2 Million Youth Pre-Registered to Vote, Secretary of State Weber Announced By Bo Tefu – California Black Media | Post News Group | Secretary of State Shirley N. Weber announced on Sept. 26 that more than 1.2 million young people between the ages of 16 and 17-years-old have pre-registered to vote since the state launched the initiative in September 2016. The state program automatically activates voter registration for pre-registered youth when they turn 18 years of age.

Oakland School Board Races Draw Less Spending by Political Groups This Year

What’s happening: Unlike previous elections, political spending on Oakland school board races has decreased, with fewer large independent expenditure groups involved and key players, such as the California Charter Schools Association and GO Public Schools, opting out this year.  The Oakland Education Association remains the most prominent financial backer, raising over $179,000 and endorsing candidates aligned with its values, while Families in Action for Justice, an advocacy group, has also supported candidates but needed to adjust donations to comply with contribution limits.

Why it matters:  Reduced spending from powerful outside groups may lead to less polarized races, giving local issues and grassroots support greater influence on election outcomes.

What’s next:  Oakland voters will select board members in an election with a potentially more community-centered dynamic, amid scrutiny over the influence of both traditional and new advocacy groups on school policy.

Notable quote:  “I want somebody on the school board who is familiar with the day-to-day happenings at the site level.” — Hilaria Barajas | Third-Grade Teacher

By Ashley McBride | The Oaklandside

With a $95 million deficit looming, Oakland Unified turns to school closures — again.

What’s happening:  Facing a $95 million deficit, Oakland Unified School District is revisiting potential school closures, staff cuts, and other budget reductions to achieve financial stability.  Past closure plans sparked significant community opposition, and the district’s decisions are under scrutiny by the county and the attorney general due to equity concerns.

What’s next:  District staff will present specific closure and restructuring proposals on Nov. 13, with potential board approval on Dec. 11.

Notable quote:  “Inaction is not an option… We’re standing at the fork of fiscal independence and stability.” — Alysse Castro | Alameda County Superintendent.

By Ashley McBride | The Oaklandsise

In related news & coverage:

  • Oakland could soon consider closing schools again By Zaidee Stavely | Ed Source |  District staff presented several options to the school board on Oct. 23 for balancing the 2025-26 budget and closing a $95 million deficit. The options included school closures and mergers, reorganizing the central office, implementing hiring freezes or layoffs, cutting contracts with consultants and reducing staff at school sites.
  • This Bay Area mom led the fight against school closures. Now she sees the upside By Jill Tucker | San Francisco Chronicle |  After a passionate fight to save Oakland’s Parker K-8 School from closure in 2022, Azlinah Tambu, a mother and activist, reflects on the benefits her children have experienced at better-resourced schools despite her ongoing concerns.
  • Oakland School Closures Are Back on the Table, Less Than 2 Years After Plan Was Axed By Katie DeBenedetti | KQED |  School Board President Sam Davis believes fewer, better-resourced campuses are necessary due to shrinking enrollment, while board members remain divided on the issue, with Director Mike Hutchinson opposing additional closures beyond potential mergers of schools already sharing campuses.
  • OUSD facing $79 million deficit this year By Jana Katsuyama | KTVU FOX 2 News |  OUSD officials say with 34,000 students enrolled, that is not enough to support the current 77 schools in the district.  
  • OUSD Asks Community for Patience and Grace if Any Confidential Budget Planning Materials Are Leaked Publicly | By OUSD Newsroom

In Other Oakland News:

  • Arab students tell their story with help from an Oakland film program By Tony Daquipa | The OaklandsideYemeni youth made a doc about their experience amid tumult at OUSD over violence in Israel and Gaza. It screens tonight at the New Parkway as part of the Arab Film Fest.
  • Many Oakland Students Don’t Go to College. This New Scholarship Gives Some a Chance By Katie DeBenedetti | KQED |  
  • OUSD Supports and Appreciates All of our Students, Families, and Staff, and We Celebrate our Beloved Newcomer Population By OUSD NEwsroom |  “OUSD remains a sanctuary district, inside a sanctuary city, inside a sanctuary state, which means we support everyone in our community regardless of where they came from or how they got here.” – OUSD Statement

State of Black Education Oakland (SoBEO) Spotlight 

Great School Voices’ Keonnis Taylor recently  conducted a series of interviews with Oakland School Board candidates to discuss their perspectives on Black education in Oakland. These interviews provide insights into each candidate’s background, accomplishments, and vision for advancing Black education in Oakland.

  • Dwayne Aikens Jr. (District 3 Candidate): An Oakland native and executive director of the nonprofit We Lead Ours (WELO), Aikens has dedicated 14 years to youth development, focusing on substance abuse reduction and enrichment programs like summer camps and tennis clinics. He emphasizes the importance of community engagement and aims to bring his extensive experience in education and community service to the school board.  Click here to view the Interview.
  • Patrice Berry (District 5 Candidate): With a background as a history teacher and roles in post-secondary readiness, Berry has worked with organizations such as College Track and served as an executive advisor in the Oakland mayor’s office. She highlights her involvement in initiatives like the Oakland Post-Secondary Education Workforce Success Collaborative and the Northern California College Promise Coalition. Berry advocates for a unified vision of literacy education and emphasizes the need for targeted support to address disparities in student outcomes.  Click here to view the Interview.
  • Dr. Clifford Thompson (District 7 Incumbent): A 40-year veteran in education, Dr. Thompson has served as both a teacher and administrator. He co-authored the “Resolution to Advance Black and Brown Achievement,” focusing on improving literacy, math, and A-G completion rates for Black and Brown students. Dr. Thompson underscores the importance of equity and the need to address fundamental issues in reading education to enhance student achievement.   Click here to view the Interview.

THE BAY AREA

SF Schools Won’t Close Yet, But the City Still Has Questions About Huge Budget Cuts

What’s Happening:  Newly appointed SFUSD Superintendent Maria Su is focusing on addressing the district’s $113 million deficit without immediate school closures, though significant budget cuts may impact staffing and resources.  SFUSD’s previous closure plans highlighted possible cuts to over 600 teacher and staff positions, sparking concerns from union leaders about further impacts on school resources, with calls to prioritize reductions from central office positions before educators.

Impact:  Continued budget cuts strain already limited resources across schools, affecting access to essential staff like librarians and counselors, and raising questions about the district’s planning and stability for students and families.

What’s Next:  The district is expected to finalize budget cuts by December to avoid a state takeover, with ongoing scrutiny from local leaders and educators on how these reductions are implemented.

Notable Quote:  “This cycle of wishy-washy-ness provides an environment that is difficult for people to want to remain in.” — Cassondra Curiel | United Educators San Francisco President

By Katie DeBenedetti | KQED

East San Jose district could close nearly half its schools

What’s Happening:  The Alum Rock Union School District in East San Jose is considering closing 13 of its 21 schools to address a $20 million budget deficit, resulting from declining enrollment, reduced birth rates, and competition from charter schools.   Superintendent Germán Cerda plans to recommend eight school closures and two consolidations, but the final decision will rest with the board of trustees in December after feedback from district families and input on district inefficiencies.

Impact:  With fewer students meaning less state funding, the district aims to consolidate resources to prioritize essential programs, safeguarding opportunities such as music, athletics, and special education over administrative costs.

What’s Next:  Cerda will share his final recommendations on Nov. 4, with a board decision expected on Dec. 2; if approved, closures would take effect in the 2025-26 school year.

Notable Quote: “My heart goes out to the families… hopefully being leaner, we can reimagine a better Alum Rock Union School District and focus on what matters most, our kids.” – Germán Cerda | Alum Rock Superintendent

By Lorraine Gabbert | San Jose Spotlight

In other Bay Area News:   

  • Cal State East Bay partners with two local school districts for automatic enrollment of qualified students By Jana Katsuyama | KTVU Fox 2 News |  Cal State East Bay announced a new program to give guaranteed admission to some high school graduates. 
  • Berkley ready to start spending bond money By Matthew Fahr | The Oakland Press |  After a year of planning, Berkley schools broke ground on Oct. 28 for the first construction projects funded by an $88 million school bond approved in August 2023.
    • In related news & coverage
      • These 2 Bay Area School Bonds Could Help Build Teacher Housing By Adhiti Bandlamudi |KQED |  Measure R in Santa Clara County and Measure K in San Mateo County — would raise $1.15 billion and $153 million, respectively, to pay for upgrades to school district facilities. 
      • Editorial: Voters, here’s what they’re trying to hide about local bond measures By Mercury News & East Bay Times editorial |  The first thing voters should know about local bond measures on their ballots is that they are also property tax increases.  Unfortunately, most of the elected officials sponsoring these measures don’t want you to know that.
  • Las Lomitas Elementary School District and teachers reach agreement, 3-day strike ends by Janis Mara and Dan McMenamin | Bay City News | The tentative agreement includes a 16% raise over three years and fully funded employee health care benefits, according to the Las Lomitas Education Association, the union representing the teachers.
  • Former San Jose mayor pulls endorsement of education official By Brandon Pho | San Jose Spotlight |  Liccardo — who’s vying for Congressional District 16 — confirmed he withdrew his endorsement for Grace Mah, Santa Clara County Board of Education trustee, who is part of the board majority that fired Dewan without cause on Oct. 3.
  •  Santa Clara County Office of Education to investigate alleged misuse of public fund By Ryan Macasero | Mercury News Group | Independent auditors will examine evidence suggesting potential misuse of funds.
  • Bill’s passage a good sign for School for the Deaf By Anne Gelhaus | Bay Area News Group |  Gov. Gavin Newsom recently signed AB 2367, paving the way for highway signs to be installed for state special schools like CSD

THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA

How California Teachers Have Navigated a Contentious Presidential Election”

What’s Happening:  California teachers are cautiously and thoughtfully navigating discussions about the 2024 presidential election, balancing the need to educate students on the democratic process while avoiding divisive political bias.  According to an EdSource survey, 75% of teachers have incorporated election-related content in their lessons, often emphasizing respectful dialogue, media literacy, and critical thinking about issues. Many teachers report concerns over student reactions to politically charged topics, with some also addressing misinformation and fact-checking as key components of their curriculum.

Why It Matters:  By teaching students how to analyze candidates’ positions and navigate political discourse, teachers aim to empower youth with tools for civic engagement, preparing them to participate in democracy while fostering a classroom culture of respect and open-mindedness.

What’s Next:  With heightened political tensions, teachers are increasingly drawing on resources like Braver Angels and Facing History to encourage civil dialogue and maintain a balanced, nonpartisan approach, while some districts consider further guidance on handling polarized political discussions.

Notable Quote:  “We’re showing that elections are ways that individuals can exert power on the system and make sense of an incredibly fast-paced and changing world.” — Rachel Reinhard – U.S. Government Teacher | Oakland High School

By John Fensterwald | Ed Source

California foundations launch initiative to boost youth civic engagement 

What’s Happening:  A coalition of California foundations has established the “California Thriving Youth Initiative” with an initial $30 million investment to enhance civic engagement opportunities for students across the state, particularly focusing on students of color.   Spearheaded by the Stuart Foundation and administered by the California Community Foundation, this initiative aims to integrate civic education into public school curricula and provide hands-on opportunities for students. Efforts include expanding the “State Seal of Civic Engagement” program, which awards high school graduates who complete a civic engagement project and excel in related courses. The initiative also plans to support projects that empower youth to influence their communities on issues like homelessness, public safety, and environmental responsibility.

What’s Next:  The “Youth Thriving Through Learning Fund” will further support adolescents’ goals in civic and career pathways, with foundational leaders emphasizing the urgency to invest in youth as future leaders in an era of heightened political and social challenges.

Notable Quote:   “Today’s students are building the communities we will all live in together in the future. In this critical moment, when our public institutions are under attack, we need to do everything we can to support them.” — Kent McGuire | Hewlett Foundation

By Louis Freedberg |  Ed Source

Election battles over schools boards intensify as teachers, conservatives vie for influence

What’s Happening: California’s school board elections have drawn significant efforts from teachers’ unions and conservative groups, who are campaigning aggressively to elect candidates that align with their ideological stances on public education.  The California Teachers Association (CTA) has mobilized local unions to canvass neighborhoods and engage communities, while conservative groups, led by the California Republican Party, have recruited candidates focused on parental rights, resisting DEI policies, and other social issues.

What’s Next:  As unions and conservative groups both escalate their campaigns, school boards across California will likely see more ideologically divided members, increasing tensions around educational policies.

Notable Quote:  “The stakes are higher than they’ve ever been.” – Renata Sanchez, President | San Jose Teachers Association

By Diana Lambert | San Francisco Chronicle

  • In related news & coverage
    • California parents’ rights activists say movement is growing, despite political setbacks By Jenavieve Hatch | Sacramento Bee |  Key players in California’s parents’ rights movement tell a story of grassroots underdogs chipping away at the supposed proliferation of gender transition among minors.

In other California News…

  • SPECIAL EDUCATION | New law moves toward better translation of special ed documents, but families want more By Zaidee Stavely | Ed Source | Advocates and parents of children with disabilities who speak languages other than English say it is a tiny step forward, but there is still work to be done to fix long waits and faulty translations experienced by many families statewide.
  • California could be forced to pay for some students to attend religious schools under new ruling By Bob Egelko | San Francisco ChronicleThe law “burdens the free-exercise rights of parents because it prohibits parents from advocating for a sectarian placement” for their children, Judge Kim Wardlaw wrote in the 3-0 ruling. The court said the parents “have plausibly alleged” that California is violating their constitutional rights.
  • New California Law Will Protect Students During Extreme Weather By Bo Tefu – California Black Media | Post News Group | Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a bill that will protect students from extreme weather conditions by requiring the California Department of Education to develop guidelines for school districts to implement during weather patterns harmful to student health. 

County & City Roundup:

  • 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.
  • Meet Rocklin school board candidates running to focus on education, not ‘political points’ By José Luis Villegas | Sacramento Bee |  Two candidates for Rocklin Unified School District school board, running with the support from the teacher’s association and in opposition to the district’s parental notification policy, canvas city neighborhoods with supporters.
  • Thousands of LA students experience homelessness; we must act urgently to help them By Debra Duardo and Miguel Santana | Ed Source |  Measure A would develop stronger collaborations between school districts, housing agencies and nonprofits to offer services for families and make it easier for families to self-identify without stigma.
  • Ruling revives lawsuit to allow state funding for special education to go to religious schools By Hannah Fry | Los Angeles Times | A 9th Circuit Court of Appeals panel revived a lawsuit this week filed by Orthodox Jewish families that sued California education officials over the state’s policy of refusing to fund special education programs at religious schools.
  • Banned rainbows and ‘forced outing.’ Will elections reshape this relentless school board? By Jaweed Kaleem | Los Angeles Times | At Chino Valley USD, while teachers and students have faced challenges with infrastructure, such as broken air conditioners and outdated technology, recent tensions have also centered around the district’s ban on LGBTQ+ “safe space” symbols, parental notification policies, and the banning of certain books like The Bluest Eye.
  • Flouting IRS rules, Carlsbad church gave $1,900 to school board candidates, and urged worshipers to as well By Kristen Taketa | The San Diego Union-Tribune |  The pastor of The Mission Church also urged his congregation to vote for and financially support the two candidates during a sermon
  • LA Unified Seeks Voters’ Support for $9 Billion School Bond By Ben Chapman | LA School Report | LAUSD  is seeking voters’ approval for a $9 billion bond measure to repair and upgrade its aging school buildings.

ACROSS THE NATION

STUDY | Many Older Students Struggle to Push Beyond Reading ‘Threshold’ 

What’s Happening: A new study by Educational Testing Service and the Advanced Education Research and Development Fund reveals that many older students, like ninth-grader C.J. Mitchell from Nashville, struggle to advance beyond basic reading skills, facing challenges with complex vocabulary and decoding. About 20% of fifth through seventh graders hit a “decoding threshold,” unable to grasp the main ideas of texts due to difficulties with unfamiliar words.  While states have largely focused on early-grade reading interventions, this study suggests a pressing need to extend support to older students. Currently, many middle and high school teachers feel unprepared or lack resources to address these basic reading issues. The study notes that these gaps often show up as classroom avoidance behaviors and lack of engagement with reading material, which some teachers find challenging to address within subject-specific curriculums.

Impact:  Struggles with reading not only impede students’ comprehension but also limit their success across subjects that demand higher-level literacy. Experts argue that schools need resources and curriculum designed to support adolescents’ reading development. The issue has gained prominence as parents and educators push for literacy reforms, particularly following pandemic learning disruptions.

What’s Next:  Researchers recommend expanded reading screenings for older students, using tools like ReadBasix and ROAR. Meanwhile, advocacy groups and literacy specialists are stepping in to support families and educators, highlighting the need for subject teachers to integrate vocabulary exercises and reading practice in their classrooms to bridge these gaps.

Notable Quote:  “If decoding a sentence is consuming all of your cognitive capacity, then you’re not going to have anything left for comprehension,” – Rebecca Sutherland | Associate Director of research for Reading Reimagined.

By Linda Jacobson | The74

Trump’s deportation plan could separate millions of families, leaving schools to pick up the pieces

What’s Happening:   If re-elected, Donald Trump has pledged to enact the largest deportation effort in U.S. history, which would likely involve the deportation of undocumented parents of school-age children, causing severe emotional and logistical challenges for schools, particularly in immigrant communities.  Past immigration raids have shown that children suffer long-term impacts from family separations, leading to disruptions in their education and emotional trauma. Schools are left to provide emergency support, including shelter, food, and counseling, often without adequate preparation or resources. The plan could also challenge existing “sanctuary school” policies that protect immigrant families on school grounds.

Impact:  This proposed policy would place schools in a difficult position, forcing educators to prioritize care and emotional support over academics as they respond to student distress. The trauma from family separations can lead to behavioral and academic issues, as seen in past raids, with children experiencing symptoms of post-traumatic stress, separation anxiety, and academic struggles.

What’s Next:  Schools in immigrant communities may need to create emergency protocols to manage student welfare during immigration enforcement actions, including plans for temporary shelters and clear procedures for handling student pick-ups. Teachers may also need additional resources and training to support affected students.

Notable Quote:  “You’re responsible for how these kids get home and who takes care of them,” – Tony McGee |  former Mississippi superintendent

By Kalyn Belsha | Hechinger Report

The Year in Public Opinion on U.S. K–12 Education Policy

What’s Happening:  Public opinion surveys reveal that Americans want K–12 schools to focus on core teaching and learning priorities rather than highly debated issues like race, sexuality, and school choice. The surveys indicate widespread concern over the quality of education and a desire for improvements in basic educational fundamentals such as student safety, quality curriculum, and teacher retention. While Americans value various goals in education, the emphasis is on academic learning, preparation for financial success, and civic education. Parents are generally more satisfied with their child’s school experience, particularly in charter and private schools, though they share the public’s concern about the direction of education. There is a partisan divide, with Democrats supporting broader educational roles (e.g., social welfare) and Republicans favoring a narrower academic focus.

Why It Matters:  As the 2024 election approaches, education is not viewed as a top issue compared to the economy or healthcare, though many Americans see it as important. When prompted, they prioritize teacher recruitment, safety, and funding, while technology use and ideological debates rank lower in importance. High levels of absenteeism and learning loss post-pandemic remain key concerns, but awareness among parents appears limited.

What’s Next:  While partisan polarization persists, the public’s consensus on fundamentals suggests that education policymakers could benefit from focusing on core areas that affect all students, including safe environments, curriculum quality, and teacher support. There may be opportunities to bridge divides and drive change by concentrating on shared goals.

By David M. Houston | Education Next

In other National News…

  • Culture Wars Cost Schools Estimated $3.2B Last Year, Harming Student ServicesBy Amanda Geduld | The74 |  New research says divisive debates over race, gender and sexual orientation have diverted billions of dollars and driven educators from their jobs.
    • In related news & coverage
      • Schools Take a $3 Billion Hit From the Culture Wars. Here’s How It Breaks Down By Caitlynn Peetz | Ed Week | Tense conflict over issues like how districts teach about race, their policies related to LGBTQ+ students, and the books they keep in libraries.  But not all schools fared equally.
      • Moms for Liberty: Estimated $2 billion price tag for school conflict is ‘nonsense’ By Brendan Clarey | Chalkboard News | Superintendents, researchers say schools can save district funds by silencing ‘conflict entrepreneurs’
  • The ‘Zero-Sum Game’ of School Budgets and Teacher Pensions By Mark Lieberman | Ed Week |  Pensions are a rising cost for school districts, but administrators have little control over them—and many don’t know how they work 
  • National Education Association PAC Raised Roughly $27 Million for 2024 Election By Lauren Camera | The74 |  The country’s largest union traditionally supports Democratic candidates, lending the power of its political action committees’ purses.
  • American Federation of Teachers’ PAC Raised $12 Million for the 2024 Election By Lauren Camera | The74 | The 1.7-million member teachers union has raised $12 million through its PAC and has thrown its support behind Democrats up and down the ballot.
  • PARENT VOICE | Why bringing children to the voting booth matters By Amira K.S. Barger | Ed Source |  By involving children, parents create opportunities for dialogue on community issues, which can even influence adult perspectives—a phenomenon known as “trickle-up socialization.”
  • Students Don’t Want to Talk About Politics, Either By Brooke Schultz | Ed Week |  Young people are reluctant to discuss politics without a space to safely navigate those discussions in such a polarized environment.
  • GAO: Here’s how schools spent COVID money during pandemic years By Julian Roberts-Grmela | Chalkboard News  |  According to a new Government Accountability Office report, districts nationwide spent about $60 billion in federal COVID-19-related emergency relief funds by the end of the 2022 school year. 
  • How Is Title II, Part A Funding Professional Development in Schools? By Adam Stone | Ed Tech Magazine |  The Supporting Effective Instruction State Grants program can improve technology integration and student outcomes in K–12 schools. Learn more about this component of the Every Student Succeeds Act.
  • Running for School Board? Better Win Over the Teachers’ Union, Research Finds By Kevin Mahnken | The74 |  National survey evidence shows that potential voters are significantly more likely to favor a candidate backed by local teachers.
  • Native American Leaders Call Again for Action After Boarding Schools Apology By Marianna McMurdock | The74 | While the apology was a “critical first step,” these policies “are not a horror of the past.” Advocates push for legislation, education investments
  • FAFSA rollout is ‘on track,’ despite remaining unresolved issues, Education Department says By Jessica Dickler | CNBC |  So far, the 2025-26 FAFSA has been available to limited groups of students in a series of beta tests that began on Oct. 1.  It will become available to all students and contributors on or before Dec. 1, the Education Department said. 
  • ‘Inspiring and eye-opening’: Gen Z’s interest in skilled trades is rising By Tate Miller | The Center Square |  “55% of Gen Zers are considering a skilled trade career (up 12% from last year) – including 72% of those with a college degree,” Thumbtack’s report stated.

CITY & STATE ROUNDUP

  • October Surprise: NOLA Schools Learn They’ll Lose at Least $20M in Funding By Beth Hawkins | The74 |  New Orleans district leaders miscalculated local tax revenues — and didn’t alert schools until 3 months into the academic year.
  • Houston ISD scandal: up to 400 unqualified teachers involved in $1M cheating scheme By Bethany Blankley | The Center Square |  Scandal has unfolded in Texas’ largest public school district: a $1 million teacher certification cheating scheme through which up to 400 individuals paid a proxy to take their teacher certification test on their behalf.
    • In related coverage:
      • Houston certification fraud charges could affect teachers in other states By Brendan Clarey | Chalkboard News |  After charges were announced against administrators and test proctors allegedly involved in a fraudulent teacher certification scheme, state agencies said they would follow law enforcement’s lead to ensure teachers are properly licensed. 
  • Bipartisan groups oppose Houston ISD bond propositions totaling nearly $11 billion By Bethany Blankley | The Center Square via Chalkboard News |  Houston ISD has proposed Proposition A and Proposition B on the Nov. 5 ballot, arguing that increasing debt and taxes by nearly $11 billion over 33 years is necessary to build and renovate school buildings, implement security upgrades and make other improvements.
  • A Florida school board candidate lost his race. DeSantis appointed him to the board anyway By Kate Payne | Associate Press |  Derek Barrs will take an open seat on the Flagler County School Board in northeast Florida, succeeding a member who resigned in September, allowing DeSantis to appoint a replacement rather than the seat going on the ballot for voters to decide.
  • Florida again leads U.S. in book bans, new report finds By Steven Walker | Orlando Sentinel |  There were 4,561 instances of book banning in Florida public school districts last school year — accounting for about 45% of all book bans nationally, according to a report.
  • Could Massachusetts AI Cheating Case Push Schools to Refocus on Learning? By Greg Toppo | The74 |  Lawsuit tackles key questions of academic integrity, college admissions and the purpose of school in an age of AI.
  • 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.
  • Another School District Stumbles After Cyberattack By The 74 | There has been a massive breach in Rhode Island’s school district. 
  • Newark Public Schools partners with NJ LEEP to launch new program to help students get to college By Jessie Gómez |  Chalkbeat |  Through a partnership with Newark Public Schools and a grant from MacKenzie Scott’s Yield Giving Foundation, the nonprofit will launch a school-based program next year at Central and East Side high schools to expand students’ access to college opportunities and support high school students
  • Rural South Carolina School District Regains Some Control Six Years After State Takeover By Skylar Laird | South Carolina Gazette | The lessons learned from Williamsburg County schools could help other rural districts, one legislator said
  • In North Carolina, Public Education Is at the Heart of Governor’s Race By Marianna McMurdock | The74 |  Election day exposed key education issues in the swing state: school funding, teacher pay & vouchers. Why students, educators are anxious but hopeful
  • How much does your school district spend on special education per student?  By Grace Deng | Washington State Standard | There are big differences between districts — but more spending doesn’t correlate to better outcomes for students.
  • What Happened When Chicago’s Mayor Followed a Teachers’ Union Playbook By Dana Goldstein | New York Times | In Chicago, the mayor and the teachers’ union are tightly connected. The relationship has ushered in generous spending and led to political turmoil.
  • Analyst calls for overhaul of Chicago Public Schools By Glenn Minnis | The Center Square |  Instructional and operational spending per CPSl student spiked to an average of nearly $20,000 in fiscal year 2022, representing a jump of almost 50% over the past six years.  Critics argue the time has come for a complete overhaul after data also shows academic performance slowed to the point where less than one out of every four 11th graders were achieving or exceeding proficiency in reading and math.
  • Chicago Public Schools to resume providing rides for general education students in December By Mila Koumpilova | Chalkbeat |  Chicago Public Schools officials said Friday that the district has made headway in providing student transportation after a rocky autumn.
  • New Chicago school board president resigns after anti semitic and misogynistic Facebook posts surface By Becky Vevea | Chalkbeat |  Mayor Brandon Johnson’s newly-appointed school board president Rev. Mitchell Ikenna Johnson is stepping down after past anti semitic and misogynistic comments surfaced online.
  • Tennessee’s costly, disruptive school turnaround work didn’t help students long term By Marta W. Aldrich | Chalkbeat |   New research shows middle school students exiting Tennessee’s two primary school turnaround models experienced few educational gains in high school, raising new questions about the much-scrutinized strategies.
  • Gov. Jared Polis’ budget would slow the phase-in of Colorado’s new school funding formula By Jason Gonzales | Chalkbeat |  Colorado school districts would no longer be funded based on a four-year enrollment average under a 2025-26 budget proposal released by Gov. Jared Polis Friday.  Instead, Polis is proposing to fund school districts based on a current-year enrollment estimate, a change that could mean less money for districts with declining enrollment.
  • Keep or sell: Amid dropping enrollment, Colorado districts decide what to do with closed schools By Ann Schimke, Melanie Asmar and Yesenia Robles | Chalkbeat |  Soon, the former Thompson School District preschool would become “The Landing,” the first shelter for homeless youth in northern Colorado. Leaders of the effort say the state-of-the-art-building will give young people ages 15 to 20 a safe place to live and receive services while they get their lives back on track.
  • Why this Ohio school district is reading a controversial ‘Grading for Equity’ book By Julian Roberts-Grmela | Chalkboard News |  According to a Lakewood City Schools presentation to the school board from earlier this month, the book will be voluntary for teachers as part of a book study. Critics say the book promotes practices that lower students’ standards, while its proponents say it is more fair to students.
  • D.C. charter school accused of violating law for students with disabilities By Lauren Lumpkin | New York Times |  The SEED School of Washington, D.C., a charter boarding campus in the District, has been accused of flouting local and federal education laws that protect students with disabilities.
  • New York is redefining graduation requirements. Educators have questions By Julian Shen-Berro | Chalkbeat |  New York education officials are expected to unveil new details about the state’s efforts to reimagine high school graduation requirements at a Board of Regents meeting next week.
  • NYC families can earn up to $875 for evaluating financial literacy curriculum By Julian Shen-Berro | Chalkbeat |  The recruitment effort comes at a time when city and state education leaders have called for more robust financial education in schools.
  • NYC overhauled summer school four years ago. Lawmakers want to know if it’s working. By Michael Elsen-Rooney | Chalkbeat | Four years after New York City overhauled its summer program to blend academics and recreation, lawmakers want to know if it’s working.
  • With 52 students, this Brooklyn school is NYC’s smallest. Officials are trying to close it By Alex Zimmerman | Chalkbeat | The Education Department tried to close P.S. 25 six years ago. Will they succeed this time?

IN THE CLASSROOM

Reading Interventions for Older Students May Be Missing a Key Component

What’s Happening:  A recent study by ETS and the Advanced Education Research and Development Fund has highlighted that many older students struggle with foundational reading skills, especially decoding. This “decoding threshold” is essential for reading comprehension, and students who fall below it experience limited reading progress, suggesting that many middle and high school reading interventions may miss addressing their core needs.

Impact:   With middle and high schools traditionally less equipped for foundational reading instruction, there’s a growing call for resources and training for teachers to address these literacy gaps.

What’s Next:  Experts recommend expanding screening for foundational skills in older grades, creating dedicated support structures for reading intervention in middle and high school, and providing professional development for teachers on phonics and morphology. Building a support system in upper grades, akin to the elementary-level reading ecosystem, is crucial to bridging these literacy gaps.

Notable Quote:  “How do we begin to create an ecosystem in 6-12 for reading instruction like we have in K-2?” asked Kate Crist, a literacy consultant, underscoring the need for collaborative and strategic approaches to support struggling readers in higher grades.

By Sarah Schwartz | Ed Week

  • In related news & coverage
    • Older struggling readers can benefit from explicit decoding instruction By Kara Arundel | K-12 Dive |   Early and targeted interventions are critical in helping these students understand increasingly complex tests, a study finds.

AI is Everywhere. How Should Schools Handle It? Teachers’ Different Approaches Show Its Potential — and Limits” By Kristen Taketa | San Diego Union-Tribune  Schools nationwide are incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) in classrooms, with teachers like Jeff Simon in Carlsbad using AI to assist students in math, while others like English teacher Katrina Waidelich focus on managing its ethical use to prevent academic dishonesty.

  • In related news & coverage:
    • A Teacher Makes the Case for Using AI With English Learners By Ileana Najarro | Ed Week |  Her English learners  have demonstrated a knack for using and finding a variety of generative artificial intelligence tools and translation apps, prompting Said to learn more about this technology and guide her students in responsible and ethical uses.
    • Using AI Tools to Give Feedback on High School Students’ Writing By Jen Roberts| Edutopia |A veteran teacher shows how generative AI tools help her provide nearly 150 students with instant feedback on their writing.
    • Where Harris, Trump stand on AI regulation By Lindsey Wilkinson | K-12 Dive |Analysts expect Kamala Harris to largely continue the current approach to AI oversight, while Donald Trump’s promise to repeal a Biden executive order signals a major shift.
    • ‘We’re at a Disadvantage,’ and Other Teacher Sentiments on AI By Lauraine Langreo | Ed Week |  Far more teachers are getting professional development on artificial intelligence, but a majority still have received no training at all, according to new survey results from the EdWeek Research Center.
    • This program makes AI writing undetectable. What does that mean for cheating? By Brendan Clarey | Chalkboard News |  With the rising popularity of generative AI, students can cheat in ways they couldn’t just a few years ago, and now they can do it even better with programs like StealthGPT.
    • What Happens When an AI Assistant Helps the Tutor, Instead of the Student By Lauraine Langreo | Ed Week |  An AI-powered tutoring assistant increased human tutors’ capacity to help students through math problems and improved students’ performance in math, according to a Stanford University study.

Why We Still Haven’t Solved Teacher Shortages (Despite Decades of Trying)

What’s Happening:  The persistent teacher shortage across the U.S. has led to decades of attempts to resolve the issue, with limited long-term success. While programs like TFA attract young, educated people to hard-to-staff schools, critics argue that short-term commitments and limited training undermine teaching as a profession. The current shortage is also impacted by a decline in traditional teaching degree completions and low public interest in teaching careers, exacerbated by cultural and political pressures on educators.

Impact:  Unlike other sectors, public education often cannot differentiate pay based on role difficulty, which limits the effectiveness of financial incentives. The lack of flexibility in the teaching labor market means that schools struggle to compete for specialized positions, and unions and policymakers remain divided over differentiated pay.

What’s Next:  As teacher shortages evolve, the education sector is likely to continue adopting various temporary solutions, from apprenticeships to district-led residencies, despite criticism. Experts suggest that while professionalizing teaching is important long-term, immediate shortages may require flexible, multi-pronged solutions that adapt to the changing needs of schools.

Notable Quote:  “The solutions have changed, but the underlying dynamics of the teacher labor market haven’t changed for a very long time,” -Dan Goldhaber | Center for Analysis of Longitudinal Data in Education Research

By Evie Blad | Ed Week

In other Classroom News…

  • Doing the Best You Can With the Time You Have By Jay Schauer | Edutopia | Strategies that can help overwhelmed teachers prioritize tasks and find a balance between perfectionism and efficiency.
  • SEL Has Become Politicized. Schools Are Embracing It Anyway By Arianna Prothero | Ed Week |  Eighty-three percent of principals reported that their schools use an SEL curriculum or program, up from 73 percent in 2021-22 school year, and from 46 percent in 2017-18, according to a nationally representative survey by RAND and the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning, or CASEL.
    • In related news & coverage
      • Guiding Young Students to Develop Self-Regulation By Lori Blake | Edutopia|  Time-saving strategies for teaching early learners social and emotional skills incorporate activities you’re already using.
  • Keys to teaching data literacy in elementary school By Lauren Barack | K-12 Dive | Tracking the weather and tapping into a child’s natural curiosity are ways to build young learners’ understanding of data, math instruction experts say.
  • New Findings on Teacher Morale Highlight Ways to Make It Better By Ileana Najarro | Ed Week |  In survey findings published this summer, high school teachers cited low student motivation and a lack of public respect for the profession as the top two factors that take away from satisfaction with their jobs. However, teachers who cited a lack of administrative support and a lack of autonomy over what they teach as detractors were more likely to report higher levels of dissatisfaction with their jobs.
  • SURVEY | Teachers support restricting classroom cellphone use By Sunni Khalid | KALW |  The association surveyed more than 1,500 teachers across the country and found that 70 percent ranked cell phone use as one of their top five concerns. It ranked second behind academic achievement. 
  • How to Support Teachers’ Emotional Health By Hedreich Nichols | Edutopia | Emotional well-being plays a major role in teachers’ job satisfaction, and it’s essential that they have effective resources for support.
  • St. Louis Schools Getting $1M in Grants to Rethink How They Teach Kids to Read By Lauren Wagner | The74 | Emerson Challenge awarded 20K this year, 250K in 2025-26 to help educators collaborate on best ways to implement science of reading, boost literacy.
  • Computer programs monitor students’ every word in the name of safety By Tribune News Service via East Bay Times |  Critics worry about the lack of transparency from companies that have the power to monitor students and choose when to alert school personnel.
  • Misinformation is pervasive — not invincible. Teachers are helping students learn to adapt By Erica Meltzer | Chalkbeat |  Teachers in subjects ranging from language arts, math, and philosophy are taking academic questions about symbolism, sample size in polling, and discerning the truth, then applying them to the information students see every day on their phones.
  • OPINION | The Blind Spot More Educators Need to Recognize By Peter DeWitt & Michael Nelson | Ed Week |Like many school administrators, the majority in the room worked more than 40 hours each week, yet everyone, including Michael, quickly realized they could only say a few of those hours directly impacted the work at the classroom level.
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