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 | Facing a $140 million budget deficit by 2026-27, OUSD is considering merging 10 schools across five campuses to address declining enrollment and operational inefficiencies. While leaders argue these changes are necessary to prevent state intervention, families and educators voice concerns about equity, program disruption, and potential harm to small school communities. Town halls are scheduled before a December 11 vote, with the district emphasizing the need for community input to ensure equitable and sustainable solutions.
In the Greater Bay Area | Pittsburg Unified School District has settled a lawsuit with the ACLU and Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund, addressing claims of discriminatory practices against Black students and English learners. The settlement includes hiring consultants to reform disciplinary practices, special education placement, and literacy education, with oversight through 2029. Meanwhile, Berryessa Union School District in San Jose plans to close three schools to address a $6 million budget deficit caused by declining enrollment, leaving parents and students concerned about community disruptions and impacts on specialized programs like Mandarin Immersion. In brighter news, a San Jose high school senior has founded the Golden State Independent Delegation, a nonprofit Model UN program designed to promote inclusivity and leadership among students from diverse backgrounds, organizing conferences and fostering community impact. California schools are also navigating political tensions, with two teachers under investigation for classroom comments about Donald Trump, highlighting ongoing challenges in balancing free speech and political neutrality in education. Voters across the Bay Area overwhelmingly approved funding measures to support schools, securing millions for repairs, workforce housing, and teacher salaries. Notably, Piedmont passed Measure P, reducing planned budget cuts by 50% and ensuring competitive compensation to maintain high-quality education. Despite financial and enrollment challenges, the region continues to prioritize investments in equity, innovation, and student success.
Throughout the State of California | California schools face a confluence of challenges and opportunities as enrollment declines, potential federal funding cuts loom, and initiatives like Proposition 28 promise to reshape education priorities. Declining K-12 enrollment has led districts like Inglewood and Azusa Unified to close campuses, with closures disproportionately affecting low-income and Black communities. Statewide, schools brace for possible $8 billion funding losses under President-elect Trump, jeopardizing programs like special education and Title I for low-income students. Meanwhile, Proposition 28’s $1 billion annual funding for arts education is hindered by teacher shortages, limited space, and unclear spending guidelines, sparking calls for stronger oversight. In Los Angeles, the LAUSD Black Student Achievement Plan underwent significant revisions following a federal complaint, and the district faces backlash over abrupt changes to admissions policies for gifted students. On a positive note, federal grants are helping districts like West Valley support students displaced by natural disasters. As California grapples with these pressing issues, education leaders are emphasizing transparency, equity, and creative solutions to ensure student success amidst shifting priorities.
Across the Nation | Literacy education is at the center of national debates as Lucy Calkins, a prominent advocate of “balanced literacy,” faces criticism for her curriculum’s limited emphasis on phonics, which critics link to the U.S. reading crisis. In response, Calkins has revised her program to integrate phonics instruction, but questions remain about how to balance these approaches in classrooms, especially for underserved students. Meanwhile, school choice is poised for significant expansion under President-elect Trump’s administration, with plans to support vouchers, charter schools, and other alternative education options, raising concerns about public education funding and equity. The 2024 election results highlight shifting priorities for K-12 education, with states passing ballot measures to boost vocational training, enhance early literacy programs, and promote equity in resource allocation. Massachusetts joined other states in moving away from high-stakes graduation exams, reflecting a growing trend toward alternative assessments like capstone projects and skill-based evaluations. However, the education sector faces other pressing challenges, including cybersecurity funding shortfalls, reduced after-school academic programs, and a surge in book bans driven by political and cultural tensions. In the wake of these developments, educators and policymakers are navigating complex questions about resource allocation, transparency, and student equity. National efforts, such as proposed reforms to streamline FAFSA processes and the Education Department’s AI toolkit for schools, signal steps toward modernization, but the need for systemic reform remains urgent to address persistent gaps in educational access and outcomes.
City & State Roundup | Schools across the U.S. are grappling with a range of challenges and developments, from teacher strikes in Massachusetts—where unions in Beverly and Gloucester face escalating daily fines for refusing to return to classrooms—to contentious debates over church-state boundaries in Ohio and Louisiana. Ohio has come under scrutiny for allocating public funds to religious schools, while Louisiana’s Ten Commandments law for classrooms faces ongoing legal battles after being deemed unconstitutional. Financial strain from declining enrollment continues to push districts like Philadelphia toward school closures, though officials are emphasizing community engagement this time to avoid past mistakes. Meanwhile, Wisconsin voters approved a record $5.9 billion in funding referenda to support local schools, reflecting a growing willingness to invest in public education despite economic challenges. Other states face unique hurdles, with D.C. reporting progress on truancy and chronic absenteeism rates, returning to pre-pandemic levels, while NYC’s enrollment appears to stabilize after a sharp loss of 100,000 students since 2020. In Michigan, lawmakers prioritize charter school transparency as communities demand greater accountability and oversight. Across the nation, education systems are navigating legal battles, equity concerns, and shifting priorities, with leaders focused on addressing resource gaps, ensuring financial transparency, and building sustainable solutions to serve students and communities effectively in a rapidly evolving educational landscape.
In the Classroom | Schools are adopting a range of innovative strategies to tackle both academic and emotional challenges faced by students and educators. Lansing School District serves as a model of success, achieving a 25% increase in graduation rates by implementing targeted interventions such as graduation specialists, credit recovery programs, and alternative education options tailored to at-risk students. Affirmations are emerging as a simple yet effective tool for fostering resilience, confidence, and a growth mindset among children, with experts encouraging parents and educators to integrate them into daily routines to bolster students’ emotional well-being and academic engagement. At the high school level, a RAND report underscores the critical need for sustainable social-emotional learning (SEL) programs to address rising anxiety, depression, and communication challenges among teens. The report recommends securing funding for mental health staff, conducting audits to better align SEL initiatives with student needs, and creating equitable, inclusive programs that connect with diversity and inclusion goals. Media literacy has also become a pressing focus, with 94% of teens advocating for it to be a required subject to combat misinformation and conspiracy theories, though only 39% report receiving such instruction. Efforts to improve educational equity are also expanding. Schools are reevaluating advanced math pathways to ensure more students, particularly from underrepresented groups, have access to courses like calculus. Teacher development is being reimagined through collaborative, ongoing professional learning opportunities that move beyond traditional lecture-based formats. These combined efforts aim to create supportive and inclusive environments, enabling students and educators to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
What did we miss? Hit us up in the comments below:
OAKLAND
Superintendent: Time for Reimagining Oakland Schools to Address Severe Budget Shortfall
What’s happening: OUSD Superintendent Kyla Johnson-Trammell calls on the community to address a projected $140 million cumulative budget deficit by 2026-27 due to declining enrollment and operational inefficiencies.
What else you should know: OUSD serves 34,000 students today, down from 50,000 in 2003, yet continues to operate 77 facilities—more than comparable districts with similar student populations—contributing to unsustainable costs. The school board has passed the “3 R’s Resolution” to redesign and restructure the district’s footprint, reduce inefficiencies, and explore the best uses for vacant properties.
Why it matters: Without significant changes, OUSD risks losing local control to the state for the second time, as it did in 2003. Reimagining the district could result in better-funded programs, updated facilities, and expanded extracurricular offerings, ensuring equitable access to quality education.
What’s next: The OUSD board will review initial recommendations for these changes, including merging schools and reducing infrastructure costs, during upcoming meetings and forums. Community engagement is vital in shaping the district’s future plans.
Notable quote: “Let’s come together, Oakland Village, for our children.” – Kyla Johnson-Trammell, Superintendent, Oakland Unified School District
In related news & coverage:
- Facing $95M Projected Deficit, OUSD Superintendent Lays Out Plans to Merge Shared Campuses By Pete Young | Bay City News | The Board of Education will discuss the proposed mergers on Wednesday, with a final vote scheduled for Dec. 11.
Parents, Teachers, and Community Members Urge Oakland Unified to Rethink School Merger Plan
What’s happening: OUSD is proposing to merge 10 schools across five campuses to address a severe budget deficit and declining enrollment, sparking concerns from families, teachers, and advisory committees about potential impacts on programs and school culture. Critics argue the timeline for planning and implementation is too short, especially for addressing the needs of dual-language programs and vulnerable student populations. Concerns about the district’s transparency, equity, and potential to exacerbate segregation were raised at a school board meeting.
Impact: With enrollment declining from 50,000 in 2002 to a projected 27,300 by 2032, the district must consolidate resources to avoid state intervention. However, families worry these mergers could disrupt small school communities, bilingual education programs, and the personalized learning environments many students thrive in.
What’s next: OUSD will hold town halls over the next month to engage the community, with a final vote on the merger plan scheduled for Dec. 11, as the district grapples with meeting state budget mandates while maintaining equity and quality education.
Notable quote: “Manzanita SEED will become one of the largest elementary schools in Oakland, jeopardizing the quality and personalized environment our children thrive in. These mergers threaten the unique strengths of our schools.” — Samantha Harrington, parent
In related news & coverage:
- Parents, Teachers Say Oakland School Mergers Could Hurt Students in the ‘Flatlands’ By Katie DeBenedetti | KQED | The affected schools serve about 3,300 students and include programs like biliteracy and dual immersion Spanish that are vital to the city’s lower-income “flatlands” neighborhoods, raising concerns about program elimination and displacement of Black and bilingual students. Previous consolidation attempts in 2022 faced significant opposition and led to protests, hunger strikes, and a rollback by the current board.
- OUSD proposes merging 10 schools to cut costs By James Torrez | KTVU FOX 2 News | The issue is a little Deja vu for Oakland Unified parents, many who have fought hard to keep their schools open.
- Oakland school board set to discuss possible school mergers By Velena Jones | NBC Bay Area News | The proposed merger would turn 10 schools into five. All of the schools are already located on shared campuses.
- Oakland Unified mulls school mergers to address budget shortfall By Amanda Hari | CBS Bay Area News | “Over the next two years we have to make the district look different than it does now,” -Mike Hutchinson, vice president | OUSD Board.
- Oakland Unified could merge some schools on shared campuses By Diana Lambert | Ed Source | “We understand that change can bring uncertainty, but we believe these changes will create stronger schools that better serve Oakland’s students,” – Kyla Johnson-Trammel, Superintendent | OUSD
THE BAY AREA
Bay Area District Settles Suit Alleging Inequitable Education Practices
What’s happening: Pittsburg Unified School District settled a 2021 lawsuit filed by the ACLU and Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund, addressing claims that Black students and English learners were disproportionately disciplined, placed in underperforming special education programs, and denied proper literacy education.
What else you should know: The settlement mandates hiring two independent consultants to reform disciplinary practices, special education placement, and literacy education for students with disabilities, particularly English learners, following longstanding criticisms of the district’s failure to address systemic inequities.
Why it matters: The settlement aims to dismantle discriminatory practices and improve equity for marginalized students in Pittsburg Unified, potentially serving as a model for other districts, but skepticism remains among parents and advocates regarding its implementation.
What’s next: Consultants will create an actionable plan by May 2025, monitor progress through 2029, and provide semi-annual public reports, while the state has agreed to more closely monitor districts statewide to address similar inequities.
North San Jose Experiences More School Closures
What’s happening: The Berryessa Union School District (BUSD) in San Jose announced plans to close three schools to address a $6 million budget deficit within its nearly $100 million operating budget. The closures are driven by declining student enrollment, attributed to low birth rates, the region’s high cost of living, and families relocating out of the area. The district is also considering additional measures, including leasing vacant properties and staff layoffs, to alleviate financial challenges.
Impact: The closures will disrupt school communities and further highlight the financial strain faced by California school districts amid declining enrollments. Parents and students have rallied at board meetings to protest the planned closures, emphasizing the emotional and community impact of such decisions.
What’s next: The BUSD Board of Trustees will decide which schools to close at its meeting on December 18, 2024, after evaluating recommendations from the School Consolidation Advisory Committee, which has been reviewing options for the past year.
Notable quote: “California public schools are grappling with a perfect storm of financial challenges, declining enrollment, and demographic shifts.” – Statement from the Berryessa Union School District Board Meeting
In related news & coverage:
- Cash-strapped San Jose school district narrows down closures By Lorraine Gabbert | San José Spotlight | Schools being considered for closure include Cherrywood, Toyon, Laneview, Summerdale, and Ruskin elementary schools, as well as Sierramont, Piedmont, and Morrill middle schools, with options such as converting a middle school to a TK-8 model also on the table. Parents and educators have expressed concerns over the impact on Title I schools, specialized programs like Cherrywood’s Mandarin Immersion, and the broader community.
Two Teachers Accused of Criticizing Donald Trump in California Classrooms
What’s happening: Two teachers in California are under investigation for making politically charged comments about Donald Trump during class discussions, with one placed on administrative leave and the other accused of clashing with a student wearing a Trump hat.
Why it matters: The incidents highlight tensions in public schools regarding free speech and political expression, with students protected under California law to express political views, while teachers face stricter restrictions as public employees.
What’s next: Both cases are under district investigation, with Perez on paid leave and the Valley View school community holding walkouts in his support, as educators navigate the balance between classroom conduct and personal expression.
Notable quote: “Under the First Amendment… public school students retain certain free speech rights at school.” – David Loy, Legal Director | First Amendment Coalition
Enterprising San Jose Teen Creates Model UN, Opportunities for Youngsters
What’s happening: Sreekavya Nimishakavi, a 17-year-old student at Santa Teresa High School in San Jose, founded the Golden State Independent Delegation (GSID), a Model United Nations program designed to provide inclusive opportunities for middle and high school students to learn about diplomacy and leadership. Frustrated by nepotism and exclusivity in other Model UN clubs, Sreekavya established GSID as a nonprofit to focus on empowering students from diverse backgrounds, organizing conferences like the recent BelMUN in Belmont and an upcoming Purdue University collaboration in April 2025.
Why it matters: Sreekavya’s efforts have fostered opportunities for hundreds of young leaders in the Bay Area, encouraging inclusivity, innovation, and collaboration among students, while also highlighting the power of youth entrepreneurship and community impact.
Notable quote: “By being a nonprofit, GSID can focus on empowering students from different backgrounds, creating a supportive community where they can learn and thrive together.” – Sreekavya Nimishakavi
In other Bay Area News:
- Sunol Glen school election appears to solidify ouster of board member recalled over Pride flag ban By Kyle Martin | Bay Area News Group | A former Sunol Glen Unified School District board member who was recalled from office over the summer appears headed toward defeat in his attempt to get his old seat back.
- Piedmont District Officials Say Overwhelming Measure P Victory Will Be a Huge Boon for Schools By Lou Fancher | Bay Area News Group | Voters in Piedmont overwhelmingly passed Measure P, a parcel tax that will replace the existing Measure H. The measure will reduce planned budget cuts by 50%, enabling the district to offer competitive teacher compensation and maintain high-quality educational offerings.
- Elementary and Middle School Teacher Strike Slides to Tentative Resolution By Anoushka Swaminathan | Scot Scoop | Teachers in the Las Lomitas Education Association (LLEA) ended a three-day strike over unresolved pay negotiations with the Las Lomitas Elementary School District (LLESD), drawing significant community support.
- Silicon Valley voters pass multiple school funding measures By Annalise Freimarck | San José Spotlight | Santa Clara County voters have overwhelmingly approved bond measures and parcel taxes across several school districts, securing millions for repairs, workforce housing, and expanded programs despite enrollment declines and funding challenges.
THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA
Fewer Kids Are Going to California Public Schools. Is There a Right Way to Close Campuses?”
What’s happening: Declining enrollment, expiring pandemic relief funds, and uncertain state budgets are forcing many California school districts to consider school closures to address significant financial shortfalls.
What else you should know: Enrollment in California’s K-12 schools has dropped by 7% over the past two decades, with urban districts like San Francisco, Oakland, and Los Angeles experiencing the steepest declines; closures often disproportionately impact low-income and Black communities.
Impact: School closures can disrupt students and communities, yet districts argue closures are necessary to consolidate resources, avoid state takeovers, and reinvest in remaining schools, as seen in cases like Azusa Unified and Inglewood Unified.
What’s next: Districts must navigate contentious community reactions, ensure smooth transitions for displaced students, and demonstrate transparency and collaboration to build trust in the closure process and avoid repeating mistakes.
Notable quote: “You can’t have a world-class city if you don’t have a world-class education system. And that’s what our job has to be.” – James Morris, State-Appointed Administrator | Inglewood Unified
California Schools Brace for Possible Funding Cuts Under Trump
What’s happening: California schools face a potential $8 billion funding loss as President-elect Donald Trump plans to abolish the Department of Education, endangering programs like special education and Title I for low-income students.
What else you should know: Superintendent Tony Thurmond pledged to backfill federal funding with state support if cuts occur, but districts like Oakland Unified ($174 million deficit) and San Francisco Unified (considering school closures) are already struggling with financial instability. Trump’s first term saw efforts to reduce education funding by 13%, although Congress blocked them.
Impact: Cuts would severely affect immigrant and special education students while increasing financial strain on districts already facing deficits, potentially leading to reduced services and school consolidations. Vulnerable populations in urban areas like Oakland, with one of the state’s highest proportions of newly arrived immigrant students, face the greatest risk.
What’s next: California lawmakers and education leaders are preparing legislative actions to mitigate funding losses, but districts are bracing for uncertainty as Trump’s administration prioritizes privatization and deregulation.
In Related News & Coverage:
- California schools brace for Trump’s attacks on immigrants, trans students and ‘woke’ curriculum By Carolyn Jones | “The stress created by the threat of deportations cannot be overestimated… It absolutely will have an impact on attendance, and it absolutely will affect parents’ ability to participate in their children’s education.” – John Rogers, education professor | UCLA
Shortage of Teachers and Classrooms Slows Expansion of Arts Education in Los Angeles and Beyond
What’s happening: California’s landmark arts education initiative, funded by Proposition 28, faces significant challenges including teacher shortages, lack of classroom space, and confusion over spending rules, even as it promises $1 billion annually for arts education across the state.
What else you should know: While some districts have launched new programs, others lag behind due to unclear guidance from the California Department of Education (CDE) and concerns about misuse of funds intended to supplement existing arts education rather than replace it.
Impact/Why it matters: This initiative seeks to reverse decades of underfunding in arts education, particularly in underserved schools, yet the success of its implementation may hinge on resolving issues of transparency, accountability, and resource allocation.
What’s next: Advocates, including former LAUSD Superintendent Austin Beutner, are calling for a statewide oversight committee and stronger leadership from the CDE to ensure compliance and equitable access to arts education for all students.
County & City Roundup:
- LAUSD Overhauls $120 Million Black Students Program After Activists File Complaint By Ben Chapman | The74 | LAUSD has altered the criteria for its Black Student Achievement Plan in response to a federal complaint by a conservative Virginia group.
- LA School Board Race Tightens As Voters Show Support for $9 Billion School Bond By Ben Chapman | La School Report | LAUSD Board District 3 race remains too close to call, with incumbent Scott Schmerelson holding 52% of the vote against challenger Dan Chang’s 48%, as mail-in ballots are still being counted.
- Ten LA Schools Could Opt Out of Standardized Tests: Here’s What Teachers and Parents Have to Say By Chieh-Yu Lee | The 74 via LA School Report | LAUSD approved a policy to exempt ten community schools from most standardized testing in the 2025-26 academic year, replacing them with alternative assessments yet to be determined.
- LAUSD abruptly ends new admissions rules for gifted students amid parent fury over standards By Rebecca Plevin | Los Angeles Times | Many parents — who lashed out at the district during a town hall meeting late last week — said administrators bungled the rollout of the new admissions policy, which was confusing, did not include their input, caught them by surprise and stirred deep concerns about the future direction of the popular honors programs.
- West Valley high school district gets federal grant for students affected by landslide By Isha Tivedi | Bay Area News Group | Nearly $93k in funding to be used for transportation to and from Los Gatos High School
ACROSS THE NATION
How One Woman Became the Scapegoat for America’s Reading Crisis
What’s happening: Lucy Calkins, a once-revered figure in literacy education, is now facing harsh criticism for her “balanced literacy” curriculum, which has been blamed for contributing to the U.S. reading crisis, as highlighted in the podcast Sold a Story. While Calkins’s approach emphasized fostering a love of reading, critics argue it neglected systematic phonics instruction essential for many students’ success; in response to mounting pressure, she began incorporating phonics into her curriculum in 2018, though the backlash persists.
Impact: The debate over Calkins’s methods reflects broader tensions in U.S. education between progressive and traditionalist approaches, as states adopt “science of reading” laws to prioritize phonics, leaving teachers and schools grappling with how best to implement effective literacy practices.
What’s next: As Calkins revamps her program under a new name, “comprehensive literacy,” the education community must decide how to balance phonics-focused instruction with other aspects of literacy education, ensuring the needs of all students are met.
Notable quote: “If you don’t teach a 5-year-old phonics, you’re stupid. You would have to be stupid to not teach phonics.” – Lucy Calkins, literacy educator and curriculum developer
Education Has Reached a Sputnik Moment, but Closing the Department of Education Won’t Help
What’s happening: Conversations about U.S. education performance are increasingly focused on the Department of Education, with some arguing its existence correlates with declining international rankings, though evidence suggests otherwise. Historical data shows U.S. test scores have improved since the department’s creation in 1979, and pivotal reforms like the 1983 “A Nation at Risk” report spurred progress, indicating broader factors beyond the department influence education outcomes.
Why it matters: The current education crisis, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, demands urgent attention, akin to the transformative response sparked by the Sputnik launch, to address declining test scores and invest in systemic reform.
What’s next: Policymakers must adopt bold reforms and innovative strategies to close learning gaps, leveraging the current crisis as an opportunity to improve education systems and secure future generations’ potential.
Notable quote: “Are we ready for a new Sputnik Moment? Will we use the crisis in education as a call to action…or will we continue to let this crisis erode the potential of future generations?” – Harry Anthony Patrinos, Education Researcher
What K12 Leaders Should Know About 2024 Election Results
What’s happening: The 2024 election results reveal significant shifts in community priorities for K12 education, with new ballot measures across 12 states influencing funding, governance, and educational standards. These changes underscore a mandate for responsive leadership and transparent decision-making as public opinion evolves. Key trends include increased funding for education through unconventional channels, a push for equity in resource allocation, and a balanced approach to school choice and governance. States like Arkansas, California, and Missouri have implemented measures tied to vocational training, infrastructure investment, and early literacy, while others, like Colorado and Florida, prioritize student well-being and nonpartisan governance.
What’s next: Superintendents and boards should: Secure sustainable funding through reliable and flexible sources; Engage communities in transparent discussions about budgets and resource allocation; Adopt proactive financial oversight with public audits, accessible reports, and independent reviews of major contracts; Align initiatives with public priorities, such as equity in funding and mental health support, while exploring innovative solutions like localized control and alternative assessments.
In related coverage:
- Can Trump Force Schools to Change Their Curricula? By Alyson Klein | Education Week
- At Special Ed Teacher Shortage Hearing, Panelists Debate Dismantling Ed Dept. By Amanda Gedudld | The74
- Trump plan to ax the Education Department might affect kids with disabilities a lot — or a little By Kalyn Belsha | Chalkbeat
- Trump’s School (in)Security Agenda: How the Next President Could Roll Back Students’ Rights By Mark Keierleber | The74
- Trump’s Potential Picks for Education Secretary: What to Know By Alyson Klein | Education Week
- Trump pledged to close the Education Department. What would that mean? By Laura Meckler and Annabelle Timsit | Washington Post
- What Elon Musk’s New Role in the Trump Administration Could Mean for Schools By Alyson Klein & Lauraine Langreo | Education Week
- Trump wants to end ‘wokeness’ in education. He has vowed to use federal money as leverage By Collin Blinkley | Associated Press
- Ending the U.S. Department of Education: What it would mean and why Trump and Project 2025 want it By Erica Meltzer | Chalkbeat
- Trump’s Win Is a Wake-Up Call for Educators. Here’s Why By Rick Hess | Education Week
- What the next Trump presidency could mean for US education By Katie Lobosco and Devan Cole | CNN
School choice may get its biggest moment yet
What’s happening: Advocates of school choice anticipate a supportive administration under President-elect Trump, with plans for expanding vouchers, charter schools, and other alternative schooling options.
What else you should know: The discussion on school choice is gaining momentum with bipartisan support, though it remains opposed by groups like the NEA, which argue such measures harm public schools and students.
Impact: This shift could redirect federal education dollars to follow students into alternative schooling options, potentially reshaping public education funding and infrastructure across the U.S.
What’s next: Advocates plan to push for legislation allowing federal subsidies to follow students into private settings, while the new Congress is expected to prioritize tax credits and expanded choice initiatives.
Notable quote: “I think that there’s going to be a real opportunity to promote innovation in school choice.” – Sen. Bill Cassidy | Chair-elect of the Senate Education Committee
In other National News:
- Most public schools nationwide included 2024 election in lessons By Ed Source Staff | Nationwide, 77 percent of schools either incorporated the 2024 election into their lessons, or offered other engagement activities, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).
- Schoolhouse Limbo: How Low Will Educators Go to ‘Better’ Grades? By Vince Bielski | Real Clear Investigations | Maryland State Superintendent Carey Wright is tackling the state’s sharp decline in proficiency rates by raising academic standards and implementing bold policies, even as other states lower expectations to inflate results. Wright previously led a “Mississippi Miracle” by implementing rigorous literacy programs and teacher training, which resulted in significant academic gains in a state once at the bottom of national rankings, setting a precedent for her approach in Maryland.
- Fewer after-school programs offering academic supports, NCES finds By Anna Merod | K-12 Dive | While a majority of schools offer some kind of after-school program, just 60% include academic services.
- Undocumented Students Have the Right to a Free Education. This Is Why By Ileana Najarro | Education Week | Undocumented students in the U.S. have the right to free public education under the 1982 Supreme Court ruling in Plyler v. Doe, which prohibits schools from denying enrollment or charging tuition based on immigration status. Despite the precedent, conservative lawmakers and organizations, citing costs and resource burdens, have periodically sought to challenge or overturn the decision, pushing measures to collect immigration data or charge tuition for undocumented students.
- More states are ditching exams as high school graduation requirements” By Steve LeBlanc | Associated Press | Massachusetts voters decided to eliminate standardized testing as a requirement for high school graduation, reflecting a growing national trend away from high-stakes exams. The decision follows efforts by other states like New York and New Jersey to phase out similar requirements; only seven states now mandate graduation exams.
- School book bans triple in 2023-24 By Naaz Modan | K-12 Dive | The push comes amid the election of former President Donald Trump, who has railed against “inappropriate” content in schools.
- Charter school salary revelations spur lawmakers to scrutinize By Hannah Gross | NJ Spotlight News | Recent reports of high salaries for New Jersey charter school administrators, including some living out of state, have prompted the state’s charter schools association to propose reforms and increased transparency.
- 3 ways high schools are preparing students for this year’s FAFSA By Kara Arundel | K-12 Dive | Last school year’s delays to filling out the federal financial aid form are spurring early action to support the class of 2025.
- House lawmakers pass bipartisan bill to mandate Oct. 1 FAFSA release date By Natalie Schwartz | K-12 Dive | The proposal received overwhelming support but has a limited window to pass the Senate before the congressional session ends.
- How school leaders can tap into the Education Department’s AI toolkit By Anna Merod | K-12 Dive | The 74-page document offers implementation resources for K-12 leaders on student data privacy risks, rollout strategy and more.
- Demand for $200M FCC cybersecurity pilot far exceeds capacity By Anna Merod | K-12 Dive | The agency said it received requests totaling $3.7 billion from school and library applicants nationwide in need of cybersecurity supports.
City & State Roundup:
- 2 striking teacher unions in Massachusetts face growing fines for refusing to return to classroom By Michael Casey | Associated Press | Judges on Tuesday imposed fines of $50,000 a day for the unions in Beverly and Gloucester that would rise by $10,000 a day as long as they remain on strike. The unions voted Nov. 7 to authorize a strike and schools were closed Friday. Schools remain closed in those districts.
- Boston’s Better Busing Experiment: METCO Makes Huge Educational Impact By Kevin Mahnken | The74 | Since 1966, METCO has brought students from Boston to schools in nearby suburbs. A recent study finds that it boosts their learning — and earnings.
- Ohio offers a new way to use public money for Christian schools. Opponents say it’s unconstitutional By Julie Carr Smith | Associated Press | Ohio has allocated public funds for construction and renovation grants to religious schools through a budget surplus program, sparking criticism from advocates of church-state separation who argue it violates constitutional principles. The $4.9 million grants primarily benefit schools tied to the Center for Christian Virtue, a politically active conservative group, and complement Ohio’s universal voucher program, which allows public funding for private, including religious, school tuition.
- Judge blocks Louisiana from requiring schools to display Ten Commandments By Kim Bellware | Washington Post | A federal judge said the law was unconstitutional, but the state attorney general quickly promised to appeal the decision
- Appeals court allows partial implementation of Louisiana’s Ten Commandments law By Nolan McKendry | The Center Square
- Federal Judge Blocks Louisiana Law Requiring Ten Commandments in Classrooms By Rick Rojas | New York Times
- Court temporarily limits scope of ruling that Louisiana’s Ten Commandments law is unconstitutional By Kevin McGill | Associated Press
- Ten Commandments Law for Public Schools Is ‘Impermissible,’ Judge Rules By Mark Walsh | Education week
- Louisiana asks court to block part of ruling against Ten Commandments in classrooms By Kevin McGill | Associated Press
- Federal Judge Halts Louisiana Law Requiring Ten Commandment Classroom Displays By Greg Larose | Louisiana Illuminator
- Office of Religious Liberty and Patriotism opens at Oklahoma Education Department By Nuria Martinez-Keel | Oklahoma Voice | State Superintendent Ryan Walters said the office will align with Trump agenda
- Oklahoma schools superintendent mandates students watch announcement of new religious department By Ken Miller | Associated Press | Oklahoma’s education superintendent has sent an email to public school superintendents requiring them to show students his video announcement of a new Department of Religious Freedom and Patriotism within the state Department of Education.
- Tennessee teachers scoff at proposed bonuses linked to Gov. Lee’s school voucher plan By Marta W. Aldrich | Chalkbeat | ‘We are not for sale,’ say teachers who want more meaningful investments in public schools.
- List of nearly 400 purged library books is circulating among Tennessee school districts By Marta W. Aldrich | Chalkbeat
- A school banned a disabled student’s service dog. His parents are suing By Jonathan Edwards | Washington Post | A Tennessee couple says the district is failing to accommodate their 9-year-old son’s service dog, which helps detect his seizures.
- Iowa Department of Education releases school performance data By Robin Opsahl | Iowa Capital Dispatch | The Iowa Department of Education has identified 377 schools that are in need of targeted support and improvement because of performance and achievement gaps among some student groups.
- What NJ school districts are spending By Colleen O’Dea | NJ Spotlight News | New Jersey’s Taxpayers’ Guide to Education Spending reveals significant disparities in per-pupil spending, ranging from $14,300 in Bass River to $115,000 in Bergen County Special Services for the 2022-23 school year.
- DOJ investigating bullying, discrimination in NJ district after student suicide By Naaz Modan | K-12 Dive | A lawsuit filed by the student’s mother alleges disciplinary inaction by the district amounted to “willful ignorance” that allowed “a culture of bullying.”
- Philadelphia plans school closures, but this time, they’re asking families first By Carly Sitrin | Chalkbeat | Haunted by the last school closure chaos, Philadelphia school district officials say this time, they’re relying on community engagement.
- Detroit school board delays decision on proposed public comment changes By Micah Walker | BridgeDetroit | Chalkbeat | The board delayed the decision in order to give the community more time to learn about the proposed changes.
- Charter school transparency is Michigan Democrats’ biggest lame-duck priority. Can they attain it? By Hannah Dellinger | Chalkbeat | Nine bills on charter schools are awaiting action in the waning days before Republicans take control of the state House.
- In wake of Trump win, Chicago Board of Education moves to reaffirm protections for immigrants By Becky Vevea and Reema Amin | Chalkbeat
- Chicago mayor’s office bumps deadline for $500 grants to help families of children with disabilities By Reema Amin | Chalkbeat | The grants, funded by federal COVID relief money, are meant to provide some relief for low-income families of children with disabilities
- School board pushes to keep Acero schools open, as CPS Chief Pedro Martinez’s job status remains unclear By Nell Salzman and Ikram Mohamed | Chicago Tribune | CPS Board criticized CEO Pedro Martinez during a special meeting addressing the planned closure of seven Acero charter schools, while speculation about Martinez’s job security looms. The closures, announced by Acero’s board due to financial concerns, have sparked community outrage, particularly among Latino families and educators, leading the CPS Board to pass a resolution urging alternatives to closure despite limited district authority over charter decisions.
- Chicago Board of Education pushes Acero charter network to avoid school closures By Reema Amin | Chalkbeat
- The Chicago school board will convene for a special meeting to address the controversial closures of Acero charter schools, while district chief Pedro Martinez’ fate is still unclear By Nell Salzman | Chicago Tribune
- Mayor Johnson calls for CPS to audit finances of Acero charter network after school closure proposal By Reema Amin | Chalkbeat
- Embattled CPS CEO criticized in meeting with mayor as Johnson administration continues moving to fire him By Alice Yin | Chicago Tribune
- This State Has Banned the Most Books. Here’s a Complete List By Matt Zalaznick | District Administrator | Florida banned more books than any other state during the 2023-2024 school year, removing titles from 33 of its 70 districts. The banned titles include both frequently targeted works—such as Tricks by Ellen Hopkins and Gender Queer: A Memoir by Maia Kobabe—and classics like Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut and The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison. Many bestsellers by Stephen King and Sarah J. Maas were also removed. Book bans in Florida doubled compared to the previous school year.
- From Angelou to Vonnegut, Florida schools pulled hundreds of books last year By Jiselle Lee | Washington Post
- Texas names new higher education chief By Kate McGee | Hechinger report | Wynn Rosser will be in charge of guiding the state’s postsecondary education policies. He currently leads a foundation focused on rural East Texas and previously worked at Texas A&M.
- Denver Public Schools bond election results: 4A passes By Melanie Asmar | Chalkbeat | The $975 million bond ask was the largest in the district’s history.
- Colorado high school test scores dropped across the board, but students learning English as a new language had bigger declines By Yesenia Robles | Chalkbeat | The declines have sparked debates among Colorado officials about adjusting graduation requirements and whether PSAT and SAT scores, especially in districts with many English learners, should be used to evaluate academic performance.
- The week before the vote on Denver’s proposed school closures was marked by protests and pushback By Melanie Asmar | Chalkbeat
- Fairfax school board renews superintendent’s contract, raises salary to $424k By Karina Elwood | Washington Post | The Fairfax County school board has renewed the contract of Superintendent Michelle Reid, increasing her annual salary.
- NYC plans to close Brooklyn school, open new ‘literacy academy’ for struggling readers By Alex Zimmerman | Chalkbeat | If approved, the academy will join the South Bronx Literacy Academy as one of the city’s two schools dedicated to students with reading challenges, featuring small-group instruction, specialized training for teachers, and comprehensive support services like speech and occupational therapy.
- NYC ed panel delays SHSAT vote, teeing up public debate over admission to specialized high schools By Julian Shen-Berro | Chalkbeat | Critics argue the SHSAT exacerbates segregation by admitting disproportionately low numbers of Black and Latino students, while supporters, including PLACE, warn that not approving the contract could jeopardize admissions to these schools starting in 2026.
- NYC school enrollment steadies, but system has 100,000 fewer K-12 students than pre-pandemic By Michael Elsen-Rooney | Chalkbeat | The leveling-off follows years of sharp declines, driven by factors like pandemic disruptions and migration trends, and coincides with a critical period for compliance with state class size laws.
- New York to replace graduation exam, implement graduate portrait framework By Naaz Modan | K-12 Dive | The state also aims to require new transcripts and new assessments “aligned to prioritized learning standards” by 2029-30.
- D.C. truancy, chronic absenteeism drop to lowest levels since pandemic By Lauren Lumpkin | Washington Post | Truancy in D.C.’s public schools has returned to pre-pandemic levels while chronic absenteeism is at its lowest since schools closed nearly five years ago, new data show.
- Study finds Wisconsin voters approved a record number of school referenda By Associated Press Staff | The Wisconsin Policy Forum study found that school districts asked voters to sign off on a record 241 referenda, eclipsing the old record of 240 set in 1998. The referenda sought a total of $5.9 billion, a new record ask. The old records was $3.3 billion set in 2022.
- Report: Wisconsin schools haven’t accounted for final $13M in pandemic spending By Jon Styf | The Center Square | The $1.49 billion sent to Wisconsin schools in the third part of Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Aid needed to be obligated by Sept. 30.
IN THE CLASSROOM
How This District Improved Graduation Rates by 25 Percent—And How You Can, Too
What’s happening: Under Superintendent Ben Shuldiner’s leadership, Michigan’s Lansing School District raised its graduation rate from 62.1% in 2021 to 86.91% in 2024—a nearly 25% increase. This dramatic improvement stems from focused strategies to re-engage students and provide targeted support.
What else you should know: Key initiatives included hiring graduation specialists to locate and assist at-risk students, robust credit recovery programs, and alternative education options like the Lansing Learning Hub. The district also established systems to track student progress closely, with monthly meetings involving principals and graduation specialists to assess each student’s status.
Impact: Lansing’s approach has not only boosted graduation rates but also cut the district’s dropout rate from 17.35% to 6.62%. The focus on individualized support demonstrates that systemic challenges can be overcome through intentionality and community collaboration.
What’s next: Shuldiner encourages other districts to replicate Lansing’s strategies by starting small, ensuring accurate data collection, and fostering a culture of belief in student success. Tools like credit recovery weekends, wraparound services, and alternative education programs can be scaled to suit different district needs.
Notable quote: “I think what we have done is replicable. I think what we have done can be done throughout the country.” — Ben Shuldiner, Superintendent | Lansing School District
Use Affirmations To Support Your Child’s Learning
What’s happening: Experts highlight the benefits of affirmations—positive, encouraging statements—as a tool to bolster children’s emotional and academic development, emphasizing their role in fostering resilience, confidence, and a growth mindset.
What else you should know: Effective affirmations focus on effort and perseverance rather than fixed traits, helping children view challenges as opportunities for growth; tools like affirmation journals, student-led conferences, and personalized cards further enhance their effectiveness.
Why it matters: By nurturing a growth mindset and emotional resilience, affirmations can counter negative thinking, reduce stress, and improve students’ long-term motivation and academic engagement, particularly for children facing societal biases or self-doubt.
Notable quote: “Children who believe in their abilities are more likely to actively engage in learning, take the initiative and persist through academic challenges.” — Lea Theodore, Professor of Psychology | Adelphi University
By Cole Claybourn | U.S. News & World Report
SEL in High School: How K12 Leaders Provide Better Support
What’s happening: Despite districts expanding mental health counseling and care programs, high school students continue to struggle with anxiety, depression, apathy, and communication challenges. A RAND Corporation report identifies political pushback, staff turnover, and reliance on short-term funding as key obstacles to implementing effective SEL. The report highlights practices that support SEL in high schools, including advisory periods, professional development for teachers, partnerships with mental health agencies, and integrating SEL with academic and career readiness goals. It also calls out equity-focused approaches to meet the needs of students of color, females, and LGBTQ+ students.
Why it matters: With teens facing escalating mental health issues, sustainable and equitable SEL programs are critical to supporting their well-being and preparing them for life beyond high school. However, district disorganization and inadequate leadership undermine these efforts.
Notable quote: “Challenges at the district level include staff churn, disorganization, and lack of support from central office leadership,” the report asserts.
In other Classroom News:
- Establishing a School Culture of Collaboration and Growth By Kasey Short | Edutopia | Comprehensive, systematic, and transparent feedback systems for teachers and administrators build trust, strengthen relationships, and develop a school culture of collaboration and growth.
- Say Goodbye to Teacher Guilt By Brenda Álvarez | NEA Today | The feeling of not doing enough for students is common among educators. Learning how to redirect it is critical for a healthier mindset.
- 3 Ways to Promote Empathy in the Classroom By Ralinda Watts | Edutopia | Elementary teachers can embed empathy in assignments and projects to help students grasp its importance.
- The More Students Miss Class, the Worse Teachers Feel About Their Jobs By Sarah D. Sparks | Education Week | More than 1 in 4 students nationwide chronically misses school. New research links that phenomenon directly to teacher morale: Teacher satisfaction drops steadily as absenteeism increases, according to a study published this week in Education Researcher, the peer-reviewed journal of the American Educational Research Association.
- Research-Backed Ways to Support Students Who Stutter By Daniel Leonard | Edutopia | A compilation of evidence-based classroom strategies to help kids who stutter feel welcomed.
- A CTE teacher shares 8 strategies to increase student engagement By Jaison Brooks, CTE Educator | eSchool News | As classroom teachers, one of the many challenges we face is student engagement. With the changing landscape of education, how do we keep students focused and provide them with a foundation to learn our varied subject areas?
- A Strategy for Boosting Student Motivation By Katie Perez | Edutopia | A teacher shares the strategy she developed to increase elementary students’ willingness to engage in productive struggle and meet their learning goals.
- Media Literacy: Why Students Want It to Be Required By Micah Ward | District Administrator | A new report from the News Literacy Project reveals that 94% of teens believe schools should require media literacy courses to help combat the spread of conspiracy theories and misinformation online, yet only 39% of students received such instruction during the 2023-24 school year.
- Students Need Learning Opportunities Beyond Core Subjects. Here’s Why By Hind Haddad | Ed Surge | Arabic teacher Hind Haddad reflects on the undervaluing of non-core subjects like world languages in schools, which limits their contributions to students’ education and cultural understanding.
- Edutopia Sessions: Assessment for New Teachers | A panel of educators shares how new teachers can create meaningful assessments and target what’s truly important for students.
- Strategies to craft effective PD for schools and districts By Jamie Fernandez-Schendt, Participate Learning | eSchool News | Schools and districts are rethinking professional development (PD) by moving away from traditional, lecture-based formats toward more personalized, collaborative, and recurring learning opportunities for teachers.
- Helping Students Read Complex Texts By Andrew Boryga | Edutopia | By cultivating metacognitive reading habits, you can help students remain focused as they persist through challenging material.
- How can schools make advanced math pathways more equitable? By Lauren Barack | K-12 Dive | Reviewing recommendation processes and streamlining syllabi are among ways schools can improve access to courses like calculus.