The Oakland Education Week in Review 12.16.2024

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 |  OUSD continues to grappling with a budget deficit and declining enrollment, stalling plans to merge 10 schools despite warnings that consolidations are necessary to avoid insolvency and state intervention. The district’s financial strain stems from decades of overspending, operating twice as many schools as similar-sized districts, and losing 15,000 students since 2002. Meanwhile, OUSD stands out nationally for supporting older immigrant students with targeted programs addressing education and social barriers, contrasting with exclusionary trends elsewhere. Other challenges include a lawsuit alleging religious discrimination over access to facilities and a literacy initiative showcasing promising gains with evidence-based instruction. Amid these issues, the Oakland Ed Fund reflects on a year of impactful community support, calling for continued collective efforts to advance educational equity.

In the Greater Bay Area |  Bay Area schools face significant financial and leadership challenges. San Francisco Unified School District plans early retirement buyouts and potential layoffs to address a $113 million deficit, drawing concerns over staffing instability. Alameda Unified welcomes new and re-elected board members while celebrating student-athlete achievements and preparing for Wood Middle School’s demolition. In Santa Clara County, former Superintendent Mary Ann Dewan is accused of misusing funds and retaliatory actions, while Fremont Unified’s youngest-ever trustee, 18-year-old Rinu Nair, defied skeptics to win her seat. Meanwhile, updates to California’s fire code disrupt child care facilities, prompting criticism and temporary reprieves as stakeholders work to balance safety and affordability.

Throughout the State of California |  California struggles to recover from its 20-year bilingual education ban, with only 10% of English learners in bilingual classrooms despite evidence of their benefits. Advocates urge expanded teacher credentialing, increased funding, and stronger state mandates to close the gap, as districts like Madera Unified emerge as models. Meanwhile, the state’s ethnic studies mandate remains unfunded, potentially derailing its 2025 implementation deadline, with Governor Newsom facing pressure to allocate over $100 million in his January budget. School closures loom statewide due to declining enrollment, with districts like Oakland and San Francisco grappling with financial insolvency and community resistance. Superintendent José Manzo calls for reforms to California’s outdated funding model to address high living costs in regions like the Bay Area, as budget crises push districts to the brink. In Los Angeles, controversy surrounds the removal of race as a factor in LAUSD’s Black Student Achievement Plan despite its success, highlighting the ongoing tension in equity-focused programs.

Across the Nation |   The 2023 TIMSS revealed significant declines in U.S. math performance, deepening concerns about pandemic learning loss and growing inequalities, while challenges in diversifying the teacher workforce persist, with only 21% of educators identifying as people of color. Federal surveys show 40% of students remain behind grade level, especially in math and English, disproportionately affecting low-income and majority-minority schools. Expired ESSER funds, rising youth violence fueled by social media, and persistent staffing shortages exacerbate systemic issues, as schools struggle with declining enrollment and budget constraints. Meanwhile, debates over school choice programs highlight barriers for marginalized families, and FAFSA guidance faces challenges under new immigration policy fears. Despite hurdles, districts like Johnston County, NC, showcase success with strategic investments, and innovations in AI tutoring, CTE pathways, and suicide prevention technologies offer hope for future solutions.

City & State Roundup |  Providence schools face a budget crisis as the city imposes spending freezes and considers tax hikes, while New Jersey debates allowing higher property taxes to stabilize school funding. West Virginia approved seven school closures amid enrollment declines, and Michigan lawmakers passed charter school reforms alongside a new School Safety and Mental Health Commission. The Supreme Court rejected appeals challenging Boston’s elite high school admissions policy and Wisconsin’s transgender student support guidance. In New York, a new law mandates private insurers cover dyslexia testing, and Georgia’s expanded school voucher program raises concerns over costs as eligibility far exceeds expectations. Meanwhile, CPS faces fiscal warnings from S&P as tensions rise over union contracts and charter school closures, and Oklahoma pushes the boundaries of church-state separation with proposed Christian-focused public schools. Across states, broadband gaps, mental health funding, and teacher pay boosts remain pressing education priorities.

Classroom Connections |  Educators face diverse challenges: teachers worry most about student behavior and mental health impacts, while principals and district leaders cite funding, staffing shortages, and political pressures as top concerns. Districts like Neshoba County, Mississippi, highlight how effective instruction can drive math success despite socioeconomic challenges, while Virginia’s new accountability system encourages advanced math pathways to promote equity. Teachers emphasize critical discussions on offensive language in literature and stress the need for better pay, benefits, and working conditions to retain talent, particularly among Black educators. Turning data into actionable evidence and addressing instructional time losses are seen as essential for student success. Meanwhile, innovations in technology, AI, and reflection-based strategies enrich teaching, offering promising pathways for deeper learning, equity, and student engagement.

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

OAKLAND

Oakland’s School Merger Plan Has Stalled, and the District’s Huge Deficit Remains By Katie DeBenedetti | KQED ||  The Oakland Unified School District’s proposal to merge 10 schools stalled Wednesday after the board declined to vote, following strong opposition from families and staff who argued it would disproportionately harm low-income schools. While the mergers were estimated to save $3 million, the district still faces a $95 million deficit for the 2025-26 school year, risking a return to state control. The board approved other cost-cutting measures, including centralizing contracts, reducing discretionary school funds, and limiting overtime pay. Despite these steps, Superintendent Kyla Johnson-Trammell warned that school consolidations remain inevitable to address long-term structural deficits, as OUSD continues to overspend amid declining enrollment and rising costs.

In related coverage:

  • OUSD Board of Education Votes for Budget Balancing Solutions and Rejects Merger Vote By OUSD Newsroom

Oakland schools in crisis as district gets closer to running out of money: ‘Dangerous path’ By Jill Tucker | San Francisco Chronicle ||  OUSD faces fiscal insolvency after receiving its first negative budget certification in over 20 years, signaling it may not meet financial obligations without intervention from the county or state. With a $95 million shortfall looming for the 2025-26 school year, Superintendent Kyla Johnson-Trammell urged the board to take decisive action, including school closures and spending cuts, to address overspending and declining enrollment. The district has lost 15,000 students since 2002 and expects to lose 1,000 more annually through 2032, while operating twice as many schools as districts of similar size. While some members insist on a comprehensive plan by next year, Johnson-Trammell emphasized the urgency, calling for a shared understanding that OUSD must “be smaller to provide a mightier education” for its students.

The Small Schools Movement Remade Oakland Education. Is This the End? By Ashley McBride | The Oaklandside ||  Oakland Unified School District (OUSD) is considering merging 10 small schools into five due to declining enrollment and budget constraints, raising concerns about the future of the small schools movement launched in the early 2000s. Originally a community-driven response to overcrowding and inequitable conditions in flatland schools, the movement aimed to create smaller, personalized learning environments supported by Gates Foundation funding. Today, critics argue that proposed mergers threaten the culture and success of predominantly Latino and dual-immersion schools, with parents and educators decrying a lack of transparency and top-down decision-making. While OUSD stresses financial urgency, advocates call for renewed grassroots collaboration to address the district’s challenges without undermining hard-won community trust and student progress.

Oakland Enrolls — and Graduates — Older, Immigrant Students Many Districts Deny By Jo Napolitano | The 74 ||  Oakland Unified School District stands out nationally for embracing older immigrant students, aged 18-21, who are often denied entry elsewhere due to age, gaps in education, or limited English skills. Through targeted programs like Rudsdale Continuation High School and Oakland International High School, OUSD offers flexible schedules, social services, and pathways to graduation, ensuring students’ needs are met despite significant challenges like poverty and housing instability. These efforts help newcomers—many from Central America—earn diplomas, learn English, and pursue college or careers, while wraparound supports like bus passes, legal aid, and food pantries address barriers to attendance. With Trump’s deportation pledges causing renewed anxiety, staff emphasize Oakland’s “moral mandate” to serve these youth, contrasting sharply with national trends of exclusion.

Oakland Schools Accused of Religious Discrimination for Denying Access to Christian Club By Ryan Mills | National Review ||  Child Evangelism Fellowship NorCal East is suing Oakland Unified School District, accusing it of religious discrimination for denying its Good News Clubs access to school facilities while allowing secular after-school programs like the Rainbow Club and YMCA. The lawsuit alleges violations of the First and 14th Amendments, citing statements from school officials that reject “evangelism” and “Bible clubs” on campus. Liberty Counsel, representing the group, highlights the Supreme Court’s Good News Club v. Milford Central School ruling, which mandates equal access for religious groups in public schools. The case unfolds amid OUSD’s financial struggles and declining enrollment, with the district remaining silent on the pending litigation.

In related coverage:

Seeing Literacy Progress Firsthand: Legislators Experience Evidence-Based Instruction in Oakland Schools By Oakland Literacy Coalition ||  During a literacy learning walk hosted by the Oakland Literacy Coalition, FULCRUM, and the California Early Literacy Coalition, state and local policymakers observed firsthand the promising results of evidence-based reading instruction at Korematsu Discovery Academy and Lighthouse Community Charter School.

Oakland Ed Fund Reflects on a Year of Impact and Calls for Action Ahead By Oakland Ed Fund || Executive Director Ali Medina highlighted the organization’s achievements in advancing educational equity, including hosting the Oakland Grown: Student Art & Music Festival with 700 attendees, placing over 2,500 volunteers in schools, awarding $254,000 in mini-grants for teachers, and supporting nearly 100 students through TechLink and ConstructionLink programs. Additionally, $500 grants were provided to 117 new teachers to prepare their classrooms, showcasing the collective efforts of educators, donors, volunteers, and community partners.

THE BAY AREA

Embattled SF School District Will Offer Hundreds of Buyouts — Then Potential Layoffs By Katie DeBenedetti | KQED ||  Facing a $113 million deficit, the San Francisco Unified School District will offer early retirement buyouts to hundreds of eligible staff, aiming to save $30 million through lower-paid replacements and eliminating up to 69 positions. Approved by the school board, the plan is part of a broader fiscal stabilization strategy to avoid state takeover, which also includes expenditure reviews and potential layoffs by the end of the school year. While district leaders emphasize the necessity of cuts amid declining enrollment and revenue, parents and the teachers’ union express concerns about destabilized staffing, especially given existing teacher vacancies and high turnover. Final decisions on layoffs depend on state funding in January and buyout participation, as SFUSD grapples with structural deficits projected to worsen by 2027.

Huge Lack of Communication’: How a Building Code Update Disrupted Child Care Centers in California By Daisy Nguyen | KQED ||  A recent update to California’s fire code, requiring fire sprinklers and other safety measures for new child care facilities, has disrupted the opening of infant and toddler care centers, exacerbating the state’s child care shortage. Providers were caught off guard due to poor communication, forcing some to reduce enrollment or face steep costs—up to $1 million—to comply with the new rules. Advocates criticized regulators for failing to consult with them, noting existing safety measures, such as crib evacuations, already address emergencies. Lawmakers passed a temporary reprieve in September, but confusion persists among local fire inspectors. State officials now plan to collaborate with stakeholders to revise occupancy standards and address retrofitting challenges, balancing safety requirements with providers’ financial realities.

AUSD Notes: Alameda school board members’ new terms beginning By Susan Davis | East Bay Time || AUSD swore in re-elected board members Jennifer Williams and Heather Little, along with newcomer Maleah Hall, an educator with extensive experience, as the board prepares for its leadership rotation with Gary Lym stepping in as president. Meanwhile, Wood Middle School’s main building is set for demolition after months of preparation, and three AUSD teams—Alameda High’s women’s tennis, boys’ cross country, and Encinal High’s boys’ cross country—earned North Coast Section Scholastic Team Awards for balancing sports and strong academics. AUSD is also accepting nominations for its 2025 Teacher of the Year until Jan. 6, honoring outstanding educators through a selection process involving applications and classroom observations. Schools will close for winter break from Dec. 23 to Jan. 3.

Santa Clara County education leader accused of malfeasance By Brandon Pho | San Jose Spotlight ||  Santa Clara County’s former Superintendent Mary Ann Dewan faces allegations of misusing public funds, authorizing unauthorized surveillance, and conducting retaliatory investigations into employees and board members, according to findings shared by Interim Superintendent Charles Hinman. 

How the newly elected, youngest-ever Fremont school board trustee won over her skeptics By Kyle Martin | Bay Area News Group ||  Rinu Nair, 18, beat Ganesh Balamitran for Fremont Unified school board Area 4

THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA

California banned bilingual education for almost 20 years. It still hasn’t recovered By Tara García Mathewson | CalMatters ||  California, the nation’s most linguistically diverse state, has struggled to recover from a nearly 20-year ban on bilingual education enacted by Proposition 227 in 1998. Though voters reversed the ban in 2016, decades of underinvestment and a decimated bilingual teacher pipeline have slowed progress, leaving only 10% of English learners in bilingual classrooms, compared to 40% in Texas. Research has shown that dual-language immersion programs help students achieve higher test scores, improve graduation rates, and foster college readiness, yet California’s local control policies and limited funding have hindered a systemic revival.  Advocates call for targeted solutions: expanding teacher credentialing programs, increasing state funding for dual-language initiatives, and aligning policies to support multilingual learners. Madera Unified School District stands out as a model, championing bilingual education and using federal and state funds to launch programs benefiting immigrant and native-born families. However, experts argue that without state mandates or substantial investment, California risks leaving generations of English learners behind, highlighting an urgent need for statewide leadership and resources to address the gap.

In related coverage:  

The clock is ticking, ethnic studies remains an unfunded mandate; what will Newsom do? By John Fensterwald | EdSource ||  California’s ethnic studies mandate, signed into law in 2021 with a 2025-26 deadline, remains unfunded, leaving school districts uncertain about implementation. The law, requiring a semester-long course for high schoolers, hinges on “upon appropriation,” meaning it only takes effect if state funding is provided. Despite $50 million in initial one-time grants to develop curricula, full implementation could cost over $100 million annually. The unresolved funding issue comes amid tensions over “liberated” ethnic studies curricula, criticized for promoting bias and antisemitism. Governor Newsom faces pressure to fund the mandate in his January budget proposal, while lawmakers may push to strengthen safeguards against discriminatory content in ethnic studies courses.

Kicking the can down the road’: School closures in California painful but inevitable By Jill Tucker | San Francisco Chronicle ||  As California faces unprecedented enrollment declines driven by a falling birthrate and rising costs, school closures are becoming inevitable for districts like Oakland and San Francisco. Statewide enrollment has dropped by 1 million students over 20 years, leaving half-empty schools financially unsustainable. While closures remain a last resort, districts are struggling with budget deficits as pandemic relief funds expire and costs for labor, pensions, and utilities increase. Efforts to close schools, such as Oakland Unified’s failed plan to merge five campuses, are often derailed by community pushback, unions, and political challenges. However, education leaders warn that delaying closures prolongs the pain, with many districts, including Alum Rock and Santa Rosa, already moving ahead with plans. Without action, financial insolvency and state takeovers loom, forcing school boards to confront the tough but necessary decision to consolidate campuses for long-term stability.

In other California News:

  • OP Ed |  Manzo: A plea to fix California’s failed school funding model By José L. Manzo | San José Spotlight ||  California’s outdated school funding model fails to account for the high cost of living in regions like the Bay Area and Los Angeles, leaving high-cost districts struggling to cover operational expenses while receiving the same per-pupil funding as lower-cost areas. Declining enrollment due to unaffordable housing exacerbates the crisis, forcing teacher layoffs, program cuts, and school closures, with students missing out on the education they deserve. Superintendent José Manzo calls for a cost-of-living adjustment in the state’s funding formula, similar to models in states like New York, to provide equitable resources for districts in high-cost regions. He urges parents and communities to advocate for reforms by educating themselves, learning about school funding inequities, and pushing legislators to adopt a fairer funding system that reflects regional economic realities.

    City & County Roundup:

    • Opinion: Conservatives targeted LAUSD’s Black student achievement program. The district shouldn’t give in By Tyrone C. Howard and Pedro Noguera |  Los Angeles Times ||  LAUSD  is removing race as a factor in its Black Student Achievement Plan following a federal civil rights complaint, despite the program’s documented success in improving Black student outcomes and benefiting entire schools.

    NATIONAL NEWS & PERSPECTIVES

    6 observations from a devastating international math test By Jill Barshay | Hechinger Report ||   The 2023 Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) revealed a worrying decline in U.S. math performance, furthering concerns about pandemic learning loss and widening inequalities.The 2023 TIMSS results revealed a significant decline in U.S. math performance, with a shrinking middle tier of students and worsening scores among the lowest-performing fourth graders, reflecting growing inequality. Even top-performing eighth graders experienced sharp drops, while a re-emerging gender gap saw boys outscoring girls at record margins. Global trends were inconsistent, with some nations like Sweden improving, but U.S. scores have been declining since well befo re the pandemic, indicating deeper issues in math education. Despite these challenges, the U.S. still produces a large number of high-achieving students, and recent state tests show early signs of recovery, offering hope for a rebound in the coming years.

    The Teaching Pool Isn’t Diversifying As Quickly as Other Workers. Why? By Sarah D. Sparks | Education Week ||  Despite efforts to diversify the teacher workforce, only 21.1% of U.S. teachers identify as American Indian, Black, Hispanic, Pacific Islander, or multiracial—lagging behind the diversity of students and other college-educated workers. Factors like lower pay, “invisible tax” burdens (e.g., extra unpaid responsibilities), and lack of administrative support hinder recruitment and retention. While states like Minnesota have introduced incentives, such as bonuses, to attract diverse educators, systemic hiring barriers and higher attrition rates among teachers of color persist, underscoring the need for more robust and equitable policies.

    Federal data: School leaders say 40% of students are behind grade level By Brendan Clarey | Chalkboard News ||  A federal survey found that 40% of students in U.S. public schools started the 2024-25 school year behind grade level in at least one subject, a decrease from last year but still above pre-pandemic levels. Students from low-income families and majority-minority schools were disproportionately affected, with 52% estimated to be behind. Urban schools and smaller schools with fewer than 300 students also reported higher rates of academic lag. Students were most likely to struggle in math and English/language arts (98%), followed by science (76%) and social studies (55%), reflecting persistent inequities exacerbated by the pandemic.

    The Big Picture | Pandemic, Politics, Pre-K & More: 12 Charts That Defined Education in 2024 By Kevin Mahnken | The 74 ||  As 2024 ends, K–12 education faces lingering COVID disruptions, with learning still below 2019 levels and $190 billion in federal ESSER funds expired. Data shows the pandemic widened achievement gaps, leaving eighth graders a year behind in math and reading. College freshman enrollment dropped 5%, with Pell-eligible schools hit hardest, while schools battle teacher dissatisfaction, growing culture wars, and increasing youth crime during the school year. Meanwhile, AI tutoring tools show promise, pre-K programs boost family incomes, and marijuana use among high schoolers rises alongside legalization. These trends will shape education in an uncertain political landscape under President-elect Trump.

    After a “lost decade,” let’s restore high expectations for students By Robert Pondiscio | Thomas B. Fordham Institute ||  Education reformer Steven Wilson warns in his forthcoming book The Lost Decade that social justice-driven pedagogy has undermined academic rigor, leaving marginalized students less educated and more vulnerable. Once-effective “No Excuses” charter schools, built on high expectations and orderly classrooms, have faced backlash amid claims of cultural insensitivity, leading to declines in academic outcomes and behavioral chaos. Panelists like Doug Lemov and Stephanie Saroki de Garcia emphasize that literacy and numeracy are foundational to justice and upward mobility. The urgent post-pandemic reality demands a return to proven, high-expectation approaches to help students succeed.

    Amid Explosion of School Choice, Report Spotlights the Marginalized Families Left Behind By Linda Jacobson | The 74 || Amid the rapid expansion of school choice programs like education savings accounts, a new report highlights how marginalized families—low-income, minority, and those with disabilities—are often left behind. Barriers such as complex admissions processes, lack of transportation, and insufficient high-quality options prevent these families from fully benefiting. While choice programs aim to offer alternatives, issues like inconsistent access, bureaucratic hurdles, and limited support leave many families struggling to find suitable options for their children.

    In other National News:

    • 3 Budgeting Lessons School Administrators Learned From ESSER By Mark Lieberman | Education Week ||  ESSER funding taught schools valuable lessons in budgeting, emphasizing the importance of incorporating educator input in resource allocation, maintaining a list of priority projects for future opportunities, and rigorously evaluating program effectiveness to sustain impactful initiatives despite financial challenges.
    • 3 Ways Trump Can Weaken the Education Department Without Eliminating It By Alyson Klein | Education Week ||  Trump aims to weaken the Education Department by reclassifying staff, scaling back guidance, and transferring key functions to other agencies.  These moves could curtail the department’s reach while impacting its effectiveness in supporting K-12 education nationwide.
    • How this district made a great leap in state rankings By Micah Ward | District Administrator ||  Johnston County Public Schools rose from 83rd to 35th in North Carolina state rankings by using ESSER funds to implement a research-based curriculum, district-wide benchmark assessments, and targeted strategies for acceleration and remediation.
    • 50% of school leaders report ‘feeling understaffed’ while 97% of teaching jobs are filled By Brendan Clarey | Chalkboard News ||  Despite no net change in the number of teaching positions compared to last year, 50% of school leaders report feeling understaffed, particularly in special education roles and urban schools, highlighting ongoing challenges with enrollment shifts and budget cuts.
    • An Epidemic of Vicious School Brawls, Fueled by Student Cellphones By Natasha Singer| New York Times ||  Schools across the U.S. are grappling with an epidemic of violent brawls fueled by student cellphones, as fights are recorded, spread via text and social media, and often escalate into further aggression and disruption.
    • Private Schools Group Apologizes After Claims of Antisemitism at Event  By Sarah Maslin Nir | New York times ||  The National Association of Independent Schools has apologized after remarks at its annual diversity conference, where speakers’ comments on Israel and Gaza were criticized as antisemitic, prompting backlash from Jewish organizations.
    • Trump deportation threats weigh on groups offering FAFSA help By Ariel Gilreath | The Hechinger Report ||  While FAFSA data is protected under federal privacy laws, some groups like the National College Attainment Network are cautioning families with mixed immigration status, citing uncertainty under the incoming administration. Concerns are heightened as Trump signals a hardline approach, leaving counselors worried that warnings could deter students from seeking financial aid. Advocacy groups are advising students to proceed carefully, while others encourage using paper forms to limit data exposure.
    • The DeVos’ing of Linda McMahon By Fredrick Hess | Education Next ||  Critics argue education journalists are applying a double standard by harshly scrutinizing Trump’s Education Secretary nominee Linda McMahon while giving favorable treatment to her predecessors.
    • Spying on Student Devices, Schools Aim to Intercept Self-Harm Before It Happens By Ellen Berry | New York Times | |  New technology alerts schools when students type words related to suicide. But do the timely interventions balance out the false alarms?
    • Moody’s issues negative outlook for K-12 public schools in 2025 By Kara Arundel |  K-12 Dive ||  Competition for students, rising staffing costs and slowing revenue were among factors weighed by the firm, which gave charter schools a stable outlook.
    • Biden signs law mandating Oct. 1 deadline for FAFSA release By Laura Spitalniak | K-12 Dive ||  The FAFSA Deadline Act will require the education secretary to update Congress on if the U.S. Department of Education expects to meet the deadline.
    • Addressing the Teacher Shortage: Six Strategies for Inspiring Future Educators By Jason Odom | eSchool News ||  To combat teacher shortages, schools can inspire future educators by creating CTE pathways, offering hands-on teaching experiences, implementing peer tutoring programs, celebrating teachers, and partnering with higher education for workshops and mentorship opportunities.

    City & State Roundup:

    • Budget battle over Providence schools intensifies as Smiley warns of tax hikes, service cuts By Christopher Shea | Rhode Island Current ||  Providence has halted all discretionary spending and imposed a hiring freeze to comply with a court mandate to fund the city’s public schools — with the potential for cuts to municipal services and even a property tax hike.
    • Supreme Court rejects appeal from Boston parents over race bias in elite high school admissions By Associated Press ||  The Supreme Court rejected an appeal from Boston parents claiming a temporary pandemic-era admissions policy for elite high schools discriminated against white and Asian students, with Justices Alito and Thomas dissenting.
    • More Connecticut Teachers Issuing Votes of No Confidence in Superintendents By Jessika Harkay | CT Mirror ||  Amid growing frustration over safety concerns, workload, and leadership transparency, teacher unions in Connecticut are increasingly issuing votes of no confidence against superintendents, a trend described as “not normal” by Fran Rabinowitz of the Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents.
    • Private Insurers Must Now Cover Dyslexia Testing in New York By Claire Fahy | New York Times ||  Gov. Kathy Hochul signed into law a first-in-the-nation bill requiring insurance companies to cover costs associated with dyslexia diagnosis.
    • NYC’s international schools cater to immigrant students. Here’s how they’re preparing for Trump By Michael Elsen-Rooney | Chalkbeat ||  The nonprofit network helps operate 17 city public schools that cater exclusively to newly arrived immigrant students, serving as a national model for educating newcomers.
    • State rejects complaints against Newark board members for not seating charter school teacher By Jessie Gómez | Chalkbeat ||  The New Jersey School Ethics Commission dismissed complaints alleging two Newark school board members violated the Ethics Act after failing to seat Thomas Luna to the board last fall.
    • New Jersey Governor Signs New Law to Limit Book Bans and Protect Librarians By Dana DiFilippo | New Jersey Monitor ||  The “Freedom to Read Act” limits book bans in public schools and libraries and shields librarians from lawsuits and criminal charges filed by folks who find library materials obscene or otherwise objectionable.
    • School funding bill may allow bigger property-tax increases By Hannah Gross | NJ Spotlight ||  Under pressure to minimize cuts to school aid, New Jersey lawmakers are considering changes to the school funding formula, including allowing larger property-tax increases to stabilize school aid and avoid last-minute budget cuts
    • WV school board approves more school closures, counties struggling to fund public education By Amelia Ferrell Knisely | West Virginia Watch ||  West Virginia’s state school board approved the closure of seven schools across Clay, Preston, Wetzel, and Wood counties, driven by financial strain from a rapidly declining student population. 
    • In Ohio, Phonics-Based Science Of Reading for Preschoolers By Patrick O’Donnell | The 74 ||  Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine is expanding the phonics-based science of reading to preschools by offering free, voluntary online training for teachers and administrators.
    • Minnesota schools must report cybersecurity incidents under new law By Anna Merod | K-12 Dive ||  The information will be anonymized and shared with “appropriate organizations” to help officials understand how to provide support.
    • Michigan Democrats approve charter school reforms in marathon session By Hannah Dellinger | Chalkbeat ||  During a lame duck session, Senate Democrats approved bills that could require more financial transparency for charter schools.
    • S&P tells Board of Education to find revenue or ‘scale down’ operations to fund CTU contract By Sarah Macaraeg | Chicago Times ||  S&P Global has warned Chicago Public Schools (CPS) that funding the Chicago Teachers Union’s contract without new revenue or cost containment could jeopardize the district’s fiscal stability, as it faces deficits of up to $560 million annually over the next five years.
    • New member joins CPS board for heated debate over Acero school closures By Nell Salzman | Chicago Tribune ||  CPS Officials presented plans to address the closure of seven Acero charter schools, including potentially absorbing the campuses, as tensions over leadership decisions and the Chicago Teachers Union contract dominated a lengthy school board meeting.

    In related coverage:

    • Michigan House unites to pass school safety package By Anna Liz Nichols | Michigan Advance ||  The legislation replaces the current School Safety Commission with a new School Safety and Mental Health Commission to enhance safety measures and mental health resources. 
    • Georgia makes many more students than expected eligible for school vouchers By Jeff Amy | Associated Press ||  Georgia’s new school voucher program could make over 400,000 students eligible for $6,500 vouchers due to an expansive interpretation of eligibility rules, far exceeding initial expectations and raising concerns about future costs.
    • Kansas Broadband Disparities Persist Despite Major Investments By Tim Carpenter | Kansas Reflector ||  Kansas struggles with broadband disparities as income, geography, and infrastructure challenges persist despite significant investments.
    • Could This Tiny School Break Down the Wall Between Church and State?  By Caleb Gayle | New York Times ||  Officials in Oklahoma are laying the groundwork to push Christianity into public schools.
    • New Tennessee charter school law for at-risk students draws interest in Memphis and Nashville By Marta W. Aldrich | Chalkbeat ||  So-called ‘opportunity’ charter schools will be held to a different standard
    • Teacher Pay, School Funding Boosts Remain Top Asks of Indiana Teachers Union By Casey Smith | Indiana Capital Chronicle ||  Indiana’s largest teachers union listed educator pay boosts, increased public school funding and consolidated training requirements among its top asks for the 2025 legislative session.
    • Supreme Court rejects Wisconsin parents’ challenge to school guidance for transgender students By Mark Sherman | Associated Press ||  Supreme Court rejected an appeal from Wisconsin parents challenging a school district’s guidance on supporting transgender students, leaving in place lower court rulings that dismissed the case.
    • Wisconsin DPI receives $10M federal grant for school mental health services By Jon Styf | The Center Square ||  The funds will be spent on expanding online certification options, developing a “Grow Your Own” program to recruit and train candidates and expanding the mental health options available to include telehealth school-based mental health professionals.

    CLASSROOM CONNECTIONS

    What Worries Educators Most? It Depends on Their Jobs By Arianna Prothero & Vanessa Solis | Education Week ||  Educators across roles face distinct challenges keeping them awake at night. Teachers are most troubled by student behavior and discipline issues, with many citing the impact of mental health and social challenges on classroom dynamics. Principals and district leaders are more preoccupied with funding, staffing shortages, and political pressures, with district leaders expressing acute concerns over the divisive climate and its implications for public education. While all groups align on lesser worry about curriculum and standards, their top stressors highlight the varied pressures shaping education today.

    Which School Districts Do the Best Job of Teaching Math? By Chad Aldeman | La School Report ||  Neshoba County, Mississippi, defies expectations by achieving math scores that rival wealthier districts, despite serving a high-poverty community. Using eighth-grade math proficiency rates relative to poverty levels, researchers identified nearly 600 districts nationwide that are outperforming their expected outcomes. Neshoba’s math gains took its students from scoring below the national average in 2016 to nearly 1.5 grade levels above it by 2023, even during the pandemic. Other standout districts include Steubenville, Ohio; Worcester, Maryland; and Wise County, Virginia. Unlike reading, where home environments play a role, math outcomes are more closely tied to school-based instruction. These districts demonstrate that effective teaching can drive academic success, regardless of socioeconomic challenges.

    Don’t Shield Students From Offensive Language in Literature. Do This Instead By Larry Ferlazzo | Education Week ||  Teachers should address offensive language in literature by fostering critical discussions and creating safe, inclusive classrooms. Experts like Sonja Cherry-Paul recommend refraining from using harmful terms, teaching their historical context, and encouraging anti-racist approaches. Strategies include co-creating brave spaces for dialogue, critically analyzing texts with “compass” questions, and using culturally responsive pedagogy. Educators should avoid shielding students from challenging topics, instead equipping them with tools to critically examine and dismantle harmful narratives, promoting a more just and informed perspective.

    How Teachers View Their Pay and Benefits By Tim Walker | NEA ||  A new RAND survey highlights the critical role of professional salaries and benefits in retaining teachers, revealing that while two-thirds received pay increases for 2023-24, many still view their pay as inadequate. Teachers in collective bargaining states reported higher pay, better benefits like paid parental leave, and employer contributions to retirement plans compared to those in non-bargaining states. Financial pressures are most pronounced for Black teachers, who face lower salaries, unpaid extra work, and simultaneous childcare, housing, and loan costs. The survey underscores that competitive pay, benefits, and improved working conditions are essential for retaining educators.

    The Difference Between Data and Evidence: What School Leaders Need to Know By Peter DeWitt & Michael Nelson | Education Week ||  School leaders often collect data but struggle to turn it into actionable evidence that improves teaching and learning. Data refers to raw information, while evidence is analyzed and interpreted to inform decisions. By focusing on actionable insights, leaders can foster collective efficacy and address gaps in student learning, professional development, and program effectiveness. Asking targeted questions about school culture, instructional processes, and student outcomes can inspire action and prevent data discussions from becoming overwhelming. Emphasizing evidence-driven practices can create a culture of continuous improvement and better support student success.

    New Accountability System Supports Advanced Math Learners By Todd Truitt | Thomas B. Fordham Institute ||  Virginia’s new accountability system incentivizes schools to offer advanced middle school math pathways, countering anti-acceleration ideologies that have previously limited opportunities for underprivileged students. Recognized as a civil rights issue by leaders like Bob Moses, access to Algebra I in middle school prepares students for advanced coursework, STEM careers, and economic mobility. Despite evidence showing positive outcomes for students taking algebra early, some districts have quietly eliminated accelerated pathways, citing unfounded claims. The new system ensures schools identify and support students ready for advanced math, fostering equity and transparency while reinforcing the vital role of public education in creating pathways to opportunity.

    In other Classroom Connections:

    • 5-Year Study Highlights Impactful School Innovation Practices By Kara Arundel | K-12 Dive ||  A new report from CRPE and Transcend highlights key themes driving school innovation, including anticipating challenges, maintaining consistent practices, and using evidence-based solutions to meet student and family needs. Schools in the Canopy project, which tracks 319 innovative schools, focus on student well-being, equity, deeper learning, and postsecondary pathways.
    • Results of a time study may help educators get more time out of the school day By Cory Turner | NPR ||  A new study by Stanford and Brown Universities reveals that instructional time varies significantly across U.S. states, with classroom disruptions and scheduling issues causing students to lose substantial learning time annually, prompting calls for reforms to maximize focus and reduce learning loss. Students in top-ranked states like Texas and Alabama receiving up to 1.5 more years of schooling than those in lower-ranked states such as Hawaii and Oregon.
    • How to counter AI mathbots? Have students show their work By Lauren Barack | K-12 Dive ||  Addressing confusion in-person and keeping math challenging are key to ensuring students don’t lean on artificial intelligence bots, one expert suggests.
    • How to Get Teens Engaged as Readers By Edutopia ||  Using strategies like in-class reading, creative chapter recaps, and book choice to increase engagement and equity when teaching novels in middle and high school classrooms.
    • How can teachers use AI without triggering a student privacy nightmare? These 9 tips can help By Wellington Soares | Chalkbeat ||  Surveys show many teachers haven’t been trained by school districts on how to use AI. That presents a potent risk to sensitive personal data.
    • Why Reflection Matters in Math Class—and How to Get Started By Ranjani Iyer | Edutopia ||  Teachers can help students build resilience and confidence in their math abilities through the power of reflection.
    • Turning Difficult Lessons Into Deeper Learning By Michael McDowell | Edutopia ||  Pop quizzes, self-tests, and other active strategies are more effective for students than simply reviewing notes.
    • Preparing Future Educators for Their Careers By John Schembari | Edutopia ||  Student teaching advisers and students share ideas for making teacher preparation programs more relevant.
    • The 10 Most Significant Education Studies of 2024 By Youki Terada, Stephen Merrill | Edutopia ||  It’s that time again—our yearly review of the research you should read, from the sneaky ways that inattention can spread in your classroom to the promises and perils of AI.
    • How instructional audio technology can reach more learners By Micah Ward | District Administrator ||   Instructional audio technology in San Jose’s Union School District enhances engagement and equity by helping English language learners, supporting clear communication, and giving students and teachers tools to interact effectively in classrooms of all sizes.
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