It’s time for the Oakland Ed Week in Review!
We’re back with our roundup of education news from around The Town, the Bay Area, state, and nation for your weekend reading. This is a Dirk favorite and one of the last blogs he published for Great School Voices.
Here’s what’s been going on:
Here in Oakland | Oakland Unified School District (OUSD) is grappling with a growing budget deficit, now reaching $95 million, which has been exacerbated by declining enrollment and the expiration of COVID-related funds. Amid these financial difficulties, OUSD is considering using all Measure Y funds to address lead contamination in several schools, a move that has stirred community concern as it may delay other essential infrastructure improvements. In a bid to stabilize leadership, Superintendent Kyla Johnson-Trammell has extended her contract through 2027, while McClymonds High School welcomes alumna Darielle Davis as its new principal, aiming to honor the school’s legacy while addressing the changing demographics of West Oakland.
In the Greater Bay Area | San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) is recommending the closure of 13 schools due to budget issues and declining enrollment, igniting concerns from parents and community leaders, who argue that these closures will disproportionately impact low-income and marginalized families. The district is also facing backlash after enrollment errors worsened frustrations around its ability to manage student services. Meanwhile, city leaders are fighting to protect Chinese immigrant communities from the school closures, which they say will limit educational access. Additionally, SFUSD is reviewing conflicting antisemitism training workshops to ensure consistent guidance for staff, while Bay Area schools are grappling with rising campus violence, prompting districts to enhance security measures and mental health resources. Alameda Unified is breaking ground on a new school campus, and Mt. Diablo Unified is under scrutiny for a $50 million energy contract.
Throughout the State of California | In California, recent student test scores show a slight recovery in K-12 reading and math performance, with 47% of students meeting or exceeding English Language Arts standards and 35.5% in math—both modest increases from the previous year. However, achievement gaps remain pronounced among racial and socioeconomic groups, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions to address educational equity. Meanwhile, the California Department of Education has recalled $470 million in grants related to the Golden State Pathways program due to mismanagement, impacting districts reliant on these funds for critical career education pathways .
Across the Nation | Recent discussions emphasize the urgent need to create safe educational environments for Black children, highlighting the role of community involvement and culturally responsive curricula to address racial disparities. Additionally, a report reveals the challenges faced by students with disabilities in both charter and traditional public schools, pointing to significant differences in service access and quality. Meanwhile, the US Supreme Court has declined to hear pivotal education-related cases, which preserves current state laws regarding public funding for religious education and school safety guidelines. In the realm of early education, a UC Berkeley study underscores the low wages of early childhood educators, calling for reforms to improve compensation and workforce stability. Collectively, these developments underscore the ongoing challenges and necessary reforms within the educational landscape across the nation.
City & State Roundup | New released reports across various states reveal significant challenges and developments in education. In Nashville, a study highlights a troubling disconnect between Black girls and mathematics, indicating a negative math identity among them compared to Black boys. Meanwhile, in Chicago, a leadership overhaul at the Board of Education follows multiple resignations, as new Mayor Brandon Johnson seeks to reshape educational priorities. In Oklahoma, the state’s Superintendent advocates for incorporating the Bible into public school curricula, aiming to provide moral grounding amid debates on the role of religion in education. Meanwhile, Colorado schools are expanding AI surveillance technologies to enhance safety, while Newark students face transportation issues due to high costs and traffic. Additionally, a lawsuit alleges that New York City’s special education system is failing students with emotional disabilities, contributing to increased absences. As these issues unfold, the need for equitable funding and access to quality education remains a pressing concern across the nation.
What did we miss? Hit us up in the comments below:
OAKLAND
Meet the candidates running for Oakland school board District 1
What’s happening: Three candidates are running for the District 1 seat on Oakland’s school board in the 2024 election, with each bringing different perspectives on addressing the district’s challenges. The candidates focus on key issues such as student outcomes, teacher retention, and balancing the district’s budget.
Why it matters: The outcome of this election will influence how the Oakland Unified School District tackles its long-standing issues, including resource allocation and closing the achievement gap.
Notable quote: “I am committed to ensuring every student has access to a quality education and that teachers are supported.” – Sam Davis | Incumbent candidate for District 1
In Related Coverage:
- Oakland Students Engage Peers to Vote in School Board Elections By Valena Jones | NBC Bay Area News | Oakland students are mobilizing to increase voter turnout for the upcoming school board elections by encouraging their peers to engage in the democratic process.
OUSD’s budget deficit grows as pay, benefit increases take effect
What’s happening: OUSD faces a budget deficit that has risen to $95 million, reflecting a 9.2% increase attributed to new pay and benefit costs. The financial strain is exacerbated by declining enrollment numbers and anticipated increases in labor costs, posing significant challenges for the district’s financial planning.
What’s next: The district is planning to engage stakeholders to explore options for budget reductions and revenue generation, aiming to address the financial crisis effectively.
Notable Quote: “We have known that this is something that we would face as the historic one-time investments for COVID expired, and as we continue to see declining enrollment in our schools,”- Lisa Grant-Dawson | OUSD CBO
In Related Coverage:
- District Budget Update from Chief Business Officer By OUSD Newsroom | OUSD Chief Business Officer Lisa Grant-Dawson provides an update on the district’s budget, outlining current financial challenges and strategic adjustments. The update highlights budgetary constraints due to decreased enrollment and unexpected expenses, which are impacting educational programs.
OUSD to Consider Using Entirety of Measure Y Funds to Address Campus Lead Crisis
What’s happening: OUSD is considering allocating all Measure Y bond funds to resolve the ongoing lead contamination crisis affecting several campuses. Initially intended for various infrastructure improvements, the measure could be entirely directed toward removing toxic lead in drinking water systems, particularly in older school buildings.
Impact: The decision would prioritize urgent health concerns, but it may delay other infrastructure projects, leaving many schools without planned upgrades in classrooms, playgrounds, and other facilities.
What’s next: OUSD officials will soon vote on whether to proceed with this plan, weighing the immediate need for clean water against broader school improvement needs.
In other Oakland News:
- Oakland teen honored by first lady Jill Biden in ‘Girls Leading Change’ event By Hamza Fahmy | KRON4 News | Oakland native Serena Griffin was honored by the first lady at the second annual Girls Leading Change event in Washington, D.C., on Thursday. Griffin was among 10 young women honored for leading change and “shaping a brighter future” in their communities nationwide.
THE BAY AREA
Parents devastated after SF Unified releases list of 13 schools recommended for closure
What’s happening: The San Francisco Unified School District has released a list of 13 schools recommended for closure due to budget shortfalls and declining enrollment, sparking concern among parents and community members. The closures are part of a broader effort by the district to manage its financial crisis, but parents argue that the closures disproportionately affect low-income and marginalized communities.
What’s next: The district’s board will hold hearings and community meetings before making a final decision on the closures later this year.
Notable quote: “It was a devastating way to learn,” Spor said. “The email from SFUSD then came out at 3:45 p.m.” – Gaelan Spor | Parent of second grader
In related news & coverage:
- New blunder in SFUSD increases frustration: ‘Unnecessary chaos’ By Jill Tucker | San Francisco Chronicle | The district is facing increased frustration from parents and staff after another blunder in its student enrollment process has led to incorrect placements and scheduling issues. This latest error has compounded existing frustrations, contributing to concerns about the district’s capacity to manage critical student services effectively.
- Students march as SF Unified threatens to close schools By ABC7 Bay Area News
- San Francisco School Closures Will Hurt Chinese Immigrant Communities, City Leaders Say By Katie DeBenedetti | KQED News. City leaders & community advocates are voicing strong opposition to proposed school closures in San Francisco, arguing that these decisions will severely impact Chinese immigrant families and their access to education.
- SFUSD school closures maps show where students may be reassigned By John Blanchard | San Francisco Chronicle | SFUSD has released a detailed map outlining the schools recommended for closure as part of its budget-cutting measures.
- Parents at Some SF Schools Named for Closure Vow to Fight to Keep Campuses Open By Katie DeBenedetti | KQED News. SFUSD) parents are mobilizing to prevent the closure of 13 schools as part of a district cost-saving measure. SFUSD parents are mobilizing to prevent the closure of 13 schools as part of a district cost-saving measure.
At 2 Conflicting SFUSD Trainings, Dueling Ideas of What Antisemitism Means
What’s happening: SFUSD hosted two competing trainings for staff, with each presenting a different perspective on the definition and handling of antisemitism within the district. The conflicting workshops reflect a broader debate on how antisemitism is understood, particularly in relation to political issues such as Zionism and the Israel-Palestine conflict.
What’s next: SFUSD plans to review the content of both trainings to ensure consistent messaging and avoid further confusion among educators and staff.
Notable quote: “The way we define and address antisemitism in schools can have lasting impacts on our students.” – Unnamed SFUSD official.
An increasing phenomenon: Violence on school campuses raises safety alarms in Bay Area
What’s happening: Schools across the Bay Area are seeing an alarming rise in violence on campuses, with both students and staff expressing growing concerns over their safety. Recent incidents have included physical altercations and threats, which have led to schools taking stronger security measures and considering mental health interventions.
What’s next: Districts are looking to increase resources for school safety and counseling services, with further discussions scheduled on how to best protect students and staff.
In other Bay Area News:
- Ground to be Broken for Alameda Schools’ New Campus By Molly Gibbs | East Bay Times | Bay Area News Group | Alameda Unified School District (AUSD) is set to break ground on a new school campus, marking a significant development in local education infrastructure.
- Critics of $50 million energy contract say East Bay district school board should be recalled By Katie Lauer | East Bay Times | Bay Area News Group | A $50 million energy contract approved by the Mt. Diablo Unified School District board is drawing sharp criticism, with calls for the recall of board members over concerns about the contract’s lack of transparency.
- 3-Year-Old Child Found Locked Inside San Francisco School By NBC Bay Area News | A 3-year-old child was discovered locked inside a San Francisco school building after hours, prompting concerns about the school’s safety procedures.
- Bryon Union School District hopes measure will fund drinking water fix, sinking classroom By Anser Hassan | ABC7 Bay Area News |BUSD is advocating for a measure to secure funding for crucial infrastructure repairs, including fixing drinking water systems and addressing sinking classrooms.
THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA
K-12 reading and math scores inch upward, but are still below pre-pandemic levels
What’s happening: California’s latest student test scores indicate a gradual recovery from pandemic-related disruptions, with improvements seen in several key areas. Despite the overall gains, significant achievement gaps persist among different racial and socioeconomic groups, highlighting ongoing challenges in the education system.
Why it matters: 47% of students met or exceeded ELA standards, up from 46.7% the previous year, and 35.5% met or exceeded math standards, up from 34.6% the previous year. Black, Latino and low-income students showed bigger gains than the state average, although still had lower scores overall. The data underscores the need for targeted interventions and resources to support underperforming students, as educational equity remains a pressing concern.
Notable Quote: “Today’s results suggest that California’s public schools are making encouraging gains, and these gains are largest for our most vulnerable groups of students,” -Linda Darling-Hammond | President – State Board of Education.
In Related Coverage:
- Most California students still failing basic math, science, English standards By Kenneth Schrupp | The Center Square | Chalkboard News | Scores are up from last year, although it is an increase of less than 1% — within margin of error.
- California Smarter Balanced Test Results: 2024 By Smarter Balanced Test Results Via Ed Source | Search the database to see results for schools and districts in California, track progress and find achievement gaps.
- Statewide test scores improved in 2024, but achievement still not back to pre-Covid levels By Diana Lambert, John Fensterwald, Zaidee Stavely, Lasherica Thornton, Mallika Seshadri, & Monica Velez
- LAUSD math, English test scores show strong gains, but most students still not proficient By Kae Sequeira | Los Angeles Times
CDE again recalls $470 million in grants in Golden State Pathways rollout fiasco
What’s happening: The California Dept of Education has announced the recall of $470 million in grants tied to the Golden State Pathways program due to mismanagement issues. This recall follows previous controversies surrounding the program’s implementation, leading to concerns about accountability and transparency in educational funding.
Why it matters: The decision impacts numerous school districts that were relying on these funds for career education pathways, potentially hindering their ability to offer critical programs.
What’s next: Schools are urged to reassess their funding strategies and seek alternative resources as the CDE reviews the program’s future direction.
Notable quote: “To our knowledge, the CDE hasn’t been forthcoming about why they’ve recalled these latest results, nor why we’re seeing yet another delay, which we find alarming,” – Denise Luna | Higher Ed Policy Director – EdTrust-West
In other California News…
- The brutal story behind California’s new Native American genocide education law By Carolyn Jones | Cal Matters | A new law requires California students to learn Native American history in a way that includes the mistreatment and perspectives of tribal members.
- Teachers are still leaving, but these aspiring educators are excited to join the profession By Clara Brownstein | Ed Source | Despite ongoing challenges and high turnover rates in the teaching profession, a new wave of aspiring educators is eager to enter the field.
- What is Proposition 2? California Measure Looking to Borrow Money to Repair Schools, Colleges By Gabe Ferris | ABC7 Bay Area News | Proposition 2 seeks to authorize $10 billion in bonds aimed at upgrading and repairing California’s public schools and community colleges.
- 252 districts place bonds on the ballot; here’s how two would spend the money By Emma Gallegos, Diana Lambert & John Fensterwald | Ed Source | San Juan Unified School District and Wasco Union High School District hope a proposed $10 billion state bond will defray some costs
City & County Roundup:
- LAUSD celebrates academic recovery, but a rough road lies ahead without Covid relief money By Mallika Seshari | Ed Source | LAUSD has made significant strides toward recovering its pandemic learning losses. District administrators hope to keep the momentum going without Covid relief funds.
- Tensions escalate between West Valley high school superintendent and community members By Isha Trivedi | San Francisco Chronicle | Tensions have risen between the superintendent of West Valley High School and local community members following the announcement of proposed budget cuts, impacting programs & staffing.
- Ousted Santa Clara County superintendent sues Board of Education By Molly Gibbs | Mercury News Group | Former Superintendent Dewan alleges in the lawsuit that she was fired without cause or explanation during an Oct 3. closed board meeting and was not provided with 30 days notice.
- St. Hope schools charter renewed by Sacramento school board, with unspecified conditions By Jennah Pendelton | Sacramento Bee | The SCUSD board voted 6-0 to allow St. Hope Public School 7 and Sacramento Charter High School to renew their charter and will be allowed to operate through June 2030 under the condition that they enter a memorandum of understanding to be completed next year.
- San Diego Unified interim supe gets $433K-a-year contract, explains her plans for the job By Kristen Taketa | San Diego Union-Tribune | “My goal is to ensure every student has the resources and support they need to succeed.” – Tina King | San Diego Unified School District
ACROSS THE NATION
What it Will Take to Make Schools Safe for Black Children
What’s happening: In a recent interview, experts discuss the critical need for creating safe and supportive school environments for Black children, particularly in the wake of ongoing racial disparities in education. The conversation emphasizes the importance of community involvement, culturally responsive curriculum, and policies aimed at dismantling systemic racism within educational institutions.
What’s next: Schools are encouraged to implement trauma-informed practices and foster inclusive environments, while ongoing advocacy is needed to drive policy changes at the district and state levels.
Notable quote: “In the same way that the inherent racism in our criminal justice system is killing Black and brown people all the time, the inherent racism in our education system is killing the dreams of Black and brown children in the classroom,” – Eric Rashad Fuller | Associate Provost – The New School
How Students With Disabilities Fare in Both Charter and Regular Public Schools
What’s happening: A new report examines the performance of students with disabilities in both charter and traditional public schools, analyzing their access to services, academic progress, and school environments. The report highlights disparities in enrollment rates and service delivery for students with disabilities between charter and public schools, with some charters criticized for not accommodating diverse needs.
Why it matters: This comparison underscores the need for equal access to quality special education services, regardless of school type, as the rise of charter schools continues.
What’s next: Policymakers and educators are encouraged to address the gaps in special education services, particularly in charter schools, to ensure equitable education opportunities.
Which education-related cases did the Supreme Court decline to hear?
What’s Happening: The US Supreme Court has chosen not to review several significant education-related cases this week, thereby upholding the decisions made by lower courts. The court declined a challenge to a Michigan law that prohibits public funds from supporting religious schools and dismissed a case from parents claiming that a pandemic-era memo on school violence infringed on their rights.
Why It Matters: The decision reinforces existing state laws that prevent public funding for religious education and upholds the authority of the Attorney General’s guidance on school safety amid rising tensions in educational policy during the COVID-19 pandemic.
What’s Next: With the court’s refusal to hear these cases, the previous rulings will remain in effect, potentially impacting future legal challenges regarding public funding and parental rights in education.
UC Berkeley Study Reveals Early Educators Still Among Lowest Paid Workers
What’s happening: A recent study from UC Berkeley highlights that early childhood educators continue to earn some of the lowest wages in the workforce, despite their critical role in child development. The study found that many early educators earn less than minimum wage when accounting for their education and experience, contributing to a high turnover rate in the field.
Impact: Low salaries for early childhood educators not only affect their livelihoods but also jeopardize the quality of education and care provided to young children, which can have long-term repercussions for student success.
What’s next: Advocacy groups are calling for increased funding and policy reforms to raise wages for early educators, emphasizing the need for better compensation to improve workforce stability and educational outcomes.
In other National News…
- Universal pre-K among the most effective labor market policies, study finds By Madison McVan | Minnesota Reformer | Parents with children enrolled in a universal pre-kindergarten program increased their earnings by an average of 20.9%, according to a working paper published by the National Bureau of Economic Research.
- Some schools cut paths to calculus in the name of equity. One group takes the opposite approach by Javeria Salman | Hechinger Report | While some states and districts rethink advanced math classes, the Calculus Project sees that coursework as critical to the success of Black, Hispanic and low-income students
- Some Students Are Fighting to Stay in College After the FAFSA Delayed Financial Aid By Jonaki Mehta |NPR via KQED | Thousands of college students across the country are struggling to stay enrolled due to a significant delay in federal financial aid disbursements after problems with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) system.
- 1 in 3 teens reports experiencing racism in school By Naaz Modan | K-12 Dive | CDC finds Asian, multiracial and Black students were the most likely to report having ever experienced racism in school.
- Suspensions, expulsions harm students’ mental and physical health By Kara Arundel | K-12 Dive | The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends schools use trauma-informed practices and analyze discipline data.
- Teachers Say the Public Views Them Negatively By Alex Harmwin | Ed Source | 7 of 10 teachers believe the public holds a negative view of their profession, according to EdWeek’s 2024 State of Teaching report.
- The 10 most common questions teenagers asked about the election by Terry Parris Jr. and Anna Diamond | The New York Times | Headway Election Challenge and Chalkbeat, have been in conversation with teenagers about the upcoming presidential election.
- In Cities With School Choice, Low-Income Kids Catching up to Wealthier Peers By Lauren Camera | The74 | New report on Camden, Newark, Kansas City, St. Louis & Indianapolis finds achievement gaps closing for students in both charter and district schools.
- Study: Charters Hastened Catholic School Decline. Will ESAs Slow the Process? By Kevin Mahnken | The74 | New research suggests that the explosive spread of charters in the 2000s led families to abandon Catholic schools.
- Petition to establish nation’s first religious charter school reaches Supreme Court By Naaz Modan | K-12 Dive | Oklahoma’s St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School was set to open for 2024-25, but its launch was blocked by the state’s high court.
- Private School Choice: What the Research Says By Mark Lieberamn | Ed Week | Research on private school choice programs is mixed, with some studies suggesting benefits for low-income students in academic achievement, while others show little to no significant difference compared to public schools, raising questions about broader impacts on educational equity and resource allocation.
- Trump leads, and his party follows, on vaccine skepticism By Darius Tahir | KFF Health News via Chalkbeat News | Trump has promised to cut funding to schools that mandate vaccines. Campaign spokespeople have previously said that pledge would apply only to schools with COVID mandates.
- Voters divided on Biden admin’s Title IX changes ahead of election By Brendan Clarey | Chalkboard News | A new national poll released this week, voters signaled they are divided over the Biden administration’s Title IX changes to expand gender identity protections ahead of the general election.
- The White House Set Out to Recruit Thousands of Tutors. Did It Make a Difference? By Libby Stanford | Ed Week | The initiative to recruit thousands of tutors in response to pandemic-related learning loss faced recruitment challenges and variable effectiveness, highlighting the need for sustainable solutions and a focus on equity in educational access.
- Here’s How Many High Schoolers Are Transgender—and How They’re Faring in Schools By Brooke Schultz | Ed Source | According to recent data, about 1.4% of U.S. high schoolers identify as transgender, and they face higher levels of discrimination, bullying, and mental health challenges compared to their cisgender peers, highlighting ongoing struggles for inclusivity and support within schools.
- The top K-12 conferences to attend in 2025 | By K-12 Dive | A guide to events where school leaders can share best practices and learn about the issues shaping education in the new year.
City and State Roundup:
- Nashville Study Finds Major Disconnect Between Black Girls and Mathematics By Jo Napolitano | The74 | Black girls were far more likely than Black boys to have ‘a negative math identity’ and to not see how the subject connects with their future.
- There’s Been a Big Shakeup at the Chicago Board of Education By Sunni Khalid | KALW | Several top officials at the Chicago Board of Education, including the board president, have either resigned or been replaced as part of a major leadership overhaul. The shakeup is reportedly due to Mayor Brandon Johnson’s desire to bring in new leadership, with a focus on transforming the city’s education policies and priorities.
- Chicago Teachers Union member suing for audit sees ‘red flags’ amid intimidation tactics By Greg Bishop | The Center Square | Chalkboard News | One Plaintiff is suing the Chicago Teachers Union to open the books for how union dues are spent, after bringing a complaint forward, leaders humiliated and intimidated them.
- Illinois educators and parents seek $550 million school funding increase for next year By Samantha Smylie | Chalkbeat | The increase would be $200 million more than what state lawmakers put into the evidence-based funding formula for K-12 schools for the current budget.
- Why Oklahoma’s Top Public Education Official Aims to Bring Bibles into Classrooms By Janelle Salanga | NPR via KWLA | Oklahoma’s Superintendent is advocating for incorporating the Bible into the state’s public school curriculum, framing it as a way to provide students with moral grounding. Walters argues that the Bible’s teachings could foster a sense of ethical direction for students amid ongoing debates about the role of religion in public education.
- AI Surveillance Expanding in Colorado Schools with New Security Cameras and Technology By Elizabeth Hernandez | The Denver Post via East Bay Times | Colorado schools are increasingly adopting AI-powered surveillance technologies, including advanced security cameras, to enhance campus safety.
- After decision in Catholic preschool lawsuit, Colorado moves to repeal religious preschool rule By Ann Schimke | Chalkbeat | Religious preschools that participate in Colorado’s state-funded preschool program are allowed to reserve seats for members of their congregations. But State officials have proposed a repeal of the so-called “congregation preference” after a recent federal court decision that highlighted problems with that rule.
- Amendment 80 would enshrine school choice in Colorado Constitution By Melanie Asmar | Chalkbeat | Supporters say Amendment 80 is about protecting the right to school choice. Opponents say Amendment 80 could lead to the funding of private schools with public money.
- Newark students deal with full buses, city traffic to get to school on time By Jessie Gómez | Chalkbeat | Newark Public Schools faces high costs, public transit problems, and rising demand to get nearly 40,000 students to school on time.
- Governor says Tennessee has money for both Hurricane Helene recovery and universal school vouchers By Marta W. Aldrich | Chalkbeat | Gov. Bill Lee said Hurricane Helene’s massive destruction in northeast Tennessee, plus a growing backlog of public infrastructure needs statewide, won’t prevent his administration from pursuing a universal private school voucher program during his final two years in office.
- M-STEP results show Detroit charter students made some improvements By Robyn Vincent | Chalkbea | On Michigan’s standardized tests, Detroit charter students show some gains in comparison to previous years. But they’re still struggling to return to pre-pandemic numbers.
- Taxpayers face 137 school referendum questions across Wisconsin on Nov. 5 By Jon Styf | The Center Square | Chalkboard News | On Nov. 5, there will be 137 school referendum questions combined for local school districts across the state of Wisconsin and includes 57 for a temporary increase in the district’s taxing limit & 22 will ask for a permanent increase, according to the Wisconsin Association of School Boards.
- Seattle schools to announce school closures this month; staff cuts to come after By Spencer Pauley | The Center Square | Chalkboard News | Seattle Public Schools is considering closing five schools rather than 17 to 21 as part of a plan to reduce a $94 million budget deficit. The closures would come before the start of the 2025-2026 school year.
- Washington superintendent candidates agree state’s funding model flawed By Carleen Johnson | The Center Square | Chalkboard News | “Our state only spends about 3.1% of its GDP [gross domestic product] on education, and the national average is 3.6%,” said Reykdal, who is running for a third term.
- Critics call jump in Wisconsin standardized test scores ‘ludicrous’ By Benjamin Yount | The Center Square contributor | Chalkboard News | The scores show 51% of Wisconsin children are proficient in reading and 53% are proficient in math – up from last year’s scores that showed 39% were proficient in reading and 41% were proficient in math. It’s alleged the scores jumped dramatically not because Wisconsin students got better at reading and writing, but because DPI changed the test scores.
- Stolen Providence school district data may be making its way onto the internet By Alexander Castro | Rhode Island Current | School department racing to issue information to staff on credit monitoring information ‘very soon’
- St. Louis Schools Head into Uncertainty Following Superintendent’s Ouster By Kevin Mahnken | The 74 | After just one year on the job, the much-hyped chief has been fired amid complaints about hiring and spending. She plans to appeal.
- Test Scores For Hawaii Students Show Little Progress Despite Major Funding Boost By Megan Tagami | Honolulu Civil Beat | The state has received over half a billion dollars in pandemic support, but there’s been no tracking of which investments and programs have actually improved student learning.
- Kentucky’s lieutenant governor leans on her teaching roots in fighting a school choice measure By Bruce Schreiner | Associated Press | Democratic Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman is in campaign mode in opposing a ballot measure that would allow Kentucky tax dollars to support students attending private or charter schools.
- Nevada Asked A.I. Which Students Need Help. The Answer Caused an Outcry By Troy Closson | The New York Times | The new system cut the number of students deemed “at risk” in the state by 200,000, leading to tough moral and ethical questions over which children deserve extra assistance.
- School Absences Rise as Special Education Fails Students, Suit Says By Claire Fahy & Troy Closson | A class-action lawsuit argues that the New York City school system falls short in helping students with emotional disabilities, leaving them to miss too many school days.