The Oakland Education Week in Review 1.13.2025

It’s time for the Oakland Ed Week in Review! 

Happy New Year from Great School Voices Team! As we step into another exciting chapter of our academic journey, we’re energized by the opportunities ahead to amplify voices, share inspiring stories, and tackle the challenges in education together. Here’s to a year of collaboration, equity, and progress for all students. Let’s make 2025 a year of progress!”

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 |  The Oakland Unified School District (OUSD) board elected Jennifer Brouhard and Valarie Bachelor as president and vice president, respectively, as the district confronts a $100 million deficit, school closures, and aging infrastructure. Newly elected directors Rachel Latta and Patrice Berry join the board, which will focus on lead remediation, workforce housing, and financial stability. Meanwhile, OUSD and Oakland REACH launched the Math Liberators program, enlisting parents and community members as paid math tutors to support struggling students, fostering engagement and trust within the school community.

In the Greater Bay Area |  West Contra Costa USD will rebuild Richmond’s Stege Elementary School with a $61 million budget after years of advocacy over unsafe conditions that disproportionately impacted Black and Latino students. Meanwhile, Palo Alto-based MathGPT.ai is piloting an AI-powered math tutoring program to address declining math skills, with plans to expand to K-12. Santa Rosa City Schools faces a $20 million deficit and is considering school closures, sparking concerns over disruptions to arts and specialized programs. Additionally, Santa Clara USD faces a Title VI discrimination complaint alleging hostility toward Palestinian students and parents, prompting both district and federal investigations.

Throughout the State of California |  California’s education landscape faces significant developments as 2025 approaches. The Social Security Fairness Act will boost benefits for nearly 290,000 retired teachers, providing overdue financial relief. Governor Newsom’s proposed $322 billion budget includes $2.5 billion for education cost-of-living adjustments, transitional kindergarten, and literacy programs but warns of potential federal cuts under the Trump administration. Key challenges include addressing teacher shortages, overcrowded classrooms, and expanding bilingual education amidst a severe shortage of qualified teachers. Meanwhile, LAUSD prepares to protect immigrant students and families under anticipated immigration crackdowns, reaffirming sanctuary policies and proposing safe zones. Statewide, equity lawsuits and ethnic studies mandates remain unresolved, as funding and implementation challenges loom for transitional kindergarten and broader education reforms.

Across the Nation |   Schools across the U.S. are preparing for potential immigration enforcement under the incoming Trump administration by implementing sanctuary policies and hosting legal information sessions to protect undocumented students and reassure families. Meanwhile, a cybersecurity breach at PowerSchool has exposed sensitive data for millions of students and educators, highlighting ongoing vulnerabilities in K–12 systems. A federal judge vacated Biden’s Title IX protections for LGBTQ+ students, signaling potential legal and policy challenges under the new administration. Nationwide, teacher shortages, gender biases in STEM, and disparities in FAFSA completion continue to strain education systems, while universal school choice programs and private school expansion dominate 2025 policy discussions. Efforts to improve mental health support, integrate AI in classrooms, and address inequities in career readiness and education funding reflect schools’ evolving priorities amidst political and financial pressures.

City & State Roundup |  Alabama and Louisiana are rolling out new education savings account (ESA) programs as private school choice initiatives gain momentum nationwide. Louisiana has made progress on teacher shortages but struggles with a persistent 55% truancy rate. New Jersey joined six other states in passing laws to protect librarians amid rising book bans, while Vermont settled federal allegations of racial harassment in its schools. In Chicago, debates over charter school closures continue, as Aspira voted to close Haugan Middle School, and CPS faces criticism for teacher absenteeism and systemic issues in sports and election oversight. Meanwhile, Tennessee polls show strong support for statewide school choice expansion, and Pennsylvania’s Bridges initiative promotes student connections to combat bullying. Across states, challenges in teacher preparation standards, literacy gaps, and truancy highlight the need for innovative policies and equitable reforms.

Classroom Connections |  A Brookings report highlights a disconnect between student and parent perceptions of school engagement, with only 44% of high school seniors feeling they learn a lot, while 70% of parents believe otherwise. Structured literacy is gaining traction for its evidence-based approach to improving lifelong reading skills, and a teacher-led math professional development program in West Virginia is empowering educators to tackle classroom challenges collaboratively. Schools are increasingly focused on teaching socioemotional skills as students struggle with self-regulation, while experts recommend easing teacher stress during observations through constructive, relationship-building feedback. Additional insights include fostering early writing skills with DIY booklets, advancing 9th graders to algebra to boost math outcomes, and using creative classroom design to motivate students. Emerging AI tools and learner-centered instructional strategies also highlight the evolving role of technology and autonomy in education.

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

OAKLAND

Oakland Unified school board’s new leadership faces a tumultuous year ahead By Ashley McBride | Oaklandside ||   Jennifer Brouhard and Valarie Bachelor have been elected as president and vice president of the OUSD board, as the district faces a $100 million deficit, school closures, and aging infrastructure challenges.   The board will address pressing issues like lead remediation, workforce housing, and budget adjustments, with leadership decisions poised to impact the district’s financial stability and equity.

In Related News: 

• OUSD Board of Education Welcomes Two New District Directors and Elects Its New Leadership Team By OUSD Newsroom ||  The OUSD Board of Education welcomed newly elected Directors Rachel Latta (District 1) and Patrice Berry (District 5) and elected Jennifer Brouhard as President and Valarie Bachelor as Vice President during its first 2025 meeting.

Tutoring Program in Oakland, Calif. Recruits Parents and Neighbors to Teach Math By Kate Rix | The 74 ||  OUSD, in collaboration with Oakland REACH, has launched the Math Liberators program, recruiting and training parents, guardians, and community members as math tutors to help students struggling with foundational skills. Building on the success of a similar literacy program, Math Liberators emphasizes a growth mindset, high-dosage tutoring, and community engagement to support students, particularly those in third through fifth grade. Tutors receive training in district curriculum and are paid for their work, which fosters trust and representation within the school community.

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THE BAY AREA

Deteriorating East Bay school to be rebuilt after yearslong fight By Monica Velez | EdSource ||  West Contra Costa USD has approved a $61 million budget to fully rebuild Stege Elementary School in Richmond after years of delays and community advocacy over its unsafe and deteriorating conditions. The project will replace the 1943-built school, which had mold, asbestos, and ventilation issues, with the new facility set to open by fall 2027, and the rebuild follows a civil rights lawsuit alleging prolonged neglect disproportionately affected its predominantly Black and Latino students.

Bay Area innovator uses AI to tackle California students’ declining math skills By Molly Gibbs | Bay Area News Group ||   A first-of-its-kind AI math tutoring program aims to help students improve their math skills and cut down on educators’ workloads ||| The Palo Alto-based MathGPT.ai platform uses AI to support educators and students by offering personalized math tutoring while addressing educator concerns over AI misuse. Tested in over 30 community colleges, including several in California, the program provides curriculum-aligned tools for assignments, quizzes, and tutoring, with plans to expand to K-12 and other STEM subjects.

Another Bay Area school district will see closures as early as this fall By Tori Gaines | KTVU FOX 2 ||  Santa Rosa City Schools faces a $20 million deficit and is hosting town halls to discuss four proposed school closure and consolidation scenarios, with a decision expected next month, while parents and educators voice concerns regarding high school students disruptions and impact on arts and specialized programs.

Santa Clara school district slapped with discrimination complaint By Lorraine Gabbert | San José Spotlight ||  Civil rights organizations filed a Title VI complaint against Santa Clara Unified School District, alleging it created a hostile environment for Palestinian students, parents, and educators and suppressed Palestinian perspectives. The complaint, led by CAIR and other advocacy groups, highlights incidents such as alleged inequitable vetting of guest speakers and a confrontation over a Palestinian booth at a multicultural festival, with the district initiating its own investigation while awaiting a federal review.

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THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA

New law could boost Social Security checks for thousands of retired California teachers By Diana Lambert and Mallika Seshadri | EdSource ||   The Social Security Fairness Act, signed by President Joe Biden, repeals laws reducing Social Security benefits for public sector workers with pensions, impacting nearly 290,000 Californians. California teachers, who do not pay into Social Security but have worked non-teaching jobs, will now receive full Social Security benefits, with retroactive payments and an average monthly increase of $360. The law brings economic relief to retired educators, potentially encouraging early retirements and addressing fairness concerns that deterred some from the profession.

California education issues to watch in 2025, plus predictions on how they may play out By John Fensterwald and Yuxuan Xie | EdSource ||  California’s 2025 education landscape will face challenges ranging from federal policy changes under President Trump to local issues like transitional kindergarten expansion, ethnic studies tensions, and funding inequities. Key issues include potential impacts of mass deportations on schools, debates over federal education funding and the Department of Education’s existence, and challenges in implementing transitional kindergarten, while districts explore innovative high school models and equity lawsuits loom.

In Related Coverage:

• New laws coming to California classrooms in 2025 as the state wraps up a busy year in education By Molly Gibbs | Bay Area News Group ||  These changes coincide with ongoing debates over declining school enrollment, gender identity policies, and California’s budget deficit, all of which could affect classrooms and campuses throughout the year.

Gov. Newsom proposes stable California school funding in 2025-26 with an ominous warning By John Fensterwald, Diana Lambert, Zaidee Stavely, Karen D’Souza, Michael Burke, Amy DiPierro, And Emma Gallegos | EdSource ||  Governor Gavin Newsom’s proposed $322 billion state budget for 2025-26 includes $2.5 billion for school cost-of-living adjustments, funding for math and literacy programs, and expanded transitional kindergarten, while warning of potential federal funding threats under President Donald Trump.  While K-12 funding remains steady, UC and CSU face up to 8% cuts in ongoing funding, and the budget notably excludes funding for implementing ethnic studies mandates, drawing mixed reactions from education leaders and advocates.

In Related Coverage:

• How Gov. Newsom’s proposed budget would affect California education By Allie Rasmus | KTVU FOX 2 ||  California Governor Gavin Newsom’s $322.2 billion budget proposal for 2025 includes maintaining funding for free school meals, summer programs, and universal transitional kindergarten while warning of potential federal funding cuts under the incoming Trump administration.

Crowded classes, staff shortages, insufficient pay are making some California teachers rethink careers By Diana Lambert | EdSource ||  A California Teachers Association report highlights how underfunded schools, low pay, and high health insurance premiums are pushing educators toward financial strain and career changes.  Surveyed teachers reported overcrowded classrooms, inadequate special education resources, and insufficient mental health support, with many taking second jobs to make ends meet while remaining committed to their students.

Bilingual teacher training must be a long-term investment in California schools By Anya Hurwitz | EdSource ||  Despite the growing demand for bilingual education, California faces a severe shortage of qualified bilingual teachers due to decades of “English-only” policies dismantled by Proposition 58 in 2016.  Only 16% of English learners in California were enrolled in bilingual programs as of 2019-20, highlighting the need for sustained funding and policy changes to build a robust bilingual teacher pipeline and expand dual-language programs statewide.

County & City Roundup:

• Nearly all of LAUSD will reopen on Monday. Several Eaton fire-area districts remain closed By Howard Blume | Los Angeles Times ||  The decision was reached after consideration of school readiness, weather forecasts, current outdoor conditions and cautiously encouraging levels of fire containment, said L.A. Unified schools Supt. Alberto Carvalho.

• Los Angeles Schools Prepare for Trump’s Immigration Crackdown By Ben Chapman  | LA School Report ||  LAUSD has implemented policies and training to protect immigrant students and families from potential federal immigration enforcement under President-elect Trump, including distributing “know your rights” cards, reaffirming its sanctuary district status and proposing safe zones bills around campuses and guidance to limit federal immigration agents’ access to schools.

In related News:

• ‘I don’t feel safe anywhere.’ California moves to aid undocumented students as fears surge By Howard Blume &Olivia Sanchez | Los Angeles Times ||  Top officials Monday outlined steps to guide school leaders, inform parents and provide mental health support to anxious students and families at elementary schools through university campuses.

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NATIONAL NEWS & PERSPECTIVES

What if ICE agents show up? Schools prepare teachers and parents By Dana Goldstein | The New York Times ||  Schools nationwide are preparing for potential immigration enforcement under President-elect Donald Trump’s administration, with policies and training to protect undocumented students and reassure immigrant families amidst rising anxiety.  Districts like New York City and Los Angeles have implemented protocols requiring judicial warrants for federal agents to access schools, while educators are hosting legal information sessions to inform families of their rights and encourage student attendance.

In Related Coverage: 

• Schools around the US are weighing responses to possible immigration raids By Carolyn Thompson | Associated Press ||  Schools across the U.S. are reviewing policies to ensure the safety and rights of immigrant students. Many districts are reaffirming commitments to limit cooperation with immigration enforcement on school grounds.
• As the Administration Changes, Will Fear Keep Newcomer Students From Schools? By Daniel Mollenkamp | EdSurge ||  Schools nationwide are bracing for a potential decline in attendance among newcomer immigrant students due to fear and uncertainty.

PowerSchool data breach possibly exposed student, staff data By Naaz Modan | K12 Dive ||   PowerSchool, a widely used education software platform, reported a cybersecurity breach that may have exposed sensitive student and staff information.  The breach highlights ongoing cybersecurity risks in K–12 education, with experts urging districts to adopt stronger data protection measures and incident response protocols to safeguard against similar threats.

In Related Coverage: 

• What Schools Should Know About the PowerSchool Data Breach By Caitlynn Peet | Education Week ||  PowerSchool, which says its suite of school products have more than 16,000 customers that serve 50 million students in the United States, notified affected customers of the hack that occurred Dec. 28.
• San Diego Unified School District warns all students’ families of data breach By Jemma Stephenson | San Diego Union-Tribune ||  SDUSD alerted families of a data breach involving its student information system provider, PowerSchool, which exposed student data to unauthorized access.
• Folsom-based PowerSchool data breach exposes info of local students, schools nationwide By Jennah Pendleton | The Sacramento Bee ||  A data breach at PowerSchool, a Folsom-based K-12 software company, compromised sensitive information for millions of students and educators, including nearly 21,000 from Folsom Cordova Unified School District.

Federal judge vacates Biden Title IX rule, scrapping protections for LGBTQ+ students nationwide By Piper Hutchinson | Louisiana Illuminator ||  The ruling, which halts nationwide enforcement of the rule, comes days before President-elect Donald Trump takes office, potentially signaling broader challenges to LGBTQ+ protections under federal law.

In Related Coverage:

• Court strikes down Biden Title IX protections for trans students By Laura Meckler | Washington Post ||  A federal judge in Kentucky ruled that Title IX rules barring sex discrimination do not apply to gender identity.
• Federal judge strikes down Biden administration’s Title IX rule nationwide By Naaz Modan | K12 Dive ||  Advocacy groups have expressed alarm about the decision’s potential impact on vulnerable students.
• Biden’s Title IX Rule to Expand Protections of Trans Students Struck Down By Mark Walsh | Education Week ||  The federal ruling appears to apply nationwide and the incoming Trump administration is unlikely to appeal
• Critics of Biden admin’s Title IX rule change celebrate its defeat in court By Brendan Clarey | The Center Square ||  Critics of the changes to the federal antidiscrimination statute celebrated the action as a legal win with wide-ranging ramifications. 

In other National News:

• Shut Out: High School Students Learn About Careers — But Can’t Try One That Pays By Patrick O’Donnell | The 74 ||  While U.S. schools increasingly focus on career exploration, few high school students gain access to paid internships or apprenticeships that provide hands-on job experience and credentials, with only about 5% of students participating in these gold-standard opportunities.

• Critics: Dept of Ed’s impact report ‘unprecedented’ and ‘misleading’ By Brendan Clarey | Chalkboard News ||  Critics assert the administration mishandled COVID-19 school closures, failed to fulfill promises on student loan forgiveness, and overstated its impact on teacher pay. They also accuse the administration of undermining charter schools and Title IX protections, framing the report as an attempt to rewrite history.

• What 4 New Studies Say About How Districts Can Attract—and Retain—Teachers By Sarah D. Sparks | Education Week ||  Research highlights that addressing issues such as excessive workloads, lack of mentorship, and insufficient professional development are critical to keeping teachers in the profession. Competitive compensation and recognition of teachers’ contributions also play key roles in retention.

• Girls Face Stereotypes about STEM Abilities as Early as 6, Study Finds By Linda Jacobson | LA School Report ||  American Institutes for Research reveals that by age 6, children perceive boys to be better at computer science and engineering, perpetuating stereotypes that deter girls from STEM fields. Efforts to address these biases include teacher training, equitable classroom opportunities, and early exposure to STEM careers, yet systemic challenges and limited resources, especially in underserved schools, hinder progress.

• 6 trends that will shape K-12 in 2025 By Kara Arundel | K12 Dive ||   Budget strains, cybersecurity threats, book bans, artificial intelligence, and teacher shortages are poised to dominate K-12 education discussions in 2025. Experts predict a growing focus on AI integration in classrooms and heightened attention to mental health supports and equity as schools navigate financial challenges and political pressures.

• Tutoring may not significantly improve attendance: Lessons from D.C. students By Jill Barshay | The Hechinger Report ||  A Stanford study of Washington, D.C.’s $33 million tutoring initiative found that tutoring increased student attendance by only about one day annually, falling short of hopes to significantly combat chronic absenteeism.  While tutoring showed minimal academic and attendance gains, some students, especially middle schoolers, showed more improvement, with smaller tutor-to-student ratios and in-school schedules being more effective motivators than after-school programs.

• Congress extends Autism CARES Act for 5 more years By Kara Arundel | K12 Dive ||  Congress renewed the Autism CARES Act, allocating nearly $2 billion for autism research, training, and services, including early detection and intervention programs.  Advocates applaud the extension, emphasizing its role in advancing scientific understanding and providing critical support to families navigating autism-related challenges.

• Education Reform in Red Versus Blue States By Michael J. Petrilli | Flypaper ||  Education reform has become a largely partisan issue, with red states increasingly embracing measures like school choice, accountability systems, and science-based literacy initiatives, while blue states focus less on these reforms, leaning toward union-aligned priorities.  Analysis shows clear trends in red states adopting A–F grading systems for schools, funding teacher training in the science of reading, and supporting charter school growth, while blue states lag in these areas despite some exceptions like Maryland and New York.

• Education Secretary Miguel Cardona reflects on FAFSA rollout, debt forgiveness By Megan Lim, Juana Summers, Sarah Handel | NPR News via KALW || Despite setbacks, including judicial blocks on broad debt relief and FAFSA issues impacting low-income students, Cardona highlighted successes such as smoother FAFSA processes this year, forgiveness for 5 million borrowers, and increased federal funding for mental health and career readiness programs.

• Mental health crisis demands greater coordination between schools, pediatricians By Kara Arundel | K12 Dive ||  Experts emphasize the need for better funding, expanded mental health services, and stronger partnerships between schools and healthcare providers to address students’ urgent mental health needs.

• Universal School Choice Programs Probably Cost States Money. They’re Worth It. By Christian Barnard | Education Next ||  Universal school choice programs, like Arizona’s Education Savings Account (ESA), offer all families access to public funds for private education but may increase state budgets. Critics argue they subsidize wealthy families, while supporters highlight cost efficiency and transformative potential for K–12 education.

• How to ensure longevity in the superintendency By Micah Ward | District Administration ||   Superintendent turnover remains steady, with one in five of the nation’s largest school districts replacing their leader last year. Jim Nielsen, a decade-long superintendent of Orchard View Schools, shares strategies for maintaining longevity and earning trust in the role.

• Principal, administrator unions rising steadily since COVID By Naaz Modan | K12 Dive ||  As more school leaders are joining unions for the first time, some in large school systems like LAUSD are looking to strengthen bargaining power.

• What do FAFSA completion rates look like post-pandemic? By Naaz Modan | K12 Dive ||  FAFSA completion rates show disparities among income groups and geographic regions post-pandemic, with low-income and first-generation college students less likely to complete the application. Experts stress that increasing FAFSA completion is crucial for expanding college access and reducing barriers to financial aid.

• Education-related ransomware attacks worldwide fell in 2024 By Kara Arundel | K12 Dive ||  A decline in reported ransomware attacks on educational institutions in 2024 may signal progress in cybersecurity efforts, though the true number of incidents is still being confirmed.  Experts recommend that schools maintain vigilance and invest in advanced cybersecurity tools to prevent future disruptions, as K-12 institutions remain prime targets for cybercriminals.

• Private School Choice Will Keep Expanding in 2025. Here’s Where and How By Mark Lieberman | Education Week || Private school choice programs are set to expand in 2025, with more states introducing or growing initiatives like education savings accounts and vouchers to broaden access to private education.

City & State Roundup:

• ESA programs getting underway in Alabama, Louisiana By Kara Arundel | K12 Dive ||  The new state programs come as private school choice initiatives continue to gain traction and as a choice-friendly administration enters the White House.

• Louisiana makes progress on teacher shortages but truancy issues remain By Nolan McKendry | The Center Square ||  BESE President Ronnie Morris highlighted the teacher shortage as a top concern but noted significant progress over the past three years.  A more urgent issue is truancy, where the average rate has remained at an alarming 55% over the past four years.

• Youngkin’s new school accountability system approved by feds By Morgan Sweeney | The Center Square ||  The previous system and the one Youngkin’s administration inherited included two different programs for school accountability – one state and one federal.  Youngkin felt the commonwealth needed to create a system where school performance was tied more closely to student performance. 

• Texas is silent on whether it will offer summer food assistance for students By Terri Langford & Dan Keemahill | Texas Tribune ||  After the state missed the Jan. 1 deadline, lawmakers still have time to approve administrative costs before applying for $400 million in federal summer meal assistance.

• Librarians gain protections in some states as book bans soar By Matt Vasilogambros | Stateline ||  New Jersey joined six states, including California and Illinois, in passing laws to protect librarians and preserve access to books on topics such as race, gender, and LGBTQ+ themes amid a surge in school library book bans nationwide.

• Florida boasted record 89.7% graduation rate in 2024 By Steve Wilson | The Center Square ||  Florida’s high school graduation rate increased by 1.7% in the 2023-24 school year. 

• Pennsylvania elementary school builds ‘Bridges’ to student connections By Kara Arundel | K12 Dive ||  The initiative uses structured activities to build trust and emotional awareness, helping students create deeper connections while reducing bullying. Administrators emphasize that fostering a sense of belonging enhances academic performance and overall well-being.

• Can financial incentives and holding students back improve attendance in Detroit? By Lori Higgins & Micah Walker | Chalkbeat ||  Research on attendance incentives is mixed, and some experts worry that such efforts don’t address the family circumstances that lead many students to miss school.

• CPS watchdog’s annual report rings alarm on sports and school board election campaigns By Sarah Macaraeg | Chicago Tribune ||  CPS Office of the Inspector General (OIG) released its annual report, uncovering systemic issues in sports oversight, electioneering ethics, and federal COVID-19 relief fund transparency. Investigations revealed fraudulent sports recruiting practices and ethics violations in past school board campaigns.

• CTU contract talks remain stuck on what goes on in schools — not on economics By Sarah Karp and Nader Issa | WBEZ Chicago ||  Nine months into negotiations, the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) and Chicago Public Schools (CPS) remain deadlocked over issues like teacher prep time, curriculum control, and performance evaluations. These disputes focus less on economics and more on daily operations and decision-making in schools.

• 40% of Chicago Teachers Are Chronically Absent. Those Gaps Carry Real Costs  By Chad Aldeman | The 74 ||  According to the School Pulse Panel from the Institute for Education Sciences, 72% of districts reported that teacher absences were higher in 2022 than they were pre-pandemic. 

• Former principal sues Baltimore County schools over alleged racist AI deepfake By Anna Merod | K-12 Dive ||  Eric Eiswert’s lawsuit accuses the Maryland district of negligence in hiring, retention and supervision, as well as defamation, slander and libel.

• ACLU challenges Louisiana superintendent’s ‘Ten Commandments’ display in schools By Kara Arundel | K12 Dive ||   The ACLU has called out a Louisiana superintendent for promoting “Ten Commandments” displays in schools, arguing the practice violates the separation of church and state.   

• How a New Jersey principal is tackling middle school literacy gaps By Kara Arundel | K12 Dive ||  Thelma Ramsey-Bryant and her team have worked to make remedial reading tasks feel age-appropriate and to identify connections to student behavior.

• Officials defend law dropping test requirement for would-be teachers By Sophie Nieto-Munoz |New Jersey Monitor || Critics, including Elon Musk, claim the change lowers the bar for educators, while supporters argue rigorous teacher preparation standards remain in place. Proponents emphasize the move eases financial burdens and aligns with similar reforms nationwide to combat teacher shortages.

• Poll: Majority of Tennesseans support school choice expansion By Kim Jarrett | The Center Square ||  A majority of Tennesseans polled by the Beacon Center said they support Gov. Bill Lee’s expansion of school choice statewide.

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CLASSROOM CONNECTIONS

Report: Kids Check Out of School as They Get Older, and Parents Are in the Dark By Kevin Mahnken | The 74 ||  A new Brookings Institution report reveals a significant gap between parents’ and students’ perceptions of school engagement, with only 44% of high school seniors feeling they learn a lot in school, compared to 70% of parents who believe otherwise.

Why structured literacy is critical for developing lifelong readers By Generation Ready | K12 Dive ||  Structured literacy, which focuses on phonics, vocabulary, and comprehension, is being championed as a key method for helping struggling readers and building lifelong literacy skills. Proponents argue that structured literacy offers evidence-based strategies to address reading difficulties early, preventing long-term academic struggles and empowering students to thrive.

Teachers Set the Agenda for This Math PD Program. So Far, They Like the Results By Sarah Schwartz | Education Week ||  The Mountaineer Mathematics Master Teachers, or M3T, pays middle and high school math teachers to lead local professional-learning teams across the state. Teachers set the agenda and serve as expert facilitators, zeroing in on the issues that “bug” educators in their classrooms and testing out strategies to address them.

How Schools Can Teach Students to Manage Their Behavior and Emotions By Lauraine Langreo & Vanessa Solis | Education Week ||  Teachers are reporting that many students lack the self-regulation skills to manage their emotions and behaviors effectively, a challenge that is stalling learning and impacting school morale. Over 80% of public schools report concerns about students’ socioemotional development, according to recent national data.

Teachers Hate Observations. What Principals Can Do to Ease Their Stress By Olina Banerji | Education Week ||  Experts recommend creating a collaborative culture where observations focus on constructive feedback and include input from instructional coaches and peer teachers. Frequent, relationship-building visits from principals can help teachers feel more comfortable and supported during observations.

In other Classroom Connections:

• Cultivating Writing Skills in Young Learners By Rachel Scheer | Edutopia ||  Elementary educators are adopting DIY writing booklets to scaffold the writing process for young learners, providing organized resources like graphic organizers, drafting pages, and checklists to guide students from brainstorming to publishing.

• 2024 Research Roundup: 3 Must-Read Studies About Early Care and Education By Kendra Hurley | The 74 ||  Research highlights include how full-day kindergarten expansions boost maternal workforce participation and children’s academic outcomes, how playful learning supports rigor in early education, and how increased child care subsidies expand access without significantly raising costs. These findings underscore the sector’s importance for families, the workforce, and society’s future.

• Making the Transition to Learner-Centered Instruction By James Fester | Edutopia ||  Teachers face varying challenges in adjusting their classroom management styles to balance student autonomy and teacher guidance. A collaborative three-step approach—self-assessment, peer-supported goal setting, and strategy development—helps educators reimagine classroom workflows, integrate project-based learning, and build rigorous, student-driven environments over time.

• 5 Tips on AI Professional Development for Teachers By Lauraine Langreo | Education Week || Experts suggest incorporating empathy interviews to identify teacher concerns, offering practical AI use cases, enabling hands-on exploration, and clearly communicating district AI policies. Including teacher input in policy creation ensures guidance reflects classroom realities.

• How to Make One-on-One ELA Conferences Work By Kristen Moore Cove | Edutopia ||  A structured approach to conferencing, involving goal-setting, note-taking, and tailored guidance, supports differentiation and encourages students to open up about their learning challenges and aspirations. These short, focused meetings help students feel valued, boost their confidence, and lead to significant growth in their skills and motivation.

• Tips for Easing Students Back Into Routines After Winter Break By Evie Blad & Tanyon A. Duprey | Education Week ||  Experts suggest incorporating empathy interviews to identify teacher concerns, offering practical AI use cases, enabling hands-on exploration, and clearly communicating district AI policies. Including teacher input in policy creation ensures guidance reflects classroom realities.

• Can advancing all 9th graders to algebra improve math outcomes? By Naaz Modan | K12 Dive ||  A California district found that higher expectations for low-performing students boosted math achievement, according to a recent study.

• 4 Classroom Design Tactics to Motivate Students By Cathleen Beachboard | Edutopia ||  Simple changes, like creating a “Grab-and-Go Station” for supplies or a “Living Wall” for tracking progress, reduce barriers and celebrate small wins. These strategies promote curiosity, self-sufficiency, and a supportive learning community, transforming the classroom into an environment that naturally inspires motivation.