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Here are some of the things we’ve been reading about this week:
Data reveals the lasting academic and social impact from pandemic school closures.
Governors’ 2025 education priorities: mental health, safety, and school choice at the forefront.
After wildfires closed their school, Palisades High School Choir takes the Grammy stage.
Research & Practice
The New York Times: What the Data Says About Pandemic School Closures, Four Years Later
Four years after pandemic school closures began, research shows extended remote learning did not significantly slow COVID-19’s spread but had lasting academic consequences. Some schools reopened sooner, while others remained closed longer. Studies reveal that students in remote learning fell behind, particularly in math, with larger losses in high-poverty districts. Hybrid learning helped but did not fully mitigate declines. While some closures were necessary early on, experts now agree schools likely stayed closed longer than needed. Beyond academics, closures contributed to increased anxiety, absenteeism, and behavioral challenges. Even districts that reopened quickly saw setbacks, highlighting the pandemic’s broader impact on education. Future public health decisions, experts suggest, should better balance safety with academic and social costs.
See Also: 10 lives, 5 years later: How the pandemic altered the futures of these parents, kids and educators
Brookings: Actions against LGBTQ+ students also threaten K-12 teachers
Trump’s return to the White House has included executive orders impacting LGBTQ+ students and teachers. A record number of anti-LGBTQ+ bills have been introduced. Research indicates that LGBTQ+ teachers make up a higher share of the K-12 workforce than the general adult population, and their presence can positively impact LGBTQ+ students’ sense of belonging. However, shifting policies creates new challenges, with many teachers reporting discrimination and lack of adequate training to support LGBTQ+ students. Despite political divisions, evidence suggests that inclusive classroom discussions and supportive environments benefit all students.
K-12 Dive: 80% of parents say school shootings affect the childhood experience
A Sandy Hook Promise poll found that 80% of parents believe school violence has impacted childhood in America. Among children, 25% of those aged 5-11 and 29% of those 12-17 have expressed fears about school safety. Nearly half of parents think about school shootings monthly, while 40% worry weekly or daily. The nonprofit’s Say Something Anonymous Reporting System has helped prevent 18 school attacks, including two this year. The system allows students to report concerns anonymously and educates communities on warning signs. The K-12 School Shooting Database reports that 2023 and 2024 saw the highest school shooting numbers since 1966. Sandy Hook Promise emphasized that solutions exist to prevent school violence through proactive measures.
Policy
The 74: Student Well-Being, School Choice, Higher Ed Top Governors’ Priorities for 2025
Governors’ 2025 education agendas emphasize K-12 funding, school safety, mental health, and student well-being. Many propose modernizing school finance formulas to better support high-need students, increasing teacher pay, and expanding career pathways for high schoolers. Addressing youth mental health, governors from both parties are pushing restrictions on cellphone use and social media, while Democrats propose expanding school-based counseling. School meals remain a priority, with Democratic governors advocating free meal programs and Republicans promoting local food sourcing.
School safety initiatives include funding resource officers, creating state safety offices, and improving emergency planning. Few governors directly addressed student learning declines, but some proposed raising academic standards and improving accountability. Republican-led states largely promoted school choice, while Democrats focused on safeguarding public school resources. Ideological divides persist on DEI, gender policies, and private school funding.
See Also: USDA cancels $1B in local food purchasing for schools, food banks
EdWeek: Trump Has Made English the Official Language. What That Means for Schools
K-12 educators are still federally required to support English learners, even as a new executive order designates English as the official language of the U.S. Experts say the order may impact translation services and shift focus toward English-only instruction, but existing laws—Lau v. Nichols (1974) and Castañeda v. Pickard (1981)—still mandate English-language acquisition support. While schools aren’t legally required to change bilingual programs, concerns remain over future federal guidance on translation requirements. Some experts see this as a chance to invest in multilingual education, noting research supports dual-language immersion. Despite potential challenges, bipartisan support exists for bilingual programs, and all states now offer a Seal of Biliteracy. Experts emphasize the importance of research-based language instruction and ensuring multilingual students and families have access to necessary resources. The shift in federal priorities could be an opportunity for schools to reaffirm commitments to effective language education.
The 74: DOGE Education Cuts Hit Students with Disabilities, Literacy Research
The Charting My Path for Future Success program helped high school students with disabilities plan for life after graduation, providing crucial support for goal-setting and career preparation. Funded by the U.S. Department of Education, the initiative was abruptly canceled by the Trump administration’s DOGE cost-cutting effort, which slashed over 200 education research projects, citing wasteful spending. The cuts disrupted teacher training, halted studies on effective educational practices, and left students and families without critical resources. The program’s termination left schools scrambling to repurpose curricula and reassign staff. Broader DOGE cuts eliminated key research labs, literacy programs, and assessments, impacting education policy nationwide. Critics argue that while budget reviews are necessary, these indiscriminate cuts undermine valuable research and student support. Some near-complete studies may never be published, raising concerns about efficiency and the long-term consequences for education policy and practice.
Around the Nation
The New York Times: Why Some Schools Are Rethinking ‘College for All’
For decades, “college for all” was the American ideal, but rising costs, student debt, and dropout rates have led schools to rethink the approach. Once focused solely on four-year degrees, institutions like KIPP (the nation’s largest charter school network) are now guiding students toward trade schools, apprenticeships, and two-year programs. KIPP, historically known for pushing low-income students toward college, has broadened its focus, incorporating career training into its curriculum. Similarly, the International Baccalaureate (IB) introduced a career program alongside its traditional diploma. While college remains a valuable path, educators recognize the need for alternatives, especially for students from marginalized communities. Some students now weigh financial realities, opting for trade certifications or community college to avoid debt. KIPP has adapted by shifting “college counseling” to “match counseling,” ensuring students explore diverse career paths. As public trust in higher education wanes, schools are prioritizing practical, financially viable options for students’ futures.
The 74: ‘Priceless’: Palisades HS Student Choir Performed at Grammys After School Burned
Despite their school being closed after the LA wildfires, the Palisades Charter High School choir performed at the 67th Annual Grammy Awards alongside Stevie Wonder and Herbie Hancock. While classes remain virtual, students continue rehearsing online and occasionally in person. Choir director Allison Cheng said the performance was a much-needed source of hope for the fire-affected community. Cheng was invited to participate in the Grammys in January and collaborated with Pasadena Waldorf School to bring students together for the show. The choirs joined music legends for a tribute to Quincy Jones, singing “We Are the World” in “I Love LA” shirts. Backstage, students met stars like Beyoncé and Sabrina Carpenter. Cheng emphasized the importance of music as an emotional outlet, especially during trauma. The experience was invaluable for students, many of whom aspire to careers in music, making it a highlight during a challenging time.
Star Tribune: Some Minnesota schools are now offering take-home meals for kids fasting during Ramadan
St. Paul Public Schools is among 19 Minnesota districts launching take-home meal programs for students fasting during Ramadan. Inspired by similar efforts in New York, the program offers culturally relevant meals like chicken gyros and Mediterranean bowls. The initiative was developed with input from parents and students, resulting in menu items like sambusas and Italian dunkers. Nutrition center staff, experienced from pandemic food distributions, crafted kid-friendly kits while ensuring affordability within the district’s $5.25-per-lunch budget. Other districts, like St. Cloud and Willmar, are also experimenting with meal distribution.
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