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Here are some of the things we’ve been reading about this week:
Data reveals children with low birth weight face school readiness gaps, but parental support and routines improve outcomes.
Trump orders closure of Education Department, sparking fierce debate.
St. Louis students advocate for education reform through civic engagement and policy activism.
Research & Practice
Academic Pediatrics: Child, Parent, and Contextual Correlates of School Readiness Among Children with Low Birth Weight
A Boston Medical Center (BMC) study highlights a significant gap in school readiness among children with low birth weight, with only one-third meeting developmental milestones. Researchers identified five key protective factors that support school readiness: neighborhood amenities, parental mental health, emotional support networks, consistent routines like reading or bedtime, and limiting screen time. Using data from the 2016-2019 National Survey of Children’s Health, the study emphasizes the critical role of family routines and parental support in early development. Researchers underscore that when parents feel supported, they create environments that foster school readiness and long-term success. The findings contribute to growing evidence that early interventions and supportive environments benefit children’s academic, economic, and health outcomes. Investing in school readiness, particularly for vulnerable populations, has lasting positive effects beyond the classroom.
Science Daily: More than marks: How wellbeing shapes academic success
New research from the University of South Australia (UniSA) highlights the crucial link between student wellbeing and academic success. In a world-first study of over 215,000 students, researchers found that emotional wellbeing, engagement, and learning readiness significantly impact academic performance. Learning readiness—skills like perseverance, confidence, and focus—acts as a catalyst for success, not just an outcome. Researchers emphasize that while standardized tests focus on academics, schools must also nurture wellbeing to support student achievement. Researchers suggest adopting learner profiles that include wellbeing and engagement metrics alongside grades. Education leaders stress that building confidence, resilience, and engagement is as vital as academic knowledge for long-term success.
Brookings: School boards should focus budget deliberations on student outcomes, financial sustainability
As school districts face a challenging budget cycle, research highlights concerns about school board engagement in financial decision-making. Despite overseeing $700 billion in K-12 education funding, many school board members approve budgets with minimal discussion, often bypassing considerations of long-term sustainability or student outcomes. A federally funded study analyzing 2023 budget workshops across 174 districts found that financial deliberations averaged just 40 minutes per meeting, with one-third lasting less than 15 minutes. In over half of meetings, board members remained passive, and 71% of financial decisions were approved via consent agenda without discussion. Key factors such as student outcomes, return on investment, and fairness of funding distribution were rarely mentioned. With pandemic relief funds expiring and financial pressures mounting, experts urge school boards to take a more active role in budget deliberations. Recommendations include increased financial training, incorporating student performance data into budget discussions, and requiring multi-year financial planning to ensure sustainable investments in education.
Policy
K-12 Dive: Trump signs order closing Education Department to ‘maximum extent appropriate’
President Donald Trump ordered the closure of the U.S. Department of Education, aiming to redistribute its core functions—such as Pell Grants and Title I funding—to other government agencies. Education Secretary Linda McMahon has already overseen significant layoffs and office closures, citing a need to cut bureaucracy. Trump argues the department is ineffective despite high education spending, aligning with Republican efforts to return control to states. However, closing the agency requires congressional approval, making its fate uncertain. Critics warn of reduced oversight, loss of student protections, and harm to marginalized communities. Democrats vow to challenge the move in court, while some Republicans praise it as an opportunity for innovation. The decision has sparked intense debate over federal involvement in education and its long-term impact on students.
The 74: New York Senate Pushes Back on Hochul’s ‘Bell-to-Bell’ School Cellphone Ban
New York lawmakers are pushing back against Gov. Kathy Hochul’s proposal for a strict “bell-to-bell” cell phone ban in schools, advocating for more flexibility. While Hochul’s budget includes $13.5 million to help districts implement bans, Senate Democrats want schools to decide how and when students can use devices, allowing use during non-instruction time. They also propose banning suspensions for violations and requiring districts to consult families. Hochul remains committed to the ban, citing expert and teacher support. Some city schools already have phone restrictions, but previous efforts for a systemwide ban stalled. Schools Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos has called for more funding to support implementation, arguing the current allocation is insufficient.
EdWeek: Which States Are Challenging Undocumented Students’ Right to Free Education?
The 1982 Supreme Court ruling in Plyler v. Doe granted undocumented students the constitutional right to a free public education. However, following Donald Trump’s re-election and his strict immigration policies, some states are pushing to limit access for undocumented students. At least five states are considering actions to challenge Plyler, despite past failed attempts. The Heritage Foundation has proposed requiring schools to collect immigration status data and charge tuition for undocumented students, aiming to prompt a legal challenge that could overturn Plyler. If successful, such efforts could reshape access to public education for undocumented children, reigniting debates over immigration and civil rights.
Around the Nation
The Hechinger Report: Schools are surveilling kids to prevent gun violence or suicide. The lack of privacy comes at a cost
Many schools, including Vancouver Public Schools in Washington, use AI-powered surveillance software like Gaggle to monitor student activity on school-issued devices, aiming to prevent self-harm, bullying, and violence. However, this technology raises major privacy concerns. A records request accidentally exposed nearly 3,500 unredacted student documents, highlighting security risks. While the software has helped school staff intervene in crises, it has also outed LGBTQ+ students and eroded trust. Critics argue surveillance doesn’t always prevent harm, as seen in Owasso, Oklahoma, where bullying persisted despite Gaggle alerts. Some districts, like Durham, North Carolina, have discontinued the software over privacy concerns. Experts warn constant monitoring may stifle students’ ability to seek support or explore identity. School officials defend the technology as a necessary safety tool, but there is little independent research proving its effectiveness in preventing suicide or violence. The debate continues over balancing student safety with digital privacy.
The 74: In St. Louis, Empowering Missouri Students to Learn the System – And Then Beat It
High school students in St. Louis are pushing for greater involvement in education decisions through the Youth Activators program, which trains them in advocacy and civic engagement. Amid an upcoming school board election, students are questioning candidates on key issues, such as school funding and tutoring plans. The program, run by Activate Missouri, helps students understand school funding, policy, and decision-making while equipping them with tools to advocate for change. St. Louis schools face major challenges, including low academic achievement, declining enrollment, and financial mismanagement. Youth Activators provides students with hands-on experience, from canvassing and meeting legislators to drafting policy proposals. Research shows that when students feel heard, they are more engaged and successful in school. The initiative aims to empower young people to shape their education and communities, recognizing their role as key stakeholders in school reform efforts.
K-12 Dive: How Washington state is reducing restraint and seclusion in schools
Washington state is working to reduce restraint and isolation in schools through technical assistance, professional development, and awareness efforts. A 2023 report from Disability Rights Washington and the ACLU highlighted the trauma and liability risks of these practices, prompting legislative action. The state allocated $2.5 million to eliminate isolation and track restraint use. In 2023-24, there were 23,677 reported incidents, with 93% involving students with disabilities. Spokane Public Schools, a pilot district, reduced incidents from 6,087 in 2017-18 to 183 in 2023-24 through behavioral interventions, training, and policy changes. Nationwide, about 105,700 students experienced restraint or seclusion in 2021-22. While no federal ban exists, debates continue. Washington is expanding technical assistance, piloting reforms in 22 districts, and developing a manual for evidence-based behavior support strategies. Officials emphasize the importance of systemic change to prevent harm and promote safer alternatives.
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