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Here are some of the things we’ve been reading about this week:
Early substance use linked to distinct adolescent brain structures, highlighting risks and potential interventions.
A proposed rule to streamline Medicaid billing for schools is withdrawn, sparking debates on funding and access.
Schools brace for immigration-related challenges, balancing legal readiness and family support.
To read more, click on the following links.
Research & Practice
Science Daily: Brain structure differences are associated with early use of substances among adolescents
An NIH funded study of nearly 10,000 adolescents found distinct brain structure differences in individuals who began using substances before age 15 compared to non-users. Using data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study, researchers analyzed MRI scans of children aged 9-11 and tracked their substance use over three years. Early users of alcohol, nicotine, or cannabis, showed widespread regional structural differences, particularly in the cortex, associated with cognition and decision-making. Some differences were substance-specific, while others persisted even when pre-use MRI data were isolated, suggesting pre-existing vulnerabilities to substance use. Researchers caution that brain structure alone cannot predict substance use, emphasizing the need to further study how genetics, environment, and brain development interact in shaping adolescent substance use and subsequent preventative strategies.
The 74: Parents and Caregivers Are Vital to Children’s Early Learning and Development
The University of Chicago’s TMW Center for Early Learning + Public Health developed the “Tune In, Talk More, Take Turns” program to promote equity in children’s language acquisition and address developmental disparities among low-income families. The program provides caregivers with evidence-based strategies to foster brain and language development in young children. The curriculum includes home visits, professional development for early childhood educators, and accessible resources for cognitive engagement. A 2018 study showed that participating parents became more knowledgeable and interactive, creating a language-rich environment for their young children. Additionally, a recent longitudinal study revealed lasting benefits for the children’s vocabulary and literacy through elementary and secondary education. This program prioritizes prevention over remediation by harnessing the power of education and social interaction between parents and children.
Brookings: The disengagement gap: Why student engagement isn’t what parents expect
With nearly one in four students missing over 10% of school days annually, chronic absenteeism remains a major problem for U.S. schools. Efforts to reduce this to pre-pandemic rates often focus on attendance campaigns, but these overlook a key factor: student engagement. Research shows that family involvement is critical to student motivation and outcomes, yet families are not often aware of their child’s level of engagement due to fractured communication between caregivers and school. A survey of over 65,000 students and 2,000 parents showed that parents consistently overestimated their child’s positive school experiences. Only about 26% of 10th graders report loving school, yet 65% of parents believe they do. This survey and report emphasize the importance of assessing engagement through student feedback and prioritizing family-school relationships to build a more supportive and engaging school community.
Policy
K-12 Dive: Ed Dept pulls school-based Medicaid proposed rule
The U.S. Department of Education withdrew a proposal aimed at simplifying Medicaid reimbursements for school-based services due to resource constraints and concerns about the impact on out-of-school Medicaid access. The proposal sought to remove a one-time parental consent requirement under the Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act for schools to bill Medicaid. Supporters argued that this clause was redundant, while critics expressed concerns about potential barriers to retaining Medicaid services outside of school. Additionally, Medicaid reimbursements are a critical funding source for schools as it often covers services like school counseling and speech therapy. Despite the proposal’s withdrawal, federal agencies have provided guidance and grant initiatives to support Medicaid billing in schools.
EdWeek: What Makes an Effective School Cellphone Policy? An Overview
In response to concerns about mental health, academic performance, and frustrated educators, school districts around the country– at least 18 states so far– have implemented restrictions when it comes to student cell phone usage. While there is both state and district-wide variation on the content of such policies, educators unanimously agree that these practices are most effective when all staff are enforcing the same policies, and all staff are supported by upper-level leaders who share a similar vision on student cell phone use. Watch this video by EdWeek to learn more about effectively implementing technology policies.
Around the Nation
EdWeek: School Shootings in 2024: More Than Last Year, But Fewer Deaths
In 2024, 39 school shootings with casualties were recorded, marking the second-highest annual total since Edweek began tracking in 2018. Mass shootings increased compared to 2023 but were fewer than in 2022. Gun violence on school grounds remains a persistent issue, with at least one shooting every month this year. Despite some decreases in fatalities compared to prior years, the emotional and social impact of school shootings continues to weigh on schools, families, and communities. Efforts to address school shootings remain complex and nuanced, underscored by an increasingly polarized political landscape and ongoing legal proceedings following shootings from previous years.
The New York Times: What if ICE Agents Show Up? Schools Prepare Teachers and Parents.
Schools nationwide are preparing for the impact of potential deportations of immigrant students and families. New York City Public schools, which have roughly 40,000 immigrant students enrolled since 2022, have issued guidance for principals on how to respond should immigration agents come to their schools. This guidance includes contacting district lawyers and asking for a judicial warrant to enter the school. Schools serving immigrant students and families also face challenges such as language barriers and fear of deportation which in turn, affects attendance and family engagement. Some districts are calling for increased support such as interpreters or bilingual staff. These policies have been met with a mixed reaction due to budget constraints and differing opinions on best-practices.
Chalkbeat: These 30 NYC schools will get help starting student publications through Journalism for All
A new initiative called Journalism for All has chosen 30 New York City high schools to participate in its inaugural program which aims to expand access to student journalism opportunities. These schools will receive professional development training, a journalism curriculum, and funding to launch school publications over three years. The program seeks to address longstanding disparities in school programs offering journalism, as only about a fourth of city high schools had active student publications in 2022. Future plans include offering paid internships for students to further empower students to advocate for change and foster a culture of storytelling.
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