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Here are some of the things we’ve been reading about this week:
A new report reveals nearly 500 underperforming schools have lost significant enrollment since the pandemic, raising concerns about closures.
The November election will determine the fate of billions in school infrastructure funding across various districts.
Denver students helped create the “Power of One” app, connecting peers to resources and preventing violence with minimal police involvement.
To read more, click on the following links.
Research & Practice
K-12 Dive: Are preschoolers getting enough outdoor time?
A recent policy brief from the National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER) reveals that only 40% of state-funded preschool programs mandate outdoor play, while an additional 15% provide guidance on it. Among states with outdoor play regulations, 25% require outdoor time without specifying duration. Daily outdoor play is crucial for young children’s cognitive, physical, social, and emotional development. In response to concerns about children’s outdoor time during the COVID-19 pandemic, NIEER has begun assessing state policies on outdoor play, including weather guidance and educator training. States like Minnesota, Washington, and Wisconsin have specific rules promoting nature-based play, which has proven benefits for children’s health and learning. NIEER advocates for enhanced professional development for early childhood educators and encourages states to create regulations that foster outdoor play and access to green spaces for preschool programs.
The 74: Report: Nearly 500 Schools Underenrolled and Chronically Underperforming
A recent Fordham Institute report highlights that nearly 500 low-performing schools have lost 20% or more of their students since the pandemic, raising concerns about potential closures. The analysis emphasizes the need for districts to engage families and implement interventions like high-dosage tutoring rather than viewing this as a “bad schools list.” It finds that dissatisfaction with schools is a major factor behind enrollment declines, especially in high-poverty, urban areas, and charter schools. States like California and New York have about 40 schools each on the list, with Los Angeles Unified struggling with significant enrollment losses. The report underscores that solutions will differ by district, urging leaders to focus on community needs. Historically, school closures have detrimental effects on students, but larger schools may offer more resources. Experts recommend transparent communication about potential consolidations, allowing time for thoughtful planning to avoid rushed decisions.
EdWeek: How Do Today’s High Schoolers Fare As They Enter Adulthood? View the Data
The question of whether high schoolers are doing well post-pandemic remains vital for parents, educators, and policymakers. Although student academic performance, mental health, and transitions to adulthood have yet to fully recover, there are notable improvements. Today’s young adults have higher college attendance and employment rates than their parents’ generation and demonstrated increased civic engagement, with half of 18- to 29-year-olds voting in the 2020 election. However, challenges persist. The burden of debt has significantly increased, and young adults are entering stable careers later—averaging 32 years old now, compared to 25 in the past. Less than half of those aged 18-34 are financially independent, and many live with parents. College enrollment has declined, with more students opting for short-term certificate programs due to rising costs. Additionally, while employment rates have increased, fewer young adults work while studying, which may delay their entry into the workforce.
Policy
K12 Dive: What K-12 should know as SCOTUS begins October 2024 term
The U.S. Supreme Court began its October 2024 term with fewer K-12 education cases on the docket compared to recent years, when decisions significantly impacted education, such as the rulings on school choice and race-conscious admissions. This term, the Court will focus on cases indirectly related to education, including those on E-rate funding, gun violence, and transgender rights. Key cases include Williams v. Washington on civil rights in schools and Wisconsin Bell, Inc. v. U.S., involving school funding fraud. Other significant issues involve ghost guns, vaping, and transgender student rights. Notably, the Court declined several K-12 cases, and Title IX issues, particularly LGBTQ+ protections, have yet to be taken up.
EdWeek: Billions of Dollars for School Buildings Are on the Ballot This November
The upcoming election carries significant implications, especially regarding school funding, with various districts seeking voter approval for substantial spending. California aims to raise $10 billion for school infrastructure, while the eighth-largest district in the nation is asking for $4.4 billion to enhance facilities. Capital spending, essential for long-term projects, often requires districts to secure loans through bonds, which need a simple majority to pass. Factors like voter turnout and the clarity of ballot wording can greatly influence bond election outcomes. Notably, bond elections coinciding with presidential races tend to attract more voters, but they may also include those less familiar with local issues. Among high-profile proposals are California’s $8.5 billion bond for K-12 districts and Houston’s $4.4 billion plan to rebuild schools. Meanwhile, Kansas City, Kansas, is seeking $180 million to address aging facilities after a previous bond proposal was rejected.
The 74: Maine DOE to Distribute Books About Immigrant Experiences to Every School District
Valerie Smith, an elementary school librarian, received two crates at the Sanford School Department’s central office: one containing 30 picture books focused on the experiences of modern-day immigrants, and the other a custom display from Maine businesses. This initiative, part of a new Maine Department of Education project, aims to enhance diverse and inclusive education, especially for the district’s growing immigrant population from Central Africa. Developed by the nonprofit I’m Your Neighbor Books, the collection counters recent book bans and promotes representation and belonging. Smith emphasizes the importance of these books for both new and longtime students, highlighting that they help kids see themselves in literature. Funded by nearly $650,000 in federal pandemic relief, The Pine Project will distribute almost 6,200 books statewide, fostering understanding of diverse experiences and inclusive environments. The Maine DOE will also provide training for educators on how to teach these topics effectively.
Around the Nation
The Hechinger Report: Education that convinces kids the world isn’t doomed
Aisha O’Neil, raised in Zion National Park, developed a passion for the environment despite lacking climate education in school. After witnessing alarming news about climate change, she founded a statewide climate action group called Good Trouble in Colorado during high school. Their advocacy led to the passage of a bill creating a “seal of climate literacy” for graduates, which O’Neil earned. She believes education on climate change must be comprehensive, addressing social justice and policy, not just science. The U.N. emphasizes the importance of climate literacy for combating the climate crisis. Recent initiatives, like the U.S. Global Change Research Program’s guide on climate literacy, aim to provide essential principles for understanding climate change and empowering students. O’Neil, now at the University of Colorado Boulder, continues to push for more inclusive climate education, hoping to empower her peers rather than instill fear about the climate crisis
Chalkbeat: To cut youth violence in northeast Denver, local students helped create a tip line app
The “Power of One” app, launched in northeast Denver, aims to prevent youth violence by connecting young people to resources before issues escalate. It addresses a wide range of concerns, including mental health and utility assistance, while minimizing police involvement. Youth can submit anonymous tips or seek help, with trained peer mediators responding and referring emergencies to law enforcement. The app targets students in Montbello, Green Valley Ranch, and Park Hill, but is open to all. Though it has seen limited use so far, leaders hope to expand its impact citywide. The project is funded by a federal grant until 2026.
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