Here’s the new edition of The Weekly Connect. Check it out and sign up to have it delivered to your inbox!
Here are some of the things we’ve been reading about this week:
Physical fitness during childhood is key to improving mental health and cognitive function in adolescence.
Washington expands childcare subsidies, offering relief to more families and educators.
Schoolwide smartphone bans are improving student focus, despite mixed reactions from parents and students.
To read more, click on the following links.
Research & Practice
Science Daily: Good physical fitness from childhood protects mental health
A recent Finnish study found that good physical fitness during childhood and adolescence is linked to better mental health outcomes in adolescence, addressing a pressing societal issue affecting 25%-30% of young people. Conducted by the University of Jyväskylä and the University of Eastern Finland, the study followed 241 adolescents over eight years. It revealed that improved cardiorespiratory fitness was associated with fewer stress and depressive symptoms, while better motor fitness correlated with enhanced cognitive function and mental health, although the latter’s impact was weaker. Notably, increased screen time in adolescence partially explained these associations. The study advocates for prioritizing physical fitness in children as a strategy to mitigate mental health and cognitive issues, emphasizing the need for societal support in enhancing physical activity in schools and communities. Published in Sports Medicine, these findings highlight the holistic importance of physical fitness for overall well-being.
K-12 Dive: Teachers: Kindergarten readiness tests are time-consuming, cut into instruction
Recent insights from the U.S. Government Accountability Office highlight the potential for positive change in kindergarten readiness assessments. While these assessments are crucial for identifying students’ baseline skills and determining the need for additional support, teachers express concerns about their time-consuming nature and relevance to instruction. However, states are increasingly adapting their approaches, with some implementing alternative schedules to reduce disruption during acclimation. Moreover, the use of technology and observational assessments is gaining traction, allowing for more accurate reflections of students’ skills. With about 3.3 million children entering public kindergarten in fall 2024, data-driven insights could greatly enhance early education. By leveraging assessment results for tailored learning groups and tracking progress throughout the year, educators can foster a supportive environment that caters to individual student needs. The ongoing refinement of these assessments promises to better prepare young learners for future academic success.
Brookings: What are we learning from school suspension bans?
Exclusionary school discipline, such as suspensions and expulsions, remains a contentious issue in U.S. education, particularly due to its disproportionate impact on marginalized groups. However, recent developments, including Maryland’s statewide ban on suspensions for grades PK-2, show promising progress. This policy, which significantly reduced suspension rates in early grades without shifting disciplinary practices to older grades, underscores the potential for reform. While disparities still exist, especially for students with disabilities, the Maryland ban illustrates the need for a comprehensive approach to discipline that addresses root causes of inequity. The findings suggest that focusing solely on early grades may limit broader impacts, highlighting the importance of continuous improvement in disciplinary practices across all grade levels. By fostering supportive environments and addressing educator biases, schools can enhance positive behavioral outcomes and contribute to a more equitable educational landscape, ultimately benefiting all students.
Policy
K12 Dive: Schools Spent $3.2B on Conflict Over Divisive Issues in 2023-24
Culturally divisive conflicts in U.S. public K-12 schools, such as disputes over race, LGBTQ+ policies, and book bans, cost schools around $3.2 billion during the 2023-24 school year, according to a survey of 467 superintendents across 46 states. These costs include security, legal fees, and staff time spent addressing misinformation and social media threats. Researchers also noted the personal toll on superintendents and staff from threats and professional challenges. Nearly all superintendents reported some conflict, with 66% facing moderate to high levels. Reducing conflict could save nearly $2 billion nationally. The study highlights the emotional and financial strain these conflicts impose on school communities.
The 74: Child Care Subsidies Expanding for Some Washington Families
Starting November 1, Washington will expand support to help eligible families cover child care costs. Under a new state law, families enrolled in subsidized child care programs for children under 3 and staff at state-run preschools can receive assistance for their own children’s care. These programs, primarily serving low-income families, offer full-day care and additional services such as mental health support and employment resources. Enrollment in these support programs will now count as an eligible work activity for the Working Connections Child Care subsidies, helping families maintain care even during employment disruptions. Additionally, staff at Early Childhood Education and Assistance or Head Start programs will be eligible for free child care if their income is 85% or less of the state median. This change aims to address the child care shortage and improve consistency of care for families. Families can check eligibility and apply for subsidies online.
See Also: Mental Health Support for Toddlers has Lagged in Texas. That’s Now Changing
The 74: Public Funds, Private Schools: A New Analysis of the Early Returns in Eight States
Recent debates about public funding for private schools have resurfaced as the number of states offering such programs has expanded. Traditionally, these subsidies were limited to students who were low-income, had special needs, or attended underperforming schools. However, 12 states now offer “universal” programs, allowing any student to apply for funds to attend private, religious, or home schools. A report by FutureEd analyzed eight universal programs and found significant variation in funding, accountability, and participation rates. About 55% of students in these programs were already attending private schools, with most receiving around $7,000 per student. Researchers note that well-off families are increasingly using these funds, while accountability for student outcomes remains inconsistent across states. Concerns about the long-term impact on state budgets and public school systems persist.
Around the Nation
EdSurge: How Are School Smartphone Bans Going?
Angela Fleck, a social studies teacher in Spokane, Washington, observed last year that many of her sixth-grade students were frequently distracted by smartphones, often using social media or texting during class. This behavior affected engagement and sometimes led to conflicts among students. However, this year, Spokane Public Schools implemented a districtwide ban on smartphones and smartwatches during instructional time for elementary and middle schools. As a result, Fleck has noticed improved student focus and fewer fights. While she misses some educational uses of phones, like quick research, she has adapted by using school-issued laptops. Similar smartphone bans have been introduced nationwide to boost student engagement and address concerns about social media’s impact on youth mental health. Although some schools have faced resistance from students and parents, most support classroom phone bans. How these policies are designed and communicated is crucial to their success.
Chalkbeat: After years of closures, four new specialized schools open for Colorado’s ‘most vulnerable’ students
This fall, Colorado launched four new specialized schools, including three facility schools for high-needs students and one for youth in the juvenile justice system. These additions are a positive outcome of a state law passed in 2023 aimed at increasing support for vulnerable students. With over 100 new seats, the schools address long waitlists and provide much-needed educational options. The law has also improved funding for facility schools, enabling them to enhance staff compensation and operational resources. For instance, TACT, Teaching the Autism Community Trades, now offers vocational training for teens with autism, while the Joshua Early Childhood Center provides early education for children with autism. These schools are essential as they cater to students with intense mental and behavioral health needs, ensuring that districts can meet individual requirements. Despite ongoing challenges in rural areas, the developments signal progress in supporting Colorado’s most vulnerable learners.
Like what you see? Sign up to receive this summary in your inbox as soon as it is published.
