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Here are some of the things we’ve been reading about this week:

Sleep education vital to teen health and academic success

California teens make history by voting in school board elections

Newark program helps first-gen students on college path

To read more, click on the following links.

Research & Practice

Science Direct: Sex differences in early childhood education intervention impacts on cognitive outcomes
Craig Ramey’s Abecedarian Project, a 53-year study, explored how early childhood education impacts long-term outcomes for Black children from impoverished backgrounds. Initially, both boys and girls in the intervention showed improved IQ and academic skills. However, by adulthood, Black females continued to progress, while Black males’ gains diminished. Ramey attributes these disparities to systemic societal pressures that Black males face, such as harsher discipline, low teacher expectations, and racial profiling, which erode confidence and performance. While early education proved beneficial, Ramey stresses that sustained success for Black children also requires addressing systemic barriers in schools and society to combat racial inequities.

K-12 Dive: From Zzzs to A’s: Classroom lessons focus on good sleep habits
Schools often promote healthy eating and exercise but rarely address sleep habits, though most middle and high school students don’t get the recommended 8-10 hours. Experts argue sleep is as crucial as diet and exercise for health. Sleep disruptions often stem from smartphone use, late activities, and inconsistent routines. Educators are encouraged to incorporate sleep education across subjects—tracking sleep in math classes, exploring sleep biology in science, and involving families in sleep discussions. Experts suggest that teachers avoid punishing drowsy students, as teen biological clocks favor later sleep times. Instead, schools can teach self-care strategies, like mindfulness, to help students manage the effects of poor sleep. Promoting good sleep can enhance students’ physical and mental well-being and help them succeed academically.

EdWeek: Student Engagement in Learning Is Low. A Survey Offers Clues on How to Bring Them Back
A new report reveals that student curiosity, essential for learning, has declined significantly, with 46% of teachers noting lower engagement than before the pandemic. While 83% of students report insufficient opportunities to explore their curiosity, many teachers struggle to meet students’ diverse academic, social, and behavioral needs. The report, based on an August 2024 survey, suggests that fostering curiosity through self-paced, adaptive learning could re-engage students—especially in upper grades, where interest wanes. Educators view digital tools and personalized learning, including emerging AI technologies, as valuable for boosting engagement, though they need more support to implement these innovations effectively.

Policy

EdSource: Berkeley, Oakland teens cast first votes in school board elections
This November, 16- and 17-year-olds in Berkeley and Oakland, California, will vote in local school board elections for the first time, following years of advocacy and approval of youth voting measures in 2016 and 2020. At a recent Oakland school board candidate forum, students engaged candidates on key issues like equitable resources, mental health, and school safety, showcasing the significance of this historic opportunity. Community organizations and schools, including Oakland Kids First and Berkeley High School’s Civic Leaders Club, have been instrumental in registering young voters and educating them on the impact of their vote. Despite hurdles, like lack of awareness or registration challenges, advocates emphasize the importance of youth voices in shaping educational policy. Students and organizers hope this movement will inspire ongoing civic engagement among young voters in future elections.

K-12 Dive: After-school meal participation is on the rise
Participation in federally subsidized after-school suppers and snacks grew by 6.4% and 5.3%, respectively, from October 2022 to October 2023, with 1.23 million children receiving suppers and 1.25 million receiving snacks daily, according to the Food Research & Action Center (FRAC). However, only 1 in 16 children eligible for free or reduced-price meals were served through the Afterschool Supper Program. Although these numbers show recovery from the pandemic’s impact, after-school supper participation is still below pre-2022 levels. In response to rising child food insecurity, FRAC suggests policy changes to expand access, including combining after-school and summer nutrition programs into a year-round initiative, allowing schools to serve suppers through the National School Lunch Program, and lowering the eligibility threshold for program sites. These adjustments aim to streamline processes, increase coverage, and address ongoing food insecurity among children.
See also: USDA to eliminate school meal ‘junk fees’ for low-income families

Around the Nation

Chalkbeat: Newark Public Schools partners with NJ LEEP to launch new program to help students get to college
Samuel DaSilva, a senior at East Side High School in Newark, faced uncertainty about the college application process, especially as a first-generation college hopeful. NJ LEEP, a nonprofit supporting first-generation and low-income students, guided him and his parents through the steps, including scholarships. NJ LEEP, partnering with Newark Public Schools and supported by a grant from MacKenzie Scott’s foundation, will launch a school-based program at Central and East Side high schools next year. This program offers students SAT/ACT prep, internships, and social-emotional skill development, with support from familiar district teachers and counselors. Superintendent Roger León emphasized the program’s importance for sustained support beyond high school. Through NJ LEEP, DaSilva gained confidence and completed his college applications, aiming to attend Case Western Reserve University. This initiative highlights Newark’s commitment to helping students succeed in college and beyond.

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