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

New study indicates long-term consequences of school suspension on student mental health

Voters across the U.S. showing strong support for child-focused ballot

Maine educators addressing student engagement with outdoor learning

To read more, click on the following links.

Research & Practice

Sage Journals: Educational Spillover Effects of New English Learners in a New Destination State
This study examines the impact of new English learner (EL) students on their peers in Delaware, a state with a rapidly growing EL population. Researchers found that the presence of new EL students had significant positive effects on the academic performance of existing EL students, especially in English language arts (ELA). These benefits were most pronounced for current and former ELs, while non-EL students saw minimal impact. The researchers suggest that increased resources for EL instruction, adoption of effective teaching methods, and positive peer effects likely contributed to these outcomes. The study addresses concerns that incoming ELs might strain resources, demonstrating instead that their integration can enhance learning experiences, particularly for students who share similar backgrounds. This research highlights the potential for positive academic spillovers from EL students in “new destination” states experiencing high immigration.

Advances in Life Course Research: The long-term consequences of school suspension and expulsion on depressive symptoms
This study examines the long-term mental health impacts of school suspension and expulsion, analyzing their effects on depressive symptoms from adolescence into adulthood. Using longitudinal data, researchers found that students exposed to suspension or expulsion exhibit higher depressive symptoms initially, and this mental health gap persists over time. While the disparity between disciplined and non-disciplined students decreases slightly in young adulthood, it widens again in later years, supporting the idea of cumulative disadvantage. The findings suggest that exclusionary discipline acts as an early life stressor with lasting negative effects on mental health. The study highlights the importance of reevaluating punitive school policies, which may contribute to lasting mental health issues and perpetuate inequities in educational and social outcomes.

Policy

The Hechinger Report: How child-focused ballot measures fared this election
Voters across the U.S. have shown strong support for long-term investments in children’s well-being, approving numerous ballot measures to fund child care, early education, and mental health. These initiatives aim to address the lasting impacts of the pandemic on child care access and youth mental health. In states like Texas, California, Colorado, and Missouri, voters endorsed tax measures that will create sustainable funding streams to support child care slots, early health screenings, and behavioral health services, especially for vulnerable populations like homeless children. For families, these measures mean better access to affordable child care, mental health resources, and essential services that alleviate financial burdens. In addition, Nevada’s diaper tax exemption and Missouri’s mental health funding expansion reflect a growing commitment to helping families meet basic needs. Collectively, these efforts signal a long-term approach to fostering healthy development, educational success, and a more supportive environment for young children and families.
See also:  2024 Election Results: An Overview of State Legislatures and Ballot Measures

EdWeek: No More School Lunch Fees for Low-Income Families, USDA Says
Starting in the 2027-28 school year, parents of students eligible for reduced-price school meals will no longer be charged processing or “junk” fees. This change, announced by U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, will benefit over 1 million students whose families earn around $57,720 or less annually. Currently, these families often face extra fees of up to 60 cents per dollar when paying for meals online. The new policy aims to reduce these financial burdens, saving families over $100 million annually. Schools must ensure that vendors differentiate between students who pay reduced prices and those who pay full price, without shifting the cost to other families. The long-term goal is to eliminate processing fees for all families, with some advocating for universal free school meals to address hunger and improve educational outcomes.

K-12 Dive: School book bans triple in 2023-24
In the 2023-24 school year, book bans reached a record high, with over 10,000 instances of banned books, nearly tripling the previous year. This surge, largely driven by state laws targeting race, gender, and LGBTQ+ topics, has a significant impact on children’s education. Books featuring characters of color or LGBTQ+ identities, and those addressing sex-related topics, are most frequently banned. These actions restrict students’ access to diverse perspectives, limiting their ability to engage with a wide range of ideas. Legal challenges to these bans are ongoing, with the U.S. Supreme Court potentially weighing in on the matter.

Around the Nation

Gazette: ‘First-of-its-kind’ program inspires Colorado Springs high school students to explore mental health careers
Colorado Springs launched a pioneering mental health career program for high school juniors and seniors, encouraging them to explore the mental health field. The Diversified Minds Mental Health Institute, funded by a $300,000 grant, supports marginalized students with free transportation and lunch for monthly classes, prioritizing commitment over academic performance. Developed with Diversus Health, the program exposes students to diverse roles in mental health, from therapists to operational roles like marketing and human resources. It also provides training in suicide prevention and Mental Health First Aid, along with guidance on beginner-level jobs and college pathways. Students gain practical skills through networking, mock interviews, and resume workshops. Aiming to reduce stigma around mental health careers, the program fosters a supportive environment for students from varied backgrounds, inspiring them to consider careers in mental health to address the growing demand for care.

EdWeek: This School Didn’t Like Traditional Grades. So It Created Its Own System
Ashland Middle School in Oregon has replaced traditional grades with a unique, proficiency-based system focused on mastering skills rather than scoring. Developed over a decade, the system uses rubrics in student-friendly language, detailing expectations for specific skills in each subject. For example, in writing, students must include essential narrative elements to achieve proficiency, with added depth for mastery. This approach has improved feedback, enabling teachers to identify precise areas where students struggle. Despite initial challenges, such as explaining the system to parents used to letter grades, most parents now appreciate the clear expectations it provides. Teachers have also embraced the system, finding it helps clarify learning goals and highlights areas for reteaching.

News Center Maine: Maine educators embrace outdoor learning with goal of boosting student engagement
In Maine, alternative education teacher Tabatha Frawkins finds that many students, especially those with high anxiety, struggle in traditional classrooms. Outdoor learning, supported by Maine Department of Education grants, has helped these students thrive by offering a more engaging environment. Following the pandemic, Maine DOE leaders have championed outdoor learning with federal relief funds, recently opening the Maine Outdoor Learning Pavilion on Mackworth Island. This permanent facility provides schools with internet, lab tables, and educational resources, allowing students to benefit from hands-on experiences that deepen engagement and learning. Chief Innovation Officer Page Nichols highlights that outdoor learning not only reduces screen time but also encourages students to put down their phones and connect with nature. Educators believe these programs will support Maine schools long into the future, promoting balanced, experiential education.

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