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:

Study shows nature-based interventions aide in promoting mental health for children

Massachusetts drops exit exam, redefining student assessment

NYC Student homelessness hits record high, raising equity concerns

To read more, click on the following links.

Research & Practice

Science Daily: Time in nature benefits children with mental health difficulties
A study by researchers from McGill and Université de Montréal found that spending two hours a week in nature can reduce emotional distress in 10- to 12-year-olds with significant mental health challenges. The three-month study, conducted in Quebec in spring 2023, involved over 500 students. Teachers observed improvements in children with anxiety, depression, and social issues, noting they became calmer, more relaxed, and more attentive in class. The nature-based intervention, which combined regular subjects with mental health-promoting activities, was well-received and low-cost. The study suggests nature programs could offer targeted benefits for vulnerable children and serve as a cost-effective mental health strategy in schools. The researchers plan to explore similar interventions for teenagers to address well-being and climate anxiety.

K-12 Dive: Schools continue to play vital role in preventing student opioid-related deaths
Teen opioid-related deaths showed a slight decline in the second half of 2023, offering hope that school-based opioid awareness campaigns are making a difference. However, fatalities remain significantly higher than pre-pandemic levels. According to a Kaiser Family Foundation analysis, teen drug deaths dropped from 721 in 2022 to 708 in 2023, but still exceeded 2018 levels of 253. Fentanyl, often disguised in fake pills, is the primary driver of these deaths. To address this, several states have implemented mandatory opioid prevention curricula, and the Oregon Department of Education introduced fentanyl overdose prevention lessons. Surveys indicate growing awareness among teens, especially in Oregon, where 67% of teens are familiar with fentanyl-laced pills. Experts emphasize the importance of both school education and open family discussions to combat the crisis.

The 74: Research Points to COVID’s ‘Long Tail’ on School Graduation Rates
A recent report reveals that 26 states saw declines in high school graduation rates following the pandemic, reversing a trend of rising rates since 2011. In 2020, 10 states had graduation rates above 90%, but by 2022, only five states reached that mark. The report highlights that the full impact of COVID-19 on graduation rates may not be fully realized, as current seniors were heavily impacted by remote learning during middle school. State and local efforts to ease graduation requirements, such as waiving exams and relaxing grading policies, inflated graduation rates. The report suggests that monitoring students’ progress from freshman year is crucial, as chronic absenteeism and lower engagement continue to affect educational outcomes. Schools that provided additional support, like mentoring and tutoring, saw higher graduation rates. Additionally, there is growing debate over high-stakes testing and its role in measuring student success post-pandemic.

Policy

EdWeek: Why the Pioneers of High School Exit Exams Are Rolling Them Back
Massachusetts voters recently approved a measure to eliminate the state’s high school exit exam (MCAS) as a graduation requirement, joining a growing trend of states moving away from such exams. While proponents argue that the MCAS ensured rigorous standards and equity, critics say it acted as a barrier for students, particularly those with disabilities or English learners, and narrowed curricula. Massachusetts, historically a leader in education reform, is now tasked with finding alternative ways to assess student readiness. This shift follows a decade-long decline in the popularity of exit exams, accelerated by the pandemic. States like Oregon and New York have also reduced or proposed eliminating similar graduation tests. As Massachusetts moves forward, there are concerns about the potential for lowered standards but also opportunities to create new, more inclusive ways of evaluating academic achievement. The future policy direction could have national implications for educational accountability.
See also: New York to replace graduation exam, implement graduate portrait framework

NPR:What Trump’s pledge to close Dept. of Education means for students, GOP-led states
President-elect Donald Trump has pledged to close the U.S. Department of Education, moving control of education back to the states. He argued that state governments would better manage education, citing concerns about federal influence on curricula. Trump’s platform also targets federal funding for schools promoting critical race theory and radical gender ideologies. While the Constitution delegates education to states, the federal government currently plays key roles, such as protecting civil rights and distributing funding for disadvantaged students. However, Trump’s proposal faces challenges, including the need for Congressional approval and opposition from Republicans in states that rely heavily on federal funding. Closing the department could hinder efforts to address civil rights violations and other promises, such as campus accountability. Despite the push, history shows similar efforts, like Reagan’s 1980s campaign pledge, have faced significant resistance. See Also: How Trump’s Policies Could Affect Special Education

Around the Nation

The New York Times: 1 in 8 N.Y.C. Public School Students Was Homeless Last Year
In New York City, homelessness among public school students reached a record high, with over 146,000 students, about one in eight, lacking permanent housing during the past school year. This 23% increase from the previous year reflects ongoing housing challenges, exacerbated by factors like the influx of migrants. Many of these students live in shelters or temporarily “double up” with family or friends. The crisis disproportionately affects children of color, with most students in shelters identifying as Black or Hispanic. Homelessness significantly impacts children’s education, with many facing chronic absenteeism and bullying. Families like Jessica Beltran’s, who became homeless after a fire and job loss, struggle with long commutes to schools in different boroughs, adding to their difficulties. Despite these challenges, Beltran remains hopeful, pursuing new career opportunities and trying to rebuild her life for her children.

Chalkbeat: Lunch for 200 people? These Colorado charter school students do it every day.
At STEAD School, a charter in Commerce City, Colorado, students prepare scratch-made meals as part of a “food crew” class. Under the guidance of farm and food manager Dain Holland, students cook diverse dishes like posole, bison bolognese, and bánh mì for over 200 peers and teachers. Originally introduced after a neighboring district ceased its lunch contract, the program combines hands-on culinary experience with adherence to federal nutrition guidelines. Students work collaboratively, roasting peppers, chopping vegetables, and following professional kitchen protocols. While some students aspire to culinary careers, others join for fun or to explore cooking as a life skill. The program fosters responsibility and creativity, and with a focus on agriculture and science, STEAD’s initiative highlights student-driven innovation in school meal programs.

Like what you see? Sign up to receive this summary in your inbox as soon as it is published.