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Here are some of the things we’ve been reading about this week:
Data show that during the 2020-2021 school year, widespread disparities persisted in schools, notably for black students and students with disabilities.
A new report looks at the challenges that rural schools face.
How the Bridge Boston Charter School is addressing food insecurity among its students.
To read more, click on the following links.
Research & Practice
EdWeek: New National Data Show Depth of Disparities in a Chaotic Year of Schooling
The latest federal civil rights data reveals that the disruptions caused by the first full school year of the pandemic exacerbated existing educational inequities in the 2020-21 academic year. Despite the widespread upheaval, disparities persisted in student discipline, access to challenging courses, and technology. Black students faced significant disadvantages in suspensions, expulsions, and access to science, mathematics, and computer science courses. The data also highlighted inequities for students with disabilities, who experienced disproportionate discipline, including restraints and seclusion. Although overall discipline incidents were lower due to widespread hybrid and remote learning, racial and disability-related disparities persisted. The report also covered incidents of bullying and harassment, law enforcement referrals, sexual violence, and gaps in access to high-level courses, emphasizing the urgent need for addressing systemic educational inequities
ScienceDaily: How teachers would handle student violence against educators
Teachers in a nationwide study have identified prevention strategies as the most effective way to address student violence against educators, rating suspension or expulsion as the least effective method. The study, based on a web survey of 4,471 pre-K to 12th grade teachers, revealed that exclusionary discipline practices were linked to a higher likelihood of teachers reporting violence against themselves. In contrast, prevention policies, such as counseling for troubled students and improving school climate, were rated as the best strategy for dealing with violence. The findings challenge the effectiveness of “zero tolerance” policies and emphasize the importance of proactive approaches to reduce and prevent violent incidents in schools.
Policy
EdWeek: Report Outlines the Distinct Challenges Facing Rural Schools
The 2023 “Why Rural Matters” report by the National Rural Education Association reveals challenges faced by rural students in the United States. The report emphasizes the lack of access to mental health resources, with a ratio of 310 rural students to every school counselor or psychologist, contributing to increased rates of depression and anxiety. It calls for investments in mental health services, social-emotional learning, and on-site resources. The report also highlights positive aspects, such as higher graduation rates for rural students and smaller achievement gaps between students in poverty and their peers. It recommends equitable funding laws and policy support to address challenges in rural education effectively.
K-12 Dive: Continuing resolution secures federal education funds through Feb. 2
Congress has agreed to extend federal funding for education at the fiscal year 2023 level until at least February 2, 2024. The continuing resolution, signed by President Joe Biden, aims to avert a government shutdown but has faced criticism for not addressing funding shortfalls in child care. COVID-19 emergency funding for child care stabilization grants expired in September, leading to predictions that 3.2 million children may lose access to child care, and around 70,000 child care programs could close. Despite a budget deal in June to level-fund non-defense programs, including early childhood and K-12 education, specific appropriations have not been agreed upon. Some states have considered rejecting federal education funding, with Oklahoma debating a 10-year plan to phase out such funding. Tennessee lawmakers have established a task force to study the impacts of rejecting federal education funding.
CBS News: Pittsburgh-area school districts use grant money to help with social and emotional support
Ten local school districts in Pittsburgh are utilizing a $10 million grant, known as Project SEEKS SES, to enhance social and emotional support. The initiative, a collaboration with the Allegheny County Health Department and Allegheny Intermediate Unit, aims to address COVID-related trauma, behavior, and mental health issues. The Cornell School District, receiving nearly $600,000, is using the funds to establish two wellness rooms for elementary and high school students. These rooms will feature counselors from Wesley Family Services and interns from Duquesne University, who are training as counselors to work with students. The grant also supports an updated teachers’ lounge, which will also serve as a professional development space. The initiative targets mostly lower-income school districts to aid students and teachers coping with pandemic-related challenges.
Around the Nation
The 74: WATCH: In Boston, Bridging Meals with Learning
In Massachusetts, a significant 20% of residents face food insecurity, with even higher rates among families with children under 18. Bridge Boston Charter School is actively working to counter this trend. Located in the Roxbury area of Boston, this K-8 charter school has classrooms dispersed around an open cafeteria featuring a complete scratch kitchen, offering nutritious breakfasts and lunch to all students. The school incorporates a garden and regular farming classes, allowing students to engage with the process of growing food. Harvests from the garden contribute to take-home boxes of fresh vegetables for students and their families. Bridge Boston has also established a partnership with Gaining Ground, a Massachusetts farm dedicated to hunger relief, that provides free, fresh produce not only to the school but also to the broader Boston community.
The Hechinger Report: Six ideas to ease the early intervention staffing crisis
The early intervention workforce in the United States is facing a severe crisis, with critical shortages of speech language pathologists, physical therapists, and high turnover among service coordinators for infants and toddlers. Racial inequities persist in accessing these vital therapies, and workforce challenges contribute to longer waitlists, especially in low-income communities. The lack of diversity among early intervention personnel is striking, with a survey revealing that 90 percent are white, 97 percent are female, and only 6 percent speak Spanish. Despite increased funding and pay rates in some states, the shortage persists. Strategies to address the crisis include expanding mentoring and apprenticeships, creating pipelines from related jobs, offering incentives for those already in the profession, incorporating culturally relevant curriculum and training, streamlining higher education bureaucracy, and providing ongoing support to address growing caseloads and job-related stress. The urgency of the situation is emphasized by expert who say the workforce shortage is “at crisis proportions.’
EdWeek: Here’s What District Leaders Are Most Thankful for This Thanksgiving
As Thanksgiving approaches, school superintendents express gratitude for various aspects in their districts. PJ Caposey from Stillman Valley, Ill., reflects on 11 years of leading his current district, expressing gratitude for the beautiful humans dedicated to leadership. Matt Hillman in Northfield, Minn., appreciates serving genuine, curious students, skilled staff, and a supportive community that fosters high expectations. Heather Perry in Gorham, Maine, is thankful for the incredible, supportive community contributing to the success of their schools. David Law in Minnetonka, Minn., expresses gratitude for students’ achievements, dedicated staff, community support, and the opportunity to contribute to a better future. LaTonya Goffney in Aldine, Texas, values the people—students, employees, and the community—for enabling progress and realizing their vision. Rod Weber in Woonsocket, S.D., appreciates the hardworking and passionate staff, acknowledging their dedication to positive changes in the school.
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