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Here are some of the things we’ve been reading about this week:
A study suggests that there is no advantage to grouping English learners separately to provide them with support.
As child poverty doubles, states launch their own child tax credit.
When Covid relief funds run out, schools could lose 136,000 teaching jobs.
To read more, click on the following links.
Research & Practice
Is Grouping English Learners the Right Approach? What New Research Says
EdWeek: A study from New York University challenges the assumption that grouping English learners separately from their peers is the most efficient way to provide them additional support. The research found that segregating English learners in classrooms for the entire day had no discernible impact, either positive or negative, on the reading development of elementary school students. The study involved 783 English learners tracked from kindergarten to 5th grade and used teacher reports on the percentage of English learners in their classrooms to assess the impact on reading development of having high concentrations of these students. The findings suggest that there is no one-size-fits-all model for grouping English learners, and districts must consider factors like teacher capacity, language proficiency levels, and the quality of instruction when determining the best approach for their students. Additionally, there is a growing emphasis on integrating language instruction into all content areas and making English learners the responsibility of all teachers.
Schools keep buying online drop-in tutoring. The research doesn’t support it
The Hechinger Report: Schools have been grappling with how to help students catch up from pandemic learning losses, and online tutoring services have become a popular choice. However, researchers have found limited evidence that these services are effectively helping students recover. The main issue with on-demand tutoring is that it relies on students to seek additional help, and very few students do. Some schools have reported usage rates below 2%. A study of 7,000 students at a California charter school network found that those who needed the most help were the least likely to use online tutoring. While some reports have suggested significant gains, they are often based on small sample sizes and may not be statistically significant. Many experts argue that effective tutoring starts with an assessment of students’ gaps and structured lessons, rather than relying on students to ask homework questions. While online, on-demand tutoring may seem economical, actual usage rates can be quite low, making small-group tutoring a potentially more effective investment for struggling students.
How Educators and Teens Disagree on What’s Harming Students’ Mental Health, in Charts
EdWeek: A pair of surveys conducted by the EdWeek Research Center reveals a significant disconnect between students and educators regarding the primary sources of students’ mental health concerns. Educators, including teachers, principals, and district leaders, are more likely to point to online bullying through social media and text as the biggest factor affecting students’ mental health. However, high school students cite schoolwork and homework completion, followed by concerns about grades as the leading causes of their mental distress. The discrepancy can be attributed to various factors, including differences in perception and generational experiences. This highlights the need for a comprehensive understanding of the complex factors affecting students’ mental health, as multiple elements, such as physical health, socioeconomic status, and the academic environment, can contribute to their challenges. It’s important not to fixate on a single cause of stress and consider the unique perspectives of students and educators in addressing mental health issues.
Policy
Food insecurity increased as pandemic-era meal waivers ended
K-12 Dive: Food insecurity in U.S. households with children increased in 2022 to 17.3%, up from 12.5% in the previous year and 14.8% in 2020. This is according to research from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Economic Research Service. Specifically, food insecurity among children rose from 6.2% in 2021 to 8.8% in 2022, and a higher percentage of children experienced more severe food insecurity, increasing from 0.7% in 2021 to 1% in 2022. Over half of food-insecure families received assistance through federal programs, including the National School Lunch Program. This rise in food insecurity occurred as pandemic-era safety measures, such as the child tax credit and universal school meals, were being scaled back. The data highlights the importance of addressing food insecurity issues, especially among children, and expanding support programs. See Also: “After-school meal participation drops for the first time”
As Child Poverty Doubles, States Launch or Expand Their Own Tax Credit
The 74: The federal child tax credit expansion, which helped reduce child poverty, expired in 2021, causing child poverty rates to more than double in 2022, according to new U.S. Census Bureau data. To address this issue, several states have taken action by introducing or expanding their own child tax credits. Six states (New Jersey, New Mexico, Vermont, Minnesota, Oregon, and Utah) have implemented new child tax credits, and five states have expanded their existing credits. Eligibility for the federal credit reverted to pre-pandemic rules, which excluded low-income families from receiving the full credit. To fill gaps in child poverty reduction, many states have specifically targeted low-income families who were left out of federal eligibility requirements.
Around the Nation
Regional Parent Center opens in Contra Costa middle school as part of community schools initiative
EdSource: The Lovonya DeJean Middle School in Richmond has opened a Parent Center as a regional hub to provide support to students and their families. The center, which launched in September, offers assistance to families in obtaining resources such as health insurance, food stamps, and cash assistance. It also provides technology assistance sessions for parents in both English and Spanish, offering them a free laptop after attending four of these sessions. The center is part of a broader community schools initiative to support the whole child and whole community. The Parent Center addresses challenges faced by students, many of whom are English language learners, undocumented immigrants, or lack access to health insurance. By helping parents address issues at home, the center hopes to improve student outcomes.
Schools Could Lose 136,000 Teaching Jobs when Federal COVID Funds Run Out
The 74: While layoffs have been rare in public education in recent years, economic challenges loom on the horizon. The expiration of federal relief funds in September 2024, coupled with declining enrollment, presents a potential budget crisis for school districts. The result is likely to be widespread staff reductions, with an estimated 136,000 fewer teacher jobs at risk. Districts with the most significant student losses and substantial federal funding are most vulnerable, primarily large, urban, high-poverty districts. Teacher layoffs could disproportionately affect junior and part-time teachers, potentially hindering diversity efforts in the teaching workforce. While the strong economy provides some relief, school districts must remain vigilant as federal relief funds expire. .
41 States Sue Meta Over the Social Media Giant’s Impact on Kids
EdWeek: Thirty-three states are joining together to sue Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, for allegedly harming children’s mental health. The lawsuits claim that Meta is consciously damaging children’s mental well-being by exploiting their vulnerabilities, creating algorithms to keep users engaged compulsively, developing visual filters linked to body dysmorphia, sharing data about children under 13 without parental consent, and presenting content in an “infinite scroll” format. This legal action comes in response to the negative impact of social media on students, particularly their mental well-being and ability to learn. Meta contends that states should collaborate with the industry to create age-appropriate standards for app use by young people.
Educators have also been concerned about the negative impact of social media on children’s mental health and their ability to learn. Legal experts believe that while these lawsuits may not lead to direct victories, they will help raise awareness of the challenges schools and young people face regarding social media use.
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