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Here are some of the things we’ve been reading about this week:
Poor sleep could be the missing link between screen time and preschool behavior issues.
From learning gaps to AI tutoring: 12 charts that shaped education in 2024.
Therapy dogs are bringing comfort and connection to classrooms nationwide..
To read more, click on the following links.
Research & Practice
ENCU Review of Education: Paradigm Shifts in Education: An Ecological Analysis
American education has changed little since the 19th century, despite numerous reforms like No Child Left Behind. Researchers at the University of Kansas argue such systemwide mandates fail because they impose rigid, top-down changes, leaving students disengaged and unprepared. They propose a “school within a school” model emphasizing student autonomy and less prescribed curriculum. For instance, students could design learning projects, choose interest-based courses, or participate in interdisciplinary workshops combining technology, arts, and societal issues. Drawing on panarchy theory, Researchers advocate for small-scale innovations to drive systemic transformation. Schools could introduce mentorship programs, flexible schedules for internships or research, and personalized goal-setting with teacher guidance. Examples from China, Australia, and the U.S. show that students in such models become more engaged and develop critical problem-solving skills, often leveraging technology to connect globally. This gradual, ecological approach aims to create adaptable schools that prepare students for an unpredictable future.
Early Child Development and Care: Screen time and behavioral problems among preschool children: unveiling the mediating effect of sleep quality
A study links excessive screen time in preschoolers to poor sleep quality, which contributes to hyperactivity, attention issues, emotional symptoms, and peer problems. Researchers surveyed 571 mothers of children aged 3–6, assessing screen use, sleep quality, and behavioral issues. Findings suggest that poor sleep partially mediates the relationship between screen time and behavioral problems, creating a feedback loop where increased screen use and sleep disturbances exacerbate each other. Screen time can delay bedtimes, overstimulate children, and expose them to blue light, disrupting sleep. The authors recommend limiting screen use to improve sleep and mitigate behavioral issues while highlighting the importance of sleep-focused interventions. However, the study acknowledges limitations, such as reliance on parental reporting, and calls for future research using scientific tools to monitor sleep. The findings emphasize the need for managing screen time in early childhood.
Policy
K-12 Dive: Schools take proactive steps to protect immigrant studentsIn response to fears of mass deportations under the Trump administration, schools are updating policies to protect undocumented students and create safer, more welcoming environments. Districts like New York City Public Schools have implemented protocols to limit cooperation with immigration enforcement, such as requiring legal review before officers can enter school grounds. California’s Oakland Unified School District trains staff on responding to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents and provides support for families facing deportation. Schools are also addressing bullying and promoting belonging among immigrant students, who make up 27% of U.S. students. Initiatives include cultural celebrations, buddy programs, and visible leadership engagement. Advocacy groups like ImmSchools and Re-Imagining Migration provide resources for educators to support immigrant families, emphasizing students’ strengths and fostering inclusive environments. These efforts aim to reduce fear, ensure access to education, and uphold constitutional protections, such as the 1982 Plyler v. Doe decision guaranteeing public education for all students..
See Also: In Every Language, Oakland Schools Makes Enrollment Possible for Newcomers
The 74: Pandemic, Politics, Pre-K & More: 12 Charts That Defined Education in 2024
As 2024 ends, K–12 education faces a mix of challenges and opportunities shaped by the pandemic’s lingering effects and evolving trends. Despite $190 billion in federal aid, learning recovery remains incomplete, with students still behind pre-pandemic levels. Persistent racial achievement gaps and declining literacy progress among younger students amplify concerns. Schools also grapple with rising student depression, exacerbated by smartphones, and increased marijuana use among teens. Teacher dissatisfaction has reached historic lows, driven by cultural conflicts and declining public respect for the profession. Meanwhile, freshman college enrollment continues to drop, especially among Pell Grant recipients. On a positive note, AI-enhanced tutoring shows promise for cost-effective academic gains, and expanded pre-K programs boost family income through improved childcare access. However, charter schools show mixed results, raising college attendance rates but not standardized test scores. As education evolves, policymakers face pressing decisions on funding, equity, and technology’s role in shaping tomorrow’s classrooms.
K-12 Dive: Walberg to lead U.S. House Education and Workforce Committee
Rep. Tim Walberg, R-Mich., has been named chair of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce for the 119th Congress, succeeding Rep. Virginia Foxx, R-N.C., due to term limits. Walberg, 73, a former pastor and Michigan legislator, has extensive experience in education policy. He emphasizes parental rights, school choice, college affordability, and expanding career and technical education. Walberg will work alongside Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee. Cassidy, 67, a former physician, has served in the Senate since 2014. Walberg’s priorities include protecting parental involvement in education, addressing campus anti-Semitism, and expanding opportunities for workers. Foxx praised Walberg’s dedication to education and literacy, expressing confidence in his leadership to support student success and workforce flexibility.
Around the Nation
The New York Time: An Epidemic of Vicious School Brawls, Fueled by Student Cellphones
A mass brawl at Revere High School in April, captured and amplified by students’ cellphones, highlighted how technology fuels school violence across the U.S. Ricardo Martinez, a senior, witnessed chaos as students filmed and spread the fight via social media, inciting more students to join. Seventeen students were suspended, but the incident underscored a larger issue: cellphones and social media have escalated school conflicts, from planning to recording and sharing, often leading to further violence and bullying. Schools nationwide face similar challenges, with tech-fueled fights overwhelming staff and sparking lawsuits. Social media platforms have been criticized for enabling such content, though some have taken steps to remove violent videos. In response, Revere High implemented a phone-free policy and increased security. While tensions have eased, students and staff stress the need to address underlying causes of violence, mental health, and the desensitization brought by viral fight videos.
Daily Montanan: Billings Public Schools, health department expanding in-school clinic model
Billings Public Schools’ in-house clinics, like the one at Senior High School, bring healthcare directly to students, reducing barriers to access and improving outcomes. These school-based health centers, established in partnership with RiverStone Health, provide physical and mental health services such as checkups, vaccinations, and mental health counseling. The concept, popular nationwide but newer in Montana, aims to support underserved students, particularly those in poverty. The clinics have seen rapid growth; for example, visits at Medicine Crow Middle School increased from 334 in 2018 to over 1,500 in 2023. Staff, students, and even teachers benefit, as appointments are convenient and do not disrupt school routines. Research highlights improved academic performance and reduced absenteeism among healthier students. The program operates at no cost to taxpayers, funded by grants, and continues to expand, addressing the critical need for accessible healthcare in schools and rural areas.
WCPO: Mason City Schools offers support through therapy dogs at every school
Mason City School District has introduced therapy and service dogs to support students’ mental health. The initiative started after high school students noticed an increase in suicides and aims to provide emotional support in and outside the classroom. The district now has 21 counselors and six therapy dogs, including Shiner, Gibson, Titan, Lucy, Coleby, and Mr. Hibbs, who work across various grade levels. These dogs help shift students’ emotional states and bring joy to those facing challenges. The district partners with organizations like Mindpeace, 1N5, and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital to ensure comprehensive support. Service dogs participate in classroom activities, teaching students about animal care and commands. The program, which includes one-on-one counseling in dedicated rooms, has made a positive impact, offering unconditional support to students in need and benefiting families throughout the district.
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