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

COVID-19 lockdowns harmed preschoolers’ social skills, especially in low-income families.

Tennessee’s new school voucher law benefits private schools but raises equity concerns.

A district’s family engagement efforts improved attendance and graduation rates.

To read more, click on the following links.

Research & Practice

K-12 Dive: 25% uptick in student homelessness highlights the demand for school resources
Student homelessness increased by 25% between the 2020-21 and 2022-23 school years, with 1.4 million pre-K-12 students experiencing homelessness in 2022-23. Homeless students face higher absenteeism and lower graduation rates. Increased identification of homeless students, supported by federal pandemic funds, has helped connect them to resources, but advocates stress more action is needed. Additionally, varying federal funds for education call into question the sustainability of identification efforts. Experts urge schools and policymakers to track data trends to ensure resources reach students in need, emphasizing that better teacher preparation benefits all students.

The Washington Post: More high school students skip breakfast, report says
A 2023 CDC survey found that only 1 in 4 high school students ate breakfast daily, a decline from 38% in 2013. The report, based on a national youth risk behavior survey, highlights worsening dietary, physical, and sleep habits among adolescents over the past decade. While soda consumption decreased and water intake increased, fewer students ate fruits, vegetables, or maintained other healthy habits. Female students were less likely than males to eat breakfast, with only 22% doing so daily. Poor mental health has been linked to skipping breakfast, alongside other unhealthy behaviors. The report underscores the importance of a balanced diet, exercise, and sleep for overall well-being, noting a steady increase in mental health symptoms from 2013 to 2023.

Scientific Reports: The COVID-19 pandemic and social cognitive outcomes in early childhood
A recent study found that the COVID-19 lockdown significantly affected preschoolers’ social cognition. In particular, their false-belief understanding, or the ability to recognize that others can hold incorrect beliefs, was negatively impacted. Researchers tested children between the ages of 3 ½ to 5 ½ before and after the pandemic, revealing a sharp decline in this skill, especially among lower-income families. Before lockdown, 80% of 5-year-olds passed a key social cognition task, but post-lockdown, only 63% did– dropping to 51% for children from marginalized backgrounds. The researchers suggest pandemic-related stress, reduced social interaction, and increased screen time may have contributed to these findings. Follow-up tests in 2023 showed that the decline persisted. The study’s findings have prompted further research into the long-term effects of the pandemic on early childhood development.

Policy

Chalkbeat: Colorado lawmakers eye Safe2Tell expansion
Colorado lawmakers advanced Senate Bill 64 which requires the Safe2Tell program to notify educators when a student has experienced trauma, such as domestic violence or abuse. Teachers, counselors, and administrators would receive a “handle with care” designation without additional details, signaling the need for extra support. Safe2Tell, originally created after the Columbine shooting, allows students to anonymously report threats. The bill, co-sponsored by bipartisan legislators, aims to expand the program statewide by 2029. Supporters, including education unions and law enforcement, believe the expansion will helps students navigate trauma and mental health challenges. Safe2Tell receives 28,000 reports annually on issues like bullying and abuse. Lawmakers hope increased school communication will provide struggling students with necessary support.

The 74: Even in States Where You’re Supposed to ‘Say Gay,’ Fear Often Outweighs the Law
Despite the wave of bills restricting LGBTQ education, more LGBTQ teens live in states requiring inclusive instruction than in those banning it. Research shows that LGBTQ-inclusive curricula make schools safer for queer youth and improve student well-being, yet only 22.5% of students in states with required inclusive curricula report exposure to positive LGBTQ representation. Challenges like funding and local decision making about curricula impact implementation. Misinformation and fear can also hinder inclusive policies. Oregon’s proactive approach—providing educator training, funding youth spaces, and prioritizing affirming experiences—shows promise. Several states are adopting varying approaches to fostering inclusive school environments.

Chalkbeat: How Tennessee’s expansive, expensive school voucher law made it to the finish line
Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee has achieved his long-standing goal of universal school vouchers with the passage of the Education Freedom Scholarship Act. Starting in fall 2025, up to 20,000 students can use taxpayer funds for private school tuition, with income limits removed after the first year. Despite past legislative defeats and legal challenges, the bill passed smoothly in a special session. Critics argue vouchers don’t improve academic outcomes and disproportionately benefit students already in private schools, with projections showing 65% of funds going to them. Concerns remain about accessibility for low-income families, students of color, and those with disabilities.

Around the Nation

EdWeek: From Haircuts to Home Language, One District’s Approach to Family Engagement
Miranda Scully, Director of Family and Community Engagement for Fayette County Public Schools, has transformed family outreach in her 42,000-student district. Since 2016, she has embedded engagement into the district’s strategy, ensuring families understand academic expectations and postsecondary options. Drawing on her experience as a first-generation college graduate, Scully expanded outreach through bilingual literacy programs, professional development for teachers, and innovative initiatives like free haircuts for students. Under her leadership, attendance has improved, graduation rates have risen, and schools previously underperforming have exited low-performance status. Scully emphasizes quality engagement over participation numbers, pushing for deeper community collaboration.
See Also: One Leader’s Plan to Cut Chronic Absenteeism—One Student at a Time

EdWeek: Middle School Is Tough for Boys. One School Found the ‘Secret Sauce’ for Success
The Community Lab School in Charlottesville, Virginia, takes a novel approach to middle school education, prioritizing trust, autonomy, and project-based learning. Rooted in Universal Design for Learning (UDL), the school fosters independence and creativity through interdisciplinary projects and collaborative work. Students enjoy a flexible schedule with multiple “brain breaks,” no homework, and self-paced math classes. Narrative assessments replace traditional grades, emphasizing growth over standardized testing. This inclusive environment benefits students with learning differences, who comprise 38% of the school’s population, by integrating accommodations like oral presentations and hands-on learning into daily routines. The school’s unique structure builds engagement, particularly for boys, who thrive with active, real-world projects. Administrators credit the success to evidence-based practices, teacher-driven curriculum, and fostering student confidence.

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