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Here are some of the things we’ve been reading about this week:
A study conducted in the United Kingdom finds an association between time spent on social media and cigarette use.
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signs legislation to limit cell phone use in schools.
The Youth Mental Health Corps sends 18-24-year-old “near-peers” into schools to help provide mental health support for students.
To read more, click on the following links.
Research & Practice
K-12 Dive: Building mindfulness skills into curricula can help keep students focused
Stress and overload affect both students and adults. To respond, classroom educators can use mindfulness and deep breathing techniques, alongside activities like free play and hands-on learning, to reduce anxiety and equip students with coping tools, says Joshua Aronson, an associate professor at New York University. Aronson advocates integrating stress reduction and wellness into daily school life. He suggests small steps like transition times before class to help students focus. Julieta Zemla, a teacher and Columbia University student, uses breathing cards and a “peace corner” for anxious students. Mindfulness exercises from books like “Sitting Still Like a Frog” also help. Despite controversy, Aronson believes mindfulness is crucial for students’ focus and learning skills.
BMJ Journals: Association of time spent on social media with youth cigarette smoking and e-cigarette use in the UK: a national longitudinal study
Social media’s role in promoting cigarette and e-cigarette use among young people is significant, with increased exposure linked to higher usage rates. Social media use grows with age, and girls tend to spend more time on these platforms than boys. Direct advertisements and influencers who are paid by the tobacco industry contribute to this trend. Evidence from the UK Household Longitudinal Study shows that frequent social media users aged 10-25 are more likely to smoke cigarettes and use e-cigarettes, independent of other factors like age, gender, socioeconomic status, and parental habits. Despite regulatory attempts, high levels of tobacco promotion persist on social media. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for developing effective preventive measures. The study emphasizes the need for better regulation and awareness of social media’s impact on youth smoking and vaping behaviors.
NPR: These teens were missing too much school. Here’s what it took to get them back
Sophomore Neomi, feeling isolated and bullied after a breakup, had been chronically absent from her Colorado high school. In a meeting with school staff and her mother, Neomi revealed her struggle with loneliness and feeling unsafe. Chronic absenteeism surged during the pandemic, with 26% of U.S. students affected in the 2022-23 year, compared to 15% pre-pandemic. This absenteeism correlates with higher dropout risks. Schools are prioritizing student attendance by addressing personal issues, as in Neomi’s case, having staff suggest practical solutions like early class exits and safe lunch spots. Similarly, in Oregon, Anais, another student, improved her attendance after dealing with illness and a breakup, showing that targeted support can help students re-engage with their education. Both stories highlight the importance of understanding and addressing the underlying causes of absenteeism to help students succeed.
See Also: Why did schools lose students after COVID-19?
Policy
The New York Times: How Free School Meals Went Mainstream
In Butte, Montana, Kurt Marthaller, who oversees school food programs, faces various cafeteria-related challenges, including children skipping the lunch line due to fear of judgment, parents struggling with surprise bills, and district-wide unpaid meal debts of $70,000. However, nearly half of Butte’s schools now provide free breakfast and lunch for all students, eliminating these concerns. This initiative, supported by a federal policy called the community eligibility provision (C.E.P.), has gained traction across the U.S. Since 2010, the number of schools offering free meals has increased significantly, with over 21 million children now benefiting. Universal free meals improve attendance, behavior, and academic performance, while reducing stigma and paperwork for families. Despite some opposition, bipartisan support has led several states to pass legislation for free school meals, highlighting the program’s importance in ensuring all students have access to nutritious food.
Ohio Capital Journal: Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine signs legislation to limit cellphones in schools
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine signed legislation requiring school districts to create cellphone policies aimed at minimizing use on campus. The state education department will provide a model policy, but districts can develop their own as long as they restrict cellphone use. Some districts, like Dublin City Schools, have already implemented policies, banning phones in middle schools and restricting them in high schools. Superintendent John Marschhausen noted positive impacts, such as reduced bullying and discipline issues. Ohio Education Association President Scott DiMauro emphasized the need for teacher involvement in policy development. The legislation passed quickly and unanimously, with DeWine highlighting the distracting nature of cellphones and the benefits of their reduced presence in schools. The law will take effect in mid-August, aligning with the new school year.
The 74: To Hold Back Struggling Readers or Not: Indiana & Ohio Take Different Paths
Indiana and Ohio have both adopted the science of reading, but they differ on retaining third graders who struggle with reading. Ohio recently ended its decade-long mandatory retention policy, giving parents the final say. Indiana reinstated mandatory retention, predicting 7,500 third graders will be held back in 2025. Both states aim to improve reading through teacher training, new textbooks, and student support, but results have been mixed. Third-grade retention is controversial, with proponents citing early gains and critics pointing to potential psychological harm and racial disparities. Indiana’s law includes increased testing and interventions, while Ohio’s approach is now more flexible. The effectiveness of these measures in improving long-term reading skills remains to be seen.
Around the Nation
EdWeek: These Students Found Mental Health Support in After-School Programs. See How
Amid rising mental health and social-emotional needs, schools struggle to provide adequate support. Many lack dedicated funding and staff, relying instead on federal COVID-relief funds that are expiring. After-school programs, like Life Pieces to Masterpieces and After-School All-Stars, fill this void for some students, offering activities that boost self-confidence and provide a supportive environment. Students like Issa Ouarid and Aurie-Anne Vixama credit these programs with helping them express feelings, build community, and overcome challenges like grief and bullying. Others, like Jully Myrthil, find mentorship and advocacy opportunities in programs like Young Voices, which addresses mental health stigma and promotes community support. These initiatives underscore the importance of open communication and holistic approaches to addressing mental health challenges among youth.
The Wall Street Journal: Test Scores Down, GPAs Up: The New Angst Over Grade Inflation
Schools have adjusted grading practices during the pandemic, resulting in higher grades despite challenges like decreased test scores and attendance. Many educators have adopted more lenient policies, eliminating zeros and providing grace to struggling students. While some see this as a lowering of standards, others view it as a compassionate response to post-pandemic difficulties. Policies like minimum grades for assignments aim to motivate students, but critics argue they may reduce accountability and learning. Grade inflation has been a long-standing issue, exacerbated by pressure from parents, administrators, and college admissions competitiveness. Equitable grading approaches like mastery-based grading have sparked debate, with proponents emphasizing fairness and opponents expressing concerns about reduced learning. Educators remain divided on the best approach to grading amid evolving educational landscapes and student needs.
The Hechinger Report: Horticulture, horses and ‘Chill Rooms’: One district goes all-in on mental health support
At Bellevue Elementary in Pittsburgh, Maria Hubal, the behavioral health school educator, provides a safe haven for students experiencing stress or anxiety in the Chill Room. The district, recognizing worsening student mental health post-pandemic, allocated a significant portion of federal Covid-relief funds to mental health programs. They partnered with the Allegheny Health Network’s Chill Project, adding therapists to staff and implementing equine-assisted therapy. Despite challenges and the impending expiration of federal funds, the district has seen behavioral incidents decrease and graduation rates rise. Initiatives like horticulture therapy and kindness clubs further support student well-being. Northgate has faced opposition but maintains transparency with parents and gradual implementation. As funding sources evolve, the district remains committed to sustaining these vital programs, which have notably improved student emotional regulation and communication skills.
K-12 Dive: Corps of ‘near-peers’ to help schools address youth mental health struggles
Nelly Grosso, an AmeriCorps member in a Denver-area high school, works to enhance students’ mental health by linking LGBTQ+ and newcomer students to support services and engaging community partners. She eagerly joined the Youth Mental Health Corps program as a navigator. This initiative, a collaboration between public and private entities like the Schultz Family Foundation and Pinterest, will deploy hundreds of near-peer navigators aged 18-24 to schools and community organizations in several states starting September 2024. These navigators will be trained to recognize signs of mental distress and facilitate access to support services. U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy praised this effort, emphasizing the importance of private sector involvement in mental health care. The launch coincides with reports of high demand for mental health support in schools nationwide, prompting legislative action and parental concerns regarding the well-being of K-12 children.
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