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Here are some of the things we’ve been reading about this week:
Unstructured play is essential for children.
The US Department of Agriculture has launched a summer nutrition program for school children.
In the state of Washington, more K-12 students are homeless.
To read more, click on the following links.
Research & Practice
The 74: Why Play Is Essential For Children: Psychologist Peter Gray Sounds the Alarm About Excessive Adult Oversight & What It’s Doing to Kids’ Mental Health
This article examines the importance of unstructured play for children’s mental health. Researcher Peter Gray points to a historical shift where children today have far less unsupervised free play compared to previous generations. This decline in playtime coincides with a rise in mental health issues like anxiety and depression among youth. Gray points out how factors like helicopter parenting and the pressure to perform well on standardized tests may contribute to these trends. His research suggests unstructured play is crucial for developing resilience, problem-solving skills, and social skills. The article highlights ways to increase free play opportunities, including after-school play clubs and libraries that encourage joyful noise and play. Gray acknowledges the challenges of replicating the past where kids roamed freely, but argues for creating safe spaces supervised by responsible adults where children can play independently.
See Also: Young Kids Are Struggling With Skills Like Listening, Sharing, and Using Scissors
JAMA Network: Air and Noise Pollution Exposure in Early Life and Mental Health From Adolescence to Young Adulthood
A study conducted by researchers in the United Kingdom investigated the link between air and noise pollution exposure in early life and mental health problems in young adults. Researchers followed over 14,000 people in England from birth to age 24. They found that exposure to air pollution, particularly during pregnancy and childhood, increased the risk of psychotic experiences and depression. Exposure to noise pollution during childhood and adolescence was correlated with more anxiety symptoms. These findings suggest that early life experiences with pollution can negatively impact mental health. The study authors call for further research to confirm these results and explore ways to reduce pollution’s effects on mental health.
K-12 Dive: Graduation rates rebounded shortly after pandemic hiccup
After a dip during the first year of the pandemic, the US high school graduation rate bounced back to pre-pandemic levels in 2021-22. The 87% rate is still higher than a decade ago. While this data is encouraging, it doesn’t paint the whole picture. Although some states eased graduation requirements to help students stay on track to graduate, the pandemic’s long-term impact on college and career readiness remains unclear. A significant portion of recent graduates report feeling unprepared, and schools themselves acknowledge challenges in preparing students for higher education.
Policy
K-12 Dive: USDA launches child summer nutrition programs
The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) launched the Summer Nutrition Programs (SUN Programs) to address childhood hunger during the summer break. These programs include SUN Bucks, a grocery benefit providing $120 per child, and SUN Meals, free meals and snacks offered at designated locations. In rural areas, families can pick up or have meals delivered through SUN Meals To-Go. Over 30 million children qualify for SUN Bucks nationwide, with 32 states and Washington, D.C., already participating. Studies show the program reduces child hunger by a third and encourages healthier eating habits. While some states require legislative approval or resources to implement SUN Bucks, the USDA is optimistic more states will join in the future. Schools can play a role by using the USDA’s outreach toolkit to inform families about these benefits.
Brookings: The social safety net looks different in every state
A report from the policy nonprofit Brookings examines how the benefits of the US social safety net vary depending on states’ political leanings.The study analyzes benefits offered through both federal and state programs, highlighting the differences between blue states (those that tend to vote Democratic) and red states (which tend to vote Republican). The report finds that blue states generally provide more generous state-directed benefits, such as cash assistance through TANF programs and refundable state Earned Income Tax Credits (EITCs). Red states, on the other hand, have higher average federally-directed benefits, like food stamps (SNAP) because SNAP eligibility is influenced by the amount of cash assistance received (which is lower in red states). The report concludes by highlighting the complex interplay between federal and state programs in shaping the social safety net. Overall, people in blue states are eligible for slightly more benefits than those in red states, but this gap disappears after adjusting for cost of living.
Around the Nation
EdWeek: How One School Fosters Belonging for Students With Disabilities
Ruby Bridges Elementary School in Washington is designed to foster a sense of belonging for students with disabilities. Unlike traditional schools where special needs students are pulled out for separate instruction, Ruby Bridges integrates them into general education classes. The school prioritizes collaboration among teachers and paraprofessionals to provide all students with the support they need within the classroom. This inclusive approach allows students with disabilities to build relationships with their peers and helps everyone develop empathy and compassion. Studies also show that this approach benefits all students’ academic performance.
See Also: 3 Steps for Schools to Use Relationships as a ‘Prevention Strategy’
The 74: Homelessness on the Rise Among Washington’s K-12 Students
A new report released by the Washington State Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) shows a rise in the number of homeless students in the state’s school system. Over 42,000 students, or 3.8% of the total student population, experienced homelessness during the 2022-2023 school year. This increase might be due to a combination of factors including an actual rise in homelessness and better identification efforts by schools. Federal funding during the pandemic helped schools identify and support homeless students, a group that often faces academic challenges. While some academic performance metrics show signs of improvement, homelessness remains a significant issue for Washington students. The report highlights the need for continued funding to support homeless student liaisons and programs.
EdSource: California releases $470 million to put students on track for college and career
California has released $470 million to fund the Golden State Pathways program, which prepares students for both college and careers. This program is different from past initiatives because it creates “pathways” that combine college prep with career training in high-demand fields like healthcare and technology. The state funding will be used by schools and community groups to develop these pathways and provide students with relevant work experience. This investment is seen as a major step forward in improving career education in California and will benefit students with a wide range of post-high school graduation plans.
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