Here’s the new edition of The Weekly Connect. Check it out and sign up to have it delivered to your inbox!

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

Virginia’s Richmond Public Schools uses outreach and encouragement to address chronic absenteeism. 

Now that Covid regulations have expired and temperatures have risen, this summer’s free school meals program is having a hard time reaching students. 

Hartford, Conn., launches a summer night gym program to keep students safe and active. 

To read more, click on the following links.

Research & Practice

K-12 Dive: Are young students getting enough academic support?
Younger elementary students, particularly those ages 3 and 4 during the pandemic, need more reading and math support, according to Curriculum Associates. Research shows 1.3 million of 3.5 million 2nd graders are behind in reading and 1.7 million are behind in math. The study highlights that low-income students and those from “minoritized communities” are also performing below pre-pandemic levels, with widening disparities in majority Black or Hispanic schools. Birmingham City Schools improved third-grade reading levels by 75% through targeted interventions. Despite some improvements, the study stresses the need for effective interventions to address learning gaps and support grade-level instruction.

The 74: When Was the Golden Age of American K-12 Education? And How Can We Tell?
A Washington Post survey revealed that Americans view their childhood or teenage years as the nation’s “Golden Era.” This prompted an analysis of when American K-12 education was at its peak, considering various metrics like high school graduation rates and postsecondary completion. While graduation rates have soared, they may be inflated by lowered standards. College attainment has also increased, especially for Hispanic and Black students. Achievement scores peaked in the early to mid-2010s, particularly in reading and math for younger students. However, cohort growth, measuring progress from grades 4 to 8, suggests the mid- to late-1990s as the true heyday. This period saw significant educational productivity before a decline in the 2000s and 2010s. Despite recent setbacks, there’s optimism that current educational reforms and investments might herald a new Golden Age in American education.

The 74: With Poll Showing 1 in 4 Kids Is Chronically Absent, How 1 District Is Reaching Out
During the pandemic, Richmond Public Schools faced a 40% chronic absenteeism rate. To address this problem, Shadae Harris, the chief engagement officer, prioritized family engagement over punitive measures to improve attendance. Recognizing the national issue of chronic absenteeism, Harris and her team launched initiatives like home visits, creating an attendance dashboard, and the “We Love You Here” campaign to build trust with families. They addressed root causes of absenteeism, such as housing instability and health issues, by securing grants and providing resources. The approach reduced the district’s absenteeism rate from 25% during the 2022-23 school year to 19& and at the end of 2023-24 school year. Harris says that prioritizing relationships with families and understanding their needs is crucial for improving attendance.

Policy

K-12 Dive: How ESSER propelled improvements at school, district, and state levels
Schools used federal COVID-19 emergency funds to address various needs. Brookside Primary School in Vermont created a kindergarten interventionist position to enhance math and literacy skills. Henderson Middle School in Georgia focused on improving relationships to foster a supportive environment, reducing office referrals significantly. Indianapolis Public Schools invested in tutoring and reorganization plans, achieving substantial academic gains and increased enrollment interest. St. Paul Public Schools emphasized literacy, safety, and belonging, creating engaging summer programs and experiential credit recovery. North Carolina used funds for safe school returns, learning recovery, and teacher retention, showing significant improvement in 3rd-grade reading proficiency. Education leaders stress the importance of data-backed funding requests and collaboration with lawmakers for sustained support.

The 74: Why Free Meal Programs Are Having a Tough Time Feeding Kids This Summer
Federally sponsored summer food programs help fill the gap for K-12 students who rely on school meals, but heat complicates access to these meals. During the pandemic, districts offered grab-and-go options, but the return to traditional rules now requires children to eat on-site, often in hot conditions. This change has led to decreased participation, increasing the risk of food insecurity among children, especially in low-income households. Summer food programs historically reach only a fraction of eligible children due to barriers like cost and transportation. Experts emphasize the need for flexibility, such as allowing grab-and-go options during extreme weather. USDA waivers permit this flexibility during heat advisories, but not all states, like Connecticut, have implemented them. Advocates argue for more accessible policies to ensure children receive nutritious meals despite weather challenges.

K-12 Dive: How the Chevron ruling could affect K-12 policies
The U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to overturn the Chevron doctrine, a 40-year precedent allowing federal agencies to interpret statutes, will significantly impact the U.S. Department of Education and K-12 schools. Courts will now interpret laws independently, as noted by Chief Justice John Roberts. This shift subjects the Department’s regulations to increased scrutiny and change. Justice Elena Kagan’s dissent warns this move centralizes interpretive power with the courts. This decision already affects Education Department policies, such as Title IX protections and charter school funding. Experts predict federal court decisions will now frequently overturn Department regulations, leading to varying Title IX and special education policies across jurisdictions. States and districts must still follow federal regulations unless legally overturned. The long-term effects on education policy and stability remain uncertain.

Around the Nation

The 74: Private School Just For Low Income Kids Looks To Create Thriving Adults
At The Greater Dayton School, students enjoy family-style meals made with fresh ingredients, where they serve themselves and discuss their goals. The school emphasizes holistic development beyond academics, aiming to help low-income students achieve physical, mental, and financial health. Founded in 2022, it features extended school days, two teachers per classroom, individualized learning plans, a health clinic, and schoolwide toothbrushing times. With small class sizes and mixed-age groups, students work at their own pace. Funded mainly by a Dayton real estate developer, the school spends over $30,000 per student annually. The innovative approach includes financial literacy programs and mental health support, aiming to set a replicable model nationwide.

Los Angeles Times: ​​Students scoff at a school cellphone ban. Until they really begin to think about it
William Schnider, a senior at Van Nuys High School, has had his iPhone since sixth grade and uses it extensively for social media and texting. He and many other students are skeptical about a new L.A. public schools cellphone ban starting January 2025. However, some students acknowledge the potential benefits, like reducing social media addiction and distractions. The ban aims to improve face-to-face interactions and combat classroom disruptions. The rule’s enforcement and phone storage logistics are still being planned. While some students, like Angélica Zamora-Reyes, support the ban for its potential to reduce distractions, others worry about emergency communication and losing the convenience of phones for educational and social purposes.
See Also: Where do Oregon and Washington officials stand on cellphones in schools?

Fox 61: City of Hartford launches summer night gym program to keep students staying active and safe
Hartford and Hartford Public Schools have launched a free summer night gym program in partnership with local nonprofits, offering various activities every weekday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Activities include sports such as football, basketball, and soccer, along with non-sports options like crafts, e-sports, and dance. The program aims to provide students a safe, fun environment by offering emotional support and mentorship. Mayor Arunan Arulampalam emphasized the importance of robust recreation programs for all neighborhoods. The program’s popularity means families should sign up quickly. Additional activities, such as swimming lessons, are also available at city pools.

Like what you see? Sign up to receive this summary in your inbox as soon as it is published.