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:
Last year, nearly one-third of adolescents in the United States received mental health treatment.
More states have book banning rules.
The school year has already started in some California districts.
To read more, click on the following links.
Research & Practice
The Hill: Nearly one-third of US adolescents got mental health treatment last year, federal report says
In 2023, nearly one-third (31.9%) of U.S. adolescents received mental health treatment, up from 29.8% in 2022, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). This equates to approximately 8.3 million adolescents. The most common treatment was outpatient care (59.8%), followed by telehealth (14.2%), prescription medication (13.9%), and inpatient settings (3.5%). The use of medication saw a slight increase from 12.8% to 13.9%. SAMHSA officials expressed satisfaction with the increased access to mental health services, highlighting the executive office’s efforts, including a $285 million investment to hire more school counselors. Despite the improvements, officials emphasized the ongoing need to address mental health and substance use crises. The data was gathered through face-to-face and web-based interviews with individuals aged 12 and older.
The Hechinger Report: A little parent math talk with kids might really add up, a new body of education research suggests
Parents can help improve their children’s math skills by naturally integrating math talk into daily activities, similar to how literacy is promoted, according to recent research. A meta-analysis of 22 studies from 2010 to 2022 found that discussing numbers and shapes with children, especially between ages three and five, is linked to higher math achievement. These casual conversations, such as counting objects or discussing shapes during play, are more effective than formal exercises. The benefits are consistent across income levels, suggesting that increasing math talk can help all children. While it’s uncertain exactly how much math talk is optimal, quality interactions matter more than quantity. Researchers emphasize making math discussions fun and relevant to what the child is already interested in, rather than using drills or flashcards. This approach could be a cost-effective strategy to enhance math skills and address America’s lagging math performance.
The 74: Researchers: Higher Special Education Funding Not Tied to Better Outcomes
New special education datasets reveal major inconsistencies in the identification of children needing services, spending, and funding outcomes across states, according to Marguerite Roza of Georgetown University’s Edunomics Lab. The number of students with disabilities has significantly increased, with a larger share of school budgets allocated to special education. States with sound literacy instruction, like Mississippi, show better reading outcomes for special education students. Conversely, high-spending states like Connecticut show middling performance. Diagnoses and special education staffing also vary widely, highlighting subjectivity and potential inequities in service delivery. Roza emphasizes the need for better scrutiny and flexibility in special education spending to ensure cost-effectiveness and improved student outcomes. The preliminary data suggest that higher staffing levels do not necessarily correlate with better results, potentially due to reliance on paraprofessionals instead of qualified special education teachers.
Policy
The New York Times: More States Are Passing Book Banning Rules. Here’s What They Say.
Efforts to restrict book access have gained momentum at the state and local levels, with new laws in Utah, Idaho, South Carolina, and Tennessee making it harder for young people to access potentially obscene or harmful materials. Proponents argue these rules protect children from sensitive content, while detractors believe they limit access to diverse and classic literature. Utah’s new law prioritizes removing pornographic material from schools. Idaho requires “obscene materials” to be held in separate areas, causing logistical concerns for libraries. South Carolina’s regulations create a uniform process for challenging books, potentially affecting classic literature. Tennessee’s amendment codifies suitability standards for school library materials, with a broad definition that critics say could lead to more book removals. These state-level measures reflect ongoing debates about balancing child protection with access to a wide range of reading materials.
EdWeek: Federal School Safety Clearinghouse Taps Diverse Array of Advisers
The newly formed Federal School Safety Clearinghouse External Advisory Board will advise the U.S. government on school safety, aiding administrators in interpreting research and guidance. This 26-member board includes educators, civil rights advocates, child well-being experts, and families of school shooting victims. It aims to offer diverse perspectives on effective safety measures. Established under the 2022 Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, the board will refine recommendations on SchoolSafety.gov, a resource created post-2018 Parkland shooting. Chaired by Ronn Nozoe, the board will address varied viewpoints, emphasizing both human elements and physical security. Members include principals, superintendents, psychologists, civil rights representatives, and affected parents. The goal is to balance practical safety measures with comprehensive, expert-grounded strategies.
Around the Nation
The 74: Ohio’s School-Based Behavioral Health Partnerships Jump 200% Since 2017
An Ohio group identified troubling trends in youth mental health but highlighted growth in school-community partnerships addressing these issues. The Ohio Council of Behavioral Health & Family Services Providers found that school-based behavioral health services have increased by over 223% since 2017. Currently, 3,610 schools offer critical behavioral health services, with significant expansion in the last year alone. Most schools provide clinical, prevention, and crisis intervention services, with nearly all collaborating on school planning and curriculum development. These partnerships improve student outcomes by reducing absenteeism, enhancing academic performance, and developing social-emotional skills. However, staffing shortages and high student needs remain challenges. Ohio ranks poorly in youth mental health, especially among LGBTQ+ youth, with high suicide rates. The state is investigating the root causes of mental illness, with a $20 million grant for a study by The Ohio State University and other institutions. The council urged policymakers to address funding gaps and workforce shortages in school-based services.
NPR: In the face of global warming, students are dreaming up a better climate future
In a climate change lesson developed by scientist Ben Kravitz and teachers at Bloomington High School South, freshman DeWayne Murphy proposes using steam from a heated water tank to power a car. The lesson empowers students to create innovative solutions for climate change, emphasizing the importance of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Students brainstorm and refine ideas, considering risks and benefits. High school junior Campbell Brown suggests a flying air filter to remove CO2 from the air, while other students propose creative concepts like solar-powered helicopters and reflective glitter in deserts. The lesson fosters climate optimism, encouraging students to feel they can make a difference. Teacher Kirstin Milks aims to equip students with the knowledge and creativity to address climate challenges, believing that informed and engaged young people are key to future solutions.
EdSource: School year already underway at some California districts as start dates keep creeping earlier
On the first day of school at George Washington Elementary in Lodi, students and parents were welcomed by Principal Gina Lopez and staff with high-fives and hugs under an arch of balloons. Lodi Unified is one of the first California districts to resume classes early, a trend started to maximize instructional days before winter break and state exams. The district adopted a modified traditional schedule after moving away from a year-round system due to overcrowding issues. Most California school districts now begin before Labor Day. Parents and teachers favor the early start, appreciating regular breaks. Kindergartners, experiencing their first day, gradually adjusted to the new environment with the help of their teacher, Kristen McDaniel, who emphasized community-building activities. The day ended positively for both students and staff!
Like what you see? Sign up to receive this summary in your inbox as soon as it is published.
