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

Infants and toddlers in high-quality child care programs reap the benefits for a longer time.

Massachusetts becomes the 8th state to adopt universal school meals.

Nationwide data reveals that more than 25% of students were chronically absent in the 2021-22 school year, a sharp increase from the 15% pre-pandemic rate.

To read more, click on the following links.

Research & Practice

Infants and toddlers in high quality child care seem to reap the benefits longer
The Hechinger Report: A study from Tulsa, Oklahoma underscores the long-term benefits of high-quality early childhood education, with the caveat that enrollment must begin in infancy or early toddlerhood. The study followed a cohort of children who enrolled in Tulsa Educare, an early learning program, and compared their outcomes to a control group. The Educare cohort, whose members are all below the poverty line, displayed positive effects that persisted into elementary school. They excelled in academic measures and exhibited fewer behavior problems. The study highlights the importance of early enrollment in achieving sustained positive outcomes and emphasizes the impact of a high-quality program on narrowing the achievement gap. Researchers suggest expanding access to federally funded Early Head Start programs to benefit more infants and toddlers.

New Study: Kids Who Scored Worst on NAEP Missed the Most School Before the Test
The 74: The 2022 National Assessment of Educational Progress revealed nationwide math and reading learning losses during the pandemic. A former federal education researcher, Alan Ginsburg, proposes a connection between this decline and increased student absenteeism. Chronic absenteeism, notably among low-income students, has surged since the pandemic, with 41% of fourth-grade NAEP test-takers and 29% of more affluent students reporting missing three or more days before the test. Ginsburg’s analysis found a correlation between missed days and lower NAEP scores, with fourth graders missing three or more days scoring 17 points lower in reading. Though attendance isn’t the sole factor, investing in evidence-based strategies to improve regular school attendance could help address COVID-related learning gaps.

What Two New Studies Reveal About Learning Recovery
EdWeek: Two recent studies highlight the potential and challenges of post-pandemic learning recovery strategies in schools. One study analyzed summer 2022 learning programs for eight districts and found a small positive effect on student math scores but no impact on reading. Another study examined successful implementation of tutoring programs, identifying key factors such as school leader support and structured recruitment processes for tutors. These studies emphasize that effective academic recovery strategies require careful and sustained implementation efforts. While summer programs showed modest math gains, researchers stress the need for varied learning opportunities beyond summer school. Challenges exist in scaling up programs and ensuring successful implementation, with factors like principal buy-in and dedicated program managers playing crucial roles. Better implementation is essential to achieve meaningful impacts on student learning.

Policy

Massachusetts becomes 8th state to adopt universal school meals
K-12 Dive: Massachusetts has become the eighth state to establish a permanent universal school meals program, allocating $172 million in its $56 billion 2024 fiscal year budget. This move follows similar actions in California, Colorado, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, New Mexico, and Vermont. The trend is driven by the expiration of congressional waivers that allowed universal school meals during the pandemic. Research indicates that when the waivers ended, student meal participation rates declined. The Biden administration aims to expand free school meals nationwide to 9 million more students by 2032. 

A Wave of Students Are Losing Medicaid Coverage. What It Means for Schools
EdWeek: The expiration of a pandemic-era policy that provided stability to Medicaid has led to a potential loss of coverage for millions of children. As states review Medicaid recipient eligibility, up to 4 million children could lose coverage due to logistical reasons, even if their family’s income qualifies them. Schools can help by communicating and preparing parents for this shift. Back-to-school season offers an opportunity for schools to include messages in enrollment packets or set up tables at open-house nights to assist families. This loss of coverage could impact students’ health and school budgets, especially as schools seek to expand Medicaid usage for student services.

Around the Nation

Millions of Kids Are Missing Weeks of School as Attendance Tanks Across the U.S.
EdWeek: Since the reopening of in-person schools after pandemic closures, a disturbing trend of increased student absences has emerged across the US. Nationwide data reveals that more than 25% of students were chronically absent in the 2021-22 school year, a sharp increase from the 15% pre-pandemic rate. Approximately 6.5 million additional students were affected, with disparities evident among Latino, Black, and low-income students. These absences compound the learning loss caused by previous closures, posing long-term risks to education and dropout rates. Students are staying home due to various factors, including financial issues, health concerns, staffing shortages, and a diminished sense of school’s importance. The effects of online learning and disrupted school relationships have contributed to this absenteeism, and the challenges are exacerbated for marginalized communities.

Michigan’s OK2SAY Program Shows a Rise in School Violence Tips
The 74: Michigan’s OK2SAY school violence prevention reporting system received a 19% increase in tips in 2022, totaling 7,415 reports. Students can report what they observe. Bullying, suicide threats, and drugs are the most reported categories. The rise in reported threats may be due to heightened awareness. After the 2021 Oxford High School shooting, tips surged. When it comes to violence within schools, whether it’s bullying or a school threat, if students don’t feel safe in their environment, it affects their ability to learn, to have appropriate relationships and manage their own emotions. To address this problem, the University of Michigan’s National Center for School Safety launched the Michigan School Safety Initiative, aiming to provide online tools for violence prevention programming and connecting schools with specialists to develop tailored safety strategies. These measures seek to create a safer school environment and address concerns about school violence, while involving students in conversations about solutions.

LAUSD celebrates 10 years of restorative justice, but progress remains uneven
EdSource: The Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) marked the 10th anniversary of the School Climate Bill of Rights, a resolution that eliminated suspensions for willful defiance and introduced restorative justice practices. The policy aimed to reduce suspensions, particularly affecting students of color, and promote understanding and behavioral growth. While suspensions have dropped by nearly 80%, questions persist about the resolution’s implementation. Some schools have seen success in incorporating restorative practices, but challenges remain. Inconsistent teacher training hinders effective adoption as does a lack of support and guidance from school administration. Despite progress, LAUSD continues refining its approach to ensure wider use of restorative justice practices.

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