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Here are some of the things we’ve been reading about this week:
A look at federal data shows that since the pandemic learning recovery is being hindered by student misbehavior.
The National Association of State Budget Officers estimates that many state budgets will shrink.
Climate changes that fuel hotter temperatures are having a negative impact on learning.
To read more, click on the following links.
Research & Practice
The 74: ‘Look at What These Students Have Gone Through:’ Data Reveal Behavior Concerns
Nearly three years after the pandemic, new federal data shows that student misbehavior, including threats, inattentiveness, and disruptions, hinders learning recovery. Over half of U.S. schools report challenges with unprepared and disruptive students. Additionally, 40-45% of schools face issues with students’ difficulty working in groups and their misuse of technology. A lack of focus severely impacts 75% of schools, while fighting, bullying, and weapon confiscations are frequent. Experts attribute these behaviors to trauma, political tensions, and students feeling marginalized. The authors highlight that restrictive classroom policies exacerbate these issues. Solutions include improving classroom management, mental health support, and restorative justice practices. Despite increased social-emotional support since 2021, the pandemic’s effects continue to influence students’ behavior and socio-emotional development, leaving many students questioning their place in society.
See Also: School Pulse Panel: Responses to the pandemic and efforts toward recovery
EdWeek: What Gets in the Way of Students Feeling a Sense of Belonging at School
Creating school communities where all students feel a true sense of belonging is complex; it involves peer interactions, curriculum representation, and relationships with adults. A webinar produced by the Aspen Institute’s Education and Society Program points to barriers such as the politicization of education and weak student-adult connections. Research shows that students who feel connected to school attend more regularly, perform better academically, and have better long-term health outcomes. However, students of color and LGBTQ+ students often feel more disconnected. This is exacerbated by cultural misrepresentation and increased political polarization. Schools are encouraged to foster belonging through mentoring, inclusive curricula, and strong family engagement. Political debates over critical race theory and LGBTQ+ rights further complicate efforts. Addressing absenteeism by considering family needs, such as reliable transportation and housing stability, can also strengthen student belonging. Effective strategies include mentoring, service learning, and creating a positive racial climate to promote inclusivity and engagement.
Policy
Pew: State Budgets Are Downsizing
State budgets are projected to shrink significantly in fiscal year 2025 after years of high revenues, spending, and tax cuts. According to the National Association of State Budget Officers (NASBO), general fund spending is expected to drop over 6% to $1.22 trillion from 2024 levels. This follows a period of rapid spending growth, with 2024 reaching $1.3 trillion, a 13% increase from 2023. While half of the states plan to increase spending, California’s $46.8 billion deficit notably impacts the overall picture. Revenue is forecasted to rise slightly by 1.6% to $1.2 trillion in 2025 after recent declines. States face diverse fiscal conditions: some are cutting spending due to deficits, others report surpluses, and many are dealing with reduced revenue but no deficits. The trend of using one-time funds and temporary tax cuts complicates long-term revenue stability, making fiscal planning challenging amid economic uncertainty.
EdWeek: Can Schools Meet the Demand for Summer Learning as Funding Runs Out?
Many parents desire more structured summer programs for their children but cite high costs as a major barrier to participation, according to a report from the National Summer Learning Association and the American Camp Association. In 2023, 55% of parents had their children participate in summer programs, while 45% did not. Over 40% of parents identified cost as the primary obstacle. Federal COVID relief funds had enabled many low-income students to attend these programs, but these funds are expiring. Without alternative funding, the availability of such programs may decrease, especially for low-income families. Effective community coordination, involving schools and other organizations, is essential to address this need and ensure all children have access to summer learning opportunities.
K-12 Dive: Confused, upset, exhausted: Frustrations mount over Title IX rule rollout
With the final Title IX rule implementation imminent, Title IX coordinators and lawyers in states with injunctions are scrambling for clarity. The U.S. Department of Education has not provided guidance or resources for nearly half of the states where the rule is blocked. The new resources that have been released for the rule don’t apply in states with injunctions. The Education Department has escalated legal challenges, asking the Supreme Court to enforce uncontested parts of the rule. Title IX coordinators and lawyers in affected states are uncertain about whether to follow old 2020 regulations or prepare for potential changes. This uncertainty is exacerbated by conflicting state laws, particularly regarding protections for LGBTQI+ students. The confusion has left many districts in a holding pattern, awaiting further guidance and resolution.
Around the Nation
The 74: Managing Grades & Gold: Meet the High Schoolers on the Team USA Olympics Roster
Paris will host the 2024 Summer Olympics from July 24 to August 11, welcoming several high school athletes on Team USA. These young Olympians, such as gymnast Hezly Rivera and sprinter Quincy Wilson, balance their sports with academics. Six notable high schoolers to watch include Paige Heyn, 16, a rising star in skateboarding from Tempe, Arizona, known for her switch skating skills, Claire Weinstein, 17, a top swimmer from the online Laurel Springs School, committed to UC Berkeley, Quincy Wilson, 16, the youngest male U.S. track and field Olympian and an honor roll student at Bullis School, Alex Shackell, 17, a swimmer from Indiana’s Carmel High School, also headed to UC Berkeley, Thomas Heilman, 17, the youngest American male swimmer since Michael Phelps, from Western Albemarle High School, and Hezly Rivera, 16, a gymnast training in Texas, the youngest on Team USA.
EdWeek: Where Is K-12 Enrollment Headed? Population Trends, by the Numbers
By 2031, America will have 3 million fewer K-12 public school students than in 2013, with enrollment declines unevenly distributed across states. Some states may see up to a 16% drop, while a few might experience gains. These trends influence school funding, decisions on opening or closing schools, and classroom management. Declining birth rates and increasing private school choices are key factors. Between 2020 and 2023, six states saw over 3% population growth, yet Texas is projected to see a 9% enrollment decline. Eighteen states had population declines, with 26 states recording K-12 enrollment drops. Colorado’s K-12 enrollment fell despite population growth. Fourteen states with recent enrollment increases are expected to see declines by 2031. Hawaii may face a 16% drop, and other states like California and New York anticipate significant decreases. Only Idaho, South Carolina, and Tennessee are projected to grow faster in the coming decade than before.
The Hechinger Report: As climate changes fuels hotter temperatures, kids are learning less
Angela Girol, a fourth-grade teacher in Pittsburgh, has seen rising classroom temperatures over her two decades of teaching. With no air conditioning, some days reach 90°F, causing dehydration and health issues among students. To manage, students keep water on their desks, leading to frequent bathroom breaks and lost instructional time. This issue is gaining attention, with reports from the Center for American Progress and the Federation of American Scientists highlighting outdated school buildings and the lack of air conditioning. Extreme heat disrupts learning, increases absenteeism, and shifts focus from teaching to safety. Efforts are underway to create federal guidelines and secure funding for HVAC upgrades in schools.
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