KEEPING YOU INFORMED - Negotiations Update By Ruben Mancillas
CFT’s division and state councils were held last weekend in Irvine. Notably, many of the issues we have been working on here in ABCUSD were mirrored by CFT’s legislative priorities at the state level. For example, there was an entire section on Special Education staffing with proposed areas for ed code language regarding Special Education class sizes, reducing IEP caseload size, and language for SLP’s and nurses caseloads/staffing ratios.
Our legislative director gave an update regarding specific Senate and Assembly bills that would impact our members in the classroom. Some of the bills CFT lobbied for were passed and signed, while others will have to wait until a later session to be reintroduced. It was also a reminder that lobbying takes place not only to promote legislation that we want to see enacted but also to speak out against and even shelve bills that would be harmful to educators and students.
It is an understatement to point out that this season features a number of elections that will have direct consequences for public education, both in this district and at the state and federal levels. I was able to meet recently with our retiree chapter, ABCFT-R, and was impressed by their continued commitment to political work. As one of their t-shirts spelled out, “Activists Never Retire.” Educators understandably often focus on their own students and their own site. We have written in recent weeks how overwhelming it can be to deal with all of the issues we are forced to confront in our classrooms. Events outside our four walls may feel like they will have to wait for when we have more time and energy. The fatigue caused by our stressful jobs can lead to an attitude of not wanting to “get involved” in politics. But I am mindful of these words by the American journalist Martha Gellhorn: “People often say with pride, ‘I’m not interested in politics.’ They might as well say , ‘I’m not interested in my standard of living, my health, my job, my rights, my freedoms, my future or any future’...If we mean to keep any control over our world and lives, we must be interested in politics.”
An aspect of union member benefits that I would like to highlight is scholarship opportunities. AFT and the AFL-CIO offer scholarships and professional grants to members and their children or dependents. CFT’s Raoul Teilhet Scholarship program began in 1997 when delegates to the CFT convention voted to establish scholarships to assist children and dependents of members with the cost of higher education. Convention delegates extended eligibility to continuing college students in 2003.
Here is a link for CFT and AFT scholarships
Union benefits can sometimes feel abstract; a website listing how to get, for example, a discount on a rental car. While these kinds of services and discounts are appreciated, it is fulfilling to see a CFT scholarship that helps support union families to reach their higher education goals. Here is where I admit to burying the lede. Congratulations to 2024 Continuing College Student Scholarship recipient, Ellie Gordon. She is the daughter of ABCFT’s own Patrick Gordon of Gahr High School. To cut a long story short, I was able to surprise Patrick with the news and it was exciting to share in his parental pride. Great job, Ellie! Go Golden Bobcats!
In Unity,
MEMBER-ONLY RESOURCES
WEBINAR
When: NOVEMBER 19, 2024 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM EST
The AI Educator Brain on Prompting: Mastering the Art of AI Responses in the Classroom
About This Webinar
Back by popular demand! Join Sari Beth Rosenberg, Kelly Booz and EdBrAIn as we continue our journey into the art of prompting. Crafting the perfect prompt is like finding the secret password to unlock AI’s true potential in your classroom—whether it’s for lesson planning, engaging students, or streamlining administrative tasks.
In this fun, hands-on webinar, we’ll explore:
Live prompt crafting sessions where you’ll learn to create prompts that guide AI to respond effectively, with help from your expert teaching skills.
Creepy or cool? We’ll poll the audience on some of the quirkiest AI prompts—are they genius or just plain weird?
Expert insights from Sari Beth and Kelly on refining your prompts to get the best, most creative AI outputs.
By the end, you’ll walk away with:
Enhanced prompting skills that bring out the best in your AI tools;
Creative tactics for using AI prompts in various classroom scenarios; and
The confidence to make AI your trusty classroom companion—without letting it steal the show.
Intended Audience: Teachers ready to harness AI’s potential, educators curious about AI’s quirks, and anyone who loves a good tech challenge.
Register now and get ready to become a prompt master.
Register for all the webinars in the AI Educator Brain series.
October 16, 2024
Equality CA Institute Partners with LACOE
You are invited to a special event hosted by the Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE), in collaboration with Equality CA Institute. Equality CA Institute will unveil the 2024 Safe and Supportive School Report Card, which highlights the successes and challenges faced by California Unified School Districts in implementing LGBTQ+ inclusive programs and policies.
Event Details:
Date: Wednesday, October 16, 2024
Time: 3:00 pm-5:00 pm
Location: LACOE Education Center West Building, Conference Center A
12800 Ardis Ave., Downey, CA 90242
This event is an opportunity to engage with a dynamic Q & A panel, featuring students, parents, and educators. The panelists will share real-world experiences and challenges they’ve faced while working to create safe, supportive, and affirming learning environments for LGBTQ+ youth.
Register Today via OMS Link.
Please note that registration is required to attend. You can register via the link or the QR code on the flier.
Tonya Moore
Pronouns: She/her/hers (why share pronouns?)
Project Director III, Wellbeing & Belonging
562-922-8629
ABCFT PRESIDENT’S REPORT - Ray Gaer
Consistent and regular communication is a union’s most important tool for advocating for its members at the bargaining table. Every conversation with members is focused on the result of negotiating for the future prosperity and well-being of ALL ABCFT members. This weekly report informs members about issues impacting their working/learning conditions and mental well-being. Our work as a Union is a larger conversation and united, we make the YOUnion.
“And when it helps kids see themselves in a more positive light it’s a gift that keeps giving.” Statistically, this leads to better outcomes for life. - (p122) When You Wonder, You’re Learning by Behr and Rydzewski
For today I wasn’t sure what to write, so I let things just happen naturally by picking up the newest book Superintendent Dr. Zietlow has sent us all (or will), turned to a random page and looked for the first thing that jumped out at me. I love that this quote up above is about the act of making others shine. We do that in our classrooms every day with our students. Don’t you ever wonder why as a society that we’ve moved so far from the idea of being kind to other human beings that it is perceived as a weakness?
I’ve been told, by more then just my therapist, that I have a kind heart. I think this a compliment but often throughout my life people have perceived my willingness to be kind to others as a weakness. What has changed in our societal compact with each other that we think that being kind to others means that you are a doormat or that you should be treated badly. As a kind-hearted kid I was bullied by other students they thought I was a “wimp” because I didn’t act like a jerk to everyone. If you know anything about peer pressure and bullying, you know that the person on the receiving end changes, and my life was no exception. I was a child in a world that didn’t understand the value of kindness. It changed me dramatically. Thankfully, I had many kind teachers who encouraged me….teachers have an incredible impact on the lives of their students.
Ask yourself, do you see students in your classroom who are being treated unkindly? How do we as adults ensure that those students on the receiving end continue to see themselves in a positive light? Statistically, if students are in an environment that protects them, they tend to be more content with themselves, more successful in their academic outcomes, more inclined to be creative, and more likely to exhibit better behaviors in the classroom. Kindness can be a superpower.
This is also true of adults. As employees of ABCUSD, we can see that teachers have a positive self-image overall and that our strengths as educators are valued. I find it to be true that in ABC there is value in the voice of every employee and even though there are times when we don’t think we are being heard, there’s a sense that eventually YOU will be heard, eventually. I actually don’t think that is the case in most districts and if you ask Superintendent Dr. Zietlow she would most likely agree ABC is different. Our Superintendent was kind enough to send us all a book about being kind. It’s pretty damn amazing and brave. I’ve known Dr. Zieltlow for two decades and I’d say she’s a kind person, but I’ll tell you what….nobody becomes a Superintendent without being a strong person with conviction and vision. Don’t mistake her kindness for weakness but take the time to reflect that we are being asked to be kind to each other and to our students so that we can all thrive.
Last week at a CFT conference, I made the point that people have been wrapped up in the negativity of our society, of being attacked as educators, of being attacked for treating students with dignity that many in education almost need permission to feel good about themselves and their profession. This society has made us afraid to be proud of our profession. It’s made us learly to be kind because our current society seems not to value kindness. Well, I say to hell with that.
Thanks for being kind to each other. You have the right to be successful as well as kind.
In YOUnity,
Ray Gaer
President, ABCFT
CALIFORNIA FEDERATION OF TEACHERS
The latest CFT articles and news stories can be found here on the PreK12 news feed on the CFT.org website.
AMERICAN FEDERATION OF TEACHERS
Follow AFT President Randi Weingarten: http://twitter.com/rweingarten
----- NEWS STORY HIGHLIGHT-----
Governor Newsom signs AB 2245 – Permanent employment status for ROCP CTE instructors.
Great news! Last week Governor Newsom signed Assembly Bill 2245 (Carillo), which will help bring parity to Career Technical Education (CTE) instructors employed at Regional Occupational Centers and Programs (ROCPs) operated by a single school district by ensuring they are able to obtain permanent employee status, like other educators in California.
Thanks to the over 400 CFT members who sent letters to Governor Newsom, urging him to sign the bill. Your efforts helped make sure the governor understood why CTE instructors deserved permanent status.
Unfortunately, it was a mixed bag from Governor Newsom on other CFT-sponsored and supported legislation this year. Details here on some of the biggest bills, with a longer legislative report here.
----- SCHOOL SAFETY -----
Rising threats in schools alarm officials
In Riverside, a surge in school threats has raised alarms among law enforcement and safety experts. A 13-year-old boy was detained after an Instagram post showed a firearm and a list of classmates, while a 15-year-old girl was arrested for sharing violent imagery in a group chat. Officer Ryan Railsback noted: “It’s rare when we have even one, but to have four in the first month and a half of school is outrageous.” Theresa Campbell, founder of Safer Schools Together, reported approximately 700 threat arrests nationwide since early September, attributing the increase to various motives, including students seeking attention or attempting to avoid school. Despite no actual violence occurring locally, the threats have significantly impacted school attendance and student well-being. Officials urge parents to monitor their children's social media and maintain open communication to help mitigate these issues.
Press-Telegram Inland Valley Daily Bulletin Redlands Daily Facts
----- NATIONAL NEWS -----
Biden administration's overdose prevention plan gains widespread support
The White House has announced that over 250 companies, universities, labor groups, and organizations have joined a national effort to prevent drug overdose deaths by stocking free doses of naloxone (Narcan), a medication that quickly reverses opioid overdoses. Major corporations like Amazon, the NHL, and United Airlines, along with schools and universities, have committed to making naloxone widely available in workplaces, classrooms, and public spaces. Dr. Rahul Gupta, the Biden administration’s drug czar, expressed gratitude for the wide support commenting: “From airlines to classrooms, we are grateful to have hundreds of voluntary commitments.” Amazon plans to provide naloxone at work sites employing over 500,000 people, and the NHL is encouraging teams to include the medication in their stadiums. The initiative comes as fatal overdoses have seen a sharp decline, dropping 10% in the past year, partly attributed to the increased availability of naloxone. The effort aims to bring the life-saving medication to more homes, schools, and workplaces across the U.S.
----- STATE NEWS -----
State test scores inch up, but still lag pre-Covid numbers
California students made some progress toward regaining their pre-Covid levels of achievement with incremental increases in English language arts, math and science scores last school year, according to state data released Wednesday.
English language arts test scores overall increased slightly, from 46.7% of the state’s students meeting or exceeding proficiency standards in 2023 to 47% in 2024. Math and science scores also edged up incrementally, with 30.7% of students in both subjects meeting or exceeding proficiency standards compared with 30.2% the year before.
Smarter Balanced tests are given to students in third through eighth grades and in 11th grade. They are part of the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP), which also includes the English Language Proficiency Assessment.
Last school year was the third year students returned to school since the Covid pandemic pushed schools into distance learning and caused dramatic declines in test scores after years of progress. In 2019, more than half of California students, 51.7%, met or exceeded state standards in English language arts, and 37.1% met or exceeded state standards in math.
Linda Darling-Hammond, who is president of the State Board of Education and an adviser to Gov. Gavin Newsom, said she found reason for encouragement in the scores. She said that the overall gains were consistent across grades and for Latino and Black students.
https://edsource.org/2024/state-test-scores-inch-up-but-still-lag-pre-covid-numbers/720392
Disability disparities persist in schools
During the pandemic, students with disabilities faced increased punitive discipline and limited access to rigorous coursework, according to a report from the Center for Learning Equity. Jennifer Coco, the center's senior director of strategy and impact, highlighted that these students were “among the most severely affected during the pandemic,” struggling to receive necessary accommodations and therapies. The report revealed that students with disabilities were twice as likely to face suspension and referrals to law enforcement compared to their peers. Furthermore, while charter schools have increased their enrollment of students with disabilities, traditional public schools still serve the majority. The report emphasizes the need for schools to invest in practices that support these students, as they continue to lag in accessing advanced courses and programs. Chase Nordengren, director of research at the center, noted: “Do students with disabilities have equal access to all or any of them? [...] the answer unfortunately is no.”
California schools face challenge as COVID relief deadline passes
California school districts are at risk of returning unspent money to the government now that the September 30 deadline to commit federal COVID-19 relief funds has passed. Despite receiving $13.5bn in pandemic relief through the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Act, many districts have struggled to allocate their funds, with $1.8bn still unspent by late August. Tatia Davenport, chief executive of the California Association of School Business Officials, highlighted the complexity of spending the relief funds due to stringent guidelines and reporting requirements, which particularly impacted districts with smaller administrative staffs. “The guidelines and reporting requirements were complicated, which was a big strain on districts,” Davenport explained. Several districts, including Long Beach USD, still face significant unspent funds, while others like Fresno USD remain unclear about their spending status. Districts like Kings Canyon Unified, however, have successfully invested in infrastructure improvements and avoided layoffs. Kings Canyon Assistant Superintendent Jose Guzman emphasized, “We knew we had to be really smart about how we use this money, because we’ll never see this kind of funding again.” While some districts used relief grants to lower class sizes and expand summer programs, they now face challenges in maintaining these initiatives without federal aid.
----- DISTRICTS -----
San Francisco Board faces shakeup
The San Francisco Board of Education is poised for significant changes as more than half of its seven members may be replaced in the upcoming election. Eleven candidates, including incumbent Board President Matt Alexander, are competing for four open positions amid challenges like school closures and a hiring freeze. Alexander is seeking reelection, while other board members, including Jenny Lam and Mark Sanchez, are stepping down. The board has faced scrutiny, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, and recent controversies have further complicated its reputation. Candidates are addressing pressing issues such as chronic absenteeism and mental health crises among students. “The next four years are going to be critical for SFUSD,” said candidate Parag Gupta, emphasizing the importance of board decisions on the district's future.
Chicago school board chaos continues
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson is facing a backlash after appointing six new members to the Chicago Public Schools (CPS) board following the resignation of all seven board members on October 4. The resignations stemmed from ongoing fiscal disputes between district leadership and the Chicago Teachers Union, which Johnson previously supported. The new appointees include Olga Bautista, Debby Pope, Michilla “Kyla” Blaise, Mary Gardner, Frank Niles Thomas, and the Rev. Mitchell Johnson, with the seventh member still to be announced. Johnson defended his actions, stating: "The city elected me mayor to transform public schools," and emphasized the need for a smooth transition to a partly elected board in January. However, 41 of Chicago's 50 aldermen condemned the shakeup, calling it destabilizing amid ongoing contract negotiations with the Chicago Teachers Union.
LA's $4m school board race could reshape education
Next month's election for LA USD's school board District 3 has become the most consequential race for the nation's largest charter school sector and second-largest public school district. Incumbent Scott Schmerelson, backed by the teachers' union, faces a challenge from Dan Chang, a teacher and charter school advocate, in a race that could tip the board in favor of charter-friendly policies or retain the union’s influence. With over $4m raised or spent, this race has become the most expensive in LA this year. Schmerelson, a former teacher and principal, won 45% of the vote in the primaries, compared to Chang’s 29%, but the runoff could swing either way. Chang, who previously led two charter schools, advocates for expanding charter access and repealing policies limiting charter school operations, saying: “LA Unified needs a new voice.” Schmerelson focuses on supporting traditional public schools while ensuring charters don't strain public school resources.
Santa Clara County superintendent claims illegal termination
Mary Ann Dewan, the Superintendent of Schools in Santa Clara County, is contesting her recent termination by the Board of Education. Her lawyers argue that she is a public official, not an employee, and thus cannot be fired without proper authority. They claimed: “The board had no legal authority or jurisdiction under the Constitution or the Education Code to terminate her.” The board voted 4-2 to oust Dewan for undisclosed reasons, placing her on administrative leave with a severance payment of up to a year’s salary. Dewan's contract, signed in 2018, included a termination clause, but her lawyers maintain that she cannot waive her rights as a public official. Allegations of misappropriation of funds and workplace safety issues have surrounded Dewan, but she has also garnered support from some parents. The situation has sparked protests and raised questions about the board's decision-making process.
Palo Alto Daily Post
L.A. schools seek $9bn bond boost
Los Angeles USD is proposing Measure US, which would provide $9bn in construction bonds aimed at modernizing and repairing aging school facilities. According to Superintendent Alberto Carvalho, the district's needs are significant, with over 60% of school buildings exceeding 50 years in age. The bond would be repaid through property taxes, with an estimated increase of about $111 annually for homeowners. Critics, including Susan Shelley from the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association, argue that this measure could exacerbate financial burdens on residents already facing high living costs. Despite declining enrollment, the district emphasizes the necessity of upgrading facilities to meet current educational standards. The bond proposal is set against the backdrop of a larger $10bn state education bond, which could also impact funding for local schools.
----- TECHNOLOGY -----
California schools embrace AI literacy
California has enacted a new law requiring K-12 schools to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) literacy into their curricula, covering subjects like math, science, and history-social science. This initiative, part of at least 17 AI-related bills signed by Governor Gavin Newsom, aims to address the growing presence of AI in students' lives. According to the bill's author: “AB 2876 responds to the rapid proliferation of AI in nearly every aspect of young people's lives, as well as the impact AI will have on their futures.” This legislation marks a significant step towards preparing students for a future increasingly influenced by AI technology.
The Students Who Are Overlooked by Most AI Tools
Schools need to take a harder look at how the evolution of AI could help or harm students with special needs because use of the technology in K-12 education is expanding faster than many experts predicted, suggests a new report.
“AI & Accessibility in Education"—released Sept. 16 by the Consortium for School Networking, which represents school district tech leaders, and CAST, a group that advocates for universally accessible educational materials—points out that most AI technologies are not developed based on the needs of students with disabilities. That could put those students at a disadvantage academically as the use of AI in education continues to expand, experts say.
“AI is spinning so fast, it’s important to pause and think about specific areas and considerations, like accessibility,” said Christine Fox, the vice president of operations for CAST.
https://www.edweek.org/teaching-learning/the-students-who-are-overlooked-by-most-ai-tools/2024/10
----- WORKFORCE ----
Education Secretary Cardona stresses importance of training more teachers
U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona visited the NeoCity Academy in Kissimmee, central Florida, on Thursday, where he gave a talk stressing the importance of incentivizing more people to go into teaching, especially in high-demand areas like special education. Just days after his department granted the University of Central Florida (UCF) $1.2m to provide masters degrees in special education to current teachers, he said: “We have a shortage of special education teachers. I talk to parents whose children are capable of so much. They're not defined by their disability, but they need additional support to get to their potential. And we don't have enough special education teachers, so we're doing our part." Emphasizing that programs like UCF’s, which allows existing teachers to study for a masters degree and gives them a $3,000 stipend, can help with retention in the teaching profession, and alleviate a state and nationwide teacher shortage, he added: “As a country, we have to do better to support our educators. Lift them up. I call it the ABCs of teaching. Provide agency, better working conditions and competitive salary, and we're committed to doing our part at the federal level."
Passionate teachers at risk of leaving
Younger Black and Latino teachers in Los Angeles USD are facing significant challenges, with a new report revealing that about one-third of Gen Z educators expect to leave the profession. “I feel very confused and sad that I have to consider leaving something that I’m very passionate about,” shared a Latina high school teacher. The report, conducted by GPSN, highlights that 71% of these teachers plan to leave within two years, primarily due to the pursuit of higher-paying jobs and better work-life balance. Factors such as burnout, high living costs, and the need for more supportive workplace environments are contributing to this trend. Jacob Guthrie, the district’s director of recruitment, emphasized the importance of a representative workforce for student outcomes, stating: “The district is committed to providing pathways and support for our Gen Z educators of color.” Addressing these issues is crucial for retaining quality educators and ensuring diversity in the teaching workforce.
----- CLASSROOM -----
Teachers urged to discuss learning differences with students
Teachers often lack the knowledge and training to discuss learning differences like dyslexia and dyscalculia with their students. Holly Lane, director of the University of Florida Literacy Institute, emphasizes that these conversations should not be limited to special education teachers. Many educators feel overwhelmed and unprepared, leading to a disconnect in addressing students' needs. Robin Zikmund, founder of the Idaho chapter of Decoding Dyslexia, highlights the importance of using correct terminology to help students understand their challenges. “By the time you're in 3rd grade, children are reading to learn,” she notes, stressing the need for early intervention. Experts agree that understanding learning differences can empower students to advocate for themselves, especially as they transition to higher education and the workforce. Educators must foster an environment where learning differences are openly discussed to create a supportive classroom culture.
Pandemic widens educational gap for students with disabilities.
During the pandemic, students with disabilities faced increased punitive discipline and limited access to rigorous coursework, according to a report from the Center for Learning Equity. Jennifer Coco, the center's senior director of strategy and impact, highlighted that these students were “among the most severely affected during the pandemic,” struggling to receive necessary accommodations and therapies. The report revealed that students with disabilities were twice as likely to face suspension and referrals to law enforcement compared to their peers. Furthermore, while charter schools have increased their enrollment of students with disabilities, traditional public schools still serve the majority. The report emphasizes the need for schools to invest in practices that support these students, as they continue to lag in accessing advanced courses and programs. Chase Nordengren, director of research at the center, noted: “Do students with disabilities have equal access to all or any of them? [...] the answer unfortunately is no.”
Strengths vs. deficits: The best approach for neurodiverse learners
Education Week explores the contrasting teaching approaches for neurodiverse students, emphasizing the benefits of a strengths-based method over a deficits-based one. Neurodiversity encompasses various learning differences, including autism and dyslexia, which require tailored educational strategies. Emma Cole, a pediatric neuropsychologist, cautions against labeling disabilities as "superpowers," stating, “They require you to do things in a little bit of a non-traditional way.” Experts advocate for a balanced perspective that recognizes both strengths and weaknesses, promoting self-advocacy among students. However, challenges such as large class sizes and insufficient training hinder the implementation of strengths-based teaching. Cole suggests leveraging district resources and modeling strengths-based approaches to better support neurodiverse students.
Immigrant students: A school obligation
In the U.S., hundreds of thousands of students are immigrants, and schools are legally required to enroll them regardless of their legal status. However, many schools fail to meet their obligations, particularly in providing English learners with access to core academic courses. According to Ileana Najarro, a reporter for Education Week, "schools aren't always meeting those obligations." To address these challenges, the advocacy group ImmSchools offers resources and training to help school districts create welcoming environments and support immigrant families. Schools can access these resources by visiting ImmSchools' website for training on best practices and legal responsibilities toward immigrant students.
----- SCHOOL CLOSURE TRENDS -----
How school closures provide an opportunity to create better high schools
Falling enrollments and gloomy economics point to the inevitable: Many school districts in California will close schools over the next decade. So far, they have been mainly elementary and middle schools, but high schools, spared until now, won’t escape, a newly released study by a national research and consulting organization concluded.
Rather than view closures solely as retrenchment and loss, the authors view “this period of fiscal transition” as an opportunity for districts to redesign high schools that are more engaging for students.
“This is sorely needed,” wrote researchers Paul Beach and Carrie Hahnel of Bellwether Education Partners, a national nonprofit research and consulting firm. “Educators, policymakers, and researchers increasingly agree: The structure of high school must change.”
High school students won’t dispute that. Significant proportions of high school students have signaled they feel disconnected from school, the report notes. One-quarter were chronically absent, and only half said they had a caring relationship with a teacher or another adult at school, according to the state’s latest Healthy Kids Survey.
----- LEGAL -----
SCOTUS rejects parents' appeal
The Supreme Court has declined to hear an appeal from parents in Michigan and Virginia who accused Attorney General Merrick Garland of infringing on their free speech rights through a memo addressing threats against school officials. The memo, issued in 2021, aimed to address a "disturbing spike in harassment" but faced a backlash, with some claiming it labeled protesting parents as "domestic terrorists." The parents argued that the memo was a tactic to intimidate them, forcing a choice between exercising their rights and facing federal scrutiny. However, lower courts dismissed the case, stating the memo did not impose new regulations and was focused on understanding threats of violence. The Biden administration supported the dismissal, noting that the parents had not faced any government action.
----- HEALTH & WELLBEING -----
Homeless students face education crisis as pandemic aid expires
During the pandemic, 1.3m students in the U.S. faced homelessness, living in overcrowded spaces, shelters, cars, and other unstable environments. With no access to basic necessities like food, technology, or electricity, many lost the only constant in their lives: school. The pandemic amplified academic challenges for these students, leading to a chronic absenteeism rate of 52%—far higher than the overall 30% for students nationwide by 2021-22. Additionally, homeless students' high school graduation rates fell 18 percentage points below the national average. Despite a brief surge in federal aid through the American Rescue Plan, which allocated $800m for homeless students, that funding will expire soon. The expiration threatens the continuation of vital services, such as Hawaii's navigator positions connecting students to resources and Michigan's support for housing and transportation. Advocates are urging Congress to increase annual funding for the McKinney-Vento Act’s Education for Homeless Children and Youth program from its current $129m to $800m. Such an increase would provide long-term support to millions of homeless students, helping them stabilize their lives, succeed in school, and reduce the future risk of entrenched homelessness.
Marijuana use linked to poor grades
Research led by Li Wang from McMaster University indicates that marijuana use among adolescents is associated with significantly poorer academic outcomes. The study, published in JAMA Pediatrics, analyzed data from 63 studies involving nearly 440,000 youths. Findings suggest that cannabis use correlates with a 39% increase in the likelihood of lower school grades, a 50% reduction in high school diploma attainment, and a more than doubling of school dropout rates. The authors noted: "Effective interventions to prevent early cannabis exposure are urgently needed," especially as marijuana use among U.S. youth continues to rise, with over 3m aged 12 to 17 reported using cannabis in the past year. While the study highlights these associations, it also acknowledges that causation cannot be definitively established.
-----CHARTER SCHOOLS/VOUCHERS -----
Universal school choice: $8bn spent, but only 3% of eligible students participate
In the 2023-24 school year, six states launched universal private school choice programs, allowing all students to participate regardless of income or previous school attendance. Approximately 20m students were eligible, yet only 569,000, or less than 3%, took advantage of these programs. States invested $8bn, averaging over $7,000 per student, compared to $7,700 for public schools. The FutureEd report, published on October 8, highlights that while these programs aim to provide broader access, many participants were already in private schools. Bella DiMarco, a policy analyst for FutureEd, commented: “Even with programs that really don't have any of those caps, it's still not truly universal.” The report calls for clearer goals to evaluate the effectiveness of these programs, as many students do not take standardized tests, complicating performance assessments.
Universal school choice programs see low enrollment in first year
In the 2023-24 school year, six states launched universal private school choice programs, allowing all students to participate regardless of income or previous school attendance. Approximately 20m students were eligible, yet only 569,000, or less than 3%, took advantage of these programs. States invested $8bn, averaging over $7,000 per student, compared to $7,700 for public schools. The FutureEd report, published on October 8, highlights that while these programs aim to provide broader access, many participants were already in private schools. Bella DiMarco, a policy analyst for FutureEd, stated: “Even with programs that really don't have any of those caps, it's still not truly universal.” The report calls for clearer goals to evaluate the effectiveness of these programs, as many students do not take standardized tests, complicating performance assessments.
----- OTHER -----
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The best part? Most of our benefits are guaranteed renewable for life, meaning you can keep them even if you switch districts or retire.
We’re so thankful for the strong partnership we have with ABCFT, and we look forward to continuing to support and serve your incredible educators.
If you’d like to learn more, feel free to reach out anytime:
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