The Education Policy Hotlist
Top News in US Education Policy for the Week of June 20th
THE WEEKS AHEAD
On Wednesday, June 22, 2022 (10:00 AM EST), the Senate HELP Committee is holding a hearing on “Supporting Students and Schools: Promising Practices to Get Back on Track.” Tune in to hear from Dan Goldhaber, Charlene Russell-Tucker, Kurt Russell, and North Carolina parent Erin Wall. The live stream is here.
On Thursday, June 23, 2022 (2:00 PM EST), Burbio is hosting a webinar to describe their new district-budget data service. Register here.
On Wednesday, June 29, 2022 (1:00 PM EST), KnowledgeWorks and ECS will discuss legislative policy trends on personalized and competency-based learning. Register here.
FEDERAL EDUCATION POLICY
The US Department of Education is launching the National Parents and Families Engagement Council, consisting of parents, family members, caregivers, and national advocates [USED].
Wong and Flanagan outline former presidents' roles in taking executive action to advance education platforms at the federal level [Brookings].
Twenty senators agreed to a bipartisan gun safety proposal that includes funding for mental health services in schools and early identification, intervention, and wrap-around services to support youth mental health [Politico].
A new paper models two federal funding options for early education childhood services for ages 0 to 4 [Brookings]
STATE EDUCATION POLICY
A new study shows that state policies respond to statewide partisanship over local voter preferences [NBER].
The Arizona House considers private school voucher programs as part of a state school funding revamp [AP].
Bellwether released a new analysis that analyzes state policies for juvenile justice education. The report provides strategic recommendations and decision points for state leaders that focus on accountability, governance, and finance [Bellwether].
Seven states have updated the proportion of ESSER III reimbursements completed for districts [Burbio].
A new report suggests that some states focus on cohesion and quality to influence local curriculum choices [EdWeek].
TEACHER WORKFORCE
Alabama is considering accepting below passing PRAXIS scores for upcoming teachers [AL].
A new RAND survey reveals that 59% of teachers and 48% of principals say they are burned out, compared to 44% of typical workers and teachers of color were more likely than White teachers to report experiencing symptoms of depression [RAND].
STUDENT WELL-BEING
New Jersey legislators are drafting a bill to expand free breakfast and lunch as pandemic federal funding disappears [NJ].
Service programs provide one strategy for re-engaging pandemic high school graduates with increasing anxiety [Brookings].
Denver Public Schools expands summer programs and uses a cascading communication strategy to reach students most in need [Chalkbeat].
New research indicates that talking about drinking at age 17 predicted being diagnosed with alcohol use disorder by age 27 [ASU News].
“We think the digital social media world could create an even bigger peer influence than conversations with a friend. Social media is very public — with its likes and views — but also private that is available all the time, day and night.”
INNOVATION AND NEW MODELS
A new NC bill proposes using virtual learning to implement instruction on snow days, with no expiration date [NC].
Knowledge works released a framework for state leaders to consider when designing for assessment and accountability innovation [Knowledgeworks].
STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT
NWEA and the University of Virginia released a study on COVID-19 learning and recovery from the 2020-21 school year [NWEA].
Emily Oster interviews Zearn CEO Shalinee Sharma about the state and future of math learning [Oster].
Tennesee’s student body scores at similar proficiency rates compared to pre-pandemic times [Chalkbeat].
ICYMI
Lisa Chu and I write about how districts struggle to expand and improve their summer programming, including fewer districts offering academic interventions. Read more about the analysis here in The 74.
Dr. Christine M. T. Pitts serves as Director of Impact and Communications at the Center on Reinventing Public Education, overseeing policy leadership and external affairs. A former teacher and administrator, she previously led research and evaluation for Portland Public Scho as a former teacher and administratorols. She also served as Policy Advisor at NWEA, where she oversaw state and federal policy to advance equity and innovation in educational assessment. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram @cmtpitts.