The Education Policy Hotlist
Top news in U.S. education policy for the week of January 8th
Welcome back to the Education Policy Hotlist and cheers to a new year!
I hope that you had a restful holiday break. We took the children to the coast to celebrate Christmas and our 14th anniversary. Our trip included endless beach walks, hiking sand dunes, and I taught the kiddos how to prepare and devour all kinds of seafood.
I am hopeful for all of the changes that will come from the regenerative energy that I am feeling around society and education. So far this year, I’ve heard from colleagues and friends that many of us are emerging from our pandemic funks with more clarity about our purpose and how we best serve students first. That’s not nothing.
The Hotlist stayed steady and strong in 2023. I heard from many of you that the newsletter continues to be one of the few that you read from top-to-bottom and that our dissemination results in more eyes on your powerful work. This feedback, as well as your notes for improvement, are true gifts.
With that in mind, I’d love your help improving the newsletter. Please take 2 minutes and complete this anonymous survey.
Mark Your Calendars
Are you seeking the latest and most relevant education research and policy events? Whether you prefer to attend them virtually or in person, you can find various options on FutureEd’s events page. FutureEd is a think tank at Georgetown University’s McCourt School of Public Policy that aims to advance excellence, equity, and efficiency in education.
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from experts, network with peers, and stay updated on the most pressing issues in education. Visit FutureEd’s events page today and register for the events that interest you.
Assessment and Accountability
Building an education-to-workforce data framework
A white paper by Governing and Workday presents a framework for creating a comprehensive and integrated data system that connects education and workforce data. The framework consists of four components: data governance, data quality, data security, and data analytics. The paper also provides some best practices and examples of how states and organizations are implementing the framework. The paper highlights the benefits of linking education and workforce data for informing policy and practice.
Federal recommendations to support data access
A resource by the Data Quality Campaign provides a set of recommendations for federal policymakers to ensure that education data are accessible, useful, and secure. The recommendations include expanding data literacy and capacity, promoting data governance and privacy, supporting data interoperability and integration, and investing in data infrastructure and innovation. The resource emphasizes the role of federal government in enabling state and local data use for improving student outcomes
Parents need timely and actionable data on student progress
Most state data on student achievement and growth are released too late for parents to use them effectively. An analysis finds that only 11 states release data within three months of testing, and only four states provide parents with individual student reports that include actionable information. The analysis calls for states to improve their data systems and communication strategies to empower parents with timely and meaningful data.
Read ED’s latest updates to guidance regarding the Innovative Assessment Demonstration Authority (IADA) program.
Disaggregated data and radical transparency are critical for pandemic recovery
A new Mathematica blog, that I contributed, discusses the need for more granular and transparent data on how schools are responding to the COVID-19 pandemic and its effects on student learning. The post argues that disaggregated data can help identify and address opportunity and achievement gaps, and that radical transparency can foster trust and accountability among stakeholders. The post also shares some examples and resources for collecting and reporting disaggregated data.
The accountability challenge in the post-pandemic era
Chester Finn explores the dilemmas and opportunities of accountability and assessment in education after COVID-19. Hist new article reviews the history and evolution of accountability policies, such as No Child Left Behind and Every Student Succeeds Act, and their impacts and limitations. The article also proposes some principles and strategies for improving accountability and assessment, such as balancing federal and state roles, using multiple measures of student success, and empowering parents and educators.
Family and Community Engagement
The rise of grandfamilies and the need for policy support
An article by Brookings examines the trend of more children living with their grandparents, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. The article analyzes the benefits and challenges of grandfamilies, such as providing stability and care, but also facing poverty and health risks. The article calls for more policy attention and resources to support grandfamilies, such as expanding tax credits, child care subsidies, and kinship navigator programs.
Rhode Island reviews its early childhood governance system
A report by the Rhode Island Children’s Cabinet presents the findings and recommendations of a comprehensive analysis of the state’s early childhood governance system. The report identifies the strengths and weaknesses of the current system, such as having a strong vision and leadership, but also facing fragmentation and inefficiency. The report proposes three options for improving the system, such as creating a new agency, consolidating existing agencies, or enhancing coordination and alignment.
NJ schools have a new mandate: teach kids about grief
New Jersey has become the first state to require schools to teach students about coping with grief and loss. The new law, which takes effect in the 2024-25 school year, mandates that schools provide age-appropriate instruction on grief, trauma, and resilience in grades K-12. The law also encourages schools to partner with community organizations and experts to provide support and resources. The law responds to the increased need for mental health and social-emotional learning in schools, especially after the pandemic.
More than a dozen states skip federal food aid program for kids
Fifteen states have opted out of a federal program that provides extra food benefits to low-income families with children who missed free or reduced-price meals at school due to the pandemic. The story explains the reasons and consequences of the states’ decisions, such as administrative burdens, budget constraints, and increased food insecurity. The story also cites some experts and advocates who criticize the states for failing to meet the needs of hungry children and families.
Teacher Quality
NJ teacher evaluation bill advances, remote instruction regulation
A new teacher evaluation bill has advanced through the New Jersey state legislature. The bill would reduce the frequency of teacher evaluations to once every two or three years. Another bill making its way through the legislature would also allow districts to use remote instruction as an option for teacher professional development. The story indicates that the bill reflects the changing landscape and challenges of teaching and learning amid the pandemic.
Alabama training helps new teachers stay in the classroom
An Alabama teacher residency program aims to improve teacher retention and effectiveness. The program, called Alabama Teacher Residency, provides intensive mentoring and coaching for new teachers who work in high-need schools. The program also offers financial incentives and professional development opportunities for the participants. The story showcases the positive impact of the program on teacher satisfaction and student achievement.
Learn more about the evidence-backed value of teacher residency, especially the undeniable positive influence that financial supports have on future teachers.
Pennsylvania offers stipends to student teachers
The Pennsylvania Department of Education announced a new program that will provide up to $15,000 in stipends to student teachers who work in high-need areas or subjects. The program aims to address the state’s teacher shortage, which has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and low teacher salaries. The stipends will be funded by federal relief money and will benefit about 1,000 student teachers. This initiative could help attract and retain more teachers in Pennsylvania, especially in rural and urban districts that struggle to fill vacancies.
Literacy
Texas struggles with literacy amid pandemic and politics
A new article explores the history and challenges of literacy education in Texas, where only 34% of fourth-graders are proficient in reading. The report examines the state’s efforts to adopt the science of reading, the impact of COVID-19 on student learning, and the controversy over critical race theory. The report highlights the need for more investment and innovation in literacy instruction and assessment.
Learning societies offer a new model for rural education
Education Next describes the rise of learning societies, which are community-based learning models focused on personalized and project-based learning opportunities for students. The article focuses on a case study of a learning society in rural Idaho, where students can pursue their interests and passions, develop skills and competencies, and earn credits and credentials. The article suggests that learning societies can offer a promising alternative to traditional schooling, especially in rural areas where resources and options are limited.
Former Mississippi schools chief aims to improve literacy in Maryland
The 74 Million profiles Carey Wright, the former state superintendent of education in Mississippi, who is now leading a literacy initiative in Maryland. Wright is credited with overseeing Mississippi’s remarkable improvement in reading scores, which surpassed the national average in 2019. Wright plans to replicate some of the strategies that worked in Mississippi, such as providing high-quality curriculum and training, implementing universal screening and intervention, and engaging families and communities. The story underscores the importance of leadership and collaboration in advancing literacy outcomes.
Learn more about literacy in Maryland. Explore the non-profit: Maryland Reads.
Charter Schools
Public school enrollment trends report
A report by the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools examines the changes in public school enrollment between 2019 and 2023, based on data from 44 states and the District of Columbia. The report finds that overall public school enrollment declined by 2.6%, while charter school enrollment increased by 7.1%. The report also analyzes the enrollment trends by grade level, race/ethnicity, and urbanicity. The report suggests that charter schools are attracting more families who are seeking more options and flexibility in education.
New analysis finds charter school sector still has room to grow
A new piece by Petrili in the74 pushes education leaders to reconsider the potential demand and supply of charter schools in the U.S. Mike bases his discussion on a new analysis by the Thomas B. Fordham Institute that uses a variety of data sources and methods to project the number of students who would attend charter schools if they were available and accessible. The thought piece concludes that there is still a significant gap between the current and potential charter school enrollment, especially in low-income and urban areas. The article implies that charter schools have an opportunity to expand their reach and impact.
ICYMI
Education Commission of the States welcomes Jose Munoz as new president
Education Commission of the States (ECS) announces the appointment of Jose Munoz as the new president of the organization. Munoz is a former teacher, principal, and district leader, who most recently served as the executive director of the Coalition for Community Schools. Munoz will lead ECS in its mission to provide nonpartisan research, policy analysis, and technical assistance to state education leaders. The press release expresses the excitement and confidence of the ECS board and staff in Munoz’s leadership and vision.
Eduwonk 2024 in and out list
Eduwonk’s 2024 in-n-out list arrived! Check out the “impressionistic” take on what we can leave behind and take up in the new year. The list covers topics such as curriculum, technology, funding, politics, and culture and reflects the changing dynamics and challenges of education in the post-pandemic era.
Dr. Christine Pitts is an executive leader advancing evidence-based public policy for social impact. Follow her on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates.