The Education Policy Hotlist: Your Must-Know Updates About U.S. Schools This Week
How states are leading boldly, new measures of school quality, and AI implemented in the classroom
Welcome back to the Education Policy Hotlist!
Another week, another set of significant education policy shifts deserve your attention. From a new approach to measuring school quality to state leaders stepping up in the face of federal rollbacks, here’s what’s shaping the education landscape this week.
📌 The Future of School Accountability: A New Way to Measure Quality
New research from the Fordham Institute proposes GPA-based growth as a supplement to traditional test-based accountability. The study finds that tracking GPA improvements over time provides a clearer picture of school effectiveness and doesn’t disadvantage schools serving historically marginalized students disproportionately. Could this be a game-changer for measuring K-8 schools, or is GPA still too connected to subjective grades?
📌 States Must Lead as Federal Oversight Declines
With federal protections for equity and civil rights in education at risk, state leaders are stepping up. A coalition of 16 state attorneys general, including Oregon’s, issued new guidance reaffirming the legality of DEI efforts despite federal rollbacks. Meanwhile, Virginia is tackling the ‘honesty gap’ by increasing transparency in student achievement reporting.
📖 Read about the state-led push for DEI
📖 Virginia’s honesty gap strategy
📌 Ohio Moves to Strengthen Academic Interventions
Ohio’s SB 19 would require schools to develop monitoring plans and use evidence-based interventions for students struggling in math and English language arts. As states grapple with post-pandemic learning recovery, policies like these are gaining traction—but are they enough?
📖 Get the latest on SB 19
📌 AI in Education: The Promise & The Caution
Khan Academy’s Kristen DiCerbo weighs in on AI’s role in education, urging thoughtful integration rather than overreliance. AI can enhance personalized learning, but its impact will vary widely without clear guidelines. What does this mean for your district?
📌 The Debate Over Cellphone Bans in Schools
Several states are banning cell phones in classrooms to improve focus and reduce anxiety. But is this the right move? Critics warn that bans alone won’t fix deeper engagement and mental health challenges. Schools need a broader strategy that includes relationship-building and digital literacy.
📖 Read about state cellphone policies
📖 Education Commission’s policy review
📌 Event Spotlight: Education Policy & Research Webinars
Don’t miss these upcoming events for education leaders:
📅 A Messy Budgeting Season is Here: What Does it Mean for Schools (Thursday, February 27th, 10 AM PT) 📖 Register here
📅 Navigating Education Policy in 2025: Key Trends, Challenges, and Opportunities from Governors’ State Addresses (Wednesday, March 19th, 12 PT) 📖 Sign up here
🔍 One More Thing: The Data Shift We Should All Be Watching
An interactive analysis of 9,500 school districts reveals that staffing levels rise while student enrollment declines. This tool is a must-use for education leaders looking at budget and policy decisions.
📖 Explore the interactive tool
As always, we’ll be watching these developments closely.
What’s on your mind? Comment and tell us how these policies play out in your schools and communities.
About Dr. Christine Toribio Pitts
Christine is an education policy leader, advocate, and interim President of Open School Inc., where she works to advance evidence-based strategies that improve outcomes for students and families in Oregon. With a background in teaching, research, and advocacy, she is committed to ensuring education policy and practice is driven by research, not rhetoric.
📩 Stay connected: Christine on Linkedin | The Education Policy Hotlist on Linkedin