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Recent Editions
Education Slice
National
Support for all-day school phone bans is growing, with 48% of American adults now in favor, and more than two-thirds of U.S. states requiring districts to restrict phone use. A nationwide study of nearly 5,000 schools from the Pew Research Center, using lockable Yondr pouches, found that personal phone use in class fell sharply, from 61% of students to 13%. The benefits, however, have taken time to emerge. Schools typically experienced disruption during the first year of a ban, but by the second year, disciplinary problems declined, and students reported improved well-being. Despite these gains, schools with bans in place for three years showed almost no improvement in test scores or students’ self-reported attention, and there was little evidence of an effect on attendance, chronic absenteeism, or online bullying. Researchers suggest students may simply redirect their attention to friends, daydreaming, or online content on school laptops. The findings indicate that phone bans can successfully reduce classroom phone use and may improve behavior and well-being, but expectations that they will significantly boost academic performance have not yet been borne out.
Full Issue
Education Slice
California
Support for all-day school phone bans is growing, with 48% of American adults now in favor, and more than two-thirds of U.S. states requiring districts to restrict phone use. A nationwide study of nearly 5,000 schools from the Pew Research Center, using lockable Yondr pouches, found that personal phone use in class fell sharply, from 61% of students to 13%. The benefits, however, have taken time to emerge. Schools typically experienced disruption during the first year of a ban, but by the second year, disciplinary problems declined, and students reported improved well-being. Despite these gains, schools with bans in place for three years showed almost no improvement in test scores or students’ self-reported attention, and there was little evidence of an effect on attendance, chronic absenteeism, or online bullying. Researchers suggest students may simply redirect their attention to friends, daydreaming, or online content on school laptops. The findings indicate that phone bans can successfully reduce classroom phone use and may improve behavior and well-being, but expectations that they will significantly boost academic performance have not yet been borne out.
Full Issue
Education Slice
Texas
Dallas-area education leaders have emphasized the importance of Black students seeing themselves represented in their classrooms, curricula, and communities as policy changes reshape K-12 and higher education in Texas. During a “State of Black Dallas” panel, participants discussed the state’s new school voucher program, revisions to social studies standards, a required reading list criticized for lacking diversity, and the removal of books by Black authors from some school libraries. Panelists also raised concerns about reductions in African American studies and related programs at universities amid budget pressures and changes to diversity initiatives. They argued that representation should extend beyond curriculum to education leadership and policymaking, while emphasizing the importance of parents, relatives, neighbors, and other community members providing students with strong support networks. The speakers said these relationships can help students translate their abilities into academic achievement as the education landscape continues to change.
Full Issue
Education Slice
Florida
As the new school year begins, Florida's public schools are grappling with a significant staffing crisis. Over 3,000 instructional vacancies and more than 2,300 support staff positions remain unfilled, exacerbating an ongoing funding crisis that disrupts student learning. Andrew Spar, president of the Florida Education Association, emphasized the need for accountability, stating: "If even one child walks into a school this year without their full complement of teachers, that's one child too many." Years of underfunding have led to a 12.4% decline in average teacher salaries, pushing many educators out of the profession. The state diverts $5 bn in taxpayer funds to an unaccountable voucher program, further straining public school resources. Advocates are calling for an immediate increase of at least $1,000 per student in funding to address these challenges and ensure every child receives a high-quality education.
Full Issue