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Recent Editions
Education Slice
National
A new report from Just Equations argues that systemic barriers continue to limit Black students’ access to high-quality mathematics, with Black students representing 15% of U.S. public school enrollment but only 6% of those taking AP math courses during the 2021-22 school year. The report says unequal access to Algebra I in middle school, Algebra II, calculus, and other advanced courses restricts college and career opportunities, contributing to Black workers accounting for 9% of the STEM workforce despite making up 12% of the overall workforce. The organization is calling for reforms that expand access to advanced math, redesign high school math pathways, invest in culturally responsive instruction, and remove admissions practices that reinforce inequities, arguing that improving math opportunities would strengthen both educational outcomes and workforce diversity.
Full Issue
Education Slice
California
Marc Joffe, a visiting fellow at California Policy Center, warns that Los Angeles USD is heading toward a serious financial crisis after county officials issued a “Lack of Going Concern” designation. District projections show operating cash falling $231m below zero by November 2027, potentially threatening payroll. Joffe argues the crisis was preventable, citing deficit spending, costly labour agreements, declining enrolment and staffing levels that have not adjusted sufficiently. Although LAUSD’s budget and per-pupil spending have risen sharply, student outcomes remain weak. He calls for school consolidations, deeper reductions in non-teaching staff and changes to salary schedules that reward longevity. Without structural reforms, Joffe says temporary budget fixes may only delay outside intervention and fail to restore long-term stability.
Full Issue
Education Slice
Texas
The U.S. Department of Education has announced a significant change in its approach to discrimination, stating it will no longer consider policies that disproportionately affect certain student groups as discriminatory unless intentional. This decision rescinds longstanding provisions under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination based on race or national origin. Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Kimberly Richey said: “With these changes, schools will be empowered to address classroom issues without fearing the federal government will weaponize antidiscrimination laws.” However, civil rights advocates, including Michael Pillera from the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, argue that this move undermines protections for students of color, warning it may lead to continued discriminatory practices. Hamida Labi from the NAACP Legal Defense Fund emphasized that discrimination remains prevalent, stating, “The schoolhouse doors in 2026 don't have signs on it that say, ‘whites only,’ but discrimination is still very prevalent.”
Full Issue
Education Slice
Florida
According to a new study published in JAMA Network Open, the percentage of U.S. high school seniors reporting firearm carriage has significantly declined over the past three decades. The research analyzed data from nearly 65,000 12th-grade students from the Monitoring the Future survey between 1994 and 2023. While the average rate of seniors carrying a gun to school dropped to 2.2%, the study found no significant decline among non-Hispanic Black students. The authors said: "Broader violence prevention efforts are needed alongside school-based policies." The findings highlight that carrying firearms to school increases the risk of firearm-related injuries, especially in crowded environments. The researchers suggest that pediatric primary care and emergency departments could help identify at-risk youth by discussing firearm access and exposure to violence. However, limitations in the survey may lead to an undercount of firearm carriage among students who are absent or have dropped out.
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