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Recent Editions
Education Slice
National
A growing debate over student screen time risks conflating two very different issues: personal smartphone use and school-issued learning devices, according to education technology advocate Janice Mertes. While many states are adopting policies to restrict cellphones in classrooms, Mertes argues that district leaders should distinguish between personal devices, which can be a source of distraction, and school-managed laptops and tablets that support instruction. She notes that school-issued devices operate within regulated digital environments that include content filtering, privacy protections, and educational software designed for learning. Rather than abandoning one-to-one device programs, districts are encouraged to focus on intentional instructional design, classroom management tools, and clear communication about how technology supports student achievement. Mertes contends that properly managed educational technology remains essential for developing digital skills, collaboration, and future workforce readiness.
Full Issue
Education Slice
California
California is experiencing extreme heat, with temperatures hitting 100 degrees in March. The lack of HVAC systems in thousands of schools poses a significant risk to student safety and learning. Modern HVAC systems not only cool classrooms but also filter out harmful pollutants and reduce disease spread. The California Schools Healthy Air, Plumbing, and Efficiency Program (CalSHAPE) aims to fund necessary upgrades, particularly in underserved communities. However, nearly $200m in CalSHAPE funds may be returned to utilities if not spent soon. Leah Stokes, an associate professor at UC Santa Barbara, emphasized the urgency, stating: “Our members and our students are very literally dying for this money.” The program's future hangs in the balance, and action is needed to ensure schools receive the funding they require for safe learning environments.
Full Issue
Education Slice
Texas
In Texas, the Disciplinary Alternative Education Programs (DAEPs) have become a controversial aspect of school discipline, particularly following the passage of House Bill 6. This legislation has made it easier for schools to assign students to DAEPs for minor infractions, such as distributing protest flyers, as seen in the case of Jordan Comfort, who faced a six-week placement for his actions. Critics, including Paige Duggins-Clay, chief legal analyst of the Intercultural Development Research Association, argue that these programs resemble the criminal justice system, disproportionately affecting Black and Latino students. “It’s jail-like,” she said. With over 100,000 students attending DAEPs annually, concerns about their effectiveness and the long-term impact on students' education and mental health are growing.
Full Issue
Education Slice
Florida
Gov. Ron DeSantis has proposed a tax exemption for homestead properties, which would exempt $150,000 from property taxes starting January 1, 2027, pending legislative approval and voter support. Andrew Spar, President of the Florida Education Association, expressed concerns, stating: "The stakes for public education are enormous," as local funding constitutes about 46% of the Florida Education Finance Program. The exemption could increase to $250,000 by 2028, but Spar warned that phasing out homestead property taxes could strip local communities of vital revenue, jeopardizing public schools already facing underfunding and staff shortages. He emphasized that the proposal may not provide the relief families need and could worsen the quality of life in their communities. DeSantis has been advocating for property tax elimination for over a year, but his focus has now shifted solely to homestead properties.
Full Issue