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Recent Editions
Education Slice
National
Immigrant students who enter U.S. high schools as older newcomers face significant barriers as schools seek to develop their English-language and academic skills within a limited timeframe, according to research from Brown University’s Annenberg Institute. The Massachusetts-focused study found wide variations in how districts place and support newcomers, while students can also face limited access to career and technical education, shortages of bilingual programs, delays in evaluating foreign transcripts, and graduation requirements that may be difficult to meet. Some districts have introduced flexible schedules to help students balance school and employment, but newcomer graduation rates continue to lag behind their peers, and some students who graduate do not attain high levels of English proficiency. Researchers and educators have also reported enrollment and attendance declines amid concerns over changes to federal immigration enforcement policies.
Full Issue
Education Slice
California
California lawmakers passed Senate Bill 577, a compromise intended to preserve survivors’ ability to sue public institutions over childhood sexual assault while easing some financial pressure on schools and local governments. The measure rejects damage caps but raises the evidentiary standard for certain survivors over 40 and older cases involving destroyed records, requiring “clear and convincing” evidence and proof that an institution had actual knowledge of abuse. Public agencies must also adopt prevention plans by 2028, while attorneys bringing claims in bad faith could face $25,000 fines. Sen. John Laird said the legislation shows lawmakers “have strived to maintain balance.” Survivor advocates remain divided, with some praising the compromise and others warning the tougher evidence standard could prevent older survivors from obtaining justice.
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Education Slice
Texas
Texas officials have highlighted academic improvements in Houston and Shepherd ISDs, but researchers caution that state takeovers yield mixed results. Lily McClure, a parent advocate, expressed concern over potential state intervention in Austin ISD, stating: “We asked for help, and they're giving us a takeover.” Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath supports takeovers, claiming they enhance school quality. However, Melissa Arnold Lyon, an assistant professor at the University at Albany, noted that while some takeovers succeed: “On average, state takeover has not increased academic performance and has exacerbated educational inequality.” The Texas Education Agency (TEA) has intervened in several districts, with varying outcomes. For instance, Houston ISD saw improvements but also faced challenges like teacher turnover and enrollment loss.
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Education Slice
Florida
Florida school districts are grappling with declining enrollment, prompting discussions about school closures and consolidations. The Pinellas County district has already closed two campuses, with more expected soon. Miami-Dade County is considering 27 schools for potential changes. Researchers Francis Pearman of Stanford University and Michael Chrzan of the University of Maryland, in their report published by the Annenberg Institute at Brown University, argue that closures based on low enrollment or performance often fail to achieve financial goals and can exacerbate educational disparities. Pearman said: “In a turbulent era where difficult choices are increasingly unavoidable, we argue that the methods used to make these choices must be interrogated.” They emphasize the need for a framework that balances financial responsibility with equitable treatment for all students.
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