You’re all signed up for the Education Slice
Thank you for your interest in our service.
Watch out for a confirmation email from our subscriptions team. Once you have confirmed you will join the community of over 35,000 subscribers who are receiving daily Education intelligence to lead, innovate and grow.
Note: Due to the nature of this message you may find this in your "promotions" or "spam" folders, please check there. If nothing arrives within a few minutes let us know. If you do not receive this email we will be happy to help get you set up.
Adding the email address news@industryslice..com, will help to ensure all newsletters arrive directly to your inbox.
Recent Editions
Education Slice
National
Democratic lawmakers have intensified calls to impeach Education Secretary Linda McMahon, and are seeking an inspector general investigation into her restructuring of the Department of Education. During her 18 months as secretary, McMahon has cut more than 40% of the department’s staff, closed regional divisions, and transferred core responsibilities to other federal agencies through interagency agreements as she pursues President Donald Trump’s mandate to return greater education authority to the states. Critics, including Sens. Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD) and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), argue that the changes have harmed students, federal employees, and public education, while McMahon and the administration maintain that the restructuring is lawful, reduces federal bureaucracy, and is intended to improve student outcomes. Three former education secretaries and the American Federation of Government Employees are also seeking an investigation into the costs of the staff reductions, including subsequent hiring to replace or reinstate some workers.
Full Issue
Education Slice
California
At Balboa High in San Francisco, parents are expressing concerns over the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in classrooms, particularly an AI-powered literacy program from Amira Learning. Nearly 1,000 parents and teachers have signed a petition urging the district to limit screen time and AI tools, stating, “Our request is not to eliminate supportive technology, but to ensure it is used intentionally.” This movement reflects a broader national backlash against technology in education, with calls for restrictions on mobile devices and generative AI. Parents like Lisa Swan have voiced their worries about the lack of communication regarding AI tools, emphasizing the need for transparency. Amira Learning's CEO, Mark Angel, defended the program, clarifying that it is not generative AI but rather a supportive tool designed to enhance reading skills.
Full Issue
Education Slice
Texas
Mike Morath, Texas Education Commissioner, set a goal a decade ago to make Texas No. 1 in education, emphasizing the importance of improving outcomes for Black and Hispanic students. Despite some progress, such as a rise in fourth-grade math scores, Texas remains in the bottom third nationally. Morath said: “Everywhere that I have had direct governance oversight for student learning, student learning has increased.” However, challenges persist, with fewer than half of Black and Hispanic students meeting grade-level expectations in reading. Critics argue that Morath's leadership style and policies have led to diminished local autonomy and trust among educators. David Anderson, an education consultant, noted, “the level of trust and confidence in the Texas Education Agency (TEA) and the commissioner is probably the lowest that I have seen in my 53-year career.” Morath remains committed to improving education for Texas' 5.5m students, asserting: “I feel the weight of this.”
Full Issue
Education Slice
Florida
The State Board of Education has mandated that public school districts and charter schools revise their internet safety policies to incorporate specific guidelines regarding artificial intelligence (AI) by July 1. Education Commissioner Henry Mack emphasized a balanced approach, stating: “We are neither going to one extreme, i.e. banning AI, nor are we going to the other extreme, which is just unfettered access.” The new policies aim to protect students and parents from unsafe AI applications while enhancing educational outcomes. Schools must inform parents about approved AI tools, allowing them to object and suggest alternatives. Governor Ron DeSantis remarked: “Florida will not outsource childhood to a chatbot,” reinforcing the importance of teacher and parental roles in education. Additionally, the board has established similar guidelines for state colleges, promoting faculty autonomy in AI tool usage while ensuring educational quality and safety.
Full Issue