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A nationally-representative survey released Thursday by the U.S. Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics found that 74% of public schools said they had a difficult time filling one or more vacant teaching positions before beginning the 2024-25 school year. The School Pulse Panel survey of 1,392 schools found that a “lack of qualified candidates” and “too few candidates” applying for open positions remained the most common challenges public schools said they faced in filling vacant positions. The trickiest positions to fill were in general elementary teaching, special education, and English language arts. Last year’s data showed improving sentiment among public schools about their staffing levels. Less than half, or 45%, said they felt their school was understaffed — down from 53% feeling understaffed entering the 2022-23 academic year. 

 

K-12 Dive

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According to a recent report by the To&Through Project and The University of Chicago’s Consortium on School Research, Chicago Public Schools achieved an impressive graduation rate of 85% for the class of 2023, marking an all-time high. The report highlights that college enrollment rates are rebounding post-COVID-19, with steady college completion rates. However, it emphasizes the need for continued efforts to ensure students not only enroll in higher education but also complete their degrees. The Post-Secondary Attainment Index projects that 31% of ninth graders starting in the 2023-34 school year will earn a degree by age 25, a slight increase from the previous year. The report also calls attention to disparities among various demographics, including race, gender, and students with disabilities.

 

Chalkbeat

Philadelphia public schools have introduced a new English language arts curriculum focused on the science of reading, but teachers are expressing mixed feelings about its implementation. Many educators, like Shelly McKeown, a second-grade teacher, have raised concerns about the lack of provided materials, stating, “You have to make tons of copies and cut things out yourself.” Despite these challenges, some teachers report improved student engagement and literacy skills. The curriculum, part of a $70m instructional overhaul, aims to address poor reading proficiency rates, with only 34% of students in grades 3-8 scoring proficient last year. However, teachers like Aly Boyd emphasize the need for better alignment and support, noting, “Overall it’s not cohesive.” The district has offered professional development sessions, but many educators feel overwhelmed by the curriculum's demands.

 

Chalkbeat

On November 5, Detroit residents will vote on Proposal S, which seeks to increase the millage rate for the Detroit Public Schools. This proposal is critical for the Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD) as it aims to expedite debt repayment for the separate Detroit Public Schools entity. Currently, the millage rate stands at 16.6 mills, below the statewide standard of 18 mills. If approved, the increase could generate approximately $9.6m in its first year. Superintendent Nikolai Vitti emphasized that once the debt is cleared, the revenue could be utilized for "teacher salaries, facility improvements, and operational costs." The shift of funds back to DPSCD could occur as early as 2032, contingent on various economic factors.

 

Chalkbeat

According to a report published Thursday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), teen smoking has reached an all-time low in the U.S., with a 20% decrease in tobacco use among middle and high school students. The number of students using tobacco products dropped from 2.8m to 2.25m, marking the lowest level since the CDC began tracking in 1999. Deirdre Lawrence Kittner, director of CDC's Office on Smoking and Health, said: “Reaching a 25-year low for youth tobacco product use is an extraordinary milestone for public health.” The decline is largely attributed to reduced vaping rates, which fell to under 6%. Other tobacco products, including hookahs, also saw decreased usage. The survey included nearly 30,000 students, revealing that while overall tobacco use among high school students dropped to 10%, there was no significant change among middle school students.

 

The Baltimore Sun

David Nurenberg, a high school English teacher and lecturer at Northeastern University's Graduate School of Education, is facing challenges in his teaching career due to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. He notes that "20% of students reported using an AI chatbot to prepare the entirety of a paper," which complicates traditional assessment methods. To adapt, Nurenberg plans to emphasize the writing process over the final product, focusing on students' reflections and drafts rather than just completed essays. He aims to foster critical thinking and discussion in the classroom, believing that "the English classroom may now be the only place where many students can get practice in real-time social interaction." By shifting the focus from rote skills to deeper engagement with literature and discussion, he hopes to prepare students for navigating a complex world.

 

Education Week News

The Chicago Board of Education has postponed its Agenda Review Committee meeting, which is crucial for public input before the board's regular monthly meeting on October 24. The new date for the rescheduled meeting has not been announced, raising concerns about transparency and public participation. Angel Gutierrez, a school board candidate, expressed worries about being "blind-sided" by the new board's decisions, especially amid ongoing tensions regarding CEO Pedro Martinez's position and financial issues facing the district. Carlos Rivas, another candidate, criticized the mayor's control over the board, stating: "The role of the board is a vision based on what the community desires." The lack of a meeting could hinder discussions on critical policy and funding decisions.

 

Chicago Tribune

Lynchburg City Schools (LCS) has made a significant leap towards sustainability by acquiring 25 electric school buses, funded by $9.875m from the Environmental Protection Agency's Clean School Bus Program. LCS Director of Transportation Hope Watts said: “These buses will help move us into a greener, more sustainable future,” emphasizing their role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The transition to electric vehicles (EVs) is expected to save the division $125,000 to $150,000 annually on fuel costs. With 40% of the fleet now electric, LCS is positioned as a leader in sustainable transportation in Virginia. The new buses not only provide environmental benefits but also enhance the riding experience with modern amenities and reduced noise levels. LCS Deputy Superintendent Reid Wodicka noted the financial returns, saying: “These new buses will allow us to save funds that can be allocated toward teaching and instruction.” The initiative marks a crucial step in LCS's commitment to sustainability and improving air quality for students and the community.

 

School Bus Fleet

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has issued a recall for various prepared foods, including salads and burritos, due to potential listeria contamination linked to BrucePac's processing plant in Durant, Oklahoma. The recall affects products sold at major retailers like Costco, Trader Joe's, Target, Walmart, and Kroger, with items produced between May 31 and October 8. Although no illnesses have been reported, officials warn that listeria can cause serious health issues, particularly for vulnerable populations. Consumers are advised to check for establishment numbers “51205 or P-51205” and dispose of or return affected products for refunds.

 

The Columbian

According to the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, 70% of Washington's children now have access to free school meals. However, Superintendent Chris Reykdal has requested an additional $17.6m for the 2025-2027 budget cycle due to underestimations in student participation. The increase in funding needs is also linked to changes in federal reimbursement rates and a rise in low-income students, which now stands at 50.1%, up from 46.8% in the 2019-2020 school year. Reykdal said: “As we all battle rising inflation and our budgets getting tighter, these programs provide much needed financial relief to families statewide.” The program has expanded significantly, with 1,523 schools expected to serve free meals in the 2024-2025 school year, up from 1,269 the previous year. State Rep. Marcus Riccelli has been instrumental in this initiative, which aims to ensure that no child goes hungry at school.

 

The Columbian

China Annual Conference and Expo for International Education is due to begin on October 31 in Beijing. The theme of this year's conference, which runs through to November 2, is "Education for All, the Unknown and the Future", according to China Education Association of International Exchange, which is organizing the event. More than 4,500 education experts and representatives from over 60 countries and regions are expected to attend, with 40 themed forums, discussing heated topics such as applying artificial intelligence in education, and vocational education overseas. Additionally, 13 reports and studies related to international education will be unveiled during the conference, such as the report on international cooperation in running education programs, aiming to provide innovative pathways for advancing high-quality education. Keynote speakers include Nadia Paredes, president of the American Art Therapy Association, and Japanese documentary filmmaker Ryo Takeuchi.

 

China Daily

Yan Carlos Mejia, an English as a New Language teacher at Castle Hill Middle School in the Bronx, recently traveled to Peru through a Fund for Teachers fellowship. Mejia, who immigrated from the Dominican Republic, aims to connect with his multilingual students by incorporating relatable stories into his lessons. He said: “How can you relate to or understand a character or story if you have no prior knowledge?” This summer, he visited several Latin American countries to gather culturally relevant teaching materials. With over 16% of New York City students being English Language Learners, Mejia emphasizes the importance of recognizing their existing knowledge. He believes that teachers should provide access to grade-level content while students acquire English skills. Mejia's innovative approach includes using visuals from his travels to engage students and foster a supportive classroom environment.

 

Chalkbeat