April 2020 marked the first month with no shootings on school grounds in nearly two decades. It also marked the first full month in which students throughout the country remained home as schools and businesses closed their doors due to the rapid spread of COVID-19. […]
Author: Alisha Kirby
Inclusion and support beneficial for LGBTQ youth, report finds
LGBTQ youth continue to face higher rates of bullying, harassment and mental health challenges, but new research suggests that all students reap the benefits when schools demonstrate to their LGBT+ pupils that they are safe and welcome. The report, “Growing Up LGBT+,” released June 14 […]
Students with disabilities can benefit from expanded learning opportunities
Recent research related to summer learning loss among students with disabilities was discussed in a June 8 webinar, “Supporting COVID-19 Recovery for Students with Disabilities: Research Findings, Policy Recommendations, and Lessons from the Ground,” hosted by NWEA, The Alliance for Excellent Education, Future Ready Schools […]
Supporting LGBTQ youth extends beyond Pride Month
In a classroom combining first- and second-graders in San Diego, California, a child began the pre-pandemic school year with short hair, sporting jeans and T-shirts similar to all the boys in class. Over the course of the year, the child grew their hair long and […]
Experts cite the need, potential pitfalls of federal broadband infrastructure plan
President Joe Biden’s recently proposed $2 trillion infrastructure plan makes significant investments in schools and students, including $100 billion to help expand broadband access in communities nationwide. The investment is a good start toward ensuring all students have internet access that will allow them to […]
States tackle student mental health needs through common policies
Mental health challenges among students have been deeply exacerbated by the pandemic, and many state and local policymakers have acknowledged a need to implement strong mental health services to better support children. Thus far in 2021, more than 200 bills in state legislatures that address […]
Combating anti-Asian hate through board action
Historically, Asian Pacific American Heritage month has been met with lesson plans highlighting the accomplishments of AAPI individuals, preparing dishes from different AAPI cultures or reading books and viewing art showcasing the experience or talents of different people of AAPI descent, past and present. This […]
Federal committee reviews special education challenges and next steps
A May 6 convening of the House Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education Subcommittee provided experts the opportunity to explain several steps Congress can take to help schools meet the needs of students with disabilities moving forward. The barriers to quality education for students with […]
State Board Report: Growth model, other long-term projects receive final approval
The State Board of Education’s virtual May 12–13 meeting overlapped with Gov. Gavin Newsom’s announcement that he was proposing $93.7 billion in Proposition 98 funding for 2021–22, with increases in spending on early learning, wraparound services, community schools, nutrition programs and extended learning opportunities in […]
National civics education framework aims to engage a diverse student population
Educating for American Democracy recently launched “The Roadmap to Educating for American Democracy,” a cross-ideological framework developed by a large coalition of experts to enhance K-12 civics and history education to reflect the country’s diverse student population. Funded with $1.1 million from the National Endowment […]










