All articles tagged with #k 12 education
U.S. states are missing approximately $6.2 billion in federal education funds due to delays and reviews initiated by the Trump administration, threatening the continuation of vital after-school and summer programs, with potential closures and significant community impacts.
Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers signed a bill requiring K-12 public schools to teach Asian American and Hmong history, acknowledging the significant contributions of these communities to the state. The legislation aims to ensure that students see themselves represented in the curriculum and understand the importance of Asian American stories in the state's history. The move comes as part of a broader effort to recognize and celebrate the diverse cultural heritage of Wisconsin's population, including the state's significant Hmong population.
Hillsdale College, a conservative Christian institution in Michigan, has become a prominent resource for conservatives seeking to reshape K-12 education. The college has set up charter schools in over a dozen states and developed the 1776 Curriculum, which emphasizes American exceptionalism. Hillsdale's deep connections to the conservative movement have made it a trusted brand for policymakers looking to counter what they perceive as a progressive takeover of public education. Critics argue that the college inserts a right-wing worldview into schools, while supporters praise its rejection of "woke orthodoxy." The influence of Hillsdale College in education has sparked protests and controversy, but Republican officeholders remain committed to reshaping the teaching of American history.
The Ohio Senate's version of the two-year budget includes plans for universal vouchers, changes to the school funding formula, and Senate Bill 1, which would change oversight of K-12 education. Senate leaders also plan to incorporate Senate Bill 83 that would make sweeping changes to higher education. The Senate's budget also includes a $1.5 billion income tax cut, a $1 billion one-time fund for local projects, and an August sales tax holiday in 2024 on most tangible items that cost less than $500. The budget needs to be agreed upon by the House and Senate by June 30.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom, Attorney General Rob Bonta, and state Superintendent Tony Thurmond have warned K-12 leaders against restricting what students read and learn about marginalized groups, cautioning that a litany of state laws and constitutional precedent could stand in their way should they shelve books or cut curriculum based on their inclusion of themes related to race and sexual orientation. The admonition builds on recent actions from California Democrats who have recently acted to shield California’s public schools from a slew of restrictions pushed by Republicans like Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on what students learn about race and gender.
Nebraska passed Legislative Bill 298, which requires K-12 schools to report the number of students they serve with dyslexia, adopt written student dress codes and policies for student grooming, and streamline the hiring process for teachers from other states. The bill aims to increase focus on dyslexia, address inconsistencies in dress code enforcement, and help schools hire more teachers to combat the teacher shortage. The state hopes to identify gaps in dyslexia assessment and provide targeted instruction to students in need. The bill also requires the Nebraska Department of Education to develop a model dress code and inclusive grooming policy by December 2024.
Senator Rick Scott has introduced the "School Guardian Act," which would provide one or more full-time, armed officers in every K-12 school across the country, using $80 billion designated for the IRS. The act comes in response to the recent Nashville school shooting and is similar to Scott's efforts as Florida governor after the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting in 2018. While some parents who lost their children in the Parkland shooting support the plan, Democrats, including President Joe Biden, have called for a federal assault weapons ban and increased background checks. It is unlikely to make it out of committee in the Senate led by Democrats.
Governor Stitt has appointed Dr. Katherine Curry as Secretary of Education in Oklahoma. Dr. Curry will oversee 41 boards, agencies, and commissions, including the Governor’s STEM Council, the State Board of Career Technology and Education, and the Statewide Virtual Charter School Board. She has a wealth of experience in education and is committed to making Oklahoma a Top Ten state in education. State Superintendent Ryan Walters is excited to have Dr. Curry on the team and is committed to improving K-12 education for all students.
The Albuquerque Public School board has approved next year's academic calendar, adding nearly a week to the school year to comply with a new state law requiring K-12 schools to have 1,140 hours of classroom time. The school year will start on August 3, 2023, and end on May 21, 2024, with shorter summer and fall breaks and longer winter and spring breaks. The change eliminates early release on Wednesdays for elementary and middle school students, which had sparked opposition from parents and teachers.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has signed House Bill 1, which eliminates financial eligibility restrictions and the current enrollment cap, expanding school choice options for all students in the state. The bill prioritizes awards to students with household incomes that do not exceed 185 percent of the federal poverty level and increases the annual scholarship adjustment for the Family Empowerment Scholarship for Students with Unique Abilities. The legislation also requires the Office of K-12 School Choice to develop an online portal for parents to choose the best educational options for their student and removes red tape and bureaucracy from the teaching profession.