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Public Education

All articles tagged with #public education

Texas Education Agency warns districts could face state takeover over student walkouts
state-government22 days ago

Texas Education Agency warns districts could face state takeover over student walkouts

The Texas Education Agency issued guidance warning that districts could be taken over by the state, lose funding, or face other penalties if they facilitate student walkouts or “inappropriate political activism,” a response to Gov. Greg Abbott’s directive to have Education Commissioner Mike Morath investigate AISD protests. The guidance lists consequences such as unexcused absences, educator investigations, and potential replacement of elected school boards, as walkouts and related actions spanned multiple districts and drew political pressure from state leaders.

Newsom Proposes Centralizing Control of California Education Department
education1 month ago

Newsom Proposes Centralizing Control of California Education Department

Governor Newsom proposes a major overhaul of California's education governance system to improve support, accountability, and policy alignment from early childhood through college by consolidating oversight and strengthening the role of the State Superintendent of Public Instruction, addressing long-standing fragmentation and inefficiencies in the system.

Mamdani Selects Kamar Samuels as NYC Schools Chancellor
education1 month ago

Mamdani Selects Kamar Samuels as NYC Schools Chancellor

Zohran Mamdani is set to appoint Kamar Samuels as New York City's new schools chancellor, praising his leadership in Manhattan's District 3 and his efforts in school mergers and racial integration. Samuels, a former Brooklyn superintendent and Bronx elementary teacher, will oversee the nation's largest public school system, facing challenges like teacher recruitment, smaller class sizes, and potential governance reforms.

Supreme Court Rulings on LGBTQ+ Education Spark Controversy
jurisprudence8 months ago

Supreme Court Rulings on LGBTQ+ Education Spark Controversy

The Supreme Court, in a 6-3 decision authored by Justice Samuel Alito, ruled that parents have a constitutional right to prevent their children from viewing LGBTQ+ related books in schools, a decision criticized as homophobic and harmful to LGBTQ+ equality and inclusive education. The ruling effectively allows parents to veto educational content they oppose on religious grounds, leading to the removal of such books from classrooms and sending a stigmatizing message to LGBTQ+ children. Critics argue this decision undermines public education principles and promotes discrimination.

Vaccine RCT Spreadsheet Clarifies Data and Debunks Myths
health8 months ago

Vaccine RCT Spreadsheet Clarifies Data and Debunks Myths

A Stanford infectious disease specialist has created a comprehensive spreadsheet of over 270 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on vaccines to dispel myths, demonstrate that most childhood vaccines have been tested in placebo-controlled trials, and emphasize the extensive safety data available, aiming to improve public trust and transparency in vaccine safety and efficacy.

Voter Resistance Halts School Voucher Expansion Plans
politics1 year ago

Voter Resistance Halts School Voucher Expansion Plans

Republican efforts to expand school voucher programs, which direct public funds to private education, face significant voter resistance despite legislative pushes in states like Texas, Tennessee, and North Carolina. While some states have overridden vetoes or reintroduced bills to support these initiatives, recent referendums in states like Kentucky and Colorado have shown strong public opposition. Teacher unions are actively campaigning against these measures, arguing they undermine public school funding, while proponents argue for increased educational choice.

Texas Schools to Implement Controversial Bible-Based Curriculum
education1 year ago

Texas Schools to Implement Controversial Bible-Based Curriculum

Texas has approved a Bible-infused curriculum for elementary schools, offering additional funding to districts that adopt it. The curriculum, which emphasizes Christianity, has raised concerns about alienating students of different faiths and potential First Amendment violations. KHOU 11 News contacted several Houston-area school districts to gauge their plans regarding the curriculum. Klein ISD and Cy-Fair ISD have not adopted it, while Katy ISD is reviewing it. Other districts have not yet responded.

"Maximizing Your Experience: Safely Enjoying the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse"
astronomy1 year ago

"Maximizing Your Experience: Safely Enjoying the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse"

Astronomy clubs across the United States are gearing up for the upcoming total solar eclipse on April 8, with a focus on public education and safety. Members of various clubs are busy giving lectures, distributing eclipse glasses, and providing information on how to safely view the eclipse. Some are concerned about traffic congestion and crowds, while others are making efforts to bring the eclipse message to the public. Enthusiasts are keeping an eye on the weather and staying mobile to increase their chances of catching the eclipse.

"AG Ken Paxton Sues Denton ISD Over Alleged Illegal Electioneering"
legal-education2 years ago

"AG Ken Paxton Sues Denton ISD Over Alleged Illegal Electioneering"

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has sued the Denton Independent School District, alleging that two elementary school principals violated state law by using district emails to encourage staff to vote against opponents of school vouchers in the primary election. Paxton claims the defendants violated state law concerning inappropriate use of government resources for electioneering and is seeking legal orders to restrain the district and its employees from engaging in political activity using public resources or emails. The district has stated it will train all trustees and administrators to ensure compliance with election laws.

Iowa Residents React to Governor Reynolds' AEA Reform Proposal
education-reform2 years ago

Iowa Residents React to Governor Reynolds' AEA Reform Proposal

Iowans are divided over Governor Kim Reynolds' proposed AEA reform bill, with supporters arguing for increased oversight and flexibility to address low test scores for students with special needs, while opponents fear a complete overhaul of a system that has been working for 50 years. The bill has passed out of its subcommittee in the Senate but has not advanced in the House, with lawmakers expressing the need for more discussion before making a decision.