CHEERS:
“There are the conventional steps educators in the District of Columbia have taken to boost students’ math achievement—increasing rigor, providing extra supports and undertaking deep data analysis. And then there are the outside-the-box methods. Math field trips. Collaborations among public, charter and private schools. Unapologetic funding increases. Quick pivots when interventions don’t work.” —Kara Arundel, K–12 Dive
—
“The National Labor Relations Board found that a 2024 state law means that Lycee Francais teachers and their union no longer fall under its jurisdiction. The decision could impact all charter schools in New Orleans and across the state.” —Safura Syed, Verite News
JEERS:
“That government unions use their monopoly to hold taxpayers hostage isn’t news. But in California, the teachers union is taking political extortion to a whole new level with a coordinated campaign threatening strikes across the state.” —The Editorial Board, The Wall Street Journal
—
Veteran teachers report disturbing increases in student misbehavior, including among very young children. Despite consensus that the problems are widespread, teachers and school leaders diverge when it comes to solutions, with some focusing on affirmation and restorative practices instead of giving teachers control over their own classrooms. “I’m just one person,” a first-grade teacher tells Jackie Mader. “My real purpose is to teach them content… I’m not trained in psychology. I’m not trained in social work.” —Hechinger Report
Relatedly, in a recent survey, a large share of kindergarten teachers report that today’s young students—babies during the pandemic—are behind in literacy and less socially and emotionally ready for school. Nick Gaehde calls for “a new literacy ecosystem” that prioritizes family and home engagement. —The 74
Editor's note: This was first published on Mike Petrilli's Substack, SCHOOLED, a twice-weekly free Substack and email newsletter restarting the education-reform conversation.
-
Sharp analysis of the week’s biggest K–12 debates
-
Curated commentary from across the ed-policy world
-
Lively discussion—including reader reactions and pushback
