You’re all signed up for the Education Slice
Thank you for your interest in our service.
Watch out for a confirmation email from our subscriptions team. Once you have confirmed you will join the community of over 35,000 subscribers who are receiving daily Education intelligence to lead, innovate and grow.
Note: Due to the nature of this message you may find this in your "promotions" or "spam" folders, please check there. If nothing arrives within a few minutes let us know. If you do not receive this email we will be happy to help get you set up.
Adding the email address news@industryslice..com, will help to ensure all newsletters arrive directly to your inbox.
Recent Editions
Education Slice
National
The abrupt termination of federal grants for school mental health services has left many initiatives in jeopardy. Ian Levy, an assistant professor of school counseling at Rutgers University, expressed disappointment, commenting: "The grant funding would have ended in five years, but the work of the grant would have lived well beyond the period." The U.S. Department of Education terminated these grants, citing inconsistencies with the new administration's priorities. This decision affects 174 initiatives aimed at increasing the availability of mental health professionals in schools, which are crucial given the ongoing mental health crisis exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The funding cuts have prompted appeals and legal challenges from affected organizations, but few have been successful. As a result, many school districts may struggle to retain newly hired counselors, further impacting student mental health services.
Full Issue
Education Slice
California
As West Contra Costa County educators prepare to strike, district leadership expresses concern for students while supporting staff. The United Teachers of Richmond announced that picket lines will form outside all campuses, with 98% of its 1,400 members voting in favor of the strike due to contract disputes. President Francisco Ortiz said, “Striking is the last resort — we want to teach. But we know this truth: The status quo is failing our students.” Despite the strike, Superintendent Cheryl Cotton stated that schools will remain open, and substitute teacher pay will increase to attract temporary staff. The union seeks a 10% raise over two years, while the district's latest offer includes a 3% raise and a plan to increase health care contributions. Trustee Demetrio Gonzalez-Hoy expressed disappointment in the negotiations, emphasizing the need for better conditions for students and educators.
Full Issue
Education Slice
Texas
Austin ISD (AISD) is considering legal action against Waymo after its autonomous vehicles were recorded illegally passing stopped school buses 19 times this school year. Cameras on AISD buses captured these violations, which occurred while the buses had their stop-arms extended and lights flashing. "Improving road safety is our top priority at Waymo," the company stated, noting that it has implemented software updates to enhance safety. Despite these measures, AISD has issued about 7,000 school bus traffic safety violations this year, including 19 attributed to Waymo. The district has requested that Waymo cease operations during peak school hours and is exploring all legal remedies to address the issue.
Full Issue
Education Slice
Florida
Florida's expansion of vouchers for private schools is straining public school budgets. In 2023, the Republican-led Legislature removed income requirements for family empowerment scholarships and Florida tax credit scholarships, leading to a significant increase in state funding redirected to private education. According to Norín Dollard, senior policy analyst at Florida Policy Institute, “These voucher expenditures have grown so exponentially.” The Florida Education Association's president, Andrew Spar, expressed concern, stating: “Our public schools are struggling to make ends meet.” With 24% of state aid in Orange County now going to vouchers, teachers report larger class sizes and cuts to programs. The voucher program, funded by the Florida Education Financial Plan, is projected to direct $3.8bn in public school funds toward vouchers this school year, compared to $1.4bn in 2022.
Full Issue