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
Philadelphia teachers are expressing deep concern over a proposed $225m budget cut that could significantly impact the city's public school system. The plan, which has received preliminary approval from the Board of Education, aims to eliminate 220 substitute positions and 340 school-based roles, including special education aides and climate staff. Superintendent Tony Watlington emphasized the need to address a $300m budget deficit while maintaining essential services. However, many educators fear that these cuts will diminish support for students, particularly those with disabilities. “They're taking away all the care from outside the classroom and putting more problems in the classroom,” said a middle school teacher. Mayor Cherelle Parker has proposed a $1 tax on rideshare services to help mitigate these cuts, but its future remains uncertain. Arthur Steinberg, president of the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers, warned that any reduction in services would hinder student learning and growth.
Full Issue
Education Slice
California
As discussions around cellphone use in classrooms intensify, a new focus emerges on surveillance cameras in special education settings. States like Florida, Iowa, Maryland, South Carolina, and Tennessee are proposing legislation to install cameras in self-contained special education classrooms, aiming to enhance accountability and curb harmful practices. Lindsay Kubatzky, director of policy and advocacy at the National Center for Learning Disabilities, noted: “There’s usually an impetus for why these pieces of legislation are being introduced.” While many parents support the initiative, concerns about privacy and the potential alienation of students with special needs persist. Jacquelie Rodriguez, CEO of the National Center for Learning Disabilities, emphasized the need for better teacher training rather than relying on cameras, stating: “I think it’s the ability for someone to check a box and say they did something about it.” The debate continues as states navigate the balance between safety and privacy in education.
Full Issue
Education Slice
Texas
Houston-area school districts are experiencing a significant decline in kindergarten enrollment, particularly in regions with numerous charter schools, according to a new report from Rice University. The study highlights that while the Houston population has grown by 2.3m since 2005, the number of births has stagnated, rising only from 91,000 to 96,500. "This type of data is imperative for districts but can be cost-prohibitive for districts already struggling with tight budgets," said Courtney Thrash, a researcher at Rice University's Houston Education Research Consortium. The report indicates that districts with more charter campuses are enrolling fewer students, leading to potential budget cuts and staff downsizing. Suburban districts like Lamar CISD are seeing growth, contrasting with urban districts like Houston ISD, which reported a 4.5% enrollment loss for the 2025-26 school year.
Full Issue
Education Slice
Florida
As discussions around cellphone use in classrooms intensify, a new focus emerges on surveillance cameras in special education settings. States like Florida, Iowa, Maryland, South Carolina, and Tennessee are proposing legislation to install cameras in self-contained special education classrooms, aiming to enhance accountability and curb harmful practices. Lindsay Kubatzky, director of policy and advocacy at the National Center for Learning Disabilities, noted: “There’s usually an impetus for why these pieces of legislation are being introduced.” While many parents support the initiative, concerns about privacy and the potential alienation of students with special needs persist. Jacquelie Rodriguez, CEO of the National Center for Learning Disabilities, emphasized the need for better teacher training rather than relying on cameras, stating: “I think it’s the ability for someone to check a box and say they did something about it.” The debate continues as states navigate the balance between safety and privacy in education.
Full Issue