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Recent Editions
Education Slice
National
The role of technology in schools is facing significant scrutiny, as highlighted in Education Week's “Technology Counts” report. The pandemic accelerated tech adoption, with many districts implementing 1-to-1 computing programs, supported by federal stimulus funds. However, a recent survey by the EdWeek Research Center revealed that a majority of teachers and administrators believe parents feel students spend too much time on technology. Despite these concerns, most districts have not reduced their tech investments. Richard Culatta, chief executive of ISTE+ASCD, emphasized the importance of context in evaluating tech use, commenting: "A lot of schools handed out devices far faster than they were preparing their teachers [to teach with them]." He cautioned against discarding effective technology applications due to a lack of preparation for educators. The ongoing "techlash" is a key theme at the ISTE + ASCD conference in Orlando, Florida.
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Education Slice
California
California's education system is on the brink of significant change, with lawmakers advancing legislation to transition the role of the State Superintendent of Public Instruction into the executive branch. Sponsored by Democrats David Alvarez and Darshana Patel, the bill proposes the creation of a new director of education who will report directly to Gov. Gavin Newsom starting in 2027. Alvarez emphasized the need for reform, stating: “For nearly a century, reports have called for fixing California's fragmented and inefficient governance system.” The bill also expands the state Board of Education from 11 to 13 members. Despite opposition from education unions, the legislation received strong support from Democrats, with only a few Republicans voting against it. Superintendent Tony Thurmond, who has expressed disagreement with the governor's plan, did not comment following the vote. The bill now awaits Newsom's approval.
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Education Slice
Texas
Since late 2023, at least 135 public schools in Texas have closed or been approved for closure due to budget crises stemming from state funding shortfalls, according to Our Schools Our Democracy. Carrie Griffith, the executive director of the organization, stated: “It’s not specific to urban or rural areas... It’s a statewide trend.” The number of closures has more than doubled from 2024 to 2025, with 50 schools facing closure. The North Texas region has seen the highest number of closures, with 45 schools affected. Griffith noted that declining student attendance, charter school expansions, and the new private school voucher program are contributing factors. Despite a recent $8.5bn funding package, many districts still face deficits, as most of the funds were earmarked for specific items rather than addressing local needs. Kelly Rasti from the Texas Association of School Boards emphasized that the funding did not meet the diverse needs of districts, leading to continued closures.
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Education Slice
Florida
Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed Florida's new state budget, which totals $117.6bn after $1.6bn in line-item vetoes. DeSantis emphasized that this budget marks the fourth consecutive year of reduced spending, stating: "The budget that I'll sign today... will represent the fourth straight year in Florida that we've actually reduced our state budget." The budget allocates funds for public schools, teacher salaries, healthcare, and environmental projects, with K-12 funding increasing from less than $22bn to about $30bn during his tenure. Additionally, over $9bn has been invested in Everglades restoration. The signing event at Hillsborough College highlighted local campus improvements linked to a proposed Tampa Bay Rays stadium district, with DeSantis noting: "No one's going to benefit more than Hillsborough College." However, the budget process faced political tensions, particularly regarding local projects tied to lawmakers' support.
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