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
Most U.S. states increased or maintained education funding in 2023, but more than 10 reduced the share allocated to high-poverty districts, reversing a decade-long trend toward more equitable funding, according to a new analysis from the Education Law Center. While per-pupil spending generally rose after adjusting for inflation, the distribution of funds has become less progressive, with only 17 states providing significantly more funding to low-income districts, down from a peak of 28 in 2022. Some states, like Connecticut, now allocate less funding to poorer districts, highlighting widening disparities. The findings underscore a growing gap between overall funding levels and equitable distribution, as rising costs and economic pressures continue to strain school systems, particularly in lower-income communities. “In order to be fair, school funding must be both adequate and equitable,” said Danielle Farrie, Education Law Center research director. “So this means that states provide an overall level of funding that’s sufficient to provide all students with the resources that they need to meet state standards, and that the funding should be distributed so that students in poverty receive more.”
Full Issue
Education Slice
California
The California Department of Education has filed a lawsuit against Oakland USD, alleging it failed to address multiple complaints of antisemitism on its campuses. The lawsuit, initiated in early March, follows complaints from Jewish advocacy groups regarding pro-Palestinian materials and curricula. The department seeks a court order to compel the district to implement corrective actions outlined in a January 23 decision, which included condemning antisemitism and consulting Jewish organizations for training. District officials have requested additional time to comply with these directives. Additionally, two Jewish advocacy groups have sued the state, claiming it has allowed antisemitic harassment to persist in California public schools.
Full Issue
Education Slice
Texas
Texas parents now have an additional two weeks to apply for the state's new school voucher program, following a federal judge's decision to extend the deadline to March 31. U.S. District Judge Alfred Bennett expressed concern over the lack of approved Islamic schools, calling it "troubling." Several Islamic schools are suing Comptroller Kelly Hancock, alleging discrimination against their religion in the $1bn program. Eric Hudson, an attorney for the plaintiffs, emphasized the importance of ensuring that the application process does not disadvantage parents. The Council on American-Islamic Relations' Texas chapter welcomed the extension, stating: "All families, regardless of their faith, deserve equal access to educational opportunities supported by public programs." Over 200,000 Texas families have applied for the vouchers, which provide financial assistance for private and religious education.
Full Issue
Education Slice
Florida
Florida has enacted a new law, HB 851, mandating that all 67 school districts provide at least one annual autism-specific professional learning opportunity for instructional personnel and school-based administrators. This legislation, carried by freshman Rep. Rob Long, aims to enhance the education of students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) by focusing on evidence-based strategies. Long explained: "For families navigating autism, the quality of teacher preparation can make an enormous difference in a child’s experience at school." The law reflects a growing trend to expand support for students with autism, differing from other states that typically target specialized educators. Alongside this, Long has supported additional measures to improve firefighter benefits and address harmful chemicals in the environment.
Full Issue