NewsFeed

April 24, 2025

NEA, AFT Block DEI Funding Cuts Nationwide

The National Education Association and the American Federation of Teachers have won stays on threats to school funds over diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs in several states, including California, Florida, and Texas. The groups challenged laws that would have diverted funding from these programs, which aim to address racial disparities in education.

https://news.bloomberglaw.com/esg/union-wins-stay-of-threat-to-school-funding-over-dei-programs

April 24, 2025

NYC Taps Local Schools for Teacher Talent Pipeline

The New York City Education Department is exploring "grow your own" programs to expand the teacher pipeline, inspired by successful models like Brooklyn International. This effort aims to address the city's historic challenge in hiring teachers.

https://www.chalkbeat.org/detroit/2025/04/24/afterschool-programs-face-grim-future-but-michigan-invests-50-million/

April 24, 2025

Parents Warned to Monitor Kids' Online Activity Closely

A school official is urging parents to monitor their child's online activity, including photos and social media, after a potential incident involving harmful or inappropriate materials. The official's statement emphasizes the importance of open conversations between families and children about how to respond in such situations.

https://www.nbcconnecticut.com/news/local/hamden-school-employee-placed-on-leave-students-find-inappropriate-images-online/3550219/

April 24, 2025

San Diego Unified Expands Community Schools Initiative

San Diego Unified is expanding its community schools initiative, adding 10 new schools for the 2025-26 academic year. The expansion aims to provide more students with access to education and support services. The new schools will be located in various neighborhoods across San Diego, including Chula Vista, National City, and Imperial Beach. This move is part of a broader effort to address educational disparities and improve student outcomes for underserved communities.

https://www.cbs8.com/video/news/local/10-new-san-diego-unified-school-district-community-schools/509-498b1b90-591d-474a-b4c6-d944dae1fd34

April 24, 2025

Schachter Pushes for National School Safety Database

School safety expert Schachter emphasizes the need for a national database to provide parents with detailed information about their children's school environments, citing the importance of transparency in ensuring student safety.

https://www.scrippsnews.com/politics/guns/father-of-parkland-shooting-victim-believes-every-school-should-have-threat-assessments

April 24, 2025

SchoolAI Platform Empowers Teacher-Led Learning Experiences

SchoolAI is developing an AI platform that prioritizes teacher trust, student safety, and learning outcomes. The company's design focuses on supporting instruction rather than replacing it, with features such as FERPA and COPPA compliance, SOC 2 certification, and real-time insights through customizable dashboards. This platform aims to provide accessible accommodations for all students and offers flexible professional development training aligned with district needs and instructional goals. SchoolAI is committed to partnering with districts and education organizations to support AI literacy and readiness efforts, providing a trusted partnership approach to implementing AI in schools.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2025/04/25/tmt-newswire/globenewswire/schoolai-responds-to-national-ai-education-initiative-with-free-ai-readiness-program-and-trusted-support/2099022

April 24, 2025

Trump Administration Targets Academic Freedom with New Rule

The US Department of Education has issued a directive requiring states to sign a certification form, which critics argue is vague and unconstitutional, limiting academic freedom and leaving schools uncertain about their compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. President Donald Trump's education secretary, Linda McMahon, warned that non-compliant states risk funding cuts, while Randi Weingarten, president of the AFT, described the requirement as a "grave attack" on students, educators and knowledge itself.

https://apnews.com/article/trump-public-schools-diversity-equality-inclusion-dei-7d7ad707d91565753263a19ebde044e0

April 24, 2025

US Ed Sec Warns States Over Certification Form

US Education Secretary Janet McMahon warned states that refusing to sign a new certification form could result in funding cuts, stating that the form aims to prevent discrimination in schools. The April directive requires states to collect and sign the form on behalf of local school districts, adding language on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) that threatens penalties for discriminatory practices.

https://whyy.org/articles/judge-blocks-donald-trump-dei-executive-order-schools-k-12/

April 24, 2025

US Orders Civil Rights Law Review in 45 Days

The US government has ordered the Attorney General and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) to assess all pending investigations and civil suits related to federal civil rights laws within 45 days. This includes Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which focuses on disparate-impact liability. The directive also requires other federal agencies to conduct similar assessments within specified timeframes. Additionally, the Attorney General and EEOC are tasked with providing guidance and technical assistance to employers on promoting equal access to employment for applicants without a college education.

https://natlawreview.com/article/new-executive-order-targets-workplace-discrimination-law-major-shift-away-disparate