In a sampling of 12 districts, fewer than 10% of students had received tutoring services during the fall semester of 2023. School officials in Indianapolis, for example, say a focus on quality made immediate scaling difficult and that they plan to enroll a higher number of students in tutoring programs moving forward. According to the Council of Chief State School Officers, at least sixteen states have established their own tutoring programs using a collective $470 million in federal COVID aid. Despite the challenge of reaching students, states like , , and continue to announce new tutoring initiatives and investments.

In other funding news, the Education Department granted extensions to the amount of time that at least seven states and D.C. have to spend down the first tranche of COVID-19 school relief funds received during the height of the pandemic. Originally required to be spent by the end of January 2023, . The states include, in addition to D.C., Illinois, Indiana, North Carolina, Mississippi, Ohio, Texas and Wisconsin. A smaller handful of states additionally received extensions to spend down Governor’s Emergency Education Relief dollars. 

Looking beyond issues of COVID relief funding, below are updates from nine other states about how school systems are confronting the challenges posed by COVID-19 and its variants — and working to preserve student progress amid the pandemic:

MISSOURI — New Testing Data Show K-12 Student Performance Dropped Dramatically

Missouri is reporting that to levels that would typically, had a pandemic not taken place, see school systems lose accreditation. State education leaders say they will “not downgrade” any school districts based on the data, but are focused on driving resources and improvements to help schools and students recover academically. 

MARYLAND — Schools to Receive Added $600 Million as Blueprint Funds Flow to Districts

School districts across Maryland are preparing for double-digit increases in K-12 education spending as a historic statewide investment called the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future drives over $600 million in additional funding to budgets next school year alone. The Blueprint, a statewide law heralded as one of the most transformative education plans ever approved, aims to infuse nearly $4 billion in added school funding over its ten years of implementation, increase teachers’ salaries to a base of $60,000, and prop up universal preschool programs.

OREGON — Lawmakers Weigh Kotek Plan for More State Authority Over School Districts

Gov. Tina Kotek has proposed a bill that would create a sizable shift in oversight for public schools. Citing limited action the Oregon Department of Education is allowed to take when schools are out of compliance, SB 1045 would create . Gov. Kotek’s education advisor, Melissa Goff, “portrayed the bill as a balance between providing support and tightening accountability, with an emphasis on the latter,” writes Rob Manning in coverage for OPB. The proposal has been met with criticism among some Oregon education leaders, organizations and other stakeholders, who claim the bill is solely focused on compliance without sufficient emphasis on support.

INDIANA — How Literacy and the ‘Science of Reading’ Get a Big Lift from Bus Drivers at One School

One Indianapolis school’s is drawing attention to both the need for schools to be flexible and innovative amidst sharp staffing challenges, as well as the growing pressure educators at all levels feel to zero in on the “science of reading” to address long standing concerns in literacy achievement. Statewide, Indiana lawmakers are now considering stronger action to ensure early educators are teaching reading in an evidence-based way via Senate Bill 402, which, if passed, would ban the use of the critiqued instructional method called three-cueing and would require schools to adopt reading curriculum aligned to the science of reading. 

ALABAMA – Teachers Could Get $1,000 for Classroom Supplies

Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey is proposing to this year, delivering on a promise made by state superintendent Eric Mackey in 2018, when the average supplies stipend was just $422. State officials have raised the amount dedicated to teachers for supplies every year since then.

COLORADO — Denver’s Reforms Led to Huge Academic Growth, Study Finds. But Will They Last?

A new study is raising up over a decade of education reform and innovation in Denver Public Schools that, according to researchers at the University of Colorado Denver, has “led to some of the most significant learning gains ever measured.” Between 2008 and 2019, the district went from one of the ten lowest performing systems in Colorado to between the 60-65th percentile in math and ELA. Officials say the substantial gains in academic achievement were a testament of a suite of reforms — from flexible governing models and growth of charter schools to the closure of the lowest-performing schools and an innovative school ratings system. “The evidence we have is that students benefited from these reforms,” says Parker Baxter, the study’s lead author. 

PENNSYLVANIA — Gov. Shapiro Touts Tax Incentive for New Teachers as a Way to Ease Shortage

To bolster Pennsylvania’s teacher recruitment and retention efforts amid a slowdown in the issuance of teacher certifications, Gov. Josh Shapiro proposed . The financial incentive is one of three solutions to remedy issues like teacher retention and recruitment, infrastructure, and student mental health brought on by the pandemic. In addition to the tax incentive, Gov. Shapiro has proposed an increased 2023-2024 education budget. “I believe in Pennsylvania every person, especially our children, should have the freedom to chart their own course and the opportunity to succeed,” Gov. Shapiro said. “It starts in our public schools.”

NORTH DAKOTA — Burgum Signs Bill Requiring K-12 Computer Science and Cybersecurity Instruction

Eight years after North Dakota’s Department of Public Instruction tasked a group with creating a vision for K-12 computer science and cybersecurity education, Gov. Doug Burgum has signed HB1398. The bill . EduTech, a division of North Dakota Information Technology, will provide examples of cybersecurity and computer science lessons that will support schools in developing their own plans to integrate the subjects. “Our students have more access than ever to computers and technology devices in our schools. It’s crucial that our students also learn cyber safety skills,” Burgum said. “The ability to manage technology is also important in helping our North Dakota students to get good jobs.”

NEW MEXICO — In Rare Move, State Adds Weeks’ Worth of Extra K-12 Class Time

New Mexico Gov. Lujan Grisham signed into law last month a bill that would increase the number of required instructional days by 27 for elementary students and 10 for middle and high school students. The law will increase instructional time in roughly 75% of school districts, with the remaining having already met the new threshold. The move is being praised by educators and advocates focused on addressing learning loss stemming from the pandemic. “We needed time for small-group tutoring and targeted instruction, time for enrichment, time to plan, time for addressing social-emotional needs, time for our students to catch up after the pandemic,” said Mandi Torrez, a former New Mexico Teacher of the Year. “Time was where we needed to start.”

This update on pandemic recovery in education collects and shares news updates from the district, state, and national levels as all stakeholders continue to work on developing safe, innovative plans to resume schooling and address learning loss. It’s an offshoot of the Collaborative for Student Success’ QuickSheet newsletter, which you can .

Researchers, for their part, believe stagnancy among third graders is preferable to steep declines and proves learning loss interventions like tutoring and additional group instruction have been effective measures. Tennessee is cited as an example of a state taking the lead, with state leaders investing in high-quality instructional materials backed in the science of reading and aligned teacher training to narrow literacy gaps among students.

Elsewhere, data released from separate reports by Chalkbeat and the RAND Corporation, are that are bucking hopes that staffing challenges would mitigate years after the worst of the pandemic. 

Teacher turnover was estimated at 10% nationally at the end of the 2022 school year, at least 4% higher than pre-pandemic — though the rate appears to spike when compared state-to-state, with turnover as high as 15% in places like South Carolina and Louisiana. The RAND data suggests that is around 16% nationally, climbing nearly 13% percentage points through the pandemic. Staff turnover remains high despite nearly 90% of districts reporting they’ve implemented new policies and initiatives aimed at mitigating recruitment and retention woes.

Looking beyond literacy scores and teacher turnover, below is our latest roundup of updates from 10 states about how school systems are confronting the challenges posed by COVID-19 and its variants — and working to preserve student progress amid the pandemic:

WASHINGTON STATE — New Bill Would Reduce Classroom Learning By Four Hours a Week, Prioritizing Teacher Development

A bill proposed in Washington state is raising concerns for allocating up to four hours per week during the school day for teacher professional collaboration and development. Proponents say greater collaboration between teachers will allow for improved instruction and interventions for students, while critics say the measure would result in students instead of 30.

NORTH CAROLINA — Board of Education Aims to Increase Teacher Pay

The North Carolina Board of Education has submitted a teacher pay plan to the state legislature . The proposal is receiving pushback from the state teachers union, which says increases should not be tied to student performance as measured by test scores. If approved by the legislature, a teacher’s starting annual salary in the state would be raised to $38,000.

ILLINOIS — Chicago’s Next Mayor Will Be a Former Educator

After Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s stunning defeat in the city’s recent mayoral election, will proceed to a runoff election on April 4th. Cook County Commissioner Brandon Johnson, a former public school teacher and Chicago Teachers Union organizer, will face off against Paul Vallas, who served as CEO of Chicago Public Schools from 1995 to 2001.

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA — DC School Aims to Make CTE More Attractive & Accessible

District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) are t for an increasing number of students. The district says six high schools now boast 30 industry certifications and 24 career pathways, from computer engineering and hospitality to culinary service and biomedical sciences. “There’s two things we know about our students,” said DCPS Chancellor Lewis Ferebee. “Students who participate in extracurriculars and students who participate in our career and technical education programs are the most successful after graduation in DCPS, and, in fact, that is actually true nationally as you look at outcomes.”

MONTANA — Gov. Gianforte Signs K-12 School Funding Increases Into Law

Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte signed a measure into law , resulting in an additional $85 million in funding for schools in the Treasure State. The budget increases come as lawmakers in the state legislature consider a range of education bills focused on topics like teacher recruitment and retention, early childhood literacy, and the expansion of public charter schools.

KANSAS — As Governor Emphasizes Funding for Special Education, Lawmakers Focus on Private Schools

Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly is continuing her push for a fully funded special education system as the state’s lawmakers convene their legislative session. Kelly’s proposed budget would see an increase in state special education funding of about $75 million a year over the next five years while the governor’s office also increases pressure on the federal government to shoulder a larger share of the funding that it currently is, at 13%. Lawmakers, however, that would allow state funding to be used by families for attendance at private schools.

ILLINOIS — Governor Proposes $70 Million Program to Hire and Retain Teachers Amid Teacher Shortage

State lawmakers are considering a number of education funding increases and new programs put forth in Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s annual budget proposal, including a $250 million investment in early childhood education and as districts struggle with stubborn staffing shortages. Other bills being considered would expand student mental health resources, expand kindergarten across the state, and would bolster resources meant to support migrant youth.

MAINE — Blowing the Whistle on Maine’s Flagrant Fouls With Testing

The state’s failure to comply with federal assessment requirements has drawn firm admonition from the U.S. Department of Education. Maine’s Commissioner of Education, Pender Makin received a strongly worded letter from USED’s James Lane . As a consequence of violating federal requirements, USED is also warned that a quarter of Maine’s Title I, Part A funding — or roughly $117,422 — could be withheld. AssessmentHQ’s Dale Chu, commenting on the developments, says “There’s a symbolic power to the feds taking this action. While the dollar amount is miniscule, Uncle Sam can throw his weight around in other ways and it’s heartening to see him doing so on behalf of Maine’s students even if it is at the eleventh hour.”

NEBRASKA — Lawmaker Proposes Expanding NEST 529 Plans to K-12 Private Education

State Sen. Suzanne Geist is sponsoring a bill that would . The proposal comes as a growing number of states explore ways to increase use of education dollars in private education, though Geist notes that the state’s 529 plans are primarily funded by private funding from families and would not impact public school funding in the state.

NEW JERSEY — State’s Plan to Hire Volunteers to Support K-12 Students Garners Lackluster Response

An initiative announced by New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy in late 2022 is receiving criticism for failing to meet initial goals. The New Jersey Partnership for Student Success aims to recruit community members and organizations into supportive roles in schools, despite the governor’s initial goal of over 5,000 for the 2023 school year. Critics say the state education leaders have been slow to recruit applicants and don’t have a clear pathway for those who are accepted.

This update on pandemic recovery in education collects and shares news updates from the district, state, and national levels as all stakeholders continue to work on developing safe, innovative plans to resume schooling and address learning loss. It’s an offshoot of the Collaborative for Student Success’ QuickSheet newsletter, which you can . 

The data underscore the resiliency of pandemic-era learning loss and the depth of the challenge schools face in recovering academic losses. 

Looking beyond student proficiency, below is our latest roundup of updates from 12 states about how school systems are confronting the challenges posed by COVID-19 and its variants — and working to preserve student progress amid the pandemic:

IOWA — Schools Prepare to Tighten Budgets as Pandemic Aid Ends

Some school districts in Iowa are proactively strategizing how to keep programs such as full-day pre-school fully funded once . Karla Hogan, Cedar Rapids schools’ executive director of business services, said her district is simultaneously reserving some of its state funds from other areas while pushing on lawmakers to approve revised funding at the state level to avoid program cuts and layoffs.

OHIO — Governor Pushes For Science of Reading As Only Approach:

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine is being described as taking the nation’s reckoning on literacy instruction and the “science of reading” to new heights, proposing legislation that bars literacy approaches many say have lost credibility. Under the proposal, materials or lessons using approaches without a strong evidence base, including the use of “three-cueing”, would be banned, which could include widely used programs like Balanced Literacy, Whole Language, and Reading Recovery. “There is a great deal of research about how we learn to read,” he said. “And today, we understand the great value and importance of phonics. Not all literacy curriculums are created equal, and sadly, many Ohio students do not have access to the most effective reading curriculum.”

ILLINOIS — Gov. J.B. Pritzker Renews Pre-K Expansion Push with 2024 Budget Proposing $250 Million Increase

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker proposed increasing the state’s education budget by over the last budget, a notable push as he marks the beginning of his second term in office. While he’ll need approval from state lawmakers, in “positive social and economic impacts” The proposal includes significant expansions in Pre-K programs across the state, centering on a four-year plan to create 20,000 Pre-K seats in classrooms by 2027. 

TEXAS — Dallas ISD Changed Some School Schedules to Combat Learning Loss. Did It Work?:

Two years after Dallas Independent School District , the district is digging into data to learn if the extended calendars made a difference for students. Dallas ISD Chief Academic Officer Shannon Trejo previewed data at a recent Board of Trustees meeting that indicates that offering three potential calendars – a standard calendar, an intersession calendar, and a school-day redesign calendar – may have helped some students recover and “retain” learning, though the gains were smaller than what trustees had expected. 

CALIFORNIA — 1.3 Million Los Angeles Students Could Soon Access Free Teletherapy

A new partnership between Los Angeles county schools and telehealth provider Hazel Health could provide short-term mental health services to the region’s 1.3 million students amid a statewide focus on addressing spiking rates of suicide, depression, and other mental health concerns. After up to six weeks of services, Hazel Health says it is positioned to help connect students and families requiring long-term treatment to community-based providers. 

UTAH — Lawmakers Push to End School Grading

A bill being considered by the Utah legislature to evaluate schools and has cleared the House Education Committee with over 24 co-sponsors. The push is being spearheaded by State Rep. Douglas Welton, a former public school teacher, with support from the Utah State Board, the Utah Education Association, and the School Boards Association. If passed, the state would still identify schools performing in the bottom 20% for interventions, but would no longer assign schools grades A-F. A second education-focused bill in the legislature would tie recently approved teacher pay increases to inflation. 

MISSISSIPPI — New Study Says Holding Kids Back One Key Factor in Mississippi’s Reading Revolution

“A report released last week by ExcelinEd and Wheelock Educational Policy Center at Boston University should end the debate over the value of holding back students who are not reading at grade level by the end of third grade,” writes Dr. Kymyona Burk of ExcelinEd and former Mississippi state superintendent Carey Wright. The report points to the policy as a main driver behind Mississippi’s sharp increase in reading scores for fourth graders on the 2019 National Assessment of Education Progress, or NAEP. Mississippi was the only state to post gains in ELA on the exam. 

ILLINOIS — Chicago Spent Big on Summer School in 2022. But Tracking Participation Proved Difficult

Chicago Public Schools is working through a secondary challenge posed by historic amounts of federal recovery dollars and the relatively rapid deployment of out-of-school and summer programs: tracking enrollment and participation. Data obtained by Chalkbeat on summer learning. However, the data makes it tricky to discern how many actually registered, how frequently and to what extent students showed up, and what kinds of positive impacts the investments may have had on learning or social and emotional health. The district says it’s at work to improve data collection and reporting for the summer of 2023.

KANSAS — State Program to Give $1,000 to Some Families to Fight Learning Loss. Here’s How to Apply

The Kansas Education Enrichment Program (KEEP), announced recently by Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly, aims to provide families meant to help recover lost learning incurred during the pandemic. Funding for KEEP comes from Kansas’ share of the American Rescue Plan Act’s State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund.

TENNESSEE — What Do Teachers Think About Curriculum Quality? Tennessee Knows

“It’s one (commendable) thing for states to prioritize access to high-quality instructional materials and training for educators,” writes policy expert Jocelyn Pickford on the CurriculumHQ platform, “it’s another (even more commendable) thing to track and study how those priorities are actually showing up in classrooms.” Pickford showing “a deep dive into teachers’ beliefs about curriculum and professional learning quality, among several other topics.” Of note: 87% of teachers (regardless of subject) said their professional learning has been closely aligned to the instructional materials that have been adopted by their district and have led to improvements in their classroom instruction. Learn more on CurriculumHQ. 

NORTH CAROLINA — House Committee OKs Software for Learning Loss

North Carolina’s House Education Committee has to be used to provide districts with access to Gooru Navigator, a program that “provides teachers and parents with up-to-the-minute performance data on how students are performing in the classroom,” for up to three years. Jamey Faulkenberry, director of government affairs for the N.C. Department of Public Instruction, told lawmakers the distinguishing feature of Gooru Navigator is that other platforms can feed into it, making the software more workable for localities.

NEVADA — Governor Joe Lombardo Orders K-12 Audits in an Attempt to Improve the State’s Public Education System

After campaigning partially on increasing transparency and accountability for K-12 public schools in the state, Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo , with the goal of soon providing recommendations on how to improve K-12 outcomes in the state. The 14 various forms of audit include those on financial compliance and civil rights and must be submitted to the governor’s office by March 1.

This update on pandemic recovery in education collects and shares news updates from the district, state, and national levels as all stakeholders continue to work on developing safe, innovative plans to resume schooling and address learning loss. It’s an offshoot of the Collaborative for Student Success’ QuickSheet newsletter, which you can .

In recent weeks, at least seven states have advanced discussions or legislation around “school choice” measures like charter school expansions and the establishment of Education Savings Accounts, which allow families to use state education funds towards attendance at private schools. Largely modeled on previous school choice efforts in and , among others, states like Nebraska, Iowa, , and are forging ahead with their efforts to allow use of education funds outside of traditional public school systems.

Looking beyond parental choice, here are ten other updates from across the country about how states and school systems are confronting the challenges posed by COVID-19 and its variants — and working to preserve student progress amid the pandemic:

CONNECTICUT — A State Program to Reduce Chronic Absenteeism Is Working

A new report by an between the Connecticut Education Department and prominent state research institutions — including Yale University, the University of Connecticut, and Wesleyan University — demonstrated implemented in some 15 Connecticut school districts. The program — called the or LEAP — was fueled by federal recovery dollars and leveraged trained family support staff to conduct home visits to families of students deemed chronically absent. Since 2021, home visitors have helped hundreds of families navigate distinct challenges like employment, housing, mental and physical healthcare, substance abuse, and the immigration system to ensure students attend school regularly and on-time. The study found an average improvement in chronic absenteeism rates of 15 percentage points, with some districts — like Hartford Public Schools — experiencing gains nearly twice that size.

INDIANA — State Doles Out $2.2 Million in STEM Grant Funding

The Indiana Department of Education recently announced that 48 school districts and charter schools across the state . The STEM Integration Grant seeks to increase access and support for schools to offer more learning opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and math.

ILLINOIS — State Superintendent Proposes $516 Million More for Education

Illinois lawmakers are considering a budget request from outgoing State Superintendent Carmen Ayala , or a 5.3% increase. The request includes roughly $350 million more for K-12 schools, $60 million more for pre-K programs, and additional increases for “transportation, special education, and free meals,” according to Chalkbeat. 

NEW YORK — Mayor Eric Adams Promises Mental Telehealth Support for all NYC High School Students

Amid spiraling concern about student wellbeing in the nation’s largest school district, New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced that all the city’s high school-aged students would . Framed as “the biggest student mental health program in the nation,” the announcement was met with cautious optimism from school and health professionals in the city. “It raises lots of procedural questions which maybe they will fill in later, but it’s hard for me not to focus on those right away,” said Kevin Dahill-Fuchel, the executive director of Counseling in Schools. 

PENNSYLVANIA — High Schools Could Start Offering Students K-12 Education Training Next School Year

To expose students to careers in education and further develop and diversify the teacher pipeline, the Pennsylvania Department of Education will begin starting next school year. Schools can choose to offer the program informally or with department approval: the latter will make schools eligible for state and federal funding, according to Pennsylvania’s CTE director, Lee Burket. 

TENNESSEE — State Schools Need $9 Billion of Infrastructure Investment, Report Says

According to a new state report, Tennessee to tackle needs for renovations and technology improvements, as well as to build additions and new schools. The state received over $4 billion in federal relief funds, but under direction from Gov. Bill Lee, districts were encouraged to put at least half of their portions toward education recovery programs and resources. The report cites research that indicates investments in K-12 infrastructure can improve learning, health, and behavior, while noting local and state officials struggle to determine how to cover these costs. 

MICHIGAN — Whitmer’s Fifth State of the State Prioritizes Expanded Preschool, Tutoring

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s fifth State of the State address included multiple nods to expanded education programming in the state, including a push for universal preschool for all 4-year-olds and . Whitmer’s plans are expected to be thoroughly debated, even as she enjoys a Democratic majority in the state legislature and a state budget surplus, as advocates call attention to sharp staffing challenges and increasing clamor for expanded school choice policies.

NEBRASKA — Teacher Shortage Worsening Across Nebraska, State Report Says

The number of unfilled teaching positions in Nebraska , according to a district survey conducted by the state department of education. Though the unfilled positions represent just under 3% of total positions in the state, officials say the increases reflect a “shrinking applicant pool” that is posing particular challenges for hard-to-staff subjects, like special education, career programs, and language arts.

HAWAII — State Outlines Plan for 465 More Pre-K Classrooms by 2032

Education leaders’ goal of providing pre-K opportunities for all children in Hawaii within the next decade is kicking off with the planned construction or refurbishment of 80 classrooms by August 2024. The $200 million plan and places Hawaii amongst a small group of states that have approved large-scale expansions of pre-K programs.

MINNESOTA — Governor Proposes Child Tax Credits, Universal Free Lunch, Boost in K-12 Education Funding

Gov. Tim Walz has proposed a substantial K-12 education package that includes efforts to increase affordable childcare, universal free meals for Minnesota students, and a child tax credit for low income families. “This budget will tackle and eliminate child poverty, put money into families’ pockets and fund our schools,” said Gov. Walz. Walz was met with criticism from lawmakers across the aisle, who argue the proposed budget would send funds to schools that are failing to address low test scores and large achievement gaps.

This update on pandemic recovery in education collects and shares news updates from the district, state, and national levels as all stakeholders continue to work on developing safe, innovative plans to resume schooling and address learning loss. It’s an offshoot of the Collaborative for Student Success’ QuickSheet newsletter, which you can .

The department also said districts could apply for as much as 14 months of extra time to allocate the resources. 

The guidance comes as large groups of state and district superintendents and other education officials are publicly pushing federal officials for clarification on spending deadlines for the nearly $190 billion in total relief aid distributed to schools during the pandemic. 

As for where funds have already been allocated, K-12 Dive by the team at the Georgetown University think tank FutureEd which captures a trend of robust investment in literacy training and development for educators amid widening achievement gaps and flagging reading abilities for students just learning to read. 

Phyllis Jordan, associate director at FutureEd, says that the federal infusion of unprecedented amounts of resources into America’s schools during the pandemic has led to an increase in phonics-based instruction that is evidence-based and aligned to the “Science of Reading.” Jordan points to states like , , and as examples of statewide investments and programming driving improvements in literacy instruction. 

Looking beyond relief funds, here are eight other updates from across the country about how states and school systems are confronting the challenges posed by COVID-19 and its variants — and working to preserve student progress amid the pandemic:

IDAHO — After-School Programs Help Break Down Learning Barriers

A group of Idaho education leaders met to discuss at a conference held on the Fort Hall Reservation in Eastern Idaho. The group raised a multitude of factors compounding to make progress more difficult for students, including pandemic-era learning loss, increased rates of suicides and suicide ideation, and poor access to nutrition or housing. Many of the officials gathered to underscore their belief that after-school programs could be key to breaking down such challenges. “One of the areas we have a real need to serve in our community is providing our kids opportunities they wouldn’t normally get, like dance, taekwondo, art, or music,” said American Falls School District Superintendent Randy Jensen. 

COLORADO – New Federal Grant will Bolster Family Engagement in Colorado Schools

A new in eight states, including Colorado, where officials in the Alamosa School District say the $4.7 million grant is helping them build ways for parents to influence school policies and governance, prop up family literacy programs, and explicitly train parents on working alongside their school boards. Still left to implement are plans to create a parent liaison unit at every school and expand a relatively new home visit program, says one official from Alamosa schools. 

NEW JERSEY — Information Literacy Curriculum Bill Clears Assembly Panel

New Jersey’s General Assembly will soon consider a bill that would create a set of standards for student “information literacy,” a move that, if passed, would require schools to strengthen the development of student critical thinking and research skills. Proponents of the bill say such skills are essential in the digital era, as misinformation and manipulation rapidly increase online, and as more and more people, especially younger generations, increasingly get their news from prominent social media platforms. 

OREGON – Oregon Students Show Steep Decline in Achievement Post-COVID

Oregon schools are . Oregon Department of Education Director Colt Gill acknowledged the role the pandemic played in disrupting schools and student learning, but said he wasn’t “second-guessing” decisions that state officials made over the past two years. Instead of lamenting on the decisions made to prioritize student and educator health, Gill said he’s focused on efforts to accelerate learning, with an eye toward the content students need to learn in a given academic year, so they can be successful the following year.

MARYLAND – New Baltimore Teacher Certification Program Helping with Staff Concerns

A new teaching certification program in Baltimore is seeking to address . Established in partnership with nonprofit TNTP, the Black Educator Excellence Cohort provides financial assistance to aspiring Black educators and aims to attract more diverse teaching candidates in the city’s teaching force. Lawrence Brooks, who is Black, said she wished the cohort had existed when she went through the program. “Opportunities like this are important because they can help ensure students eventually have teachers who look like them,” she said. 

TEXAS – Fort Worth ISD Invests Federal Funds to Boost Family Engagement

After experiencing an uptick in chronic student absenteeism, Fort Worth Independent School District used federal relief dollars to to strengthen the relationship between its schools and families. Monica Ordaz, Caesar Chavez Elementary School principal, sings the praises of their family engagement specialist, Sara Olivo. According to Ordaz, Olivo has been a huge benefit to the school by taking extra responsibilities off other support staff and engaging with families in a way they couldn’t before. School leaders say they are worried they may not be able to sustain these positions and continue to meet the needs of their families once the federal funds are gone.

NEW YORK – New York City’s Apprenticeship Boom for High School Students

New York City high schools are set to expand their “Modern Apprentice” program to increase students’ opportunities to learn skills and gain real world experience in business without financial barriers. “(This) is about getting our students out to the professional world to explore their interests and invest in themselves, their futures, their families, and ultimately in their communities,” said New York City Chancellor David Banks. The Modern Apprentice program is part of CareerWise, a three-year apprentice model created in Colorado based on job training in Switzerland, where apprenticeships are common in most fields. Although students are not guaranteed jobs after the three years, it is possible they could stay with the company or utilize their new skills and experience to secure another job or attend school. 

TENNESSEE —  High School Grad Rate Show Rebounds to Pre-Pandemic Level

Encouraging numbers show Tennessee schools appearing to be successfully recovering from pandemic disruptions as . In a statement, Education Commissioner Penny Schwinn credited educators and families for positioning this year’s nearly 65,000 high school graduates to “achieve their dreams and goals.” With the state’s goal of increasing its students’ chances of employment and higher income earning, education leaders believe this is a step in the right direction to get its students to pursue post-secondary credentials or degrees. 

This update on pandemic recovery in education collects and shares news updates from the district, state, and national levels as all stakeholders continue to work on developing safe, innovative plans to resume schooling and address learning loss. It’s an offshoot of the Collaborative for Student Success’ QuickSheet newsletter, which you can .

In states like Mississippi, Louisiana, and Virginia, student test scores are climbing back toward their pre-pandemic levels, encouraging those who feel progress being made and worrying many who still see teaching and learning severely depressed by the impacts of closures. 

However, in , student scores show deep learning loss in both ELA and math, in which fewer than a third of students are now proficient. Districts in are reporting scores “plummeting” in every subject, for every grade. And while rolls out a new, “teacher-developed” assessment that makes it difficult to compare new scores to pre-pandemic years, state results show just about a quarter of students scoring proficiently in any given grade or subject. 

The results come as national tests and data  — like the NAEP exam and data gleaned by nonprofit assessment maker NWEA — seemingly confirm the severity of the pandemic’s impact and underscore the need for schools and districts to wisely invest available recovery dollars.

Looking beyond assessments, here are nine other updates from across the country about how states and school systems are confronting the challenges posed by COVID-19 and its variants — and working to preserve student progress amid the pandemic:

WASHINGTON — Hungry for More Student Interest, WA Teachers Test a Free Science Curriculum

The lack of high-quality, engaging, and affordable science curriculum has made it difficult for many states to reach their goals of incorporating and implementing aligned to Next Generation Science Standards, experts and teachers . But, an openly developed and freely available curriculum, could be a game-changer as schools and districts reenergize their focus on science instruction and offerings. Washington is one of at least 10 states encouraging educators to pilot the OpenSciEd materials. This represents a departure from science instruction based on lectures and student memorization of information and toward student-centered exploration, investigation, and discussion. 

TEXAS & TENNESSEE — 2 States Get Tutoring Right, and Model How to Expand it Nationwide

States like Tennessee and Texas have taken the initiative to close achievement gaps, particularly in math, and get students back on track by implementing high-dosage tutoring programs and partnering with Zearn, a top-rated, open-source math learning platform. And though tutoring has risen as a top, evidence-based strategy to accelerate learning, Zearn co-founder and CEO Shalinee Sharma underscores the need for states to support schools, districts, and their teachers by properly vetting tutoring providers, ensuring the availability of aligned and high-quality training, and navigating challenges associated with staffing and scheduling. 

FLORIDA — Only 48% of 5th Graders Passed the State’s Science Exam; Fewer Than a Quarter Were ‘Proficient’

Recent statewide science exam results show a 1 percent increase from 2021 scores and a 3-7 percent decrease from 2012-2019 with 48 percent of Florida fifth-graders passing the 2022 exam, based on a score of 3 or higher. “That means some 5th graders struggling in science are headed into middle schools, where science courses can get harder,” author Danielle J. Brown noted. 

WISCONSIN — Evers Unveils Proposed $2B Boost to K-12 Schools

Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers recently proposed  for the 2023-25 state budget. If passed, the additional funds would be invested into literacy-related programs, student mental health aid, and free lunch programs for all students. “After a tough past few years, we know our kids and our families and schools need our help now more than ever to get caught up and to get more educators and staff into our classrooms, and ensure every kid has the support and resources that they need to be successful,” Evers said.

GEORGIA — State’s GEER Funds Confront COVID-19 Learning Loss

Gov. Brian Kemp announced over supporting learning recovery around the state. Organizations included the Georgia Alliance of Boys and Girls Clubs, Georgia Alliance of YMCAs, and Georgia Department of Education, along with many others. “We know there is still more work to do when it comes to recovering from pandemic-driven learning loss in our classrooms,” Kemp said. “That’s why I’m thankful to know that these additional funds — on top of the historic investments we’ve made in K-12 education — will both put students first and help set them on a renewed path of learning success.” The funds are intended to support programs that have been launched in partnership with schools, like community-based tutoring, summer and after-school initiatives, and expanded services for students with special needs.

CALIFORNIA — State May Become 20th State to Mandate Kindergarten

A bill awaiting signature by California Gov. Gavin Newsom , beginning in the 2024-25 school year. Proponents of the bill in the California State Legislature cite research showing strong positive links between early childhood education programs and quality of life indicators, like income, teen pregnancy, and higher education attainment. Alberto M. Carvalho, Superintendent of the Los Angeles Unified School District, penned a piece in support of the legislation. (Update: Gov. Newsom just )

INDIANA — New Grant Helps $111 Million Early Literacy Investment

To combat flagging literacy rates, the state of Indiana and Lilly Endowment Inc. using proven teaching techniques that align with the “science of reading,” a collection of research-based strategies that focus on building skill in phonics, phonemic awareness, fluency, vocabulary and comprehension. “I believe this funding will not only better prepare our students for a successful life, but will benefit the teaching profession by offering stipends to those who choose to participate in professional development and providing future educators additional instruction on Science of Reading methods,” shared Jeff Raatz, chair of the Senate Committee on Education and Career Development.

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA — D.C. Schools Roll Out Program to Improve Student Reading Levels

A new D.C. Public Schools effort called DCPS Readers Next Door is launching in the district this school year, and grow literacy rates. Featuring decodable texts and curriculum aligned to the “science of reading,” the program also lifts up lessons and texts from D.C. authors and educators. The new resources come as the first standardized test scores since the onset of the pandemic shine a light on how deeply learning was impacted by COVID-19 and school closures. This year, 36% of D.C. students scored proficient in reading, a 4% decline since pre-pandemic levels. 

NEBRASKA — Newly Approved Math Standards Put Greater Emphasis on Data, Statistics

In response to a statewide dip in math proficiency, members of the Nebraska State Board of Education . According to state law, districts must adopt the standards or their own set of standards on par with rigor within a year. Cory Epler, the department’s chief academic officer, said he expects districts to use federal relief funds to purchase high-quality math curriculum. “Adopting standards is not enough by itself to raise proficiency. Quality instruction is important as well,” he said.

This update on pandemic recovery in education collects and shares news updates from the district, state, and national levels as all stakeholders continue to work on developing safe, innovative plans to resume schooling and address learning loss. It’s an offshoot of the Collaborative for Student Success’ QuickSheet newsletter, which you can .

This Week’s Top Story

• Education Week explains a third, lesser-known fund of federal dollars being used to help schools recover from the pandemic in an explainer posted this week. Governor’s Emergency Education Relief Funds represent about $7 billion in resources available for education and to be directed by state governors. 
• After federal officials recently found examples of , more communities and educators are asking questions about their use. Education Week notes that there are no national efforts to track the specific spending and use of these funds, with which governors enjoy large latitude in directing to a wide range of education expenses. 
• In most states, the Governor’s Emergency Relief Funds dollars appear to have been used largely to address schools’ immediate needs — technology and internet access, mental health services and professionals and teacher stipends for classroom supplies. 

The Big Three — August 19, 2022

• The Biden administration announced roughly $300 million in federal grant funding for states and districts seeking to strengthen their mental health services and supports. 
• Two grant programs, each comprised of about $150 million, will support states in recruiting mental health professionals to school-based programs while also expanding lists of qualified providers for school services. 
• In the announcement, the White House also spotlighted millions in mental health funding available for schools through the Department of Health and Human Services and the administration’s expanded funding of “community schools” that aim to bring together critical health and wellness services in local school campuses.

Despite Urgency, New National Tutoring Effort Could Take 6 Months to Ramp Up 

• Some education experts are seeing “lost opportunities” after the Biden administration announced a national effort to recruit 250,000 tutors and mentors nationwide as students enter a third pandemic summer. 
• Others, however, note that the platform of the White House and AmeriCorps — the federal program that has recruited volunteers for decades for a wide array of community services — could be a game changer in terms of helping states and districts overcome sharp staffing shortages that have persisted throughout the pandemic. 
• And though some states have already begun to successfully use large-scale tutoring initiatives as key parts of their recovery plans, some worry that rapid deployment of an army of tutors could stumble without clear systems of support, a foundation in evidence-based materials, and intentional alignment of instructional and assessment systems. 

• Experienced, well-equipped principals will be key to ensuring schools successfully navigate the coming years as historic amounts of federal funding expire and education leaders face deepening worries around and staff shortages, say experts in a new published in the Journal of Educational Administration. 
• According to the study, principals who have led their first school for five or more years are able to attract and retain teachers more successfully — a scarce achievement as the average principal stays in a school for an average of four years. 
• Experts recommend district leaders invest in high-quality professional development for principals, disseminate experienced principals across all districts and develop standards for state licensing and principal PD programs to help ensure a strong pipeline of school leaders in the years ahead.

City & State Updates

HAWAII: in 10% of classrooms

INDIANA: after spring tutoring program 

ARIZONA: program benefits 100K Arizona kids

MICHIGAN: special education guidance

OKLAHOMA: in online math tutoring program

PENNSYLVANIA: in grants for early childhood education

NEW YORK: on restarting school accountability system

CALIFORNIA: , urging chronically absent students to return

COLORADO: on students heading to college

Viewpoints

• Katherine J. Wu in The Atlantic
• “Americans have been given the all clear to dispense with most of the pandemic-centric behaviors that have defined the past two-plus years—part and parcel of the narrative the Biden administration is building around the ‘triumphant return to normalcy,’ says Joshua Salomon, a health-policy researcher at Stanford.”
• “The main COVID guardrail left is a request for people to stay up to date on their vaccines, which most in the U.S. are not; most kids under 5 who have opted for the Pfizer vaccine won’t even have had enough time to finish their three-dose primary series by the time the school year starts.”

• Jay Matthews in The Washington Post
• “Many think the disastrous educational effects of the pandemic mean we should let up on our kids, at least for a while…. Could that be the wrong approach?”
• “The College Board has compiled data indicating that students should be given more of a challenge, rather than less. Results suggest that students who were required to commit early in an AP course to the difficult final exam did better than those allowed to decide later whether they would take the big test.”
• “I have interviewed hundreds of students who said their worries about taking the difficult AP exams made them work harder in the classes than they would have done otherwise.”

On a Lighter Note … 

When Both of Your Parents Are News Anchors: .

While some schools and districts prioritized investments in portable or low-cost air filters and other technology, experts say they may be missing an opportunity to upgrade air and climate systems that could have a measurable impact on students. “If you look at the research, it shows that a school’s literal climate — the heat, the mold, the humidity — directly affects learning,” said Phyllis Jordan, associate director of FutureEd, a think tank at Georgetown University’s McCourt School of Public Policy. 

Another federal report indicates over 36,000 schools were in need of air system upgrades even before the pandemic, a number experts say likely climbed during the pandemic. 

Looking beyond relief funds, here are seven other updates from across the country about how states and school systems are confronting the challenges posed by COVID-19 and its variants — and working to preserve student progress amid the pandemic:

INDIANA – Rate of Indiana High School Students Headed to College drops to 53%

Enrollment declines that began before the COVID-19 pandemic are continuing in the Hoosier State, with officials recently . As Chalkbeat reports, state education officials say the pandemic exacerbated the trend, with enrollment declining 1.8% or 110,000 students. “One of the questions that we just have to come back to is, just where are those kids?” said Heather J. Hough, executive director of the Policy Analysis for California Education. “We don’t have satisfying data to answer that question.”

MAINE – Gov. Janet Mills Announces $12.3 Million Expansion of Statewide Apprenticeship Programs

Maine schools are expected to more than double the number of apprenticeship programs available for students while also doubling the number of businesses and companies sponsoring the opportunities. The more than , including health care, construction, plumbing, heating/ventilation/air conditioning, welding, shipbuilding and marine, and engineering, and could increase the number of students graduating school debt-free, credentialed, and employed. “Apprentices in Maine, who completed their program in the last two years increased their wages, on average, by nearly 40%, even during the height of the pandemic,” said Gov. Janet Mills.

MISSOURI — Rural Explosion in Four-Day School Week Aimed at Recruiting Teachers

A quarter of all school districts in Missouri , largely as a result of districts working to recruit and retain teachers amid a growing national teacher shortage. Officials across the state say four-day weeks have made recruitment easier in hard-pressed rural communities, but signal that low teacher salaries and increasingly challenging teacher work conditions continue to ratchet up the challenge of hiring and keeping talent.

NEW JERSEY — State Creates Path for More Prospective Teachers, as Shortages Grow

Earlier this month, New Jersey passed a suite of changes in hopes of guiding more teaching candidates into the profession and into classrooms. Most notably, the changes would allow candidates who did not score sufficiently on licensure tests or earn sufficient grade points averages to enter a coaching pilot via the alternative licensure program. In response to some concerns that the move could lower standards for incoming teachers, State Board member Nedd James Johnson said the changes will remove barriers that have been preventing qualified applicants to enter the field.

ARKANSAS — Gov. Hutchinson Supports Proposal to Raise Minimum Salaries of Teachers to $46,000

Arkansas lawmakers sent a number of education bills to Governor Asa Hutchinson’s desk alongside a record K-12 budget recently as the state legislature adjourned. The expanded state budget , while a series of legislation would expand resources for classroom supplies, open new routes to licensure for teacher candidates, and set controversial rules on classroom discussions of gender identity and sexual orientation.

MICHIGAN – Financial Literacy Requirement Becomes Law for Michigan Students

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed a new law . The move lends to a trend of schools nationwide increasingly trying to widen access to financial literacy courses for students. “As a mom, I want every kid who graduates in Michigan to enter the world with a diverse set of skills and knowledge, and that must include financial literacy,” Whitmer said in a written statement.

TEXAS — Dallas Sees Positive Results in First Year of Discipline Reform

A transformation of Dallas Independent Schools’ disciplinary policies has already seen encouraging success, say school and district leaders. The opening of 60 “Reset Centers” staffed with trained professionals was aimed at working through issues with students before situations result in suspensions, says Superintendent Michael Hinojosa. The initiative required roughly $4 million in federal recovery funds to implement, but has already resulted in over $2 million in cost savings .

This update on pandemic recovery in education collects and shares news updates from the district, state, and national levels as all stakeholders continue to work on developing safe, innovative plans to resume schooling and address learning loss. It’s an offshoot of the Collaborative for Student Success’ QuickSheet newsletter, which you can .

As , while Congress placed relatively few strings on the cash, lawmakers did specify that at least 20% of school and district funds must be targeted to address learning loss — a number to meet the challenges faced by students. Yet as states review district allocations, some are rejecting plans or asking for more information that investments will be evidence-based and proven to move the needle on student academic achievement, causing lengthy delays that are drawing the ire of state and federal officials. 

“Bureaucratic hurdles should not get in the way of student recovery,” said an Education Department spokesperson. “States should [be] doing everything they can to get these badly needed resources into the classroom and helping students recover.”

Looking beyond relief funds, here are nine other updates from across the country about how states and school systems are confronting the challenges posed by COVID-19 and its variants — and working to preserve student progress amid the pandemic:

MICHIGAN — Gov. Whitmer Seeking to Invest in Large-Scale Tutoring Initiative

Despite not including tutoring as a piece of the state’s plan for federal COVID relief funding, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is designed to address widespread learning loss. As Chalkbeat reports, officials are pointing to increasing evidence that tutoring is the among the most impactful interventions for accelerating and making up learning time, including new research from Harvard’s Thomas Kane.

ARIZONA – $100 Million K-12 Investment Sees Summer Camps Expanding Across State

A $100 million investment in summer programming in Arizona means there are for students this summer, say state officials. The AZ OnTrack Summer program is a pillar of Gov. Doug Ducey’s strategy for investing pandemic relief aid and helping students and teachers make up lost learning and instructional time. Some programs, like in the Scottsdale Unified School District, are targeted to the youngest learners, who experts say often have the greatest need. “Very few of them know what it means to last a whole year in school without it being interrupted by COVID,” said Alice Spingola, a Scottdale ESSER Coordinator. “This is very beneficial for our students. These students more than any other grade level really need that head start.”

NORTH CAROLINA — Pandemic Remote Learning Set Back Student Progress

Students in North Carolina are from where’d they be without the effects of the pandemic, according to a report released by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. The study suggests learning loss was sharper for students in schools that kept instruction remote for longer. 

TEXAS — State to Resume Accountability Practices Linked to State Testing

Texas officials set in place to monitor student achievement and school performance. Schools and districts will be given an A-C letter rating based on how students score on the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness, or STAAR exam. Schools that earn a D or F rating will be listed as “Not Rated” and have the opportunity to take action to improve scores for the following academic year. “STAAR results allow parents, teachers and schools to see how individual students are performing so they can better support those students moving forward,” Frank Ward, a TEA spokesperson said.

FLORIDA — State Reading Test Results Show Decline in Proficiency for Third-Graders

Just over 53% of Florida third-graders passed the state’s annual reading assessment, roughly the same as the results from last year, when tests were reinstated after a pause during the pandemic and faced challenges with weakened participation. The results represent about a 5% decline in proficiency from 2019, the year before the pandemic shuttered schools. Despite half of students “passing,” only 1 in 4 scored proficiently. Another quarter of students earned a Level 1 score, the lowest, which could lead to higher rates of students being held back or requiring additional interventions and services.

MISSOURI — State to Implement Summer Programming with ARP Funds

The Missouri Education Department has made over $20 million in federal American Rescue Plan dollars this year. Officials say that the funding will enable large districts to expand existing programs to accommodate more students, while many smaller and more rural districts may be able to implement summer offerings for the first time. 

MINNESOTA — Lawmakers Pass $93 Million to Address Rise in Mental Health Crises

A last-minute vote in the Minnesota legislature saw the passage of a suite of mental health resources, , that lawmakers say will help address the sharp rise in mental health crises seen in communities during the pandemic. A portion of the funding is meant to establish “mental health urgency rooms” that will seek to alleviate pressures on emergency services and provide safety for teens and students in particular. 

OREGON — Auditors: State Lacks Accountability Measures to Ensure Efficient Use of Funds

As Oregon receives an influx of funds, in place to monitor spending. Auditors are urging state officials to put measures in place that hold schools and districts accountable for the outcomes of the students they serve. “State leaders need to monitor how the agency itself is performing and intervene when necessary to ensure student success does, in fact, increase,” auditors said.

COLORADO — Lawmakers Tout Significant Increase in State Education Budget:

Through a series of bills recently signed by Colorado Gov. Jared Polis, in the Centennial State just two years after the pandemic forced a significant cut to state budgets and programs. Changes to the state education budget mean per-pupil expenditures across Colorado will increase by 6% to as much as 40% for students who receive special education services.This update on pandemic recovery in education collects and shares news updates from the district, state, and national levels as all stakeholders continue to work on developing safe, innovative plans to resume schooling and address learning loss. It’s an offshoot of the Collaborative for Student Success’ QuickSheet newsletter, which you can .

“I’m most concerned the catch-up plans that districts are working on are just nowhere near the magnitude to make up for these losses,” , which he co-authored with researchers from National Bureau of Economic Research. Kane urges districts to target funding specifically to proven, evidence-based strategies like high-dosage, low-ratio tutoring and extended instructional time.

Elsewhere, across the nation are providing insight into how America’s educators are viewing prominent K-12 issues as schools largely emerge from the daily challenges posed by COVID-19. One survey conducted by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) revealed just how much experienced by students as classrooms shuttered and instruction moved online. Of the GAO survey respondents, over 60% of teachers said students struggled more than in previous years and even more saw social and emotional challenges become heightened obstacles to learning during the pandemic. Another survey of nearly 30,000 educators, conducted by Educators for Excellence and sponsored by assessment maker NWEA, provided insights into and their role in pandemic learning recovery. Notably, 75% of teachers of color said statewide annual summative assessments were needed to understand and propel student learning, while large majorities of respondents said they had little ability to inform curriculum decisions.

Looking beyond relief funds and teacher surveys, here are 11 other updates from across the country about how states and school systems are confronting the challenges posed by COVID-19 and its variants — and working to preserve student progress amid the pandemic:

IDAHO — Learning-Loss Grants Now Available to Parents at Certain Income Levels: Idaho families making less than $60,000 a year can apply for up to $1,000 per student or up to $3,000 per household as part of a new grant program established by the Idaho State Board of Education and . Families can use the sums on qualifying education expenses, including technology, services, and materials. A form is available for families to complete on the state board’s site, though the official registration window will open later this summer.

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA – Online Learning to Shrink or Go Away in D.C.-Area Schools Next Year: Some D.C.-area schools are . Others are planning to offer limited options. School leaders are arguing that students fare poorly in an online environment, an assertion supported by an abundance of data that emerged from the pandemic. Many districts, like Fairfax County Public Schools, are offering virtual options for students whose health would be significantly compromised by returning in-person. While other districts, like Arlington Public Schools, had difficulty with its online learning offerings due to staffing shortages and will be declining to offer any form of virtual instruction.

HAWAII – Schools Are Struggling to Hire Special Education Teachers. Hawaii May have Found a Fix: In an effort to recruit and retain special education teachers, the Aloha State . “It’s definitely having a great impact on getting people to remain in special education, and also it’s attracting folks to go into special education.” said Osa Tui, the president of the Hawaii State Teachers Association. This pay increase has caused the percentage of special education vacant positions and staff without appropriate licenses to be cut in half. Reflecting on the practice, financial expert Chad Aldeman of the Edunomics Lab at Georgetown University questions why other districts around the country aren’t following suit. “If districts start thinking about the amount of money it would cost to recruit and replace the teacher who leaves, then it might start to change the calculation,” Aldeman explains. “It can make sense financially.”

WISCONSIN — Despite Fears, Teacher Retirements Were Down Last Year: Amid nationwide concerns about growing teacher shortages and fears of an impending wave of teacher retirements, from the year before. And though some education officials were breathing lighter after the news, others pointed to additional factors that could disrupt the supply of teaching staff. The Badger State has more projected teacher openings than students in its teacher preparation programs who could fill them, for example, and the supply of substitute teachers, while generally stronger than in many other states, has been strained in larger districts like Madison. “It takes special people to decide in this moment that they want to become an educator,” said one retired educator. “I’m really fearful what that looks like in 20 years — 20 years from now, are we going to be able to find teachers at all?”

SOUTH CAROLINA — After-School Programs Doubling Down on ESSER Funds: State officials announced late last month an across the state. In a press release, the state Department of Education said it would partner with the South Carolina Afterschool Alliance to disperse the funding to “evidence-based programs in underserved areas.” Recipients of the grants include the organizations Wings for Kids, Communities in Schools, Kids on Point, Yes I Can After School Program and the Youth Empowerment Services (YES) Beyond Measure Mentoring Program.

TENNESSEE — DOE, UT System Launch Grow Your Own Center to Bolster Teacher Pipeline: The Tennessee Department of Education will be alongside the University of Tennessee system to coordinate and support the state’s 65 and growing “Grow Your Own” teacher training programs in districts. Such programs, centered on empowering and equipping school support staff and students to become qualified teachers, has proven immensely successful in several Tennessee districts, with some even set to completely that were once at a crisis level. “We have to remove the barriers that prevent great people from becoming great teachers,” said Tennessee Commissioner Penny Schwinn. “The apprenticeships supported by Tennessee’s Grow Your Own Center give future teachers “exceptional preparation at no cost [to them].”

Today, and launched the Tennessee Grow Your Own Center! This $20M investment creates a permanent technical assistance provider to support districts and states to design, launch and implement teacher apprenticeship and endorsement programs.

— Penny Schwinn (@SchwinnTeach)

ALABAMA – More Than Half of First-Time Teachers in State Leave Within Three Years: According to a new report by the Alabama Commission on the Evaluation of Services, . The report focused on two big issues: support for new teachers and declining employment of certified teachers. Although Alabama is pouring funds into replacing teachers with increased pay, researchers say that isn’t enough. With a growing workload and less quality professional development and collegial support, teachers are feeling unappreciated for their efforts. “There’s kind of an alarming trend that despite the fact that many states are raising compensation, they’re trying to change policy, they’re trying to do what they feel like they can do to stop or to reverse the teacher shortage trend,” said Megan Boren, a project manager at the Southern Regional Education Board. “It’s not quite working yet. The numbers are still getting worse each year.”

COLORADO — Gov. Jared Polis Signs Universal Pre-K Bill Into Law: Colorado Gov. Jared Polis signed a bill into law that aims to make universal pre-K a reality for all residents. Under it, recipients will receive 10 hours of free preschool education per week by fall of 2023. The new law . The effort will be administered by the Department of Early Childhood, a newly-created entity.

NEW JERSEY – Inside New Jersey’s ‘Zillow for Finding Schools’: How a New Effort in Newark Aims to Empower Families By Putting More Education Information at Parents’ Fingertips: A new mobile-friendly online tool is providing Newark families with easy access to detailed school data and registration information for all 185 schools in the city. The tool, My School Newark, was developed by the New Jersey Children’s Foundation and represents the first such effort in the region to aggregate K-12 school information so that parents can make informed decisions about enrollment, applications, and school performance.

MAINE — State Approves $2 Million in Funding to Expand Climate Education in Maine Schools: Lawmakers in Maine aimed at providing educators with climate science education after more than 100 students, families, and teachers testified in support of it. The professional development could provide greater access to quality climate science instruction in schools, say supporters.

COLORADO — Gov. Jared Polis Signs Universal Pre-K Bill Into Law: Gov. Jared Polis signed a bill into law . Under it, recipients will receive 10 hours of free preschool education per week by fall of 2023. The new law is estimated to save families with young children around $4,000 per year in pre-K costs. The effort will be administered by the Department of Early Childhood, a newly-created entity.

CONNECTICUT — Early Childhood Education Gets $150 Million Investment from State: A $150 million investment in early childhood education was recently passed as part of Connecticut’s state-level budget, a move that child care providers in the state say . “We would not be here today without all of the advocacy that was done prior. Child care providers raised up their voices saying that we need help — we are thankful that the cries did not go unheard by our legislators and our governor’s office,” New Haven parent Steven Cousin told Connecticut Public Radio.

As , research on the effectiveness of masking, appropriate distancing, and school building ventilation were shared without evidence or with mistakes that were never corrected. “They had a really hard job. This has never happened before in anybody’s lifetime,” said Doug Harris, a Tulane University researcher who has studied schools through the pandemic. Still, he said, “The quality of research coming out was disheartening.”

Looking beyond safety research and guidance, here are eight other updates from across the country about how states and school systems are confronting the challenges posed by COVID-19 and its variants — and working to preserve student progress amid the pandemic:

1 TEXAS — 4-Day School Week Picks Up Steam in Rural Texas Districts

Amid rising teacher burnout and declining student attendance and enrollment, some . Paul Thompson, an associate professor of economics at Oregon State University, has conducted research surrounding the impacts of four-day school weeks on students. “A common reason districts – both rural and urban – seek this model is because it can save money and effectively recruit and retain students and staff,” Thompson said. In turn, advocates opposed to a four-day school week have said it could result in less quality instructional time for students.

2CALIFORNIA – State Public School Enrollment Spirals, Dropping by 110,000 Students this Year

Enrollment declines that began before the COVID-19 pandemic are continuing in the Golden State, with officials recently announcing a fifth consecutive year of shrinking enrollment. State education officials say the pandemic exacerbated the trend, with . “One of the questions that we just have to come back to is, just where are those kids?” said Heather J. Hough, executive director of the Policy Analysis for California Education. “We don’t have satisfying data to answer that question.”

3UTAH — State Invests $8 Million into Free Early Learning Program for Children

The state of Utah is kicking off an with a local nonprofit called Waterford Upstart, a program meant to expand access to pre-k and kindergarten opportunities to rural families. “Our state leaders recognize we must do something to help our children stay on track, and that help must come early,” said Kim Fischer, the national spokesperson and senior vice president of communication for Waterford.org. “Waterford Upstart is a great solution because it gets families involved and it can be done in conjunction with traditional education.” Among the resources provided to families by the Waterford Upstart program are access to technology and internet, personalized learning software, and coaching. 

4SOUTH CAROLINA – Proposal Would Pay State College Students Majoring in Education if They Become Teachers

More and more teachers are leaving the classroom and fewer people are setting their sights on teaching as a career, prompting South Carolina lawmakers to counter the trend with a proposal via a yearly stipend. Palmetto State Teachers Association Director of Government Affairs Patrick Kelly expressed to members, “The retention part, you guys are working on through other avenues – unencumbered time, other issues – but we’ve got to get them into the pipeline. If we don’t, there’s nobody to retain.” The Commission on Higher Education would be responsible for defining which majors and students would be eligible for the stipend.

5MICHIGAN – Detroit School District Plans to Scale Back COVID Testing Next Year

Detroit Public Schools will soon move to small-batch COVID testing instead of universal screening as emergency public health guidelines are scaled back across the state. Citing a sharp increase in school districts dropping mask mandates and testing requirements, .

6ALABAMA – Lawmakers Passed Teacher, Substitute Pay Raises, Certification Updates … What’s Next?

Alabama lawmakers recently as the state legislature adjourned. The expanded state budget includes significant raises for most public school teachers, while a series of legislation would expand resources for classroom supplies, open new routes to licensure for teacher candidates, and set controversial rules on classroom discussions of gender identity and sexual orientation.

7INDIANA – State Board OKs Measures to Ease Special Ed Teacher Shortage

State education officials in the state as schools face sharp staffing shortages and growing populations of students with disabilities. “Through a new license option, approval of additional transition to teaching programs and financial assistance to support training for our current and future special education teachers, we’re committed to supporting our local schools as we seek to grow the pipeline of educators in this high-demand field,” said Indiana Education Secretary Katie Jenner. Officials say that the number of special educators in Indiana has declined 4% since 2014, while the number of students receiving special education services grew by 12%.

8NATIONAL — With Millions of Kids on the Line, Can Schools Make Tutoring Work?

Amid a historic surge in tutoring services due to pandemic disruption to learning and overflowing school coffers, experts are increasingly concerned that schools may struggle to deliver the high-quality, targeted type of tutoring interventions that have proven to be effective. Catherine Gewertz of Education Week cites the inclusion of tutoring as a key recovery strategy and investment across more than 70% of surveyed school districts, as well as a $100 million philanthropic initiative, as representing a wave of programs whose quality schools may find difficult to ensure. “Because so many are launching big programs so quickly, their impact might be disappointing, sparking a backlash,” says one tutoring researcher,

This update on pandemic recovery in education collects and shares news updates from the district, state, and national levels as all stakeholders continue to work on developing safe, innovative plans to resume schooling and address learning loss. It’s an offshoot of the Collaborative for Student Success’ QuickSheet newsletter, which you can . 

The report calls on the Institute of Education Sciences — the research arm of the Education Department — , including education technology, teacher education and workforce development, and civil rights policies and practices in schools. “When research is grounded in the needs and experiences of communities, then that community’s district and educators are more likely to use the findings of the research in his or her daily work,” Adam Gamoran, the chairman of the National Academies committee that wrote the report, . 

Elsewhere this week, K-12 policy expert Jocelyn Pickford turns her attention to in her latest CurriculumHQ blog.��

She first recognizes Nebraska, where officials are “investing in aligned professional development for Comprehensive Support & Improvement schools through their Communities of Practice partnership with TNTP” and providing statewide access to Zearn Math, a curriculum tool that has enabled over 8,000 teachers to reach 110,000 Nebraska students already. “Stories like these are helping me channel my math anxiety into something much more productive: optimism that educators + curriculum experts = collaboration that helps kids,” .

Looking beyond curriculum and research, here are eight other updates from across the country about how states and school systems are confronting the challenges posed by COVID-19 and its variants — and working to preserve student progress amid the pandemic:

ALABAMA – Governor Ivey Signs ‘Numeracy Act’ With Aim of Boosting Math Education

Alabama Governor Kay Ivey , approving an intended boost to math education in the state via the hiring of hundreds of new math teachers, investment in professional learning and development for teachers, and the establishment of an Office of Math Improvement and dedicated education task forces. “For our students to have positive educational outcomes and to have success later in life, we must ensure proficiency in both reading and math is achieved,” said Gov. Ivey, noting that the new law follows a 2019 law improving the state’s focus on literacy instruction.

CALIFORNIA — With Students in Turmoil, US Teachers Train in Mental Health

Despite a national return to in-person classes and overflowing school coffers, education systems are struggling to meet heightened mental health needs among students, families, and teachers that spiked during the pandemic. One coalition of mental health organizations says nearly every state in the U.S. , while teachers increasingly raise alarms for their students. “There’s more school violence, there’s more vaping, there’s more substance abuse, there’s more sexual activity, there’s more suicide ideation, there’s more of every single behavior that we would be worried about in kids,” one mental healthcare provider . In California, officials are leaning into an educator training course offered since 2014 to help prepare and equip teachers to identify and respond to mental health concerns among students. Though more than 8,000 teachers have taken the course, experts say such efforts will need to be expanded into communities that are currently without a similar resource.

NEW JERSEY – Midyear Test Scores Predict Continued Struggle With Learning Loss

New Jersey educators and officials are bracing for lowered student proficiency rates in reading and math as students sit for annual state exams this spring, . Across grade levels in both ELA and math, fewer than 10% of students are expected to score proficient. Newark Superintendent Roger León said his district is “taking the numbers very seriously because their implications are quite profound,” while also saying that the “road to recovery will be long” after years of disruption by the pandemic.��

CONNECTICUT – State Program Has High School Students Propose, Vote on Uses of Federal K12 Funds

Fifty-four high schools across Connecticut have now participated in the state’s Voice4Change initiative, encouraging high school students to submit and vote on proposals . So far, high school students have put their support behind projects like building school greenhouses, renovating common spaces, and bringing school communities together for special events. “I’m so happy that Connecticut, under the governor’s leadership, determined that with all the federal funding we were getting in the state, that this was an opportunity for students … to tell us how you’re choosing to spend some of our recovery funding,” said Commissioner Charlene Russel-Tucker, noting that the program is the first of its kind in Connecticut and the nation.��

OREGON – Districts Exceed Federal Expectation for Committing K12 Dollars to Unfinished Learning

Oregon school districts are funneling federal COVID-19 aid into efforts to address unfinished learning, say state officials. The federal government mandated that a minimum of 20% of pandemic relief funds be targeted to lost learning, but . Programs being bolstered by the funds include in-school supports for students and teachers and  partnerships with community organizations like the Boys & Girls Club, mental health providers, and tutors who can help meet student needs when kids aren’t in school.

NATIONAL — Funders Give Millions Towards Tutoring in Hopes It Can Aid Recovery Despite Big Challenges

A coalition of philanthropic organizations led by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Overdeck Foundation feel the need for effective tutoring programs is paramount to address gaps in students’ learning growth that were exacerbated by the pandemic. The funders have organized , including staffing, capacity, uptake, and lack of research on online tutoring. The initiative, dubbed Accelerate, will be led by CEO Kevin Huffan, a former Tennessee superintendent, and Janice Jackson, formerly of Chicago Public Schools. Accelerate will work with both in-person and online partners with an end goal to take the “burden of quality control” off overtaxed schools and district leaders.

TEXAS — State Education Agency Says Flagging Attendance Won’t Reduce School Funding

In light of reduced enrollment and attendance due to the pandemic, the Texas Education Agency (TEA) within the first 24 weeks of the 2021-2022 school year. “Providing this adjustment to the 2021-22 school year will ensure school systems have the funding they need to retain the best and brightest teachers and provide quality education to all public school students across Texas,” said Texas Gov. Greg Abbott in a statement. TEA also guaranteed essential funding support for school systems by providing full funding based on daily attendance, whether in-person or remote. Although grace is being extended to struggling districts, experts caution that incentives for school systems to keep students in school should remain in place to help address long-term enrollment concerns.

CALIFORNIA – State Task Force Recommends Investments in Literacy Programs, More Specialists

A task force assembled by State Superintendent Tony Thurmond to study and recommend action on flagging literacy in California . Citing heightened challenges during the pandemic, the task force also urged state leaders to pass a series of bills being considered by the legislature that would fund summer literacy programs, invest in bilingual initiatives and specialists, and boost library budgets and resources.

This update on pandemic recovery in education collects and shares news updates from the district, state, and national levels as all stakeholders continue to work on developing safe, innovative plans to resume schooling and address learning loss. It’s an offshoot of the Collaborative for Student Success’ QuickSheet newsletter, which you can .��

Their discussion comes as a number of leaders recently call for renewed focus on science education, including experts and advocates like ., CEO of the National Math and Science Initiative and the first African-American astronaut, and Jim Clark, president and CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of America. (To read more about how high-quality materials can help bring science instruction alive, check out ).

Elsewhere in the news this week, challenges across the country are preventing schools from spending billions of dollars in federal K-12 funding as quickly as many had anticipated after years of ailing school budgets and the generational shock of the pandemic. 

Plans to bolster teacher workforces or improve facilities and infrastructure are being held up by record labor shortages and seemingly endless supply chain issues — economic challenges that are disrupting nearly every sector of the economy. Some that politics are making the funds harder to spend on a realistic timeline as Republicans increasingly bemoan the size and scope of federal K-12 recovery and Democrats resist “acknowledging that the money will take years to spend.”

Looking beyond curriculum and relief funds, here are nine other updates from across the country about how states and school systems are confronting the challenges posed by COVID-19 and its variants — and working to preserve student progress amid the pandemic:

1 PENNSYLVANIA – State in Crisis as Schools See Sharp Declines in Teaching Applicants & Candidates

A deputy secretary for the Pennsylvania Department of Education last month stated that as applicants dwindled and the number of young adults pursuing the field plummets. According to the official, both the number of teacher applicants in Pennsylvania and the number of undergraduate education majors in colleges dropped by 66% over the previous decade. Speakers during a recent House Education Committee meeting said that teacher workforce issues predated the pandemic, but that COVID-19 exacerbated an already tough situation into a crisis.

2 DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA – Literacy Scores Point to Widened Reading Gap During Pandemic

Black and Hispanic students in the District are still behind early literacy benchmarks and levels of achievement seen in 2019, before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to data released by D.C. Public Schools. The data states that white students are now meeting literacy benchmarks at the rate they were before the pandemic, . Schools and teachers are responding to these trends, officials say however, noting that gains are being observed across the board as schools make large investments in tutoring, family and student outreach, and targeted instruction and interventions.

3 MARYLAND – Officials Release Some Testing Results, Show Steep Learning Loss

“Education experts made dire predictions during the last two years, and it appears they were right,” writes Chris Papst writing for WBFF in Baltimore. Reporting on newly released data from the Maryland Department of Education, . Across Maryland, “81 percent of all Maryland students tested in grades three through five are not proficient in math, and 76% are not proficient in English Language Arts.” While plans to address flailing scores vary by district, Baltimore Public Schools pointed to its to provide every student with a specialized learning plan and targeted instructional supports.

4 COLORADO — Colorado is Reshaping Early Childhood. Some School Districts are Nervous

Colorado’s progress toward providing universal early childhood education is being met with both praise and alarm as . After Gov. Jared Polis moved up the date for the establishment of a new early childhood education agency from summer to this spring, experts are flagging the many additional accomplishments that will need to be made to deliver universal pre-K on the law’s timeline of summer 2023. Angela Fedler, who heads several early childhood programs for the Delta County School District in western Colorado, said, “I love the idea of universal preschool. I believe in the idea of universal preschool. I do have some fears around it as well.”

5 CALIFORNIA – Districts Double Down on Addressing Learning Loss After Sharp Decline in Test Scores, Literacy

Statewide student assessment scores recently released by the California Department of Education seemingly confirm what many educators say they’ve been fearing: . The data are adding even more pressure to districts and schools to refocus efforts to help students catch up – like in San Diego, where the district is reviewing curriculum, providing on-demand tutoring, and investing in new professional development and training. The statewide testing data comes as literacy more broadly appears to be flagging in the Golden State. According to a World Population Review , California has the lowest literacy rate of any state, with nearly 1 in 4 people over the age of 15 lack the skills to decipher the words in this sentence and only 77% of adults are considered mid- to highly literate.

6 NEW YORK – Report Explores How New York City is Spending $7 Billion in Federal K-12 Funding

Analysis by the Independent Budget Office shows for pre-K through third grade, with much of the money left to schools to use toward reading coaches, instructional materials, academic recovery, and operating costs. The report also indicated that a little less than half of the total pot is being spent this school year, with the rest earmarked for initiatives through the 2024-25 school year.

7 MICHIGAN – Detroit Virtual School Experiencing Difficulty As New Phase of Recovery Begins

“Ahead of this school year, school officials were banking on the virtual option becoming a permanent fixture for students who thrive in the online space,” writes Ethan Bakuli for Chalkbeat as he reports on the progress of an all-virtual school founded in Detroit during the pandemic. Unfortunately, , saying staffing is a consistent issue and course and program offerings aren’t reliable. Bakuli reports that similar concerns are swirling around other pandemic-driven virtual schools across the country. “There was a trend this fall among larger school districts who created permanent remote learning options as a function of responding to parent demands and trying to recapture enrollment … not necessarily as a longer-term vision for what a good remote learning environment could look like for kids,” says Bree Dusseault, principal at the Center for Reinventing Public Education.

8 ARIZONA — Governor, Ed Officials Announce New ARP-Funded Efforts to Combat Learning Loss, Support Teachers

Arizona officials have unveiled numerous education initiatives in recent weeks . In addition to directing in American Rescue Plan (ARP) funding to deliver $1,000 to classrooms through the popular donate platform Donors Choose, Governor Doug Ducey is using of the federal funds to bolster Arizona OnTrack summer programs. “One of Arizona’s most respected education leaders, Lisa Graham Keegan, will lead the AZ OnTrack Summer Camp, the initiative to overcome learning loss that occurred during the pandemic,” read part of a news release from Ducey’s office, which additionally stated that summer offerings would be targeted to critical subjects like reading, math, and civics.

9 NORTH CAROLINA – Reports of Learning Loss Match Experiences in Schools Across State

A report released by the North Carolina Department of Education , with of third graders not reading proficiently and math scores for nearly all students plummeting. The report also found clear gaps in progress for students of color, economically disadvantaged students, and young learners, who particularly struggled with the shift to virtual learning.  “The problems are different for kids, so for elementary kids that’s when they are learning how to read. That’s when it really mattered to them to have strong instruction,” says Sara Rich, literacy expert and CEO of Just Right Reader, “So, I think it’s great the kids are back in school.”

This update on pandemic recovery in education collects and shares news updates from the district, state, and national levels as all stakeholders continue to work on developing safe, innovative plans to resume schooling and address learning loss. It’s an offshoot of the Collaborative for Student Success’ QuickSheet newsletter, which you can .

“We urged our schools and districts to approach their federal funds wisely and with sustainability in mind,” said North Dakota Superintendent Kirsten Baesler. “We encouraged them to spend about one-third on meeting immediate needs, one-third on innovation and implementing new ideas, and a one-third on keeping what works going.” The briefs feature specifics about “big-bet” programs in the states that could lead to generational advances in areas like tutoring, teacher training, and summer learning programming. Check out to learn more. 

Elsewhere, districts across the nation are experiencing declines in the number of students getting referred for evaluation for special education services. The shift that students with the greatest need are less likely to receive the help they need emerging from the pandemic. From to to , Chalkbeat reports that referrals for special education services fell by nearly a third after the onset of the pandemic and have failed to rebound as schools approach the end of the second year in pandemic schooling. “We don’t want to leave a child behind if they need those [special education] services,” said Julie Rottier-Lukens, director of special education for the 90,000-student Denver Public Schools. “And yet we don’t want to make presumptions based on what we’re seeing in front of us right now and discount that kids have been through a lot.”

Looking beyond relief funds and special education, here are nine other updates from across the country about how states and school systems are confronting the challenges posed by COVID-19 and its variants — and working to preserve student progress amid the pandemic:

1 RHODE ISLAND – State Lawmaker Pushes to Require Measurement of Student Learning Loss

Rep. Julie Casimiro of Rhode Island has introduced a bill aimed at measuring learning loss after concern from local parents about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on student achievement. “If we don’t address it as the adults in the room, it’s not going to get addressed. It’s not going to get fixed,” Casimiro said. The legislation in school districts across the state – and then come up with individualized plans to address it.

2 ILLINOIS – Chicago Public Schools Consider New Vaccine Strategies as Rates Dip for Younger Children

Chicago Public Schools says it continues to explore ways to improve access to vaccines and vaccine uptake after the district reported a sharp drop in the rate of vaccination for 5- to 11-year-olds three months after Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine received authorization from the federal government. At the time of reporting, — with rates especially lagging in schools on Chicago’s South and West Side.

3 MICHIGAN – Data Confirms Extent of Student Learning Loss

Michigan state education officials are reporting marked declines in student proficiency during the pandemic, with . A recent Education Policy Innovation Collaborative (EPIC) also found schools that kept students in the class year-round fared better than districts that relied more heavily on virtual learning. The data comes as Michigan schools continue to face and as state teachers unions urge leaders to relax attendance requirements for students in the face of continuing virus outbreaks, staffing shortages, and poor weather conditions.

4 NORTH DAKOTA – Districts Struggle to Find Substitute Teachers

North Dakota school districts are having difficulty finding substitute teachers as people are less willing or less interested in taking on the responsibilities of being a substitute teacher, said Rob Lech, superintendent of Jamestown Public Schools. “As our pool of substitute teachers continues to get smaller, the need is spread then really thin,” he said. The shortage of substitute teachers is not a new issue, said Rebecca Pitkin, executive director of the North Dakota Education Standards and Practices Board. She said .

5 OREGON – Districts Estimate Continued Enrollment Declines, Brace for Budget Cuts

Portland Public Schools officials are . “While we are forecasting fewer dollars to operate schools generally as a result of declining student enrollment, we are also grateful to have targeted state and one-time federal investments to limit the impact of this enrollment change school districts all across Oregon are facing,” said Guadalupe Guerrero, Superintendent of Portland Public Schools. 

6 ARIZONA – Families Eye Private Tutoring Options as Pandemic Learning Disruption Draws On

Parents are to keep up with online learning during the pandemic. Natanya Washburn, a Phoenix resident, says all four of her children are still feeling the impact of online learning that began in March 2020, especially her daughter, who is in high school and has special needs. Online tutoring platforms like Varsity Tutors report a huge increase in the number of customers in the Phoenix area, stating demand for STEM tutors is up 62% compared to last year.

7 NEW YORK – Defying National Trends, New York’s Graduation Rate Inches Up During Pandemic

Graduation rates across New York City and large parts of the state rose last year, defying national trends of flagging grad rates as the pandemic disrupted schooling. , while the statewide average climbed a single percentage point to 86%. City officials additionally noted that a record number of high school seniors received waivers of typically required Regents exams – 44,545 in 2021 compared to 8,000 in 2020. Statewide, 82% of seniors were granted an exemption from Regents exams last year. 

8 MISSOURI – State Among the Last to Approve Federal Funding Allocations

The Missouri legislature is targeted to K-12 schools and districts. Facing a March 24 deadline to allocate the funding, Missouri is among the last states in the nation to approve the distributions that will be based on school and district spending plans submitted to state officials. Once approved, the funding will need to be spent before September 2024 – a deadline shared with schools across the nation. 

9 COLORADO – Leaders Debate Changes to Teacher Evals As COVID Policies Shift, Universal Pre-K Begins

A bill being considered by the Colorado legislature by reducing the weight of student academic growth in a teacher’s evaluation, providing increased training for evaluators, and boosting teacher professional development. “The goal has always been to help develop and support excellent teachers,” said Jen Walmer, state director for Democrats for Education Reform. “The time is now to help streamline the system, make it less burdensome, restart the evaluation system, and set up the evaluation system to really help teachers grow.” The bill comes as the state prepares to launch a and as state leaders prepare the way for schools to treat COVID “,” a move some believe will allow schools to place the bulk of school disruptions in the rearview mirror. 

This update on pandemic recovery in education collects and shares news updates from the district, state, and national levels as all stakeholders continue to work on developing safe, innovative plans to resume schooling and address learning loss. It’s an offshoot of the Collaborative for Student Success’ QuickSheet newsletter, which you can . 

Disruptions associated with virtual learning impacted over 600 million students worldwide, according to the report, while nearly 470 million children could not be reached by digital programs at all. The learning loss associated with global school closures appears “,” said Robert Jenkins, UNICEF chief of education.

In the United States, was seen in steep declines in the rates of students performing proficiently in math and English, including in states like Texas, California, Ohio, and North Carolina, as well as widespread drops in statewide graduation rates. Recent by Chalkbeat and The Associated Press specifically points to falling graduation rates in more than 20 states as an indicator that “the coronavirus may have ended nearly two decades of nationwide progress toward getting more students diplomas.”

Looking beyond global learning loss and America’s waning graduation rates, here are nine other updates from across the country about how states and school systems are confronting the challenges posed by COVID-19 and its variants — and working to preserve student progress amid the pandemic:

1NEW YORK – NYC Schools Show Broad Declines in Enrollment Amid Pandemic

According to New York state data, Chalkbeat reports that about this year, with nearly 23% losing 10% or more of their students.��Black and white students in grades K-12 saw the largest drops of all racial groups this school year, declining about 7.5% each; Asian American student enrollment dropped 5% and for Latino students, the drop was 4.5%. School systems across the country have also experienced enrollment declines this year, including nearly 6% in Los Angeles and , the nation’s second and third largest districts.

2 TENNESSEE – Gov. Lee proposes $1 billion boost for Tennessee education

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee announced . “The priorities laid out in the State of the State, including an additional $1 billion investment in education, an increase in teacher pay, and dedication to expanding career and technical opportunities for students, if adhered to, will make the 2022 legislative session a success for Tennessee’s students and their futures,” Adam Lister, president and CEO of Tennesseans for Student Success, a middle Tennessee-based nonprofit organization, said in a statement.

3IOWA – Gov. Directs Federal K-12 Funding to Increase Teacher Diversity

Gov. Kim Reynolds announced relying on federal relief funds to support high school students who want to earn a paraeducator certificate and associate’s degree and assist paraeducators who want to earn a bachelor’s degree. Lawrence Bice, chair of the task force, told the Iowa State Board of Education that the program is expected to bring in a diverse group of applicants. show more teachers of color are entering the profession, but not enough to keep up with student demographics. Of Iowa’s new teachers in 2000, 2.8% were people of color; two decades later, the figure grew to 5.7%.

4 DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA – Health Department Issues Test-to-Stay Guidance for Schools

The D.C. Health Department issued new guidance that recommends as an alternative to quarantining and to keep more students in school. So far, the school system has launched a test-to-stay pilot program only in selected pre-kindergarten classes, whose students are not yet eligible for a coronavirus vaccine. The guidance also updates isolation rules for school staff and students who develop COVID-19.

5 LOUISIANA – New Orleans Becomes First District to Set Student Vaccination Requirement

New Orleans is set to be , though experts are warning that state laws will likely allow parents to easily opt-out their children. District officials recognized the status of state laws, but stated their goals were to eventually work with every student and family to either get vaccinated or obtain a proper waiver.

6 MICHIGAN – Public Poll Shows Priorities for COVID Relief Funding

A survey of hundreds of educators, parents, and community members in Michigan showed strong support for , which both rated among the top of a list of priorities. Despite widespread support for the priorities, the survey did show some differences in focus between parents and non-parents, as well as between Democrats and Republicans.

7 KANSAS – Lawmakers Resist Ending Limitations on Virtual Learning

Kansas lawmakers are standing behind a current state law , forcing districts to close schools instead when a COVID surge necessitates. “I’m almost glad that we passed this because now we can’t blame them for being virtual, even though they don’t have the choice. If they did, they would be blamed,” Kansas Senate Minority Whip Sen. Pat Pettey, D-Kansas City, explained.

8 ILLINOIS – Gov. Ptritzker Navigates Paid Leave, Vaccination Deal for School Staff

Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced a new statewide compromise: public school and higher education employees across Illinois — as long as they’re fully vaccinated. “Vaccines are a vital tool in preventing the deadly effects of COVID-19, and those who take the steps to be fully vaccinated against this virus are doing their part to keep everyone safe,” Pritzker said in a statement. The Chicago Teachers Union lauded the agreement Monday, saying Pritzker “clearly understands the value of cooperating with workers, and we hope (Chicago Public Schools) follows his lead.”

9 ARIZONA – State Sues Federal Government Over Funding, Mask Mandates

Arizona sued the Biden administration claiming that the Treasury Department exceeded its legal authority by . This is in response to the Treasury Department threatening to rescind some of the $2.1 billion Arizona received because the state used the funds to establish two programs the federal government said undermine the use of masks in schools. “Treasury believes the rule is correct and allowed by the statute and Constitution,” said Dayanara Ramirez, a Treasury spokesperson.

This update on pandemic recovery in education collects and shares news updates from the district, state, and national levels as all stakeholders continue to work on developing safe, innovative plans to resume schooling and address learning loss. It’s an offshoot of the Collaborative for Student Success’ QuickSheet newsletter, which you can .��

Aside from omicron, Biden administration officials let states and schools know this month that accountability systems typically used to identify and support low-performing schools are expected to be restarted after multiple years of pauses, disruptions, and case-by-case exemptions from federal requirements due to the COVID-19 pandemic. While officials expect states to begin unthawing their K-12 accountability systems, recent guidance offers states and districts flexibility in amending the criteria used to track school performance, a compromise that some say is the department’s acknowledgement of continued uncertainty and disruption as COVID cases surge. 

Looking beyond accountability measures and the Education Department, here are 12 other updates from across the country about how states and school systems are confronting the challenges posed by COVID-19 and its variants — and working to preserve student learning amid the pandemic:

INDIANA – Saturday ‘Accelerator’ Programming Hopes to Serve as Model for Learning Recovery

Schools in South Bend, Indiana, that offers classes, tutoring, and various supports to students working to catch up from pandemic disruption. The weekend program staff say they have experienced success with a data-driven approach to identifying where students should focus extended learning and that they hope the program can serve as a model for schools across Indiana.

NORTH CAROLINA – Learning Hubs Provide Academic Recovery for Network of NC Schools

Teachers and families created during the pandemic to help offer students extended learning time, a place to seek school supports, and increasingly, a venue for teachers to support one another. The hubs were supported by grants from prominent philanthropic foundations and in some counties in the states, have been integral in helping students transition back to the school environment after much disruption.

CALIFORNIA – Statewide School Reopening Hinging on Testing Policies

In an overview of post-holiday school reopening procedures across California, the New York Times describes how many districts — enrolling millions of students collectively — for students and staff to keep buildings open after the state maintained some of the most severe restrictions in the nation during much of the pandemic. The new year update on school health and safety policies comes after Los Angeles officials decided to postpone the nation’s first student vaccine mandate to the fall of 2022.

FLORIDA – Schools See Sharp Absence Rate As School Open After Holiday, Amid Omicron Surge

Districts across Florida reported thousands of student and staff absences as schools resumed following the holiday break, . Some district officials pointed to limited testing and masking protocols to keep virus numbers down in schools, while Gov. Ron DeSantis held firm in the state’s ban on mask mandates and discouragement of other precautions.

MONTANA – Funding for Student Mental Health Services Expiring, Prompting Lawmaker Response

Federal funding for a mental health program in Montana has run out, though lawmakers say they’re working to identify a new funding structure to keep services flowing to students. The Comprehensive School and Community Treatment program typically requires schools to cover one third of the cost of services — a cost that .

KANSAS – Relief-Funded Program Aims to Provide Education Resources Directly to Families

Lawmakers in Kansas approved a new program that would use roughly $50 million in federal COVID-19 relief to specifically support low-income families and students secure learning materials and supports, from technology to tutoring services. The aid would be “first-come, first-serve,” according to an education department spokeswoman, .

ARIZONA – Gov. Ducey Announces Private School Vouchers for Students in Remote Public Schools

Gov. Ducey announced a new state program last week due to the surge in omicron cases and hospitalizations, a move the Republican governor described as “preemptive action” to keep kids in classrooms. Roughly $10 million in relief funds would be directed to the voucher system, with parents able to receive up to $7,000 per year for tuition and education costs.

ILLINOIS – Concerns Over Bus Company Layoffs Sparks Calls for Relief Funding Transparency

Concerns are being raised about “good faith” payments made by Chicago Public Schools to nine transportation companies that laid off workers throughout the pandemic, . The city’s inspector general’s office alerted the district to that discrepancy, resulting in repayment, but officials say the issue highlights the need for transparency in school districts in how pandemic-related funds are spent.

COLORADO — Teachers Union Warns Increasing Numbers of Educators At Risk of Leaving Profession

Pandemic teaching conditions are pushing more and more Colorado educators to consider leaving the profession, say a number of teacher organizations and unions in the state. A recent report from the Colorado Education Association due to “overwhelming workload and low pay.”

MICHIGAN – State Moves Forward With Mental Health Staffing Initiative

Michigan is moving forward with . The $240 million investment in mental health access for students is a piece of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s COVID relief plan and comes after Michigan ranked second worst in the U.S. in terms of student access to counselors.

TEXAS – Gov. Abbott Directs Next Round of Federal Aid to Education, Including Expanding Charters

The latest round of and include grants to families of students receiving special education services, charter school grants, and loan forgiveness and financial aid to frontline health workers.

VIRGINIA – $12 Million in Federal Funds Dedicated to Teacher Recruitment, Retainment Efforts

Virginia education officials announced that roughly , with a primary goal of diversifying the recruitment of teaching candidates and helping aspiring educators navigate licensure.

This update on pandemic recovery in education collects and shares news updates from the district, state, and national levels as all stakeholders continue to work on developing safe, innovative plans to resume schooling and address learning loss. It’s an offshoot of the Collaborative for Student Success’ QuickSheet newsletter, which you can .

Roza touches on promising ways she’s seeing the money being spent, including “districts adapting to help make sure students are returning — things like finding ways to transport kids during bus driver shortages, updating ventilation, creating virtual offerings where needed, and so on.” She also emphasizes that “while the feds attached very few strings to this money, one significant string is the requirement that districts when making spending decisions.”

Looking beyond issues of relief funds and federal oversight, here are eight other updates from across the country about how states and school systems are confronting the challenges posed by COVID-19 and its variants — and working to preserve student learning amid the pandemic:

UTAH — School Districts Are Offering Extra Pay to Attract Substitute Teachers to Avert Crisis. Will it Work?

In recent weeks, increasing numbers of Utah school districts are acting on the hope , as shortages enter “crisis” territory. Ben Horsley, the spokesman for Granite School District, said shortages are a funding issue and school districts are competing with each other for the same substitutes — as well as with outside companies that might be able to pay more. School officials say they’re willing to try different things, like bonuses, to get the numbers back to a more manageable level. In Utah and elsewhere, widespread staffing shortages appear to impact low-income communities hardest throughout the pandemic. 

FLORIDA — Move to End Standardized Testing in High Schools Draws Both Praise and Concern

In September, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis proposed the “elimination” of the Florida Standards Assessment, instead advancing a plan to implement “progress monitoring” in schools throughout the year. However, n. One parent worried about schools’ ability to understand how students are progressing. “To take it away completely off the board and not have an idea where someone might be could set a tone … of ‘We don’t have confidence in you to reach this mark even though it’s been a difficult year,” she said. 

DELAWARE — Fueled by Grants, States Bet Innovative Career Training Programs Will Lure Disengaged Youth Back to School

����Ӱ��’s Beth Hawkins documents a robust effort by private and civic leaders to support the growth of “promising career-pathway programs” in schools in states across the country, offering grants as large as $25 million to spark innovation. From apprenticeships with restaurants to operating vertical farms, students should have access to career opportunities and hands-on experiences at younger ages and across communities, say philanthropic organizations like the Walton Family Foundation and Bloomberg Philanthropies. A number of states are in agreement with the strategy to challenge schools to offer students the opportunity to earn job credentials or even employment after graduation — Delaware, Texas, and Tennessee each bolstered career programs as part of their K-12 recovery plans.

PENNSYLVANIA — Fair School Funding Trial Begins

Attorney Katrina Robson wove history, statistics, and heart-tugging stories of teacher sacrifice and student deprivation into a 90-minute opening statement , where spending disparities are among the highest in the country. The plaintiffs, who also include three families, the Pennsylvania chapter of the NAACP, and the Pennsylvania Association of Rural and Small Schools, say that the system violates the state constitution’s mandate for a “thorough and efficient system of education” as well as its equal protection clause. The wide gaps in education spending discriminate against those who live in the underfunded districts, they say. At the heart of the case, first filed in 2014, is Pennsylvania’s system for funding education — the amount of state aid it sends to its 500 school districts, and how that money is distributed. In Pennsylvania and elsewhere, state education aid is meant to make up the difference in local property wealth and taxing capacity.

EARLY EDUCATION — Kindergarten Enrollment Slumped Last Year. Now, Some Schools See Rebounds Among Youngest Students 

After seeing sharp declines in the number of students entering kindergarten during the pandemic, many schools are seeing a rebound in enrollment as students and families re-engage with schools. Reporting for Chalkbeat, that sometimes eclipse numbers prior to the pandemic. Whereas, “many big-city districts that were shrinking pre-pandemic saw overall enrollment drops again after experiencing especially large declines last fall.” Districts are pointing to larger population declines and decreases in birth rates as additional factors for their shrinking enrollment beyond the pandemic, though officials say long term trends “remain to be seen.”

ILLINOIS —Chicago Might Rely Less on Yellow Buses to Transport Students Next Fall

Struggling to attract and retain bus drivers, Chicago Public Schools is considering a longer-term strategy . During the pandemic — in ChicaGo and other cities — districts offered families financial incentives for coordinating their children’s transportation or have increasingly partnered with ride-share services like RideAlong. “I am not sure if for next year having yellow buses should be the exclusive mode of transporting students,” said district CEO Pedro Martinez. “Our old way of thinking might be too restrictive.”

MICHIGAN — Dyslexia Bills Launch Debate over Supporting Struggling Readers

Following emotional testimony, Michigan lawmakers have renewed their efforts to pass a package of bills designed to help struggling young readers. The bills would so teachers are better able to identify and address reading problems. The proposed laws have drawn unusually broad support from lawmakers and experts across Michigan’s political and geographical divides, who say the state has not done enough to identify and support struggling readers. However, ​​some literacy experts and school officials urged caution about the bills, calling them overly prescriptive and too similar to policies that have proven ineffective in other states.

CALIFORNIA — As State Aims to Come From Behind in Making Sure Children Learn to Read, Some Say Push Is Political

In an attempt by state leaders to address gaps in reading education across the state of California, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed legislation last month ensuring that prospective teachers learn reading instruction practices backed by research, while another proposed bill would require universal screening for dyslexia. Meanwhile, state Superintendent Tony Thurmond has launched his own literacy agenda, creating a task force aimed at making sure all third graders can read by 2026 and pledging to distribute 1 million books to students. 

This update on pandemic recovery in education collects and shares news updates from the district, state, and national levels as all stakeholders continue to work on developing safe, innovative plans to resume schooling and address learning loss. It’s an offshoot of the Collaborative for Student Success’ QuickSheet newsletter, which you can . 

Meanwhile, school districts across the nation are moving away from masking mandates as pressure builds to keep kids in classrooms by rapidly testing students who may have been exposed to the virus rather than requiring students to quarantine at home.

According to data gathered by Burbio, 135 of the largest 200 districts have mask requirements, down from 150 a month earlier. The shift comes as COVID-19 precautions continue to be a political flash point in most states — with lawmakers in and banning districts and schools from requiring masks, oftentimes against locally-made decisions.

Looking beyond issues of safety protocols and relief funds, here are eight other updates from across the country about how states and school systems are confronting the challenges posed by the pandemic and the Delta variant — and working to preserve student learning amid the pandemic:

SOUTH DAKOTA – Teachers and Support Staff Receive Incentives to Tutor After School

Sioux City teachers who volunteer to tutor after school hours after the local school board approved an agreement with teachers unions to use a portion of the district’s federal ESSER funds. The board additionally approved two other programs to address learning loss – a math remediation program and district-wide literacy intervention materials.

ILLINOIS – State School Report Card Points to Declining Enrollment and Engagement

Illinois education officials are drawing showing that student engagement and attendance continue to flag amid COVID-19. In addition to transfers to private schools and an uptick in homeschooling, a drop in public school enrollment was fueled by students becoming disengaged from school systems entirely, warranting a statewide strategy and response in engaging families and students. Illinois, like other states, continues to modify its recovery plan, most recently by waiving teacher evaluations for a second year.

VIRGINIA — Youngkin Pledged More Parental Control of Education, But Changes May Prove Difficult

Following last week’s gubernatorial victory of Republican Glenn Youngkin over incumbent Democrat Terry McAuliffe in Virginia, education advocates and experts are looking ahead to see how Youngkin’s education-focused campaign focus might play out in the Old Dominion and potentially in other states. Despite a promise to give parents increased control over topics and materials taught in schools, some education experts warn “.” Stephen Farnsworth, a political scientist at University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, Virginia, points to multiple systems that already elicit parent engagement and ensure local decision making remains central to instructional and curriculum decisions. “It’ll be interesting to see if education is as high a priority for Youngkin the governor as it was for Youngkin the candidate,” said Farnsworth.

NATIONAL — State Test Results Are In. Are They Useless?

States continue to confirm that pandemic disruption severely impacted student learning and progress as they slowly release data gathered this past spring, after many schools had been shuttered and as students and families cautiously walked a line between virtual and in-person schooling. Officials in say test scores “crashed” while Board of Education dedicated time recently to publicly discussing the “dramatic drop” in ELA and math scores. Similarly, states like and are seeking out lessons from the data while attempting to account for weak participation rates after the federal government waived the requirement for 95% of students to be tested. Catherine Gewertz, covering the topic for Education Week, writes that assessment experts are encouraged that leaders are looking to data to see how best to guide pandemic recovery and target learning acceleration efforts, but that they also caution using recent test scores as the only data point informing education actions, as participation rates, reporting and comparability will vary state by state. “Multiple sources of data are more important than ever,” Gewertz concludes.

TENNESSEE – State Officials Kickoff Townhall Tour to Get Feedback on School Funding Formula Changes

Gov. Bill Lee and Education Commissioner Penny Schwinn are crossing the state . The governor’s proposed Basic Education Program formula, or BEP, would shift the state to a more student-centered funding mechanism, said Schwinn at one of several townhalls planned across the state on the topic. “Altogether what we’re hearing as a theme is that students deserve to have a tremendous number of opportunities to engage actively in schools and make sure they have the staff and teachers available to support them and make sure they can realize their dreams,” Schwinn said.

UTAH – Poll Shows Support for Directing Budget Surplus to Education Efforts

New polling data from Deseret News and the Hinckley Institute of Politics . “We believe that continued investment in education including pre-K and optional enhanced kindergarten are a wise use of surplus funds,” said Moe Hickey, CEO of the child advocacy organization Voices for Utah Children. “We are opposed to a tax cut at a time when we as a state have so many unmet needs,” he said, referring to polling results that showed tax cuts as a second-place priority for Utah voters.

NEW YORK – Nation’s Largest District Rolls Out Vaccine Centers Across Elementary Schools

COVID-19 vaccines , announced Mayor Bill de Blasio following the federal government’s approval of the vaccine for use with 5-11-year-olds. As of the date of the announcement, 78% of New York teens ages 12-17 had received at least one shot.

COLORADO – Budget Proposal Includes Record Education Funding for Pre-K, K-12 & Higher Ed

Gov. Jared Polis’ recent budget proposal for the 2022-23 year . “Education is the best investment as a state that we make. It’s one of the reasons I ran for governor — to fix the systemic underfunding of our public schools and to pay teachers better,” Polis said in a speech announcing the proposal. “It’s why I’m extremely proud to put forward a budget that invests a historic level of funding in our public schools.” The increase in education funding would drive investments in early and higher ed, while also helping K12 schools ensure they do not face a “funding cliff” as federal relief funds expire or run out.

This update on pandemic recovery in education collects and shares news updates from the district, state, and national levels as all stakeholders continue to work on developing safe, innovative plans to resume schooling and address learning loss. It’s an offshoot of the Collaborative for Student Success’ QuickSheet newsletter, which you can .

In most cases, states are attempting to gain approval from federal education officials to omit some information on school performance from school report cards, citing pandemic disruption and staggered recovery efforts as reasons that typical school ratings would not be accurate. Experts caution that worrisome academic indicators should continue to be expected as the nation’s school steer their way out of the worst of the pandemic, with one on graduation rates from America’s Promise Alliance estimating that the peak graduation rate achieved in 2019-20 may be hard to reach as schools struggle to return to normalcy.

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Meanwhile, new nationwide polling from the National Parents Union says parents are being left out of decision making around the use of billions of dollars in school relief funding being distributed to states and schools.��

Of the respondents to the poll, “56% said they have not seen or heard anything about how funds were being spent in their child’s school or classroom,” writes Education Week’s Evie Blad. Even higher percentages say they’ve had no outreach or communication from schools about the recovery funds. “For districts around the nation who have received an extraordinary amount of resources during this critical time, it’s heartbreaking for parents,” says NPU President Keri Rodrigues, “It seems to be a slow ooze back into the status quo.”

Beyond issues of test scores, graduation rates and relief funds, here are 10 other updates from across the country about how states and school systems are confronting the challenges posed by the pandemic and the Delta variant — and working to preserve student learning amid the pandemic:

KENTUCKY – School Counselors Say Kids are Reporting Depression, Suicidal Thoughts Amid Pandemic

Kentucky school counselors and educators are appealing directly to lawmakers in the state on the topic of student mental health, testifying to the General Assembly Education Committee that the COVID-19 pandemic “compounded the problems of adolescence” . “Prior to the COVID pandemic, there were students at my school who suffered from mental illness,” said one teacher in comments to the committee.��“However, the sheer frequency and intensity of those affected has increased exponentially since the pandemic. I’m sad to report that, like the national statistic, the number of suicide threats at my own school has skyrocketed since COVID.” The educators called for increased funding to school mental health programs, staff, and services.

NEW MEXICO – New Mexico Awards $2M Contract for ‘Academic Coaches’

The New Mexico Department of Education is renewing a contract with a service that connects students and families to an academic coach through a text and call-based system. Officials say that nearly 40,000 students were referred to the program during the past two years, .

ARIZONA – When Fourth-Graders Can’t Read: One Phoenix School Has a New Way to Fight Pandemic Learning Loss

 An elementary school in Phoenix, Arizona, is garnering national attention , including physical education and music. Erika Twohy, principal of Sevilla East Elementary, moved to focus on literacy when school reopened this school year, citing national and state-level assessment data showing steep declines in student literacy progress during the pandemic. Twohy hired a team of literacy and instructional coaches to help teachers of all subjects learn how best to integrate literacy instruction and practice into their courses. In addition, the curriculum, programs, and resources were reworked to be aligned with the science of reading and phonics. Despite the intensive efforts, Twohy says she remains concerned for students who are as much as two years behind where they started the pandemic. “I feel like we’re running out of time,” Twohy said.

IDAHO – Early Retirement One of Idaho’s Labor Shortage Problems

The story of two Idaho educators and their experience with pandemic education represent challenges facing many teachers across the state, . Moseley-Morris reports on record rates of retirements in the Gem State through the pandemic, with K-12 education not being spared from the trend. Idaho education officials note that while retirements increased during the pandemic, Idaho schools didn’t experience as many difficulties in retaining teachers as many other states and districts.��

CALIFORNIA – California Is Mandating COVID Vaccines for Kids. Will Other States Follow?

An announcement earlier this month from state education officials that schools would begin to require students to be vaccinated against COVID-19 once the vaccine is approved for use by children . State officials downplayed that the vaccine requirements would be easier to waive than other traditionally required vaccines and that the requirements would be phased in by age group, meaning a vaccine requirement would not likely be in place for most younger students until summer of 2022. Reporters for Education Week note that the significant variance between state vaccine laws, including a rising number of states actively banning schools from requiring some vaccines, and national survey data showing nearly 20% of parents opposed to vaccinating their children against COVID-19 make it unlikely that many states will follow California’s lead.

INDIANA – Teachers May Get 3% Raise in Indianapolis Public Schools

According to a tentative agreement reached between Indianapolis Public Schools and the district’s teachers union, after years of frozen salaries. Educators across Indiana say the state trails the nation in teacher pay, sparring lawmakers to direct special attention to compensation throughout pandemic challenges.

KANSAS – Enrollment in Kansas Schools Dropped by More than 15,000 in the First 18 months of COVID-19

The trend of declining enrollment during the pandemic has continued into the new school year in Kansas, according to Kansas Education Commissioner Randy Watson. Watson recently announced , with the beginning of the new year failing to show an influx of enrollment that would indicate students returning to the school system. “The last 18 months have been the hardest on our state, and schools are a microcosm of that, in the history of private and public schools,” Watson said.

ARKANSAS – South Arkansas Groups Receive State Education Grants

Arkansas education officials recently announced that over across the state. “For every child in an afterschool program in Arkansas, three more are waiting to get in,” said Laveta Wills-Hale, network director of the Arkansas Out of School Network, who applauded the investments. “The same is true for summer learning programs. In 2019, more than 26,000 additional children would have been enrolled in a program if one were available to them,” Wills-Hale concluded.

LOUISIANA – State Looking to ‘Home Grow’ Teachers to Meet Shortage

Louisiana is , a challenge being faced in states across the nation. Through “Educators Rising” clubs expanded in high school across the state, educators and officials hope to introduce the teaching profession to students as they’re planning for college, with the Louisiana Department of Education even establishing a “pre-pathways” program to help high school students earn credit to use toward a college program. “The long-term plan is a “grow your own” initiative,” said Aimee Barber, an associate professor in the College of Education at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. “We need to look into our own community and reframe choosing the teaching profession.”

NEVADA – School District Offering Free Lunches to all Students Through 2025

Clark County School District, which serves the Las Vegas region and is the nation’s fifth largest school district, , extending a free lunch program put in place by the federal government during the COVID-19 pandemic. The district follows others in states like and that have announced similar extensions of free lunch programs.

This update on pandemic recovery in education collects and shares news updates from the district, state, and national levels as all stakeholders continue to work on developing safe, innovative plans to resume schooling and address learning loss. It’s an offshoot of the Collaborative for Student Success’ QuickSheet newsletter, which you can .��

Similarly, from the Center on Reinventing Public Education also shows massive enrollment gains for online virtual schools. Enrollment spikes in nontraditional public schooling options speak to the desire for more options during pandemic school closures, writes ����Ӱ��’s Linda Jacobson, though it’s unclear whether such strong trends will continue.

Beyond issues of student mobility and disenrollment, here are 10 other updates from across the country about how states and school systems are confronting the challenges posed by the pandemic and the Delta variant — and working to preserve student learning amid the pandemic:

ALABAMA – Schools Struggle to Provide Consistent Meals Amid Food, Supply Shortages

The global disruption of supply lines for everything from computer chips to food products and families. According to the state’s “No Kid Hungry” campaign, 1 in 5 Alabama children face hunger, a struggle that was exacerbated by the pandemic. In an effort to address the issue, school districts have tried “pay raises and partnerships with local farmers,” but unfortunately “solutions may take a while to arrive.”

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NEW MEXICO – New Literacy Instruction Requirements Drive Changes to Teaching Reading

New Mexico students are about to experience a shift in the way they are taught to read in schools, with some educators feeling that statewide changes in instruction could have a significant impact on literacy across the state. Following a 2019 state law, the Public Education Department and local districts Jacqueline Costales, PED’s division director of curriculum and instruction claims that the structured literacy program “has been key in moving toward getting all kindergarten through fifth grade teachers across the state the training that is needed to teach reading in an explicit fashion.”

FLORIDA – Biden Ed Department to Compensate Districts Punished by Florida Gov. DeSantis

The administration of President Joe Biden announced it would compensate school and district leaders in Florida who were punished by Gov. Ron DeSantis’ efforts to prohibit school mask mandates. The Education Department , sending “school officials in Alachua County” a total of $147,719. Alachua is just 1 of 11 FL school districts that went against DeSantis’ wishes by instituting mask mandates in schools. “We should be thanking districts for using proven strategies that will keep schools open and safe, not punishing them,” said Education Secretary Miguel Cardona.

MICHIGAN – State Directs $1.4 Billion to Addressing Childcare Challenges

With the arrival of new federal and state education funds, . Matt Gillard, president of Michigan’s Children calls the $1.4 billion in childcare funding “a huge step in the right direction.” Gillard adds, “the need for investment in our public child care systems is clearly being seen.” Funds from the $1.4 billion investment contributes to Michigan’s “Child Development and Care,” its largest child care system that provides subsidies and takes on “private care for low-income families.” When the budget is officially passed, state officials will be under the gun to dole out the funds, having just 3 months to allocate “$700 million in stabilization grants” for child care centers.

NORTH CAROLINA – Feds Approve NC COVID-19 School Spending Plan

Schools across North Carolina have gained access to approximately $5.5 billion from waves of federal stimulus packages over the last year and a half, . According to WRAL News, about half of the latest $900 million has been put toward devices such as computers and software, while most of the remaining has paid for “extended employment contracts, cafeteria workers, bonus pay, salary supplements and stipends, bus driver overtime and new employees.”

HAWAII – Native Education Programs Receive Boost With Federal Relief Dollars

Hawaii will direct just over $28 million of its federal American Rescue Plan funding to its Native Hawaiian Education Program, which provides awards and grants to local efforts driving outcomes with native students, including to programs like the Native Pacific Institute for Education and Culture and the Hula Conservation Society. According to Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), “ to support their students in time for the next school year.”

KENTUCKY – Majority of School Districts Maintain Mask Requirements

All but six of Kentucky’s 171 school districts are maintaining mask mandates . Sarah Wesson, superintendent of Lee County’s school district stated, “It’s not a political decision for us… It’s just about the safety of our kids, and we are just trying to do the best we can to stay open and keep our students and staff safe.” Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear “faulted” policymakers across the state for leaving it up to school boards despite health officials’ recommendations.

PENNSYLVANIA – Pittsburgh to Form Group to Address Pandemic Impacts on Education

The Pittsburgh Public Schools school board is . Data presented to the school board in support of the resolution showed students learning progress lagging compared to past years. If approved, the committee “could have up to 30 members, and each school board member will be able to nominate two members.”

TENNESSEE – Officials Tout Summer School Learning Gains As Schools Start School Year

State-funded learning-loss recovery programs are responsible for “learning gains” made by Tennessee students this summer, says Gov. Bill Lee. Around 120,000 students attended either after the state invested over $160 million in summer programs using COVID-19 relief aid. Summer programs focused on reading, math, STEM, and physical education, with progress monitoring by educators showing student growth of as much as 5.97 percentage points in English and 10.94 percentage points in math.

CALIFORNIA – State Initiative Aims to Have All Third-Graders Reading by 2026

California Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond announced , though the initiative’s details are being worked out by a panel of educators, parents, and research experts. In his public announcement, Thurmond cited years of lackluster reading progress on the state’s Smarter Balanced assessments, as well increased challenged associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. Assemblywoman Mia Bonta is expected to introduce state legislation that would guide recommendations and investments in a new state reading plan.

—Community Schools: A “full court press is underway from the White House, states and education officials” to expand interest and investment in the so-called ‘community schools’ model, .

The community school model typically positions schools as hubs of their surrounding communities and seeks to build out school functions to address community needs like basic healthcare, food distribution, housing insecurity, and even clothing or job needs. Camera to address critical student and family needs that only became more acute during the pandemic. Only 6-8% of schools in the U.S. are community schools, though President Joe Biden hopes to significantly increase this number using a significant expansion of funding for community schools, which is proposed in his budget proposal under consideration by Congress.

—Learning Recovery: A seeks to assist schools in directing their American Rescue Plan relief funding toward investments that are likely to drive instruction and improve student outcomes, particularly in the context of accelerating learning in the face of pandemic disruption. The levied to address common concerns, like literacy — addressed and exemplified by Tennessee’s Shelby County — expanding tutoring programs, and procuring high-quality instructional materials.

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Beyond issues of relief funds and community schools, here are eight other updates from across the country about how states and school systems are confronting the challenges posed by the pandemic and the Delta variant — and working to preserve student learning amid the pandemic:

1 MICHIGAN — State Test Scores Show Sharp Decline in Student Performance, as Participation Rate Plummets

Michigan officials have released results from the most recent administration of statewide, summative tests, which represent the first time students were tested across the state since the spring of 2019. As expected, In a statement sharing the results, the Michigan Department of Education said scores should be reviewed and compared with caution, as participation rates fell to between 64-72%. “Results from the state summative assessments and the local benchmark assessments show that some students were able to make relatively normal gains, while many others will be working with their teachers to accelerate their learning to catch up to where they otherwise would have been in the absence of the pandemic. In Michigan and across the country, we have our work cut out for us,” said State Superintendent Michael Rice.

2 TENNESSEE – Ed Chief Approves Temporary Virtual Learning Waivers Amid Quarantines

In response to a sharp increase in transmission of COVID-19 in Tennessee as schools opened up for the new school year, Education Commissioner Penny Schwinn announced that individual classrooms and schools or if a student or staff member tests positive. While Schwinn described the approach as a “scalpel,” say the state should require schools and districts to develop continuous learning plans, as they were obliged to do last school year. “We see the data, this COVID surge is horrible in Tennessee — the state must recognize that systems will have to close due to the delta variant, not just individual schools,” said Danette Stoke, a second-grade teacher and president of Shelby County UEA.

3 HAWAII – State Education Officials Release Public Data Dashboard on COVID-19 Spread

The Hawaii Department of Education has made a new addition to its website — . Interim Superintendent Keith Hayashi announced that the dashboard was established with parents top of mind. The dashboard includes “probable case information” spanning “state, district, complex area and school levels.” Hayashi is encouraging people to monitor the dashboard to see “that schools are not amplifiers of COVID-19 transmission because of the mitigation protocols schools are enforcing.”

4CALIFORNIA – Los Angeles Moves Forward With Weekly COVID-19 Testing for All

The Los Angeles public school system is facing what The Washington Post calls “a massive public health experiment unfolding in real time.” , in addition to universal masking mandates and staff vaccine requirements. Despite implementing “the most aggressive anti-coronavirus campaign undertaken or announced by a major school district,” the district has seen the vast majority of students and families eager to return to school, with only roughly 3% opting for independent study options at the beginning of the school year.

5 LOUISIANA – COVID-19 Extending Disrupted Learning Due to Hurricane Ida

According to officials, New Orleans public schools “suffered little to no damage from Hurricane Ida” and most campuses announced plans to reopen as soon as power returned. Despite the minimal damage, however, , as staff and students make their way back to school. New Orleans Public Schools Superintendent Henderson Lewis Jr. stated, “We have to be honest in this moment … We had a very high peak [in cases before the storm] and we’re not sure what will happen when we come back.”

6 CONNECTICUT – State Recovery Spending Plan Approved by Feds

Education Secretary Miguel Cardona . The state has established five categories for its plan, which include: “learning and enrichment, family and community connections, student and teacher social-emotional and mental health, education technology, and building safe and healthy schools.”

7 KANSAS – State Applauds Record High Graduation Rate

Kansas Commissioner of Education Randy Watson praised the state’s graduation rates this past week, . Despite the lauded accomplishment, Watson told reporters that believes there is more progress to be made. Breaking down the graduation rate, Kansas found that the graduation among students with disabilities rose 3.1 percentage points and among English learners increased 6.5 percentage points.

8 WEST VIRGINIA – Cardona Applauds West Virginia’s School Vaccination Efforts

Education Secretary Miguel Cardona praised West Virginia’s push to get teachers, students, and communities vaccinated this month, . “And I’ll tell you, what you did in West Virginia to require the vaccination pop-up clinics – not only did you accept the call to action, you really elevated it and said, ‘We’re going to value this throughout the state of West Virginia.’ So thank you for your work on the ‘I Got Vaxxed Campaign,’” Cardona said in a statement directed toward Gov. James Justice and Superintendent W. Clayton Burch. Cardona’s praise comes as Justice with recommendations by teachers unions in the state to pass vaccine and mask mandates.

This update on pandemic recovery in education collects and shares news updates from the district, state, and national levels as all stakeholders continue to work on developing safe, innovative plans to resume schooling and address learning loss. It’s an offshoot of the Collaborative for Student Success’ QuickSheet newsletter, which you can .��

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Civil rights groups ask Biden administration to commit to K-12 testing.

— U.S. News & World Report (@usnews)

“The letter includes recommendations for productive ways to discuss the future of assessments, including recognizing the need for aligned and comparable data at the state level, affirming that assessment data should be a tool for improvement – not a penalty, and publicly promoting the belief that assessments should be designed to benefit all students by advancing racial equity and the achievement of underserved students,”, the executive director of the Collaborative for Student Success, in a Forbes piece discussing the coalition’s actions.

Beyond issues of assessments, student data and school improvement, here are seven other updates from across the country about how states and school systems are confronting the challenges posed by the pandemic and the Delta variant — and working to preserve student learning amid the pandemic:

NEW MEXICO — Educators and Lawmakers Raise Concerns on Extended Learning Time

New Mexico lawmakers raised concerns about the length of the school year for many of the state’s public schools, saying that , prior to the pandemic. A court ruling in the same year focused education officials’ attention on extending the school year, bolstering before and after school programs, and building out summer offerings, though educators say little progress has been made while many of the resources set aside to supplement learning time go untouched.

State lawmakers expressed concern Tuesday about a large number of public schools that aren’t participating in programs extending classroom time to help improve outcomes for students and address the ruling in the landmark Yazzie/Martinez education lawsuit.

— Santa Fe New Mexican (@thenewmexican)

NEW YORK — NYC to Require Vaccines for All Education Staff

New York City mayor Bill De Blasio announced that “teachers, principals, custodians, and workers in the department’s central office” — without having the alternative to opt in for weekly testing. The decision comes as De Blasio faces for not offering a virtual learning options for the city’s 1 million students and as Hochul announced she would seek to put in place a statewide masking mandate. Across the Hudson, New Jersey Gov. Philip D. Murphy that all public, private and parochial schools employees in the state must be fully vaccinated by Oct. 18 or be tested for COVID-19 at least once per week.

CALIFORNIA — Some Schools to Mandate Vaccines for Students

Culver City Unified, a district outside of Los Angeles, became the first district to require “all eligible students and staff attending in-person school” to receive COVID-19 vaccinations. Superintendent Quoc Tran shared in an email to parents that students will need to show proof of vaccination by Nov. 19. Students who do not receive proper COVID vaccinations by Nov. 19 will be asked to take part in schooling remotely, via the state’s “independent study” policies. Dorit Reiss, a vaccine policy expert and professor of law at University of California, Hastings, warned, “They’re taking a legal risk here … I would be surprised if there’s no lawsuit.”

NEVADA — After-School Programs Limit Services Due to Staffing Shortages

A critical after-school program provided by the City of Las Vegas is experiencing staffing shortages, . The Safekey program is offered at over 80 schools and community centers across the city and, due to staff shortages, some have been unable to open up ahead of the return to classrooms. One parent, Damaris Mendoza, told the Las Vegas Review Journal that she was only able to sign her son up for one day of the after-school program, leaving her searching for much more expensive, private childcare options.

Clark County Safekey, the program for K-5 students in the Las Vegas area, is looking to fill several positions for the new school year.

— KSNV News 3 Las Vegas (@News3LV)

INDIANA — Lawmakers Confront Learning Loss in Student-Focused Presentation

Indiana education officials told state lawmakers this week that caused by the disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic. Officials cited sharp declines in math and English language arts performance for students across the state. Indiana Education Secretary Katie Jenner said that addressing the concerns would require “a multi-faceted approach to get students caught up, involving families, governments and community groups, in addition to teachers.” Officials discussed how to target millions of dollars in available grants to programs meeting student needs and driving learning acceleration.

PENNSYLVANIA — State Offers Weekly COVID-19 Testing to Schools

The state will provide as part of its reopening plans this school year. School districts will have to “opt-in” for the voluntary tests, while parents will have to provide approval for student testing. Pennsylvania’s program will be available to both public and private schools, excluding Philadelphia – which has already propped up its own testing plan. Mark DiRocco, executive director of the Pennsylvania Association of School Administrators, praised the program, saying he believes it will help schools maintain in person learning and minimize the spread of the rampant delta variant.

IDAHO — Expected Decline Seen in Student Progress, Officials Plan to Use Data for Recovery

As more states release the results from their statewide, summative assessments this spring, a national trend of declining English and math skills during the pandemic appears to be continuing in the Gem State. Idaho education officials . “We expected an impact, and now we can use these results to move forward to rebuild academic performance,” said Idaho Superintendent Sherri Ybarra in a news release. The newspaper reports that in the spring of 2021, nearly 163,000 students in grades 3-8, as well as high school sophomores, took the exam. Because of the pandemic, the last time all students took the test was in 2019. Participation rates are an important factor when considering test scores.

“We expected an impact, and now we can use these results to move forward to rebuild academic performance,” says Sherri Ybarra on decreased test scores in the state. More:

— Christine M. T. Pitts, PhD (@cmtpitts)

With the rapid rise of the , large swaths of the nation are once again battling out-of-control community spread and wrestling with decisions to reopen schools and possibly put teachers and students at risk. The increased concern around the Delta variant coincides with a tumultuous month for state masking mandates and other COVID-19 precautions, with states taking divergent paths on mask mandates, teacher vaccinations, or even to allow schools to remote or options.

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At the national level, the , the , and the all issued strong guidance and recommendations urging states and districts to keep mask mandates in place as the school season begins, citing lower-than-expected rates of vaccination and the aforementioned variant. Pediatric specialists from the Duke University School of Medicine to provide more context to that position, sharing evidence gathered from over one million students on the effectiveness of various COVID-19 precautions. Aside from vaccination, the experts write, “Masking is one of the best, most readily available methods to protect [students] from the disease, with universal masking being one of the most effective and efficient strategies for preventing SARS-CoV-2 transmission in schools.”

In states, however, arguments over masking and in-person schooling are reaching a boiling point, with disputes between stakeholders at all levels bubbling up to be resolved by state officials or courts in states like , , and . Some governors, chiefly those of Florida and Texas, were , who admonished actions to ban mask mandates, even as large districts like and rebuked their governors by mandating mask requirements for the new school year. “Don’t be the reason why schools are interrupted,” Cardona stated during a press event. Even in states that long held firm in their COVID-19 precautions— like , , and — districts are often at odds with state or national guidance.

Beyond the obstacles surrounding school reopening and classroom safety, here are 12 other updates from across the country about how states and school systems are confronting the challenges posed by the coronavirus emergency — and working to preserve student learning amid a pandemic:

CALIFORNIA – Educators and School Leaders Prepare for Unpredictable ‘Independent Study’ Surge

California districts and superintendents are expressing rising “anxiety” as the beginning of the school year approaches. They brace for unknown implications stemming from a surge in the Delta variant and Some superintendents are saying they expect as many as 1 in 8 students to apply for independent study, a number that might trend higher as COVID precautions are reinstated and if the school year results in a spike in cases. In addition to navigating the continued pandemic, school leaders will also be directing a into education programs, including transitional kindergarten, extended school days or years, and initiatives to combat the growing teacher shortage.

ALABAMA – Fully Vaccinated Students Will Not Be Required to Quarantine This School Year

According to the Alabama Department of Education, students who are fully vaccinated , though unvaccinated students would be expected to follow quarantine guidelines followed last year. At this time, individual Alabama school districts are given discretion in deciding whether to open for fully in-person instruction and whether to implement masking or social distancing mandates.

ILLINOIS – Governor Signs New Investment in Teacher Pipeline

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker signed into law late last month. The funding is expected to support over 5,000 candidates in becoming childcare providers or teachers in the state through 2024. Gov. Pritzker also signed a bill offering an , an action taken in other states as the pandemic disrupted schooling for many students with disabilities.

MINNESOTA – Local Decisions Allowed on Continuing Online Options

Minnesota public schools this fall — but are not required to do so. The Star Tribune is unaware of how many districts are offering this option but notes that those taking the state up on its offer have just six or seven weeks to establish a model for distance education. Minnesota Education Commissioner Heather Mueller stated that with the Governor phasing out “his emergency powers,” mandates regarding social distancing and mask wearing are more of a local decision.

OHIO – Some Schools Digging Deeper Into ‘Mastery’ Approach to Learning Amid Pandemic

What started as a summer project for Ohio students has transformed into something more beneficial — mastery learning. As many students have fallen behind due to at home learning, Cleveland and Columbus school districts are considering mastery learning to help bring students up to speed. District CEO Eric Gordon stated, “Over time, [it] will actually close achievement gaps more quickly and effectively.” ����Ӱ�� Million states that the concept “throws out standard expectations” in a specific school year, by acknowledging that students learn differently. Mastery learning gives students time to learn at their own speed, “repeating and reinforcing skills” until they’ve essentially mastered them.

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA – Fearing a ‘K-Shaped’ Recovery In Capital Classrooms This Year

Beth Hawkins covers how the pandemic’s “K-shaped” recovery might play out in the nation’s capital this school year, citing the fact that thousands of students, particularly at younger ages, went missing from schools during the pandemic. Teachers, bracing for unexpected learning conditions and a resurgent virus, are preparing to differentiate instruction for students at a daunting scale – with some national experts concerned that there could be as many as nine grade levels per class. Adding to the confusion, as traditional DC public schools prepare for an in-person start to the year, 3 large DC charter networks are seeking permission to continue offering all-virtual learning, citing parent demand and continued pandemic safety concerns.

MICHIGAN – Increased Revenues Allowed for Equal Per-Pupil Funding This Year

Record amounts of federal and state education funding will allow Michigan schools to receive the same amount of money per student this fall, a step up following “decades of unequal funding.” According to lawmakers and other advocates, this rise in funding is not a result of “hard political work” — but more existing money that is available for investment. Doug Pratt, spokesman for the Michigan Education Association stated, “It’s something that lawmakers have long wanted to do across both sides of the political aisle and there resources were there to finish the job.”

SOUTH CAROLINA – New Funding Reserved for Early Childhood Programming:

South Carolina education officials announced they in the state. South Carolina First Steps Executive Director Georgia Mjarten said the funding would help transition programs, after-school and summer pre-school programs, parent engagement programs, and early childhood health programs reach as many as 25,000 more students and families over the next three years.

IDAHO – Teachers Union Urges Governor to Direct Portion of State Budget Surplus Towards Schools

Idaho Gov. Brad Little announced that the state’s budget surplus is projected to reach $900 million this year. Following the announcement, . Their recommendations include increased funding for mental health services and staff, increased pay for teachers and paraprofessionals, and decreased class sizes. Idaho Education Association President Layne McInelly believes that a strong public school system will draw more families and businesses to the state, “public education funded properly will only help everybody succeed.”

KANSAS – State Education Agency Directs Some Federal Funding to Early Literacy

The Kansas State Department of Education . The Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling program provides teachers with “specialized training in the science of reading.” A main objective of the initiative is to provide teachers with the proper tools to know when a student is struggling and how to intervene. Like many other states, Kansas’ students faced academic difficulties last school year that are reflected in test scores.

IOWA – Summer Programs Reengage Kids with Learning, Prepare Them for New Year

Expanded summer school programs in several Iowa school districts are drawing attention for their use of federal and state relief funding . Educator Sarah Lyons, who taught at the We Believe Summer Learning Academy at Fred Becker Elementary in Waterloo, said many of her students missed school last year due to coronavirus-related absences and that, thanks to the expanded summer programming, are now better prepared to re-engage this school year.

NEVADA – Reno Goes All In on Career and Technical Education

The city is going all in on Career and Technical Education as its schools emerge from the worst of the pandemic. Citing how the pandemic’s K-shaped economic recovery is driving greatly different outcomes for high earners compared to low earners, ����Ӱ�� reports Reno is attempting to adjust its education system to align with its success in attracting a number of technical startups and corporations, including Tesla and other robotics and energy companies. “Reno’s success in reinventing itself as a high-tech hub and attracting associated growing industries is great,” says Amy Fleming, a representative of the Nevada Governor’s Office for Workforce Innovation, writes. “But looking further out, the key to true long-term economic health is whether regional officials — and the school system — can nourish Reno’s blossoming startup sector.”

This update on pandemic recovery in education collects and shares news updates from the district, state, and national levels as all stakeholders continue to work on developing safe, innovative plans to resume schooling and address learning loss. It’s an offshoot of the Collaborative for Student Success’ QuickSheet newsletter, .

New data shows that a majority of the nation’s largest 200 school districts are moving forward with full-time virtual options for students, even as the vast majority of schools prepare to reopen fully for in-person learning in the fall.

Some of the biggest districts – including New York City, Newark, and Chicago — have scrapped plans for their virtual academies, while Texas has barred full-time virtual options from being offered. But many parents, says CRPE’s Robin Lake, would like their children to remain in a remote environment — because of health concerns or a belief that some students thrived while outside of traditional schooling. In places where one is not available, parents are pursuing charter or private school options instead.

As the new school year approaches, the analysis suggests remote and hybrid learning models will likely “stick” beyond the pandemic as schools brace to reintegrate many of the nearly 2 million students who became disengaged from school systems in the last year. Despite their efforts, school officials say they expect a sizable portion of families to continue on with private, charter, or even homeschooling options.

Beyond issues of distance learning and virtual coursework, here are eight other updates from across the country about how states and school systems are confronting the challenges posed by the coronavirus emergency — and working to preserve student learning amid the pandemic:

1 OKLAHOMA – State Directs Relief Funding to Schools for Mental Health Professionals

Like many places across the country, Oklahoma is experiencing a growing need for school counselors, a trend exacerbated by the pandemic. To attempt to meet the need, the State Board of Education to 181 districts across the state aimed at hiring mental health professionals and increasing access to trauma services for schools.

2 ILLINOIS – Chicago Announces Student Vaccination Programs, Mobile Clinics

Following a call for “student vaccination targets” from Chicago’s teachers union, starting July 12. Three schools will host the vaccination sites throughout the summer. Chicago school districts cannot require students to be vaccinated. But students will be required to submit their vaccinations status at the start of the school year.

3 NEVADA – Rising Real Estate Costs, Pandemic Effects Hinder New School Openings

Three Las Vegas charter schools will delay reopening until fall 2022, Sandra Kinne of Sage Collegiate said her school will focus on finding an appropriate facility “instead of trying to scramble to hit even the minimal enrollment targets,” concluding that making the decision to postpone the opening of the school was not an easy decision to make.

4 TEXAS — Learning Setbacks Coming into Focus with New Testing Results

Texas is the first state to from statewide annual testing this school year, after typical data collection halted in 2020. According to the Texas STAAR results, the percentage of students reading at grade level dipped to 2017 levels, while the percentage of students at grade level in math fell to lows last recorded in 2013. Still, some districts saw mixed findings, with surprising numbers of students maintaining or growing their scores in places like Waco, where officials say they saw performance later in the school year. While the scores represent decreased achievement for nearly 800,000 Texas students, many believe results from other states’ tests will depict similar trends.

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5 PENNSYLVANIA – Students Allowed “Do-Over” Year, With Strict Limitation

A new law signed by Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf experienced during the pandemic. However, educators and parents are pushing back, as the law required parents to notify schools of their decision to repeat a grade by July 15 to take advantage of the program. Advocates say the tight turnaround has created confusion and concern in some communities.

6 WEST VIRGINIA – Imagination Library to Provide Free Books Over Summer

The state of West Virginia is partnering with the Dollywood Foundation, country star Dolly Parton’s nonprofit philanthropic organization, . The books will be shipped in the coming weeks and will arrive early enough for teachers to incorporate them into lesson plans as schools reopen in a matter of weeks. Building on the effort, West Virginia education officials have also , which will prioritize addressing learning loss, preparing kids for the new year, and offering programming in the arts and sciences.

7 CALIFORNIA – State Adapts “Independent Study” Rules to Allow for Continued Remote Learning

California officials have made a number of decisions for schools pertaining to reopening this fall, with districts established prior to the pandemic and recently clarified to account for those families who do not want their children to return to school buildings. The decision comes as state officials also , and as Gov. Gavin Newsom seeks to implement a . Among the investments laid out in the funding package is an expansion of the state’s two-year kindergarten program, which is expected to grow to serve nearly 250,000 students – up from about 91,000 students.

8 DELAWARE – Lawmakers Expand School Mental Health Services

Delaware lawmakers have passed legislation . The law alters the counselor to student ratio to 250 full-time students for every counselor and 700 students for every psychologist. The hiring of counselors and school psychologists will occur over a span of three years.

This update on pandemic recovery in education collects and shares news updates from the district, state, and national levels as all stakeholders continue to work on developing safe, innovative plans to resume schooling and address learning loss. It’s an offshoot of the Collaborative for Student Success’ QuickSheet newsletter, .

For many schools and districts, the end of last school year brought with it significant around enrollment — and whether the numerous factors that fed a nationwide decline in enrollment for schools are likely to continue or abate when schools reopen largely in the fall.

Questions surround topics like , which experienced a dramatic rise during the pandemic, and virtual learning, which some parents hope will remain an educational option even as leaders like Education Secretary Miguel Cardona around it continuing. Likely complicating the matter further are declines in enrollment rates for the youngest learners that were often many times higher than those of older grade levels.

That means schools are that could swell class sizes and raise the need for educators to prioritize focus on foundational skills.

Beyond issues of enrollment and early education, here are nine other updates from across the country about how states and school systems are confronting the challenges posed by the coronavirus emergency — and working to preserve student learning amid the pandemic:

1 Washington — State Tells Seattle Schools to Make Up For Violating Special Education Requirements

The Washington State Department of Education is ordering the Seattle Public Schools to address that were reported during the pandemic. Schools, in turn, are expected to offer a year of after-school tutoring or, in some cases, reimbursement for health-related expenses as compensation for the violations.

2 Massachusetts – Boston Ditches Plans for Full-Time Virtual School

Boston officials , joining a handful of districts who have canceled online schooling plans as classrooms reopen and virus counts continue to fall. Nine districts across the state say they plan to move forward with plans to prop up full-time virtual platforms, as state rules prevent schools from pursuing hybrid instruction. Some families are protesting the decisions, particularly Black and Latino families, who were almost four times as likely to report they’d opt into a virtual option rather than return their children to an in-person setting.

3 South Carolina — State Turns Off Internet Hotspots for the Summer

The South Carolina Department of Education announced plans — unless they are used for summer school or summer camp purposes. This update follows the state’s Office of Regulatory Staff summer 2020 announcement that at least 100,000 households across South Carolina would be able to utilize mobile hotspots for their monthly internet access as COVID forced students online.

4 New York — Districts Eye Big Investments as Federal Dollars Flow Into Schools

In New York, some districts , even as other districts use the funding to fill widening gaps in budgets. The Niagara and Erie school districts, for example, will receive more than $485 million and are planning to expand hiring and mental health services, fix failing infrastructure, and upgrade technology and internet access before the 2024 spending deadline.

5 Pennsylvania — Districts Warn Federal Funds Won’t Close Their Budget Gaps

Numerous Pennsylvania school districts are expressing that . Dan McGarry, superintendent of the Upper Darby School District, says nearly $5 million in relief funding will be used to cover “existing costs” rather than investing in new educators, reading specialists, or counselors.

6 Indiana – Indianapolis Schools to Post Public Tracker of COVID Relief Funds

District leaders in Indianapolis schools plan to publish an online tracker . The tracker represents a commitment to transparency for the district, says Superintendent Aleesia Johnson. “We know folks are paying close attention to how schools are leveraging these dollars. We want to make sure that we are being as transparent as possible,” Johnson stated. In addition to being categorized into buckets like instructional support, personal protective equipment, and facilities upgrades, the tracker will be updated quarterly and will be informed by community input.

7 West Virginia – Officials Rollout New COVID-19 Funding Guidance

West Virginia education officials are detailing how schools in the state . Melanie Purkey, executive director of the West Virginia Department of Education’s Office of Federal Programs, said in a recent State Board presentation that, “School systems will be required to spend at least $175 million on learning loss, $7.8 million on summer programs and $7.8 million on after-school programs, leaving $548 million remaining that counties can allocate toward allowable uses.” Allowable uses, according to Purkey, are those “projects that prevent, prepare for or respond to COVID-19.”

8 New Jersey — Officials Offer Additional Year of Schooling for Students with Disabilities

To address learning loss and gaps in services for special education students stemming from the pandemic, New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy . The state plans to use federal relief funding to pay for the temporary extension in services for as many as 8,000 students. The announcement follows a number of district officials raising concerns around student performance during the pandemic, as mid-year assessment data depict that over a in English language arts and math.

9 Louisiana — State Lawmakers Plan Expansion of Broadband Internet Grants

The state of Louisiana plans to spend . Ville Platte Mayor Jennifer Vidrine said that the lack of internet access “crippled” and in some aspects “paralyzed the city.” Officials estimate the grants could bring access to nearly 150,000 households and business, though they estimate the state would need much more investment to entirely close gaps in access.