The 8 Best Education Articles From December: A Racial and Gender Divide in Special Ed, Protesting Democrats Over Charters, an App to Guide Better Classroom Conversations & More
Each month, we compile a list of our most popular and talked-about articles from the previous four weeks. (For a more in-depth look, check out our highlights from November, October, and beyond here).
This past month brought us a series of memorable interviews, significant anniversaries, and surprising datasets at . From our retrospective on the fourth anniversary of the Every Student Succeeds Act to an exclusive report on disparities in special education services in New York City, as well as a profile of a unique new doctorate program focused on social-emotional learning, we had quite the lineup.
Below, you’ll find more detailed information about the month’s most popular stories. (And don’t forget, you can always receive our top news and analysis straight to your inbox by signing up for Newsletter).
Exclusive: Data reveals that girls in New York City schools receive special education services at disproportionately lower rates compared to boys, and race and gender play a significant role in these inequities.
Special Education: Within the NYC Department of Education’s 2018-19 special education report, a striking statistic was uncovered: twice as many boys receive special education services compared to girls. Despite these disparities, the matter of girls with special education accommodations has not been previously discussed at the city DOE’s governing Panel for Educational Policy. Cheri Fancsali, a researcher in this field, deems these gender disparities as a significant issue. Through an investigation into a federal database, discovered that Hispanic, black, white, and Asian girls within the nation’s largest school district all receive special education support at notably lower rates than their respective proportions of the city’s public school students. Furthermore, the majority of girls receiving services are black and Latina. Experts emphasize the need for further information on these students, as gender and race intersect in complex ways. Rachel Fish, an assistant professor of special education at New York University, elaborates on these findings. Taylor Swaak, a writer for , provides a comprehensive explanation of the research.
14 Charts That Revolutionized Our Understanding of America’s Schools in 2019.
Research: When it comes to education research, a single chart can convey a wealth of information. From addressing pressing issues like preventing high school dropout rates to measuring the impact of significant reforms such as Common Core, these topics often generate lengthy papers and experimental trials. However, the power of these findings can be greatly enhanced when presented alongside visually appealing charts. Our compilation of the year’s most influential charts highlights key revelations about America’s schools in 2019. It covers a range of topics, including stagnant NAEP scores, the potential negative effects of coveted spots in exam schools on disadvantaged students, the remarkable progress of special education students in Boston charters, and the connection between closing failing schools and reducing violent crime. Kevin Mahnken from provides an insightful analysis of the major themes and context behind these visuals, offering a captivating glimpse into the world of education research. (Check out the complete roundup).
Kimberly Atkinson, a kindergarten teacher, guides her students through a stretching exercise that incorporates belly breathing, helping them reset their bodies and minds for optimal learning. (Kimberly Atkinson)
New Doctorate Program Prioritizes Social-Emotional Learning, Addressing a Gap in Teacher Training for Holistic Education.
Social-Emotional Learning: As interest in social-emotional learning continues to grow, it has become evident that teacher training must catch up. One pioneering program, launched this autumn at Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Connecticut, aims to do just that. This education doctorate program may be the first in the country to explicitly focus on developing leaders who can address social, emotional, and academic needs. The program’s creator, Michael P. Alfano, was deeply affected by the tragedy of the Sandy Hook shooting, which claimed the life of one of his graduate education students, a first-grade teacher at the school. This event prompted Alfano to make social-emotional learning a cornerstone of Sacred Heart’s teacher training curriculum. While some approaches to preventing school violence involve implementing drastic security measures, Alfano’s vision is centered around helping educators support children who have experienced trauma and teaching students how to regulate their emotions. The inaugural program currently has 18 enrollees, all educators who will spend the next three years conducting research on social-emotional learning and addressing challenges within their own school communities. Kate Stringer provides a comprehensive profile of this groundbreaking program. (Read the full profile)
The Every Student Succeeds Act Turns Four This Month, Praised as a Triumph for State Control of Education Policy. However, Critics Argue That it’s Part of the Problem.
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Schneider: Unraveling the Enigma of ‘China’ and Its Dominance in PISA Rankings – The Distortion Caused by Selective Participation of Regions
PISA: When looking at the rankings of countries based on their performance in the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA), it’s hard not to be impressed by China’s achievements. "B-S-J-Z (China)" consistently outperforms other countries by a significant margin in reading, math, and science, surpassing even Singapore and Estonia. However, Mark Schneider, an official from the Education Department, believes we should scrutinize these rankings more closely. The acronym "B-S-J-Z (China)" stands for Beijing, Shanghai, Jiangsu, and Zhejiang, the four provinces in mainland China that are selectively chosen to represent the country in PISA. This is in contrast to the standard practice of testing students nationwide in all participating countries. To put it in perspective, it would be like substituting Massachusetts, Minnesota, Scarsdale (New York), and Evanston (Illinois) for the entire United States, resulting in a hypothetical ranking of "M-M-S-E (U.S.)," which would rival B-S-J-Z (China), Singapore, and Estonia. Schneider suggests that we should take these rankings with caution and consider the implications of cherry-picking regions for representation. (Read the full analysis)
Equity Maps
Equity Maps App: Enhancing Understanding of Dialogue Skills, Conversation Flow, and Inclusion Through Tracking Student Discussions
Ed Tech: Think of Equity Maps as a digital tool that visualizes in-class discussions, providing students with insights into how their interactions during conversations impact those around them. Inspired by the concept of passing a ball of yarn during group discussions, this iPad app allows students to see how they contribute to the group dynamic and how they can improve for future discussions. The app creates a visual representation of the web of communication, revealing any gaps where students may not have participated and highlighting those who dominated the conversation. Founder Dave Nelson, a lifelong teacher, explains that when students can see the data and understand the lines of communication in the classroom, they can draw their own conclusions and actively work on improving their conversation skills. The ultimate goal is to foster inclusive and meaningful conversations that involve every student. Tim Newcomb delves deeper into the topic. (Read the full story)
John Little/Facebook
Howard Fuller Discusses Charters, African-American Families, and School Choice with Elizabeth Warren
74 Interview: As opposition to public charter schools grows among Democratic presidential candidates, a network of black and brown parents took their advocacy for school choice to Atlanta. They organized an event to coincide with Sen. Elizabeth Warren’s presence in the city after the most recent debate. The Powerful Parent Network, along with longtime school choice advocate Howard Fuller, aimed to highlight the racial divide in public opinion on charter schools. Fuller joined a backstage conversation between Warren and organizer Sarah Carpenter, as well as other members of the Powerful Parent Network. In this 74 Interview with Beth Hawkins, Fuller expresses his belief that Warren failed to recognize the disconnect between celebrating the legacy of black women in civil rights protests and her stance on charter schools, which many see as vital to their self-determination. (Read the full interview)
Student Belonging Is Crucial for Success. Education Policies Must Ensure Inclusion in Every School.
Analysis: The importance of belonging, which entails feeling respected and accepted, is a well-established finding in psychology. Therefore, contributor Ross Wiener argues that every child deserves to attend a school where they experience a sense of belonging. However, discussions about accountability in education often revolve around test scores and graduation rates. Wiener suggests that the definition of school success should also include the responsibility for fostering student belonging. It’s not just about improving academic performance, although evidence shows that belonging contributes to better test scores. It’s about recognizing that school is a social institution that should prioritize the well-being and inclusion of every student. Public education policies should strongly uphold the promise that school is a place where every student belongs. (Read the full essay)
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