The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) announced on Friday that it has dismissed 11 complaints about removing certain books from school libraries. The complaints alleged that local school districts created a hostile environment for students by eliminating materials deemed age-inappropriate, sexually explicit, or obscene. OCR also announced it has rescinded department […]
Department of Education
Posted inCurrent Events in Education
President-elect Trump appoints Penny Schwinn as United States Deputy Secretary of Education
President-elect Trump appointed Penny Schwinn as the next United States Deputy Secretary of Education. Schwinn previously served as the Tennessee Department of Education Commissioner and vice President for PK-12 and pre-bachelor programs at the University of Florida and the Texas Education Agency. On late Friday, Trump announced the pick on Truth Social but initially misspelled […]
Posted inCurrent Events in Education
New Jersey Governor signs law banning book bans; cites intellectual freedom
PRINCETON, N.J. — New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy signed the Freedom to Read Act into law on Monday, reinforcing New Jersey’s stance against book bans and ensuring access to diverse and age-appropriate materials in schools and public libraries. The bill signing at Princeton Public Library brought together advocates, educators, and legislative sponsors committed to protecting intellectual […]
Posted inCurrent Events in Education
Senator Mike Rounds Introduces Bill to Abolish Department of Education
Washington, D.C. – Senator Mike Rounds (R-SD) has introduced legislation to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education, marking a significant move in the ongoing debate over federal involvement in education policy. Filed on November 21, 2024, S.5384 proposes eliminating the Department of Education and redistributing its functions to state and local governments, as well as […]
Posted inCulturally Responsive Teaching
Florida State Board of Education implements stricter regulations on DEI programs and educational content
The day after celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King’s birthday, the State Board of Education in Florida introduced regulations restricting public funds for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs, activities, and policies within the Florida College System (FCS). The new rule, adopted by the Board, prohibits institutions within the FCS from utilizing state or federal funds […]
Posted inDepartment of Education
New York Governor Hochul Unveils ‘Back to Basics’ Plan to Enhance Reading Proficiency
Governor Kathy Hochul has unveiled a comprehensive initiative, the ‘Back to Basics’ plan, to boost reading proficiency in New York and address the critical need for foundational skills in students. This proposal, a component of her 2024 State of the State address, focuses on transitioning the state’s education system to evidence-based best practices. In an […]
Posted inCulturally Responsive Teaching
College Board unveils revised framework for AP African American Studies
The Advanced Placement African American course that ignited controversy among conservative lawmakers, released its revised framework today by the College Board. Set to officially launch in the 2024-25 school year, this course has been developed to introduce students to the diverse and rich history of the African-American community. The development of this course framework involved […]
Posted inSpecial Education
Give ‘Em the Razzle and Dazzle: Supporting Learners with Dyslexia and Others Too!
As educators, some of us have been taught bullying tactics disguised as responsive learner instructional practices and interventions. The infamous excessive drill and practice exercises are one of those instructional practices that we either experienced as a learner ourselves or were taught to use as a part of our teaching pedagogy. Acknowledging October as Dyslexia […]