1️⃣ Leadership Lens
Deportation fears drove absenteeism this year. Over break, districts can keep immigrant students engaged by pairing resource‑rich programs with legal‑aid partners and refreshing safety protocols ahead of possible policy shifts.
2️⃣ Teaching & Learning
Mandates for science‑of‑reading programs are rising, yet choosing one can feel daunting. Wisconsin leaders highlight four moves: vet evidence‑based curricula, involve a broad team, offer bite‑sized PD, and stock decodable texts students actually want to read.
Math anxiety hits 1 in 4 students, as well as some teachers. Normalizing mistakes, giving students choice in low‑stakes tasks, and pairing affirmations with quick check‑ins builds a classroom mindset where math feels doable.
3️⃣ District Spotlight
One high school began collecting student phones at entry and quickly saw dramatic improvements in focus, behavior, and peer interaction. With no devices to distract them, students are more engaged, teachers cover more content, and even cafeteria conversations are back.
4️⃣ Policy Watch
The FY 2026 budget recommends eliminating Title III, the only federal grant dedicated to English learners, falsely claiming it undermines English instruction. In reality, Title III supports evidence-based language programs, bilingual education, and teacher training, helping EL students meet academic standards. Defunding it would strip critical services from schools and students.
5️⃣ Quick Hits
[Teens Flag Social Media Risks] A new survey finds 48% of teens say social media mostly harms peers, a jump of 16 points since 2022, though many still use the platforms for connection and mental‑health tips. Parents view the threat as even larger, yet only about half of teens feel comfortable talking about mental health, signaling a need for schools to foster open, balanced digital‑wellness conversations.
[States Eye New Graduation Rules] Washington plans another redesign after 1 in 5 seniors lacked a clear diploma route in 2023, reflecting a wider trend as New York, Massachusetts, and most states move away from exit exams. Expect a push to streamline requirements and expand rigorous career courses so more students graduate ready for college or skilled work.
[NY Districts Turn to Virtual Learning Amid Deportation Fears] Some New York districts are offering virtual learning to immigrant students afraid to attend school due to stepped-up federal immigration enforcement. State officials say districts have flexibility to provide online instruction during times of political uncertainty, but educators caution that virtual options may limit critical services and support for English learners.
6️⃣ We Read the Research for You
Research and real-world experience in 100+ schools show that PLCs only thrive when focused on continuous improvement, shared goals, and student data. Schools see the greatest impact when PLCs are supported by trained facilitators (“activators”), structured cycles, and opportunities to share learning across teams.
7️⃣ Mental Health Check
Students show early signs of anxiety and depression in class yet only half of faculty feel able to spot trouble and under 30 percent have formal training. Campuses should give professors clear referral pathways, joint trainings with student‑affairs staff, and their own wellbeing support so no one falls through the cracks.
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