Pulse #06: What to Do Before a Crisis, Plus a Literacy Turnaround Story

AASA has released a comprehensive Crisis Response and Support Toolkit to help district leaders prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies. It includes a team template outlining roles and responsibilities, media response strategies, and a must-read checklist with questions to guide action before a crisis, in the first 24 to 72 hours, and in the weeks that follow.

With fewer students choosing traditional college paths, education leaders are calling for high schools to equally prioritize career preparation through apprenticeships, CTE programs, and stronger industry partnerships. Experts stress the need for earlier, more intentional conversations about non-college options so students can confidently connect with real-world opportunities.

A Baltimore high school raised ELA proficiency from 10% to 27% by making every teacher a literacy teacher, integrating reading and writing into all subjects with coaching and consistent support. Teachers built confidence through modeling, professional development, and collaboration, showing that schoolwide commitment to literacy can drive real student gains.

A federal appeals court has upheld a ruling that halts the Trump administration’s efforts to drastically cut the U.S. Department of Education’s workforce, saying the cuts would prevent the agency from fulfilling its legal responsibilities. The ruling also pauses any transfer of key functions like student loans and special education to other federal agencies while lawsuits from states, districts, and unions move forward.

[College Dreams Under Pressure for Immigrant Students] Undocumented high school seniors in California are facing tough decisions about their futures as legal uncertainty, shifting federal policies, and safety concerns reshape their college plans. Many are choosing to stay close to home, leaning on local resources and community colleges, while advocates stress the urgent need for accurate information, mental health support, and safe school environments.

[Making the Science of Reading Stick] Implementing the science of reading takes more than training. It requires shared planning, trust, and ongoing support across roles. Leaders must train alongside staff, stay curious about classroom realities, and reinforce the “why” to drive consistent and effective literacy instruction.

[Alabama Leads in Math Prep] A new report finds most states are falling short in preparing teachers to teach math, with only Alabama earning top marks for aligning standards, licensure, and support. Experts say real improvement depends on comprehensive strategies that include high-quality training, strong curricula, and sustained instructional support.

Student well-being requires more than emotional support. It calls for helping students to find purpose, direction, and meaning in their lives and learning. Schools can boost both mental health and academic success by combining access to care with strategies like reflection, real-world connections, and future-focused goal setting.

As the school year wraps up, educators are spotlighting the tech that truly made a difference. From real-time translation and AI-generated IEP drafts to podcasting school updates and leveling quizzes in seconds, these tools helped streamline workflows, boost engagement, and remove barriers while supporting teaching and learning in meaningful ways.

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