Pulse #07: Big Changes in How Students Learn, Lead, and Are Recognized

The College Board removed racial categories from its National Recognition Program, a shift critics say will limit scholarship access for Black and Latino students. Eligibility now depends on top PSAT scores or early AP exam success, raising concerns about fairness given unequal access to test prep and advanced coursework.

All 50 states now support competency-based education, signaling a major shift toward student-centered learning based on mastery rather than seat time. A new interactive map highlights how states are personalizing learning, expanding real-world experiences, and redefining success to better prepare students for life beyond school.

One district is shifting to equal daily time for all four core subjects, sparking debate about whether cutting ELA and math time will hurt struggling students. While some parents are concerned, researchers argue that boosting social studies and science may actually support literacy by building background knowledge and critical thinking skills.

A superintendent in Illinois shares how she transformed hope into H.O.P.E., a framework rooted in habits, optimism, passion, and excellence, to build self-efficacy and drive schoolwide change. Through collaboration, cultural assessments, and intentional leadership, the district has seen measurable gains in student achievement and staff empowerment.

With federal education power shifting to the states, superintendents are encouraged to foster strong, personal relationships with state leaders, even when they disagree politically. One leader’s approach: find common ground, engage regularly, and invite collaboration through informal conversations, shared goals, and mutual respect.

California education leaders are pushing back against the Trump administration’s escalation of immigration enforcement near schools, citing student trauma and declining attendance. Amid flash-bang grenade incidents and reports of ICE activity on campuses, State Superintendent Tony Thurmond called on federal leaders to stop endangering students, especially in immigrant and mixed-status families.

[BoardDocs Breach Exposes Confidential School Files] BoardDocs, a platform schools use to track meeting minutes and store confidential files, suffered a national breach that exposed sensitive data, including legal memos and closed-session notes. Some districts didn’t know until journalists reached out, raising alarms about vendor communication and student data security.

[Extending Sub Time Isn't the Solution] A proposed California bill would double the time untrained substitutes can lead classrooms, but critics warn this lowers standards for students already facing the greatest inequities. True solutions to teacher shortages lie in investing in recruitment, retention, and certified educators, not filling vacancies with unqualified stand-ins

[Rethinking Teacher Pay Through Performance] This opinion piece argues that D.C. and Dallas offer compelling examples of how linking teacher pay to performance rather than experience can drive student gains, particularly in high-need schools. While controversial, the authors make the case that real improvement may require rethinking how incentives work in education instead of relying on surface-level reforms.

As AI automates more tasks, schools must prioritize creativity, problem-solving and self-expression over rote learning. Examples like High Tech High and Scratch show how creative learning environments can equip students with the adaptability and originality needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

The week after students leave is a critical window for school leaders to gather fresh insights, reflect on what worked, and set the stage for improvement. High-performing schools use this time to gather feedback, assess initiatives, and build smarter systems for the year ahead.

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