1️⃣ Leadership Lens
Superintendents are kicking off the year by showing up. From serving lunch and joining bus rides to walking halls and sharing school moments online, it’s all about hands-on, people-first leadership. By building trust, boosting morale, and deepening community ties, leaders set the stage for long-term impact in the year ahead.
2️⃣ The Latest in AI
As the new year begins, educators are encouraged to try AI tools that save time and support students in meaningful ways. Start small with trusted platforms, use AI to spark career conversations, triage student needs, and guide course planning. Just remember: AI works best when it extends your impact.
A Common Sense Media study found that AI teacher tools recommended harsher behavior interventions for students with Black-coded names. While platforms like MagicSchool and Google Gemini say they’re working on improvements, the findings highlight real risks when using AI to generate IEP or discipline plans. Educators are encouraged to review outputs carefully and avoid entering student identifiers.
3️⃣ Teaching & Learning
Learned helplessness is a self-protection strategy built from repeated struggle. With consistency and care, classrooms can become places where effort feels safe and success feels possible. Here are four practical ways to address it:
Model mistakes and recovery to normalize effort and persistence.
Break big tasks into steps without watering down the rigor.
Use growth-focused feedback that celebrates strategy and improvement.
Teach emotional tools like breathing routines and reflective check-ins.
4️⃣ A Look at the Numbers
New national data confirms that chronic absenteeism hasn’t bounced back. Here are four trends to keep your eyes on:
Absenteeism is still 50% above pre-pandemic levels, with nearly 1 in 4 public school students chronically absent.
It affects all groups, including high-income and high-achieving students, though low-income districts see the highest rates.
Mental health struggles and student disengagement are major drivers, along with shifting norms that make attendance feel optional.
Moderate absenteeism is rising, as even students who rarely missed school before are now more likely to skip a few days.
The pre-pandemic playbooks aren’t working. Schools need a plan to get students to show up from day one.
5️⃣ Policy Watch
Illinois is the first state to require annual mental health screenings for all students in grades 3–12, starting in 2027. Schools will receive free tools and support to identify student needs early, shifting the focus from crisis response to prevention.
6️⃣ Equity in Action
A recent study found that principals often don’t feel confident evaluating or supporting special ed classrooms. This gap contributes to teacher burnout and missed opportunities for students. Recommendations include expanding principal prep programs to go beyond legal basics, building in professional development, and encouraging stronger relationships between principals and special education staff.
A California school board member reflects on faking his way through reading in third grade and highlights how too many Black children still face that same silent struggle. He calls for hiring more Black educators, investing in evidence-based literacy instruction, screening with care, and choosing texts that reflect students’ identities. Universal literacy isn’t optional, and our systems must catch up.
7️⃣ Quick Hits
[Trauma-Informed MTSS Isn’t Optional] MTSS works best when trauma-responsive practices are embedded at every tier. State and district leaders are urged to implement school-wide trauma training so all staff can recognize, respond to, and support students facing adversity. When every adult is equipped, student outcomes improve across academics, behavior, and well-being.
[Private School Enrollment Growth Slows] Private school enrollment is still rising post-pandemic, but the pace is cooling. A new survey found 40% of private schools reported growth for 2024 to 2025, down from a peak of 55 percent. Top reasons for enrollment gains include values alignment with families, academics, and religion, while drops are linked to cost and competition.
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