FYI from BSF, 7.3.20

Some things we have read through recently...

Notes in the Margin

Lots of data released Wednesday by MassInc from their parent poll on remote learning and reopening schools.  Summary.  Crosstabs.  Headlines:

• Parents reported varied experiences in the actual practices of remote learning (e.g., virtual lessons, teacher contact)

• Race, class, language access, and special needs matter

• Parents reported different experiences by sector (traditional district, charter, parochial, private)

Many, many, many takes on the prospect of schools reopening in the fall:

• Lots of discussion at this week’s Board of Elementary and Secondary Education meeting, including testimony from doctors

• A longer interview on public health and reopening schools

• It is a tough spot for all parents, but particularly those who are planning to send their kids off to kindergarten for the first time

• More of a multi-state perspective

• Minor detail in all of this - schools and districts could make the greatest plans ever, but if community transmission is up, things close, leading to op-eds like this

• A lot of districts seem to be waiting for guidance to start planning, but Lexington already has a public framework out

Many MA school committees are requesting additional state funds; haven’t seen this many similarly worded resolutions since Question 2.

American schools’ digital divide in one picture.

BPS is hoping to mitigate learning loss with summer school; so far, about one of four students are signed up.

Exam schools have a new test provider.

Survey and usage data indicate remote learning was challenging all around the country.  We all now know it didn’t go well in Worcester, while BPS’s Marc Racine’s efforts were profiled. 

Housing has a huge impact on student enrollment, so rental evictions are under a watchful eye.  And, yes, race matters.  A new proposed state law would extend the eviction moratorium and freeze rent for a year.

Teacher diversity initiatives in Boston were highlighted.  But, bias is still a prevalent issue among teachers.

There have been some big Supreme Court decisions in the past two weeks - in education, Roberts, once again was the swing vote, this time clarifying paths for public dollars to go to religious/parochial schools.

METCO graduations are noted.

BPS has a new head of safety.