2/23/21: K-12 News & Views

February 23, 2021

Editor's Note: This weekly news report aims to cover the most important stories of the week in K-12 public education. Please contact [email protected] for media inquiries or questions.

NEWS

Yesterday, President Biden’s administration announced their recommendation around testing waivers, a few days ahead of Miguel Cardona’s expected confirmation as Secretary of Education. (DOE Letter, Chalkbeat, NPR, EdWeek, Washington Post, USA Today, The 74)
Across the country, schools are taking steps to reopen in person. However, much is still contingent on teacher vaccinations, and tensions amongst top stakeholders remain active. (Politico, EdSource, LA Times, Commercial Appeal, Fox 13 Memphis, Sacramento Bee)

Quote of note: “State assessment and accountability systems play an important role in advancing educational equity. At the same time, it is clear that the pandemic requires significant flexibility for the 2020-2021 school year so that states can respond to the unique circumstances they are facing.” -Ian Rosenblum, DOE Letter

VIEWS

New York Times, Eve L. Ewing (Sociologist of Education & Assistant Professor at University of Chicago): Can We Stop Fighting About Charter Schools?
EdWeek, Andrew Ujifusa, Evie Blad, Sarah Schwartz (EdWeek Reporters): Biden’s Testing Stance Leaves States Tough Choices. Some May Still Try to Avoid Exams

Hechinger Report, Jon Marcus (award winning education reporter and Professor): As admissions season descends, wealthier applicants once again have the advantage

Quote of note: "Beyond education, schools provide food, shelter, mental health care and a frontline defense against abuse and neglect. The pandemic has reminded us of how essential they are. We need to replace the fight over charter schools with the assertion that every child deserves a great school. And we need the political courage and imagination to make that happen." Eve Ewing, New York Times

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