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Two federal judges have restricted the Trump administration's enforcement of anti-diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) directives aimed at schools and colleges. The rulings, from judges in Maryland and New Hampshire, were prompted by lawsuits from the American Federation of Teachers and the National Education Association, among others. They argue that the department overstepped its authority with the directives, noting also that the restrictions curb academic freedom. Judge Stephanie Gallagher said: “The government cannot proclaim entire categories of classroom content discriminatory to sidestep the bounds of its statutory authority,” highlighting the administration's procedural missteps. Judge Landya McCafferty noted that the vagueness of the directives could lead schools to eliminate DEI programs to avoid penalties. The Education Department's perceived lack of clarity on what constitutes impermissible DEI practices has raised concerns among educators. The unions hailed the rulings as a victory for educational freedom and equity. The case will now proceed as the court considers whether to permanently block the Department’s directive.  

 

Politico

Education Week News

NEA

New York Times

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The Oakland USD (OUSD) board has officially dismissed Superintendent Kyla Johnson-Trammell during a contentious meeting, with no explanation provided for the decision. Johnson-Trammell, who led the district since 2017, was instrumental in guiding OUSD out of state control and towards financial stability. The board's 4-3 vote reflects ongoing divisions, with board Director Mike Hutchinson accusing his colleagues of colluding with labor leaders. Hutchinson remarked, “I can't even smile today,” despite the district nearing the end of its receivership. The Alameda County Office of Education had previously warned that OUSD needed a responsible spending plan to avoid financial collapse. The board's recent actions, including layoffs and resistance to school closures, highlight the challenges ahead as the district seeks to regain full control of its finances.

 

Mercury News

San Francisco Chronicle

Pope Valley Union Elementary School District, the smallest public school system in Napa County, is facing significant challenges, including poor student performance and inadequate support for Spanish-speaking families. A recent grand jury report highlighted these issues, stating that the district is struggling with "factionalism and lingering distrust" following the imprisonment of former school worker Benjamin Casas for sexually abusing children. The district serves about 50 students from transitional kindergarten to eighth grade, and the report emphasizes the urgent need for improvements in the educational environment.

 

Napa Valley Register

During a recent meeting, Atascadero USD Board of Trustees heard presentations from principals Marshawn Porter of Santa Margarita Elementary School and Sarah Betz of Santa Rosa Academic Academy. Porter emphasized the importance of their graduate profiles, stating: “We also want to convey that college is great, but it’s not for everyone.” Betz highlighted the significance of student mentorship and community involvement, saying, “When constantly showing up, the students establish deep connections and stay engaged.” The board also recognized state champion wrestlers from Atascadero High School and appointed Denise McGrew-Kane as board president. Additionally, E.J. Rossi announced Title I funding for several schools to enhance academic achievement for low-income students. The next board meeting is scheduled for May 6.

 

Atascadero News

At Gateway Regional High School, students are experiencing a new era of learning through artificial intelligence (AI). Freshman Spencer Barrett, using a chatbot in his French class, remarked, "I feel like it actually helps me learn better." Teacher Kim Karwoski noted that AI has streamlined her workload, allowing her to focus on students needing extra help. The New Jersey Department of Education supports this initiative, with $1.5m in AI grants awarded to Gateway and nine other districts. However, concerns about plagiarism and misinformation persist. Jennifer Garner, senior director at the International Society for Technology in Education, emphasized the importance of working with AI rather than against it. Gateway has established guidelines for AI use, ensuring students engage with the technology responsibly. Principal Jeff Pierro stated, "We're not going to replace paper and pencils," highlighting the need for critical thinking alongside AI tools.

 

San Luis Obispo Tribune

Three employees from Apple Valley USD have been named Classified Employees of the Year by the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools. Amber Abney, a licensed vocational nurse, Dana Beller, a student information technician, and Shari Nelson, a router/dispatcher, were recognized during the April 10 Board of Trustees meeting. Superintendent Trenae Nelson surprised them with the announcement, highlighting their contributions to the district's core values. The program honors "the tireless efforts of our county's outstanding classified school employees," emphasizing their vital roles in fostering a supportive school environment. The trio will represent their respective categories in the California Department of Education's 2025 Classified School Employee of the Year program.

 

Daily Press

In a recent exploration of graphic novels in education, Larry Ferlazzo highlights their potential to engage students and enhance learning. Tim Smyth, an award-winning educator, emphasizes that comics can inspire students of all ages, stating, "I continue to be amazed at the power of comics and graphic novels to inspire and engage students." The article discusses various strategies for incorporating graphic novels into the classroom, such as having students create their own comics and using them as historical artifacts. Jun Shen shares a project where students crafted allegorical tales reflecting historical events, which were then shared with younger students to foster civic engagement. Kiera Beddes advocates for graphic novels as valuable instructional materials that promote critical thinking and diverse perspectives. Overall, the article underscores the importance of graphic novels in developing literacy and engaging students in meaningful ways.

 

Education Week News

Children face significant asthma challenges at school, often more than at home, due to limited access to medication. A recent study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: Global highlights the effectiveness of school-based asthma therapy programs. Lead researcher Kimberly Arcoleo from Michigan State University noted, “We help families get better adherence to kids' asthma control medication regimens by having the school nurses give them their meds.” The study tracked 633 children in Columbus, Ohio, revealing a 56% increase in asthma control and substantial reductions in hospital visits. The program, which costs about $3,000 per student annually, can drop to $500 once established, leading to significant healthcare savings. Additionally, students experienced less missed instructional time and improved behavior, benefiting both their learning and school funding. Arcoleo's team plans further economic evaluations to assess the program's broader impact.

 

U.S. News

California is investing $500m to add 1,000 electric school buses to its fleet, aiming to reduce children's exposure to diesel pollution. Gov. Gavin Newsom's office announced that these zero-emission buses will be distributed to over 130 rural and low-income school districts, along with 500 new charging stations. Liane Randolph, chair of the California Air Resources Board, emphasized the importance of state funding amid federal cuts, commenting: “California is committed to continuing efforts to reduce children's exposure to toxic diesel pollution.” This initiative is part of California's broader climate goals, which include achieving carbon neutrality by 2045 and requiring nearly all new public school buses to be zero-emission by 2035.

 

Los Angeles Times

Stephanie Manieri, the vice president of the Santa Rosa City Schools board, has announced her resignation after six years in office, citing personal health concerns and stress from public encounters. Her resignation follows the recent ousting of former Superintendent Daisy Morales. Manieri's departure raises questions about the future leadership of the board, as she expressed concerns over the challenges faced in her role.

 

Press Democrat

Press Democrat

The University of California (UC) Faculty Assembly has voted against a proposal to make a semester-long ethnic studies course a new admissions requirement, with a tally of 29 to 12 and 12 abstentions. This decision concludes a five-year effort by ethnic studies faculty to shape high school ethnic studies curricula. While California's Legislature has mandated that high schools offer ethnic studies starting in fall 2025, funding remains uncertain, with an estimated annual cost of $275m. Gov. Gavin Newsom has not prioritized funding for this initiative. The proposal faced criticism for potentially mandating an unfunded course and for its content, which focused on racial violence and oppression, contrasting with the state's voluntary curriculum that allows for diverse classroom discussions. Advocates argued for the necessity of defining knowledge and skills for incoming students, but the majority of Assembly members were not convinced.

 

EdSource

In a tragic incident in Nantes, France, a 15-year-old high school student was killed and three others injured during a stabbing at the Notre-Dame de Toutes-Aides grammar school. According to a police spokesperson, there is "no indication of a terrorist motive." The student was subdued by teachers before police arrived on the scene. A youth is now in custody. President Emmanuel Macron said: "Through their intervention, teachers likely prevented other tragedies. Their courage demands respect." Prime Minister Francois Bayrou urged "an intensification of controls in and around schools" following the attack. He called for a response to the "endemic violence" among some youths and demanded proposals to prevent further knife attacks. Bayrou also said that secure gates at all schools was a possibility. 

 

France 24

New York Times

US News and World Report