Education News

A University of Oklahoma report shows the state fell to 48th on NAEP rankings from mid-pack in the 1990s. Declines occurred in fourth- and eighth-grade reading and math scores statewide. Charter schools are noted as an exception to the overall downward trend. Key Points Oklahoma ranks 48th on recent NAEP assessments Widespread declines in 4th […]

Oklahoma ranks 48th in the country on NAEP assessments. The state aims to boost academics by strengthening teacher preparation and increasing classroom time. The report comes from Linda Jacobson at The 74. Key Points Oklahoma ranked 48th nationally on NAEP Focus on improving teacher preparation programs Expansion of classroom time to raise academic outcomes Implications

Several Illinois Christian colleges have closed, merged, relocated, or stopped new admissions in recent years. The changes stem from an increasingly difficult operating environment for these institutions. Students have expressed mourning over the losses affecting their educational options. Key Points Multiple Christian colleges in Illinois have closed or altered operations recently Closures driven by financial

Frederick Elementary in rural southwestern Oklahoma places over half of incoming third graders in a literacy intervention program. By the end of the school year, the majority reach fourth-grade reading proficiency. The improvement results from targeted reading support within the public school setting. Key Points Over half of third graders enter needing literacy intervention Most

Several universities including Clemson and Northwestern appointed new presidents last month. Some leadership departures occurred amid institutional tensions. The changes represent ongoing shifts in higher education administration. Key Points Clemson and Northwestern among institutions with new presidents High-profile leadership transitions across higher education sector Departures linked to institutional tensions at some universities Implications for Educational

The article advises school leaders against censoring controversial student journalism stories. Experts note that such actions may teach the wrong lessons, amplify issues, and expose districts to legal liability. Recommendations emphasize allowing student press freedom within legal bounds. Key Points Censoring stories teaches students the wrong lessons about free expression Suppression can amplify the controversial

Florida lawmakers have passed legislation that would grant the state Board of Governors and Board of Education expanded authority to amend general education core requirements at public institutions. The bill follows the boards’ prior decision to remove sociology from approved core course offerings. It now awaits the governor’s signature. Key Points State boards already banned

Harvard graduate students concluded a 40-day strike. Tulane University non-tenure-track faculty secured their first contract. A California community college union became the first of its kind. Key Points Harvard grad students end 40-day strike Tulane non-tenure-track faculty win first contract California community college union achieves first-of-its-kind status Implications for Educational Freedom No direct implications. Source:

Auburn University required faculty to sign a form attesting that their teaching did not endorse divisive concepts related to race and gender. The mandate led to weeks of confusion and disruption among staff. The effort was an attempt to regulate curriculum content at the public university. Key Points Faculty were asked to sign forms confirming

An unscientific faculty survey at Texas Tech found that half of respondents altered course content on race and sex without explicit requests. The changes followed new state policies on teaching these topics. Results suggest self-censorship among instructors in higher education. Key Points Unscientific survey indicates faculty self-censorship at Texas Tech Alterations occurred amid policies restricting