The following resources focus on the educational climate and betterment of those serving the K–12 educational community.

Real Learning for Real Life  High school students experience barriers to high school graduation. Listen to the Chicago Urban League explain these barriers.

A School Finder to Empower: Case Study of Louisiana’s New School Report Card  This resource shows how one state went from theory to action in the development and implementation of a new report card system. The case study highlights examples of best practice strategies Louisiana implemented as they developed a reporting tool that would meet the needs of their stakeholders, as well as lessons learned throughout the process.  This case study is intended to helpful for other states as they begin to develop similar tools.

NC – Food for Thought: Students’ Test Scores Rise a Few Weeks After Families Get Food Stamps  The pattern, revealed by a new study of thousands of North Carolina families, suggests that the additional access to healthy food helps students do better in school. (Chalkbeat) 

Discipline Disparities for Black Students, Boys, and Students with Disabilities   Black students, boys, and students with disabilities were disproportionately disciplined (e.g., suspensions and expulsions) in K-12 public schools, according to an analysis of national civil rights data for school year 2013-14. These disparities were widespread and persisted regardless of the type of disciplinary action, level of school poverty, or type of public school attended. For example, black students accounted for 15.5% of all public school students, but represented about 39% of students suspended from school – an overrepresentation of about 23 percentage points. Officials interviewed in five states reported various challenges with addressing student behavior, and said they were considering new approaches to school discipline. They described a range of issues, some complex – such as the effects of poverty and mental health issues. For example, officials in four school districts described a growing trend of behavioral challenges related to mental health and trauma. (U.S. Government Accountability Office)

Data Helps K–12 School Districts Hire, Set Curricula and Improve Student Outcomes  Schools can use data to differentiate students into personalized learning groups, expert says. (EdTech)

Addressing Needs of Underserved Students Requires Myriad Perspectives  But while adaptability is essential to an institutions’ ability to serve marginalized students, so is a focus on providing an educational experience that will have returns in the long run, said LeBlanc. (Education Dive)

Centralia Superintendent on What’s Next in School Funding  Now that new dollars are flowing to schools, Centralia High School District Superintendent Chuck Lane says it will take time to undo the effects of pro-ration–and that additional investment is still needed. (Funding Illinois’ Future and Real Learning for Real Life)

Equity Dollars Going to Schools  The State of Illinois will finally begin sending local school districts more than $350 million to equalize school funding. The funds come as the result of the successful push to fix Illinois’ school funding formula. (NPR Illinois Education Desk)