State & National News
Idaho State Board of Education approves rules on attendance, teacher certification
11/23/2020- ‘Board members took up four pending rules that will be submitted to the Idaho Legislature when next year’s session begins in January.’
MA- Public school enrollment plummets statewide amid coronavirus pandemic
11/24/2020- ‘Public school enrollment across Massachusetts dropped by nearly 4 percent this fall, a significant decrease that largely reflects a wave of families who have pulled their children out of public schools, frustrated that classrooms remain closed because of the pandemic, state officials announced Tuesday.’
Washington state officials are considering loosening guidelines to reopen schools
11/24/2020- ‘Washington state health officials are considering changing the disease metrics that guide school district reopening decisions during the pandemic. If adopted, up to half the state’s 300 school districts would meet the benchmark to start educating their youngest learners in person at least part time.’
11/30/2020- ‘As the pandemic has drawn more attention to the needs of students in special education, the state is moving forward with changes to teacher preparation programs intended to improve learning conditions for California’s nearly 800,000 students with special needs.’
11/27/2020- ‘Florida universities could raise undergraduate tuition for the first time in nearly a decade as state leaders look for ways to make up a projected $2.7 billion budget shortfall.’
Research & Analysis
What role will schools play in COVID-19 vaccine distribution?
While schools have played “very active” roles in vaccinations during prior epidemics, they now face increased polarization and other concerns.
Policy Roundup compiled by NAfME’s Matt Barusch.