16:1 - Education, Teaching, & Learning

Education News Headline RoundupLast week brought news of a long-simmering conflict within OpenAI, a dominant player in the generative artificial intelligence space, over whether or not the company should release to the public a watermarking tool that would leave a secret trail of encoded breadcrumbs in textual output from ChatGPT.Updates from ongoing literacy reform initiatives across the country:A literacy reform bill in the state of Massachusetts failed to pass after pushback from the state’s teachers union and some school administrators.Maryland’s State Board of Education is also in the midst of a comment period related to literacy programming changes, in this case having to do with a controversial retention policy that could hold back third graders who don’t score high enough on state reading exams.Katie and guest educator Allyson discuss their state-mandated Science of Reading coursework after completing 10 modules that may have missed the mark of preparing teachers to tackle literacy challenges.Ethics and the EducatorTeachers serve as ethical role models, and their personal philosophies deeply influence their day-to-day decisions and interactions with students. In this episode, we discuss how teacher education programs prepare (or fail to prepare) educators to approach these responsibilities with sensitivity and moral understanding. Contemporary challenges in teaching ethics are also examined, including the importance of age-appropriate content, the legal and policy constraints public school teachers face, and the necessity for cultural and ethical sensitivity in diverse classrooms. We discuss strategies for educators to recognize and mitigate their biases, promote respectful dialogue, and prepare students to navigate today's ethical and moral dilemmas, particularly in the digital age.Finally, we consider the influence of parents and community members on classroom ethics and how educators can involve these parties constructively in the project of education. The episode concludes with a discussion of the value of formalized ethics lessons versus the ethical lessons naturally woven into everyday classroom experiences.Discussion Questions:How do your personal philosophies as educators shape your daily actions in the classroom?In what ways do teacher education programs equip educators to handle ethical sensitivity and moral responsibility?How has the role of the educator as a moral and ethical exemplar evolved throughout history?Are formal ethics lessons more beneficial than the lessons students learn from everyday classroom interactions?How can teachers effectively tailor ethics-related content to different age groups while keeping it engaging?Sources & Resources:OpenAI has the tech to watermark ChatGPT text—it just won’t release it | Ars TechnicaThere’s a Tool to Catch Students Cheating With ChatGPT. OpenAI Hasn’t Released It. - WSJUnderstanding the source of what we see and hear online | OpenAIMassachusetts Literacy Reform Bill Dies, But State Spends $20 Million on Reading Education – SolondaisLiteracy reform bill dies, but new reading program gets $20 million investmentLost in a world of words: Key takeaways from Globe literacy investigationWhy It Is Called the Steeplechase and Why It Has Water Jumps. - Business Insider

Dive into the evolving landscape of education as alternative models like free schools and unschooling gain momentum. The discussion highlights the voices of historical figures like A.S. Neill and John Holt, who advocated for learner autonomy. With the backdrop of recent educational news, including the unusual resignation of a university president and the impacts of COVID-19, the conversation pushes for a shift towards more personalized and student-centered approaches. Unpack the challenges and joys of non-traditional education in today’s world.

Education News Headline Roundup [00:02:24]Bloomberg Philanthropies has announced a $1 billion donation to Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. This generous gift aims to cover tuition for a majority of students, addressing the financial barriers to medical education.Dr. Elena Aydarova's recent work critiques Science of Reading reforms, arguing they often disguise motives of standardization, centralization, and privatization. Her analysis, based on advocacy efforts in Tennessee, reveals how these policies may perpetuate inequalities. The discussion highlights the tension between evidence-based teaching methods and the political agendas that influence educational policy. [Bonus content: A brief back and forth with Alfie Kohn, author of Punished by Rewards and many other titles!]Textbook Case: The Making and Marketing of Educational Resources [00:13:45]Textbooks are essential educational resources used to align with standards, provide structured learning, and support lesson planning. The process of creating a textbook begins with identifying a market for the resource and often involves multiple authors or contributors and extensive review. Major publishers such as Pearson and McGraw-Hill dominate the market. Marketing efforts include social media promotion, trade shows, and direct outreach to schools and (increasingly) students. The textbook adoption process for many schools involves evaluation by educators and curriculum coordinators to ensure curricular alignment and often incorporates review committees and pilot testing. Digital versions and supplementary resources such as video, audio, and online coursework are now standard as publishers scramble to appeal to tech-friendly classrooms.Textbooks face criticism for being outdated, expensive, and potentially biased. They have the potential to promote standardization and test preparation over deep learning and critical thinking. Despite these issues, replacing textbooks is challenging due to the extensive effort required to update associated teaching materials, leading to prolonged use of flawed resources.Discussion Questions [00:35:30]1. What are the advantages and disadvantages of using textbooks versus original sources?2. What does it mean to treat a textbook as an authoritative source of information? Are we equipping students to interrogate these educational materials and approach them with a critical lens?3. Do textbooks contribute to over-standardization in education?Sources & Resources:Bloomberg Philanthropies Makes Medical School Free at Johns Hopkins Medical SchoolThe Science of Reading (16:1)Bloomberg's donation to Johns Hopkins gives medical students free tuitionWhat You See Is Not What You Get: Science of Reading Reforms As a Guise for Standardization, Centralization, and PrivatizationHow a textbook is made - Oxford University PressThe Schools Our Children Deserve - (Book) - Alfie KohnCengage and McGraw-Hill Terminate Merger AgreementTextbook publishers explore direct-to-student marketing and salesAbout NCPC - National Capital Planning CommissionParis Olympics by the numbers: Participating country stats and facts

Education News Headline RoundupBook bannings and classroom content updates from around the U.S.:From the Guardian: In Florida, a children's book titled "Ban This Book" by Alan Gratz, which ironically addresses the issue of book banning, was itself banned by the Indian River county school board.From the AP: In Oklahoma, the state Supreme Court ruled unanimously that local school boards, not the state Board of Education, have the authority to decide which books are available in public school libraries. This decision overturned attempts by the state Board of Education to remove certain books from Edmond Public Schools' library.Oklahoma public schools are now required to keep and teach from a copy of the Bible in every classroom in grades 5-12. Teachers are being encouraged to provide Biblical instruction due to the book’s “substantial influence on our nation’s founders and the foundational principles of our Constitution.” Oklahoma’s Superintendent of Public Instruction Ryan Walters stated that teachers in non-compliance could lose their licenses. In related news, Louisiana also became the first state to require that the Ten Commandments be displayed in every public school classroom.The American Library Association reports “the number of titles targeted for censorship surged 65% in 2023 compared to 2022.We recently hosted a discussion on legacy admissions and “side door,” donation-motivated college admissions when we discussed the Varsity Blues scandal on this podcast; now, a bill passed by the California state Assembly may bring financial penalties to private higher education institutions for giving admissions preference to children of alumni and donors.The University of Colorado Boulder is retiring remote exam proctoring and monitoring technology Proctorio, citing low usage after a return to in-person instruction post COVID-19 pandemic. CU Boulder is not the first university to experience student pushback (hear our discussion of the statement on Proctorio issued by the Union of Students in Ireland in episode 102).Behaviorism in Education: The Legacy of B.F. SkinnerIn this episode, we investigate the life and work of B.F. Skinner, the pioneering psychologist who transformed our understanding of behaviorism and left deep marks on classrooms, schools, and methods of instruction. Discover how Skinner’s theories on behavior modification, reinforcement, and punishment continue to influence modern education and classroom management.Highlights:Early Life and Influences: Learn about Skinner's journey from aspiring writer to groundbreaking psychologist, influenced by the works of Ivan Pavlov and John B. Watson.Operant Conditioning: Understand the principles of operant conditioning and how Skinner's research with rats and pigeons laid the foundation for behaviorist approaches in education.The Skinner Box and Other Oddities and Experiments: Explore the development of the operant conditioning chamber, famously known as the "Skinner Box," and its role in studying animal behavior. Be sure to stick around for a discussion of… (checks notes…) war pigeons?Educational Impact: Join a discussion of how Skinner's theories have shaped modern educational practices, including the use of positive and negative reinforcement, token economies, and programmed instruction.Controversies and Criticisms: Delve into the ethical debates surrounding behaviorist techniques and their application in both educational and social contexts.Legacy in Education: Katie and Chelsea Reflect on Skinner's lasting impact on educational technology and teaching methodologies.Discussion Questions:Has Skinner’s focus on observable and measurable behaviors had an overall positive or negative impact on formal educational systems?How much behavior modification is too much when it comes to classroom instruction, and what are the ethical implications of applying behaviorist principles in schools?With new research questioning the efficacy of extrinsic rewards, how do we reconcile Skinnerian approaches to motivation in modern education?Sources & Resources:Book about book bans banned by Florida school board | Books | The GuardianOklahoma Supreme Court rejects state education board's authority over public school libraries | AP Newshttps://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/louisiana-to-become-first-state-to-require-that-the-ten-commandments-be-displayed-in-every-public-school-classroomWatch out Stanford. California is eyeing a new legacy admission ban | PoliticoCalifornia May Ban Legacy Admissions at Universities - The New York TimesA New National Student Organization Is Taking Aim At Legacy AdmissionsProctorio | Office of Information TechnologyStudents Are Pushing Back Against Proctoring Surveillance Apps | Electronic Frontier FoundationBiographical Information – B. F. Skinner FoundationProject Pigeon - WikipediaB.F. Skinner’s Pigeon-Guided Rocket | SmithsonianUnderstanding Behavioral Psychology: the Skinner BoxBehaviourism | Classical & Operant Conditioning, Reinforcement & Shaping | BritannicaBehaviorism In PsychologyTHE IMPLICATION OF THE LEARNING THEORIES ON IMPLEMENTING E-LEARNING COURSESWhat Kind of Dog Was Pavlov’s Dog? | SmithsonianPavlov, Watson, Skinner, And Behaviorism | Kate VotawB.F. Skinner Raised His Daughter in a Skinner Box? | Snopes.comMystery solved: We now know what happened to Little AlbertOperant Conditioning: What Is It and How It WorksReinforcement and Punishment – General PsychologyBehaviorism in Education: What Is Behavioral Learning Theory?Skinner’s Behaviourism - New Learning OnlineOklahoma Superintendent Ryan Walters orders schools to teach the BibleOklahoma schools head Ryan Walters: Teachers who won't teach Bible could lose licenseSkinner’s Reinforcement Theory in the Classroom | Teaching ChannelWhy B.F. Skinner May Have Been The Most Dangerous Psychologist EverThe Engineered Student: On B. F. Skinner’s Teaching Machine | The MIT Press Reader 

The hosts are on summer break, which means the return of an annual tradition: the 16:1 year in review, where Katie and Chelsea kick back and share about their year of learning. Education news headlines will return next episode.Sources & Resources:Reported birth of rare white buffalo calf in Yellowstone park fulfills Lakota prophecy | AP NewsBison Bellows: The birth of a white buffalo calf (U.S. National Park Service)ChatGPT is bullshit | Ethics and Information TechnologyForbes letter threatens legal action against Perplexity AI over copyrightThe AI industry is pushing a nuclear power revival — partly to fuel itselfHorrifying video of invisible fire during Indy 500 race has people questioning how it's even possibleAmerican Library AssociationEducation - Suffs The Musical

Education News Headline RoundupSupreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas has leveled criticism at the landmark Brown v. Board of Education decision just days after the 70th anniversary of the ruling. In his concurring opinion on a decision allowing South Carolina to keep using a congressional map that critics say discriminated against Black voters, Thomas this month argued that the Brown decision took a "boundless view of equitable remedies" and involved "extravagant uses of judicial power" to end racial segregation in schools.The Delaware College of Art and Design (DCAD) announced its closure, attributing the decision partly to financial difficulties exacerbated by ongoing issues with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) system. Concurrently, the U.S. Department of Education has pledged a comprehensive review of its financial aid office and the FAFSA process in response to widespread problems impacting students and institutions nationwide.A follow-up to a headline we first shared in February of this year: Harvard University’s “Institutional Voice” working group has concluded its work and recommended that Harvard leaders not “issue official statements about public matters that do not directly affect the university’s core function.”Taking Chances, Making Mistakes, & Getting MessyThis week, 16:1 explores the origins of “The Magic School Bus,” the beloved children’s television series designed to engage young learners with scientific topics and other curious learning adventures.  The franchise, which started as a children's book series written by Joanna Cole and illustrated by Bruce Degen in 1986, emerged from Scholastic Co.’s vision of blending science with fiction. The franchise sold 93 million book copies worldwide, captivating young minds and paving the way for its evolution into a popular TV show.From 1994 to 1997, "The Magic School Bus" brought science to life on PBS, with Ms. Frizzle, voiced by Lily Tomlin, leading her fourth-grade class on magical field trips. Each adventure, from exploring the solar system to journeying inside the human body, made complex scientific concepts accessible and fun for young learners. Today, the series continues to inspire through its presence on Netflix and has recently gotten a reboot, "The Magic School Bus Rides Again."We discuss the show's pedagogical approach, its effective use of repetition to reinforce concepts, and its clever handling of creative liberties with science. We also share behind-the-scenes stories and insights into the animation and voice acting process, revealing the dedication to making the show both scientifically accurate and entertaining. Tune in to hear our personal reflections on favorite episodes and how "The Magic School Bus" has shaped our understanding of science.Sources & Resources:Clarence Thomas attacks Brown v. Board ruling amid 70th anniversary22-807 Alexander v. South Carolina State Conference of the NAACP (05/23/2024)Misrepresenting Justice Thomas on Brown | National ReviewThe Magic School Bus Inside a HurricaneMLB Negro League stats leaderboard changes record bookRemembering 'Magic School Bus' Creator Joanna Cole : NPRMs. Frizzle creator leaves behind a legacy of learning | Mary Lou Fulton Teachers CollegeThis School Year, Unleash Your Inner Ms. Frizzle - The New York TimesKate McKinnon Shines as the New Ms. Frizzle on Netflix's 'The Magic School Bus' Reboot — Watch the TrailerThe Magic School Bus (TV series) - WikipediaThe Magic School Bus "Behind the Scenes" (1996)The Magic School Bus on VimeoThe Magic School Bus Explores the Solar System : Microsoft : Free Download, Borrow, and StreamingThe Magic School Bus Rides Again - WikipediaList of The Magic School Bus episodes - Wikipedia

Education News Headline RoundupOver the past few weeks, there have been significant developments at the State Teachers Retirement System of Ohio (STRS Ohio). On May 15, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost initiated an investigation into the allegations of a hostile takeover attempt of the $90 billion pension fund, which serves thousands of educators, by QED Systematic Solutions.Academic publishing is facing a crisis of credibility as journals close and thousands of retractions are issued in the wake of a glut of fake research papers. A study by Nature found that in 2013 there were just over 1,000 retractions compared to 2022 with 4,000 and then jumping to more than 10k in 2023. More than 8k of the retractions came from an Egyptian company called Hindawi, which is a subsidiary of Wiley; the Hindawi brand will be sunsetted and its properties absorbed into Wiley. Wiley has announced they will close 19 journals because of the rise of fake papers.A report by Spectrum News from May 14th alleges that millions of dollars in Texas taxpayer funds intended for a charter school in Odessa were diverted to support struggling Third Future charter schools network in Colorado, of which Houston Independent School District superintendent Mike Miles is founder and with whom he has recently maintained a consulting relationship.Examining the Effects of High-Stakes Standardized Tests on Learning OutcomesThis episode explores the history and impact of high-stakes standardized testing in the U.S., starting with a brief review of the No Child Left Behind Act and its legacy. Discussions include the educational goals of high-stakes tests (such as accountability and standardization), and the reasons why these tests often fall short of bettering educational outcomes for students, including curriculum narrowing and stress on students and teachers. We also delve into recent research, including a 2024 study by Maroun and Tienken, which highlights the significant influence of socioeconomic factors on test performance.Discussion QuestionsWhat are the consequences of "teaching to the test"?Why does the high-stakes testing system persist despite its criticisms?Can we design a system with standardized tests but without high-stakes consequences? What might this look like?What would it take to move school administrators and policy makers toward the idea that standardized tests should inform academic strategies instead of penalties or other punitive measures?How do we develop a system to hold educators accountable for serving students well that recognizes that a student’s academic or standardized test performance is not always the best indicator of that student’s learning? Would peer/student reviews play a part in this system?Sources & Resources:Ohio AG investigating alleged 'hostile takeover' inside teacher's pension fundMarch Board News | STRS OhioApril Board News | STRS OhioFebruary Board News | STRS Ohio EmployerAnswering viewer questions about Ohio's retired teachers' pension fund chaosHouston teachers union calls for Mike Miles' resignation after explosive reportHISD students plan walkout as investigation launches into state-appointed superintendent Mike MilesHISD's Mike Miles responds to 'spurious' investigation into charter school networkHISD superintendent Mike Miles accused of mishandling state education funds | CW39 HoustonHouston ISD Superintendent Mike Miles responds to allegations he diverted Texas school funds to his Colorado schoolsReport about charter schools founded by Houston ISD superintendent Mike Miles prompts calls for investigationHISD Superintendent Mike Miles responds to report he funneled TX taxpayer money to Colorado | TEA commissioner, Third Future Schools also respondDisappearing Dollars: Texas public schools missing millionsFlood of Fake Science Forces Multiple Journal Closures - WSJWiley shuts 19 scholarly journals amid AI paper mill problem • The RegisterWiley to shutter 19 journalsEvolving our portfolio in response to integrity challenges | Hindawi‘The situation has become appalling’: fake scientific papers push research credibility to crisis pointSurge In Academic Retractions Should Put U.S. Scholars On NoticeScience’s fake-paper problem: high-profile effort will tackle paper millsThe Pernicious Predictability of State-Mandated Tests of Academic Achievement in the United StatesStandardized Testing is Still Failing Students | NEAResearch Shows What State Standardized Tests Actually MeasureHistory of Standardized Tests - ProCon.org18 years ago, Mike Pence voted against No Child Left Behind. So did Bernie Sanders. Their reasons weren’t the same. - The Washington PostEpisode 51 - Left Behind - 16:1 - An Education PodcastObama Calls for Major Change in Education Law - The New York TimesHistory of Standardized Testing in the United States | NEAPearson, ETS, Houghton Mifflin, and McGraw-Hill Lobby Big and Profit Bigger from School Tests | PR WatchHistory of Memorial Day | National Memorial Day Concert | PBS

Education News Headlines:In Tennessee, Governor Bill Lee signed a controversial law that would allow some teachers and staff to carry concealed handguns on school grounds. The legislation has sparked significant debate and criticism, particularly from educational and activist groups who argue it could increase risks rather than improve safety.Baltimore, Maryland - In January of 2024 a recording went viral of Maryland’s Pikesville High School’s Principal Eric Eiswert making racist and antisemitic comments. The recording turned out to be an AI-generated deepfake.This week marked the anniversary of the Kent State shootings, which occurred on May 4, 1970, when the Ohio National Guard opened fire on unarmed college students protesting the Vietnam War at Kent State University in Ohio, killing four students and wounding nine others. This grim anniversary passes against a backdrop of renewed campus protest activity across the country, as colleges and universities have transformed into protest sites for student-led movements.Rethinking School Norms: How Industrial History Shapes Modern EducationThe foundations of the U.S. public education system can be traced back to the Industrial Revolution, a period that profoundly reshaped American society and the country’s economy. The Library of Congress describes this era as one that moved production from handcrafted goods to factory-based machine production, bringing about unprecedented shifts in transportation, communication, and manufacturing. This industrial transformation redefined the daily lives of Americans, creating new classes of wealthy industrialists, a burgeoning middle class, and a large blue-collar workforce composed of immigrants and rural migrants.The rapid expansion of industries like steel manufacturing and petroleum refining, bolstered by the rise of railroads, demanded a skilled workforce. This economic evolution laid the groundwork for a public education system that mirrored the factory model: standardized, hierarchical, and focused on efficiency.This industrial model of education, however, has started to show its limitations in the face of today's rapidly changing labor market. Automation, digital literacy, and adaptive learning are reshaping the job landscape, calling for educational approaches that foster creativity, critical thinking, and flexibility.Discussion questions to consider:How does the structure of modern schooling mirror our cultural and economic priorities?Can public education make a realistic shift toward personalized learning models given its history of standardization?How has the role of the teacher evolved from the industrial age to today's information age?How have societal expectations of public education evolved, and what does this mean for future educational frameworks?Sources & Resources:Tennessee governor signs bill allowing teachers and staff to be armed on campus.Tennessee lawmakers pass bill to allow armed teachers, a year after deadly Nashville shootingDazhon Darien: Ex-athletic director accused of framing principal with AI arrested at airport with gun - The Baltimore BannerEducational Expansion in Mid-Nineteenth Century Massachusetts: Human Capital Formation or Structural Reinforcement?Officer fired gun while clearing protesters from Columbia building, prosecutors say | AP NewsThe Industrial Revolution in the United States | Classroom Materials at the Library of CongressEpisode 60 - Where No Mann Has Gone Before - 16:1 - An Education PodcastHarvard Educational Review: Educational Expansion in Mid- Nineteenth-Century Massachusetts: Human-Capital Formation or Structural Reinforcement? By Alexander James Field

Education News HeadlinesSenate Democrats, including Elizabeth Warren and Ron Wyden, have sent a letter to the CEO of General Dynamics Information Technology (GDIT) condemning the FAFSA rollout the writers describe as a "near-total failure" that has created a "crisis of credibility" for the Education Department. The FAFSA rollout has been plagued by technical difficulties, delays, and last-minute adjustments, leading to a 40% drop in FAFSA completion among high school seniors compared to the previous year.On April 12th, the Biden administration announced an additional $7.4 billion in student debt cancellation for 277,000 more Americans enrolled in the SAVE plan, other income-driven repayment plans, and the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.It hasn’t been all that long since we covered the story that Harvard had pledged to keep its test optional admissions policy for applicants through the class of 2030; however, just last week the school announced that it will resume requiring test scores in applications for students applying to the class of 2029.Teacher Appreciation Week is on the horizon! It runs from May 6 to May 10, 2024. Plan ahead and find a way to acknowledge the hard work of the teachers in your life!The Science of Reading: Controversy or Consensus?This week we are revisiting a familiar topic, the science of reading, a multi-faceted approach to literacy grounded in phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. We examine California’s Assembly Bill 2222, a proposal aimed at overhauling reading and literacy instruction, which was stalled due to opposition from the California Teachers Association. We’ll share the latest news from the Ohio legislature, where new literacy legislation is actively impacting Katie’s classroom instructional practices.Our discussion covers how the science of reading impacts classroom strategies and the challenges of integrating these methods into existing educational frameworks. We’ll also cover the pushback from educators and teachers unions, like those seen in California, where concerns about the rigidity of mandated reading programs clash with the need for flexible, context-sensitive educational approaches.Sources & Resources:Democrats demand answers from federal contractor on tumultuous FAFSA rollout | The HillBipartisan frustration over bungled FAFSA rollout on full display in Washington‘Shockingly bad’: U.S. Senate Democrats beat up on Missouri-created student loan providerNASFAA | Cardona Faces Pointed Questions on FAFSA Rollout During House Hearing on ED’s FY 25 Budget ProposalWhat's going on with student loan reliefPresident Joe Biden Announces $7.4 Billion in Student Debt Cancellation for 277,000 More Americans, Pursuing Every Path Available to Cancel Student Debt | The White HouseBiden admin shares proposal for new student debt relief planStudent Aid Debt Relief AnnouncementHarvard and Caltech Will Require Test Scores for Admission - The New York TimesWhich standardized tests does Harvard require?Sold a Story: How Teaching Kids to Read Went So Wrong | PodcastREADING REFORM ACROSS AMERICA:The Science of Reading: The Basics | National Center on Improving LiteracyThe History and Future of Reading Instruction – The SchoolWorks Lab, Inc.Professional Development in the Science of Reading | Ohio Department of Education and WorkforceRequirements Under House Bill 33 for Professional Development in the Science of Reading | Ohio Department of Education and WorkforceEdSource - CTA AB 2222 OppositionA Full Breakdown of the Science of Reading Components | LexiaCalifornia Teachers Union Opposes Bill Mandating 'Science of Reading' in Schools | KQEDBill to mandate ‘science of reading’ in California classrooms dies | EdSourceLiteracy Gap MapProfessional Development in the Science of Reading | Ohio Department of Education and WorkforceBill to mandate ‘science of reading’ in California schools faces teachers union opposition | EdSourceHooked on Phonics - WikipediaAs states refocus reading instruction, two universities stick with a discredited idea | APM Reports

Education Headline RoundupThis week in the roundup of latest news and headlines impacting education:Ohio is set to increase the prices for teacher licensing fees in order to prevent the Ohio Board of Education from having a $3.5 million budget shortfall next year.In response to a growing literacy crisis, Oregon has so far distributed about $28 million in grants aimed at bolstering reading education. This initiative represents a critical effort to enhance educational outcomes and address systemic challenges in early education. According to NPR, “Surveyed schools in Oregon remain nearly two-thirds of a year behind pre-pandemic levels in reading,” and “learning loss in Oregon is roughly two to three times worse than national averages.”Schools across the nation are facing an alarming increase in student absences. Recent Pew Research data polled educators across the nation; 61% of high school teachers said chronic absenteeism was a problem at their schools. Researchers are pointing to a cultural shift in the wake of COVID-19 concerning our relationship to school.The Great College Con: Operation Varsity BluesThis week we take a walk through the concealed corridors of privilege and power within the U.S. college admissions system. A wide-ranging scandal known as Operation Varsity Blues (unveiled in March 2019) reflects the complex, often unseen mechanisms that shape educational access and equity at some of the U.S.’s most elite colleges and universities.Operation Varsity Blues exposed a network of wealthy parents and college coaches, who with an orchestrator named Rick Singer manipulated admissions systems to favor their children, often without the students' knowledge. Singer's scheme involved a so-called "side door" into prestigious colleges, and his activities facilitated more than $25 million in bribes. Through fabricated athletic profiles and manipulated standardized test scores, the scandal implicated celebrities, executives, and coaches. The scandal prompted a reevaluation of admissions policies and the role of standardized testing in evaluating scholastic merit.We’ll discuss whether meritocracy has become a myth, what part test-optional policies play in admissions reform, the impact on student mental health brought by the college application rat race, and how college rankings apply pressure to the admissions process.Thanks for listening!Sources & Resources:Watch Out: Tornado Alley Is Migrating Eastward | Scientific AmericanIowa vs. South Carolina TV ratings: How 2024 NCAA women's championship broadcast compares to other sportsOhio’s Board of Education expresses budget crisis following education department overhaul | 10tv.comOhio school board may raise teacher license fees as budget shortfall loomsOregon schools' pandemic recovery lags behind much of the nation : NPROregon Literacy Crisis: State distributes millions in grants aimed at reading educationA Crisis of School Absences - The New York TimesWhat's It Like To Be a Teacher in America Today? | Pew Research CenterAbsent Peers, Present Challenges: The Differential Impact of In-Person and Virtual Classmate Absences on Future Attendance | Texas Tech College of EducationTV celebrities and coaches charged in college bribery scheme | AP NewsWeb Archive - About The KeyDo donations influence college admissions? | Higher Ed DiveActresses, Business Leaders and Other Wealthy Parents Charged in U.S. College Entry Fraud - The New York TimesWho’s Been Charged in the College Admissions Cheating Scandal? Here’s the Full List - The New York TimesCollege Admissions Scandal: Full List of People SentencedWhat Happened to the Students Caught Up in the College Admissions Scandal? - The New York TimesSAT Quiz: Can You Answer Questions From the Original Test? | TIMEMLB, players union trade blame for pitcher injuries as MLBPA condemns pitch clock, league faults velocity - CBSSports.com