Education News Headlines

• Senate 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 Hill

Bipartisan frustration over bungled FAFSA rollout on full display in Washington

‘Shockingly bad’: U.S. Senate Democrats beat up on Missouri-created student loan provider

NASFAA | Cardona Faces Pointed Questions on FAFSA Rollout During House Hearing on ED’s FY 25 Budget Proposal

What's going on with student loan relief

President 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 House

Biden admin shares proposal for new student debt relief plan

Student Aid Debt Relief Announcement

Harvard and Caltech Will Require Test Scores for Admission - The New York Times

Which standardized tests does Harvard require?

Sold a Story: How Teaching Kids to Read Went So Wrong | Podcast

READING REFORM ACROSS AMERICA:

The Science of Reading: The Basics | National Center on Improving Literacy

The History and Future of Reading Instruction – The SchoolWorks Lab, Inc.

Professional Development in the Science of Reading | Ohio Department of Education and Workforce

Requirements Under House Bill 33 for Professional Development in the Science of Reading | Ohio Department of Education and Workforce

EdSource - CTA AB 2222 Opposition

A Full Breakdown of the Science of Reading Components | Lexia

California Teachers Union Opposes Bill Mandating 'Science of Reading' in Schools | KQED

Bill to mandate ‘science of reading’ in California classrooms dies | EdSource

Literacy Gap Map

Professional Development in the Science of Reading | Ohio Department of Education and Workforce

Bill to mandate ‘science of reading’ in California schools faces teachers union opposition | EdSource

Hooked on Phonics - Wikipedia

As states refocus reading instruction, two universities stick with a discredited idea | APM Reports