Educational News Round Up, May 20, 2025

by Jon Scaccia May 20, 2025

Become Your Community’s Educational Hero!

Unlock critical mental health insights and cutting-edge education research for only $5/month or $50 annually. This Week in School Psychology simplifies complex topics and empowers educators and parents alike. Your subscription keeps independent, innovative science alive. Join today and champion transformative education!

All Graduates of Predominantly Black High School Accepted into College for the 12th Consecutive Year

Southland College Prep continues its impressive record, celebrating 100% college acceptance for the Class of 2025, with students earning over $50 million in scholarships. This achievement highlights the importance of a supportive educational environment and the transformative power of financial aid, offering a source of inspiration and hope for parents and educators in how community and commitment can open doors to higher education for all students.

Anger, relief, opportunity: Reaction to arrests in alleged gang shooting outside Staten Island school

In the aftermath of the 2022 shooting outside Tottenville High School, the arrests linked to the incident serve as both a stark reminder of the dangers that youth face with gang-related violence and as a potential turning point for community involvement in efforts to enhance student safety and mental support. Parents and educators should view this development as a crucial opportunity to engage with local organizations like True2Life, which aim to mediate conflicts and provide resources to at-risk youths, helping to prevent such tragedies in the future.

Florida schools seek stability in superintendent’s office

In Florida, frequent changes in school district leadership, like the situation in Alachua County with four superintendents in five years, can shift focus from educational progress to political squabbles, hindering long-term solutions for enrollment and achievement challenges. Stability in leadership positions could allow school boards to prioritize effective education strategies over administrative turmoil, an approach suggested by former superintendent Carlee Simon.

For new grads, landing a job may be hard. Navigating the workplace may be harder

This article highlights a significant generational gap as Gen Z enters the workforce, emphasizing how their prioritization of mental well-being and demand for work-life balance are reshaping college career preparation and workplace expectations. For parents and educators, the takeaway is clear: there is a growing need for explicit instruction on professional skills and work etiquette while fostering environments that support students’ mental health and value alignment.

Linda McMahon’s claim that 70% of 8th-graders ‘can’t read proficiently’ lacks a bit of reading comprehension

The recent statements by U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon suggesting that 70% of eighth-graders can’t read proficiently have sparked concern, but it’s crucial for parents and educators to understand that the NAEP Proficient level, cited in her claim, signifies competency in challenging material rather than grade-level proficiency. Most states set their reading standards closer to the NAEP Basic level, which showed 67% of eighth-graders met or surpassed it in 2024, indicating the need for a nuanced understanding of what proficiency truly means in educational assessments.

Macon County judge rejects St. Teresa attempt to block Heritage move

A judge has dismissed, for now, St. Teresa High School’s bid to block the construction of a new mental health facility by Heritage Behavioral Health Center next door, stating that the school’s safety and financial concerns lacked concrete evidence. While the high school plans to pursue further legal action, the decision underscores the importance of addressing mental health facility placement concerns with factual support, and it highlights the need for community collaboration to better meet the mental health needs of students.

Some military parents say DEI purge hurts their kids’ schools. They’re suing.

Defense Department schools for children of U.S. service members are experiencing tension as recent bans on books and curriculum changes drive fears of censorship and create a battleground for partisan politics, leading some military parents to file lawsuits and students to stage protests. This controversy raises critical concerns for parents and educators about preserving educational diversity and protecting First Amendment rights while ensuring a quality education for military families.

Trump administration cuts may end federal scrutiny of Illinois school where special ed kids often got arrested

For parents and educators, the troubling incident at the Garrison School, where a teacher was charged with battery after dragging a 6-year-old autistic boy, highlights significant systemic issues in managing students with disabilities. Despite previous federal directives to curtail harsh disciplinary actions and reduce police involvement, there remains uncertainty and inconsistency in oversight, emphasizing the need for vigilant advocacy and reform to ensure the safety and well-being of vulnerable students