Educational News Round Up, April 15, 2025

by Jon Scaccia April 15, 2025

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As special ed students are integrated more at school, teacher training is evolving

As the number of students with disabilities spending significant time in general education classrooms has increased, universities are adapting teacher preparation programs to better equip future educators with the skills necessary to support diverse learners. Initiatives like dual-licensure programs and the infusion of inclusive practices, such as Universal Design for Learning, are emerging as critical strategies to ensure that teachers can effectively address the needs of all students, including those with disabilities, thereby fostering more inclusive educational environments.

Colorado’s immigrant, first-generation youth need mental health support in face of deportation push, experts say

The article highlights the significant mental health challenges faced by immigrant and first-generation American youth due to the aggressive immigration enforcement under the Trump administration. The constant fear of family separation exacerbates anxiety, depression, and trauma among these youths, suggesting a critical need for increased mental health support and community engagement to provide stability and resilience amidst the threat of deportation and social ostracism.

Doctors hope Jarren Duran’s brave admission sparks mental health conversation

Jarren Duran’s candid revelation of his past suicide attempt in the Netflix documentary “The Clubhouse: A Year with the Red Sox” has drawn national attention to the critical issue of mental health among athletes, sparking discussions among mental health professionals about the need to address and reduce stigma surrounding mental health challenges in sports, thereby encouraging more athletes to seek help. While experts like Dr. Mena Mirhom emphasize the importance of integrating mental health support in athletic settings to enhance performance and personal well-being, others like Dr. Eugene Hong highlight the persistent misconceptions that athletes are less prone to mental health issues and the need for comprehensive mental health care in the sports industry.

Reactions to shuttering of Dept of Education

Linda McMahon, during her confirmation hearings, vowed to return control of education to the states, but her recent directive for schools to dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion programs under threat of losing federal funding contradicts this, undermining local autonomy and putting essential programs for marginalized communities at risk. This federal overreach not only jeopardizes educational equity but also contributes to a chilling effect on open and inclusive classroom discussions, exacerbating the stress on teachers and potentially hampering students’ critical-thinking development.

Federal Education Research Has Been ‘Shredded.’ What’s Driving This?

The article by Rick Hess, a scholar from the American Enterprise Institute, discusses the severe cuts to the federal education research apparatus under the Trump administration, highlighting the motivations behind these cuts, such as growing distrust in expertise and perceptions of ideological bias in education research. Hess argues that while the education research community needs to recognize these critiques, the broader implications are worrisome, as they reveal an underlying trend towards politicizing science and expertise, potentially leading to an erosion of valuable policy-informing research.

Here’s What the K-12 Field Thinks of the Trump Ed. Department

The article in Education Week Opinion highlights the potential consequences of dismantling the U.S. Department of Education under the Trump administration, sparking widespread debate among educators and policymakers. Contributors express concerns about how this move could threaten the civil rights of students, eliminate crucial funding for teacher training and educational equity, and lead to increased state control that may undermine national educational standards and student outcomes, thereby putting vulnerable student populations at risk.

Operation Education: Future of U.S. Department of Education is uncertain

President Trump’s executive order to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education aims to shift educational governance from federal to state control, raising concerns about the continuity of funding and oversight for critical services that support millions of students, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds. While proponents argue for increased state autonomy, educational experts warn of potential disruptions in research, standardization, and equitable access to resources, highlighting uncertainty surrounding personnel cuts and the future of essential programs like Title I funding and special education support.

Opinion: The critical role of Section 504 to Iowa’s future

In the face of a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of Section 504 plans, which provide crucial antidiscrimination protections for individuals with disabilities, Iowans like State Rep. Josh Turek and Heather Sievers are sounding the alarm on potential civil rights erosion. With the future of these protections uncertain amid broader discrimination trends and institutional closures, advocates urge collective action to safeguard the rights of vulnerable populations in Iowa.

Struggling in Medical School? Help May Be Closer Than You Think

The article underscores the significant stressors inherent in medical school, such as the demanding volume of knowledge, intense competition, and personal well-being challenges, while highlighting the essential resources available to students for academic and mental health support across campuses. Emphasizing the importance of seeking help early, the piece advocates for leveraging these resources, adopting growth mindsets, and maintaining balance through physical health practices to not just survive, but thrive during the strenuous medical education journey.