Microschooling Updates: Week of Feb. 1, 2024

?? Celebrating National School Choice Week: Families Take the Lead

Last week, families across the U.S. came together to celebrate National School Choice Week, a movement that’s growing stronger every year. From coast to coast, events showcased the power of giving parents a say in how and where their children learn.

Why does this matter? Because every child deserves an education as unique as they are.

One standout event took place in sunny Florida: the School Choice Safari at ZooTampa! ?? Families in Hillsborough County enjoyed an interactive day filled with face painting, giveaways, and—of course—zoo animals. Beyond the fun, the event connected parents with representatives from public, charter, magnet, private, online, and homeschool organizations. With bilingual assistance available, families left better equipped to make informed decisions about their children's education.

These events are more than celebrations—they’re lifelines for parents seeking better opportunities for their kids.

Want to get involved? Spread the word to empower more families. ????

Why It Matters ??

Events like this offer more than choices—they offer possibilities. For parents, it’s a chance to connect directly with educators and ask the questions that matter most. For students, it’s the beginning of finding a learning environment where they can truly thrive.

?? Stricter COPPA: What You Need to Know About Student Data Privacy

Big news for families: The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) just finalized updates to the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Rule (COPPA), and it’s a game-changer for protecting your child’s personal information.

The new rules are putting the brakes on ed tech companies that collect and use student data without parental approval. Explicit consent is now required—no more relying on schools to give the green light. The FTC is also making sure companies only keep data for as long as absolutely necessary, and they’ve expanded the definition of "protected information" to include sensitive details like biometric data.

For parents, this means more control over what happens to your child’s data and fewer chances for it to be misused or exploited. It’s a vital step in an increasingly digital educational world, where data monetization has been a growing concern.

?? How to Stay Vigilant:

• Familiarize yourself with your child’s school's privacy policies and their use of ed tech tools.
• Use trusted resources, like the FTC’s official site, to stay informed about data privacy best practices.
• Talk to your school administration about how they’re protecting student data under the new rules.

Knowledge is power—especially when it’s about keeping your family safe in the digital age.

?? Special Education Disputes Are on the Rise: What You Need to Know

Did you know formal disputes in special education have skyrocketed by 71.6% in the last decade?

The numbers tell a story of growing tension between schools and families. Just last year, New York alone accounted for 65% of due process complaints, highlighting the challenges within one of the nation’s largest education systems. What’s causing this surge?

• Special education teacher shortages are leaving schools understaffed and students underserved.
• Delays in evaluations are creating frustration for families seeking support for their children.
• A system struggling to balance increasing demands with limited resources.

But it’s not all doom and gloom! There are innovative solutions emerging to address these issues.

Programs like early dispute resolution initiatives are helping schools and families collaborate before conflicts escalate. Mediation services are also gaining traction, saving time and reducing litigation costs. And "grow-your-own" teacher training programs are working to ease staffing shortages by cultivating talent from within communities.

Want to learn more about navigating these challenges? Check out resources from CADRE (The Center for Appropriate Dispute Resolution in Special Education). They offer tips on proactive communication, dispute resolution guides, and more to foster better collaboration between schools and families.

?? Explore resources here: CADRE’s Special Education Resources

?? Why Aren’t Our Kids Learning Data Science?

In today’s data-driven world, knowing how to interpret numbers isn't just a “nice-to-have” skill—it’s essential. Yet, in U.S. schools, data science education is shockingly rare. A recent report from Data Science 4 Everyone found that only 277 schools in 104 districts even offer data science courses. That’s a jaw-droppingly small number when you consider how much we rely on data in every aspect of life, from technology to healthcare to business.

This gap doesn’t just hurt our students’ readiness for the workforce; it leaves them unprepared to make informed decisions in their daily lives.

But here’s the good news: organizations like Data Science 4 Everyone are stepping up. They’re creating grade-specific learning progressions, developing key outcomes, and building a digital repository of instructional resources that teachers can use to bring data literacy into their classrooms. These tools aim to make data science education accessible, even in districts facing teacher shortages or budget constraints.

Want to help close the gap? Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or community leader, you can advocate for schools in your area to adopt data literacy programs. Reach out to administrators, share resources, and emphasize how critical these skills are for preparing students for the future.

Together, we can ensure that every student, no matter where they live, gets the chance to succeed in a data-filled world.

?? Post-Pandemic Progress: Why Academic Recovery Is Still Lagging

It’s no secret—students across the nation are still grappling with the academic fallout from the pandemic. In California, the struggle is especially pronounced. Reading and math scores remain below pre-pandemic levels, leaving educators, parents, and policymakers searching for solutions.

On the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), just 33% of eighth graders nationwide are scoring “Below Basic” in reading. California’s numbers are even more alarming, with significant gaps in both reading and math proficiency.

But here's the real issue: it’s not just about numbers. The data reveals deeper disparities, particularly among low-income and minority students. These inequities have widened over the past few years, hitting low-performing students the hardest. Where families can afford private tutors or learning pods, recovery happens faster. For others without access to these resources, the gap seems almost impossible to close.

So, what’s being done?

There’s hope on the horizon. Innovative strategies are gaining momentum:

• Teacher Training Revamp: Programs that focus on improving teacher quality, particularly in underserved districts, are taking center stage. More skilled teachers mean stronger outcomes for all students.
• Early Education Funding: California Governor Gavin Newsom has proposed a $500 million initiative to support early education. The goal? Target skill-building at the very start of a child’s educational journey.
• Resilient District Models: Schools like those in Los Angeles and San Diego are showcasing resiliency, with minimal declines compared to other districts. Their approaches to attendance, teacher support, and curriculum adjustments are being studied as templates for other areas.

It’s slow progress, but it’s progress nonetheless.

For students to fully recover—and excel—communities must rally behind these efforts. Because no matter the numbers, every child deserves a fair chance to thrive.

?? First-Year College Enrollment Surges Back

College campuses are buzzing again! After years of pandemic-era declines, first-year college enrollment has surged by an impressive 5.5% this fall, adding approximately 130,000 new students.

What’s driving this growth? Older students are leading the charge. Enrollment among first-year students aged 21–24 jumped by a staggering 16.7%, while those 25 and older soared 19.7%. It’s clear that as life stabilizes post-pandemic, more adults are seizing the opportunity to return to education—and reshape their futures.

This rebound is a beacon of hope for higher education institutions, many of which have faced dwindling enrollment numbers over the past few years. With undergraduate enrollment up 4.7% overall, it’s a strong sign that the tide is turning, bringing optimism to a sector that has been hit hard.

So, what does this mean for future students?

• Colleges are likely to ramp up recruitment efforts, expanding programs that appeal to nontraditional students.
• Expect institutions to invest in flexible learning options and career-focused degrees to meet the evolving needs of their growing student bodies.
• For young people at the traditional college age, this could mean more competition—but also a richer and more diverse campus experience.

The classroom is calling, and more people are answering than ever before. Let’s see how this momentum shapes the future of education!

??? The Battle for School Choice: What’s Happening in Your State?

School choice is heating up across the country, with lawmakers in several states pushing legislation to expand educational options for families. But as the debate rages on, opinions are deeply divided. Here’s what’s making headlines:

South Dakota: A Setback, But Not a Surrender

In South Dakota, two school choice bills recently failed to pass the House Education Committee, including a $4 million education savings account proposal. Despite these defeats, Republican leaders are doubling down. They’re exploring new strategies, like filing revised bills or even amending unrelated legislation to keep the fight alive.

Democrats, however, argue the matter should be put to rest, pointing to significant public input during hearings that led to the initial rejection.

Tennessee: Vouchers and Controversy

Meanwhile, in Tennessee, Governor Bill Lee’s $424.2 million Education Freedom Act is making waves. The bill aims to provide 20,000 scholarships in its first year, but critics are sounding the alarm. Opponents argue it could siphon funds from public schools, with a projected $44.9 million annual loss in state education budgets.

Supporters, however, see this as a win for parental empowerment and a step toward more educational freedom.

Nebraska: Ignoring the Voters?

Things are especially tense in Nebraska. Despite voters rejecting a school choice bill just months ago, lawmakers are introducing new proposals to fund private school scholarships. These include tax breaks for donors and expanded use of college savings plans for K-12 expenses.

Critics say the push disregards the will of the people, while proponents argue it’s about empowering low-income families with more options.

Want to Stay Informed?

State-by-state battles are shaping the future of education. To keep up with the latest on school choice legislation in your area, visit EdChoice Legislative Tracker or check updates on your state’s official government website.

The debate is far from over—where do you stand?

?? More Parents Are Eyeing Alternatives to Public Schools

Did you know? A record-breaking 60% of U.S. parents considered switching their child’s school last year, according to the latest survey from the National School Choice Awareness Foundation (NSCAF). That’s the highest percentage ever recorded!

Parents across the nation are exploring options like charter schools, private schools, homeschooling, and microschools. Interest is particularly high among Black and Hispanic families, as well as younger parents in urban areas, signaling a growing desire for more customized education paths.

But here’s the catch—many families are hitting roadblocks.

For some, financial costs make private-sector options feel out of reach. Others struggle with the sheer amount of information needed to make an informed choice. Plus, navigating the system can feel daunting, especially if bilingual resources or guidance aren’t readily available.

Yet, the momentum is undeniable. As awareness about school choice increases, so does the number of parents ready to take action.

What about you?

Have you considered switching up your child’s education or explored alternatives to public schools? We’d love to hear your story—or answer any questions you might have!

?? Private School Choice Programs Hit Record Highs

More than 1 million students across the U.S. are now enrolled in private school choice programs—a number that has doubled since 2020. ??

This rapid growth reflects the increasing demand for personalized learning experiences and flexible educational options. States like Florida and Arizona are leading the charge, with 13% and 10% of their K-12 populations enrolled in these programs, respectively. But they’re not alone—states like Ohio, Iowa, and Oklahoma are also seeing significant participation gains.

What’s driving this shift? Parents are eager for alternatives that better suit their children's needs, and policymakers are listening. Expanded funding and streamlined program admissions have made private school programs more accessible than ever.

?? Breaking Down the ACE Act: What It Means for School Choice

Senator Mike Lee is shaking things up in education with his new Achieving Choice in Education (ACE) Act. This bill aims to give parents more freedom—and more financial flexibility—when it comes to their child’s education.

Here’s the big idea:

• The ACE Act would double the annual tax-free withdrawal limit from 529 savings plans to $20,000. That means more money for private school tuition, homeschooling, or other educational expenses.
• It also introduces a clever incentive. Municipal bonds would get tax exemptions only in states adopting school choice policies, pushing states to expand options for families.

Supporters say this is a major step toward empowering parents and bridging the gap for families who want alternatives to public schools. Organizations like Heritage Action and the Home School Legal Defense Association are already on board.

But not everyone is celebrating.

Critics argue that the ACE Act could unfairly divert resources and focus away from public schools, which still serve the majority of students. They’re concerned it prioritizes private education at the expense of the public system, where funding is already stretched thin.

So, where do you stand?

Would the ACE Act open up exciting new opportunities—or deepen challenges for public education?

?? Let us know your thoughts! Drop a comment below or contact your lawmakers to share your opinion about the ACE Act.

?? Microschool Showcase: Homeboy Art Academy

Nestled in the heart of Los Angeles, the Homeboy Art Academy is more than just a microschool—it’s a lifeline. Founded by acclaimed artist Fabian Debora, this incredible program uses the transformative power of art to uplift formerly incarcerated and gang-involved youth.

At Homeboy Art Academy, creativity isn’t just a skill; it’s a tool for healing. The academy provides a safe space where students learn to channel their experiences into visual masterpieces while building confidence, discipline, and community.

But the impact doesn’t stop at the canvas. Many students go on to pursue careers in the arts, break free from cycles of violence, and forge brighter paths for themselves and their families.

Programs like Homeboy Art Academy remind us that education takes many forms. Microschools like this are reshaping what it means to learn, grow, and thrive.

Know a microschool doing amazing work in your community? Tell us about it! We’d love to feature them in an upcoming showcase. ??

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