What We’re Reading: Week of November 29, 2021
Happy December! I hope everyone enjoyed a restful and relaxing Thanksgiving break. This week, we’re reading articles on the impact of COVID-19 on educators and parents, the rise of bachelor degree opportunities in community colleges, the latest developments in the California Cradle to Career Data System, and more. Thanks for reading with us!
COVID-19
“It’s so hard and so challenging”: An oral history of year three of pandemic schooling, Hechinger Report
Teachers, parents and administrators from across the country told us what it’s like to be in school this year and how completely not normal it’s already become.
Equity
Being Black in Education: Where is the system going wrong?, K-12 Dive
Evidence demonstrates Black leaders can strengthen achievement and culture — if they get the chance.
Higher Education
From Associate to B.A.: More people can finish a four-year degree at community colleges, Hechinger Report
Nearly half of states allow some community colleges to offer bachelor’s degree programs.
42% of stopped-out young adults cited financial reasons for leaving college, survey finds, Higher Ed Dive
A new survey of "disengaged learners" — students who have stopped out of college — found financial reasons to be the top cause for stepping away. Among surveyed adults ages 20-34 who have college credits but are no longer enrolled, 42% cited financial reasons for leaving, 32% blamed family or personal commitments, and 30% said the college wasn't the right fit.
Policy
California data system to help with education planning moves closer to reality, EdSource
California this week officially kicked off its first attempt at a statewide education data system to provide trend information to help students and families with college and career planning.
Student Supports
Why some California school districts are changing how students earn grades, EdSource
Some of California’s largest school districts are trying an unconventional tactic to help students re-engage in school after distance learning and boost their chances of acceptance into the state’s public colleges: by dropping D and F grades.
Work-Based Learning
Unique internship has high schoolers working alongside software programmers and they’re getting paid!, WorkingNation
Code2College is increasing diversity in tech through after school programming classes for high schoolers and paid internships.
Workforce Development
4 Ways To Build Better Education-Workforce Partnerships, Strada Education Network
If U.S. employers are seeking workers to fill 10.9 million jobs, how can 8.4 million workers be unemployed? The answer, of course, is found in the myriad disconnects facing the education-workforce system, writes Amy Wimmer Schwarb.