Joann’s notes

Attendance is more than just a daily headcount. It's a powerful predictor of student success. Unfortunately, since the pandemic, chronic absenteeism has surged to crisis levels, nearly doubling in many schools. While there have been signs of improvement, absence rates remain high, especially in high-poverty districts and among students of color. Each missed day of school is more than a lost lesson; it is a missed opportunity to learn, to connect with peers, and to build the skills students need for the classroom and their future careers. Student attendance rates not only play a significant role in student achievement but...

Across America, a silent crisis has unfolded—one that could reshape the future of public education as we know it. Under pressure from executive orders and political mandates, public schools are being told to abandon their Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs—or risk losing the federal funding that sustains them.  At first glance, it might seem like just another policy debate. But if you're a parent, a teacher, or simply someone who believes in fairness, this is far more than a headline. It’s a direct attack on the rights of every child—regardless of race, background, ability, or zip code—to receive a...

Parents for Public Schools (PPS) was founded over 30 years ago by a group of parents and community members in Jackson, Mississippi, who were concerned about maintaining quality education in their local public schools. Since then, PPS has grown into a nationwide organization working to advance the role of families and communities in securing a high-quality public education for every child. With chapters and partners from coast to coast, we have the incredible privilege of hearing from people across the country every day. These days, we are hearing a great deal of concern about recent attacks on public education and...

In recent years, the rise of smartphones and social media has transformed the way children and teenagers communicate, learn, and interact with the world around them. While these innovations have undoubtedly provided some benefits, they also present significant challenges and concerns for parents and educators. Benefits of Smartphones and Social Media Smartphones and social media bring numerous advantages to schools, enhancing students' learning experiences and personal growth. They promote enhanced communication, enabling students to connect with peers and build lasting friendships. These digital technologies also allow young people to collaborate with others, fostering a sense of belonging and support. With...

According to a 2024 article by CNN, the U.S. has witnessed at least 50 school shootings, with 37 occurring on K-12 school grounds. Sadly, these tragic incidents have claimed the lives of 24 people, injured 60 others, and left countless individuals with scars from the aftermath of these events. Although the initial months of the pandemic saw a significant decline in school gun violence, the years following it have shown significant increase. In fact, 2023 documented over 80 school shootings, and 2022 became one of the deadliest years on record, with nearly 50 casualties. As we enter the final stretch...

In an era where communities need to be more connected than ever, establishing strong bonds among residents is essential for the collective growth and development of the community. One powerful concept for strengthening these connections is through the community schools model.  Community schools offer a variety of additional options when compared to traditional public schools. One key component of community schools is their focus on partnerships with local organizations, businesses, and government agencies. By collaborating with these outside agencies, community schools provide a wide range of services such as after-school programs, healthcare services, adult education classes, mental health counseling, and...

According to 2024 preliminary data released by the American Library Association (ALA), there were over 400 attempts to censor library materials and services in the first eight months of 2024. From January 1 to August 31, these attempts sought to censor 1,128 titles. Although the number of reports has declined some in 2024, the number of documented censorship attempts has steadily increased since the pandemic. Such censorship extends to school libraries where we are seeing the removal or restricting of access to certain books, magazines, or other materials. This might include materials that are considered sexually explicit, contain offensive language,...

In recent years, the political landscape has become increasingly divided and these differing political views are beginning to have a significant impact on public education. From debates over funding and curriculum to discussions on school choice and teacher evaluations, political ideologies are shaping the way our education system operates. One area where political views are impacting public education is funding. Different political parties often have different priorities when it comes to spending taxpayer dollars and education is no exception. Conservative lawmakers may argue for smaller government and lower taxes, leading to less funding for public schools. On the other hand,...

Summer break is often looked upon with great anticipation by both students and teachers alike. However, as research shows, summer learning loss can be a major concern for many families. Studies have found that students can lose up to two months of progress in math and reading over the summer months. This “summer slide” can disproportionately affect students from low-income families, who may not have access to the same enrichment opportunities as their peers. This is where summer learning programs come into play. Summer programs offer opportunities for students to engage in academic learning and fun activities during the summer...

When it comes to a child’s education, there is often talk of the importance of parental involvement or engagement. While the terms may seem interchangeable, there are actually important differences between the two concepts. Parent Involvement Parental involvement refers to actions or activities that parents do to support their child's learning, such as attending parent-teacher conferences or volunteering at school events. It is often seen as a more passive role, where parents are involved in their child's education but may not be actively seeking to improve it beyond these traditional activities. Parent Engagement Parental engagement, on the other hand, goes...