*** The Government Accountability Office report found that:

• 64% of teachers said they had more students make less academic progress during the pandemic than in a typical school year.
• 45% of teachers had at least 50% of their students behind academically when school ended.
• K to 8^th grade teachers had more students start his past school year behind than did those teaching grades 9-12.

*** According to a recent Pew Research Center survey:

• 66% of 13- to 17-year-olds want to be in-person when the pandemic ends
• 18% favor a hybrid model—an in-person and remote instruction combo.
• 9% would prefer full-time online instruction.
• 70% of white teens would prefer full-time in-person instruction vs. 64% of Hispanic and 51% of Black teens

*** The U.S. Department of Education is teaming up with various organizations to launch its National Partnership for Student Success (NPSS) “to provide exceptional tutoring services and other mentoring programs by recruiting 250,000 new tutors.” School districts, non-profits and universities will be able to recruit/send success coaches, mentors, tutors, etc.

*** 70% of 639 teachers in a Kahn Academy survey said that “student behavioral issues” thwarts learning recovery’ 57% said “student Mental health.”

*** The number of special education students continues to rise. In the 2020-21 school year, 7.2 million three- to 21-year-olds were served under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act—15% of all students. Back in the 2009-10school year, 6.5 million were served, or 13%.

*** The government’s fiscal year 2023 budget proposal would raise the annual amount for special education state grants from $13.3 billion to just over $16 billion.

*** Almost 50% of school personnel say they “always” or “very often” feel burned out—the highest of all professions in all other industries, according to a new Gallup poll of more than 12,000 full-time employees, including 1,200 educators. Second highest: college and university workers.

*** When asked how parents can best support them, teachers’ responses included:

• Keeping in touch with them and getting involve in school activities during and after school.
• Teaching their kids good manners and a love of learning
• Establishing healthy habits at home, including a set bedtime.
• Telling their kids to trust their teachers. Said one teachers, “Honestly, just don’t bash or make fun of teachers or teaching.”

~ With thanks and good summertime wishes, Carol