Our First NH School Scoop
August 13, 2024
Welcome to the first edition of the NH School Scoop, your weekly summary of education news for NH teachers, administrators, parents, and caregivers!
In my work as a teacher, school administrator, professor, and non-profit leader, it became clear to me that educators could use a quick, weekly summary of education news delivered in a nonpartisan way. Look for the Scoop every Tuesday morning with special editions when there’s breaking education news. Please subscribe using the button below and encourage your friends and colleagues to do the same.
📰 The Front Page
Elementary teachers should be aware of new literacy legislation.
HB 1015 was passed in the last NH legislative session, and it pertains to literacy skills development in the elementary grades. On July 30, the NH Department of Education (NHED) released this Technical Advisory, providing guidance for educators who must provide (according to the legislation) measurable, evidence-based instruction in literacy for all students through grade 5.
Update on the “divisive concepts” law.
Months after a federal court ruled that a New Hampshire state law regulating how teachers address race, gender, and other topics was unconstitutional due to vagueness, the state's Attorney General’s Office has appealed the decision. The law, known as the "divisive concepts" law, restricts teachers and public employees from certain teaching topics and imposes professional consequences, including lawsuits and potential loss of teaching credentials, for violations.
NH’s higher education institutions are working together.
It appears that NH higher education institutions find it better to work together to ensure survival.
This education policy webinar is free.
Reaching Higher NH is sponsoring a free webinar, Education Policy 101, to inform NH citizens of the major policy issues facing public schools. You can register here.
Do you like the idea of student loan forgiveness?
NH Governor Chris Sununu recently signed HB 1079, establishing an incentive program for student loan forgiveness.
Who doesn’t want greater budget transparency?
The Governor also signed HB 1265, which requires greater transparency regarding district spending trends. Some conservatives believe this legislation will highlight a discrepancy between teacher and administrator salaries in the Granite State.
Here’s a profile of a great NH education colleague.
Former Pittsfield, NH, Superintendent John Freeman is lauded by one of the state’s best-known defense lawyers and a former candidate for Governor.
Where are the 306s anyway?
The saga of NH’s education minimum standards, or Ed 306, continues at the State Board of Education level. They are under a deadline to be passed, and many are frustrated that suggestions are no longer being accepted. For those who want to dig in very deep, check out this PDF.
Tim Walz - bringing teaching to the forefront.
Democratic VP candidate Governor Tim Walz of Minnesota was a former social studies teacher and fan of Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Meanwhile, Walz’s former school is now squarely in the spotlight.
🤗 Extra stuff:
The next State Board of Education meeting is on August 14. Register to watch on Zoom.
School choice is alive and well in NH.
A little public service announcement: The NH State Primary is less than a month away, and if you find the absenteeism process confusing, here’s a guide for you.
Do you work with high school students who want to apply for financial aid? Fortunately, the US Department of Education is soon rolling out a new FAFSA.
Interested in AI tool Khanmigo from Khan Academy for your school? NHED is partnering with Khan for this venture and NH schools can find out more right here.
📖 Picks of the Week:
Where are All of the Special Education Teachers?
We are seeing a significant shortage of special education teachers in the U.S., driven largely by rapidly increasing demand for special education services rather than just a lack of supply.
The CDC has some good news for the mental health of US teens.
Teen mental health showed early signs of improvement in 2023 compared to the previous two years when it had declined during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Teaching Executive Functions to all Students
Jen Gonzalez writes one of the best educational blogs, particularly for secondary teachers. In this piece, she breaks down the mystery of all to teach executive functioning skills to all kiddos.
