Each week, AAE brings its members a round-up of what’s happening in education. From big, eye-catching headlines to the stories most papers overlook, we find the news our members really want to see. This week, there’s the May Day protests, armed teachers, school vouchers, and more!

Carolina Teachers March on Capitols: There were two separate teacher protests this week, one in North Carolina and one in South Carolina, causing schools in both states to close due to a lack of staff. While funding remained a core issue, it was not the only topic that had teachers fired up with many hoping the protests would lead to other policy changes. In North Carolina, last week’s shooting was still on many minds. The protests occurred May 1^st, a traditional date for labor union unrest. Some recent research shows that the teacher protests of recent years have had some success in raising teacher pay, encouraging would-be protestors. Reactions in the states varied. In South Carolina, the State Superintendent vowed to serve as a substitute on May 1^st, rather than supporting the protests while in North Carolina, state lawmakers hurried to complete a bill increasing education funding.

Florida Puts Guns in Teachers’ Hands: This week, the Florida State Legislature gave the final approval to a bill that would allow teachers to carry guns in school. The bill expands the already existing “guardian” program which was created after last year’s Parkland shooting. Whether or not teachers are actually armed is left to individual school districts, many of which are against such a move. Opponents of the bill worry that more guns in schools would lead to accidents, like what happened when a School Resource Officer’s gun went off in a school cafeteria on Tuesday.

Tennessee Moves Forward with Vouchers: After a heated debate, lawmakers in Tennessee approved a bill that would provide school vouchers for families in the state. The bill provides $7,300 for families who wish to send their children to a private school, while it limited the vouchers to only three school districts, excluded home school students, and capped the participants at 15,000. It also does not lower funding when public schools lose students to the program. Still, the bill is highly controversial with some claiming it is unconstitutional.

Happening Elsewhere:

With Trump rollback, school lunch could get more white bread

Kentucky attorney general sues to block teacher subpoenas

Major education bill to create new school voucher and redo teacher bonuses passes Florida House

Is there a trade-off between racial diversity and academic excellence in gifted classrooms?

Teachers Use Mystery Skype To Give Students A Window On The World

Trump Did Attend Teacher of the Year Ceremony, But Two Honorees Boycotted

The 20 best high schools in the US, according to US News & World Report

'My Kids Are In Survival Mode': A Chat With 2019's Teacher Of The Year

Whitmer OKs delay in Michigan teacher evaluation change

Northern Va. school systems unite behind transgender student in landmark case

‘Virginia is for Learners:’ Governor Northam launches new education initiative

Watered-down Tennessee 'bathroom bill' goes to governor

Full-day kindergarten bill passed, headed for Gov. Polis' signature

After Texas Senate committee approves school finance bill, House panel advances sales tax increase to fund property tax relief

WV House Education chairman resigns leadership post at Speaker's request

'Unacceptable,' new education commissioner says of RICAS scores on 1st day

Alabama Senate passes education budget, teacher raise

Washington school districts crunching budget numbers after Legislature gives more money

2 Tennessee sixth graders charged with plot to shoot up school, officials say

What’s going on where you are?

Share below!

email to friend

Print

comment

Permalink

Comments (0)

Submit a comment

Name and location

Email (not published)

Title

Comment

smaller | bigger

I have read and agree to the Terms of Usage.

Write the displayed characters

Add Comment