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: Wisconsin’s shootings, Houston’s take over, and school choice!

Wisconsin Sees Two School Shootings: There was not one, but two, school shootings in the state of Wisconsin this week. In Waukesha, WI, a student was shot by school resource officers after pointing a gun at them. In Oshkosh, WI, a student with an “edged weapon” stabbed a school resource officer who shot him in self-defense. These are only the latest in a string of violent school incidents which have led to a nationwide discussion over schools, violence, and guns. This discussion has mostly focused around how effective gun control would be and how to best prevent further school shootings.

Houston Prepares for Potential State Takeover: Texas’s education commissioner, Mike Morath, has informed Houston ISD that the state is preparing to take over the district. One of the key issues leading to the confrontation between the state and district is a chronically low performing high school. The school in question is majority black, leading to questions about the role of race in the issue. With takeover by the state nearly inevitable, Houston ISD is going to court in a last-ditch effort to retain local control.

Politicians Talk School Choice: Education Secretary Betsy DeVos was in Arizona this week pushing her department’s plan for Education Freedom Scholarships and praising the state’s strong history of championing school choice. DeVos and the Trump administration have been supportive of school choice and attempting to increase the ability of students to attend the school of their family’s choice. On the other side of the aisle, Elizabeth Warren appeared on an NEA video this week where she bragged about her opposition to charter schools. This is characteristic of the Democratic presidential field, which has been generally skeptical of choice initiatives. Some argue that this is a sign of Democratic candidates putting the desires of the teachers’ unions ahead of the needs and desires of minorities, many of whom support charters and school choice.

Happening Elsewhere:

Nazi Symbols and Racist Memes: Combating School Intolerance

How online ratings make good schools look bad

Idaho Public Charter School Commission director announces resignation

Illinois Will Allow Prone, Supine Restraints on Children While Schools Learn to Phase Them Out

School in August? Some Maryland school systems are going for earlier start dates.

Maryland Gov. Hogan unveils plans for education reform, school construction

New Jersey lawmakers considering bills to end 'lunch shaming’ and change unpaid fee policy for schools

New Pa. law restores school police arrest powers

Personal finance classes can now fulfill high school grad requirement in Pa.

New report on Virginia schools says achievement gaps persist

Denver’s charter and traditional schools producing similar test results in recent years

In a nod to biology, some Denver-area school districts look to later start times for middle, high school students

Advocacy group formed to fight for Little Rock School District

Livingston Public Schools Hacked With Ransomware, Classes Delayed

Philly’s new school police chief pledges less law-and-order, more mentoring of students

Maryland school district officials adopt calendar that gives off Muslim holiday

Seattle parents file complaint with state over schools’ gifted program changes

Crowded school system considers year-round schedule. Here's how that could cost teachers

Feds allege Russian hackers targeted Western Pennsylvania school, banks, businesses

A Florida high school is the first in the world to provide synthetic frogs for students to dissect

What’s going on where you are?

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