Summary of Needs by Regional Educational Lab Region.pdf

Summary of Needs by Regional Educational Lab Region January 2021

This document provides summaries of regional needs that were identified from July through December 2020, as reported by the current Regional Educational Laboratory contractors in their Monthly Progress Reports. They are being shared so that potential offerors for the 2022-2027 Regional Educational Laboratories competition can better understand the perceived needs of each region as reported to the current RELs. It is possible that offerors will have a different assessment of regional needs based on their own needs sensing process. IES expects successful offerors to leverage publicly available information on the educational needs in their region(s) and conduct their own needs sensing activities in addition to leveraging the information in these summaries.

Table of Contents REL Appalachia

REL Central REL Mid-Atlantic

REL Midwest REL Northeast and Islands

REL Northwest REL Pacific

REL Southeast REL West

REL Appalachia Cross-State July 2020 Stakeholders in Kentucky, Virginia, and West Virginia have expressed concerns related to social-emotional supports needed for students, teachers, and families during school reopenings.

October 2020 Stakeholders from Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia identified needs related to fatigue and secondary trauma that administrators and other school staff may experience from supporting students dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, opioid crisis, and other recent political events.

Kentucky July 2020 On July 27 Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear recommended that all public and private schools postpone the start date for in-person learning until the third week of August to curb the spread of COVID-19.

https://www.kentucky.com/article244525887.html

On July 28 KDE released new guidance about assigning staff for in-person instruction during the COVID-19 pandemic. It offers more flexibility and provides guidance on dealing with scenarios regarding teacher assignment and certification. https://www.kentuckyteacher.org/news/2020/07/kde-releases-covid-19-reopening-guidance-on-assigning-staff-in-instructional-settings/

August 2020 On August 26 Governor Beshear announced the “last mile” broadband plan, an $8 million investment to provide Internet access to low-income students. The program will connect participating Internet service providers with qualifying families. https://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2020/08/25/beshear-offers-way-to-expand-internet_ap.html

September 2020 On September 2 the Education Professional Standards Board (EPSB) voted to provide additional flexibility to Kentucky schools. This includes increased emergency credentials and teaching waivers that allow eligible teachers to teach outside their grade level.

https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/KYDE/bulletins/29d3374

October 2020 On October 14 the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) released 2019/20 school report card data.

The report contains limited assessment and no accountability data due to the statewide school closures for health safety; the accountability requirements were waived by the U.S. Department of Education at the state’s request. https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/KYDE/bulletins/2a5782d

November 2020 On November 18 Governor Beshear announced that all schools in Kentucky must suspend in-person instruction and switch to virtual or remote instruction starting on November 23 due to rising COVID-19 cases. It is anticipated that under the executive order, all schools in grades 6–12 will be required to transition to non-traditional instruction until January 4. On November 29 the federal appellate court upheld Beshear’s decision to suspend in-person instruction in all Kentucky schools.

https://www.kentucky.com/news/local/education/article247487370.html https://www.kentucky.com/article244525887.html https://www.kentuckyteacher.org/news/2020/07/kde-releases-covid-19-reopening-guidance-on-assigning-staff-in-instructional-settings/ https://www.kentuckyteacher.org/news/2020/07/kde-releases-covid-19-reopening-guidance-on-assigning-staff-in-instructional-settings/ https://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2020/08/25/beshear-offers-way-to-expand-internet_ap.html https://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2020/08/25/beshear-offers-way-to-expand-internet_ap.html https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/KYDE/bulletins/29d3374 https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/KYDE/bulletins/2a5782d https://www.kentucky.com/news/local/education/article247487370.html

This year fewer Kentucky colleges are requiring standardized tests for admission, a change aligned with national trends. As of November 13, national completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is down by 13 percent compared to this point last year, but Kentucky’s completion rate is down by 25 percent. https://www.kentucky.com/news/local/education/article247421960.html

December 2020 Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) leaders shared the need to sample districts across the state to obtain accurate information regarding students’ participation in school during the 2020/21 year.

Tennessee July 2020 Stressing the need for physical activity for students, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Tennessee State Board of Education on July 24 rejected nearly 60 requests from local districts to waive physical education requirements for the upcoming school year. Districts will need to find some way to meet these requirements without compromising the safety of students and teachers.

https://tn.chalkbeat.org/2020/7/24/21337646/tennessee-state-board-rejects-school-waiver-physical-education-class-size-duty-free-lunch

Tennessee stakeholders expressed a need to provide professional development supports for teachers related to high-quality online instruction.

On July 28 Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced recommendations to reopen schools for the 2020/21 school year. These include when and how long to quarantine after exposure to COVID-19, contact tracing, immunizations, and support for child well-being. It also addressed academics, including resources for parents to support their children’s learning; access to technology and food; and professional development and safety supports for teachers. https://www.tn.gov/education/news/2020/7/28/gov--lee-unveils-safe-reopening-plan-for-tennessee-schools.html

On July 24 TDOE launched the TN Substitute Teacher Jobs Connection, which will serve as a central location for interested applicants to discover substitute teaching opportunities. With the COVID-19 pandemic limiting traditional recruiting methods, the department launched this new initiative to help districts find and hire substitute teachers. https://www.tn.gov/education/news/2020/7/24/tdoe-launches-tn-substitute-teacher-jobs-connection-to-support-district-recruitment-efforts-.html

August 2020 Tennessee Education Commissioner, Penny Schwinn, faced pushback for using funds to implement “well-being checks” on school children. The commissioner identified the need for social and emotional health support for students. https://tn.chalkbeat.org/2020/8/27/21404921/tennessee-lawmakers-want-answers-from-schwinn-after-fallout-over-child-well-being-checks

September 2020 Tennessee students identified a need for more counseling and mental health support during the transition to online learning. Student representatives from all over the state attended a virtual event to describe their experiences with virtual learning to illustrate the need to address challenges that have arisen from this instruction modality. Specifically, students transitioning between middle and high school, as well as between high school and college, have expressed a desire for more mental health support.

https://tn.chalkbeat.org/2020/9/14/21436628/coronavirus-virtual-school-tennessee-students-counseling-panel-discussion https://www.kentucky.com/news/local/education/article247421960.html https://tn.chalkbeat.org/2020/7/24/21337646/tennessee-state-board-rejects-school-waiver-physical-education-class-size-duty-free-lunch https://tn.chalkbeat.org/2020/7/24/21337646/tennessee-state-board-rejects-school-waiver-physical-education-class-size-duty-free-lunch https://www.tn.gov/education/news/2020/7/28/gov--lee-unveils-safe-reopening-plan-for-tennessee-schools.html https://www.tn.gov/education/news/2020/7/28/gov--lee-unveils-safe-reopening-plan-for-tennessee-schools.html https://www.tn.gov/education/news/2020/7/24/tdoe-launches-tn-substitute-teacher-jobs-connection-to-support-district-recruitment-efforts-.html https://www.tn.gov/education/news/2020/7/24/tdoe-launches-tn-substitute-teacher-jobs-connection-to-support-district-recruitment-efforts-.html https://tn.chalkbeat.org/2020/8/27/21404921/tennessee-lawmakers-want-answers-from-schwinn-after-fallout-over-child-well-being-checks https://tn.chalkbeat.org/2020/8/27/21404921/tennessee-lawmakers-want-answers-from-schwinn-after-fallout-over-child-well-being-checks https://tn.chalkbeat.org/2020/9/14/21436628/coronavirus-virtual-school-tennessee-students-counseling-panel-discussion https://tn.chalkbeat.org/2020/9/14/21436628/coronavirus-virtual-school-tennessee-students-counseling-panel-discussion

October 2020 Given the pandemic, the governor of Tennessee wants to forestall penalizing teachers based on student assessments in the 2020/21 school year. While assessments will be administered as usual, the governor urged the General Assembly not to use them when evaluating teachers for this school year.

https://www.tn.gov/education/news/2020/10/16/gov--lee-calls-for-temporary-suspension-of-accountability-measures-for-2020-2021-school-year.html

The Tennessee Department of Education (TDOE) released data estimates on September 23 suggesting that K–12 students have experienced a learning loss due to COVID-19 school closures. The estimates suggested a possible 50 percent reduction in reading proficiency for grade 3, and up to a 65 percent reduction in math proficiency. The data estimated that learning loss was greater in early grades than in later grades. https://www.tn.gov/education/news/2020/9/23/tennessee-releases-data-showing-significant-learning-loss-among-k-12-students.html

November 2020 Stakeholders in Tennessee identified learning loss as a concern during COVID-19.

At least 30 districts in Tennessee will receive start-up grants for science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) / career technical education (CTE) education in middle school. The funding, totaling over $700,000, is provided through the Governor’s Future Workforce Initiative. Districts will have access to these funds on December 1. https://www.tn.gov/education/news/2020/11/23/tdoe-awards-over--700k-for-middle-school-stem-start-up-and-cte-career-exploration-grants.html

TDOE announced on November 17 that a new series of academic, instructional videos will air on a statewide Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) station from November 30 to the end of January. The series will focus on K–2 literacy and math foundational skills in an attempt to supplement the education of young learners throughout the state. https://www.tn.gov/education/news/2020/11/17/tdoe-announces-new-pbs-content--winter-foundations-bootcamp.html

School enrollment in Tennessee has dropped by 33,000 students during the 2020/21 school year, down

3.5 percent from last year, mirroring national trends amid the pandemic. The biggest decline was in kindergarten enrollment. These numbers, especially the first 20 days of an academic year, could have an effect on resources and funding for schools. https://tn.chalkbeat.org/2020/11/10/21558837/school-enrollment-has-dropped-by-33000-students-across-tennessee-amid-pandemic

December 2020 Stakeholders from Tennessee identified a need to address K–3 learning loss brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Virginia July 2020 On July 6 the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) updated its phased reopening plan for schools as the state entered phase 3 of Forward Virginia, the state’s COVID-19 reopening plan. The update includes a letter from Dr. Norman Oliver, state health commissioner, and Dr. James Lane, superintendent of public instruction, which states that the phase guidance for Virginia schools has been updated to reflect the latest science and public health recommendations available to reduce the spread of the virus.

VDOE has added new school per-pupil spending reports in an effort to provide transparency and promote equity. The reports can be found in the School Quality Profiles.

http://www.doe.virginia.gov/news/news_releases/2020/index.shtml https://www.tn.gov/education/news/2020/10/16/gov--lee-calls-for-temporary-suspension-of-accountability-measures-for-2020-2021-school-year.html https://www.tn.gov/education/news/2020/10/16/gov--lee-calls-for-temporary-suspension-of-accountability-measures-for-2020-2021-school-year.html https://www.tn.gov/education/news/2020/9/23/tennessee-releases-data-showing-significant-learning-loss-among-k-12-students.html https://www.tn.gov/education/news/2020/9/23/tennessee-releases-data-showing-significant-learning-loss-among-k-12-students.html https://www.tn.gov/education/news/2020/11/23/tdoe-awards-over--700k-for-middle-school-stem-start-up-and-cte-career-exploration-grants.html https://www.tn.gov/education/news/2020/11/23/tdoe-awards-over--700k-for-middle-school-stem-start-up-and-cte-career-exploration-grants.html https://www.tn.gov/education/news/2020/11/17/tdoe-announces-new-pbs-content--winter-foundations-bootcamp.html https://www.tn.gov/education/news/2020/11/17/tdoe-announces-new-pbs-content--winter-foundations-bootcamp.html https://tn.chalkbeat.org/2020/11/10/21558837/school-enrollment-has-dropped-by-33000-students-across-tennessee-amid-pandemic https://tn.chalkbeat.org/2020/11/10/21558837/school-enrollment-has-dropped-by-33000-students-across-tennessee-amid-pandemic http://www.doe.virginia.gov/news/news_releases/2020/index.shtml

As of July 17, VDOE began accepting applications from school divisions for additional funding from the CARES Act. School divisions can apply for additional funding to support programs and activities such as social-emotional screening, school-based mental health services and supports, and instructional delivery supports. http://www.doe.virginia.gov/news/news_releases/2020/index.shtml

August 2020 On August 20 Superintendent of Public Instruction James Lane announced that all teachers will be able to provide virtual instruction on the VDOE’s Virtual Virginia online learning system at no cost throughout the 2020/21 school year. In addition, teachers will now be able to create K–8 digital content, an expansion from the program’s original design that hosted only high school content.

http://www.doe.virginia.gov/news/news_releases/2020/index.shtml

Schools will have their accreditation waived for the 2020/21 school year, given that VDOE does not have sufficient data to calculate accreditation ratings without 2020 Standards of Learning results.

http://www.doe.virginia.gov/news/news_releases/2020/index.shtml

September 2020 Virginia stakeholders identified a need to collect formative data on coherent professional learning models for math teachers and to share that data with schools to improve future decisionmaking.

October 2020 On October 28 VDOE received a $6 million federal grant to provide high-need school divisions with increased mental health support providers. The grant will support a partnership between VDOE and Old Dominion University to recruit and provide professional development to mental health service providers for six VDOE high-need school divisions.

https://www.doe.virginia.gov/news/news_releases/2020/index.shtml

The Virginia Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Education Commission recommended creating a statewide vision with shared goals to prepare students for STEM careers of the future. Implementing three elements are key: a governing STEM board, regional STEM hubs, and a STEM professional development model. https://www.governor.virginia.gov/newsroom/all-releases/2020/september/headline-860371-en.html

November 2020 On November 19 the Virginia state superintendent, board of education, and secretary of education approved Standards of Learning (SOL) flexibility, which will allow elementary and middle school students to take local assessments in lieu of SOL tests in history, social science, and English writing this spring. https://www.doe.virginia.gov/news/news_releases/2020/index.shtml

West Virginia July 2020 West Virginia public and private schools won’t reopen until September 8, but county school systems will still be given wide latitude on exactly how they want to reopen. State Superintendent of Schools Clayton Burch expressed concerns that teachers might leave the profession, leading to statewide teacher shortages, if districts do not address their concerns about safety.

https://www.wvgazettemail.com/news/education/wv-public-private-schools-won-t-reopen-for-students-until-sept-8/article_be48450d-7e8c-5f80-88a1-1e1f063018b2.html

A stakeholder in West Virginia expressed concern about the high cost of ordering personal protective equipment for all students and staff in the district.

http://www.doe.virginia.gov/news/news_releases/2020/index.shtml http://www.doe.virginia.gov/news/news_releases/2020/index.shtml http://www.doe.virginia.gov/news/news_releases/2020/index.shtml https://www.doe.virginia.gov/news/news_releases/2020/index.shtml https://www.governor.virginia.gov/newsroom/all-releases/2020/september/headline-860371-en.html https://www.governor.virginia.gov/newsroom/all-releases/2020/september/headline-860371-en.html https://www.doe.virginia.gov/news/news_releases/2020/index.shtml https://www.wvgazettemail.com/news/education/wv-public-private-schools-won-t-reopen-for-students-until-sept-8/article_be48450d-7e8c-5f80-88a1-1e1f063018b2.html https://www.wvgazettemail.com/news/education/wv-public-private-schools-won-t-reopen-for-students-until-sept-8/article_be48450d-7e8c-5f80-88a1-1e1f063018b2.html

The West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE) released preliminary school reentry guidance for the 2020/21 school year during the July meeting of the West Virginia Board of Education (WVBE). It offers scenarios and details about face masks, social distancing, and other protocols to assist counties as they create reentry plans. The guidance will serve as a resource for educators, families, communities, and students. https://wvde.us/west-virginia-department-of-education-releases-school-re-entry-guidance/

As the education community prepares for the 2020/21 school year in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, WVDE is offering a professional learning opportunity to assist county and school professional staff, including teachers, administrators, counselors, school psychologists, academic coaches, county administrators, and instructional leaders, in engaging students in meaningful learning activities, no matter how instruction is delivered. https://wvde.us/wvde-prepares-educators-for-2020-21-school-year-with-professional-learning-forum/

August 2020 The West Virginia state superintendent says the pandemic has highlighted inequities among students. The majority of students do not have access to consistent Internet at home, and many students rely on social workers and counselors on campuses for social-emotional supports. https://www.wvpublic.org/post/state-superintendent-says-pandemic-highlights-inequity-among-students#stream/0

October 2020 On October 20 the West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE) was awarded a $9 million grant by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to implement the Advancing Wellness and Resiliency in Education (AWARE) project. This five-year project is designed to support activities, services, and strategies to reduce violence and increase healthy development of youth throughout the state.

https://wvde.us/grant-brings-millions-to-west-virginia-department-of-education-and-partners-to-serve-children/

November 2020 West Virginia has seen a decrease in enrollment of 9,300 students in the 2020/21 school year. This number includes both in-person and virtual students and can be attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The decrease will likely result in a loss of $42.7 million in funding for the 2021/22 school year.

https://wvde.us/west-virginia-department-of-education-releases-certified-enrollment/

December 2020 West Virginia community colleges have identified a need to retain students during the COVID-19 pandemic. From fall 2019 to fall 2020, community college enrollment statewide has decreased 17 percent.

In comparison, four-year universities experienced only a 3 percent decrease. Many of these losses are attributed to students 25 and older and those who may have children in grades K–12.

https://www.wvgazettemail.com/news/education/2-500-student-plummet-at-blue-ridge-fuels-17-drop-in-wv-s-statewide-community/article_85f93015-56d4-5b12-9ae8-b6f2a92d4f22.html https://wvde.us/west-virginia-department-of-education-releases-school-re-entry-guidance/ https://wvde.us/wvde-prepares-educators-for-2020-21-school-year-with-professional-learning-forum/ https://wvde.us/wvde-prepares-educators-for-2020-21-school-year-with-professional-learning-forum/ https://www.wvpublic.org/post/state-superintendent-says-pandemic-highlights-inequity-among-students#stream/0 https://www.wvpublic.org/post/state-superintendent-says-pandemic-highlights-inequity-among-students#stream/0 https://wvde.us/grant-brings-millions-to-west-virginia-department-of-education-and-partners-to-serve-children/ https://wvde.us/grant-brings-millions-to-west-virginia-department-of-education-and-partners-to-serve-children/ https://wvde.us/west-virginia-department-of-education-releases-certified-enrollment/ https://www.wvgazettemail.com/news/education/2-500-student-plummet-at-blue-ridge-fuels-17-drop-in-wv-s-statewide-community/article_85f93015-56d4-5b12-9ae8-b6f2a92d4f22.html https://www.wvgazettemail.com/news/education/2-500-student-plummet-at-blue-ridge-fuels-17-drop-in-wv-s-statewide-community/article_85f93015-56d4-5b12-9ae8-b6f2a92d4f22.html

REL Central

July 2020 States and districts are dealing with budget cuts and are working to determine how to account for these cuts in areas where CARES Act dollars cannot be leveraged (CO, WY).

• https://co.chalkbeat.org/2020/6/5/21282236/colorado-school-districts-fear-covid-relief-money-wont-make-up-for-budget-cuts

• https://oilcity.news/wyoming/economy/2020/06/18/wyoming-state-agencies-prepare-for-july-1-budget-cuts/

Districts are determining whether to eliminate School Resource Officers (SROs) and use the funding for other support systems in their schools (CO, MO).

• https://gazette.com/news/getting-rid-of-school-resource-officers-not-likely-to-happen-in-colorado-springs-officials-say/article_7e7f3954-af60-11ea-811f-2f86838a8c9a.html

• https://www.newspressnow.com/news/local_news/police-debate-enters-the-schools/article_cc732d14-b596-11ea-835e-f31512d2cb3d.html

Colorado August 2020 The Colorado State Board of Education is determining whether or not to delay annual reading testing for K–3 students, which potentially impacts data collection for the Colorado READ Act:

https://co.chalkbeat.org/2020/7/8/21317886/some-colorado-educators-seek-to-postpone-fall-reading-assessments-state-board-of-ed-members-object

October 2020 Student enrollment is down in Colorado and the state is urging families to utilize the Colorado Open Enrollment program to take advantage of online programs. Lack of enrollment could lead to learning loss as well as lack of funding for schools: https://coloradosun.com/2020/09/29/coronavirus-colorado-schools-enrollment/

November 2020 More than half of Colorado grade 3 students are not reading at grade level, and school districts across Colorado take a variety of different approaches in how they teach reading. Lack of curriculum transparency creates a challenging environment for oversight and accountability. This environment could impact the existing CO READ Act, which focuses on early literacy:

https://co.chalkbeat.org/2020/9/25/21456381/what-do-jeffco-schools-use-to-teach-reading-district-leaders-dont-know-and-neither-does-the-public

December 2020 Colorado voters passed Proposition EE, which will expand the state’s publicly funded preschool program, including statewide universal preschool for four-year-olds starting in 2023. It will also provide additional funding to rural schools, state health and housing programs, and the state education budget. This expansion will be an opportunity for additional collaboration and expansion of early childhood services across Colorado: https://co.chalkbeat.org/2020/11/3/21548349/proposition-ee-colorado-2020-election-results https://co.chalkbeat.org/2020/6/5/21282236/colorado-school-districts-fear-covid-relief-money-wont-make-up-for-budget-cuts https://co.chalkbeat.org/2020/6/5/21282236/colorado-school-districts-fear-covid-relief-money-wont-make-up-for-budget-cuts https://oilcity.news/wyoming/economy/2020/06/18/wyoming-state-agencies-prepare-for-july-1-budget-cuts/ https://oilcity.news/wyoming/economy/2020/06/18/wyoming-state-agencies-prepare-for-july-1-budget-cuts/ https://gazette.com/news/getting-rid-of-school-resource-officers-not-likely-to-happen-in-colorado-springs-officials-say/article_7e7f3954-af60-11ea-811f-2f86838a8c9a.html https://gazette.com/news/getting-rid-of-school-resource-officers-not-likely-to-happen-in-colorado-springs-officials-say/article_7e7f3954-af60-11ea-811f-2f86838a8c9a.html https://www.newspressnow.com/news/local_news/police-debate-enters-the-schools/article_cc732d14-b596-11ea-835e-f31512d2cb3d.html https://www.newspressnow.com/news/local_news/police-debate-enters-the-schools/article_cc732d14-b596-11ea-835e-f31512d2cb3d.html https://co.chalkbeat.org/2020/7/8/21317886/some-colorado-educators-seek-to-postpone-fall-reading-assessments-state-board-of-ed-members-object https://co.chalkbeat.org/2020/7/8/21317886/some-colorado-educators-seek-to-postpone-fall-reading-assessments-state-board-of-ed-members-object https://coloradosun.com/2020/09/29/coronavirus-colorado-schools-enrollment/ https://coloradosun.com/2020/09/29/coronavirus-colorado-schools-enrollment/ https://co.chalkbeat.org/2020/9/25/21456381/what-do-jeffco-schools-use-to-teach-reading-district-leaders-dont-know-and-neither-does-the-public https://co.chalkbeat.org/2020/9/25/21456381/what-do-jeffco-schools-use-to-teach-reading-district-leaders-dont-know-and-neither-does-the-public https://co.chalkbeat.org/2020/11/3/21548349/proposition-ee-colorado-2020-election-results https://co.chalkbeat.org/2020/11/3/21548349/proposition-ee-colorado-2020-election-results

Kansas December 2020 KSDE needs to increase the number of students ready for postsecondary education. To achieve this goal, KSDE will have middle school students complete individual plans of study that map their personal routes to graduation and postsecondary success and will support schools with personalized student learning.

KSDE will use postsecondary student enrollment data for up to 2 years after high school graduation to track students’ progress toward postsecondary degrees or credentials. Additionally, KSDE will use National Student Clearinghouse data as measures for postsecondary success.

KDSE decided to use the Ages & Stages Questionnaire to assess children’s readiness for kindergarten.

However, current guidance and training on how to interpret and use Ages & Stages Questionnaire data focus on the early developmental level and are not easily transferrable to the one-time administration of the Kansas Kindergarten Readiness Snapshot Tool (KKRST). KSDE has indicated that school districts will need support in appropriately interpreting and using data as well as in responding to the KKRST results.

The Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation requires that educator preparation programs (EPPs) demonstrate the validity and reliability of instruments developed to evaluate teacher candidates.

Since 2016, KSDE has been working with representatives of several Kansas institutions of higher education with EPPs to develop a valid and reliable teacher candidate observation instrument. The Kansas Clinical Assessment Tool (K-CAT) is designed for use by a teacher candidate’s cooperating teacher and university supervisor at the midpoint and end of the teacher candidate’s student-teaching experience.

Kansas EPPs plan to use the K-CAT to provide teacher candidates with feedback during their student-teaching experience. By using a rigorous instrument to monitor and improve student-teaching, Kansas stakeholders aim to increase the quality of teacher candidates, raise the number of teacher candidates who receive certification, and subsequently improve student achievement.

Missouri August 2020 School districts cannot fill all open teaching positions, and the Kansas NEA and MO DESE both predict schools will need more substitutes than ever this school year, which impacts the ability for schools to remain open and impacts funding.

• https://www.kshb.com/rebound/school-districts-prepare-for-potential-teacher-substitute-shortages

• https://www.onenewspage.com/video/20200731/13241730/Will-COVID-19-worsen-teacher-shortage.htm

MO DESE is exploring how best to conduct educator evaluations in a remote setting.

October 2020 MO DESE has formed the Task Force for Learning Acceleration, made up of 115 Missouri educators, to create recommendations and tools to address learning loss related to COVID-19 related school closures:

https://www.newstribune.com/news/local/story/2020/aug/23/dese-lays-out-three-stage-plan-to-address-learning-loss/838635/

December 2020 A report on the early childhood needs of Missouri families found that over 80 percent of children five and under reside in areas known as “childcare deserts” and that their families cannot afford childcare and do not qualify for childcare subsidies. This demonstrates a need to review and consider ways to provide more https://www.kshb.com/rebound/school-districts-prepare-for-potential-teacher-substitute-shortages https://www.onenewspage.com/video/20200731/13241730/Will-COVID-19-worsen-teacher-shortage.htm https://www.onenewspage.com/video/20200731/13241730/Will-COVID-19-worsen-teacher-shortage.htm https://www.newstribune.com/news/local/story/2020/aug/23/dese-lays-out-three-stage-plan-to-address-learning-loss/838635/ https://www.newstribune.com/news/local/story/2020/aug/23/dese-lays-out-three-stage-plan-to-address-learning-loss/838635/ equitable access to high-quality childcare and early childhood education:

https://blogs.umsl.edu/news/2020/10/29/ciac-early-childhood-needs-assessment/

Nebraska July 2020 NE Board of Education and state education commissioner are determining strategies to take action for racial justice and equity: https://columbustelegram.com/news/local/education/nebraska-education-leaders-commit-to-steps-toward-ending-systematic-racism/article_1c6606a9-2575-5086-a573-a405b795dcbf.html

Nebraska is testing out strategies to make increase statewide internet access to ensure that more children can work remotely. Nebraska Broadband Grant Program will provide about $40 million to expand broadband services into unserved and underserved areas of Nebraska; including many tribal lands:

https://www.omaha.com/news/internet-could-be-lifeline-for-nebraska-students-but-statewide-coverage-is-like-a-checkerboard/article_6ad0719f-315d-5c47-b33a-94688432d9d3.html

August 2020 According to NDE, homeschool in filings are up 21% from last year, which impacts school funding, standardized testing, and resource sharing. Additionally, there are potential policy implications on school choice and online learning.

• https://www.siouxlandproud.com/news/nebraska-news/nebraskas-homeschool-filings-jump-as-school-year-approaches/

• https://www.klkntv.com/uncertainty-surrounding-the-2020-21-school-year-has-parents-considering-home-school/

• https://nebraska.tv/features/good-morning-nebraska/what-your-family-needs-to-know-to-legally-homeschool

South Dakota November 2020 South Dakota’s annual report card cannot provide data on how students performed in English, language arts, math, and science; how students’ progress throughout the year and absenteeism. This is due to the fact that the state could not test in the spring because of COVID-19 related school closures. This data void creates a challenge for educators and administrators to evaluate student needs, which inhibits planning, resources, and budgets: https://www.argusleader.com/story/news/education/2020/10/07/coronavirus-left-s-d-schools-almost-no-data-if-students-learning/5908286002/

Wyoming August 2020 WDE is examining shortages of special education services, exacerbated by COVID-19 school closures and considering how to address shortages as they occur.

September 2020 WDE is implementing COVID-19 surveillance testing. This will likely prompt new legislation.

The Wyoming Joint Appropriations Committee have asked the Wyoming Department of Enterprise Technology Services ETS and the Wyoming Department of Education to work together to help schools broadcast WIFI into parking lots and provide telemedicine to students at school facilities. This effort is needed to help address the digital divide in Wyoming.

https://blogs.umsl.edu/news/2020/10/29/ciac-early-childhood-needs-assessment/ https://columbustelegram.com/news/local/education/nebraska-education-leaders-commit-to-steps-toward-ending-systematic-racism/article_1c6606a9-2575-5086-a573-a405b795dcbf.html https://columbustelegram.com/news/local/education/nebraska-education-leaders-commit-to-steps-toward-ending-systematic-racism/article_1c6606a9-2575-5086-a573-a405b795dcbf.html https://www.omaha.com/news/internet-could-be-lifeline-for-nebraska-students-but-statewide-coverage-is-like-a-checkerboard/article_6ad0719f-315d-5c47-b33a-94688432d9d3.html https://www.omaha.com/news/internet-could-be-lifeline-for-nebraska-students-but-statewide-coverage-is-like-a-checkerboard/article_6ad0719f-315d-5c47-b33a-94688432d9d3.html https://www.siouxlandproud.com/news/nebraska-news/nebraskas-homeschool-filings-jump-as-school-year-approaches/ https://www.siouxlandproud.com/news/nebraska-news/nebraskas-homeschool-filings-jump-as-school-year-approaches/ https://www.klkntv.com/uncertainty-surrounding-the-2020-21-school-year-has-parents-considering-home-school/ https://www.klkntv.com/uncertainty-surrounding-the-2020-21-school-year-has-parents-considering-home-school/ https://nebraska.tv/features/good-morning-nebraska/what-your-family-needs-to-know-to-legally-homeschool https://nebraska.tv/features/good-morning-nebraska/what-your-family-needs-to-know-to-legally-homeschool https://www.argusleader.com/story/news/education/2020/10/07/coronavirus-left-s-d-schools-almost-no-data-if-students-learning/5908286002/ https://www.argusleader.com/story/news/education/2020/10/07/coronavirus-left-s-d-schools-almost-no-data-if-students-learning/5908286002/

WDE and Park County School District No. 1 are collaborating on a five-year, $2 million dollar grant that focuses on the mental health of high school students. An increased need for mental health services had been identified due to the high rural population, which self-identified as suffering from depression on school surveys. As more evidence of mental health needs becomes evident, innovative funding solutions and creative services will see an increase in demand: https://www.powelltribune.com/stories/new-grant-aimed-at-local-students-mental-health,27748 https://www.powelltribune.com/stories/new-grant-aimed-at-local-students-mental-health,27748 https://www.powelltribune.com/stories/new-grant-aimed-at-local-students-mental-health,27748

REL Mid-Atlantic Cross-Regional Needs

July 2020 The Alliance for Excellent Education has compiled an interactive map showcasing the percentages of households without high-speed home internet, broken out by race, ethnicity, and whether the students are in a rural/non-rural setting. This showcases the homework gap that is disproportionately affecting Black, Latino, and American Indian/Alaska Native households who cannot effectively participate in remote learning.

The Center on Reinventing Public Education has summarized the reopening plans of 30 districts, including LEAs in Maryland and Washington DC, highlighting the common challenges that districts face such as supporting vulnerable populations.

August 2020 Education Week created a database summarizing the school re-opening plans of over 800 school districts nation-wide.

September 2020 The Center for American Progress advocates for an emergency investment by the federal and state governments into early childhood care to rescue the sector, which has been negatively affected by

COVID-19.

November 2020 The National Association for the Education of Young Children published the results of a survey that indicated that the U.S. early education sector is struggling financially.

Governors of seven states, including Delaware, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey issued a statement supporting in-person learning with "appropriate protections" amid the national COVID-19 situation.

Delaware September 2020 In meeting with the Region 4 Comprehensive Center, stakeholders from the Delaware Department of Education identified its needs for research on remote learning and the impact of accountability policies.

Stakeholders also expressed an interest in developing a state curriculum on equity.

October 2020 Stakeholders from the Delaware Department of Education have asked the REL to pivot research priorities to support work in family engagement. In particular, stakeholders are seeking REL assistance in improving the quality of support to LEAs and the expansion of the agency’s role in the area of family engagement. Stakeholders have also tasked the REL to implement a coaching project that will provide research and technical support to the state team, with the goal of developing an evidence-based framework for family engagement to guide the work of the agency and LEAs.

Delaware Online reports that rising COVID infection rates and hospitalizations have led multiple school districts to revert to virtual learning environments.

District of Columbia August 2020 The District of Columbia’s Office of the State Superintendent of Education published a guidance document enumerating its attendance collection policy during the 2020-2021 school year, which seeks to address the issues of attendance during virtual courses and other COVID-related barriers.

September 2020 On a phone call with The Office of the State Superintendent of Education of the District of Columbia, staff expressed interest in finding new ways to measure school climate.

October 2020 The District of Columbia’s State Board of Education invited Amy Johnson, leader of the REL’s Training and Supporting Excellent Educators alliance, to submit public testimony to a DC Council hearing on the proposed legislation: "Statewide Educational Data Warehouse Amendment Act of 2019."

Maryland July 2020 The National Postsecondary Strategy Institute (NPSI) launched a national network to increase student college and career outcomes consisting of 8 districts, including Baltimore City Public Schools.

August 2020 REL Mid-Atlantic met with the Maryland State Department of Education, who reviewed an update to the State’s plan for school re-openings during COVID, providing information to school districts on first-day re-opening instructional models as well a student engagement, SEL, grading, attendance, and connectivity procedures.

September 2020 Stakeholders from the Maryland State Department of Education indicated in a phone call that they are seeking research on rubrics for online class evaluation.

Stakeholders from the Maryland State Department of Education indicated in a phone call that they are seeking REL assistance in interpreting data from this school year.

The Maryland State Department of Education indicated on a phone call that they would like the REL to support their curriculum vetting needs.

November 2020 The Baltimore Education Research Consortium published a study on student mobility and violent crime, finding that students were more likely to leave a school after a year where school-based violent crime increased.

New Jersey July 2020 The New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) would like REL assistance in supporting schools across the state to reopen by performing a national/international scan of how others are approaching scheduling classes to ensure continuity of learning and how others are working to increase engagement with remote learning.

According to a media scan, a Newark summer school site was temporarily closed after a COVID-19 case, exposing a flaw in the safety measures that allowed the employee to begin work on campus before receiving her test results.

September 2020 On a phone call with staff, the New Jersey Department of Education indicated that it is interested in collaborating on projects in the areas of data collection and analysis, revising the portfolio appeals progress, and reviewing the Option II assessment.

October 2020 New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy named Angelica Allen-McMillan as the new state education commissioner.

November 2020 According to our media scan, Chalkbeat reports an underperforming Newark, NJ charter school district struggles to provide quality education and services during the COVID-19 pandemic, illustrated by the perspectives of administrators, principals, teachers, parents, and students.

NJ Governor Phil Murphy publicly exhorted schools to remain open, but district officials across the state responded disparately and have enacted a range of policies that include full reopenings, hybrid learning, and fully remote learning.

December 2020 An article in Chalkbeat exposes a two-tiered system in the Newark Public School system, in which highly selective magnet schools excel while traditional high schools struggle.

Chalkbeat reports on controversy in Newark Public Schools over the use of MAP test data in teacher evaluations. Already a contentious topic, educators argue that the current environment is not conducive to measuring teacher performance properly.

Pennsylvania July 2020 A media scan indicated that Pittsburgh Public Schools is considering delaying in-classroom instruction as a result of a regional spike in COVID cases; the school board will vote early August to decide if the first nine weeks of the school year will occur remotely. If so, the resolution will require district officials to prepare plans for additional support for special education students, students of essential workers, and those without adequate access to technology.

The Consortium for Public Education hosted an online meeting of 25 businesses and higher education representatives to discuss the need for organizations—both in the K-12 sector and in the postsecondary and business sector— to keep partnering to strengthen both sides of the equation (education and business). In the future, jobs are likely to remain online and will require employees with good communication skills, responsibility of own schedule and complete of tasks, and comfort with technology and online platforms.

The Governor of Pennsylvania requested an update to the COVID-19 schools reopening model that would help to determine when schools should close during the upcoming academic year.

August 2020 A blog from Governing Board member Sharif El-Mekki is calling attention to racial disparity in the education system against black students, particularly males, and advocates for an increased investment in black graduation rates and educators.

According to a media scan, an administrator in Philadelphia’s school district and a philanthropic program director address questions that have arisen from COVID-related instability in the U.S, education system.

They identify multiple data collection and analysis techniques that allow for a better comparison of school performance and accountability data.

According to a media scan, Pittsburgh Public Schools is considering delaying in-classroom instruction as a result of a regional spike in COVID cases; the school board will vote early August to decide if the first nine weeks of the school year will occur remotely. If so, the resolution will require district officials to prepare plans for additional support for special education students, students of essential workers, and those without adequate access to technology.

The School District of Philadelphia informed its community of the district’s re-opening plans for the 2020-2021 school year and provided resources on its website.

September 2020 A phone call with Pennsylvania Department of Education staff indicated that they are seeking research on how culturally responsive practices can be incorporated into policy.

A professor at The Pennsylvania State University at Harrisburg published a paper discussing the operational and financial impacts of COVID-19 on Pennsylvania’s childcare providers and staff.

Lack of attendance and a funding crunch due to COVID-19 is threatening the closure of many Philadelphia childcare centers according to our media scan.

October 2020 The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that Philadelphia School District Superintendent William Hite, Jr.

indicated that despite plans to return up to 32,000 students to classrooms by November, many older students will not return to in-person learning in 2020. Current plans for limited November re-openings could change if the District does not meet its safety standards.

EdWeek’s District Dossier reported that Richard Gordon, Principal of Paul Robeson High School in Philadelphia, is named National Principal of the Year. He is credited with increasing enrollment and attendance, improving college enrollment rates, and improving school discipline, particularly in the area of bullying.

November 2020 Stakeholders in the Pennsylvania Department of Education asked for REL support in facilitating a networked improvement community of practice on data use amongst schools interested in using data for continuous improvement.

Stakeholders from Pittsburgh Public Schools requested support analyzing student participation and achievement data collected during remote learning.

The Philadelphia School District decided to postpone the start of in-person learning and remain 100 percent virtual, citing the deteriorating COVID-19 situation in the city and large ventilation and facilities challenges.

A Washington Post article examines the hybrid learning policy of the Bethlehem Area School District, highlighting both the district's successful policies and partnership with public officials, as well as the risk posed by the deteriorating COVID-19 situation.

The Philadelphia Education Research Consortium conducted a study on student credit recovery utilization, finding that preventing course failures through increased supports for students in core classes may be a more effective policy due to low credit recovery course enrollment and pass rates.

REL Midwest Illinois July 2020 Illinois stakeholders are seeking supports to enhance the distance learning experiences of English learner students. Stakeholders are also seeking resources and training for trauma-informed education.

District stakeholders are working to determine the best way to engage new kindergarten families who choose a remote attendance option (those without older children in the system). Some district stakeholders are working to determine how to meet the connectivity and technology needs of their students.

August 2020 Districts are overwhelmed with the shifts between hybrid and remote learning.

September 2020 Districts continue to struggle to find electronic devices for all families and to set up (and maintain) educational apps used to support learning. Access remains an issue for some families. Districts continue to innovate as they seek the right mix of synchronous and asynchronous learning for early elementary children.

October 2020 School districts continue to wrestle with when to safely bring children back to in-person learning.

November 2020 A MECERA partnership member reported that districts are trying to determine the best way to collect assessment data and set up socially distanced small reading groups.

Indiana July 2020 The Indiana Department of Education has offered guidance to districts to prioritize student acceleration versus remediation when students return in the fall. Schools are working to determine what the return to school looks like in the context of hybrid and e-learning.

School start dates are in limbo as COVID-19 rates rise rapidly across the state.

August 2020 The Indiana Department of Education and districts are concerned about how to administer federally mandated standardized tests. Districts are struggling to stay open for in-person instruction amid conflicting recommendations between the state and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in terms of mask use and distance between individuals.

September 2020 Districts in Indiana that began the year with virtual learning are beginning to move to in-person learning as the COVID-19 case positivity dips below 5%.

Indiana schools continue to need support with decisionmaking on when to open/close schools as COVID- 19 cases rise. Indiana released its A–F grades for schools, but it is unclear what they mean because the grades use data from three years ago in some cases.

November 2020 Indiana is grappling with increasing COVID-19 cases. The Marion County Health Department is requiring that Marion County districts move to remote learning by Nov. 30.

Iowa No needs identified.

Michigan September 2020 At this time, school districts are focusing on how to educate their students while navigating through the remote learning related to COVID-19.

November 2020 A MAITP partnership member discussed a need to better assist current preservice teachers who do not feel they are being well prepared for the teaching profession because of complications resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Minnesota July 2020 Districts in Minnesota are awaiting school-year reopening guidance, anticipated to come from the governor in the coming days.