Weekly News Round-Up for October 5th

posted by: Melissa | October 05, 2018, 06:18 PM

Each week, KANAAE 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, school safety funding, an alleged assault, student loan lawsuits, and more!

Trump Admin Secures School Safety Funding: On Tuesday, the Trump Administration announced a series of funding initiatives to promote school safety. The funding was awarded by the Justice Department under the STOP School Violence Act, which received bipartisan support and was backed by Sandy Hook Promise. The Justice Department earmarked $70 million in grants to states and schools that provided for threat assessment, technology, and mental health training programs. While the Trump administration supports arming teachers to increase school safety, the funds distributed through this bill may not be used for that purpose.

Parents Sue District over Alleged Assault, Transgender Bathroom Policy: The Department of Education is investigating an alleged assault in a Georgia school. Reportedly, the assault came as a result of their transgender bathroom policy. According to a lawsuit filed by the defendant’s parents, the school allowed a “gender fluid” kindergarten student to use the girl’s restroom, where he pushed the five-year old student up against a wall and assaulted her. The suit alleges that allowing transgender students to use the bathroom of their choice puts other students at risk. The school district claims that the suit does not provide an accurate description of the incident. The school referred the incident to the sheriff’s office at the time it occurred where it was handed over to Family and Child Services due to the ages of the students involved. At that time, the accusation was decided to be unfounded.

Teachers Sue Student Loan Servicer: Nine teachers have filed a lawsuit against Navient, one of the nation’s largest student loan servicers. According to the lawsuit, Navient blocked access to federal student loan forgiveness programs relied on by many teachers to help fund their college degrees. It alleges Navient misinformed borrowers about the programs and about their eligibility. It’s possible the actions could be a result of Navient’s fear of losing business once the loans were transferred to the company that administers the loan forgiveness program. The lawsuit is backed by the American Federation of Teachers, one of the nation’s largest teacher’s union.

Happening Elsewhere:

Texas school bus crash leaves 1 child killed and 3 injured

U.S. Department of Education announces 2018 National Blue Ribbon Schools

US Education Secretary wraps up tour in New Orleans

Only these 8 states require sex education classes to mention consent

Students Can File FAFSA From Their Phones

Kentucky Education Board approves controversial graduation requirements

Two years in, Indiana State Superintendent Jennifer McCormick says she won't seek another term

After no search, Wayne Lewis named Kentucky's permanent education chief

Maryland has new tip line and mobile app for school safety

State ISTEP scores dip for elementary and high school students compared to last year

Nebraska discusses allowing schools to arm teachers