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** Weekly Update
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A newsletter from The Hechinger Report
Sponsored by:
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In this week's edition: High school students find common ground on the debate stage ([link removed]) . A county in Indiana is at the forefront of making apprenticeships a common offering in high school ([link removed]) . Plus, the release of science scores by the National Assessment of Educational Progress is now delayed ([link removed]) .
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[High school students compete in the Congressional Debate at the National Speech and Debate Tournament in Des Moines, Iowa, in June. Credit: Meenakshi Van Zee for The Hechinger Report]
** High school students find common ground on the debate stage
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Macon Smith was one of more than 7,000 middle and high school students to compete in the National Speech and Debate Tournament this summer in Iowa, run by an organization that is celebrating a century in existence.
In that time, the National Speech and Debate Association has persevered through economic and social upheaval. It is entering its next era, one in which the very notion of engaging in informed and respectful debate seems impossible. The organizers of this event see the activity as even more important in a fracturing society.
“I don’t think there’s an activity in the world that develops empathy and listening skills like speech and debate,” said Scott Wunn, the organization’s president. “We’re continuing to create better citizens.”
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This week's newsletter is supported by:
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Get smart about New York schools at City & State’s Education in New York Summit: Shaping Tomorrow’s Schools Through Innovation ([link removed]) on August 14. Curious about our keynote speakers? Dr. Betty A. Rosa, Commissioner, NYS Dept. of Education, & Melissa Aviles-Ramos, Chancellor, NYC Public Schools are both on the line-up!
Register now. ([link removed])
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** Apprenticeships for high schoolers are touted as the next big thing. One state leads the way
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Elkhart County is at the forefront of a movement slowly spreading across Indiana and the nation to make apprenticeships a common offering in high school.
In 2019, as part of a plan to boost the region’s economic prospects, county leaders launched an effort to place high schoolers in apprenticeships that combine work-based training with classroom instruction. About 80 students from the county’s seven school districts participated this academic year, in fields such as health care, law, manufacturing, education and engineering. In April, as part of a broader push to revamp high school education and add more work-based learning, the state set a goal of 50,000 high school apprentices by 2034.
Tim Pletcher, the principal of Jimtown High, said students are often drawn first to the chance to spend less time in class. But his students quickly realize apprenticeships give them work-based learning credits and industry connections that help them after graduation. They also earn a paycheck.
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** Release of NAEP science scores delayed
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The repercussions from the decimation of staff at the Education Department keep coming.
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Education policymakers have been keen to learn if science achievement had held steady after the pandemic or tumbled along with reading and math. ([link removed])
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** Reading list
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International students are critical to US colleges. See which schools could be hit hardest by a ban ([link removed])
The Trump administration has vowed to make it harder for foreign students to get visas
How theater can teach kids about climate change ([link removed])
‘The Pocket Park Kids,’ which my 4-year-old and I saw together, intends to make it fun for kids to learn how to save the planet
Tracking Trump: His actions to dismantle the Education Department, and more ([link removed])
The president is working to eliminate the Education Department and fighting ‘woke’ ideology in schools. A week-by-week look at what he’s done
$6 billion school funding freeze sparks outcry over ‘cruel betrayal’ of students ([link removed])
Education leaders warn of layoffs, larger classes and slashed services as the Trump administration withholds federal K-12 funding — hitting California and Texas hardest
OPINION: A college degree opens doors, but only when we remove obstacles for young people ([link removed])
America’s future depends on more first-generation students from underestimated communities earning an affordable bachelor’s degree
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** Talk to us about Tuition Tracker
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Our Tuition Tracker website helps students, parents and educators research the true cost of a college degree. This interactive tool is used in thousands of classrooms nationwide.
We know this website has value — and we are committed to keeping this tool free for all to use. Help us make TuitionTracker.org ([link removed]) even better by filling out this short survey ([link removed]) . A few minutes of your time will make a difference in the lives of young people. (Extra credit: Share the website and survey link with a friend!)
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