As a district re-opens, one middle schooler returned to school and another remained home. 

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Dear reader,Liz Willen

A student’s anxiety attack upon returning to school in a small New England city last month is a stark reminder of how fragile pandemic recovery can be for thousands going back to classrooms after months of online learning. Even more fraught are the choices parents must make and that’s why Sarah Carr’s detailed on-the-ground reporting on middle schoolers who returned and those who stayed home is a must read. ([link removed])

This week, we also examine the latest research ([link removed]) on reading comprehension (hint: it may be deteriorating) and the importance of play ([link removed]) for the littlest learners and offer expert tips ([link removed]) on navigating parent-teacher conferences. Finally, I spoke with Generation Hope CEO Nicole Lynn Lewis ([link removed]) and wrote a column ([link removed]) about her latest book and the case for helping student parents get to and through college. As always, we hope you take time to read our work, share it with friends and let us know what you think.

Liz Willen, Editor
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Main Idea


** As a district re-opens, one middle schooler returned to school and another remained home ([link removed])
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Both found unique joy — and new perils.
Reading List


** COLUMN: ‘This is our moment,’ says the author of a new book on student parents ([link removed])
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‘Pregnant Girl’ by Generation Hope’s CEO pushes policy changes for long-ignored population.



** Twenty-six studies point to more play for young children ([link removed])
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Play has the potential to reduce inequality, report finds.


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PROOF POINTS: Why reading comprehension is deteriorating ([link removed])
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Scholars weigh decline in reading habits and other theories.



** Some colleges stop holding transcripts hostage over unpaid bills ([link removed])
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One of America’s biggest universities is ending its version of a longstanding practice that derails millions. (ICYMI: Read more stories from our Hidden Debt Trap coverage ([link removed]) to learn about billions of dollars in student debt you never heard of.)



** OPINION: Investments in child care facilities are critical to building a more equitable system of care ([link removed])
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The American Jobs Plan offers a way forward; let's get that investment right.


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OPINION: Here’s how we can make difficult pandemic parent-teacher conferences better ([link removed])
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Pandemic adaptations have created opportunities for authentic conversations.



** OPINION: Neither heroes nor villains, teachers must be recast as vital partners ([link removed])
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It’s time to stop scapegoating teachers as we move forward toward post-pandemic learning.



** OPINION: We should not leave Black students out of any debate to reinvent schools ([link removed])
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My former students want a voice in what happens with post-pandemic education and beyond.
Solutions
"Alabama school district sees ‘overwhelming' need to teach ESL learners ([link removed]) ," Alabama Media Group

This week’s solutions section came from SolutionsU ([link removed]) powered by Solutions Journalism Network and their database of solutions journalism. Search ([link removed]) for more solutions.
Extra
Our friends at PBS NewsHour Student Reporting Labs are hosting a free virtual event ([link removed]) May 18 at 7 p.m. ET featuring U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona, students and teachers. "What happened to students and schools during the pandemic? Hear directly from teens and educators across the country on how we move forward."
👋 Contact Nichole Dobo at [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) to give feedback on The Hechinger Report’s newsletters. Did you know we produce newsletters on early childhood ([link removed]) , education research ([link removed]) , the future of learning ([link removed]) and higher education ([link removed]) ? And it helps us if you recommend our newsletters to a friend.
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