 Dear reader,
Pandemic-related learning loss is one of the most urgent problems facing schools nationwide. That’s one reason the results of our exhaustive collaboration with the Arizona Center for Investigative Reporting are so utterly confounding: Schools in much of the country, including Arizona, are free to punish most students for missing learning time by forcing them to miss even more. We found numerous examples of how this practice is harming children.
It seems school officials are attempting to solve one problem by creating others. Missing school can lead to higher drop-out rates, lower college enrollment and increased criminal justice involvement. Is there a better way?
We’d love to hear from our readers about this blockbuster investigation by Hechinger’s Tara García Mathewson and Fazil Kahn, with Maria Polletta of AZCIR. Parts two and three of this investigation will publish in the coming days. Is this disciplinary practice happening in your district?
With the holiday season upon us, a big thank you to all who are contributing to our fundraising drive: Please remember your gift is being doubled (up to $50,000) thanks to a generous donor. Become a member, and spread the word!
Liz Willen, Editor
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