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Trump administration begins sweeping layoffs with probationary workers, warns of larger cuts to come; NYC music school teachers strike after union negotiations break down; Ohio advocates push for inclusive policies during Black History Month; Health experts recommend sunshine, socializing to cure 'winter blues.'

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Federal workers tasked with securing elections from foreign interference are placed on leave, parents' organizations reject dismantling Dept. of Education, and the Congressional Black Caucus presses discussions on slavery reparations.

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Rural America struggles with opioids and homelessness in unexpected ways, Colorado's Lariat Ditch could help spur local recreation, and book deliveries revive rural communities hit by Hurricane Helene.

OK teacher shortage prompts calls for better funding

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Monday, April 1, 2024   

Education advocates calling on lawmakers to increase funding for programs to combat the teacher shortage.

Nationwide, 37% of schools report being short at least one teacher. The problem is worse at schools serving high-poverty neighborhoods where more than half report a vacancy.

Susan Kemper Patrick, senior educator quality researcher at the Learning Policy Institute, said the numbers are troublingly high.

"At least 314,000 teaching positions across the U.S. are either unfilled or filled with teachers who are not fully certified for their assignments," Kemper Patrick reported. "This means at least one in 10 teaching positions nationally are either unfilled or not filled with a certified teacher."

The state of Oklahoma had to issue almost 3,800 emergency teaching certifications in 2022, a record number. And from 2001 to 2018, enrollment in the state's university education programs dropped by 80%.

The University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma City Community College recently announced a partnership which will make community college students studying education eligible for more grants. Meanwhile, the state Senate Education Committee just approved a bill to prohibit teachers' unions from distributing union materials and forbidding schools to allow unions to meet on campus.

Kemper Patrick pointed out schools are resorting to desperate measures like combining classes, relying on virtual teachers, or using long-term substitutes.

"The U.S. Department of Education School Pulse Survey found that 36% of public schools across the U.S. reported that they had to increase class size due to teacher and staff vacancies," Kemper Patrick stressed.

Keller blamed the problem on low salaries, noting the average starting salary for a teacher nationwide is less than $43,000 a year. Congress is currently considering two bills, the Diversify Act and the Educators for America Act, which would double the Teach America grant from $4,000 to $8,000 per year.


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In 2023, the Biden administration ordered a Bakersfield oil company to remove old oil rigs from Carrizo Plain National Monument in Central California. (Bob Wick/BLM)

Environment

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Groups that fight to protect public lands are criticizing the Trump administration's new review of all oil, gas and mining on public lands. National …


Environment

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This weekend, Virginians will participate with other birders around the world in the Great Backyard Bird Count. Thousands of birding enthusiasts …

Environment

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This weekend, birders across the world, including in Maryland, will participate in the Great Backyard Bird Count. Thousands of birding enthusiasts …


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Minnesota is little less than a year away from launching its paid-leave law, but state lawmakers are debating whether to delay the start until 2027…

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Social Issues

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A New York City music school's faculty is back in the classroom after a weeklong strike. The Manhattan School of Music's Precollege Program faculty …

Health and Wellness

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The Texas Department of Agriculture is accepting sponsor applications for its 2025 Summer Meal Programs. The Summer Food Service Program and the …

 

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