Education

Ben Shuldiner has been appointed as the new Superintendent of Seattle Public Schools and has pledged to make the district a national model of excellence, while also addressing the challenges of budget deficits, declining enrollment, and safety concerns.

The Zinn Education Project provides educators with complimentary resources to teach Black history with depth and integrity. These resources include comprehensive lessons, literature, interactive workshops, and collaborative study groups, all aimed at fostering a nuanced and urgent understanding of Black history.

Kai Cenat, a prominent Twitch streamer, has embarked on a mission to read books aloud on camera, aiming to serve as a role model for Black schoolchildren facing literacy challenges and to inspire K-12 students nationwide.

In a significant legal development, the Trump administration has retracted its appeal against a federal court decision that prevented the government from withholding federal funds from educational institutions advocating for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. This action affirms the ruling by a Maryland federal judge, which determined that the administration's attempt contravened the First Amendment.

A recent survey by the United Negro College Fund reveals that more than 60% of high school students possess limited awareness of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), while a mere 36% frequently engage in discussions about pursuing higher education.

A recent report by the Common Application reveals an 11% increase in college applications from Black or African American students in the United States for fall 2025, marking them as the fastest-growing demographic among first-year applicants.

Community members gathered at Garfield High School to discuss racial disparities in student achievement and call for urgent action to address the achievement gaps between Black and Brown students and their peers.

The U.S. Department of Education has announced plans to escalate efforts to collect unpaid student loans starting in 2026, a move expected to disproportionately impact Black borrowers. These individuals are statistically more inclined to incur student loans and tend to graduate with higher debt levels, exacerbating existing racial wealth disparities.

A lawsuit has been filed by the American Federation of Teachers and the Brighton Park Neighborhood Council against the Trump administration, alleging the unlawful termination of over $60 million in funding for wraparound services in community schools. The funds, intended to support social, health, nutrition, and mental health services for K-12 students and families in low-income and rural areas, have been abruptly cut, according to the plaintiffs.

In a world fraught with complexity, books serve as a beacon of clarity, comfort, and escape for teenagers. They offer students a reflective space to explore their role in society while engaging with critical themes such as grief, reproductive rights, social justice, and identity.