Latest news with #KeriRodrigues
Yahoo
29-07-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Parents back classroom phone bans—but here's why many moms still feel uneasy
As a mom of a teen and tweens, managing cell phones and screen time has been a moving target. I want my kids to be able to call me—and yes, call their friends—but I'm also incredibly aware of the online minefield they're navigating. From screen addiction to sextortion, the dangers are real, and they're growing. I'm a Millennial mom who got her first flip phone in high school and didn't see Facebook until my 20s. My kids? They're growing up in a world where their phone is both their diary and their playground. So, when I hear about cell phone bans in schools, I feel that gut pull: Yes, please, let them focus. And also: But what if they need me? Related: More than half of states nationwide have cell phone bans in K-12 schools—but is it safe? Cell phone bans are gaining support—but moms are split According to a new Pew Research Center survey, 74% of U.S. adults now support banning cell phones during class in middle and high school—up from 68% last fall. There's also a growing (though more hesitant) camp that supports all-day bans: 44% now, up from 36%. But beneath those top-line numbers is a story about the very real emotional and cultural complexity parents—especially moms—are navigating. Why some moms are nodding yes… but not without hesitation Many parents want fewer distractions at school. A majority of adults in the Pew survey said an all-day cell phone ban would improve grades, social skills, and classroom behavior. That's hard to argue with, especially when 72% of high school teachers say cell phone distraction is a major classroom problem. Only 37% of Americans believe a full-day phone ban would improve physical safety at school. That stat hits home when you consider that school lockdown drills have become as routine as recess, and that families of color often feel less trust in how schools handle discipline, emergencies, or even basic communication. Phones can be a lifeline in overwhelming moments There's strong evidence that many parents view cell phones as critical safety tools. A 2024 survey by the National Parents Union put it plainly: 'When there are emergencies at school, being able to directly communicate with your child … is critically important and too often schools are dropping the ball on effective communication,' said Keri Rodrigues, President of the National Parents Union. That sentiment is echoed across online parenting spaces. In a Reddit thread about school phone bans in Ohio, one parent, @RED_IT_RUM, wrote: 'Emergency calls and emergency contacts only. This would eliminate texting and browsing in class and curb phone cheating on tests. If there was ever a real emergency, they can still call out.' The Pew study backs this up: one of the most common reasons people oppose bans is the need for parents and children to stay in contact when necessary—especially during emergencies. Related: Mom shares why she took away her tween's cell phone—and a plea to other parents A closer look: How support for phone bans breaks down By age: Support for classroom bans is high across all generations—but younger adults (18–29) are less likely to support all-day bans (only 26% say it improves physical safety), while 42% of older adults (50+) agree. By race: White adults: 79% support class-time bans; 48% support all-day bans. Black adults: 59% support class-time bans; just 29% support all-day bans. By political party: Republicans are more supportive of all-day bans than Democrats (50% vs. 39%). Support across both groups has risen since last year. Policy on the ground: Uneven and unclear There's no national standard on school cell phone policies. Some districts enforce 'off and away' rules during class only. Others go full lock-up using magnetically sealed Yondr pouches. Affluent districts often have more resources—think school-issued Chromebooks and parent communication portals—while underfunded schools may rely on students' personal phones for even basic access. That digital divide matters. If a school doesn't offer reliable ways for students to reach parents or for parents to call in, banning their only device becomes an inconvenience and a risk. What moms are really asking for They're not calling for unlimited access to social media. What moms want—what they've always wanted—is for their kids to be safe, focused, and able to reach them when it matters. That means: Clear, thoughtful limits on device use that don't erase students' autonomy. School safety and communication systems that don't rely on privilege. Policies that consider race, income, and trauma. Moms shouldn't have to choose between their child's focus and their safety. In a world that demands more of parents every year, we can create smarter tech policies that support learning and connection. Sources: Most U.S. adults support cellphone bans in schools—especially during class time. July 8, 2024. Pew Research Center. Most U.S. adults support cellphone bans in schools—especially during class time. In Case of Emergency: New Survey Finds Why Parents Say Children Should Have Their Cell Phone at School. September 6, 2024. National Parents Union. In Case of Emergency: New Survey Finds Why Parents Say Children Should Have Their Cell Phone at School. Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
17-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Virginia public schools face uncertainty due to federal government changes
Keri Rodrigues, president of the National Parents Union, speaks at a rally on Friday, March 14, 2025, in Washington, D.C, protesting the U.S. Education Department's mass layoffs and President Donald Trump's plans to dismantle the agency. (Photo by Shauneen Miranda/States Newsroom) Parents, educators and school officials in Virginia are bracing for the impact of sweeping federal education cuts under President Donald Trump's administration — moves that could reshape the state's accountability measures, principal training programs and the cost of key remediation tools. The administration's decisions have raised pressing questions about whether Virginia's schools have the resources to support students adequately. Among the concerns is a proposal to shift certain education offices — such as special education — into other agencies like Health and Human Services. 'I think that the lack of vision here around what's being cut is really problematic for our communities,' Virginia PTA President Jenna Alexander said in an interview with The Mercury. In recent months, the administration has aggressively restructured federal agencies, slashing budgets and eliminating positions — nearly half of the jobs at the U.S. Department of Education. Established in 1979, the department was tasked with ensuring equal educational opportunity and supporting schools, teachers and research to improve learning outcomes. Scott Brabrand, executive director of the Virginia Association of School Superintendents, said his organization is closely monitoring how the job cuts will affect funding for schools across the commonwealth. 'What we are monitoring very closely and very concerned about is the continuation of all the Title funds … as well as the IDEA funds that support special education students and students with disabilities,' Brabrand said. 'We are very concerned about the impact on those funds and we need to see those funds maintained.' Virginia education leaders are particularly raising alarms over how potential funding cuts and the department's dismantling are tied to conservative plans laid out in Project 2025. The proposal, which would shift control of education funding and oversight to states like Virginia, has sparked concern over whether local agencies can handle the workload — especially in areas like special education. U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., has echoed these concerns, warning that the Virginia Department of Education is not equipped to take on the responsibilities of a dismantled federal education agency — particularly when it comes to special education. 'No. I don't believe the Virginia DOE is set up to do that and the Virginia DOE can do that,' Kaine said during a March 6 call with reporters. Amid the uncertainty, a dozen education leaders have urged Secretary of Education Linda McMahon to distribute federal dollars through block grants rather than funding streams with strict spending requirements. They argue that giving states more flexibility would help address issues like rural school funding, achievement gaps, and workforce readiness. 'By reducing federal constraints on funding streams, [state educational agencies] can more effectively address their unique challenges, such as rural school support, achievement gaps, and workforce alignment,' the letter to McMahon reads. But not everyone is convinced. Critics, including Alexander, warn that the plan appears to come with little accountability, making it unclear whether the funds will actually reach the students and schools that need them most. 'That's what all of these [workers] that ultimately got laid off we're doing, [which] was making sure that the money was being used as it should be to improve academic performance,' Alexander said. Virginia high schools are scrambling to administer a career readiness exam after an executive order from Trump effectively suspended the tests. The order, aimed at cutting 'non-essential' travel for Department of Defense civilian employees, has disrupted the administration of the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB), a crucial tool for assessing students' academic and occupational potential — particularly for those considering military careers. Under the state's new accountability system, schools must demonstrate how well they prepare students for life after high school. ASVAB results are one of the measures used to determine school accreditation, putting additional pressure on educators to find a solution before spring break and statewide assessments begin. 'If we lose an opportunity to to take this with our students, to take this assessment, it also negatively impacts the accountability of and possibly the ratings of a high school,' said Shawn DeRose, principal at Annandale High School in Fairfax County and president of the Virginia Association of Secondary School Principals (VASSP). Virginia school leaders are now scrambling to reschedule the exams. Superintendent of Public Instruction Lisa Coons assured members of the Virginia Association of Secondary School Principals last week that the situation is a 'pause' rather than a full cancellation, adding that the Virginia Department of Education is in communication with the federal government about the changes. She also encouraged principals to contact her directly if they face additional hurdles. 'I think the Virginia Department of Education is doing its due diligence in terms of trying to work with principals and figure this out,' said Northumberland County High School Principal Travis Burns. At Northumberland High, nearly 200 students were scheduled to take the ASVAB. As of Friday, the exam had been rescheduled for Tuesday. With federal proposals slipping away, Virginia schools may soon have to cover the cost of a critical web-based tool that tracks student progress. The Virginia Visualization and Analytics Solution (VVAAS) — designed to analyze state assessment data, compare students performance across groups, and guide curriculum decisions — could lose state support as funds are redirected to other education expenses. The General Assembly, following Gov. Glenn Youngkin's request, has opted to exclude state funding for VVAAS in the state budget. Lawmakers propose repurposing roughly $5 million — initially provided through pandemic relief funds — toward other public education needs. With budget negotiations still ongoing, the outcome could change. A successful pilot program designed to support new and inexperienced principals in Virginia's at-risk schools has ended, leaving supporters scrambling to secure funding for its continuation. With state funding unavailable and no clear federal support in sight, concerns are mounting over how to sustain efforts to build a stronger pipeline of school leaders. Launched in November 2023, the program paired 12 retired principals with 24 elementary and high school principals to provide mentorship and guidance. The initiative officially ended in February, despite praise for its impact. 'It was an extremely successful program,' said VASSP Chief Executive Officer Randy Barrack, who hopes it will continue. Nationally, 80% of public school principals remained at the same school in 2020-21, while the remaining 20% transferred or left the profession, according to National Center for Education Statistics data. However, principal turnover has accelerated in recent years, particularly after the pandemic, with Fairfax County seeing dozens of departures due to burnout and the pressures of overcoming learning loss, WTOP reported. The initiative, originally financed using Title II funds, now faces an uncertain future as federal education dollars come under threat. Krista Barton-Arnold, executive director for Virginia Association of Elementary School Principals, highlighted the program's value in supporting new school leaders by connecting them with recently retired principals. 'In this year alone, it's been funded by Title II, and Title II is on the chopping block with everything that's happening nationally,' Barton-Arnold said. 'So that's one huge impact [for the program].' Youngkin proposed state funding to keep the program running, but lawmakers did not include it in their budget amendments. If no funding solution emerges, the mentorship program could be scrapped entirely — leaving Virginia's newest school leaders without critical guidance at a time when principal turnover remains high nationally. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
Yahoo
13-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
FAFSA site goes down after mass layoff at Education Department
(The Hill) – The website was down for hours on Wednesday after the Education Department laid off half its workforce. Downdetector saw hundreds of users report the outage of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), used by students in college or applying to college to receive financial aid. The issue came a day after the Department of Education, which President Trump has repeatedly said he'd like to shut down, announced it was firing more than 1,300 people. More than 300 people were laid off from the Federal Student Aid department, according to The Associated Press, which saw a list of those fired, including two dozen in the technology division for Federal Student Aid. The site and forms are back up as of Thursday morning, but the department has not provided comment on what happened. While a senior department official said none of the programs mandated by Congress would see big effects over the sweeping layoffs, former employees and those opposed to the downsizing of the agency don't buy it. 'Trust me when I say that there are parents across this country who are going to be watching this very closely, and the minute there is not a direct compliance with statutory requirements, with federal law … this and every move will be challenged in court,' said Keri Rodrigues, the president of the National Parents Union. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
13-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
FAFSA site sees outage after Education Department mass layoff
The website was down for hours Wednesday after the Education Department laid off half its workforce. Downdetector saw hundreds of users report the outage of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), used by students in or applying to college to receive financial aid. The issue came a day after the Department of Education, which President Trump has repeatedly said he'd like to shut down, announced it was firing more than 1,300 people. More than 300 people were laid off from the Federal Student Aid department, according to The Associated Press, which saw a list of those fired, including two dozen in the technology division for Federal Student Aid. The site and forms are back up as of Thursday morning, but the department has not provided comment on what happened. While a senior department official said none of the programs mandated by Congress would see big effects over the sweeping layoffs, former employees and those opposed to the downsizing of the agency don't buy it. 'Trust me when I say that there are parents across this country who are going to be watching this very closely, and the minute there is not a direct compliance with statutory requirements, with federal law … this and every move will be challenged in court,' said Keri Rodrigues, the president of the National Parents Union. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
