Happy first day, D.C. Public Schools! But it’s not all name games and first day ‘fits.
DMV public schools are working through a lot of changes as they figure out how to navigate Trump’s takeover, trans bathroom debates, and cell phones. Here are the things we’ll be keeping an eye on as the District heads back to school this week:
Precautions Against the Federal Takeover
Members of D.C.’s Board of Education want to help students get Real IDs as an added layer of safety against the influx of ICE, National Guard and security checkpoints. Officials and parents worry that kids will be misidentified or profiled when coming to and from school. Time reports an environment of fear and confusion among D.C.’s school communities amid the takeover.
NoVa Schools Fight Trans Bathroom Battle
The Department of Education says it may pull funding from five northern Virginia school districts over their refusal to comply with new trans bathroom policies. The schools put out statements defending their policies that allow students to use bathrooms based on gender identity, saying they have been closely following the law.
Student locks up cell phone for the school day. (LOIC VENANCE/Getty Images)
Student Scores Bounce Back
Standardized test scores from last spring show that more D.C. students are able to read at their grade level than before the pandemic. More than 37 percent of kids are reading proficiently, three points higher than last year. Math scores are also up, with 26 percent of students performing at grade level. D.C.’s education superintendent says that they hope to see more gains through continued teacher training, tutoring, and acceleration programs.
Cell Phones Are Out
DCPS is instituting a “bell-to-bell” cell phone ban this school year. Middle and high schoolers’ phones will be turned off and stored away for the school day in an attempt to boost students' learning and social well-being. Many of D.C.'s surrounding counties already have phone bans, but some parents are still worried about reaching their kids in an emergency.
