Last year, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced a $2.7 billion initiative to expand transitional kindergarten to all 4-year-olds. The state gave school districts only 13 months to prepare for the first wave of the expansion, which began this school year.
Brooklyn Preparatory High School is one of 60 schools nationwide participating in a pilot program launched for the class this fall — at a time when teaching about race is under assault across the U.S.
Enthusiasm continues to build for replacing standardized exams with more "authentic assessments" such as research projects, presentations and portfolios of other high school work.
"The 2021 National School Climate Survey reveals that LGBTQ+ students are experiencing unacceptable rates of bullying and discrimination in the classroom, which impacts their mental health, self-esteem and educational aspirations," said Joseph Kosciw, director of GLSEN Research Institute. But evidence shows that inclusive policies, GSAs, and supportive educators can create environments where all students can thrive.
