Debra Wexler

It's truly hard to believe that it's been 24 years.

As always on this day, from @colsonwhitehead.com: www.nytimes.com/2001/11/11/m...

Education scholar friends: People don’t necessarily understand the value of education research in the same intuitive way they understand the value of research into cancer, etc. Drop examples of high-impact edu research in the thread below. #edusky
apple.news/Atlzcr6jARYG...

Education Department slashes funding for research contracts, grants — POLITICO

About 170 contracts for the Institute of Education Sciences were targeted.

People just really don’t appreciate how extraordinary CUNY is.

Science is good.

Kat Brown @katbrownwrites.com

“An emotional research team became tearful as they described how data shows the disease was slowed by 75% in patients.” What an absolutely incredible, joyous achievement for everyone involved. Hurrah for science and scientists! www.bbc.com/news/article...

Huntington's disease successfully treated for first time

One of the most devastating diseases finally has a treatment that could transform lives, tearful doctors tell BBC

“Unlike other one-semester high school personal finance courses across the country, more than 160 students enrolled in the KIPP DC College Preparatory's NAF Academy of Business program study budgeting, saving, investing and managing risk, as well as other topics, right through graduation.”

Here's how this DC-area high school is attempting to close the wealth gap

Over the course of three years, students take courses on saving money, building wealth and budgeting, setting them up to achieve economic mobility and success.

Today's NAEP results were a gut punch for anyone who cares about the future of America's children—and the future of our country. This story was widely covered, but I'm grateful to @mattbarnum.bsky.social who lifted up KIPP STAR elementary in Harlem for its success navigating the recovery. /1 #edusky

American Kids Are Getting Even Worse at Reading

New national test scores indicate a continuing slide in reading skills.

Yet another #NYC brush fire, this one 10 acres in northern Manhattan. But it's okay, the Mayor says we'll just keep putting them out. No big whoop.🙄

FDNY battling brush fire in Washington Heights amid drought warning

Firefighters are on the scene of another brush fire burning in Manhattan on Tuesday afternoon.

Voting in Park Slope and I have never seen this polling place as close to as crowded as it is today, even during a Presidential year. #nyc

👀🗽🗳️

Elephants are the best

ABC 10News @abc10news.bsky.social

WATCH: Elephants at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park react to Monday's 5.2 magnitude earthquake that shook San Diego County. The elephants formed an "alert circle" meant to protect the young and the entire herd from any threats, according to the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance.

▶

It's Black History Month, so I'm going to share the story of an unsung hero who deserves to be much more widely known, certainly among New Yorkers. (And it's President's Day, so I will throw in a cameo involving one of our least-known presidents to boot). /1

It's so great to see this @thebaltimorebanner.com story on the day I head to #EWA25 as it showcases the vital importance of education journalism to build public understanding. This is what the "science of reading" looks like done right: joyful discovery as kids master the key to unlock all learning.

Your kid learned the ‘science of reading.’ Here’s how to help it stick.

Maryland parents play a crucial role in reinforcing reading skills at home.

With the influx of new users, I've been meaning to share tips that helped me make the most of Bluesky. Fortunately, it looks like @socialnewsdesk.com is saving me the trouble by hosting a free webinar on that topic with @emilyliu.me and @sarahloyd.bsky.social.
📆Check it out: Wed Jan 22, 2PM ET

Webinar: Bluesky Basics and Beyond

Learn more about Bluesky, the social network that's exploded in popularity. Easily schedule, automate publishing and gather engagement analytics in SND.

We’re weeks away from the Democratic primary that will likely set the next #nyc Mayor. @thecity.nyc has come through with a great tool to help you get to know candidates and figure out how to rank them. Dare to DREAM New Yorkers!

projects.thecity.nyc/meet-your-ma...

Take the Quiz: Meet Your Mayor 2025

Candidates for NYC mayor told us where they stand on issues. Which is the top match for you? Find out before heading to the polls.

Earlier this year, Nikki Giovanni shared her beauty and brilliance with KIPP DC students while proudly wearing an “I write banned books T-shirt.” What a gift. What a life.

Nikki Giovanni shares poems with Kipp DC students

World-renowned poet Nikki Giovanni has been traveling all around the world, but she recently made a stop at Southeast Kipp D.C. Legacy College Prep to share her poems with high schoolers and their fam...

NEW! IMPROVED! Now with more #education writers than ever before. #edusky

“Deep cuts to staff and funding in the Department of Education will deal a major blow to the public’s understanding of how American students are performing and what schools can do to improve.”

Data matters. #edusky

Are Schools Succeeding? Education Department Cuts Could Make It Hard to Know.

At least 800 education department research employees and outside partners have lost jobs. The cuts will decimate research and data collection.

Time will tell, but experts cited by @laurameckler.bsky.social
believe the Education Department FAQ released earlier today is walking back some of the guidance included in last month's Dear Colleague letter. #edusky (🎁Gift link)

Education Dept. softens controversial guidance on race and schools

The agency is still eager to investigate schools and has set up a new portal inviting reports of instances of perceived discrimination.

Just so awful

MaddowBlog @maddowblog.bsky.social

"I think there's real risk of a generation or more of data being lost." - Dr. Michael Greicius, neurology professor at Stanford University, on the damage Trump's cuts to NIH research will do to progress on a treatment for Alzheimer's disease, adding as much as 20 years to the timeline.

▶

#Welcome to all the new arrivals. One helpful tool for starting out is the Bluesky Directory — and particularly the starter pack directory, which allows you to search by topic to find people in your field or who share common interests.

blueskydirectory.com/starter-pack...

Bluesky Starter Packs - Bluesky Directory

Browse a list of Bluesky Starter Packs. Discover and connect with your community on Bluesky

Got the Sunday Scaries? Here's a highland cow for you.

I'm currently trying to rebuild my #education #communications network on here, and I thought this might be helpful to others doing the same.

The thing is, #NYC is really an unmatched place to live and work, especially for the people rich enough to take advantage of all it has to offer. They're not going anywhere.

The Daily Show @thedailyshow.com

New York millionaires: threatening to flee the city since 2009

▶

Build more housing

Jonathan Berk 🏠 @berkie1.bsky.social

"In 2020, [Portland, OR] approved building [middle housing] on lots zoned for single family homes... A new report from the City says, it's working. 1,400 new units built in just a few years and each one is $300,000 less expensive than a typical single family home." @nbcnews.com

▶

Over the past year, I've spoken with students and educators at multiple schools that implemented "bell-to-bell" cellphone bans. Each time, I hear new, compelling reasons for this approach, many of which are outlined in this article. /1

As cellphone bans debated, Tennessee schools share the pros and cons of restrictions

Final votes are expected this week on a Tennessee bill that would ban use of personal communication devices during class in schools.