Programs for students with special needs face enormous strain, as seen in data about absenteeism and suspension rates. Students with special educational needs and disabilities are significantly more likely to be absent from school than their peers. Higher suspension rates for these students compound persistent absenteeism. These issues have lasting consequences, increasing the risk of dropping out of school without a diploma and limiting future employment prospects. University of Manchester's Caroline Bond and Luke Munford offer insights for turning these programs around and navigating these students toward success.

Jillian Nolke has cultivated a classroom environment at Skinner North Classical School in Chicago, where kindness and individuality are prioritized. She encourages her middle school students to be themselves, embrace their individual quirks, and treat one another with respect. Students describe her classroom as calm, supportive, and a place where they feel safe to express themselves, reflecting Nolke's commitment to providing consistency and stability regardless of outside pressures.

The Ypsilanti Puentes Multilingual School has opened in Michigan, offering a Spanish-English dual-language immersion program from kindergarten through fourth grade. Principal Celeste Green highlights the value of bilingualism for students' future careers, and the program has grown to 125 students since its 2021 inception.

HR professionals from independent schools in the UK recently discussed the evolving role of HR in managing people and culture amid sector changes such as mergers and acquisitions. The consensus was that support staff are critical to a school's identity and success, and leaders must champion a cohesive, inclusive culture that includes every colleague.

The Grossmont Union High School District in California is facing backlash after eliminating all teacher-librarian positions, replacing them with library technicians who lack the same qualifications. This shift has resulted in limited library access and a decline in library services, students and teachers say. The district has created one district librarian position to oversee all libraries, a move critics say is insufficient.

Pairing computer science education with culturally response teaching has positively impacted elementary school students, especially for girls, Black and Latinx students, according to a report from the Research Alliance for New York City Schools. Practices such as showcasing the achievements of female, Black and Latinx computer science pioneers and examining algorithmic bias led to improved attitudes and confidence.

“Urgent” tasks can pull leaders in every direction. In the October issue of EL, Frederick Buskey, author of A School Leader's Guide to Reclaiming Purpose, shares how to get back to what’s most important.

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