Letters from an American

November 16, 2024

Heather Cox Richardson

Read the original here.

One of President-elect Trump’s campaign pledges was to eliminate the Department of Education. He claimed that the department pushes “woke” ideology on America’s schoolchildren and that its employees “hate our children.” He promised to “return” education to the states.



In fact, the Department of Education does not set curriculum; states and local governments do. The Department of Education collects statistics about schools to monitor student performance and promote practices based in evidence. It provides about 10% of funding for K-12 schools through federal grants of about $19.1 billion to high-poverty schools and of $15.5 billion to help cover the cost of educating students with disabilities.

It also oversees the $1.6 trillion federal student loan program, including setting the rules under which colleges and universities can participate. But what really upsets the radical right is that the Department of Education is in charge of prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race and sex in schools that get federal funding, a policy Congress set in 1975 with an act now known as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). This was before Congress created the department.

Read more.

Creating Safe Havens: A Personal Approach to School Safety

Nicole R. Benquechea, CEI Research Assistant and Social Media Specialist

In the bustling hallways of modern education, a quiet revolution is taking place. Educators, administrators, and communities are coming together to forge safe spaces within our schools - sanctuaries where learning can flourish unimpeded by fear or anxiety. This movement, born from a deep understanding of student needs, is reshaping the landscape of education in profound ways. School safety is more than just a policy; it's a feeling—a sense of security that comes from knowing you are valued, supported, and protected.  

Creating Safe Havens: More Than a Vision, a Reality 

In recent years, the focus on creating safe spaces in schools has broadened from concerns about physical safety to also addressing emotional and psychological well-being. When students feel respected, heard, and safe to express themselves, they are set up for both academic success and personal growth (NASP, 2020). When students feel emotionally safe, they are more likely to actively engage in learning and form positive relationships with their peers and teachers (CASEL, 2023). This atmosphere allows students to make mistakes, seek help, and express themselves without fear of judgment or exclusion.  

Safe spaces also involve a commitment to inclusivity. Schools that promote respect for diversity and emphasize equity create environments where all students feel represented and valued (APA, 2021). This approach encourages empathy and understanding among students, helping to reduce instances of bullying and social isolation...

Read more.

Introduction to Yoga 4 Happiness

Dr. Christine Mason, CEI’s Founder and Senior Scholar, and Chandni Lal, Graduate Research Associate, have published a short illustrated guide to yoga for use with children and their teachers. 

Dr. Mason was invited to teach at the Nepal Yoga Festival, leading a breathwork and yoga session for participants. 

She will be sharing a blog post on her experience in our December Newsletter. For now, click in to see some book excerpts!

Read more.