Justin G.
Just my thoughts!
When Caring Hurts: How Student Trauma Fuels a Teacher Crisis
In classrooms across America, teachers are facing a silent epidemic, one that doesn't stem from curriculum changes or standardized tests, but from the emotional weight of their students' traumas. This phenomenon, known as Secondary Traumatic Stress (STS), is increasingly recognized as a significant...
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Trump's 'Skinny Budget' Targets Education With Deep Cuts to K-12, College Access Programs
President Donald Trump's administration unveiled its much-anticipated "skinny budget" proposal for fiscal year 2026, calling for sweeping reductions in federal spending, especially in education. The blueprint slashes the U.S. Department of Education's budget by $12 billion, amounting to a 15% cut...
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Still Time: Scholarships High School Students Can Apply for in May and June 2025
While many scholarship deadlines have already come and gone for the 2024-2025 academic year, a wide range of opportunities are still available for New York high school students seeking financial support for college. Whether you're pursuing STEM, the arts, nursing, business, or public service, there...
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Trump Administration Cancels $1 Billion in School Mental Health Grants, Citing Policy Shift
In a sweeping and controversial move, the Trump administration has decided to halt nearly $1 billion in federal mental health grants designed to expand psychological services in schools across the country. The grants, originally enacted as part of a bipartisan response to the 2022 Robb Elementary...
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New York Passes Groundbreaking Law Requiring EV Charging Infrastructure in New Construction Projects
New York State has taken a significant leap forward in preparing for an all-electric transportation future. With the passage of Senate Bill S1736E and its Assembly counterpart, the Empire State now requires new residential and commercial buildings to include electric vehicle (EV)-ready parking...
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New York Schools Weigh the Equity of Minimum Grading Policies: Reform or Risk?
In classrooms across New York State, a quiet revolution is taking shape, one that challenges long-held beliefs about academic accountability, fairness, and what grades really mean. The push for minimum grading policies, particularly the adoption of a 50% grade floor, is gaining traction as...
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7 Surprising Truths About Student Loan Debt in America
For millions of Americans, the pursuit of higher education comes with a steep financial cost, and the numbers prove it's more than just a personal issue. Student loan debt has ballooned into a national crisis, reshaping the way young adults plan their futures, from career choices to homeownership...
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She Taught Me Everything: The Powerful Biological Bond in Mother-Daughter Relationships
The bond between a mother and daughter is one of the most powerful human connections, shaped by both biological and psychological elements. Studies have shown that the mother-daughter relationship is often the closest of all parent-child bonds, primarily because of the unique neurobiological and...
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Guest Commentary: Make America Great Again?
I believe that historians will ultimately view Donald Trump as one of the most ineffective and divisive presidents in American history. However, I agree with his assertion that we must "Make America Great Again." Where we diverge is in our understanding of what true greatness means for this nation...
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A New Vision: The Future of Community Engagement in K-12 Education
In New York State, the face of K-12 education is evolving, and at the center of this transformation is a renewed commitment to community engagement. No longer just a buzzword, community involvement is becoming a critical pillar for educational success, equity, and innovation across urban, suburban...
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Seven Continents, 102,000 Miles, 13 Months and Countless Lessons You Wouldn't Learn in School
Imagine this: you pull your kids out of school for a year, stash your stuff in storage, rent out your house, put your career on pause and set out into the wide world, bound for all seven continents as a family. You serve up lessons the kids would miss during the year in their American classrooms in...
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Understanding the Warning Signs: How Schools Can Detect Behavioral Precursors to Violence
In today's educational landscape, the safety of students and staff is a top priority. Yet, detecting potential acts of violence in K-12 schools remains a difficult and often imperfect process. While there is no single formula to predict violent behavior, research and real-world experience suggest...
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