DATA ABUSE IN SHAKER HEIGHTS OHIO: THE BIG SHAKE UP

DATA ABUSE IN SHAKER HEIGHTS OHIO: THE BIG SHAKE UP

Oh no, Mr. Bill! It looks like your beloved student tracking system has been given the boot in Shaker Heights. The school district recently decided to eliminate tracking in an effort to address racial inequities in education. And let me tell you, the reactions have been mixed!

Some people are skeptical of the change, while others are advocating for it. And let's not forget about the pandemic, which just added to the complexity of the situation. But hey, at least there's evidence of some early success, right?

I mean, who needs tracking anyway? It's just a fancy way of saying "segregation." And we all know that segregation is so last century. Plus, it creates a self-fulfilling prophecy where students in lower tracks believe they're not capable of achieving at high levels. Talk about a buzzkill!

But don't worry, Shaker Heights isn't alone in this fight. Schools all over the country have been grappling with the history of tracking in US schools. It all started in the early 1900s when schools were trying to adapt to the increasing diversity of their student populations.

Back then, there was a belief that students could be divided into different groups based on their academic ability, and that these groups should be taught differently. And thus, tracking was born.

Fast forward to the 1950s and 1960s, and schools began using standardized tests to measure student achievement. These tests were used to place students in different tracks, with the highest track being reserved for the most academically gifted students.

But as time went on, people began to realize that tracking had some negative consequences. It often reflected and reinforced existing social inequalities based on race, class, gender, ethnicity, or language. And let's not forget about the self-fulfilling prophecies!

So now we find ourselves in a world where detracking is all the rage. It's a movement to challenge or eliminate tracking in US schools, based on research evidence that shows that detracking is beneficial for all students academically and socially.

Detracking advocates argue that heterogeneous grouping can foster higher expectations, greater collaboration, more diversity, more creativity, more critical thinking, more problem-solving, more empathy, and more equity among students. And who doesn't want all of that?

But back to Shaker Heights. The district's decision to detrack its schools was met with mixed reactions from the community. Some parents, teachers, and students welcomed the change and saw it as a positive step toward racial equity and social justice.

Others were skeptical or resistant, and feared that the change would lower academic standards and harm high-performing students who would no longer have access to specialized or accelerated classes.

But fear not! The district is working hard to ensure that the new system works. They're providing more professional development and support for teachers, as well as more academic and social-emotional interventions for students.

And while the impact of the district's initiative is still being evaluated due to the pandemic disrupting normal operations of the schools, some preliminary data suggest that the initiative has had some positive effects on student engagement, motivation, and achievement, especially for black students.

So there you have it folks – a funny take on the big shake up in Shaker Heights. Who knew detracking could be so entertaining? But in all seriousness, it's important to weigh both the pros and cons of student tracking before making a decision about whether or not to use it.

And if you're still not convinced, just remember – segregation is so last century!

Tackling racial equity, Shaker Heights takes aim at academic tracking - The Washington Post https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2023/08/16/shaker-heights-academic-tracking-classes-racial-equity/ 

'Dream Town' examines the link between academic tracking and school segregation : NPR https://www.npr.org/2023/08/15/1193874512/dream-town-examines-the-link-between-academic-tracking-and-school-segregation 

School Integration & The Achievement Gap In Shaker Heights : Fresh Air : NPR https://www.npr.org/2023/08/15/1193957618/school-integration-the-achievement-gap-in-shaker-heights 

THE DEFT DIVE

FROM BARD AI

**Shaker Heights student tracking**

Shaker Heights is a suburb of Cleveland, Ohio, with a long history of academic excellence. The school district has a reputation for being one of the best in the state, and its students consistently score high on standardized tests. However, the district has also been criticized for its use of student tracking.

Student tracking is a system in which students are grouped into different classes based on their perceived ability. In Shaker Heights, students are typically tracked into one of three groups: honors, college prep, and general. Students in the honors track are considered to be the most academically gifted, while those in the general track are considered to be the least academically gifted.

There are a number of arguments in favor of student tracking. Proponents argue that it allows students to be grouped with peers who are at a similar level of achievement, which can help them to learn more effectively. They also argue that it allows teachers to tailor their instruction to the needs of different groups of students.

However, there are also a number of arguments against student tracking. Opponents argue that it can lead to segregation, with students of color and low-income students being disproportionately placed in lower-track classes. They also argue that it can create a self-fulfilling prophecy, with students in lower-track classes believing that they are not capable of achieving at high levels.

In recent years, Shaker Heights has been working to detrack its schools. This means that students are no longer placed in classes based on their perceived ability. Instead, students are placed in classes based on their interests and needs.

**History of tracking in US schools**

• Student tracking has a long history in US schools. It began in the early 1900s, when schools were first trying to adapt to the increasing diversity of their student populations. At the time, there was a belief that students could be divided into different groups based on their academic ability, and that these groups should be taught differently.
• Tracking became more widespread in the 1950s and 1960s, as schools began to use standardized tests to measure student achievement. These tests were used to place students in different tracks, with the highest track being reserved for the most academically gifted students.
• In recent years, there has been a growing movement to detrack schools. This is due to concerns about the negative effects of tracking, such as segregation and the self-fulfilling prophecy. However, tracking is still a common practice in many schools, and it is likely to continue to be debated for many years to come.

**Conclusion**

• Student tracking is a complex issue with no easy answers. There are both pros and cons to the practice, and it is important to weigh these carefully before making a decision about whether or not to use it. In the case of Shaker Heights, the district is moving away from tracking in an effort to create a more equitable and inclusive educational environment.

FROM BING AI

Shaker Heights student tracking and the history of tracking in US schools. Here is what I found:

• - Shaker Heights is a school district in Ohio that has a long history of promoting racial integration and academic excellence. However, it also has a history of using tracking as a method of separating students by ability level and curricular program. ⁶
• - Tracking in Shaker Heights has resulted in racial disparities in academic achievement and opportunity, as the top classes have always had more white students than black students. This has created a sense of frustration and alienation among many black students and families, who feel that they are not valued or supported by the school system. ⁶
• - In 2020, Shaker Heights decided to take aim at academic tracking and implement a more equitable and inclusive approach to education. The district eliminated the practice of sorting students into different tracks based on test scores and teacher recommendations, and instead adopted a model of heterogeneous grouping and differentiated instruction for all students. The district also provided more professional development and support for teachers, and more academic and social-emotional interventions for students. ⁶
• - The district's goal was to create a more diverse and collaborative learning environment, where students of different backgrounds and abilities could learn from each other and challenge each other. The district also hoped to reduce the achievement gap between white and black students, and to increase the representation of black students in advanced courses and programs. ⁶
• - The district's initiative was met with mixed reactions from the community. Some parents, teachers, and students welcomed the change and saw it as a positive step toward racial equity and social justice. Others were skeptical or resistant, and feared that the change would lower the academic standards and expectations for all students, or that it would harm the high-performing students who would no longer have access to specialized or accelerated classes. ⁶
• - The impact of the district's initiative is still being evaluated, as the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the normal operations of the schools and forced them to switch to remote or hybrid learning modes. However, some preliminary data suggest that the initiative has had some positive effects on student engagement, motivation, and achievement, especially for black students. ⁶
• - Tracking is a widespread practice in US schools that dates back to the early 20th century, when it was introduced as a way of dealing with the influx of immigrant children into the public education system. Tracking was seen as a way of sorting students into different tracks based on their ability or potential, and providing them with different curricula and instruction that matched their needs and interests. ¹²
• - However, tracking also had negative consequences for many students, especially those from marginalized or disadvantaged groups. Tracking often reflected and reinforced existing social inequalities based on race, class, gender, ethnicity, or language. Tracking also created self-fulfilling prophecies, where students' expectations and outcomes were influenced by their track placement. Students in lower tracks often received less rigorous and engaging instruction, less access to resources and opportunities, less guidance and support, and less recognition and respect than students in higher tracks. ¹²³⁴⁵
• - In recent decades, there has been a growing movement to challenge or eliminate tracking in US schools, based on research evidence that shows that tracking is harmful for student learning and development, and that detracking can benefit all students academically and socially. Detracking advocates argue that heterogeneous grouping can foster higher expectations, greater collaboration, more diversity, more creativity, more critical thinking, more problem-solving, more empathy, and more equity among students. Detracking also requires teachers to adopt more flexible and responsive pedagogies that can meet the diverse needs and interests of all learners. ³⁴⁵

Bing, 8/16/2023

(1) Tackling racial equity, Shaker Heights takes aim at academic tracking .... https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2023/08/16/shaker-heights-academic-tracking-classes-racial-equity/.

(2) A Critical Historical Examination of Tracking as a Method for ... - ed. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1250375.pdf.

(3) Tracking (education) - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tracking_%28education%29.

(4) The Detracking Movement - Education Next. https://www.educationnext.org/the-detracking-movement/.

(5) Education Matte - Association of American Educators. https://www.aaeteachers.org/newsletters/aprilnews05.pdf.

(6) Modern-Day Segregation in Public Schools - The Atlantic. https://www.theatlantic.com/education/archive/2014/11/modern-day-segregation-in-public-schools/382846/.

(7) Shaker Home. https://www.shaker.org/.

(8) Shaker Heights City School District - Frontline Recruitment. https://www.applitrack.com/shaker/onlineapp/default.aspx?Category=Student+Support+Services.

(9) Shaker Heights City School District - Frontline Recruitment. https://www.applitrack.com/shaker/onlineapp/default.aspx.

(10) undefined. https://newprairiepress.org/edconsiderations.

(11) undefined. https://doi.org/10.4148/0146-9282.2186.

(12) undefined. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/.

FEAR AND LOATHING IN FLORIDA'S CLASSROOMS: THE ABCS OF TEACHING IN FLORIDA AVOIDING BANS AND CONTROVERSY

FEAR AND LOATHING IN FLORIDA'S CLASSROOMS

THE ABCS OF TEACHING IN FLORIDA AVOIDING BANS AND CONTROVERSY

As the school year approaches in Florida, teachers are facing a new set of challenges that they never anticipated. The state has implemented a series of policies that have left educators confused and uncertain about how to approach the school year. From changes to how African American history is taught to restrictions on discussing LGBTQ issues in the classroom, teachers are feeling the pressure to navigate these new waters without getting themselves in trouble.

One teacher, Mrs. Smith, summed up the feelings of many when she said, "I just want to teach kids social studies, I don't want to go to jail." And who can blame her? With the new laws and policies in place, it's easy to see how a well-meaning teacher could accidentally cross the line and find themselves on the wrong side of the law.

But it's not just the fear of jail time that's causing concern among Florida's educators. There's also the issue of fashion. As Mrs. Smith pointed out, "Orange is not my color." And with the possibility of being booked into jail for violating state policies, it's a legitimate concern.

One of the most contentious issues facing teachers in Florida is how to teach African American history. The state has implemented new guidelines that restrict how this history can be taught, leading some teachers to feel like they're walking on eggshells. As one teacher put it, "I don't want to say anything that could be misconstrued as offensive or inappropriate, but at the same time, I don't want to water down the history and do a disservice to my students."

And then there's the issue of LGBTQ issues in the classroom. Florida has been accused of effectively banning the College Board's Advanced Placement Psychology classes because of its sexuality and gender content. This has left teachers feeling like they're not allowed to discuss these important issues with their students. As one teacher said, "I don't want to say 'gay' or 'transgender' and get myself in trouble, but at the same time, I want my students to feel like they're in a safe and inclusive environment."

The teacher staffing crisis in Florida is also exacerbating these issues. With over 6,900 advertised vacancies for teachers statewide, compared to 6,006 at the same time last year, schools are struggling to find qualified educators to fill these positions. This is putting even more pressure on existing teachers to navigate these new policies without adequate support.

The Florida Education Association, the state's largest teachers union, has been vocal in its opposition to these new policies. They've called for more support for teachers and a reevaluation of the state's approach to education. But with so much at stake, it remains to be seen whether their efforts will be enough to turn the tide.

In the meantime, teachers like Mrs. Smith will continue to do their best to navigate these murky waters. As she put it, "I just want to teach my students and give them the best education possible. But with all these restrictions and policies in place, it's becoming harder and harder to do that." Let's hope that Florida's leaders take notice and work to create an environment where teachers can do what they do best: teach.

Florida teachers are worried new policies could get them fired — or even criminally charged https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/florida-teachers-start-school-year-uncertainty-new-policies-take-effec-rcna99243 via @nbcnews 

FROM PTA MEETING TO PAROLE HEARING: THE EXCITING LIFE OF A TRUANT PARENT

 

FROM PTA MEETING TO PAROLE HEARING

THE EXCITING LIFE OF A TRUANT PARENT

Attention all parents! Are you tired of being the only one who gets punished for your child's truancy? Well, fear not because in five states across the US, you can now go to jail for your child's unexcused school absences! That's right, you heard it here first. No need to worry about taking responsibility for your child's education when you can just go directly to jail. Do not pass go, do not collect $200.

Now, we know what you're thinking. How could this possibly be happening in the land of the free? Well, apparently, these five states (Arkansas, Florida, Idaho, Missouri, and Texas) have decided that the best way to handle truancy is by punishing the parents. Because clearly, it's the parents who are skipping school and not the children.

But let's take a step back and think about this for a moment. Is throwing parents in jail really the solution? Sure, it might scare some parents into making sure their child attends school, but what about the underlying issues? What about the fact that some children might have legitimate reasons for missing school? What about the fact that some parents might not have the resources to ensure their child gets to school every day? These are all questions that need to be addressed.

Instead of punishing parents, maybe we should be looking at ways to support them and their children. Maybe we should be investing in programs that help families overcome obstacles that prevent their child from attending school. Maybe we should be providing resources for parents who are struggling to make ends meet and can't afford transportation or childcare.

In conclusion, while we can't deny the humor in the idea of parents going to jail for their child's truancy, it's important to remember that this is a serious issue that requires serious solutions. Let's work together to find ways to support families and ensure that every child has access to a quality education. And if all else fails, just remember, jail time is always an option.

Parents can face jail time over unexcused school absences, Missouri Supreme Court rules https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/parents-can-face-jail-time-over-unexcused-school-absences-missouri-supreme-court-rules/ via @MO_Independent 

Big Education Ape: SCHOOLS KEEP LOSING THEIR SHEEP: A TALE OF CHRONIC ABSENTEEISM https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/08/schools-keep-losing-their-sheep-tale-of.html 

Missouri Supreme Court rules parents can be jailed if children miss too much school - YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wpW79z3p-Gc

2 Lebanon, Mo., moms charged with misdemeanors for children’s absences lose their court battle https://www.ky3.com/2023/08/16/2-lebanon-mo-moms-charged-with-misdemeanors-childrens-absences-lose-their-court-battle/ 

THE DEFT DIVE

FROM BARD AI

There are currently 5 states in the United States where parents can face jail time over unexcused school absences:

• * **Arkansas**
• * **Florida**
• * **Idaho**
• * **Missouri**
• * **Texas**

In these states, parents can be charged with a misdemeanor if their child misses school without a valid excuse. The number of unexcused absences that can result in jail time varies from state to state. In Arkansas, for example, parents can be charged with a misdemeanor if their child misses 10 or more unexcused days of school in a school year. In Florida, the number is 15 days.

It is important to note that even in states where parents can face jail time, it is rare for them to actually be incarcerated. In most cases, parents are given a warning or a fine. However, there have been cases where parents have been jailed for their child's truancy.

There are a number of reasons why states have laws that allow parents to be jailed for truancy. One reason is that truancy is seen as a form of neglect. When children miss school, they are not getting the education they need to succeed. This can have a negative impact on their future academic and economic prospects.

Another reason is that truancy can lead to other problems, such as juvenile delinquency and substance abuse. Children who miss school are more likely to get involved in these activities.

The laws that allow parents to be jailed for truancy are controversial. Some people believe that these laws are too harsh and that they do not address the underlying causes of truancy. Others believe that these laws are necessary to deter parents from allowing their children to miss school.

If you are a parent who is facing charges of truancy, it is important to speak with an attorney. An attorney can help you understand the law and your rights. They can also help you negotiate a plea deal or represent you in court.

FROM BING AI

The states where parents can face jail time over unexcused school absences. 

• - According to the Urban Institute, 40 states and the District of Columbia have laws that allow parents of truant students to face fines or jail time¹.
• - The definition of truancy and the severity of the penalties vary by state. For example, in Michigan, a student is considered truant after 10 unexcused absences in a school year, and the parent can be fined up to $500 or imprisoned for up to 90 days⁴. In California, a student is considered truant after three unexcused absences in a school year, and the parent can be fined up to $2,000 or imprisoned for up to one year[^10^].
• - Some states have amended their truancy laws to reduce the criminalization of parents and students. For example, in 2017, Pennsylvania passed a law that limits the amount of fines and jail time for parents, and requires schools to offer support services and interventions for truant students and families³.
• - There is no clear evidence that fining and jailing parents helps reduce truancy. Some experts argue that these punitive measures can worsen the situation by creating more financial and emotional stress for families, and by discouraging students from returning to school². They suggest that alternative approaches, such as counseling, mentoring, or incentives, may be more effective in addressing the root causes of truancy and improving attendance².

Bing, 8/16/2023

• (1) The Availability of Truancy Data across States | Urban Institute. https://www.urban.org/research/publication/availability-truancy-data-across-states.
• (2) What Are The Penalties For Truancy In Michigan? | Kershaw, Vititoe .... https://www.monroecountylawyers.com/blog/2022/01/what-are-the-penalties-for-truancy-in-michigan/.
• (3) California Tough on Public School Absences with Truancy Laws. https://www.bajajdefense.com/california-tough-public-school-absences-truancy-laws/.
• (4) State truancy law amended to improve attendance, prevent jail time for .... https://philadelphia.chalkbeat.org/2017/10/2/22184908/state-truancy-law-amended-to-improve-attendance-prevent-jail-time-for-parents.
• (5) Do US laws that punish parents for truancy keep their kids in school .... https://www.theguardian.com/education/2014/jun/23/-sp-school-truancy-fines-jail-parents-punishment-children.
• (6) Parents can face jail time over unexcused school absences, Missouri Supreme Court rules. https://news.stlpublicradio.org/education/2023-08-15/parents-can-face-jail-time-over-unexcused-school-absences-missouri-supreme-court-rules.
• (7) Parents can face jail time over unexcused school absences, state Supreme Court rules. https://www.newstribune.com/news/2023/aug/16/parents-can-face-jail-time-over-unexcused-school/.
• (8) Missouri Supreme Court rules parents can face jail time over unexcused school absences. https://www.kcur.org/news/2023-08-15/missouri-supreme-court-rules-parents-can-face-jail-time-over-unexcused-school-absences.
• (9) Parents can face jail time over unexcused school absences, Missouri .... https://www.ksmu.org/2023-08-16/parents-can-face-jail-time-over-unexcused-school-absences-missouri-supreme-court-rules.
• (10) Missouri Supreme Court rules parents can face jail time over unexcused .... https://www.kttn.com/missouri-supreme-court-rules-parents-can-face-jail-time-over-unexcused-school-absences/.
• (11) undefined. https://missouriindependent.com/.

NO BUS, NO FUSS: HOW KIDS ARE LEARNING TO HITCHHIKE THEIR WAY TO SCHOOL

NO BUS, NO FUSS: HOW KIDS ARE LEARNING TO HITCHHIKE THEIR WAY TO SCHOOL

It's that time of year again, folks. The leaves are changing, the air is crisp, and school buses are nowhere to be found. That's right, we're in the midst of a national school bus driver shortage, and it's causing chaos and confusion from coast to coast.

Now that we've had a few laughs, let's get serious for a moment. The school bus driver shortage is no laughing matter, and it's causing some real problems for schools and students across the country.

According to a recent survey by HopSkipDrive, a private school transportation provider, 88% of school districts are dealing with bus driver shortages. The top reasons for the shortage are recruiting issues, pay, and retirements.

The impact of the shortage is significant. In some cases, schools have had to reduce bus service, which means that students have to walk or bike to school, or carpool with parents. In other cases, schools have had to delay the start of the school year or cancel classes altogether.

So what's causing this shortage? Well, there are a number of factors at play. The COVID-19 pandemic has certainly played a role, as many bus drivers retired or left the profession due to concerns about their health or the health of their families.

Low pay is also a major issue. School bus drivers are typically paid low wages, which makes it difficult to attract and retain qualified drivers. Plus, the long hours and difficult working conditions can be a challenge for people who have other commitments, such as a full-time job or family responsibilities.

But fear not, dear readers, for there are solutions being put in place to address this shortage. Some school districts are raising pay for bus drivers, offering signing bonuses, and providing flexible schedules to make it easier for people with other commitments to work as bus drivers.

Recruiting veterans is also a popular solution, as they often have the skills and experience that are necessary for the job. And let's not forget about our solution involving Santa Claus and his reindeer.

In addition to these solutions, there are some other things that can be done to address the school bus driver shortage. Providing better training for bus drivers could help to improve the safety of students on school buses. Making it easier for bus drivers to get certified could help to attract more people to the profession. And promoting the importance of being a school bus driver could help to raise awareness of the shortage and encourage more people to consider becoming bus drivers.

So there you have it, folks. The school bus driver shortage may be causing chaos and confusion, but with a little creativity and effort, we can solve this problem and ensure that all students have safe and reliable transportation to and from school. And who knows, maybe we'll even see Rudolph leading a school bus convoy someday soon.

Why is there a school bus driver shortage? Unfilled jobs create crisis https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/education/2023/08/15/school-bus-driver-shortage-2023/70516560007/ 

School bus driver shortage plagues first week back to class | The Hill https://thehill.com/homenews/education/4154003-school-bus-driver-shortage-plagues-first-week-back-to-class/ 

THE DEFT DIVE

FROM BARD AI

The national school bus driver shortage for the start of school this year:

* **The severity of the shortage.** A survey by HopSkipDrive, a private school transportation provider, found that 88% of school districts are dealing with bus driver shortages. The top reasons for the shortage are recruiting issues, pay, and retirements.

* **The impact of the shortage.** The shortage is having a significant impact on schools and students. In some cases, schools have had to reduce bus service, which means that students have to walk or bike to school, or carpool with parents. In other cases, schools have had to delay the start of the school year or cancel classes altogether.

* **The causes of the shortage.** There are a number of factors that have contributed to the school bus driver shortage, including:

•     * The COVID-19 pandemic. Many bus drivers retired or left the profession during the pandemic due to concerns about their health or the health of their families.
•     * Low pay. School bus drivers are typically paid low wages, which makes it difficult to attract and retain qualified drivers.
•     * Long hours. School bus drivers often work long hours, including early mornings and late nights. This can be a challenge for people who have other commitments, such as a full-time job or family responsibilities.
•     * Difficult working conditions. School bus drivers can face difficult working conditions, such as traffic congestion, bad weather, and unruly students.

* **What is being done to address the shortage?** There are a number of things that are being done to address the school bus driver shortage, including:

•     * Raising pay. Some school districts have raised pay for bus drivers in an effort to attract more qualified candidates.
•     * Offering signing bonuses. Some school districts are offering signing bonuses to bus drivers who are willing to sign a contract for a certain period of time.
•     * Offering flexible schedules. Some school districts are offering flexible schedules to bus drivers, which can make it easier for people with other commitments to work as bus drivers.
•     * Recruiting veterans. Some school districts are recruiting veterans as bus drivers, as they often have the skills and experience that are necessary for the job.

It is important to note that the school bus driver shortage is a complex issue, and there is no single solution that will work for all school districts. However, the steps that are being taken to address the shortage are a good start, and it is hoped that they will help to ensure that all students have access to safe and reliable transportation to and from school.

In addition to the above, here are some other things that can be done to address the school bus driver shortage:

• * **Provide better training for bus drivers.** This could help to improve the safety of students on school buses.
• * **Make it easier for bus drivers to get certified.** This could help to attract more people to the profession.
• * **Promote the importance of being a school bus driver.** This could help to raise awareness of the shortage and encourage more people to consider becoming bus drivers.

The school bus driver shortage is a serious problem, but it is one that can be addressed. By taking the steps outlined above, we can help to ensure that all students have safe and reliable transportation to and from school.

FROM BING AI

Summary of the national school bus driver shortage for the start of the school year 2023:

- The school bus driver shortage is a **long-standing and widespread problem** that has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic¹².
- The shortage affects **at least one district in every state** in the U.S., causing delays, cancellations, and reduced services for students who rely on school buses to get to and from school¹².

- Some of the **causes** of the shortage include:

•     - Low pay and benefits for drivers, who often work part-time and seasonal hours²³.
•     - High turnover and retirement rates among drivers, especially older ones who are more vulnerable to COVID-19²⁴.
•     - Difficulty in finding and training new drivers, who have to pass background checks, drug tests, physical exams, and driving tests²³.
•     - Increased demand for drivers due to social distancing requirements, hybrid learning models, and expanded routes²³.

- Some of the **consequences** of the shortage include:

•     - Disrupted and inconsistent school schedules for students, especially those with special needs or living in rural areas¹².
•     - Increased absenteeism and lower academic achievement for students who miss school or arrive late due to transportation issues²⁵.
•     - Increased stress and frustration for parents, teachers, and administrators who have to deal with the transportation challenges¹².
•     - Increased costs and liability for districts who have to hire more drivers, offer incentives, or contract with private companies or public transit agencies²³.

- Some of the **solutions** that districts are trying or considering include:

•     - Offering higher wages, bonuses, benefits, or referral programs for drivers²³.
•     - Recruiting drivers from other sectors, such as retirees, veterans, or former Uber or Lyft drivers²³.
•     - Providing training and support for drivers, such as mentoring, coaching, or recognition programs²³.
•     - Streamlining the hiring and licensing process for drivers, such as waiving fees, expediting tests, or providing online courses²³.
•     - Adjusting the school schedules or calendars, such as staggering start times, extending the school day or year, or switching to remote learning²³.
•     - Reducing the transportation demand or supply, such as consolidating routes, limiting eligibility, or encouraging alternative modes of transportation²³.

Bing, 8/16/2023

• (1) School bus driver shortage plagues first week back to class. https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/other/school-bus-driver-shortage-plagues-first-week-back-to-class/ar-AA1fl9Qp.
• (2) Why is there a school bus driver shortage? Unfilled jobs create crisis. https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/education/2023/08/15/school-bus-driver-shortage-2023/70516560007/.
• (3) The Other School Staff Shortage. Teacher Posts Are Not The ... - Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/petergreene/2023/08/13/the-other-school-staff-shortage/.
• (4) 'It's a great job': Mass. towns recruiting bus drivers amid national .... https://www.cbsnews.com/boston/news/framingham-massachusetts-school-bus-driver-shortage/.
• (5) Why Hawaii Can’t Solve Its School Bus Driver Shortage. https://www.civilbeat.org/2023/07/why-hawaii-cant-solve-its-school-bus-driver-shortage/.