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Doom, gloom and hope

Nicole Fallert   Paste BN

Dylan Holley, a 17-year-old rising college freshman in Atlanta, was able to take AP African American Studies last school year through a pilot program at his high school. The class allowed him to learn "a different narrative when it comes to the history of my people," he told Paste BN.

That same course has been banned in Florida, and, looking ahead, Holley is worried about other "political ploys" that could disrupt learning for kids like him and prevent them from seeing their potential.

"I now see my history as something to be proud of," Holley said. "I do not think this class would have any negative impact on anyone who takes it, no matter their race. I think it would only be beneficial to them." 

👋 Nicole Fallert here and welcome to Your Week, our newsletter exclusively for Paste BN subscribers (that's you!). This week, we talk with Paste BN education reporter Alia Wong about her conversations with students, educators and parents about their fears and hopes as we head into the new school year.

But first, don't miss these stories made possible by your Paste BN subscription:

A balance of hope with doom and gloom

New backpacks, teacher introductions and fresh schedules: The back-to-school season is filled with hope and change. But with that rush of newness can also come dread: How expensive will the school year be? What are schools doing to prepare for the existential threat of gun violence? Is student mental health being addressed?

Wong and her fellow Paste BN reporters have been exploring these questions and others as they help readers navigate the back-to-school season with insights from educators, students and parents. These reporters are ahead on their homework and have prepared a library of how-two guides to make the transition as easy as possible for you, from strategies to manage costs to tips to shop the best tech tools.

"We really tried to strike a balance tonally between the doom and gloom about this school year and what is so special about back-to-school season," Wong said of the series. "Even as adults, there's something about this time of year that evokes that excitement."

A major theme Wong observed in her reporting echoes what Holley shared: Adults have over-invested in contentious culture wars over issues like AP African American History and sexuality education. And adults are using these debates to project their political agendas on students.

"As we head into 2024, we are going to see increased politicking, with an emphasis on children as political pawns," Wong said. "Florida is the best example of that where you have this. [Florida Gov. Ron] DeSantis is going for any kind of education aiming to be inclusive, and kids are the casualties of that. This will continue to bubble up."

The continued tension over what's taught in schools is coupled with concerns there are not enough personnel to support school operations, from psychologists to bus drivers to food workers, Wong said. Those with mental health needs will fight to see experts to help them; school districts have to cut corners on busing availability; and administrators will cope with the end of pandemic-era free school lunch policies.

"Kids feel like things are back to normal mostly," Wong said. "But there's recognition on both the part of students and adults alike that everyone is a lot more fragile."

In the higher education world, Wong said she's thinking about the students entering college or university against a fraught student loan backdrop.

"There was a lot of hope at one point that loans would be forgiven, which translated to future borrowers," Wong said.

To help you or a relative prepare, she suggested checking Paste BN's guide on what to expect with the new FAFSA.

Over the school year, you can count on the education team to dive into the concerning trends expected to be at the forefront of this school year, such as the experiences of queer teachers in conservative states.

"These more serious topics are really symbolic of where we are right now," Wong said. "We are grateful not to be in remote learning, but cautiously optimistic of what the future holds. It's just really clear that we're still finding our bearing as a society post-COVID, still trying to find that balance between focusing on ourselves and school."

More back-to-school headlines to read now:

Thank you

I still remember the feelings of nerves and excitement when heading back to school. For anyone heading back to class this year, I'm sending you support and good vibes! Thank you for supporting our journalism with your subscription. Our work wouldn't be possible without you. 

Best wishes, 

Nicole Fallert

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