What We’re Reading This Week: May 5

Hidden horror of school sex assaults revealed by AP

The Associated Press

“Across the U.S., thousands of students have been sexually assaulted, by other students, in high schools, junior highs and even elementary schools—a hidden horror educators have long been warned not to ignore.”

The Shooting of Jordan Edwards

The Atlantic

“The boys had no alcohol or weapons, and in addition, all reports suggest [Jordan] Edwards was a well-liked, affable, hard-working, and accomplished student. Of course, one’s character should not matter in these cases: A less-than-spotless record does not justify extrajudicial execution at the hands of police.”

Schools ban fidget toys as classroom distraction

Chicago Tribune

“[Some educators] say [fidget] toys have become a major distraction to teachers and students, and, in some cases, they’re being banned from classrooms.”

More Parents Of Color Think Racism Is Holding Back Their Children In School

The Huffington Post

“Nearly three-quarters of black families think that white students receive a better education than their children.”

This Teen Fought An Archaic Rule That Banned Hijabs In Boxing Rings

The Huffington Post

“Amaiya Zafar is only 16 years old, but that didn’t stop the Minnesota teen from fighting for her right to wear a hijab as a competitive boxer.”

Reviving An Indigenous Language for Everyday Use

Indian Country Today Media Network

“There has been a concerted effort to preserve remaining indigenous languages. At the forefront of these efforts are people like Maatoomsstatoos (“First Winters Sun”), also known as Robert Hall.”

Your 5-year-old is already racially biased.

Medium

“The truth is that well before their teen years, the vast majority of children are well aware of prevailing biases, and most kids, of all racial stripes, have taken on a bunch of their own.”

Pre-K: Decades Worth Of Studies, One Strong Message

National Public Radio

“[Researchers] came away with one clear, strong message: Kids who attend public preschool programs are better prepared for kindergarten than kids who don’t.”

Hate Speech And The Misnomer Of 'The Marketplace Of Ideas'

National Public Radio

“Asking student protesters to tolerate racist hate speech is to ask them to trust in free speech laws that have historically exempted the powerful and punished the vulnerable.”

A Little-Noticed Target in the House Health Bill: Special Education

The New York Times

“Ms. Glenn, a Medicaid coordinator for Tri-County Special Education ... was worried about an issue that few in Congress were discussing: how the new American Health Care Act, with its deep cuts to Medicaid, would affect her 2,500 students.”

Study of Fairfax County schools finds discrimination against black teacher applicants

The Washington Post

“The study asserts that racial bias in hiring may be contributing to the persistent dearth of black teachers in public education, a problem that has long been pinned on a lack of qualified applicants and interest.”