I write about schools across the United States and the biggest issues that affect students, teachers and families. That includes topics like reading and math, policies like school vouchers and the political forces that shape what happens in the classroom. I focus mostly on public schools, which the vast majority of U.S. students attend. I am fascinated by schools that succeed, and spend a lot of time trying to understand which education policies are most effective.
My Background
I joined The Times in 2018 and worked extensively on our coverage of the coronavirus pandemic. Previously, I was a reporter at The Dallas Morning News. I grew up in Pittsburgh and graduated from the University of Notre Dame.
Journalistic Ethics
I do not donate to education advocacy groups. In keeping with Times policy, I do not campaign for or donate to political candidates. You can read more in The Times’s Ethical Journalism handbook.
The state superintendent said he would crack down on “rogue districts” opposing the mandate. The guidelines detail how the Bible should be taught by subject and grade levels from five to 12.
The state superintendent, Ryan Walters, said the Bible was a “necessary historical document.” The mandate comes as part of a conservative movement to infuse Christian values in public schools.
A law signed by Gov. Jeff Landry on Wednesday makes the state the only one with such a mandate. Critics have vowed to mount a constitutional challenge.
Politicians said educators had not done enough. But the New York chancellor said members were trying to elicit “gotcha moments” rather than stop antisemitism.
By Dana Goldstein, Troy Closson and Michael Levenson
Under rapid-fire questioning, David C. Banks, the chancellor of New York City schools, pushed back on accusations that the district had allowed antisemitism to fester.