Andrew Ujifusa
@andrewujifusa.bsky.social
I'm an editor at Chalkbeat, a national nonprofit news organization and a division of Civic News Company. I previously worked at Education Week's Politics K-12 vertical, and also at Maryland and Mississippi newspapers. I taught at two high schools in Japan.
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Andrew Ujifusa
@andrewujifusa.bsky.social
· Nov 27
Grant Ujifusa, 82, Dies; Lobbied for Redress for Japanese Americans (Gift Article)
He helped sway Ronald Reagan to sign a bill offering cash and an apology to Japanese Americans who had been imprisoned during World War II.
www.nytimes.com
My dad had a great American life. It had Americana: milking cows at dawn as a kid, starting at QB for the state champs. It also had civic triumph: helping remedy racial injustice, receiving the equivalent of a Japanese knighthood. The @nytimes.com featured it here: www.nytimes.com/2024/11/06/u...
GOP lawmakers have introduced new bills that would mandate that phones be securely stored at school or left at home during the whole school day. The ban also would extend to all personal devices including laptops and smartwatches: www.chalkbeat.org/indiana/2025...
A stricter cellphone ban may be coming to Indiana schools
Indiana lawmakers may tighten the state’s school cellphone ban even further during this legislative session.
www.chalkbeat.org
December 5, 2025 at 2:05 PM
GOP lawmakers have introduced new bills that would mandate that phones be securely stored at school or left at home during the whole school day. The ban also would extend to all personal devices including laptops and smartwatches: www.chalkbeat.org/indiana/2025...
"You wonder why people are angry and frustrated? Look at the numbers today. The schools are segregated, and kids are not performing. Race and class are still the best predictors, the most reliable predictors of educational achievement in this country." www.chalkbeat.org/2025/12/04/p...
School choice has radical roots worth remembering, a new book argues
In his book “Radical Dreamers” the political scientist Joseph Viteritti examines the lawyers, researchers, and activists behind the modern school choice movement. He also disputes the notion that it i...
www.chalkbeat.org
December 5, 2025 at 1:56 PM
"You wonder why people are angry and frustrated? Look at the numbers today. The schools are segregated, and kids are not performing. Race and class are still the best predictors, the most reliable predictors of educational achievement in this country." www.chalkbeat.org/2025/12/04/p...
"This means that score gains likely came from a combination of funding and accountability." cbnewsletters.chalkbeat.org/p/would-more...
Did scaling back school accountability and testing pressure hurt students?
Critics say ending No Child Left Behind and moving to the Every Student Succeeds Act can help explain declining test scores. Here’s what the research shows.
cbnewsletters.chalkbeat.org
December 3, 2025 at 3:45 PM
"This means that score gains likely came from a combination of funding and accountability." cbnewsletters.chalkbeat.org/p/would-more...
"District spokesperson Naima DeBrest said in a statement that public school enrollment has been decreasing nationally due to declining birth rates 'as well as families exploring alternative education options.'" www.chalkbeat.org/philadelphia...
Why Superintendent Tony Watlington might be worried about Philly’s school enrollment
Philadelphia’s district school enrollment is down by more than 1,000 students. The city is planning to close schools to address half-empty buildings.
www.chalkbeat.org
December 3, 2025 at 3:17 PM
"District spokesperson Naima DeBrest said in a statement that public school enrollment has been decreasing nationally due to declining birth rates 'as well as families exploring alternative education options.'" www.chalkbeat.org/philadelphia...
“It really is a game changer in terms of being able to save time and money to a degree.” www.chalkbeat.org/newyork/2025...
More and more college kids are in high school. Here’s dual enrollment in NYC, explained.
The surge in dual enrollment is propping up community colleges like CUNY Kingsborough, where the majority of students are high schoolers.
www.chalkbeat.org
December 3, 2025 at 1:40 PM
“It really is a game changer in terms of being able to save time and money to a degree.” www.chalkbeat.org/newyork/2025...
"Since last school year, the district has returned to its previous trend of losing students each year." www.chalkbeat.org/philadelphia...
Why Superintendent Tony Watlington might be worried about Philly’s school enrollment
Philadelphia’s district school enrollment is down by more than 1,000 students. The city is planning to close schools to address half-empty buildings.
www.chalkbeat.org
December 2, 2025 at 10:57 PM
"Since last school year, the district has returned to its previous trend of losing students each year." www.chalkbeat.org/philadelphia...
"Many Philadelphia school district families with children in autistic support classes have had the same frustrating experience: As their kids have grown up, they’ve had to switch schools at least once to access support services." www.chalkbeat.org/philadelphia...
Here’s why families of students with autism are worried about school closures
The Philadelphia school district says it is working to reduce how often students with autism must switch schools to access certain support services. Yet looming school closures in the city could compl...
www.chalkbeat.org
December 2, 2025 at 5:27 PM
"Many Philadelphia school district families with children in autistic support classes have had the same frustrating experience: As their kids have grown up, they’ve had to switch schools at least once to access support services." www.chalkbeat.org/philadelphia...
"Students want to feel like they can go home and get there safely. Most of those kids aren’t looking for trouble." www.chalkbeat.org/philadelphia...
Why a Philly program to shield students from violence has lapsed at some schools
Philadelphia’s Safe Path program placed adult monitors on and around 24 school campuses to help reduce violence and keep students safe. There’s evidence it was working. But it didn’t return to all tho...
www.chalkbeat.org
November 26, 2025 at 4:30 PM
"Students want to feel like they can go home and get there safely. Most of those kids aren’t looking for trouble." www.chalkbeat.org/philadelphia...
"Chalkbeat identified 60 schools that likely took in the largest shares of migrant students between 2022 and 2024. Combined, they lost 11% of their enrollment this year, nearly wiping out all the gains from the previous three years." www.chalkbeat.org/newyork/2025...
A wave of immigration boosted enrollment at dozens of NYC schools. Now, their numbers are falling.
At dozens of schools that took in the largest shares of migrant students in recent years, enrollment fell by 11% over the past year, wiping away years of gains.
www.chalkbeat.org
November 26, 2025 at 4:06 PM
"Chalkbeat identified 60 schools that likely took in the largest shares of migrant students between 2022 and 2024. Combined, they lost 11% of their enrollment this year, nearly wiping out all the gains from the previous three years." www.chalkbeat.org/newyork/2025...
“It’s like getting dirty and changing clothes and expecting to smell good without taking a bath. That’s what you’re doing when you change your governance structure.” - @jonathanecollins.bsky.social www.chalkbeat.org/2025/11/23/p...
Mayoral control is dead. Long live mayoral control?
Teachers unions and left-wing coalitions have long resisted mayoral control of urban school districts. But Chicago and Boston are testing that position, as cities like New York and Indianapolis also e...
www.chalkbeat.org
November 24, 2025 at 2:25 PM
“It’s like getting dirty and changing clothes and expecting to smell good without taking a bath. That’s what you’re doing when you change your governance structure.” - @jonathanecollins.bsky.social www.chalkbeat.org/2025/11/23/p...
Why changing who has control of schools can be like refusing to take a bath: www.chalkbeat.org/2025/11/23/p... from @ericameltzer.bsky.social
Mayoral control is dead. Long live mayoral control?
Teachers unions and left-wing coalitions have long resisted mayoral control of urban school districts. But Chicago and Boston are testing that position, as cities like New York and Indianapolis also e...
www.chalkbeat.org
November 23, 2025 at 2:51 PM
Why changing who has control of schools can be like refusing to take a bath: www.chalkbeat.org/2025/11/23/p... from @ericameltzer.bsky.social
"A significant shift has flown under the radar: Under Mayor Eric Adams, the chief executive’s power over the school system has weakened." www.chalkbeat.org/newyork/2025...
As Mamdani vows to end mayoral control of NYC schools, it has already weakened under Adams
Zohran Mamdani campaigned on ending mayoral control of NYC schools. Eric Adams has already ceded some of it.
www.chalkbeat.org
November 21, 2025 at 10:29 PM
"A significant shift has flown under the radar: Under Mayor Eric Adams, the chief executive’s power over the school system has weakened." www.chalkbeat.org/newyork/2025...
"I remember when having a neighbor, family member, or friend watch your kid for day care was okay, and maybe I missed the dramatic societal consequences of that. You say now we have to create this colossal structure, and that structure comes with all these costs." www.chalkbeat.org/indiana/2025...
What education issues will Indiana lawmakers consider in 2026?
“My 2025 bingo card has been turned upside down,” House Speaker Todd Huston said in Org Day remarks.
www.chalkbeat.org
November 19, 2025 at 7:32 PM
"I remember when having a neighbor, family member, or friend watch your kid for day care was okay, and maybe I missed the dramatic societal consequences of that. You say now we have to create this colossal structure, and that structure comes with all these costs." www.chalkbeat.org/indiana/2025...
Two Catholic parishes asked the U.S. Supreme Court to reconsider a lower court decision that said parish preschools participating in Colorado’s state-funded preschool program couldn’t deny admission to LGBTQ children or children from LGBTQ families. www.chalkbeat.org/colorado/202...
Catholic parishes appeal to Supreme Court in Colorado universal preschool case
Two Catholic preschools that wanted to join Colorado’s state-funded preschool program but not admit children from LGBTQ families have asked the U.S. Supreme Court to hear their case.
www.chalkbeat.org
November 16, 2025 at 2:45 PM
Two Catholic parishes asked the U.S. Supreme Court to reconsider a lower court decision that said parish preschools participating in Colorado’s state-funded preschool program couldn’t deny admission to LGBTQ children or children from LGBTQ families. www.chalkbeat.org/colorado/202...
"They say the company’s parent consent form raises concerns about the possible use of student data to develop its product in violation of the state’s online student privacy law." www.chalkbeat.org/chicago/2025...
Chicago virtual therapy for students faces scrutiny from privacy, mental health advocates
Chicago Public Schools brought in for-profit Hazel Health to offer free sessions to high schoolers, but some advocates have questions about the services.
www.chalkbeat.org
November 14, 2025 at 2:46 PM
"They say the company’s parent consent form raises concerns about the possible use of student data to develop its product in violation of the state’s online student privacy law." www.chalkbeat.org/chicago/2025...
Tennessee teacher suspended over Charlie Kirk social media post is reinstated: www.chalkbeat.org/tennessee/20...
Tennessee district reinstates teacher suspended over Kirk social media post
Williamson County administrators suspended the teacher over a satirical post about Charlie Kirk on a private social media account. Now the district says she didn’t violate any rules, and it wants a fe...
www.chalkbeat.org
November 13, 2025 at 8:27 PM
Tennessee teacher suspended over Charlie Kirk social media post is reinstated: www.chalkbeat.org/tennessee/20...
"Pennsylvania will require schools to adopt evidence-based reading curriculum by the 2027-28 school year and institute new literacy instruction training for teachers." www.chalkbeat.org/philadelphia...
Here’s how much money Pennsylvania will spend to boost student literacy
About 1 in 3 Pennsylvania fourth graders could read at a proficient level last school year, according to national test scores. The new state budget puts more money toward boosting literacy rates.
www.chalkbeat.org
November 13, 2025 at 5:44 PM
"Pennsylvania will require schools to adopt evidence-based reading curriculum by the 2027-28 school year and institute new literacy instruction training for teachers." www.chalkbeat.org/philadelphia...
Christian law firm’s search for test case led to religious public school in Colorado, emails suggest: www.chalkbeat.org/colorado/202...
Christian law firm sought Colorado test case for religious public schools, emails suggest
Alliance Defending Freedom approached a Colorado lawyer about starting a school in Colorado to spark a legal test of publicly funded religious education, according to an email authored by the lawyer.
www.chalkbeat.org
November 12, 2025 at 8:28 PM
Christian law firm’s search for test case led to religious public school in Colorado, emails suggest: www.chalkbeat.org/colorado/202...
“They don’t have to be alone with those thoughts or those fears in the aftermath of gun violence,” said Kiki Leyba, who ushered his students to safety during the 1999 Columbine High School shooting ... “There are others out there who they can connect with.” www.chalkbeat.org/philadelphia...
These teachers survived school shootings. Now they’re offering help to their peers.
“They don't have to be alone with those thoughts or those fears in the aftermath,” said Kiki Leyba, who was teaching at Columbine High School during the 1999 mass shooting.
www.chalkbeat.org
November 12, 2025 at 3:08 PM
“They don’t have to be alone with those thoughts or those fears in the aftermath of gun violence,” said Kiki Leyba, who ushered his students to safety during the 1999 Columbine High School shooting ... “There are others out there who they can connect with.” www.chalkbeat.org/philadelphia...
"Chicago Public Schools staffers took 'questionable, excessive, and even exorbitant' trips to South Africa, Egypt, Finland, and elsewhere — complete with wildlife safaris, a hot air balloon ride, and camel rides at the district’s expense." www.chalkbeat.org/chicago/2025...
Chicago Public Schools travel expenses flagged as “excessive, even exorbitant” by watchdog
The district implemented a freeze on almost all employee travel unrelated to student activities and launched a committee to come up with a better approach to approving and monitoring travel.
www.chalkbeat.org
November 12, 2025 at 1:00 PM
"Chicago Public Schools staffers took 'questionable, excessive, and even exorbitant' trips to South Africa, Egypt, Finland, and elsewhere — complete with wildlife safaris, a hot air balloon ride, and camel rides at the district’s expense." www.chalkbeat.org/chicago/2025...
"Community colleges’ costs are very low and they have not been at the center of the cultural and political backlash to higher education. ... What explains the two-year college decline, then?" www.chalkbeat.org/2025/11/11/i... featuring @joshua-goodman.com @bakerdphd.bsky.social and others
Is college enrollment plummeting?
Reports of the death of the bachelor’s degree have been greatly exaggerated.
www.chalkbeat.org
November 11, 2025 at 11:04 PM
"Community colleges’ costs are very low and they have not been at the center of the cultural and political backlash to higher education. ... What explains the two-year college decline, then?" www.chalkbeat.org/2025/11/11/i... featuring @joshua-goodman.com @bakerdphd.bsky.social and others
Reposted by Andrew Ujifusa
Most of the conversation about whether Mamdani can deliver universal child care has focused - rightfully - on cost. But I've been curious (as a reporter and parent of an infant + toddler) what it would take operationally. So I talked to lots of knowledgable ppl: www.chalkbeat.org/newyork/2025...
Mamdani pledged universal child care for NYC. What will it take to get there?
Mamdani will face an array of logistical and operational challenges in standing up new public infrastructure for hundreds of thousands of youngsters.
www.chalkbeat.org
November 11, 2025 at 9:32 PM
Most of the conversation about whether Mamdani can deliver universal child care has focused - rightfully - on cost. But I've been curious (as a reporter and parent of an infant + toddler) what it would take operationally. So I talked to lots of knowledgable ppl: www.chalkbeat.org/newyork/2025...
‘We have set money on fire’: Pennsylvania budget impasse costs Philadelphia school district millions: www.chalkbeat.org/philadelphia...
Philadelphia schools on the hook for millions in interest as state budget delay drags on
The Philadelphia school district has borrowed more than $500 million to make up for missing state funding as Pennsylvania’s budget impasse has hit four months. Even once lawmakers reach a deal, the di...
www.chalkbeat.org
November 11, 2025 at 7:11 PM
‘We have set money on fire’: Pennsylvania budget impasse costs Philadelphia school district millions: www.chalkbeat.org/philadelphia...
"Dramatic increases in immigration arrests could be hurting students in the classroom, including U.S. citizen students from Spanish-speaking households." www.chalkbeat.org/2025/11/10/i...
ICE arrests could hurt student test scores, study says — and not just for immigrants
A study of a large Florida school district found that the effects of immigration enforcement on students’ academic performance was concentrated in high-poverty schools. The test score declines also oc...
www.chalkbeat.org
November 10, 2025 at 2:12 PM
"Dramatic increases in immigration arrests could be hurting students in the classroom, including U.S. citizen students from Spanish-speaking households." www.chalkbeat.org/2025/11/10/i...
A former New York City schools chief is one of the two finalists for the job of Chicago Public Schools’ next CEO, according to three sources with direct knowledge of the situation: www.chalkbeat.org/chicago/2025...
Former NYC schools chancellor in the running for head of Chicago Public Schools
Meisha Ross Porter, who led New York City Public Schools until 2021, will interview with Chicago Board of Education members, a community panel, and the mayor next week.
www.chalkbeat.org
November 7, 2025 at 9:31 PM
A former New York City schools chief is one of the two finalists for the job of Chicago Public Schools’ next CEO, according to three sources with direct knowledge of the situation: www.chalkbeat.org/chicago/2025...