Report: America Sees an Uptick in People Quitting Their Jobs
Are you ready to ditch your employer? According to a recent Bureau of Labor Statistics report, you are not alone.
A new report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics states that more Americans are leaving their jobs.
Between September and October, the rate of employees quitting grew from 1.9 percent to 2.1 percent. The report shows that the rate of Americans being laid off was only 1 percent in October.
Quit rates were not consistent across all industries or geographic regions. The report shows that quit rates increased by 90,000 in the accommodation and food services industry, followed by private education and health services, which saw a 47,000 increase. Quit rates in the finance and insurance industry decreased by 19,000. The West saw 213,000 more resignations. However, resignations in the South decreased by 51,000.
Experts say that employees find it easier to secure new jobs as the labor market becomes more abundant in specific sectors.
Finance expert and CEO of 9i Capital Group, Kevin Thompson, said resignation rates typically increase toward the end of the year, especially in the hospitality and business sectors.
Jennifer Lee Magas, a communications professor at Nova Southeastern, said employees realize they have more leverage in the current workforce and are, therefore, weighing their options.
“Employees have realized they want more than just a paycheck; they want purpose, flexibility, and work-life balance,” Magas told Newsweek. “In a tight labor market, workers know they hold the upper hand, and they’re not afraid to walk away if their needs aren’t met.”
HR consultant Bryan Driscoll warned that the Trump administration may disrupt this trend.
“We have a new administration coming in, one that loudly prefers tipping the scales in favor of corporations,” Driscoll told Newsweek. “If we see the new administration roll back worker protections, making it tougher to jump ship, these recent trends could stall or even reverse.”
10 Black-Owned TikTok Shops To Peruse For Holiday Shopping
Black-owned online shopping made easy.
Holiday shopping is not for the faint of heart. Walking through multiple stores, malls, and outlets can become exhausting. Similarly, scouring all the ends of the internet is not as easy as it may seem.
BLACKENTERPRISE took the opportunity to compile a list of Black-owned retailers that you can find as you scroll TikTok shops. If you want to make shopping easy and keep your dollar in the Black community, you can find many gifs—from scents to clothing an candles to beard conditioner.
Kali Love Kreations, Affirmation Calendar—$21.05
Let’s start off the New Year leaning into self-love. The daily affirmation calendar, by Kali Love Creations, is a great first step. Start the morning or end the night with a positive boost. Give the power of affirmative words as a gift.
Khoi’s online shop is expansive. This Black-woman owned market sells all things elegant specifically jewelry on her TikTok shop. The Akia Choker is an elegant, patterned statement piece that is timeless.
@shopkhoi.com Our Black Friday sale is right around the corner and our AKIA choker is at the top of our wishlist! Available in both small and large sizing as well as standard and extended, this statement piece is perfect for the bold KHOI in your life! Shop our Black Friday sale while stock lastsx this Thursday 11.28 from 8:00pm to Midnight CST and enjoy 20% off your entire order! ##shopkhoi##khoi##statementjewelry##khoibabe##jewelrytiktok♬ original sound – ShopKhoi
Best Life Organics, Body Butter Gift Set—$45.00
Keeping Black skin glistening and hydrated is a year-round mandate. Better Life Organics offers a body butter gift set. The Smoked Cherry, Cashmere Orchard, and Caramel Cafe butter is sure to keep the ash away.
Matching pajama sets are always in season. Pjs for the Culture offers Christmas designs that give representation to every member of your household. Their newest entry “Cleopatra Claus,” just dropped and screams Black girl Christmas magic.
Zialoo TikTok shop has multiple handcrafted bags of quality. Backpacks, clutch bags, and minis are embellished with gold and silver artillery and give the wearer a unique and edgy style.
OUI the people specialize in oils. The Featherweight Hydrating Body Gloss helps seal in moisture. The citrus-smelling serum will produce a glow that others can see from across the room.
Dressed in Joy’s floral clothing and vibrant palettes are elegant and edgy. The newest athleisure jumpsuit with geometric type designs will brighten up your winter.
Nature Boy is all about beards. The health and beauty of a beard should not be ignored. The line offers a deep conditioner to maintain hydration and promote a texture soft enough to run your hands through.
Owned by a Black man, Young Bastards Clothing incorporates a popular Black culture with vibrantly colored street wear. The brand is unisex and features hand-sketched images of some of the culture’s hottest stars. The company’s signature, multi-colored, Track Jacket is lightweight and fly enough to wear to Christmas dinner.
Kua designs fragrance options will make your home smell like luxury year round. The citrus reeds are-long lasting and leave beautiful notes of champagne in the air.
@kua.designs Luxury scenting the Kua way 🤎 Our Timeless fragrance is infused with notes of authentic citrus fruits found in Ghana with a splash of champagne. With the slow burn of our candles and the long lingering scent of our reed diffusers, it will feel like your space is having a mimosa party be it in your living room filled with loved ones and laughter or during a private spa moment filled with soft music and softer light. Try it ☺️ And don’t be shy about sharing this reel with that person you want to experience this with 😉 #KuaScenting#KuaToTheWorld#KuaDesigns♬ original sound – Kua Designs
Roger Goodell Says NFL’s Relationship With Jay-Z Won’t Change Amid Sexual Assault Allegation
Are you still tuning in for the Super Bowl though?
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said the rape allegation against hip-hop mogul Jay-Z will not affect the relationship between the league and Roc Nation, Associated Press reports.
After the league’s winter meetings ended on Dec. 11, Goodell took questions from reporters.
“We’re aware of the allegations and Jay-Z’s robust response to that, and we know the litigation is happening now, so from our standpoint, our relationship is not changing with them, including preparations for the next Super Bowl,” he said. “I think they’re getting incredibly comfortable with not just the Super Bowl but other events that they’ve advised us on and helped us.”
Roger Goodell discusses the civil lawsuit involving Jay-Z and the NFL's partnership with Roc Nation. pic.twitter.com/T3ySpykZmI
His statement comes just days after a bombshell lawsuit was dropped by lawyer Tony Buzbee on Dec. 8, claiming the Roc-A-Fella Records founder sexually assaulted a then-13-year-old girl at an awards show after-party in 2000 alongside disgraced music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs.
“These allegations are so heinous in nature that I implore you to file a criminal complaint, not a civil one!!” he wrote. “Whomever would commit such a crime against a minor should be locked away, would you not agree?”
The NFL and Roc Nation have worked together since 2019, putting on massive Super Bowl performances and social activism events. Fellow hip-hop star Kendrick Lamar is scheduled to perform at the Super Bowl halftime show at The Caesars Superdome in New Orleans on Feb. 9. where the entertainment company and Emmy-winning producer Jesse Collins will serve as co-executive producers.
“They’ve been great partners, and they’ve provided a lot of value for us,” Goodell said.
A number of people on social media have called on Goodell to end the relationship. However, since Jay-Z owns and operates as a league partner, some are perceiving the continued partnership as special treatment.
Earn Your Masters Awards $50K To AI-Powered Music Creation Platform At Art Basel
Earn Your Masters brought the financial literacy and personal investment vibes to Art Basel.
A fortunate startup founder walked away from Art Basel 2024 with a $50,000 investment to support his growing AI-powered music platform.
Jeff Darko won this year’s “Earn Your Masters” competition on Tuesday for his startup, Mixplug, which focuses on AI-powered mixing and mastering for artists and producers, Forbes reports. Darko was selected as a finalist in the competition, which was powered by Steve Stoute of UnitedMasters, Ally Bank, and Troy Millings and Rashad Bilal of the financial literacy podcastEarn Your Leisure.
With the $50,000 prize, Darko is set to continue his mission of democratizing music production, making it more accessible. Along with the seed money, Darko will gain access to a network of influential mentors and valuable resources.
The Art Basel event marked the third and final stop of the touring series, which also included stops in Charlotte and Chicago. The finale featured a “Mogul Talk” keynote conversation with N.O.R.E. and DJ EFN of Drink Champs and a panel titled “Creating Cultural Capital in Women’s Sports” featuring WNBA stars Breanna Stewart and Renee Montgomery, which highlighted the achievements of women athletes in business and sports.
Creative artist Tobe Nwigwe also sat down with Millings and Billal to discuss the importance of taking calculated risks and investing in oneself. Nwigwe recounted a pivotal moment when a chance hangout with Oscar-winning actor Daniel Kaluuya, where he met a Reebok executive who sparked a collaboration opportunity with the iconic sneaker brand. The musician’s Reebok partnership is coming in 2025, proving the power of authentic connections.
The “Fye Fye” rapper shared another remarkable story about Pharrell Williams. After vibing together, Pharrell invited Nwigwe to the studio, where they collaborated on a song. However, the next day, Nwigwe received an invoice at a discounted “homie” rate—which, despite the gesture, was still quite steep for an independent artist.
Despite the hefty fee, Nwigwe paid for the song, recognizing the value of the opportunity. Months later, Pharrell invited him to collaborate on a Moncler campaign, which ended up paying double the song’s cost. It became a full-circle moment, proving how his investment in their budding relationship indeed paid off.
Highlights from the “Earn Your Masters” event included an acoustic set by Mystic Marley, granddaughter of reggae legend Bob Marley, a surprise performance by Rotimi, and appearances by stars such as Buju Banton, Grammy-winning producer Bangladesh, artist Fredo Bang, and journalist Shaheem Reid.
Terrell Owens Asks Brett Favre To Explain Role In Mississippi Welfare Scandal
Favre was accused of receiving $1,100,000 from the state for speeches he never gave.
Former NFL player Terrell Owens sent a wicked shade at former NFL quarterback Brett Favre for his alleged involvement in a welfare scandal in his hometown of Mississippi.
ESPN released a video clip on social media for an upcoming docuseries previewing its latest 30for30 series premiering on Dec. 13. The latest series focuses on the New York Jets defensive line that was christened as “The New York Sack Exchange” during the 1980s. One of the players, defensive end Mark Gastineau, held the NFL single-season sack record of 22 in 1984. Current football commentator and Good Morning America host Michael Strahan, who won a Super Bowl with the New York Giants, broke the record in 2001.
Strahan broke the record (22.5 sacks) in the last game of the season with the last play of the game, when he sacked Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre. A controversy ensued when people felt he “took a dive” to help Strahan break the record. Gastineau appears still bitter that his record was broken in that fashion.
This clip released by ESPN shows the former defensive end approaching Favre, still angry at the former quarterback. After shaking Gastineau’s hand, Favre reminds him that they’ve met before. Gastineau immediately lays into Favre, showing he has never forgiven Favre for allegedly taking that dive for Strahan.
22 years after losing the NFL single-season sack record, Mark Gastineau confronted Brett Favre for ‘taking a dive’ on the record-breaking play.
After the post appeared on the website, Owens responded by asking Favre to explain his role in the welfare scandal he was involved in several years ago, where Favre was allegedly given $1.1 million in funds regulated for the TANF program. The money was paid to Favre supposedly for speeches that he never gave.
While you’re clearing the air, clear the air on the misappropriation of funds you were pocketing https://t.co/u4V2a88Yz6
Coincidentally, Terrell Owens recently signed on as a client to Strahan’s sports agency.
RELATED CONTENT:
Former NFL player Terrell Owens sent a wicked shade at former NFL quarterback Brett Favre for his alleged involvement in a welfare scandal in his hometown of Mississippi.
ESPN released a video clip on social media for an upcoming docuseries previewing its latest 30for30 series premiering on Dec. 13. The latest series focuses on the New York Jets defensive line that was christened as “The New York Sack Exchange” during the 1980s. One of the players, defensive end Mark Gastineau, held the NFL single-season sack record of 22 in 1984. Current football commentator and Good Morning America host Michael Strahan, who won a Super Bowl with the New York Giants, broke the record in 2001.
Strahan broke the record (22.5 sacks) in the last game of the season with the last play of the game, when he sacked Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre. A controversy ensued when people felt he “took a dive” to help Strahan break the record. Gastineau appears still bitter that his record was broken in that fashion.
This clip released by ESPN shows the former defensive end approaching Favre, still angry at the former quarterback. After shaking Gastineau’s hand, Favre reminds him that they’ve met before. Gastineau immediately lays into Favre, showing he has never forgiven Favre for allegedly taking that dive for Strahan.
22 years after losing the NFL single-season sack record, Mark Gastineau confronted Brett Favre for ‘taking a dive’ on the record-breaking play.
After the post appeared on the website, Owens responded by asking Favre to explain his role in the welfare scandal he was involved in several years ago, where Favre was allegedly given $1.1 million in funds regulated for the TANF program. The money was paid to Favre supposedly for speeches that he never gave.
While you’re clearing the air, clear the air on the misappropriation of funds you were pocketing https://t.co/u4V2a88Yz6
Coincidentally, Terrell Owens recently signed on as a client to Strahan’s sports agency.
RELATED CONTENT:
Former NFL player Terrell Owens sent a wicked shade at former NFL quarterback Brett Favre for his alleged involvement in a welfare scandal in his hometown of Mississippi.
ESPN released a video clip on social media for an upcoming docuseries previewing its latest 30for30 series premiering on Dec. 13. The latest series focuses on the New York Jets defensive line that was christened as “The New York Sack Exchange” during the 1980s. One of the players, defensive end Mark Gastineau, held the NFL single-season sack record of 22 in 1984. Current football commentator and Good Morning America host Michael Strahan, who won a Super Bowl with the New York Giants, broke the record in 2001.
Strahan broke the record (22.5 sacks) in the last game of the season with the last play of the game, when he sacked Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre. A controversy ensued when people felt he “took a dive” to help Strahan break the record. Gastineau appears still bitter that his record was broken in that fashion.
This clip released by ESPN shows the former defensive end approaching Favre, still angry at the former quarterback. After shaking Gastineau’s hand, Favre reminds him that they’ve met before. Gastineau immediately lays into Favre, showing he has never forgiven Favre for allegedly taking that dive for Strahan.
22 years after losing the NFL single-season sack record, Mark Gastineau confronted Brett Favre for ‘taking a dive’ on the record-breaking play.
After the post appeared on the website, Owens responded by asking Favre to explain his role in the welfare scandal he was involved in several years ago, where Favre was allegedly given $1.1 million in funds regulated for the TANF program. The money was paid to Favre supposedly for speeches that he never gave.
While you’re clearing the air, clear the air on the misappropriation of funds you were pocketing https://t.co/u4V2a88Yz6
HBCU Grad Gives Athletes, Artists, Entrepreneurs A Chance To Collaborate And Tell Their Story
While enrolled at TSU, Hayes was a student entrepreneur who partnered with fellow student Andre Lee, who isnow the Executive Director of the 100 Black Men of Middle Tennessee, to help start the Wall of Excellence Scholarship and Development Fund. That fund has raised over $1 million to
Derrick Hayes, the “enTIEtainer” (Instagram: @entietainer), is a business major who graduated from Tennessee State University. While enrolled at TSU, Hayes was a student entrepreneur who partnered with fellow student Andre Lee, who is now the executive director of the 100 Black Men of Middle Tennessee, to help start the Wall of Excellence Scholarship and Development Fund. That fund has raised over $1 million to help students stay in school and finish their college education.
Hayes is now uplifting lives with the ‘5 W’ (Who, What, Where, When, and Why) Interview. In 30 seconds or less, athletes, authors, artists, entertainers, entrepreneurs, experts, and influencers can now tell their story when they meet Hayes in person or by email when they send in their ‘5 W’ Interview information.
The ‘5 W’ interviews will be posted and shared on one or more of Haye’s social media networks @entietainer, including Instagram, X, Facebook, TikTok, Thread, and LinkedIn, and with a video interview on YouTube.
How to qualify for a 5 W interview:
1. Have at least one or more social media accounts.
2. Be willing to collaborate with Derrick by sharing your 5 W interview with your audiences. For example, if you have an Instagram account, you will be tagged with an invite to be a collaborator, and once you accept, the interview will appear on more than one page.
3. Have a positive social media presentation that is marketable.
How to get a 5 W interview:
1. Answer the 5 W questions on a document. Who are you? What do you do? Where are you from? When did you get started? Why do you do it?
2. Include a quality photo.
3. List all social media networks that you currently use.
4. Send all information via email to info@derrickhayes.com and include your contact information.
“The same states that are making these proposals already have deep problems with their childcare systems that looser standards won’t help,” Meager writes after reviewing hundreds of pages of childcare inspection reports.
Several states are easing childcare regulations, including South Carolina, which removed the requirement for childcare employees to have at least six months of experience in a licensed facility; Utah, where unlicensed providers can care for up to eight children without training or oversight beyond a background check; and Kansas, which has proposed increasing child-to-staff ratios and the number of children a single provider can care for in a home-based setting.
Wisconsin has proposed allowing 16-year-olds to work as classroom teachers, while Iowa permits 16-year-olds to supervise up to 15 children simultaneously. Montana has relaxed rules to allow caregivers to watch more toddlers at once. Other states considering deregulation measures include Connecticut, Indiana, Oklahoma, and North Carolina.
Meager highlights the struggles childcare providers in these states faced even before the deregulation measures were introduced. Disturbing incidents occurred at some childcare programs, including reports of infants being “forced to drink bottles” and subjected to physical abuse, such as being hit, thrown on the floor, kicked, and yelled at when they became restless. In one case, when a baby cried, a staff member silenced the noise by holding a bib over the infant’s mouth and nose, according to records.
Other findings revealed nearly two dozen incidents where children were left unattended, including multiple cases where teachers were found sleeping while supposed to be supervising the children. Over 40 reports documented staff members yelling at children, using profanity, calling them derogatory names, and telling them to “shut up.” There were also numerous accounts of physical abuse, such as teachers slapping children, confining them in dark bathrooms during nap time, spraying them with water bottles for not napping, and withholding food as punishment.
Additionally, more than 20 instances were reported where staff worked without proper background checks, including sex offender registry screenings. In over two dozen cases, hazardous items were left accessible to young children, including cleaning supplies, medication, a gun safe containing ammunition with the key still in the lock, alcohol, a rat trap, knives, and a saw.
Advocates for deregulation argue that relaxing specific rules could streamline operations, allowing programs to hire teachers more quickly and, in theory, accommodate more children. However, childcare providers contend that deregulation does little to address their core challenges, such as more funding, higher salaries, better support for managing challenging child behaviors, and more tremendous professional respect.
Educators and experts assert that increasing group sizes and staff-to-child ratios will undermine a teacher’s ability to give each child the necessary attention and support, particularly crucial during the early, formative years of brain development.
“In the coming year, the country will have a presidential administration that is unlikely to stand in the way of the deregulation attempts that quietly transform childcare programs across the country,” Meager argues.
NAACP #KeepAdvancing Campaign Calls On Past Donors To Renew Support In Racial Justice Fight
The NAACP's newest #KeepAdvancing ad campaign is unlike any other and the organization is calling on allies to uphold or renew their support.
The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) has embarked on its transformative and largest ad campaign to date, #KeepAdvancing. The civil rights organization is calling on new and former donors to support it as it continues to tackle racial injustices.
The NAACP launched the campaign in October to attract audiences of all backgrounds and reform relationships with donors and allies who previously supported the organization during the Blackout Tuesday collective protest against systemic racism in 2020. Following the surge of donors in 2020, the NAACP witnessed a decline in financial support, with only 1 in 3 donors returning to back the organization in 2024, AdAge reported.
Now, the NAACP is urging those same donors and new allies to lend their support as they “reignite the spark” behind its mission to fight for social justice and Black equity on the heels of companies retracting DEI initiatives. The historic “Keep Advancing” campaign calls on individual donors like athletes, celebrities, and influencers who participated in the protest that silenced social media on June 2, 2020, when over 20 million Americans posted the “black square.” To avoid going back to “square one,” the organization also encourages companies and corporations to take action and financially back the human rights organization. “One corporation’s move can shift the whole conversation,” said NAACP’s Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, Aba Blankson. “Those corporations committed to progress, those corporations that can give a little bit more to support advocacy action, we encourage them to do so, to double down. You have to double down because we need you now more than ever.”
The visual, conceived by Edelman, produced by the first and only Black woman-owned production company in the U.S. and U.K., Eleanor, and directed by Candice Vernon, recreates the 2020 Blackout Tuesday protest. The ad gives viewers a glimpse into the present and future work of the NAACP as it invites allies to join the organization’s continued fight for affordable healthcare, gun control, substance abuse programs, clean drinking water, and more.
NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson said in the Oct. 3 announcement that he’s honored to lead the organization into its next era. “To stay at the forefront of the fight, we must widen the margin of inclusivity and invite all to participate in progress because advancement is a right that benefits everyone,” said Johnson. “This is only the beginning.”
Blankson stated that the movement allows the organization to expand as it welcomes other allies to join and exercise their power and voice.
Damar Hamlin Sparks Introduction Of HEARTS Act To Expand Access To Heart Health Resources
Demar Hamlin's shocking 2023 health scare during 'Monday Night Football' helped inspire the creation of a new bill focused on enhancing heart health resources.
Damar Hamlin’s alarming health crisis during a January 2023 Monday Night Football game has inspired new legislation focused on improving access to heart health resources.
On Dec. 10, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed The Cardiomyopathy Health Education, Awareness, Research and Training in Schools Act, or HEARTS Act, a bill that will increase access to automated external defibrillators and expand CPR training in schools, ESPN reported. The bipartisan legislation now awaits President Biden’s signature to become law.
Hamlin worked on the bill with New York Sen. Chuck Schumer before it was passed by the House of Representatives in September. The bill proposes establishing a grant program through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to support elementary and secondary schools by funding the purchase of AEDs, providing resources for CPR and AED training, and assisting in the creation of cardiac emergency response plans.
CPR and the use of AEDs were critical in saving Hamlin’s life after the then-25-year-old suffered cardiac arrest on the field during a game in Cincinnati, leading to a nine-day hospital stay in Buffalo, New York. In April 2023, the Buffalo Bills star disclosed that his cardiac arrest was caused by a blow to the chest, a rare condition known as commotio cordis.
“Since experiencing cardiac arrest, I’ve been honored to work with partners who understand how important it is to provide CPR education and have access to AEDs to save lives,” Hamlin said at an event on Monday with Schumer. “I’m very grateful to Senator Schumer for his work making his common-sense legislation a priority. My journey has shown us that no one expects cardiac arrest to happen — and we all need to be prepared.”
Following his health scare, Hamlin has devoted much of his time to his foundation, Chasing M’s, and the American Heart Association, to raise awareness about the importance of CPR training and the availability of AEDs in communities. Research by the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that children who experience cardiac arrest in schools with AEDs are seven times more likely to survive, compared to children in schools without AEDs.
“I believe that every single one of them deserve the same kind of care that I had,” Hamlin said. “As far as kids growing up who want to chase their dreams and want to pursue anything that they want to do. And we have a chance to be impacting the next generation. We got a chance to make history.”
The university has taught the Reading Recovery curriculum for the past 30 years. The controversial method involves one-on-one classroom instruction for the lowest-performing first-grade students who struggle to read. School districts in Georgia and other states used the teaching methods for years until a study published in 2023 by the Journal of Research on Educational Effectiveness raised questions about its effectiveness. The study rated the short-term impact on students as “largely positive,” but the impact flipped once students reached third and fourth grade.
Almost 20 years prior, over 30 international reading researchers sent an open letter to lawmakers expressing concerns about Reading Recovery, stating, “[Reading Recovery] is not successful with its targeted student population, the lowest-performing students.”
As a result, the method was banned in 18 states — but not Georgia.
Despite criticism and a study from the University of Delaware showing the harm of Reading Recovery toward students, Georgia State has continued to run its training center for teachers. According to public records, school districts in five states, including Georgia, paid the university close to $243,877 for the instruction between January 2023 and February 2024. Missy Purcell, who saw firsthand the alleged effects of the instruction on her son, Matthew, after he learned Reading Recovery in a Gwinnett County first-grade classroom, says the school’s decision saddens her. “It actually literally makes me sad. Who’s going to tell their parents those kids in those systems during the short straw,” she said.
“Who’s going to tell them their school has chosen to train teachers in a method that we have evidence that shows not only does it not work, but it hurts kids.”
Purcell said she noticed something strange when her son was reading at home. She claims Matthew was guessing words using pictures on the page over sounding the words out. “He was reading pictures. He was being cued by the pictures,” the former schoolteacher said. To help her son unlearn the Reading Recovery instruction, Purcell turned to outside tutoring and a special school, something she says was hard. “If you could just walk a mile where we’ve been and [see] what this does to a kid,” Purcell said.
“We’ve got children across the state that are products of a failed intervention.”
Chair of GSU’s Department of Early Childhood and Elementary Education, Caitlin Dooley, defended the school’s stance on the curriculum. Dooley, who helped create the curriculum, claims the school doesn’t believe the program harms children. “It’s been around for a long time,” Dooley said. “It has a strong scientific background, and so we are offering it when it’s in demand, and there are still districts that are requesting that we provide that training. And we believe that it works.”
The former Georgia Department of Education (DOE) employee pointed out some flaws in the study, highlighting how 75% of the study’s original participants dropped out. “So they could have had one lesson with Reading Recovery, or they could have had 50 lessons,” she said.
“We don’t know the way the study was written up.”
Since institutions have experienced pushback and criticism, the DOE rolled out legislation to improve the quality of early reading instruction for students, according to the Macon Telegraph. In August 2024, House Bill 538 required all students from kindergarten through the third grade in the Peach State to be screened for reading proficiency after being passed by the General Assembly in 2023.
Amy Denty, the DOE’s literacy director, said, “The more quickly we can determine a child’s deficit, the quicker we can intervene” after telling members of the Georgia Council on Literacy that students found to be falling behind in reading will be put on an individual reading improvement plan within 30 days.
