Aaron Wesolowski
@aaronweso.bsky.social
DC dad and supporter of public schools. Opinions are my own.
Reposted by Aaron Wesolowski
‘Therein lies the catch in “school choice” for children like Amelia. Unlike public schools, private ones generally aren’t required to educate students with disabilities. And they often don’t.
The choice wasn’t hers, Johnson realized. It was the schools’.‘
The choice wasn’t hers, Johnson realized. It was the schools’.‘
Vouchers Promise Students With Disabilities a Path to Private School. Parents Say That’s Not the Reality.
To give voucher programs a toehold in state legislatures, politicians touted how students with disabilities would gain access to private education. But those students’ families often have the hardest ...
www.propublica.org
September 14, 2026 at 1:08 PM
‘Therein lies the catch in “school choice” for children like Amelia. Unlike public schools, private ones generally aren’t required to educate students with disabilities. And they often don’t.
The choice wasn’t hers, Johnson realized. It was the schools’.‘
The choice wasn’t hers, Johnson realized. It was the schools’.‘
Reposted by Aaron Wesolowski
I spoke with The Washington Post about the debate over reading full books in school:
“I still believe that the ability to read a long text, a long novel, for instance, is really important, and now more than ever.”
“I still believe that the ability to read a long text, a long novel, for instance, is really important, and now more than ever.”
Schools are assigning fewer novels. Are excerpts just as good?
Standardized testing, budget cuts and time constraints factor into decisions over whether students read more books or more excerpts.
www.washingtonpost.com
August 27, 2026 at 1:01 AM
I spoke with The Washington Post about the debate over reading full books in school:
“I still believe that the ability to read a long text, a long novel, for instance, is really important, and now more than ever.”
“I still believe that the ability to read a long text, a long novel, for instance, is really important, and now more than ever.”
Reposted by Aaron Wesolowski
I just sent my August campaign and back to school newsletter. Included was the update that I’ve qualified for the Nov.3 ballot(!), a rundown of the DC State Board meeting last week (including a summary of my testimony), and plans for the fall campaign. Read it here at: www.aaron4ward3.com/news
August 24, 2026 at 12:56 AM
I just sent my August campaign and back to school newsletter. Included was the update that I’ve qualified for the Nov.3 ballot(!), a rundown of the DC State Board meeting last week (including a summary of my testimony), and plans for the fall campaign. Read it here at: www.aaron4ward3.com/news
Reposted by Aaron Wesolowski
Writing meaningfully requires the ability to concentrate, think critically, organize thoughts, and self edit. I struggle with this as an adult. Students never developing these skills at all is even scarier.
What Do Students Lose When They Stop Writing?
Educators are worried that many students can no longer write essays without A.I. And it’s costing more than just grammar skills.
www.nytimes.com
August 17, 2026 at 12:57 PM
Writing meaningfully requires the ability to concentrate, think critically, organize thoughts, and self edit. I struggle with this as an adult. Students never developing these skills at all is even scarier.
Reposted by Aaron Wesolowski
A recent Times piece highlights a growing problem: students aren’t reading full books. This is even happening in DC.
We don't need Texas-style top-down reading lists, but we DO need to treat parents as partners and a Ward 3 SBOE rep who will advocate loudly for academic rigor.
We don't need Texas-style top-down reading lists, but we DO need to treat parents as partners and a Ward 3 SBOE rep who will advocate loudly for academic rigor.
Opinion | The Most Radical Thing About Texas’ Book List Isn’t the Bible
Educational traditionalism is not the same as political conservatism.
www.nytimes.com
August 9, 2026 at 10:10 PM
A recent Times piece highlights a growing problem: students aren’t reading full books. This is even happening in DC.
We don't need Texas-style top-down reading lists, but we DO need to treat parents as partners and a Ward 3 SBOE rep who will advocate loudly for academic rigor.
We don't need Texas-style top-down reading lists, but we DO need to treat parents as partners and a Ward 3 SBOE rep who will advocate loudly for academic rigor.
I dropped off nearly 300 signatures from Ward 3 voters today at the DC Board of Elections to appear on the Nov. 3 ballot. It was amazing connecting with so many community members across Ward 3. And thank you so much to everyone who signed and helped collect signatures!
August 6, 2026 at 1:45 AM
I dropped off nearly 300 signatures from Ward 3 voters today at the DC Board of Elections to appear on the Nov. 3 ballot. It was amazing connecting with so many community members across Ward 3. And thank you so much to everyone who signed and helped collect signatures!
Reposted by Aaron Wesolowski
Yards signs are here! I’ll start getting them out to people who’ve requested them soon! Please reach out if you’re a ward 3 resident and want one!
July 18, 2026 at 2:21 PM
Yards signs are here! I’ll start getting them out to people who’ve requested them soon! Please reach out if you’re a ward 3 resident and want one!
Reposted by Aaron Wesolowski
It was so great marching in the Palisades 4th of July Parade! There was a great turnout in spite of the heat and we collected a ton of signatures. Can’t think of a better way to spend Independence Day!
July 5, 2026 at 11:42 PM
It was so great marching in the Palisades 4th of July Parade! There was a great turnout in spite of the heat and we collected a ton of signatures. Can’t think of a better way to spend Independence Day!
Reposted by Aaron Wesolowski
Reposted by Aaron Wesolowski
I recently submitted testimony to the DC City Council on the surge of screen time and EdTech in schools.
I’m joining parents to call for:
1️⃣ A tech audit
2️⃣ Pausing new spending until efficacy is proven
3️⃣ A framework for AI safety
Read my full testimony here: 🔗 lims.dccouncil.gov/Hearings/hea...
I’m joining parents to call for:
1️⃣ A tech audit
2️⃣ Pausing new spending until efficacy is proven
3️⃣ A framework for AI safety
Read my full testimony here: 🔗 lims.dccouncil.gov/Hearings/hea...
DC Council Hearings Management System
View Hearings, Register to Witness, Submit Testimony
lims.dccouncil.gov
May 9, 2026 at 7:38 PM
I recently submitted testimony to the DC City Council on the surge of screen time and EdTech in schools.
I’m joining parents to call for:
1️⃣ A tech audit
2️⃣ Pausing new spending until efficacy is proven
3️⃣ A framework for AI safety
Read my full testimony here: 🔗 lims.dccouncil.gov/Hearings/hea...
I’m joining parents to call for:
1️⃣ A tech audit
2️⃣ Pausing new spending until efficacy is proven
3️⃣ A framework for AI safety
Read my full testimony here: 🔗 lims.dccouncil.gov/Hearings/hea...
Reposted by Aaron Wesolowski
The massive Canvas breach raises new concerns about data security, on top of the privacy issues already brought up by the i-Ready litigation. It's a reminder of the risks that come with putting so much student information onto these digital platforms.
Canvas Online Learning Platform Shut Down for Hours After Cyberattack
www.nytimes.com
May 8, 2026 at 7:32 PM
The massive Canvas breach raises new concerns about data security, on top of the privacy issues already brought up by the i-Ready litigation. It's a reminder of the risks that come with putting so much student information onto these digital platforms.
Reposted by Aaron Wesolowski
It’s official: I’m running to be the DC State Board of Education Ward 3 representative! I support:
✅High academic standards (Reading full books!)
✅One nurse in every school
✅Sensible screen time & AI policies
✅Transparency for families
Join me: www.aaron4ward3.com
✅High academic standards (Reading full books!)
✅One nurse in every school
✅Sensible screen time & AI policies
✅Transparency for families
Join me: www.aaron4ward3.com
A Voice for Ward 3
Official campaign website for Aaron Wesolowski for DC State Board of Education Ward 3 Representative
www.aaron4ward3.com
April 4, 2026 at 12:47 PM
It’s official: I’m running to be the DC State Board of Education Ward 3 representative! I support:
✅High academic standards (Reading full books!)
✅One nurse in every school
✅Sensible screen time & AI policies
✅Transparency for families
Join me: www.aaron4ward3.com
✅High academic standards (Reading full books!)
✅One nurse in every school
✅Sensible screen time & AI policies
✅Transparency for families
Join me: www.aaron4ward3.com
www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/202...
Couldn’t agree more!
Couldn’t agree more!
Opinion | Why is my kindergartner watching ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ in school?
In D.C. schools, even the youngest pupils regularly use tablets and other electronic devices in class.
www.washingtonpost.com
March 30, 2026 at 10:25 PM
www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/202...
Couldn’t agree more!
Couldn’t agree more!
Reposted by Aaron Wesolowski
This somewhat slipped under the radar, but the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Civil Rights issued a reporting finding that @dcpublicschools.bsky.social had violated federal laws by denying students with disabilities a free and appropriate public education: www.ed.gov/about/news/p...
U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights Concludes D.C. Public Schools Discriminates Against Students with Disabilities
Today, the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights concluded that the District of Columbia Public School System has violated Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Title II o...
www.ed.gov
March 20, 2026 at 8:29 PM
This somewhat slipped under the radar, but the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Civil Rights issued a reporting finding that @dcpublicschools.bsky.social had violated federal laws by denying students with disabilities a free and appropriate public education: www.ed.gov/about/news/p...
iPads in Kindergarten, YouTube on Breaks: The School Screen-Time Battle www.nytimes.com/2026/03/10/n...
Kids’ school related screen time, both in school and then homework, is just exploding. It’s especially concerning when you’ve worked as a parent to really limit screen time all along.
Kids’ school related screen time, both in school and then homework, is just exploding. It’s especially concerning when you’ve worked as a parent to really limit screen time all along.
iPads in Kindergarten, YouTube on Breaks: The School Screen-Time Battle
www.nytimes.com
March 10, 2026 at 11:26 AM
iPads in Kindergarten, YouTube on Breaks: The School Screen-Time Battle www.nytimes.com/2026/03/10/n...
Kids’ school related screen time, both in school and then homework, is just exploding. It’s especially concerning when you’ve worked as a parent to really limit screen time all along.
Kids’ school related screen time, both in school and then homework, is just exploding. It’s especially concerning when you’ve worked as a parent to really limit screen time all along.
Reposted by Aaron Wesolowski
“If deep reading cultivates empathy,” Joel Halldorf writes, “the attention-fracturing, dopamine-hitting, scroll-spurring design of digital media often undermines it”:
Books Are Meant to Be Slow
The erosion of deep reading weakens our capacity to grasp complex ideas.
bit.ly
March 10, 2026 at 1:45 AM
“If deep reading cultivates empathy,” Joel Halldorf writes, “the attention-fracturing, dopamine-hitting, scroll-spurring design of digital media often undermines it”:
Reposted by Aaron Wesolowski
Wherever you stand on the DC Mayor’s race, one thing is clear:
Only one of the two frontrunners is attending community forums, answering tough questions, and working to earn your vote by showing up.
Only one of the two frontrunners is attending community forums, answering tough questions, and working to earn your vote by showing up.
March 6, 2026 at 12:26 AM
Wherever you stand on the DC Mayor’s race, one thing is clear:
Only one of the two frontrunners is attending community forums, answering tough questions, and working to earn your vote by showing up.
Only one of the two frontrunners is attending community forums, answering tough questions, and working to earn your vote by showing up.
Really appreciated hearing from the mayoral candidates who bothered to show up for tonight’s DC Public Education Candidate Forum about the their priorities for DC schools. #Vote4PublicSchools
March 6, 2026 at 2:22 AM
Really appreciated hearing from the mayoral candidates who bothered to show up for tonight’s DC Public Education Candidate Forum about the their priorities for DC schools. #Vote4PublicSchools
www.thebanner.com/education/k-...
Unfortunately, DC schools aren’t the only local school district where there’s a shift away from reading full-length books. Parents and teachers in Montgomery County are raising concerns there, too.
Unfortunately, DC schools aren’t the only local school district where there’s a shift away from reading full-length books. Parents and teachers in Montgomery County are raising concerns there, too.
Parents worry schools aren’t pushing kids to read
Parents across Maryland, and the country, are questioning whether students are reading enough books — classics or otherwise — in English classes.
www.thebanner.com
March 2, 2026 at 1:48 PM
www.thebanner.com/education/k-...
Unfortunately, DC schools aren’t the only local school district where there’s a shift away from reading full-length books. Parents and teachers in Montgomery County are raising concerns there, too.
Unfortunately, DC schools aren’t the only local school district where there’s a shift away from reading full-length books. Parents and teachers in Montgomery County are raising concerns there, too.
Reposted by Aaron Wesolowski
DC celebrates boost in college grant program for students
DC celebrates boost in college grant program for students
Congress provided for an increase in the D.C. Tuition Assistance Grant program. Students who qualify can now get up to $15,000 a year.
wtop.com
February 27, 2026 at 12:02 AM
DC celebrates boost in college grant program for students
www.dcareaeducators4socialjustice.org/events/dc-pu...
I’ll be attending and asking mayoral candidates how they plan to maintain and expand school budgets, whether they support giving the State Board of Ed additional oversight authority, and whether they support reading books in schools.
I’ll be attending and asking mayoral candidates how they plan to maintain and expand school budgets, whether they support giving the State Board of Ed additional oversight authority, and whether they support reading books in schools.
DC Public Education Candidate Forum — D.C. Area Educators for Social Justice
DCAESJ Partner Event | Join the candidate forum to explore pressing issues in DC public education ahead of the consequential 2026 DC Primary Elections for Mayor, Council Chair and DC Delegate to Cong...
www.dcareaeducators4socialjustice.org
February 27, 2026 at 12:57 AM
www.dcareaeducators4socialjustice.org/events/dc-pu...
I’ll be attending and asking mayoral candidates how they plan to maintain and expand school budgets, whether they support giving the State Board of Ed additional oversight authority, and whether they support reading books in schools.
I’ll be attending and asking mayoral candidates how they plan to maintain and expand school budgets, whether they support giving the State Board of Ed additional oversight authority, and whether they support reading books in schools.
“But more pointed toward the curriculum products their schools had purchased from major publishers.
“Those programs often revolve around students reading short stories, articles, and excerpts from novels, then answering short-form questions and writing brief essays.”
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/12/u...
“Those programs often revolve around students reading short stories, articles, and excerpts from novels, then answering short-form questions and writing brief essays.”
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/12/u...
Kids Rarely Read Whole Books Anymore. Even in English Class.
www.nytimes.com
December 12, 2025 at 12:20 PM
“But more pointed toward the curriculum products their schools had purchased from major publishers.
“Those programs often revolve around students reading short stories, articles, and excerpts from novels, then answering short-form questions and writing brief essays.”
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/12/u...
“Those programs often revolve around students reading short stories, articles, and excerpts from novels, then answering short-form questions and writing brief essays.”
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/12/u...
By focusing directly on foundational skills and dedicating scheduled time for support, middle and high schools can empower teens to become a confident, successful readers.
Many Teens Lack Basic Reading Skills. These Teachers Are Trying to Change That: Schools are building programs to provide sustained reading support to older students.
Many Teens Lack Basic Reading Skills. These Teachers Are Trying to Change That
Schools are building programs to provide sustained reading support to older students.
www.edweek.org
December 5, 2025 at 1:43 PM
By focusing directly on foundational skills and dedicating scheduled time for support, middle and high schools can empower teens to become a confident, successful readers.
I wrote an op-ed for The 51st arguing that DCPS middle-schoolers need to be reading full-length novels to build concentration, empathy, and strong foundational reading skills
51st.news/opinion-dcps...
51st.news/opinion-dcps...
Opinion: DCPS middle-schoolers should be reading novels
Many parents like myself were shocked by a recent change to the English curriculum at Alice Deal Middle School.
51st.news
December 5, 2025 at 3:34 AM
I wrote an op-ed for The 51st arguing that DCPS middle-schoolers need to be reading full-length novels to build concentration, empathy, and strong foundational reading skills
51st.news/opinion-dcps...
51st.news/opinion-dcps...