Title IX rules leave door open for schools to 'pass the trash'

While the Ed Department said it intends to curb the practice, legal experts suggest language in new regulations could feed into it.

By Naaz Modan • Updated May 11, 2020

Georgia may drop controversial teacher licensing test

The state is the latest to propose elimination of the edTPA, a performance assessment intended to set a higher bar for entering the teaching profession.

By Linda Jacobson • May 4, 2020

Triaging trauma: Community schools tap partners to address needs made worse by COVID-19

Leaders say this crisis "makes the case" for the community school model, but with state revenues falling, funding for expansion is unlikely.

By Kathryn Baron • April 30, 2020

States weigh options for start of new school year

The nation's two largest teacher unions suggest strikes are on the table if decisions to reopen run counter to medical advice.

By Shawna De La Rosa • April 29, 2020

4 states receive 'emergency education relief' funds

Part of the federal funding package passed in March, the block grant gives governors wide discretion to use the money for K-12 or higher education.

By Linda Jacobson • April 29, 2020

Ed Department IDEA waiver requests create need for 'clarity and certainty'

IEP meeting timeline and reevaluation requirements would remain untouched if Congress approves the request, requiring districts to find ways to continue providing those services.

By Naaz Modan • April 29, 2020

Impending recession likely spells layoffs for non-teacher staff

With ed funding still not at pre-Great Recession levels and a pandemic-induced downturn brewing, positions like counselors, aides and librarians​ could face the chopping block.

By Shawna De La Rosa • April 23, 2020

Report: Teacher pension debt is 'crowding out' funding for education

As the economy declines, states' unfunded obligations will only get worse. But experts offer five ways district leaders can respond to rising pension liabilities. 

By Linda Jacobson • April 21, 2020

Ed Dept: CTE programs can donate PPE to healthcare workers, hospitals

Alongside their educational duties, school districts are finding a variety of ways to pitch in during the coronavirus pandemic.

By Shawna De La Rosa • April 15, 2020

Maryland state senator pitches year-round school schedule

State Superintendent Karen Salmon said she's not sure what the school model will look like after coronavirus, but she's currently concentrating on remote learning. 

By Shawna De La Rosa • April 13, 2020

Ed Dept allows repurposing of federal funds for ed tech, PD in favor of distance learning

The waivers would carry over the previous fiscal year's funding in certain areas and remove restrictions on tech spending as ed leaders request more flexibilities and resources. 

By Naaz Modan • April 6, 2020

Would IDEA waivers benefit districts during school closures?

Some argue the term "waiver" is misplaced and that flexibility around timelines and budgets would allow districts to continue educating all students without fear of legal repercussions. 

By Naaz Modan • April 3, 2020

Ready for what? Postsecondary data on school report cards remains mixed bag

The Every Student Succeeds Act expects states to report college enrollment data when available. Which ones provide the most information on graduates?

By Linda Jacobson • April 1, 2020

States ease high school graduation requirements as coronavirus closures extend

More states are offering flexibilities around elective and even core credits to ensure seniors get their diplomas and move on to college despite closures.

By Naaz Modan • March 31, 2020

Report highlights need for new early ed public funding model as demand grows amid coronavirus crisis

A New America analysis envisions a financing system in which families pay roughly 40% of program costs for children from birth to age 5 and public funding covers about $82 billion.

By Linda Jacobson • March 26, 2020

Ed leaders: CARES Act's $13.5B for K-12 coronavirus relief 'not enough'

Language in the federal aid package that passed the Senate unanimously​ Wednesday night could result in districts feeling little to no net benefit, according to experts. 

By Naaz Modan • Updated March 27, 2020

Detroit schools pare food distribution after positive COVID-19 tests

Following staff testing positive for coronavirus, the district is scaling back the number of distribution sites and issuing meals in bulk two days a week instead of five.

By Shawna De La Rosa • March 25, 2020

Organizations team up to advise administrators on privacy rights in coronavirus era

A white paper from Future of Privacy Forum and AASA explains how to inform the community about COVID-19 cases without revealing identifiable details.

By Shawna De La Rosa • March 24, 2020

Ed Dept: Assessment waivers to be provided to states impacted by coronavirus

As nearly all states close schools nationwide, the department has streamlined the state application process to waive assessments, accountability and reporting requirements.

By Naaz Modan • March 20, 2020

FCC waives E-rate gift rules as coronavirus closures highlight remote learning inequity

Participants in the federal telecommunications discount program can now accept free services and equipment to facilitate home connectivity for students.

By Roger Riddell • March 20, 2020

DeVos would gain broad emergency ESSA waiver power under Senate coronavirus legislation

A bill introduced by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell would allow waivers from assessments, accountability, funding allocation and more.

By Roger Riddell • March 20, 2020

Florida Senate rejects proposal requiring more accountability from private schools

As some push for the expansion of private school voucher programs, others are raising concerns over the little-to-no accountability they have to the state. 

By Shawna De La Rosa • March 17, 2020

Third coronavirus assistance package could include additional $3B for schools

The House's Supporting Students in Response to Coronavirus Act and a sister bill in the Senate propose additional supports for meal distribution, mental health and more.

By Naaz Modan • March 16, 2020

CDC releases updated guidance for K-12 schools as coronavirus spreads

The agency's latest guidance is much more concrete than information released in February, which school leaders said at the time was "opaque."

By Naaz Modan • March 16, 2020

Push to close homework gap grows as coronavirus necessitates virtual learning

The Federal Communications Commission and lawmakers are moving on efforts to increase families' home internet access and facilitate remote learning.

By Naaz Modan • March 13, 2020