EPA mulls lead test changes in schools

A proposed rule wouldn't require states and schools to remove lead if found, and critics say it may create a false sense of security. 

By Shawna De La Rosa • Feb. 5, 2020

State of the Union: Trump pushes choice, private scholarship tax credits

"For too long, countless American children have been trapped in failing government schools," the president said. But educators say funds should be spent in public schools instead. 

By Naaz Modan • Feb. 4, 2020

Poll: Voters across party lines prioritize school safety, oppose public funding for private schools

"People are starting to see the need and the importance of their local schools," Chip Slaven, chief advocacy officer for the National School Boards Action Center, said of the results.

By Naaz Modan • Feb. 4, 2020

Four states receive flexibility under ESSA waiver program

Teacher licensing, staff development, class size and funding are among areas the states plan to address.

By Linda Jacobson • Updated Feb. 2, 2020

Texas poured nearly $1B into new special ed funding following IDEA violations

A new report highlights the state's efforts to serve more special education students in public schools after a federal investigation found it illegally capped services. 

By Naaz Modan • Jan. 31, 2020

Federal data shows student homelessness at all-time high

Eight states saw at least a 20% increase in the number of children and youth experiencing homelessness, and over a three-year period, the percentage of homeless students who are English learners increased 30%.

By Linda Jacobson • Jan. 30, 2020

High school GPA 5 times more likely to predict college success than ACT scores

Despite mounting support for broader success metrics, standardized tests remain the primary benchmark for policymakers and colleges.

By Shawna De La Rosa • Jan. 29, 2020

Indiana district's discipline disparities rise despite $1M effort to address issue

South Bend's investment in a new department to curb racial discipline gaps hasn't paid off, but other districts are seeing success through training and investment in wraparound services. 

By Naaz Modan • Jan. 29, 2020

Arizona board approves more flexibility for ELs under English-only law

A repeal of the law could go before voters this year, as experts and lawmakers have argued the requirement leaves English learners isolated and with less time for math, science, art and other subjects.

By Linda Jacobson • Jan. 29, 2020

Florida to roll out 'common sense' standards after dropping Common Core

Florida joins three states in successfully repealing Common Core, which officials blame for "flatlining" National Assessment of Educational Progress results.

By Naaz Modan • Jan. 28, 2020

Indiana district runs afoul of state officials with enrollment promotion

While marketing is increasingly important for public schools looking to differentiate themselves in a growing choice environment, there are right and wrong ways to go about retaining students.

By Roger Riddell • Jan. 28, 2020

Oklahoma weighing new rules around 4-day school weeks

Shorter weeks may attract teachers to districts, but the schedules also often burden families who must find childcare on the off day.

By Shawna De La Rosa • Jan. 28, 2020

Supreme Court hears case questioning public funding of religious schools

As justices heard oral arguments Wednesday in Espinoza v. Montana Department of Revenue, educators voiced concerns that the ruling could "undermine" public education funding.

By Naaz Modan • Jan. 22, 2020

More states expanding students' access to free school meals

A Vermont proposal to cover breakfast and lunch costs for all students is part of a growing response to the issues of lunch shaming and unpaid meal debt. But the debate over nutritional standards continues. 

By Linda Jacobson • Jan. 22, 2020

Ed Dept launches OPEN Center to help prevent discrimination in schools

The move to support a more proactive approach comes on the heels of scrutiny from student advocate groups over the Trump administration's handling of complaints.

By Shawna De La Rosa • Jan. 22, 2020

5 administrators to watch in 2020

Despite obstacles, these superintendents and principals have had tremendous success raising test scores, retaining teachers and working with parents, communities and school boards.

By Linda Jacobson , Roger Riddell , Naaz Modan • Jan. 21, 2020

States, municipalities adopting policies protecting black hairstyles from discrimination

Amid incidents calling national attention to the issue of hair discrimination, new rules are set to protect students from punishment under dress codes. 

By Shawna De La Rosa • Jan. 21, 2020

Ed Dept proposes easier access to federal funds for religious schools, emphasizes school prayer

Educators worry the U.S. Department of Education is blurring the separation of church and state, but a department spokesperson says it's doing the opposite.

By Naaz Modan • Jan. 17, 2020

6 K-12 districts to watch in 2020

Where some see gains with student success and technological innovation, others continue to face takeover threats and lawsuits.

By Linda Jacobson , Roger Riddell , Naaz Modan • Jan. 13, 2020

California governor's homelessness plan leaves out schools

Los Angeles Unified Superintendent Austin Beutner asks Gov. Gavin Newsom to direct some of his $1 billion proposal to schools serving homeless students and families.

By Linda Jacobson • Jan. 13, 2020

Should districts set own attendance rules?

A Wyoming bill would allow local flexibility in determining excused and unexcused absences. 

By Linda Jacobson • Jan. 9, 2020

Report: Florida, Ohio called 'advanced leaders' in K-12 media literacy efforts

Advocacy group Media Literacy Now says 14 states have laws with "some media-literacy language" and others will consider bills this year, but some say progress "is too slow."

By Linda Jacobson • Jan. 7, 2020

Report: NYC schools remain segregated even within diverse districts

Some 41% of the city's 1,842 schools were found to not represent their districts' demographics, but while certain policies exacerbate the problem, they also give ed leaders a realistic place to begin integration efforts. 

By Naaz Modan • Jan. 7, 2020

5 K-12 trends to watch in 2020

New approaches to assessment, concerns over security and privacy, and reimagining what defines classrooms and instruction are among factors that will drive education in the coming year.

By Linda Jacobson , Roger Riddell , Naaz Modan • Jan. 6, 2020

Study: Obesity risk lower for children who drink whole milk

The report is likely to contribute to further debate over the Trump administration’s efforts to roll back Obama-era school nutrition standards.  

By Linda Jacobson • Jan. 6, 2020