School transportation challenges impacting academics, attendance

School leaders are centralizing bus stops and improving pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure around schools. But not all parents agree that'll help.

By Naaz Modan • Sept. 4, 2025

School district insolvency on the rise

The current financial climate — in which districts can expect increased state involvement — was predictable and preventable, experts say.

By Naaz Modan • Sept. 3, 2025

Explore the Trendline➔

Teacher and Staff Challenges

Federal policy changes are further complicating K-12 workforce challenges exacerbated by the pandemic, adding to debate over what’s needed to keep teachers and staff in the profession or bring them back.

By K-12 Dive staff

Week In Review: Challenges abound as a new school year begins

We’re rounding up last week’s news, from chronic absenteeism progress to severe weather’s impact on schools.

By Roger Riddell • Sept. 2, 2025

How an Indiana district puts a premium on teacher autonomy

In Eastern Hancock Schools, giving teachers room to make decisions is key to realizing the district’s four strategic promises.

By Roger Riddell • Sept. 2, 2025

These 4 trends are shaping the 2025-26 school year

From enrollment to AI, education leaders face a variety of obstacles and opportunities as students return to classrooms.

By Kara Arundel , Anna Merod , Naaz Modan , Roger Riddell • Aug. 28, 2025

2 dead, 17 injured in Minneapolis school shooting

The "frontal assault" style attack used during the mass shooting is relatively rare at schools, one school shooting expert said.

By Naaz Modan • Aug. 27, 2025

6 ways administrators are handling cellphone bans in the new school year

School and district leaders say stakeholder input, consistent enforcement of rules and lessons in digital usage have helped their policies succeed.

By Kara Arundel • Aug. 25, 2025

Week In Review: OCR staffers to return amid changing Title IX enforcement

We’re rounding up last week’s news, from music education’s impact on literacy to the latest Education Department changes.

By Roger Riddell • Aug. 25, 2025

How are education leaders combating chronic absenteeism?

Making school attendance a state-level priority and building school-family relationships are among strategies showing results.

By Kara Arundel • Aug. 22, 2025

How to protect students’ mental health during active shooter drills

Researchers suggest using trauma-informed practices and banning hyper-realistic simulations.

By Kara Arundel • Aug. 18, 2025

Week In Review: Enrollment dips, immigration enforcement weigh on schools

We’re rounding up last week’s news, from renewed mascot debates to court battles impacting schools.

By Roger Riddell • Aug. 18, 2025

Trump ICE policies create student trauma — but schools can help, researchers say

Recent enforcement policy changes are resulting in absenteeism, disengagement, and social isolation, according to psychiatric researchers.

By Naaz Modan • Aug. 12, 2025

Communicate budget uncertainty early and often, district leaders advise

Two school district leaders shared how they’re navigating a fast-changing federal policy landscape in a recent TNTP webinar.

By Anna Merod • Aug. 12, 2025

Week In Review: Enrollment concerns weigh on districts and Houston makes progress

We’re rounding up last week’s news, from school choice in special education to Atlanta’s plans to address empty seats.

By Roger Riddell • Aug. 11, 2025

ICE apprehends parent during morning student drop-off hours

The incident in California’s Chula Vista Elementary School District adds to other known incidents of ICE activity during school pick-ups and drop-offs.

By Naaz Modan • Aug. 8, 2025

UNITED ‘25: Principals explore solutions to pressing K-12 challenges

School principals gathered in Seattle in July to address a wide range of issues including chronic absenteeism and school safety.

By Anna Merod • Aug. 8, 2025

Florida district won’t rehire teacher in LGBTQ+ controversy over student’s preferred name

The veteran teacher, whose license was in jeopardy, settled with the state for a $750 fine and a year of probation, among other consequences.

By Naaz Modan • Aug. 7, 2025

‘Bold and necessary effort’: Atlanta Public Schools stares down empty seats

The district is considering everything from closing buildings and redistricting to consolidations and mergers amid a dip in student population.

By Naaz Modan • Aug. 7, 2025

Education Department eyes special education in school choice expansion

Increasing choice models will better help meet student and family needs, Diana Diaz-Harrison said at the OSEP conference.

By Kara Arundel • Aug. 6, 2025

Houston ISD reports zero failing schools 2 years after takeover

The improvements follow wholesale reforms in Texas' largest school district, though its state takeover will remain in place at least two more years.

By Naaz Modan • Aug. 5, 2025

Week In Review: AI, federal funding and ESEA waivers

We’re rounding up last week’s news, from guidance on “unlawful” DEI to how district leaders are navigating school closures.

By Roger Riddell • Aug. 4, 2025

Want a better society? Teach kids how to be exemplary citizens

Students must be equipped to focus on making the world a better place, not just on their own self-interests, writes a Virginia independent school leader.

By Autumn Adkins Graves • Aug. 1, 2025

The accidental facility manager: Robert Alemany

With a background in teaching and business, the private school facilities manager relies on people skills to meet his challenges.

By Joe Burns • Updated July 31, 2025

Week In Review: Funding freezes, enrollment concerns and cyberthreats

We’re rounding up last week’s news, from lawsuits against the Trump administration to St. Louis’ proposed school cuts.

By Roger Riddell • July 28, 2025

Test yourself on this week’s K-12 news

From potential school closures in St. Louis to ransom demands on schools, what did you learn from our recent stories?

By Kara Arundel • July 25, 2025