Amid USDA's $750M boost to school meal support, experts question sustainability

Creating a universal school meals policy and balancing the supply chain are long-term solutions needed to sustain meal programs, experts say.

By Anna Merod • Jan. 12, 2022

Districts get creative to maintain special ed services as COVID drags on

As districts clear backlog of evaluations and IEP reviews, ensuring services and support remains challenging amid new bumps in the road.

By Kara Arundel • Jan. 11, 2022

Explore the Trendline➔

Top 5 stories from K-12 Dive

K-12 Dive has gathered some a selection of our best coverage from 2024 so far as a one-stop resource on the trends to watch in the months ahead.

By K-12 Dive staff

Where are state COVID vaccine mandates for schools heading?

Experts say more time might be needed for successful student vaccine mandates at the state level.

By Anna Merod • Jan. 10, 2022

5 superintendents to watch in 2022

These administrators' track records and outlooks toward top issues facing K-12 and the challenges ahead make them key players to keep an eye on.

By Roger Riddell • Jan. 10, 2022

Amid omicron surge, policies restrict districts' remote learning options

Bus driver shortages and teacher absences are making it difficult to maintain in-person instruction, and virtual is no longer an option in some locations.

By Naaz Modan • Jan. 7, 2022

3 inclusive education myths busted

A district assistive technology specialist writes that removing barriers for diverse students requires overcoming pervasive narratives in learning.

By Jamie Maier • Jan. 6, 2022

Omicron, staff shortages interrupt in-person school

Several large school systems are pivoting to remote learning as they balance health concerns with keeping students on track academically.

By Kara Arundel • Jan. 5, 2022

With all 50 states' ARP plans approved, Ed Dept to release remaining $41B

District leaders hesitate to spend the funds on long-term programs despite three pots of ESSER relief and prompts from Ed Secretary Miguel Cardona. 

By Naaz Modan • Jan. 5, 2022

8 K-12 trends to watch in 2022

Fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic, ongoing policy pingpong, curricular controversy and more are set to impact schools this year.

By Roger Riddell , Kara Arundel , Naaz Modan , Anna Merod • Jan. 4, 2022

Challenges persist in assessing, responding to threats against schools

Acts of violence against schools often happen after multiple red flags slip through the cracks, and threat assessment practices remain a topic of debate.

By Katie Navarra • Dec. 23, 2021

Schools encouraged to help students have positive social media experiences

Focus is growing on digital citizenship following social media-influenced threats of violence and acts of school destruction.

By Kara Arundel • Dec. 22, 2021

4 areas of focus to drive the future of education

With education at a crossroads, one expert writes that it's imperative to "keep driving" to expand educational access and opportunity.

By Christopher Thomas • Dec. 21, 2021

Teacher pay gains national attention after years of educator shortages

Some advocates suggest comprehensive teacher supply and demand data can help districts inform localized recruitment and retention strategies.

By Naaz Modan , Kara Arundel • Dec. 21, 2021

Will Bloomberg's $750M charter donation move the needle on public ed?

Charter advocates say the money will help build new schools, while some experts don't think the donation will cause a seismic shift.

By Anna Merod • Dec. 20, 2021

Title IX changes expected earlier than planned, but rule still 'a long ways away'

The Department of Education says the new timeline shows its commitment to following through with changes, but advocates say it could have done more.

By Naaz Modan • Dec. 17, 2021

Will more federal, state coordination on ESSER data produce more consistent results?

A Tuesday webinar from Georgetown University’s Edunomics Lab detailed challenges with finding accurate, recent data on districts' relief spending. 

By Anna Merod • Dec. 16, 2021

New Hampshire lawsuit challenges law on 'divisive concepts' in classrooms

The parent and teacher suit over the ban's constitutionality is the latest to push back against laws drafted by states in response to 'critical race theory.'

By Naaz Modan • Dec. 16, 2021

Why student data remains at risk — and what educators are doing to protect it

Outdated laws, abundance of state rules and increase in ed tech tools add to the difficulty in protecting students' personal data.

By Kara Arundel • Dec. 14, 2021

Survey reveals financial shortfalls of school meal programs caused by pandemic

Districts need more financial help alongside extended USDA waivers to stay afloat, school food service directors say.

By Anna Merod • Dec. 13, 2021

Districts embrace test-to-stay policies as CDC explores effectiveness

Experts agree the approach, layered with other safety measures, can be a successful COVID-19 mitigation strategy for schools. 

By Anna Merod • Dec. 10, 2021

Supreme Court to decide on public assistance for religious school tuition

Carson v. Makin focuses on a small and unique tuition assistance program, but a ruling could either greatly expand or limit voucher-type programs nationally.

By Kara Arundel • Dec. 9, 2021

As omicron emerges, health experts urge keeping schools open

This academic year, 9,313 schools across 916 districts have already closed at some point amid staff shortages, teacher burnout or COVID-19 outbreaks.

By Anna Merod • Dec. 3, 2021

GAO: Hostile behaviors on the rise in schools

Changing OCR guidance caused hesitancy to file complaints, civil rights experts said.

By Kara Arundel • Dec. 2, 2021

States supplement ESSER funds with additional federal aid

The American Rescue Plan included a pot of money for education, but some states have decided to invest even more. 

By Naaz Modan • Dec. 1, 2021

Turning school boards into partisan battlegrounds benefits no one

Communities need to set higher expectations for school boards while equipping those elected to meet them, according to two veteran board members.

By Ethan Ashley and Carrie Douglass • Nov. 30, 2021