FAFSA completion rate for class of 2026 highest on record

After the rocky rollout of a new form a little over two years ago, the simplified version is bearing fruit, according to the National College Attainment Network.

By Ben Unglesbee • May 15, 2026

Test yourself on the past week’s K-12 news

From funding announcements to cyberattacks, what did you learn from our recent stories?

By Roger Riddell • May 15, 2026

Explore the Trendline➔

Top 5 stories from K-12 Dive

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

By K-12 Dive staff

Heading into the workforce, the youngest Gen Zers seem cautiously optimistic

Generation Z’s confidence at work has long wavered amid numerous societal shifts, previous research has shown.

By Caroline Colvin • May 15, 2026

Microschools introduce career skills to early grades through nonprofit partnership

An Indiana microschool network is rolling out curricula focused on problem solving and critical thinking.

By Ed Finkel • May 13, 2026

Week In Review: Cyberattacks and federal allegations

We’re rounding up last week’s news, from cellphone bans to proposed restrictions on artificial intelligence companions.

By Roger Riddell • May 11, 2026

Some states reconsider private school voucher investments

The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities says states should focus on financially supporting public K-12 systems.

By Kara Arundel • May 8, 2026

School cellphone bans improve discipline over time, but academic impacts are limited, study says

A National Bureau of Economic Research paper finds such restrictions had little impact on attendance, attention and perceived online bullying.

By Kara Arundel • May 6, 2026

Schools spend $4B on physical safety measures. Here’s what research says they should do instead.

The best way to keep students safe is through trusting relationships and positive school climates, says the Learning Policy Institute.

By Kara Arundel • May 5, 2026

Week In Review: Inside the ‘science of math’ and teacher salaries

We’re rounding up last week’s news, from STEM teacher shortages to ed tech pushback.

By Roger Riddell • May 4, 2026

Cedar Rapids Community School District to close or consolidate 7 schools

The district estimated earlier this year it could save up to $1.5 million annually per closed school building.

By Anna Merod • April 30, 2026

Human-centered approach is key in classroom AI implementation

Educators must stay aware of what tech can’t replace, and what it can “erode or strengthen” based on use, an expert on equity-driven innovation says.

By Ed Finkel • April 29, 2026

Week In Review: Web accessibility rules and federal school choice

We’re rounding up last week’s news, from limits on tech in schools to the latest on book challenges.

By Roger Riddell • April 27, 2026

How school coaches are prioritizing mental health for student athletes

To get the best out of students, "we have to learn to love them holistically," says one Virginia wrestling coach who has taken mental health awareness training.

By Kara Arundel • April 24, 2026

Week in Review: Education Department defines AI grant priorities

We’re rounding up last week’s news, from how special education fared in Trump’s budget proposal to more Bibles in the classroom.

By Naaz Modan • April 20, 2026

A Texas district closed 2 schools. How innovation made it a smoother process.

Donna Independent School District credits the launch of its innovative academies for helping parents adjust to two elementary schools closing.

By Anna Merod • April 20, 2026

5 ways schools can reduce chronic absenteeism and boost student engagement

Culturally relevant teaching and strong family connections are two ways schools are increasing attendance, says a University of Oregon report.

By Kara Arundel • April 16, 2026

Week In Review: Districts debate 4-day school weeks and explore ‘vibe coding’

We’re rounding up last week’s news, from the rescinding of Title IX settlements to the impact that pre-K has on enrollment in higher grades.

By Roger Riddell • April 13, 2026

Accreditation meets a changing education landscape

Access to accreditation is broadening.

By Susie Eisa, Vice President of Policy & Accreditation, Cognia • April 13, 2026

How mentoring programs spur student success in a New York district

Baldwin Union Free School District has prioritized mentoring for 25 years, expanding its initiatives in recent years to include a peer-to-peer program.

By Ed Finkel • April 10, 2026

‘Vibe coding’ helped a Washington district save $250K in ed tech costs

Peninsula School District says it is harnessing AI tools to develop replacements for current ed tech and expand its capabilities.

By Anna Merod • April 10, 2026

Districts, states grapple with 4-day school week

Education leaders are weighing pros and cons as they balance calendar demands for teacher training, instructional requirements and community needs.

By Kara Arundel • April 9, 2026

We want to hear about your school district’s rising leaders

Tell us about the standout assistant principals and district administrators who are fueling achievement, positive culture and innovation in your schools.

By Roger Riddell • April 8, 2026

Week In Review: A $17.25M student data privacy settlement and the end of ESSER

We’re rounding up last week’s news, from AI’s use in reviewing books and curricula to diminishing returns for career and technical education.

By Roger Riddell • April 6, 2026

AI is moving quickly. How can districts keep up?

In an ILO Group webinar, education leaders detailed how they implement and govern AI by sharing responsibilities across departments and piloting tools.

By Anna Merod • April 2, 2026

CTE programs’ earnings boosts may diminish over time, study finds

Construction, transportation and manufacturing were associated with stronger wage returns for students, according to a Fordham Institute study.

By Naaz Modan • April 1, 2026