The Latest

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    Photo illustration: Shaun Lucas/Industry Dive; Getty Images

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    POP QUIZ

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

    From extended web accessibility deadlines to a Supreme Court case on universal pre-K, what did you learn from our recent stories?

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    The AI visibility gap: Lessons from 1.2 million K-12 conversations

    Data from 1.2M student chats and one Texas district's results reveal what actually works with K-12 AI.

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    2025 broke record for censorship: Less than 3% of book challenges came from parents

    Groups or government officials initiated 92% of challenges, and two-thirds overall ended in removals, according to an American Library Association report.

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    Kayla Bartkowski via Getty Images
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    27 states want to opt into federal school choice program

    States are awaiting rules defining a formal process to join the program, which is set to launch Jan. 1, 2027.

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    How creepy crawlies can unlock science curiosity for young learners

    Insects and bugs can provide an inroad to lessons on nature while helping students — and sometimes teachers — overcome fears in the process.

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    Arkansas law boosted teacher pay — and retention

    Research from the University of Arkansas, however, warns that the impacts from these raises will “fade over time” if they’re not sustained.

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    Archive Photos via Getty Images
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    When is best to introduce students to Shakespeare?

    Though some educators see opportunities in middle and even upper elementary grades, others say the Bard is best reserved for high school.

  • Protesters for and against transgender athletes competing in women's sports gather outside the Supreme Court on January 13, 2026 in Washington, DC.
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    Heather Diehl via Getty Images
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    SCOTUS takes up whether preschools can exclude children of gay parents

    Plaintiffs say Colorado’s universal pre-K program requiring equal access to enrollment despite sexual orientation is religious discrimination.

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    Carlos Barquero Perez via Getty Images
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    Schools get another year to comply with web accessibility deadlines

    Reactions were mixed to the U.S. Department of Justice’s extension for digitally accessible content managed by state and local government entities.

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    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.

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    Women education leaders: Stress and access inhibit advancement

    "Crisis-level" work-life balance, and women being “held to a different set of expectations,” are cited in a Women Leading Ed survey.

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    Permission granted by Donna Independent School District
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    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.

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    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.

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    Roger Riddell/K-12 Dive
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    COSN '26

    Here’s how small districts can be cyber-ready on a budget

    Three K-12 tech leaders detailed a five-point model and a variety of free and shared resources at CoSN’s annual conference.

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    Roger Riddell/K-12 Dive
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    COSN '26

    How an Ohio district built data privacy into culture

    When it comes to protecting data, “don’t do anything behind closed doors,” an official from Ohio’s Westlake City Schools told CoSN attendees.

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    OCR investigating Texas district’s plan to move special education class

    OCR will look into whether the New Home Independent School District violated Section 504 and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

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    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.

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    Should the Bible be part of public school curriculum? The momentum is building.

    A push for Bible instruction may become the next wave of curriculum policies sweeping through the nation, as more states consider such legislation.

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    Phynart Studio via Getty Images
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    Inside Trump’s 3.5% budget boost for special education

    The FY27 budget proposal, however, would make changes that have advocates concerned about accountability and federal supports.

  • A photo illustration of a circle encompassing a question mark, pencil, and scantron test.
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    Photo illustration: Shaun Lucas/Industry Dive; Getty Images

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    POP QUIZ

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

    From a district saving money by “vibe coding” to new Education Department priorities, what did you learn from our recent stories?

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    Roger Riddell/K-12 Dive
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    COSN '26

    These 4 tips are key for navigating new tech in schools

    From approaching change as a grieving process to building in time for training, two district technology pros share strategies at CoSN’s annual conference.

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    MartinPrescott via Getty Images
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    Do screens, scheduled activities crowd out imaginative play?

    Experts caution that screens can disrupt children's social development, but also point to ways technology can enhance imagination.

  • Linda McMahon speaks at a podium during a press conference while Karoline Leavitt, by her side, watches.
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    Win McNamee via Getty Images
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    The Education Department released new priorities for key programs. Here’s what to know.

    The agency is showing an increased interest in allocating resources to career and workforce readiness, educator training, literacy and artificial intelligence.

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    Layoffs, hiring freezes pick up in districts amid declining enrollment

    From Boston to San Francisco, districts are planning for sweeping staff reductions as superintendents face tightening budgets.

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    Chip Somodevilla via Getty Images
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    How the Education Department will prioritize AI in awarding grants

    A new final rule details a broad set of AI initiatives that will be given more weight in the agency’s discretionary funding programs.

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    First grants announced under Labor Dept elementary and secondary ed partnership

    The two grant competitions cover literacy in high-need areas and incentives for performance-based compensation for teachers and school leaders.