The Latest

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    The K-12 outlook for 2026: How new federal priorities and funding challenges will stretch schools

    We’ve gathered our trends to watch over the coming year in one place to help you stay on top of the fast-evolving landscape.

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    towfiqu ahamed via Getty Images
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    GAO: Barriers keep schools from fully embracing assistive technology

    The federal government watchdog outlined how some districts use these tools to fit the individualized needs of students with disabilities.

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    Illustration: Cathryn Virginia for Industry Dive

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    STAFFED UP

    How the child care crisis could strain teacher retention

    Rising costs and fewer federal resources for the child care industry present more professional obstacles for teachers who are parents of young children.

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    Valerii Apetroaiei via Getty Images
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    Senators debate whether school choice harms or helps public schools

    Supporters of private school choice tout opportunities to innovate, while critics worry about the financial stability of public schools.

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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 congressional debate on private school choice to another district proposal to close some of its schools, what did you learn from our recent stories?

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    Kyle Little via Getty Images
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    Philadelphia proposes closing 20 schools in $2.8B facilities plan

    The move comes as the district has seen a slight increase in overall enrollment but ongoing drops in its traditional public schools.

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    Deep Dive

    3 trends that will shape ed tech in 2026

    School districts will need to be more critical of ed tech tools as vendors face more aggressive accountability demands this year, say K-12 tech experts. 

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    Schools could see the script flipped on who files discrimination complaints

    A lawsuit filed on behalf of White students over a Los Angeles integration plan could be the tip of the iceberg, education attorneys warn.

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    What supports do advanced English learners need?

    Researchers suggest English language arts teachers can use an array of strategies to help these learners hone skills to express complex ideas.

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    The top K-12 conferences to attend in 2026

    Whether you’re looking to brush up on leadership best practices, school policy or the latest ed tech innovations, these events are a great place to start.

    Updated Jan. 27, 2026
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    Sensory play can enhance crucial skill-building in young students

    From the touch of sand to the splashing of water, experiences that tap into multiple senses can help build intellect and regulate emotions, experts say.

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    Private school choice could ‘undermine’ special education gains, COPAA says

    A new report recommends that states inform parents of any education and civil rights that may be lost if they participate in a private school choice program.

  • An elementary school student and adult sit at a table in a classroom. They are looking at the inside of a book on the table.
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    Fly View Productions via Getty Images
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    Should dyslexia be its own IDEA category? These bipartisan bills say yes

    Supporters say the change would improve dyslexia identification practices, but critics worry it could delay interventions and lead to misidentification.

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    STUDY HALL

    What you need to know about private school choice

    State-led programs that use taxpayer funds for private school tuition have expanded rapidly. A new federal program will add even more options.

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    Week In Review: Bipartisan agreement reached on Ed Dept funding plan for FY26

    We’re rounding up last week’s news, from natural disaster best practices to policy and legal trends to watch this year.

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    Education Department halts effort to implement controversial anti-DEI letter

    The agency dropped its appeal of a court ruling against guidance aimed at ending race-based programs in schools.

  • A mental cabinet that has fire damage is open and inside are school lunch boxes.
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    Justin Sullivan via Getty Images
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    Natural disasters will happen. What to do before — and after — one strikes your school.

    NWEA’s playbook suggests that schools develop a recovery plan and build relationships with community groups before any severe climate event occurs.

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    Opinion

    For students with disabilities, the Office for Civil Rights is often the last line of defense

    Efforts to shutter the Education Department threaten to sever lifelines that protect students furthest from privilege and opportunity, writes one expert.

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    Tracker

    As student enrollment declines, a look at public school closures

    We’re tracking districts’ plans to shutter or consolidate schools amid enrollment pressure from falling birthrates and growing school choice.

    Updated 3 hours ago
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    Deep Dive

    4 education legal and policy trends to watch in 2026

    From civic education advocacy to religious public schools, here’s what K-12 leaders can expect in the legal and policy spheres.

  • A closeup view of a counselor's hands holding a clipboard while listening to a student who is holding a backpack in their lap.
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    How a California district embraces student-centered counseling

    A low-income district east of San Jose has become a “bright spot” for tackling absenteeism with an approach focused on data and student interactions.

  • People are walking outside on a sidewalk with the U.S> Capitol dome in the distance. On the sidewalk is a sign reading, "Closed due to federal government shutdown."
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    Anna Moneymaker via Getty Images
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    Bipartisan K-12 budget proposal would stall gutting of Education Department

    Senate and House leaders reject Trump administration plans to outsource management of Education Department programming.

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    Chip Somodevilla via Getty Images
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    Deep Dive

    Trump 2.0: A sea change for K-12

    From Education Department downsizing to a variety of legal battles, take a month-by-month look at how the federal approach to K-12 has shifted.

  • Three high school theater students share notes on a performing arts center stage.
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    The play’s the thing: How peer-to-peer mentoring in theater builds SEL skills

    Student theater can be a gold mine for promoting mentorship, confidence and creativity in a rushed, screen-oriented culture, one expert says.

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    bluestocking via Getty Images
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    Maine teacher makes math relevant with ‘fun-tivities’

    This high school educator is engaging students with a mix of inquiry-based digital projects and hands-on activities.