Character.AI, Google agree to mediate settlements in wrongful teen death lawsuits

The lawsuits “are tragic reminders” that AI chatbots aren’t safe for minors seeking emotional support, says a media safety expert.

School shootings dropped in 2025. Here’s what to know for 2026.

With school shootings reaching their lowest count in five years at 233, a school safety expert urges realistic prevention practices in the new year.

Increasing rates of student loneliness present challenge for schools

One researcher suggests stronger support for social-emotional learning is needed to address the issue for all students.

Week In Review: From Head Start to Texas teachers, K-12 hits the courtroom

We’re rounding up last week’s news, including ESEA waivers and key trends to watch in 2026.

Education Department data shows slight dip in public school enrollment

While the numbers of public school students and schools are marginally down, the number of public charter school students is on the rise.

Federal judge halts layoffs, anti-DEI measures at Head Start

Mass cuts and prohibitions on diversity, equity and inclusion put the program in an “impossible situation,” District Court Judge Ricardo Martinez wrote.

6 trends to watch for K-12 in 2026

Enrollment concerns, growing school choice competition, data privacy and new federal policy priorities are among a slew of challenges facing public schools.

DOL clarifies FMLA’s stance on travel time, school closure in opinion letters

While the law protects time spent traveling to appointments, it doesn’t encompass stops for unrelated activities, the labor department noted.

Iowa first state awarded ESEA waiver under Trump administration

While some say the waiver will reduce federal red tape, others are concerned about lowered standards and less accountability.

Should schools reveal students’ LGBTQ+ identity to parents? Teachers to ask the Supreme Court to decide

A legal battle in California could determine whether parental notification of student pronoun and name changes is constitutional.

Texas Education Agency sued over probes into teachers’ Charlie Kirk posts

Commissioner Mike Morath urged superintendents in September to report teachers who were critical of Kirk on social media, Texas AFT said.

New dietary guidelines: More protein, fewer ultra-processed foods

School meals must eventually align with federal nutrition standards informed by the Trump administration's 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

How to reacclimate students after winter break

Taking time to reestablish routines — and perhaps forge new ones — can help educators engage learners as school resumes.

Challenges persist for CTE programs, report finds

Some 40% of programs struggle to find employer partnerships, and 66% of CTE leaders say students lack awareness of options, YouScience data shows.

14M children lived in households with food insecurity in 2024

The Trump administration announced last year that the USDA would no longer produce future “redundant, costly” reports on household food insecurity.

Lawsuits challenge $60M cancellation of community schools grants

The complaints from the American Federation of Teachers and three state attorneys general cite the funds’ impact on rural and low-income communities.

Can schools handle federal calls for fewer ultra-processed foods?

Some 95% of school nutrition directors are concerned about the financial sustainability of their meal programs, School Nutrition Association data shows.

Government abandons RIFs impacting Education Department employees during shutdown

Here’s a timeline tracing the Trump administration's efforts to slash the U.S. Education Department's workforce.

Updated Jan. 5, 2026

CDC, following Trump’s orders, weakens US stance on childhood vaccinations

In a drastic decision made outside of its typical review process, the agency declared it would recommend 11 childhood shots going forward, down from 17.

Trump can order employers to pay extra H-1B fee, court holds

President Donald Trump can impose the $100,000 fine under the Immigration and Nationality Act’s “exceedingly broad language,” a judge ruled.

Tracking the Supreme Court’s impact on K-12 schools

We’ve gathered cases since the high court’s 2019-20 term to measure the justices’ footprint in schools.

Updated Jan. 14, 2026

Private school choice threatens public school experiences, says EdTrust CEO

Public funding for students and schools must be protected to preserve equitable learning opportunities, Denise Forte writes.

Pre-K teachers speak out about AI, instructional materials, training and pay in surveys

Rand research indicates teachers of young students want and need more training in ed tech, curricula and supporting diverse learners.

Cancellation of mental health grants ruled unlawful

A federal judge required the Education Department to reinstate the grants in 16 states and barred the agency from issuing new priorities for the programs. 

5 lessons learned from top school administrators in 2025

We’re highlighting key insights on ed tech adoption, remediation services, community engagement and more from this year’s conversations.