Teacher pension debt spurs ‘hidden’ cuts for schools, survey says

Since 2001, pension costs have ballooned 220% while K-12 budgets have risen just 33%.

States balance supports and discipline to address troubling student behaviors

A host of proposals and new laws aim to allow or ban corporal punishment, remove violent students from classrooms, and restrict preschool suspensions.

Debate intensifies over national school choice proposal

Those denouncing the plan say it would harm public schools. Proponents contend it would help more students thrive through educational opportunities.

1 in 3 Americans recommend trade school for high school graduates

“The time has come to radically rethink how we’re preparing America’s future workforce,” the American Staffing Association’s CEO said.

Unanimous SCOTUS ruling raises schools’ liability in disability cases

The decision in favor of a student with epilepsy overturns a higher burden of proof for students and families in disability disputes.

Updated June 12, 2025

California ed chief tells Trump: ‘Keep your hands off our kids’

Incidents including a flash-bang grenade-induced lockdown and a 4th grader's removal to Texas have the state's schools on high alert.

Over 1,200 California K-12 staff laid off so far before the new school year

The sweeping layoffs were reported by the California Teachers Association and come as districts statewide face budget challenges and declining enrollment.

For more consumers, back-to-school shopping starts now

Many parents consider this year to be “financially challenging” or “stressful,” in part due to price hikes, according to a survey. 

Want greater Algebra I success? Supplement foundational skills

Identifying students’ existing skills and tailoring support for both grade-level and prior skills is crucial for effective interventions, a new study says.

Updated June 13, 2025

Florida law will require K-12 schools to teach disability history

While it's a step toward inclusion and awareness, one expert says, educators should be mindful of language in the bill that might leave some topics out.

California sues Justice Department over threats on transgender sports policy

The federal agency warned some school districts last week that they faced "legal liability" if they followed California law.

House lawmakers find consensus on benefits of school cellphone bans

State and district policies have led to lower student discipline rates, better teacher retention and more effective instructional time, witnesses told a subcommittee.

Former school district facilities chief directed $2M in HVAC work to shell company, DA alleges

The former Lawrence Union Free School District facilities director resigned after reportedly steering money to himself with the help of an accomplice.

Children’s well-being shows both progress and setbacks, Kids Count finds

The annual Annie E. Casey Foundation report found higher graduation rates and lower childhood poverty. However, more teens are not in school or working.

How to turn hope into action for student success

An Illinois superintendent shares how she uses a strategic system built on habits, optimism, passion and excellence.

Elementary school bocce team wins more than medals in Special Olympics competition

Students with and without disabilities from Washington, D.C.’s Barnard Elementary School gained skills in acceptance, inclusion and teamwork.

Trump administration appeals pause on Education Department cuts to SCOTUS

The 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals agreed with a lower court that efforts to reduce the agency's workforce must stop while the dispute works its way through the courts.

Updated June 6, 2025

Virginia enacts ban on school cellphone use, limits on social media

In Florida, a similar, stricter law banning social media use for children under 14 years old hit a roadblock in district court.

3 takeaways from OCR nominee’s Senate confirmation hearing

Kimberly Richey, who served as acting head of the Office for Civil Rights in the first Trump administration, addressed questions on higher caseloads, Title IX and more.

Trump pause on visa appointments worries districts relying on foreign teachers

Though the disruption is expected to be temporary, one rural leader fears it will delay her new hires from arriving in the U.S. in time for the new school year.

Teachers concerned about student literacy rates and want better support

Teachers reported in a Nemours Children’s Health survey that only half of K-3 students on average enter the classroom reading at grade level.

DOJ warns California districts of ‘legal liability’ in transgender athletic policies

The agency sent a letter to districts after a transgender athlete won gold in a state high school track and field competition over the weekend.

How can states improve math prep for teachers?

Alabama was the only state to earn a “strong” rating from the National Council on Teacher Quality for its strategy to improve math instruction.

More teens lean toward alternative postsecondary options

School counselors recognize stigma remains for these options but say it’s important that students understand available nondegree pathways.

Updated June 5, 2025

Test yourself on this week’s K-12 news

From the Education Department’s latest budget proposal to a visa appointment pause’s impact on K-12, what did you learn from our recent stories?