Are chronic absenteeism interventions working?

An analysis from Rand and CRPE estimates 19% — or 9.4 million students — were chronically absent during the 2023-24 school year.

Publishing giants challenge book removals in Florida schools

A lawsuit alleges state law is leading to books that aren’t obscene being removed under the guise of “pornography,” violating the First Amendment.

Idaho Gov. Brad Little signs executive order challenging Title IX final rule

The order stands out from other approaches to derail the rule’s implementation, such as recent lawsuits and directives by state education leaders.

How can educators link esports to classroom learning?

Amid competitive gaming’s rise in popularity, teachers are seeking to engage students’ enthusiasm through links to STEM and specialized courses.

How a Pennsylvania superintendent factors community into innovation

For Matthew Friedman, prioritizing consistent communication is key to ensuring Quakertown Community School District can embrace future-ready learning.

Schools, colleges faced record-breaking year of ransomware attacks in 2023

There were 121 incidents found last year alone, according to an analysis by Comparitech, but researchers noted their findings “only scratch the surface.”

Kentucky middle school targets learning loss and trauma through aviation camp

Students visited an airport, explored a hot air balloon and launched rockets during the camp supported by a Louisville-based nonprofit.

Dual language immersion programs associated with more reading growth for ELs

Schools that lack such programs, don’t offer meetings with English learner families, and are overcrowded were associated with worse performance.

Teachers need resources for reading instruction, especially in older grades

Grade 3-8 teachers say nearly half of students always or nearly always have difficulty reading, according to a Rand Corporation report.

Schools prepare for a post-ESSER reality

Education finance and policy experts say that although severe, widespread fiscal cliffs are unlikely, student needs continue.

Some school districts are still hesitant to put out AI guidance

A Digital Promise survey shows only 25% of districts have released AI guidance. One California district leader shares why he’s reluctant to do so.

Florida education department, teachers union spar over teacher vacancy figures

While there’s disagreement over statewide teacher vacancy data, one policy expert explains how it can be an unreliable measurement.

Can AI ease teacher workload as a recruitment, retention strategy?

K-12 leaders and experts weigh in on whether AI tools have the potential to make teachers’ jobs more manageable and if that can ease staffing challenges.

Jury finds parents of Sante Fe High School shooter not liable

The negligence and wrongful death lawsuit comes amid other cases that have sought to hold parents of shooters responsible following mass shootings.

The key to reengaging students? Focus on content and durable skills

North Carolina’s state superintendent details how her state addressed a need to develop skills beyond traditional “technical” skills and academic knowledge.

11th Circuit deals another blow to Education Department’s Title IX rule

The latest order means states suing the agency have shown “a substantial likelihood” they will successfully argue the case.

Bills allowing chaplains in public schools gain steam

At least 30 bills introduced in 16 states since 2023 have proposed placing chaplains in schools as volunteers or employees.

California looks to build more teacher housing to boost recruitment, retention

Education workforce experts agree that raising teacher pay needs to be coupled with district incentives like affordable housing.

Teaching about history standards can provide critical thinking inroads

Having students consider the motivations behind what’s included or omitted in learning standards can broaden their analytical skills, one educator suggests.

Common App data shows substantial rise in minority student college applications

A predicted decrease in minority applicants has not materialized after the Supreme Court’s decision overturning race-conscious admissions.

What do schools need to know about AI paraphrasing detection tools?

Detection software can now spot text that summarizes generative AI, but one expert cautions against disciplining based on results.

Birth rates continued to decline in 2023

While teen birth rates are also down, the overall decline since the Great Recession stands to impact school enrollment and budgets in the long-run.

29% of LGBTQ+ students attend school with anti-LGBTQ+ policies

Students in schools with anti-LGBTQ+ policies report more negative experiences such as harassment and physical threats, Trevor Project data shows.

Education Department approves all requests to extend ESSER spending deadlines

States and districts with COVID relief spending extensions have an extra 14 months to liquidate funds.

Socioeconomic factors partially at play in racial achievement gaps

Educational policy solutions like adopting curricula that reflect diverse cultures could help narrow learning gaps, a Fordham Institute study concludes.