6 trends that will shape K-12 in 2025

Strained budgets, cybersecurity threats, book bans and artificial intelligence are among the bevy of challenges for school leaders to navigate.

School shootings in 2024 fell just below prior year’s record high

One researcher predicts that about 30 school shootings could occur in January 2025, with most likely to result from fights that escalate.

Education-related ransomware attacks worldwide fell in 2024

Last year's ransomware attack counts will likely rise as more incidents are confirmed in the coming months, according to Comparitech.

Congress extends Autism CARES Act for 5 more years

The federal law will provide nearly $2 billion for research, training and services, including for early detection and interventions.

Test yourself on this week’s K-12 news

From the Education Department’s withdrawal of a proposed rule to the latest school shooting data trends, what did you learn from our recent stories?

ACLU warns Louisiana superintendents not to post Ten Commandments in classrooms

Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill had advised district leaders not impacted by a lawsuit to display the commandments per a new state law.

Mental health crisis demands greater coordination between schools, pediatricians

Increased access to youth behavioral health and substance abuse services is needed, says a report from the Bipartisan Policy Center.

Can advancing all 9th graders to algebra improve math outcomes?

A California district found that higher expectations for low-performing students boosted math achievement, according to a recent study.

How to help students understand where food comes from — and the role tech plays

From Adopt A Cow programs to getting hands-on with crops, a variety of resources can illustrate how food gets from farm to shelf.

House Republicans prioritize bill to restrict transgender students’ sports participation

Lawmakers reintroduced a proposal that would prevent transgender girls from competing on sports teams aligning with their gender identity.

Principal, administrator unions rising steadily since COVID

As more school leaders are joining unions for the first time, some in large school systems like LAUSD are looking to strengthen bargaining power.

ESA programs getting underway in Alabama, Louisiana

The new state programs come as private school choice initiatives continue to gain traction and as a choice-friendly administration enters the White House.

How a New Jersey principal is tackling middle school literacy gaps

Thelma Ramsey-Bryant and her team have worked to make remedial reading tasks feel age-appropriate and to identify connections to student behavior.

Supply chain woes appear to ease for school nutrition programs

The U.S. Department of Agriculture reports that school food service authorities continue to deal with staffing challenges and financial sustainability.

Trump wants to nix the Education Department. He should rebrand it instead.

The president-elect should reimagine the agency as the Department of American Competitiveness, one communications expert argued. 

Ed Dept pulls school-based Medicaid proposed rule

Supporters had said they hoped a new rule would reduce schools’ paperwork burdens and increase reimbursements.

19% jump in Community Eligibility Provision participation expands free school meals

Half of all National School Lunch Program schools now use the program that lets low-income schools serve meals to all students at no cost, FRAC found.

How does exclusionary discipline affect student mental health?

Suspensions and expulsions can lead to higher rates of depression through early adulthood, according to research from the University of Arkansas.

California district-college partnerships tackle teacher shortage for transitional kindergarten

A state law requiring all districts to provide the bridge year means that more educators are needed to staff these classrooms.

What you need to know about Title IX

The federal civil rights law barring sex discrimination in schools is a frequent target of policy ping-pong between presidential administrations.

5 insights from top school administrators in 2024

We’ve highlighted key takeaways on parent engagement, student voice, pursuing change and more from this year’s conversations.

Jimmy Carter, who oversaw the Education Department’s creation, dies at age 100

Before a private interment in Plains, Georgia, there will be public observances in Atlanta and Washington, D.C., according to The Carter Center.

Education Department withdraws proposed Title IX athletics rule

The administration cited legal challenges and public comment in pulling the controversial regulation as the presidency is about to change hands.

High school graduation rates held steady in 2022-23

However, average rates showed racial and ethnic disparities, according to newly released National Center for Education Statistics data.

3 K-12 staffing lessons learned in 2024

Schools continue to navigate persistent workforce challenges, including a shortage of special education teachers and gaps in diversity.