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.

Tell us about your school district’s rising leaders

We want to hear about the leaders driving innovation in your schools for our fifth annual spotlight on assistant principals and district administrators.

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?

Every state except one publishes chronic absentee data online

Still, only 17 states break that data down by grade, making it difficult to detect when chronic absenteeism is elevated in a particular age group.

Literacy is McMahon’s top priority. Senators ask, where’s the money?

The education secretary also answered questions about FY26 proposals for mental health, civil rights, college access and where this year's spending stands.

Updated June 6, 2025

Maryland turns to fired federal workers to solve teacher shortage

The state will provide $1 million for 11 universities and colleges to create online pathways for former federal employees to earn a teaching license.

Education Department eyes program cuts, consolidations in FY26 budget plan

The Trump administration says the proposal would make federal spending more accountable and flexible for states. Critics say it'll set students back.

Texas advances bills for Bible, Ten Commandments in public schools

A set of bills awaiting Gov. Greg Abbott's signature are among the latest in a wave of state legislation nationwide testing the separation of church and state.

Texas Education Agency extends Houston takeover by 2 years

Despite significant performance gains, the state’s largest school district still has progress to make against the intervention’s exit criteria.

More states adopt laws defining ‘man’ and ‘woman,’ adding to Title IX divide

Texas is set to become the 14th state to adopt such a law, with a bill passed last week awaiting Gov. Greg Abbott’s signature.

Vetting AI tools for schools? Consider these 4 pieces of advice

School district technology leaders advise being mindful of protections for student data and bias mitigation.

OCR opens race, disability discrimination probe into Wisconsin district

From mascots to admissions, the Trump administration is scrutinizing alleged race-based policies and practices in school districts across the country.

Harvard: Indoor air quality even more important in early childhood

Research suggests operators of childcare facilities, schools and community centers should place more emphasis on improving indoor environments.

Trump administration moves to slash education civil rights efforts

Equity Assistance Centers — created during desegregation to help schools address issues like bullying and prejudice — are among programs facing cuts.

Updated May 30, 2025

Judge dismisses ‘reading wars’ lawsuit against famed literacy specialists

The order cited the difficulty of determining educational malpractice in the case that challenged the lack of phonics in reading instruction.