Test yourself on this week’s K-12 news

From registered teacher apprenticeships to the potential impacts of cutting SNAP and Medicaid for schools, what did you learn from our recent stories?

Lawmakers, judge push back on Education Department’s gutting, citing inefficiency

In a letter earlier this month, Democratic lawmakers highlighted funding delays in programs including Title I-A and the Rural Education Achievement Program.

How a Tennessee district is using AI to close literacy gaps

The technology is helping Sumner County teachers provide more direct attention to students, says Director of Schools Scott Langford.

Education Department investigates Virginia school’s admissions policy for discrimination

The federal review began after the state found "reasonable cause" that Fairfax County Public Schools violated the Virginia Human Rights Act and Title VI.

Teens more acutely aware of social media’s impact on mental health

Some 48% of U.S. teens surveyed told Pew Research Center that social media had a mostly negative effect on their peers — up 16 points from 2022. 

Building student-teacher connections can boost middle school success

Encouraging open communication in the classroom and talking to students about what they need are crucial support strategies, one expert says.

Cuts to Medicaid, SNAP could hinder student access to free school meals

Under the House’s proposed cuts, schools could see fewer federal dollars go toward universal meal efforts like CEP and statewide programs.

Is federal support waning for registered teacher apprenticeships?

Advocates question the Trump administration’s workforce priorities amid the Labor Department’s cancellation of a $12 million contract to accelerate the model.

Updated 3 hours ago

Private school choice opponents say tax plan harms public schools

The proposed Educational Choice for Children Act would pay a 100% tax credit to people who donate toward public, private and religious school expenses.

‘A shell of itself’: Federal judge pauses efforts to wind down Education Department

Public school supporters praise the ruling, while the agency promises to immediately challenge the preliminary injunction.

Oklahoma religious charter remains blocked in SCOTUS split

The deadlock upholds a state supreme court ruling that the virtual charter’s creation would violate Oklahoma's constitution and the First Amendment.

Updated May 22, 2025

3 things to know from Linda McMahon’s FY 2026 testimony

The education secretary fielded questions on Capitol Hill about school choice, literacy achievement and closing the Education Department.

College student charged in connection with PowerSchool data breach

A 19-year-old in Massachusetts agreed to plead guilty for allegedly hacking and extorting the company for $2.85 million after stealing student and teacher data.

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.

Ed tech venture funding market continued to tighten in Q1

Just $410 million in venture capital was invested in the space so far in 2025, furthering a post-pandemic dip.

Reach for the STARS: Smithsonian program brings telescopes, STEM opportunities to rural schools

The donor-funded initiative aims to bridge resource gaps in rural communities and will launch this fall in Arizona before expanding to other states.

As attention spans shrink, 4 ways educators can keep students engaged

Incorporating active learning techniques like check-in questions and breaks can help ground students amid distractions.

California agrees to include religious schools as special education placements

Plaintiffs say the settlement is a "win for religious liberty," but public school advocates are concerned about the use of tax dollars for religious education.

How can school leaders smooth student transitions to middle, high school?

Consistent and constant information about what to expect is key to easing students’ uncertainty as they take their next academic step, experts say.

School districts’ cost recovery options for facility rentals could expand in California

AB 503 would restore an expanded definition of “direct costs” eligible for recovery through facility rental fees, which could help shore up district finances.

Specialized charter schools need to ensure inclusive practices, report says

While these schools can tailor instruction for specific disabilities, they must also provide inclusive opportunities, the Center for Learner Equity says.

Trump signs Take It Down Act, making illicit deepfakes a criminal act

The bipartisan measure takes aim at sexually explicit images generated by artificial intelligence, an issue increasingly impacting students and schools.

Updated May 19, 2025

Despite growth, average teacher salaries lag behind inflation

Adjusted for inflation, teachers are making 5% less on average than a decade ago, according to a report from the National Education Association.

Legal defense fund will seek to fill gap left by OCR reduction

Set to launch in the fall, the fund backed by National Center for Youth Law aims to defend students’ rights in court and track civil rights data.

How much does chronic absenteeism cost communities?

A study of how attendance, discipline and other factors impact economics in California offers insights for school communities nationwide.