50 States of Ed Policy: What could California's decision to delay the morning bell mean for other states?

A law delaying start times signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom earlier this month has stoked local control debates but could lead other states to follow suit.

By Naaz Modan • Oct. 30, 2019

NAEP 2019: Reading scores drop for US students, with mixed math results

Mississippi sees the most improvement at the state level, with the schools chief joking other low-performing states can no longer say "Thank God for Mississippi."

By Linda Jacobson • Oct. 30, 2019

Chicago teacher strike: Same as — and different from — LA's

Both strikes signal a "new era of union activism," one expert says, but bargaining with a mayor adds a different layer to the negotiations.

By Linda Jacobson • Oct. 28, 2019

EducationSuperHighway declares connectivity gap mission accomplished

The non-profit advocacy organization says just 743 schools remain to be connected to the infrastructure needed for digital learning.

By Roger Riddell • Oct. 25, 2019

West Virginia county targets poverty to boost achievement

McDowell County, among the nation's poorest, is one of many districts providing wraparound services to keep low-income students in school.

By Shawna De La Rosa • Oct. 22, 2019

Tallying numbers of students in poverty poses challenge for lawmakers

Under many funding formulas, accurately identifying students in poverty can determine school allocations and who receives the support needed to succeed. 

By Shawna De La Rosa • Oct. 18, 2019

As 'green wave' spreads, marijuana funds create new dilemmas for education leaders

Eleven states and D.C. permit adult recreational use, and more are expected to enact legalization laws in 2020.

By Linda Jacobson • Oct. 17, 2019

Roundup: Curriculum in state education policy

Before adjourning their legislative sessions, a number of states pushed bills around career and technical education relevance and bullying prevention.

By Naaz Modan • Oct. 16, 2019

Study: Black-white discipline gap predicts achievement disparities

Researchers note efforts to boost equity in discipline would likely have a positive effect on achievement and vice versa.

By Linda Jacobson • Oct. 16, 2019

'Free and appropriate': Special ed stakeholders work to make IEP meetings less one-sided

Improvement plans include federal funding for a technical assistance center to support districts in developing IEPs that "enable children to make progress."

By Linda Jacobson • Oct. 15, 2019

California first state to mandate later school start times

The state sided with parents and pediatricians on later starts for middle and high school students, with administrator and teacher groups opposed to the change.

By Shawna De La Rosa • Oct. 15, 2019

DeVos pushes charter school growth through opportunity zone initiative

A Thursday announcement revealed the Education Department is contracting with a Maryland firm to assist charter development in low-income communities.

By Naaz Modan • Oct. 11, 2019

Study: Black students face 'accumulation of disadvantage'

According to UCLA research, many factors affecting student outcomes lie outside the classroom but schools can help address a number of barriers to success.

By Naaz Modan • Oct. 10, 2019

Florida among latest to propose teacher pay increase to offset shortage

States and individual districts are getting creative with pay, perks and stipends to attract new teachers to the field and retain those already in place.

By Shawna De La Rosa • Oct. 9, 2019

Ed Dept allots $71.6M to boost proactive school safety measures

The funds will be dispersed under four grants focused on preventing violence by improving mental health services and school climate.

By Shawna De La Rosa • Oct. 9, 2019

Report spotlights DC school dress codes' disproportionate impact on black girls

As attire battles continue nationwide, the research is among the latest to look at how female students generally are subjected to stricter rules than male peers.

By Natalie Gross • Oct. 9, 2019

Report: States 'retreat' from including student test results in principal, teacher evaluations

National Council on Teacher Quality data shows 34 states still include test scores in teacher evaluation results, down from 43 before ESSA's passage.

By Linda Jacobson • Oct. 8, 2019

NEA, National PTA support DACA in Supreme Court case

DACA has positively impacted immigrant students and educators, but its uncertain future leaves many in limbo, supporters contend. 

By Naaz Modan • Oct. 7, 2019

3 things administrators should know as E-rate filing season approaches

A Texas dispute over school-owned fiber networks, options to close the homework gap and potential cybersecurity eligibility are among things to watch.

By Roger Riddell • Oct. 3, 2019

Ed Dept awards $123M in grants promoting STEM innovation

The Education Innovation and Research Program (EIR) funds will target underserved students and areas, including rural populations.

By Naaz Modan • Sept. 30, 2019

Trump administration emergency response guide calls for proactive hazard prep

The guide instructs districts to help schools customize plans to their local needs and includes a checklist of actionable items.

By Shawna De La Rosa • Sept. 26, 2019

Poverty impacts achievement gaps more than race

Research from The Educational Opportunity Project at Stanford University finds race is associated with achievement gaps because students of color are often concentrated in high-poverty schools. 

By Shawna De La Rosa • Sept. 25, 2019

50 States of Ed Policy: Where do top Democratic presidential candidates stand on K-12 issues?

With Joe Biden, Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders currently topping the polls, here's what we know about their plans for the nation's schools.

By Naaz Modan • Sept. 24, 2019

Most states earn a C in ALEC's choice-focused report card

The conservative American Legislative Exchange Council’s annual take on education prioritizes charter growth and policies supporting school choice.

By Linda Jacobson • Sept. 19, 2019

Roundup: Curriculum in state education policy

Recent state legislation nationwide focuses on including mental health and sexual abuse education in curricula.

By Naaz Modan • Sept. 18, 2019