Policy & Regulation: Page 3

PDK Poll: Teacher recruitment, pre-K among parents' top policy priorities

Six in 10 respondents in the annual poll of U.S. adults called public education "extremely" or "very" important in their 2020 election decisions.

By Roger Riddell • Aug. 26, 2020

Summer Reading: COVID-related exits, potential layoffs complicate K-12 jobs landscape

Risk of coronavirus exposure and shifting budgets are poised to worsen shortages and make hiring more difficult.

Aug. 25, 2020

Ed Dept CARES decision could alter how school districts allocate funds

The department said it will back down on its interim final rule, but that it would still "aggressively" monitor whether districts aid private schools. 

By Naaz Modan • Updated Sept. 28, 2020

Flint settlement provides at least $9M in support for students affected by lead

Estimates have suggested as many as 12,000 children were impacted by high levels of lead in the Michigan city's water.

By Shawna De La Rosa • Aug. 21, 2020

State of American Education: Issues of equity, reopenings, budgets loom large

In a Wednesday NASSP webinar, administrators and policymakers expressed concern about educator attrition and called for more representative curriculum.

By Roger Riddell • Aug. 20, 2020

Justice Department says school resource officers could prevent school shootings

The new department report conflicts with studies showing SROs have little or no impact on school safety or preventing school violence. 

By Naaz Modan • Aug. 14, 2020

Funding for school facility improvements a requirement for safe reopening

Officials from four organizations call for Congress to allocate $10 billion for repairs and $25 million for technical assistance on ventilation and air quality.

By Elizabeth Beardsley, Scott Brown, Mary Filardo and David Terry • Aug. 13, 2020

Federal court clears way for new Title IX K-12 rule, takes effect Friday

Schools nationwide must adopt new policies and procedures by Aug. 14, but many are still preparing for the school year amid the coronavirus pandemic.

By Naaz Modan • Aug. 13, 2020

Rural schools wrestle with infrastructure challenges during reopening

Aging buildings could stand in the way of following COVID-19 health and safety guidelines as many rural schools return to in-person instruction.

By Naaz Modan • Aug. 12, 2020

From tents to bus rides: Social distancing in school reopening plans

Safety measures and logistics will stretch already tight budgets as districts weigh staggered schedules, outdoor lessons and more.

By Katie Navarra • Aug. 11, 2020

New guide aims to help schools navigate privacy concerns for students with disabilities

The Future of Privacy Forum and National Center for Learning Disabilities unveiled a downloadable resource for navigating privacy law minefields during distance and hybrid learning.

By Roger Riddell • Aug. 5, 2020

Researchers: State budget cuts feed declines in test scores, achievement

The Great Recession spurred a "lost decade" of achievement, so states must prioritize ed spending after the coronavirus-induced recession, experts say. 

By Naaz Modan • Aug. 5, 2020

Summer Reading: Curricular approaches adapt ahead of uncertain school year

Districts nationwide have adopted a variety of best practices for distance and hybrid learning since COVID-19 forced online transitions in spring.

Aug. 4, 2020

How NYC schools will handle positive COVID-19 cases

Safety protocols for the nation's largest school system include only opening buildings if the city's infection rate is below 3%, contact tracing and regular teacher testing.

By Naaz Modan • July 31, 2020

Funds tied to reopening 'frustrating' educators, likely to be challenged

Amid White House threats to withhold funding if school buildings don't reopen, Senate Republicans and some states also want to tie funding to students and teachers physically in classrooms.

By Naaz Modan • July 31, 2020

Schools shifted chronic absenteeism strategies amid closures

While chronic absenteeism was an ongoing issue prior to COVID-19, school building closures only compounded the need to reach underserved students. 

By Shawna De La Rosa • July 31, 2020

'Safety strikes' threat raises pressure on superintendents making reopening calls

Superintendents are concerned for teachers, but the executive director of AASA, The School Superintendents Association said there's "not much" they can do if forced to reopen schools.

By Naaz Modan • July 29, 2020

Ed Dept official: Don't expect testing waivers this year

Some states are already requesting waivers so instruction time can be spent on social-emotional support and catching up on missed curriculum.

By Shawna De La Rosa • July 27, 2020

GAO report: Two-thirds of nation's schools lag on accessibility

Schools cited a lack of outreach, funding, assistance and guidance on the Americans With Disabilities Act as barriers to compliance.

By Naaz Modan • July 27, 2020

Report: 16.9M students still lack home internet access

New data from Future Ready Schools highlights the extent to which the homework gap hinders students, calling for Congress to invest $6.8 billion.

By Roger Riddell • July 23, 2020

NASBE policy update finds trends in reopening plans

Engagement with key stakeholders, tiered approaches and priority for equity are among commonalities across states, the association reports.

By Roger Riddell • July 22, 2020

Infectious disease experts identify coronavirus safety measures for reopening schools

In National PTA webinar, one doctor said states need to see "significant reductions, a downward trend for at least a few weeks" before safe reopening can occur.

By Roger Riddell • July 21, 2020

Refreshing staff on FERPA essential as districts implement COVID-19 screening

Discouraging gossip and clarifying the ins and outs of who can receive what information is critical to remain compliant with student privacy law, experts say.

By Shawna De La Rosa • July 20, 2020

COVID-19 language in waivers for extracurriculars heighten reopening safety concerns

Questions of liability and safety hang heavy over schools amid pressure from the federal government and some states for in-person learning and activities.

By Naaz Modan • July 16, 2020

More robust coronavirus guidelines needed to protect high-risk educators

Specific recommendations for protecting teachers and staff from COVID-19 during in-person instruction have been slow to emerge.

By Katie Navarra • Updated July 16, 2020