27 districts join Century Foundation school integration effort

Lack of progress diversifying student populations is the motive behind the grassroots effort to develop and share best practices among partners.

By Kara Arundel • Oct. 9, 2020

State ed chiefs rethinking accountability during COVID-19

Using old models is a "bridge too far" for 2020-21, one expert said, and an unprecedented year could mean performance and goal expectations overhauls.

By Naaz Modan • Oct. 7, 2020

District budgets, expenses in flux while in-person learning remains uncertain

Districts nationwide are taking measures to cut costs and incentivize in-person instruction, and experts say budget tumult is likely throughout the school year.

By Naaz Modan • Oct. 1, 2020

Ed Dept: Schools can prioritize reopenings for students with disabilities

Schools cannot base reopenings on students' race, color or nationality, and may violate federal laws if limiting opportunities for SPED students.

By Kara Arundel • Sept. 29, 2020

Ed leaders share best practices for reopening schools

In a Wednesday Education Department webinar, five leaders shared how their schools are working to gain public confidence and expand in-person learning.

By Kara Arundel • Sept. 25, 2020

Report: Teacher pay still lags peers in other professions by 19.2%

Despite a year-over-year improvement of 2.8%, teachers still made less in 2019 — and COVID-19 is further damaging the profession's appeal.

By Shawna De La Rosa • Sept. 18, 2020

Survey: 1 in 3 teachers considering exit, early retirement due to coronavirus

New teacher and parent surveys on attitudes toward reopenings come as the CDC issues an updated resource for weighing these decisions.

By Roger Riddell • Sept. 17, 2020

GAO report: Unclear federal K-12 coronavirus guidance concerning

The report follows a Center on Reinventing Public Education analysis that found 23 states and D.C. failed to give schools health guidance for reopening.

By Naaz Modan • Updated Sept. 22, 2020

Districts embrace in-person learning pods for marginalized students

After overcoming obstacles and intense planning, some districts adapted the model to expand opportunities in schools, churches and YMCAs this fall.

By Naaz Modan • Sept. 15, 2020

Most voters see digital divide as problem, want federal funds to expand access

Lack of home internet was a nuisance prior to COVID-19, but a new poll shows distance learning has increased urgency to connect all students.

By Shawna De La Rosa • Sept. 11, 2020

USDA makes right move to mitigate food insecurity with lunch program extension

Free school meals are a critical lifeline for low-income children and build a healthier nation long-term, the president of nonprofit National Grange writes.

By Betsy Huber • Sept. 10, 2020

Ed Dept decision on trans student-athletes could have broader implications

The unusual formal guidance is counter to a recent Supreme Court decision on LGBTQ discrimination in the workplace, and one legal expert said the department is sending "a very strong message to schools."

By Naaz Modan • Sept. 8, 2020

DeVos: States should 'rethink' assessment, consider competency, mastery-based assessments

In a letter, the education secretary told state ed chiefs the department would be "open to discussions" about flexibilities for alternative models.

By Naaz Modan • Sept. 3, 2020

For safety's sake, if schools must reopen, do the following at a minimum

A high school teacher and Yale University researcher urge great caution in reopening, recommending a long list of minimum COVID-19 safety standards.

By Gerard Bossard and Douglas Rothman • Sept. 3, 2020

NYC, UFT reopening deal delays school start, boosts safety

After a second delay, the district plans to resume classes remotely and return to in-person instruction in phases.

By Roger Riddell • Updated Sept. 17, 2020

DOL: No federal-approved leave for families choosing remote learning

The guidance accompanies two further updates about parents' eligibility for FFCRA leave as schools grapple with the coronavirus crisis.

By Katie Clarey • Sept. 1, 2020

Study: Only 8 states had distance learning plan at start of pandemic

Despite school closures in 2009 over swine flu, many districts didn’t prepare for an event that would shutter schools for months, research shows.

By Shawna De La Rosa • Aug. 28, 2020

Fast Forward: Will COVID-19 trigger shift from standardized assessments?

The role of standardized and high-stakes exams in K-12 is being debated nationwide amid renewed focus on equity and access in light of the pandemic.

By Naaz Modan • Aug. 27, 2020

USDA waiver impasse may hamper school meal distribution

The National School Lunch and Breakfast programs are still available, but not every child is eligible, and the pandemic complicates distribution and payments.

By Naaz Modan • Updated Aug. 31, 2020

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