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

Black Michigan student sent to juvenile detention for failure to complete online coursework

A judge ruled the 15-year-old was in violation of her probation on previous charges, but experts say they've seen no similar cases and have raised concerns of systemic bias.

By Roger Riddell • July 15, 2020

NWEA: Rethink online assessments, student growth in wake of COVID-19

The nonprofit assessment provider suggests leaders invest in aligning with hybrid and distance learning, adjusting to ensure equity and transparency.

By Naaz Modan • July 15, 2020

Parents, teachers challenge school reopening decisions

Districts face mounting White House pressure to return to face-to-face learning, but there is pushback in certain areas against even partial reopenings.

By Naaz Modan • July 13, 2020

Watchdog report challenges Trump administration school safety recommendations

A report from the Government Accountability Office finds most school-targeted shootings take place in higher-income, low-minority areas.

By Naaz Modan • July 13, 2020

Will schools mandate COVID-19 vaccine or face liability?

Nearly all states offer nonmedical exemptions to vaccination mandates, and those will likely stay in place even if districts require coronavirus inoculation. 

By Naaz Modan • July 10, 2020

Trump threatens to withhold funds if schools don't reopen

Congress and state leaders counter that the president lacks the legal authority to withhold funding for federal education programs or force a reopening.

By Roger Riddell • July 9, 2020

Contradicting health guidance, White House pressures schools to reopen

National school leaders say the administration is ignoring thoughts on reopening and lacks details on how districts could cover extra expenses.

By Naaz Modan • July 8, 2020

Pitting mental health against safety, national leaders point to SEL in school reopening debate

Schools' ability to provide mental health support is taking center stage as some say it's not immediately feasible, while others say there's a middle ground. 

By Naaz Modan • July 8, 2020

Survey: Students relatively positive on distance learning, but obstacles remain

A YouthTruth survey of 20,000 students finds Black and Latinx students report more obstacles to learning, and female and nonbinary students experience more mental health struggles.

By Roger Riddell • July 7, 2020

'Notable' June job gains don't include public education employment

An increase of 70,000 local public education jobs was partially offset by 25,000 job losses in state government education. Private ed gained 93,000 jobs.

By Naaz Modan • July 6, 2020

Will climbing coronavirus cases derail school reopenings?

In a Senate committee hearing, lawmakers and health experts said while reopening schools is important, increasing COVID cases are cause for concern.

By Naaz Modan • July 1, 2020

Despite Espinoza decision's 'seismic shock' to public schools, context may vary by state

Tuesday’s Supreme Court ruling allows states to enact choice programs that include religious options, but it may not fully clear the path for them due to the specifics of state constitutions.

By Linda Jacobson • June 30, 2020

Supreme Court: Public money can be used for religious education

Writing for the majority in Espinoza v. Montana Department of Revenue, Chief Justice John Roberts said no "historic and substantial" tradition supports disqualifying religious schools from government aid.

By Linda Jacobson • June 30, 2020

States move toward waiving standardized tests for 2020-21

Some state and local superintendents and legislators are expressing a need for testing waivers — a potentially long-term change for high-stakes assessments.

By Naaz Modan • June 29, 2020

Ed Dept's final rule on CARES funding partially backtracks earlier guidance

In a final rule effective immediately, districts must choose between funding only low-income students or all schools, public or private, with CARES aid. 

By Naaz Modan • June 25, 2020

Chamber of Commerce report breaks down education, other opportunity gaps by the numbers

The compilation of research seeks to promote "targeted, data-driven, and sustainable solutions" to expand equal opportunity through policy and the private sector.

By Roger Riddell • June 25, 2020

Report: California schools see drop in suspensions for minor offenses

Rates have declined most for Black students, but Black and Native American students with disabilities still lose the most days of instruction, according to a Civil Rights Project analysis.

By Linda Jacobson • June 23, 2020

As states cut budgets, racial funding gaps between districts could widen

In a House hearing Monday, experts testified education cuts amid the fallout of the pandemic will likely disproportionately impact low-income districts serving students of color.

By Naaz Modan • June 23, 2020

A Supreme Court ruling keeps DACA in place for now — but what's next?

The possibility of a future challenge remains, and awareness is growing of the program's impact on tax revenues and district staffing.

By Naaz Modan • June 19, 2020

Amid concerns of widening equity gaps, Black educators suggest a starting point

While some students and educators are itching to reenter the classroom, superintendents report their Black students prefer to stay home in a culturally reflective and safe environment. 

By Naaz Modan • June 18, 2020

Supreme Court signals willingness to consider bathroom rights in LGBT job discrimination ruling

In a 2018 NPR Ed survey of 79 transgender and gender-nonconforming teachers, 56% reported facing harassment or discrimination at work. 

By Roger Riddell • June 15, 2020

Uncertainty persists around fall school meal distribution

Current USDA waivers are set to expire, complicating reopening as plans lean toward staggered schedules and concerns rise about a second wave of COVID.

By Shawna De La Rosa • June 15, 2020

Efforts to close digital divide top states' plans for emergency relief funds

States are also prioritizing training for teachers in deciding how to distribute a total of almost $3 billion for pandemic-related needs.

By Linda Jacobson • June 15, 2020

Alexander: 'Schools should plan for COVID to last at least a year'

A Senate education committee hearing Wednesday highlighted challenges schools face and the burden of additional costs while planning to reopen and bracing for more disruption.

By Naaz Modan • June 11, 2020