Amended Verizon deal expands broadband access in California districts

The move follows Verizon's April commitment to a discounted rate on internet connectivity for up to 250,000 underserved students in the state.

By Roger Riddell • May 28, 2020

Report: Pooling school taxes would boost per-pupil funding almost $1K

While EdBuild's project began before the pandemic, leaders say policymakers now face the challenge of protecting the resources they have.

By Linda Jacobson • May 27, 2020

Districts seek distance ed ELL improvement ahead of fall

English learners lost instruction time due to the pandemic, and recent U.S. Department of Education guidance has reiterated schools must continue support during closures.

By Shawna De La Rosa • May 26, 2020

Chicago Teachers Union sues district, Ed Dept over special ed requirements

Chicago Public Schools and the U.S. Department of Education contend the district's special ed teachers want to cut corners.

By Naaz Modan • May 21, 2020

USDA waivers allow school meal sites to continue through summer

The School Nutrition Association is also advocating for passage of the latest federal relief bill, which includes $3 billion to cover child nutrition programs.

By Linda Jacobson • May 19, 2020

Few details emerging for use of 'emergency education' funds

While governors have flexibility in how to use the block grant, the amounts are paltry compared to how much some states are cutting their education budgets.

By Linda Jacobson • May 18, 2020

How feasible are school reopening plans for fall?

Common trends across reopening plans from prominent education, government and health organizations suggest doing so may be easier said than done.

By Naaz Modan • May 18, 2020

Report: Nearly half of principals considering leaving their schools

The final installment in a NASSP and LPI research project shows lack of recognition, competitive salaries and heavy workloads are partly to blame.

By Shawna De La Rosa • May 14, 2020

School closures changing districts' methods, terms for bargaining with unions

Amid the pandemic, unions and districts are renegotiating labor contracts to address long-term closures at an unprecedented rapid pace, but experts suggest collaboration may fizzle in the summer.

By Naaz Modan • May 12, 2020

Title IX rules leave door open for schools to 'pass the trash'

While the Ed Department said it intends to curb the practice, legal experts suggest language in new regulations could feed into it.

By Naaz Modan • Updated May 11, 2020

AASA: New Title IX rules make administrators' jobs 'more challenging'

The Education Department on Wednesday released updated Title IX rules that increase K-12 schools' responsibilities for reporting and investigating sexual harassment and assault claims. 

By Naaz Modan • May 7, 2020

Georgia may drop controversial teacher licensing test

The state is the latest to propose elimination of the edTPA, a performance assessment intended to set a higher bar for entering the teaching profession.

By Linda Jacobson • May 4, 2020

Triaging trauma: Community schools tap partners to address needs made worse by COVID-19

Leaders say this crisis "makes the case" for the community school model, but with state revenues falling, funding for expansion is unlikely.

By Kathryn Baron • April 30, 2020

4 states receive 'emergency education relief' funds

Part of the federal funding package passed in March, the block grant gives governors wide discretion to use the money for K-12 or higher education.

By Linda Jacobson • April 29, 2020

States weigh options for start of new school year

The nation's two largest teacher unions suggest strikes are on the table if decisions to reopen run counter to medical advice.

By Shawna De La Rosa • April 29, 2020

Ed Department IDEA waiver requests create need for 'clarity and certainty'

IEP meeting timeline and reevaluation requirements would remain untouched if Congress approves the request, requiring districts to find ways to continue providing those services.

By Naaz Modan • April 29, 2020

Impending recession likely spells layoffs for non-teacher staff

With ed funding still not at pre-Great Recession levels and a pandemic-induced downturn brewing, positions like counselors, aides and librarians​ could face the chopping block.

By Shawna De La Rosa • April 23, 2020

Report: Teacher pension debt is 'crowding out' funding for education

As the economy declines, states' unfunded obligations will only get worse. But experts offer five ways district leaders can respond to rising pension liabilities. 

By Linda Jacobson • April 21, 2020

Ed Dept: CTE programs can donate PPE to healthcare workers, hospitals

Alongside their educational duties, school districts are finding a variety of ways to pitch in during the coronavirus pandemic.

By Shawna De La Rosa • April 15, 2020

Maryland state senator pitches year-round school schedule

State Superintendent Karen Salmon said she's not sure what the school model will look like after coronavirus, but she's currently concentrating on remote learning. 

By Shawna De La Rosa • April 13, 2020

Ed Dept allows repurposing of federal funds for ed tech, PD in favor of distance learning

The waivers would carry over the previous fiscal year's funding in certain areas and remove restrictions on tech spending as ed leaders request more flexibilities and resources. 

By Naaz Modan • April 6, 2020

Would IDEA waivers benefit districts during school closures?

Some argue the term "waiver" is misplaced and that flexibility around timelines and budgets would allow districts to continue educating all students without fear of legal repercussions. 

By Naaz Modan • April 3, 2020

Ready for what? Postsecondary data on school report cards remains mixed bag

The Every Student Succeeds Act expects states to report college enrollment data when available. Which ones provide the most information on graduates?

By Linda Jacobson • April 1, 2020

States ease high school graduation requirements as coronavirus closures extend

More states are offering flexibilities around elective and even core credits to ensure seniors get their diplomas and move on to college despite closures.

By Naaz Modan • March 31, 2020

Report highlights need for new early ed public funding model as demand grows amid coronavirus crisis

A New America analysis envisions a financing system in which families pay roughly 40% of program costs for children from birth to age 5 and public funding covers about $82 billion.

By Linda Jacobson • March 26, 2020