These 4 strategies can help school leaders avoid IDEA lawsuits

"Leaders will be put on notice, but there's so much that happens before it gets to the point of due process," said Linda M. Gorczynski, a special ed lawyer.

By Naaz Modan • Feb. 18, 2020

Report: Special education in California an 'urgent priority'

The Policy Analysis for California Education findings come as Gov. Gavin Newsom seeks an additional $900 million in state funds for students with disabilities.

By Linda Jacobson • Feb. 18, 2020

Pre-to-3: NYC undertakes largest-ever expansion of universal preschool for 3-year-olds

Adding classrooms, experts say, provides more opportunities for mixed-age groups and special needs inclusion. But not everyone is happy.

By Linda Jacobson • Feb. 14, 2020

FRAC report finds 12.4M students received free and reduced-price breakfasts last year

School breakfast participation among low-income students flattened, while overall participation grew and school lunch participation decreased. 

By Shawna De La Rosa • Feb. 14, 2020

Lawsuit against Connecticut school boards claims transgender student athletes are 'displacing girls'

In other recent cases, like Gavin Grimm v. Gloucester County School Board, lower courts have sided in favor of protecting transgender students' rights under Title IX.

By Naaz Modan • Feb. 13, 2020

Report: Principals want more support to serve special needs students

The RAND Corp.’s latest survey of principals also shows those in schools serving more students of color are more likely to say they could be doing more for special education students.

By Linda Jacobson • Feb. 13, 2020

Report: Diversifying teacher workforce, linking preservice to later performance among 'high-priority issues'

National Academies research notes having same-race teachers benefits students of color, but also suggests all teachers should recognize the "assets students are bringing into the classroom."

By Linda Jacobson • Feb. 12, 2020

Ed Dept launches school safety clearinghouse

The site follows the recommendations of the Federal Commission on School Safety and was inspired in part by Parkland parent Max Schacter.

By Shawna De La Rosa • Feb. 12, 2020

Trump's proposed 2021 budget: ESSA overhaul, Title I cuts, CTE emphasis

The draft budget would cut key K-12 programs while funding private school scholarships in what one ed policy expert said is "educational whack-a-mole." 

By Naaz Modan • Feb. 11, 2020

Michigan governor proposes $1M to pay off school lunch debt

The state's senate majority leader has also introduced legislation that would make lunch available to all students for free, as the movement to end lunch shaming gains momentum across the country. 

By Shawna De La Rosa • Feb. 10, 2020

EPA mulls lead test changes in schools

A proposed rule wouldn't require states and schools to remove lead if found, and critics say it may create a false sense of security. 

By Shawna De La Rosa • Feb. 5, 2020

State of the Union: Trump pushes choice, private scholarship tax credits

"For too long, countless American children have been trapped in failing government schools," the president said. But educators say funds should be spent in public schools instead. 

By Naaz Modan • Feb. 4, 2020

Poll: Voters across party lines prioritize school safety, oppose public funding for private schools

"People are starting to see the need and the importance of their local schools," Chip Slaven, chief advocacy officer for the National School Boards Action Center, said of the results.

By Naaz Modan • Feb. 4, 2020

Four states receive flexibility under ESSA waiver program

Teacher licensing, staff development, class size and funding are among areas the states plan to address.

By Linda Jacobson • Updated Feb. 2, 2020

Texas poured nearly $1B into new special ed funding following IDEA violations

A new report highlights the state's efforts to serve more special education students in public schools after a federal investigation found it illegally capped services. 

By Naaz Modan • Jan. 31, 2020

Federal data shows student homelessness at all-time high

Eight states saw at least a 20% increase in the number of children and youth experiencing homelessness, and over a three-year period, the percentage of homeless students who are English learners increased 30%.

By Linda Jacobson • Jan. 30, 2020

Indiana district's discipline disparities rise despite $1M effort to address issue

South Bend's investment in a new department to curb racial discipline gaps hasn't paid off, but other districts are seeing success through training and investment in wraparound services. 

By Naaz Modan • Jan. 29, 2020

High school GPA 5 times more likely to predict college success than ACT scores

Despite mounting support for broader success metrics, standardized tests remain the primary benchmark for policymakers and colleges.

By Shawna De La Rosa • Jan. 29, 2020

Arizona board approves more flexibility for ELs under English-only law

A repeal of the law could go before voters this year, as experts and lawmakers have argued the requirement leaves English learners isolated and with less time for math, science, art and other subjects.

By Linda Jacobson • Jan. 29, 2020

Florida to roll out 'common sense' standards after dropping Common Core

Florida joins three states in successfully repealing Common Core, which officials blame for "flatlining" National Assessment of Educational Progress results.

By Naaz Modan • Jan. 28, 2020

Indiana district runs afoul of state officials with enrollment promotion

While marketing is increasingly important for public schools looking to differentiate themselves in a growing choice environment, there are right and wrong ways to go about retaining students.

By Roger Riddell • Jan. 28, 2020

Oklahoma weighing new rules around 4-day school weeks

Shorter weeks may attract teachers to districts, but the schedules also often burden families who must find childcare on the off day.

By Shawna De La Rosa • Jan. 28, 2020

Supreme Court hears case questioning public funding of religious schools

As justices heard oral arguments Wednesday in Espinoza v. Montana Department of Revenue, educators voiced concerns that the ruling could "undermine" public education funding.

By Naaz Modan • Jan. 22, 2020

Ed Dept launches OPEN Center to help prevent discrimination in schools

The move to support a more proactive approach comes on the heels of scrutiny from student advocate groups over the Trump administration's handling of complaints.

By Shawna De La Rosa • Jan. 22, 2020

More states expanding students' access to free school meals

A Vermont proposal to cover breakfast and lunch costs for all students is part of a growing response to the issues of lunch shaming and unpaid meal debt. But the debate over nutritional standards continues. 

By Linda Jacobson • Jan. 22, 2020