K-8 reading scores see ‘sizable’ post-COVID gains in latest NWEA data

After years of stalled progress, researchers see promise for schools' pandemic recovery, the assessment and research group said.

By Anna Merod • Sept. 17, 2026

Wildlife biology centers can be valuable hands-on science resources

One such center in South Carolina that houses birds of prey offers learning opportunities ranging from conservation to policy and governance.

By Ed Finkel • Sept. 16, 2026

Explore the Trendline➔

Curriculum

Educators are exploring a variety of strategies to improve students’ learning experiences while continuing to navigate ongoing political disputes.

By K-12 Dive staff

San Francisco ethnic studies courses tied to academic, attendance gains

Students who took ethnic studies saw a GPA increase of 0.17 points, with the largest gains being in math and science, researchers found.

By Ed Finkel • Sept. 16, 2026

Rising Leaders: 10 standout assistant principals and district leaders you should know in 2026-27

These administrators are going the extra mile on school turnarounds, culture, student interventions and supports, and more.

By Roger Riddell , Kara Arundel , Naaz Modan • Sept. 16, 2026

Week In Review: Putting PISA in perspective

We’re rounding up last week’s news, from research on pre-K discipline to AI’s growing presence in schools.

By Roger Riddell • Sept. 14, 2026

Appellate court clears way for Oklahoma divisive concepts law

A divided three-judge panel ruled that it saw “no vagueness” in the concepts barred by the curriculum law, which plaintiffs argued was “overbroad.”

By Naaz Modan • Sept. 11, 2026

Test yourself on the past week’s K-12 news

From U.S. standings in international rankings to a tech company’s agreement on AI use in schools, what did you learn from our recent stories?

By Anna Merod • Sept. 11, 2026

How a Milwaukee private school tripled early grade reading proficiency

Leaders at Greater Holy Temple Christian Academy credit a structured literacy model that dates back to the 1930s for the dramatic gains.

By Ed Finkel • Sept. 9, 2026

Not enough students know about work-based learning opportunities

Proving the effectiveness of paths such as apprenticeships can help students know their options, writes an Urban Institute senior fellow. 

By Karen Gardiner • Sept. 9, 2026

From science to screen time: 4 key takeaways from the latest PISA results

Amid reading declines that included a 14-point drop for the U.S., researchers are looking at the role digital learning and AI may have played.

By Naaz Modan • Sept. 8, 2026

Week In Review: A historic social media settlement’s youth mental health implications

We’re rounding up last week’s news, from potential school closures in Portland to major AI pushback in two districts.

By Roger Riddell • Sept. 8, 2026

Test yourself on the past week’s K-12 news

From an increase in after-school activity participation to a major school system's AI pause, what did you learn from our recent stories?

By Kara Arundel • Sept. 4, 2026

High schoolers say school counselors emphasize college pathways — and not CTE

The findings come as career and technical education has gained traction and are “concerning” amid broader postsecondary shifts, a Rand report said.

By Naaz Modan • Sept. 3, 2026

Can AI adequately assess critical thinking?

Though the technology succeeds in evaluating students’ work for some components of critical thought, it falls short on others, research shows.

By Ed Finkel • Sept. 2, 2026

STEM in after-school programs sees ‘extraordinary’ growth

Still, 23 million children don’t have access to after-school programming and thus are missing out, an Afterschool Alliance report says.

By Kara Arundel • Sept. 2, 2026

Week In Review: Apprenticeships take prospective teachers to school

We’re rounding up last week’s news, from districts’ fiscal red flags to efforts to curb “passing the trash.”

By Roger Riddell • Aug. 31, 2026

Test yourself on the past week’s K-12 news

From fiscal “red flags” to artificial intelligence in school HR, what did you learn from our recent stories?

By Roger Riddell • Aug. 28, 2026

Michigan direct admissions program launches for high school students

Through MI College Match, students can get automatic college acceptance offers by uploading their transcripts to a free online portal.

By Laura Spitalniak • Aug. 27, 2026

Should Algebra 1 and geometry be blended into one course?

While a blended approach can reinforce connections across mathematics, NCTM President Latrenda Knighten warns educators must do so with care.

By Ed Finkel • Aug. 26, 2026

How a genocide education program equips California educators with skills, resources

A summer program hosted by the Jewish Family and Children’s Services helps teachers gain knowledge needed to meet a state curriculum mandate.

By Ed Finkel • Updated Aug. 26, 2026

Week In Review: Education Department issues Dear Colleague letters on discipline, tech use

We’re rounding up last week’s news, from an E-rate proposed rule to the latest on Ten Commandments laws.

By Roger Riddell • Aug. 24, 2026

Judge deals blow to Trump administration’s gutting of Teen Pregnancy Prevention Program

An "abstinence-only approach" led to "unreasonable or unexplained" grant cancellations, said the judge, but he stopped short of reinstating funds.

By Naaz Modan • Aug. 20, 2026

How ‘The Odyssey’ opens doors to storytelling and historical perspectives

The Greek epic’s box office success can provide an inroad for students to understand how people have used myth to explain the world around them.

By Ed Finkel • Aug. 19, 2026

Learning to craft personal statements requires dedicated time, encouragement

Educators should also be wary of artificial intelligence when teaching students to write high-stakes items like college essays or cover letters, experts say.

By Ed Finkel • Aug. 19, 2026

Week In Review: Unions sue over ‘professional’ degrees

We’re rounding up last week’s news, from the educational impact of extreme weather to chronic absenteeism data.

By Roger Riddell • Aug. 17, 2026