Week in Review: Education Department defines AI grant priorities

We’re rounding up last week’s news, from how special education fared in Trump’s budget proposal to more Bibles in the classroom.

By Naaz Modan • April 20, 2026

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

From a district saving money by “vibe coding” to new Education Department priorities, what did you learn from our recent stories?

By Anna Merod • April 17, 2026

Explore the Trendline➔

Top 5 stories from K-12 Dive

K-12 Dive has gathered some a selection of our best coverage as a one-stop resource on the trends to watch in the months ahead.

By K-12 Dive staff

Do screens, scheduled activities crowd out imaginative play?

Experts caution that screens can disrupt children's social development, but also point to ways technology can enhance imagination.

By Ed Finkel • April 15, 2026

Should the Bible be part of public school curriculum? The momentum is building.

A push for Bible instruction may become the next wave of curriculum policies sweeping through the nation, as more states consider such legislation.

By Naaz Modan • April 15, 2026

Appeals court OKs parts of Iowa’s sweeping anti-LGBTQ law

The decision is a blow to free speech and civil rights advocates, who have said such laws are discriminatory and lead to self-censorship in schools.

By Naaz Modan • April 13, 2026

Week In Review: Districts debate 4-day school weeks and explore ‘vibe coding’

We’re rounding up last week’s news, from the rescinding of Title IX settlements to the impact that pre-K has on enrollment in higher grades.

By Roger Riddell • April 13, 2026

Gallup: Gen Z growing more negative toward AI

Most respondents, including K-12 students, expressed concern that AI designed to speed up tasks would “make learning more difficult.”

By Natalie Schwartz , Anna Merod • April 10, 2026

Gaps in early childhood investment drive up K-12 costs

Disparities before age 5 are driven largely by housing and child care, triggering gaps that continue throughout childhood and into public schools.

By Naaz Modan • April 9, 2026

Why ‘Year 0’ is the most critical time in a curriculum rollout

Recent math deployments in New York and Philadelphia show the value of pre-implementation, research from the National Math Improvement Project says.

By Ed Finkel • April 8, 2026

What’s the key to solving the math deficiency equation?

A recent Bellwether report calls for a balanced approach amid stagnant and divergent achievement numbers.

By Ed Finkel • Updated April 9, 2026

We want to hear about your school district’s rising leaders

Tell us about the standout assistant principals and district administrators who are fueling achievement, positive culture and innovation in your schools.

By Roger Riddell • April 8, 2026

Week In Review: A $17.25M student data privacy settlement and the end of ESSER

We’re rounding up last week’s news, from AI’s use in reviewing books and curricula to diminishing returns for career and technical education.

By Roger Riddell • April 6, 2026

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

From superintendents’ average tenure length to the end of ESSER spending, what did you learn from our recent stories?

By Anna Merod • April 3, 2026

As AI enters book ban disputes, here’s what it means for school districts

Tools seeking to help districts get ahead of challenges have resulted in auto-flags for thousands books, from political memoirs to the works of Shakespeare.

By Naaz Modan • April 2, 2026

Should executive functioning be more thoroughly embedded in math curricula?

Cognitive flexibility and collaboration are among skills strengthened by the subject, researchers say.

By Ed Finkel • April 1, 2026

How scaffolding prior knowledge into new concepts can build engagement

Framing material in the context of what students already know can make it more relevant and culturally responsive, teacher educators say.

By Ed Finkel • April 1, 2026

CTE programs’ earnings boosts may diminish over time, study finds

Construction, transportation and manufacturing were associated with stronger wage returns for students, according to a Fordham Institute study.

By Naaz Modan • April 1, 2026

How educators can help students learn to navigate polarizing issues

A report from the Or Initiative suggests educators can use digital literacy and encourage civil discourse to support student dialogue.

By Ed Finkel • March 25, 2026

Grade 3-8 students need updated literacy skills supports, report says

The Advanced Education Research & Development Fund report offers insights into where older readers struggle and advice on how to help them.

By Lara Ewen • March 25, 2026

Week In Review: Outcomes-based ed tech contracts and K-12 policies in court

We’re rounding up last week’s news, from governors prioritizing special education to federal support for the science of reading.

By Roger Riddell • March 23, 2026

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

From ed tech negotiation strategies to Texas’ school choice lawsuits, what did you learn from our recent stories?

By Anna Merod • March 20, 2026

Why access to STEM must include students who learn and think differently

Designing STEM programs with neurodivergent learners in mind strengthens outcomes for all students.

By Kara Ball • March 19, 2026

How the new NYC schools chief plans to improve rigor and equity

Building a solid foundation for interventions and changing perceptions around math and reading success are among challenges Kamar Samuels faces.

By Roger Riddell • March 19, 2026

Classroom jobs: A way to build soft skills while saving teachers time

Roles can range from leading a class through a problem to returning papers to peers, one educator suggests.

By Ed Finkel • March 18, 2026

Science of reading gets nod from House panel in literacy grants bill

While lawmakers were united on advancing legislation supportive of phonics, another bill that would prohibit "sexually oriented materials" drew debate.

By Kara Arundel • March 18, 2026