Week In Review: The special education population is on the rise

We’re rounding up last week’s news, from new interagency agreements to the State of the Union.

By Roger Riddell • March 2, 2026

District must pay $1.5M in Maryland opt-out case

The settlement in Mahmoud v. Taylor, which also includes court-enforced compliance, comes after the Supreme Court ruled in parents' favor last year.

By Naaz Modan • Feb. 26, 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

1 in 3 schools recovered in math or reading post-pandemic, NWEA reports

Schools serving high-poverty and historically marginalized students are less likely to have recovered — but showed the largest achievement gains.

By Naaz Modan • Feb. 26, 2026

How math logic puzzles can get students ‘proof-ready’

Sudoku and other puzzles can incorporate play and critical thinking skills, while easing students into solving standard math problems. 

By Ed Finkel • Feb. 25, 2026

‘First thing I’ve written in 3 years’: Students’ AI habits prompt teacher training, lesson design

Two educators who use artificial intelligence in their classroom combine prompt engineering, in-class assignments and guardrails.

By Ed Finkel • Feb. 25, 2026

Week In Review: Humanizing the superintendency, and lost instruction due to winter weather

We’re rounding up last week’s news, from the end of a 60-year-old desegregation case to a Texas district's proposal to close 12 schools.

By Kara Arundel • Feb. 23, 2026

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

From Houston’s school closure proposal to a January storm forcing districts to make up lost instructional time, what did you learn from our recent stories?

By Anna Merod • Feb. 20, 2026

How can districts improve dual enrollment?

Key factors for successful programs include thoughtfulness in determining goals and choosing the right partner for these courses, experts say.

By Ed Finkel • Feb. 18, 2026

Studying memoir can teach students how to tell their own stories

Reading about others’ lives helps students draw relatable connections — strengthening empathy and storytelling skills.

By Ed Finkel • Updated Feb. 19, 2026

Week In Review: Strategic staffing models and DC’s math gains

We’re rounding up last week’s news, from Title IX resolutions to the impact of E-rate expansion cuts.

By Roger Riddell • Feb. 17, 2026

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

From a large teacher strike to new Education Department guidance for using title funds, what did you learn from our recent stories?

By Anna Merod • Feb. 13, 2026

Solving for success: DC’s citywide effort to boost math achievement

Increased rigor, teacher supports, data analysis and lots of hard work have contributed to better math performance. But more work remains, educators say.

By Kara Arundel • Feb. 12, 2026

Reading aloud can boost students’ confidence and fluency

Elementary teachers should normalize mistakes, encourage partnering and reread familiar texts with students, experts say.

By Ed Finkel • Feb. 11, 2026

Gaps persist between impact and opportunity in youth civic participation

Local government leaders saw K-12 schools as the most valuable institution for positive effects on civic participation in a recent CivicPulse survey.

By Ed Finkel • Feb. 11, 2026

Week In Review: ICE on school grounds and FY26 education funding

We’re rounding up last week’s news, from new data on ransomware to tech accessibility rules.

By Roger Riddell • Feb. 9, 2026

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

From the Education Department’s FY 2026 budget to ransomware attacks on schools and colleges, what did you learn from our recent stories?

By Naaz Modan • Feb. 6, 2026

Some schools stress keyboarding skills as students become all thumbs

Educators say traditional typing practice is essential for standardized testing performance and future careers.

By Ed Finkel • Feb. 4, 2026

Dallas school’s vocabulary program TIPs English learners toward success

Deep-dive data analysis helped educators identify issues and arrive at “text, information, picture” charts as a solution.

By Ed Finkel • Feb. 4, 2026

FAFSA completions for class of 2026 outpacing last year’s

The U.S. Department of Education points to an earlier form release date and streamlined user process for the increase in federal financial aid applications.

By Kara Arundel • Feb. 2, 2026

Week in Review: Teachers’ child care stresses and special ed solutions

We’re rounding up last week’s news, from student protests over violent immigration enforcement actions to a proposed IDEA disability category.

By Kara Arundel • Feb. 2, 2026

The K-12 outlook for 2026: How new federal priorities and funding challenges will stretch schools

We’ve gathered our trends to watch over the coming year in one place to help you stay on top of the fast-evolving landscape.

By Roger Riddell • Jan. 30, 2026

GAO: Barriers keep schools from fully embracing assistive technology

The federal government watchdog outlined how some districts use these tools to fit the individualized needs of students with disabilities.

By Kara Arundel • Jan. 30, 2026

Sensory play can enhance crucial skill-building in young students

From the touch of sand to the splashing of water, experiences that tap into multiple senses can help build intellect and regulate emotions, experts say.

By Ed Finkel • Jan. 28, 2026

What supports do advanced English learners need?

Researchers suggest English language arts teachers can use an array of strategies to help these learners hone skills to express complex ideas.

By Ed Finkel • Jan. 28, 2026

Week In Review: Bipartisan agreement reached on Ed Dept funding plan for FY26

We’re rounding up last week’s news, from natural disaster best practices to policy and legal trends to watch this year.

By Roger Riddell • Jan. 26, 2026