Trump ICE policies create student trauma — but schools can help, researchers say

Recent enforcement policy changes are resulting in absenteeism, disengagement, and social isolation, according to psychiatric researchers.

By Naaz Modan • Aug. 12, 2025

Communicate budget uncertainty early and often, district leaders advise

Two school district leaders shared how they’re navigating a fast-changing federal policy landscape in a recent TNTP webinar.

By Anna Merod • Aug. 12, 2025

Explore the Trendline➔

Teacher and Staff Challenges

Federal policy changes are further complicating K-12 workforce challenges exacerbated by the pandemic, adding to debate over what’s needed to keep teachers and staff in the profession or bring them back.

By K-12 Dive staff

Week In Review: Enrollment concerns weigh on districts and Houston makes progress

We’re rounding up last week’s news, from school choice in special education to Atlanta’s plans to address empty seats.

By Roger Riddell • Aug. 11, 2025

ICE apprehends parent during morning student drop-off hours

The incident in California’s Chula Vista Elementary School District adds to other known incidents of ICE activity during school pick-ups and drop-offs.

By Naaz Modan • Aug. 8, 2025

UNITED ‘25: Principals explore solutions to pressing K-12 challenges

School principals gathered in Seattle in July to address a wide range of issues including chronic absenteeism and school safety.

By Anna Merod • Aug. 8, 2025

Florida district won’t rehire teacher in LGBTQ+ controversy over student’s preferred name

The veteran teacher, whose license was in jeopardy, settled with the state for a $750 fine and a year of probation, among other consequences.

By Naaz Modan • Aug. 7, 2025

‘Bold and necessary effort’: Atlanta Public Schools stares down empty seats

The district is considering everything from closing buildings and redistricting to consolidations and mergers amid a dip in student population.

By Naaz Modan • Aug. 7, 2025

Education Department eyes special education in school choice expansion

Increasing choice models will better help meet student and family needs, Diana Diaz-Harrison said at the OSEP conference.

By Kara Arundel • Aug. 6, 2025

Houston ISD reports zero failing schools 2 years after takeover

The improvements follow wholesale reforms in Texas' largest school district, though its state takeover will remain in place at least two more years.

By Naaz Modan • Aug. 5, 2025

Week In Review: AI, federal funding and ESEA waivers

We’re rounding up last week’s news, from guidance on “unlawful” DEI to how district leaders are navigating school closures.

By Roger Riddell • Aug. 4, 2025

Want a better society? Teach kids how to be exemplary citizens

Students must be equipped to focus on making the world a better place, not just on their own self-interests, writes a Virginia independent school leader.

By Autumn Adkins Graves • Aug. 1, 2025

The accidental facility manager: Robert Alemany

With a background in teaching and business, the private school facilities manager relies on people skills to meet his challenges.

By Joe Burns • Updated July 31, 2025

Week In Review: Funding freezes, enrollment concerns and cyberthreats

We’re rounding up last week’s news, from lawsuits against the Trump administration to St. Louis’ proposed school cuts.

By Roger Riddell • July 28, 2025

Test yourself on this week’s K-12 news

From potential school closures in St. Louis to ransom demands on schools, what did you learn from our recent stories?

By Kara Arundel • July 25, 2025

Strong budgeting, revenue flexibility key to weathering K-12 financial storm, says Moody’s

States are trying to offset the impact of reduced federal support, but their success is uncertain, according to a recent Moody’s Ratings report.

By Naaz Modan • July 25, 2025

Week In Review: Education Department cuts move forward and principals convene in Seattle

We’re rounding up last week’s news, from changes to federal oversight to a set of delayed Energy Department rules.

By Roger Riddell • July 21, 2025

Special educators call for more school mental health supports

Education Department data shows the ratio of psychologists to students is 1-to-1,065, much higher than the recommended 1-to-500.

By Kara Arundel • July 16, 2025

Keep special education with Education Department, former officials say

Officials from Republican and Democratic administrations told Congress of concerns about moving the programs and consolidating their funding.

By Kara Arundel • July 15, 2025

After 3-consecutive-year high, school shootings drop 23% in 2024-25

School shootings were also down in the first half of 2025 overall when compared to the same period in 2024.

By Naaz Modan • July 14, 2025

Week in Review: School choice, reading gains and looming policy changes

We’re rounding up last week’s news, from the “One Big, Beautiful Bill” to a pair of transgender athletics cases headed to the Supreme Court.

By Roger Riddell • July 14, 2025

Test yourself on this week’s K-12 news

From the “One Big, Beautiful Bill” to notable achievement gains in young students, what did you learn from our recent stories?

By Roger Riddell • July 11, 2025

‘Immediate harm’: Education Department withholds $6.2B from schools

Title funding for English learners, after-school programs and professional development are among the allocations unavailable to districts and states.

By Kara Arundel • July 1, 2025

How would Trump’s FY 26 budget plan reshape special education?

The White House says its IDEA budget proposal would be less complex and more effective. Critics worry about cuts and reduced accountability.

By Kara Arundel • June 30, 2025

For Denver superintendent, community is key in transforming schools

Alex Marrero outlines an ambitious plan to improve schools facing state intervention — and he wants to ensure all stakeholders are heard.

By Roger Riddell • June 27, 2025

Test yourself on this week’s K-12 news

From California’s lawsuit against the Justice Department to new research on children’s well-being, what did you learn from our recent stories?

By Anna Merod • June 13, 2025