Strangers in a strange land: Confronting the crisis at the border

The border crisis has put a spotlight on early childhood trauma, but this troubling issue isn't new.

Aug. 9, 2021

Court rules ADA protected school nurses' advocacy for students with disabilities

The two Kentucky school employees clashed with school officials and parents over treatment for two students with diabetes.

By Lisa Burden • Sept. 22, 2020

Flint settlement provides at least $9M in support for students affected by lead

Estimates have suggested as many as 12,000 children were impacted by high levels of lead in the Michigan city's water.

By Shawna De La Rosa • Aug. 21, 2020

Federal court clears way for new Title IX K-12 rule, takes effect Friday

Schools nationwide must adopt new policies and procedures by Aug. 14, but many are still preparing for the school year amid the coronavirus pandemic.

By Naaz Modan • Aug. 13, 2020

Despite Espinoza decision's 'seismic shock' to public schools, context may vary by state

Tuesday’s Supreme Court ruling allows states to enact choice programs that include religious options, but it may not fully clear the path for them due to the specifics of state constitutions.

By Linda Jacobson • June 30, 2020

Supreme Court: Public money can be used for religious education

Writing for the majority in Espinoza v. Montana Department of Revenue, Chief Justice John Roberts said no "historic and substantial" tradition supports disqualifying religious schools from government aid.

By Linda Jacobson • June 30, 2020

Supreme Court signals willingness to consider bathroom rights in LGBT job discrimination ruling

In a 2018 NPR Ed survey of 79 transgender and gender-nonconforming teachers, 56% reported facing harassment or discrimination at work. 

By Roger Riddell • June 15, 2020

Chicago Teachers Union sues district, Ed Dept over special ed requirements

Chicago Public Schools and the U.S. Department of Education contend the district's special ed teachers want to cut corners.

By Naaz Modan • May 21, 2020

AASA: New Title IX rules make administrators' jobs 'more challenging'

The Education Department on Wednesday released updated Title IX rules that increase K-12 schools' responsibilities for reporting and investigating sexual harassment and assault claims. 

By Naaz Modan • May 7, 2020

Title IX rules leave door open for schools to 'pass the trash'

While the Ed Department said it intends to curb the practice, legal experts suggest language in new regulations could feed into it.

By Naaz Modan • Updated May 11, 2020

Plaintiffs in two right-to-education cases celebrate 6th circuit court ruling

Those involved in a Rhode Island case will be watching whether Michigan defendants settle, ask for a full review of the decision or appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court.

By Linda Jacobson • April 27, 2020

Settlement reached in Detroit right-to-literacy case

The settlement follows last week's call by the state legislature for a full Sixth Circuit review and is said to resolve "all of plaintiffs’ claims against all defendants, and thus fully resolves this matter."

By Linda Jacobson • Updated May 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

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

Supreme Court to hear case educators worry could 'destabilize public schools'

Among top concerns is that a decision in Espinoza v. Montana Department of Revenue could “siphon off" already scarce public funds.

By Naaz Modan • Jan. 21, 2020

District judge temporarily blocks Texas takeover of Houston ISD

​The preliminary injunction hampers the state's plan to replace the HISD school board with a board of managers and prevents the state from intervening in underperforming schools. 

By Naaz Modan • Jan. 9, 2020

These court cases could shift the K-12 landscape in 2020

From a dispute over Houston ISD's state takeover to allowing transgender students to access bathrooms of their choice, these cases stand to significantly impact public education. 

By Naaz Modan • Dec. 19, 2019

Rhode Island student: 'I don't have civics education'

A lead attorney in the Cook v. Raimondo right-to-education case described Thursday's oral arguments as a lively dialogue before a sharp judge.

By Linda Jacobson • Dec. 6, 2019

Transgender students are 'winning in the courts,' require accommodation

While several lawsuits are pending, lawyers say an "overwhelming" consensus among the lower courts thus far suggests schools must protect transgender and nonbinary students' rights. 

By Naaz Modan • Dec. 6, 2019

Rhode Island right-to-education lawsuit to be heard in federal court

An attorney for the plaintiffs says the case could have an "electric effect" on public schools if it ultimately makes it to the U.S. Supreme Court.

By Linda Jacobson • Dec. 4, 2019

Supreme Court DACA case: Thousands of educators' livelihoods on the line

With SCOTUS deliberations starting Tuesday on President Donald Trump's rescission of the program, experts say ending DACA could have a "chilling effect" on K-12 students and educators. 

By Naaz Modan • Nov. 12, 2019

LA Unified joins legal fight against Juul

District leaders say vaping is contributing to student absenteeism and behavior problems as they join others nationwide in suing the e-cigarette company.

By Linda Jacobson • Oct. 30, 2019

NEA, National PTA support DACA in Supreme Court case

DACA has positively impacted immigrant students and educators, but its uncertain future leaves many in limbo, supporters contend. 

By Naaz Modan • Oct. 7, 2019

US attorney: States can't sue feds over lunch program changes

School lunch rules championed by former first lady Michelle Obama have been relaxed, but strict requirements aren't completely eliminated.

By Shawna De La Rosa • Aug. 30, 2019

Emerging teen health dangers spark lawsuits against Juul

School leaders need more information about the dangers of vaping so they can educate students and develop new policies addressing the issue.

By Amelia Harper • Aug. 15, 2019