Policy & Legal: Page 2

Why student data remains at risk — and what educators are doing to protect it

Outdated laws, abundance of state rules and increase in ed tech tools add to the difficulty in protecting students' personal data.

By Kara Arundel • Dec. 14, 2021

Survey reveals financial shortfalls of school meal programs caused by pandemic

Districts need more financial help alongside extended USDA waivers to stay afloat, school food service directors say.

By Anna Merod • Dec. 13, 2021

Districts embrace test-to-stay policies as CDC explores effectiveness

Experts agree the approach, layered with other safety measures, can be a successful COVID-19 mitigation strategy for schools. 

By Anna Merod • Dec. 10, 2021

Supreme Court to decide on public assistance for religious school tuition

Carson v. Makin focuses on a small and unique tuition assistance program, but a ruling could either greatly expand or limit voucher-type programs nationally.

By Kara Arundel • Dec. 9, 2021

As omicron emerges, health experts urge keeping schools open

This academic year, 9,313 schools across 916 districts have already closed at some point amid staff shortages, teacher burnout or COVID-19 outbreaks.

By Anna Merod • Dec. 3, 2021

GAO: Hostile behaviors on the rise in schools

Changing OCR guidance caused hesitancy to file complaints, civil rights experts said.

By Kara Arundel • Dec. 2, 2021

States supplement ESSER funds with additional federal aid

The American Rescue Plan included a pot of money for education, but some states have decided to invest even more. 

By Naaz Modan • Dec. 1, 2021

Turning school boards into partisan battlegrounds benefits no one

Communities need to set higher expectations for school boards while equipping those elected to meet them, according to two veteran board members.

By Ethan Ashley and Carrie Douglass • Nov. 30, 2021

What can schools do to navigate the effects of long COVID?

Chronic post-COVID symptoms may qualify students for Section 504 and IDEA coverage or change their existing status.

By Katie Navarra • Nov. 30, 2021

Superintendent of the Year: Michael Hinojosa, Dallas Independent School District

Laser-focused determination to do what's best for students helped the Texas leader navigate public disputes amid an ongoing pandemic.

By Roger Riddell • Nov. 22, 2021

The K-12 Dive Awards for 2021

With community engagement, steadfast leadership and focus on students' social-emotional needs, these are the leaders shaping K-12 today.

Nov. 22, 2021

Will UC System's move to end undergrad admissions testing create more equity for high schoolers?

ACT pushes back on equity claims, saying the decision will "dim the prospects for students from underrepresented populations."

By Anna Merod • Nov. 22, 2021

Lawmakers urge fiscal accountability of K-12 ESSER funds

Nearly $200 billion in relief funding has been a lifeline to schools but also has the potential for mismanagement, members of Congress warn.

By Kara Arundel • Nov. 18, 2021

Early childhood education training needs investment, higher ed leaders say

A National Association for the Education of Young Children report argues systemic barriers prevent students from accessing these degree programs.

By Jeremy Bauer-Wolf • Nov. 17, 2021

GAO to Ed Dept: Update 2010 cyber risk plan, consider additional guidance

A new report calls for decisiveness in guidance on current cyber risks, identifying education as one of the nation's "critical infrastructure" subsectors.

By Roger Riddell • Nov. 15, 2021

School Meals Report Card calls for tighter USDA nutrition guidelines amid supply chain crisis

The report seeks a new standard with a "short timeline" to limit added sugars, and for a phasing out of harmful artificial sweeteners and synthetic dyes.

By Anna Merod • Nov. 15, 2021

Rural educators dispel myths, outline 4 strategies for equitable policy

Speakers at the National Forum to Advance Rural Education shared hope for the future of rural education and how to improve it.

By Anna Merod • Nov. 12, 2021

Lessons learned: How early education programs stepped up during COVID-19

NAEYC panelists said they relied on professional and operational standards even while changing practices in response to challenges.

By Kara Arundel • Nov. 11, 2021

Infrastructure plan would replace lead pipes in schools, expand internet

Congress leaves out specific funding for school modernization in legislation that's expected to be signed shortly by President Joe Biden.

By Kara Arundel • Nov. 9, 2021

OSHA: Employers have 60 days to mandate COVID-19 vaccines

It is a monumental — if expected — development for U.S. workplaces. But expect the news on the emergency temporary standard to move fast.

By Ryan Golden • Updated Nov. 4, 2021

Report: Testing requirements for lead in school drinking water remain hit-or-miss nationwide

Revisions to the Environmental Protection Agency's Lead and Copper Rule are expected to set federal requirements around testing.

By Shawna De La Rosa • Nov. 3, 2021

2021 testing participation varies widely — what will data mean for districts?

While testing experts are optimistic amid high participation in some states, they urge caution in interpretation, particularly at the local level.

By Naaz Modan • Oct. 29, 2021

E-rate recipients want expanded coverage for off-school sites, cybersecurity

The 11th annual E-rate survey from Funds For Learning finds further validation for efforts to close the homework gap worsened by COVID-19.

By Anna Merod • Oct. 28, 2021

What are schools doing to prepare for a childhood COVID-19 vaccine rollout?

Parental permission processes for on-campus shots may be the biggest difference in inoculating students ages 5-11 vs. older students.

By Kara Arundel • Oct. 27, 2021

Analysis: More families used child tax credit for back-to-school costs

The expanded program has provided some relief to low-income families during a time students are facing personal, academic and financial challenges.

By Naaz Modan • Oct. 25, 2021