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

Explore the Trendline➔

Top 5 stories from K-12 Dive

K-12 Dive has gathered some a selection of our best coverage from 2025 so far as a one-stop resource on the trends to watch in the months ahead.

By K-12 Dive staff

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

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

From mental health screenings at schools to the Education Department’s latest plans for special education, what did you learn from our recent stories?

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

Bellwether warns of school closures, consolidations ahead

The nonprofit's analysis suggests enrollment declines may have cost the nation's 100 largest districts $5.2 billion.

By Anna Merod • Aug. 7, 2025

Arkansas Ten Commandments law blocked in some schools by district court

The preliminary injunction halting a mandate to display the Ten Commandments in every classroom said the requirement is “plainly unconstitutional.”

By Anna Merod • Aug. 6, 2025

The post-COVID private school enrollment boom is slowing

Some 40% of private schools report increased enrollment between the 2023-24 and 2024-25 school years, a Cato Institute survey found.

By Anna Merod • Aug. 5, 2025

Illinois 1st state to require universal mental health screenings at schools

Under SB 1560, Illinois school districts will receive free resources to implement the new initiative for students in grades 3-12.

By Anna Merod • Aug. 4, 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

Did SCOTUS make it easier to sue schools for disability discrimination?

Special education legal experts say they don't expect a significant uptick in lawsuits in the long term from the Supreme Court’s A.J.T. v. Osseo ruling.

By Kara Arundel • Aug. 4, 2025

These 6 guidelines can improve equity in literacy, report says

Empowering educators and partnering with parents are just two recommendations from EdTrust for expanding equitable reading opportunities.

By Kara Arundel • Aug. 1, 2025

Justice Department targets ‘unlawful’ DEI in hiring, training

Districts could face legal liability for targeted recruitment or training on issues like "toxic masculinity," the DOJ guidance says.

By Naaz Modan • Aug. 1, 2025

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

From the Trump administration’s release of frozen K-12 funds to the Education Department’s AI priorities, what did you learn from our recent stories?

By Anna Merod • Aug. 1, 2025

Senate committee rejects K-12 grant consolidations in FY 26 bill

The bill, which now advances to the House and full Senate, recommends funding the Education Department at $79 billion.

By Kara Arundel • Updated Aug. 1, 2025

What can be learned from Texas’ surge in uncertified teachers?

The state is set to phase out uncertified teachers by 2029-30 after having one of the highest rates of underqualified educators in the nation.

By Anna Merod • July 31, 2025

Education Department tells states to seek waivers from ESEA

Some states have already requested flexibility through block grants, giving a glimpse into what more state autonomy might entail.

By Naaz Modan • July 30, 2025

Closing a school is never easy. Here’s how to communicate it with care.

In one South Carolina district, replacing a building came with the added challenge of preserving a segregation-era school’s history.

By Anna Merod • July 30, 2025

HHS: Fewer adolescents report depression, suicidal thoughts

The percentage of adolescents who had a major depressive episode dropped from 20.8% in 2021 to 15.4% in 2024, an annual survey finds.

By Kara Arundel • July 30, 2025

What will ‘big, beautiful’ school choice mean for public schools?

A new federal private school choice program is adding to existing pressure from state-led programs amid shrinking enrollment and funding.

By Kara Arundel • July 29, 2025

Another lawsuit challenges ICE policy allowing raids at schools

A January policy change by the Trump administration loosened restrictions on immigration enforcement in sensitive locations.

By Naaz Modan • July 28, 2025

More Americans support school cellphone bans

The uptick comes as research increasingly points to harmful effects for children and as laws proliferate restricting cellphone use in classrooms.

By Naaz Modan • July 28, 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

Unfrozen: White House releases remaining $5B for K-12 programs

The hold on the funds had drawn widespread rebukes from educators, lawmakers, parents and organizations — along with two lawsuits.

By Kara Arundel • July 25, 2025

Trump administration pauses Head Start immigration restrictions

The temporary stop, part of a court-approved agreement, also covers dual enrollment, adult education and CTE programs.

By Naaz Modan • July 25, 2025