Equity in IDEA: Why racial disparities are increasing in special ed programs

A nearly 100% increase in the number of districts identified as significantly disproportionate is causing school leaders to examine data and practices.

By Kara Arundel , Shaun Lucas , Julia Himmel • July 31, 2023

Pop Quiz: Test yourself on this week’s K-12 news

From an Ed Department noncompliance update to a student data privacy lawsuit, what did you learn from our stories the week of July 24?

By Anna Merod • July 28, 2023

Bipartisan Senate bill aims to expand tutoring access

To spread high-dosage tutoring to underserved areas, the proposal would fund a $500 million grant program for innovative partnerships on these services.

By Anna Merod • July 28, 2023

Title I, IDEA would see FY24 increases under Senate Appropriations Committee plan

Lawmakers also reached compromises to raise spending for child care, early learning and Pell Grants.

By Kara Arundel • July 27, 2023

Teachers challenge Tennessee’s ‘divisive concepts’ law

A lawsuit claims one of the nation’s earliest laws on discussing race in classrooms is vague and puts teachers at “unfair risk.”

By Naaz Modan • July 27, 2023

House subcommittee examines causes, solutions for pandemic learning losses

Lawmakers, panelists cited a wide range of reasons for drops in achievement, including teacher unions, systemic underinvestment in public ed and politics.

By Kara Arundel • July 27, 2023

On the chopping block: The looming threat to America’s educational system

A middle school principal writes that elected officials’ words and actions don’t align when it comes to the importance of investing in the nation’s youth.

By Suzan Harris • July 27, 2023

Nearly a third of transgender youth affected by school athletic bans

A total of 22 states now prohibit transgender students from playing on teams aligning with their gender identities.

By Naaz Modan • July 26, 2023

Summer meals program participation plummeted in 2022

Even with the drop, more students were served in July 2022 compared to pre-pandemic levels, according to a Food Research and Action Center report.

By Anna Merod • July 26, 2023

Ed Dept updates guidance on special ed noncompliance

The direction aims to help states make timely identification of children needing services under IDEA and to correct noncompliance on early intervention.

By Kara Arundel • July 24, 2023

Pop Quiz: Test yourself on this week’s K-12 news

From proposed Title I cuts to new data on teacher and student use of ChatGPT, what did you learn from our stories the week of July 17?

By Anna Merod • July 21, 2023

Leaders share 3 approaches to developing principal pipelines

Education leadership experts detailed their best practices in fostering the next generation of principals through three programs in Georgia and Hawaii.

By Anna Merod • July 21, 2023

Class action lawsuit claims school security software company violated students’ privacy

Two California parents allege that Securly illegally collected their children’s private data without their knowledge and sold it to third parties.

By Anna Merod • July 21, 2023

Scrutiny over TikTok in schools grows

Florida implemented a ban on TikTok in schools, which comes as a new report says social media undermines classroom learning and student wellbeing.

By Naaz Modan • July 21, 2023

Florida approves controversial African American history standards

The new standards, described as "White-washed" by critics, come amid laws that educators say restrict authentic discussions of race in the classroom.

By Naaz Modan • July 20, 2023

House passes bill to deny funding to schools, colleges housing migrants

Unlikely to become law, the Republican-initiated bill does not have companion legislation in the Senate and faces opposition from the White House.

By Kara Arundel • July 20, 2023

How can schools get ahead of staff vacancies?

Florida principal Adam Lane suggests improving school culture is a central pillar to turning around recruitment and retention.

By Anna Merod • July 20, 2023

States revise math standards to reflect connections and ‘big ideas’

California, Georgia and Virginia are among those developing and adopting updated frameworks to make math more relevant and engaging.

By Kara Arundel • July 19, 2023

GAO: USDA’s Foods in Schools program needs systematic improvements

Challenges faced by the program, which provides 15% to 20% of foods used in school lunches, include delivery issues and price fluctuations.

By Naaz Modan • July 19, 2023

These 3 strategies are key when creating a school-based wellness center

Two Pennsylvania high school leaders shared lessons learned for improving school mental health services with a trauma-informed approach.

By Anna Merod • July 18, 2023

GOP House committee members proposes 80% cut to Title I

The Republican-led House Appropriations Committee proposed a bill aimed at removing government waste, but some say cuts would be detrimental.

By Kara Arundel • July 14, 2023

Democratic governors, Florida mayors announce their schools as safe for LGBTQ+

The organized effort from Democratic leaders is among the first since recent laws have restricted LGBTQ+ support in conservative states.

By Naaz Modan • July 14, 2023

What should superintendents keep in mind in union negotiations?

LAUSD Superintendent Alberto Carvalho says talks may exceed budget comfort zones, but that may be necessary based on economic realities.

By Roger Riddell • July 14, 2023

Pop Quiz: Test yourself on this week’s K-12 news

From new federal registered apprenticeship programs to superintendent stressors, what did you learn from our stories the week of July 10?

By Roger Riddell • July 14, 2023

EPA wants stricter rules for child care centers, schools serving young children

A pre-publication notice emphasizes the risk of lead exposure to young children.

By Kara Arundel • July 13, 2023