4 areas of focus to drive the future of education

With education at a crossroads, one expert writes that it's imperative to "keep driving" to expand educational access and opportunity.

By Christopher Thomas • Dec. 21, 2021

Teacher pay gains national attention after years of educator shortages

Some advocates suggest comprehensive teacher supply and demand data can help districts inform localized recruitment and retention strategies.

By Naaz Modan , Kara Arundel • Dec. 21, 2021

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

Will Bloomberg's $750M charter donation move the needle on public ed?

Charter advocates say the money will help build new schools, while some experts don't think the donation will cause a seismic shift.

By Anna Merod • Dec. 20, 2021

Title IX changes expected earlier than planned, but rule still 'a long ways away'

The Department of Education says the new timeline shows its commitment to following through with changes, but advocates say it could have done more.

By Naaz Modan • Dec. 17, 2021

Will more federal, state coordination on ESSER data produce more consistent results?

A Tuesday webinar from Georgetown University’s Edunomics Lab detailed challenges with finding accurate, recent data on districts' relief spending. 

By Anna Merod • Dec. 16, 2021

New Hampshire lawsuit challenges law on 'divisive concepts' in classrooms

The parent and teacher suit over the ban's constitutionality is the latest to push back against laws drafted by states in response to 'critical race theory.'

By Naaz Modan • Dec. 16, 2021

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Outdated laws, abundance of state rules and increase in ed tech tools add to the difficulty in protecting students' personal data.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