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

Explore the Trendline➔

Top 5 stories from K-12 Dive

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

By K-12 Dive staff

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

Supply chain woes hit school foodservice departments

As national food chain supply shortages hit districts hard, school meal program directors switch up menu plans on a daily basis.

By Anna Merod • Oct. 19, 2021

Report: District boundaries, affordable housing access fuel funding disparities

Researchers with Bellwether Education Partners find an inequitable funding gap that averages $6,355 per pupil for districts.

By Anna Merod • Oct. 15, 2021

Schools look to increase rigor of teacher preparation while still facing shortages

Indiana won’t allow special education emergency teaching permits beginning 2022-23 but will accept teachers actively preparing for full licensure.

By Kara Arundel • Oct. 13, 2021

Wallace Foundation identifies 6 policy areas where lawmakers can support principal pipelines

A report suggests states should adopt approaches offering flexibility and district incentives to launch pipeline initiatives rather than embracing rigid standards.

By Roger Riddell • Oct. 8, 2021

School COVID-19 testing hit with supply chain delays, bandwidth challenges

Federal officials have promised an increase in testing capacity, which helped schools reopen for in-person learning toward the end of the last school year.

By Naaz Modan • Oct. 8, 2021

How can districts protect school boards, administrators as threats grow?

School systems are often reluctant to consider safety precautions for administrative buildings, but threats and intimidation may force the issue.

By Kara Arundel • Oct. 7, 2021

How will pandemic learning impact graduation rates long-term?

The latest Building A Grad Nation report suggests no significant drop yet from early evidence, but a lack of sustained state support could lead to declines.

By Shawna De La Rosa • Oct. 6, 2021

Congressional hearings focus on school safety protocols, relief funding

Mask mandate bans and shortages of COVID-19 tests are complicating returns to in-person learning, lawmakers said.

By Kara Arundel • Oct. 1, 2021

CDC reiterates school quarantine guidance as states and districts shorten recommendations

Center on Reinventing Public Education research finds many districts have shortened quarantine periods since the start of the school year.

By Roger Riddell • Sept. 30, 2021

7 strategies to prevent chronic absenteeism in the return to school

Low attendance may indicate positive learning conditions are missing and interventions are needed, said panelists during a Wednesday webinar.

By Kara Arundel • Sept. 30, 2021

Equity is only possible with quality information

Nevada's state superintendent writes that using data, including assessments, to support student success is critical to ensuring equal learning opportunities.

By Jhone Ebert • Sept. 29, 2021

Report: Monitoring online student activity may create privacy disparities

Students in lower-income districts using school-issued devices are more likely to be monitored, according to the Center for Democracy & Technology.

By Kara Arundel • Sept. 27, 2021

CDC: Child obesity jumped during COVID-19 pandemic

Research cites school closures, disrupted routines, increased stress, and less opportunity for physical activity and proper nutrition as contributing factors.

By Roger Riddell • Sept. 24, 2021

How districts can support students with disabilities amid school mask debates

As lawsuits make their way through courts, schools should look into each student's circumstances to determine how to customize supports, experts say.

By Kara Arundel • Sept. 22, 2021

How can schools in cities keep students safe amid uptick in gun violence?

With more school-aged youth involved in shootings in the past year, there are steps schools can take to help curb the trend.

By Katie Navarra • Sept. 21, 2021

Variation in coronavirus school safety requirements creates discord across states

State laws and orders running counter to federal guidelines have left school communities in difficult positions on vaccines, masks and quarantines.

By Naaz Modan • Sept. 21, 2021

NASSP: Federal support needed to curb threats, violence toward school leaders

Conflicts over schools' COVID-19 safety measures have seen principals face threats to their personal safety as well as that of their schools.

By Roger Riddell • Sept. 17, 2021

Panelists: Heal school community polarization for sake of children's health

Leaders can start by validating people’s concerns and emphasizing that everyone wants the same thing — to keep students safe.

By Kara Arundel • Sept. 16, 2021

School districts hesitate to use ARP funding for construction projects

The tight spending deadline and issues finding contractors make it difficult for districts to use American Rescue Plan funds to renovate or build new facilities.

By Sebastian Obando • Sept. 14, 2021

Report: Attendance boundary changes can alleviate school segregation

Districts have the power to make even small changes that can reduce inequality between schools, according to Urban Institute research.

By Kara Arundel • Sept. 14, 2021