Here’s what you need to know about key topics shaping K-12

We’ve gathered past installments of our explainer series in one place to help you stay on top of the must-know information on key topics.

By Roger Riddell • July 8, 2026

Reading progress has stalled for youngest learners, DIBELS tests show

This is the first time since the 2020–21 school year that early reading readiness has failed to improve year over year, according to test-provider Amplify.

By Kara Arundel • July 7, 2026

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

Week In Review: A landmark Supreme Court ruling and a major testing company acquisition

We’re rounding up last week’s news, from “misconceptions” at the Education Department to Texas’ curriculum change.

By Roger Riddell • July 6, 2026

Week In Review: New Ed Dept interagency agreements and a district’s library overhaul

We’re rounding up last week’s news, from a rejected Supreme Court case to teacher workforce updates.

By Roger Riddell • June 22, 2026

Should Head Start require pre-K teacher pay parity?

Many commenters on a proposed rule said more federal funding is needed in addition to Head Start workforce wage and benefits standards. 

By Kara Arundel • June 16, 2026

Week In Review: Private school trends and the state of attendance

We’re rounding up last week’s news, from the FCC’s E-rate review to another Education Department lawsuit.

By Roger Riddell • June 8, 2026

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

From a Federal Communications Commission announcement to a Philadelphia Phillies high school program, what did you learn from our recent stories?

By Roger Riddell • June 5, 2026

Week In Review: Federal policies and classroom tech face pushback

We’re rounding up last week’s news, from special education data collections to Pittsburgh’s school closures.

By Roger Riddell • June 1, 2026

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

From unspent federal funds to an American Federation of Teachers proposal, what did you learn from our recent stories?

By Roger Riddell • May 29, 2026

Week In Review: The latest large district to weigh school closures

We’re rounding up last week’s news, from the U.S. Department of Education’s funding priorities to a warning on harmful screen use.

By Roger Riddell • May 26, 2026

HHS seeks to undo Biden-era Head Start reforms

A Health and Human Services proposed rule says 106,000 slots would be retained in the program by not implementing wage and benefit provisions.

By Kara Arundel • May 19, 2026

Week In Review: IDEA gets additional funds

We’re rounding up last week’s news, from the latest on Instructure’s data breach to changes at the U.S. Department of Education.

By Roger Riddell • May 18, 2026

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

From funding announcements to cyberattacks, what did you learn from our recent stories?

By Roger Riddell • May 15, 2026

Ed Department to release $144M for special education, early intervention

The Wednesday announcement also included guidance to states on using IDEA funds to help expectant parents of children with disabilities.

By Kara Arundel • May 13, 2026

Week In Review: Cyberattacks and federal allegations

We’re rounding up last week’s news, from cellphone bans to proposed restrictions on artificial intelligence companions.

By Roger Riddell • May 11, 2026

Week In Review: Inside the ‘science of math’ and teacher salaries

We’re rounding up last week’s news, from STEM teacher shortages to ed tech pushback.

By Roger Riddell • May 4, 2026

Week In Review: Web accessibility rules and federal school choice

We’re rounding up last week’s news, from limits on tech in schools to the latest on book challenges.

By Roger Riddell • April 27, 2026

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

From extended web accessibility deadlines to a Supreme Court case on universal pre-K, what did you learn from our recent stories?

By Anna Merod • April 24, 2026

State-supported pre-K enrollment at record high

But only six states met all 10 of NIEER's quality benchmarks in 2025, according to the organization’s State of Preschool report released Wednesday.

By Kara Arundel • April 23, 2026

Do screens, scheduled activities crowd out imaginative play?

Experts caution that screens can disrupt children's social development, but also point to ways technology can enhance imagination.

By Ed Finkel • April 15, 2026

Week In Review: Districts debate 4-day school weeks and explore ‘vibe coding’

We’re rounding up last week’s news, from the rescinding of Title IX settlements to the impact that pre-K has on enrollment in higher grades.

By Roger Riddell • April 13, 2026

Gaps in early childhood investment drive up K-12 costs

Disparities before age 5 are driven largely by housing and child care, triggering gaps that continue throughout childhood and into public schools.

By Naaz Modan • April 9, 2026

We want to hear about your school district’s rising leaders

Tell us about the standout assistant principals and district administrators who are fueling achievement, positive culture and innovation in your schools.

By Roger Riddell • April 8, 2026

Want to stabilize K-12 enrollment? Expanding pre-K access could help

Children who participated in D.C.’s universal pre-K program were significantly more likely to stay in public schools, Urban Institute research shows.

By Kara Arundel • April 7, 2026

Week In Review: A $17.25M student data privacy settlement and the end of ESSER

We’re rounding up last week’s news, from AI’s use in reviewing books and curricula to diminishing returns for career and technical education.

By Roger Riddell • April 6, 2026