5 ways schools can reduce chronic absenteeism and boost student engagement

Culturally relevant teaching and strong family connections are two ways schools are increasing attendance, says a University of Oregon report.

By Kara Arundel • April 16, 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

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

Accreditation meets a changing education landscape

Access to accreditation is broadening.

By Susie Eisa, Vice President of Policy & Accreditation, Cognia • April 13, 2026

How mentoring programs spur student success in a New York district

Baldwin Union Free School District has prioritized mentoring for 25 years, expanding its initiatives in recent years to include a peer-to-peer program.

By Ed Finkel • April 10, 2026

‘Vibe coding’ helped a Washington district save $250K in ed tech costs

Peninsula School District says it is harnessing AI tools to develop replacements for current ed tech and expand its capabilities.

By Anna Merod • April 10, 2026

Districts, states grapple with 4-day school week

Education leaders are weighing pros and cons as they balance calendar demands for teacher training, instructional requirements and community needs.

By Kara Arundel • 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

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

AI is moving quickly. How can districts keep up?

In an ILO Group webinar, education leaders detailed how they implement and govern AI by sharing responsibilities across departments and piloting tools.

By Anna Merod • April 2, 2026

CTE programs’ earnings boosts may diminish over time, study finds

Construction, transportation and manufacturing were associated with stronger wage returns for students, according to a Fordham Institute study.

By Naaz Modan • April 1, 2026

This student-led mental health group has seen promising results so far

Laguna Beach High School’s peer-to-peer mental health initiative, the Student Support Collective, is proving to boost student safety and belonging.  

By Ed Finkel • March 27, 2026

Oklahoma charter board faces second suit over Jewish school’s rejection

Rejecting a religious group's bid to open a public school is unconstitutional, the organization’s lawsuit claims.

By Naaz Modan • March 25, 2026

Judge scraps another school admissions policies lawsuit

In the wake of SFFA v. Harvard, several challenges have claimed socioeconomic or experience factors are a proxy for race-based admissions.

By Naaz Modan • March 24, 2026

NWEA: Kindergarten redshirting brings short-term academic gains only

The gains fall away by 3rd grade, and a delay in starting school can cost families an extra year of child care, the firm's analysis says.

By Kara Arundel • March 24, 2026

Week In Review: Outcomes-based ed tech contracts and K-12 policies in court

We’re rounding up last week’s news, from governors prioritizing special education to federal support for the science of reading.

By Roger Riddell • March 23, 2026

How the new NYC schools chief plans to improve rigor and equity

Building a solid foundation for interventions and changing perceptions around math and reading success are among challenges Kamar Samuels faces.

By Roger Riddell • March 19, 2026

Why access to STEM must include students who learn and think differently

Designing STEM programs with neurodivergent learners in mind strengthens outcomes for all students.

By Kara Ball • March 19, 2026

Judge orders Texas to open school choice program to Islamic schools

The ruling also extends the application window for families by two weeks, in a case brought by Muslim families who alleged discrimination.

By Naaz Modan • March 18, 2026

Poverty, school size can hinder improvement odds, GAO reports

The number of students at comprehensive support and improvement schools grew between 2019-20 and 2022-23, an analysis found.

By Kara Arundel • March 18, 2026

Week In Review: How states’ K-12 funding proportions have changed

We’re rounding up last week’s news, from SXSW EDU to superintendents navigating ICE activities.

By Roger Riddell • March 16, 2026

Where can educators find optimism in a beleaguered K-12 system?

During a SXSW EDU session, two nonprofit leaders share what's keeping them hopeful even as the education sector faces challenges.

By Kara Arundel • March 13, 2026

Week In Review: McMahon marks first year in office

We’re rounding up last week’s news, from proposed ed tech limits to interagency agreements.

By Roger Riddell • March 9, 2026

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

From a U.S. Supreme Court decision to school closures in one of the nation’s largest districts, what did you learn from our recent stories?

By Naaz Modan • March 6, 2026

CTE students say failure is a part of learning

Students at McKinley Technology High School in Washington, D.C., say career education courses have fueled preparation and passion for their futures.

By Kara Arundel • March 4, 2026

6 ways to prioritize the whole child in school psychology evaluations

Family input, implicit bias and strength-based approaches are all crucial factors, a prominent researcher told NASP attendees.

By Roger Riddell • March 3, 2026