School Models

  • An adult is in a classroom and is sitting at a table holding the letter "O" and curving their mouth into an O. A young student is in front of the adult with their back to the camera.
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    Special education enrollment keeps growing. These 3 graphics show how.

    Autism, developmental delay and multiple disabilities marked the fastest growing IDEA disability categories between 2023 and 2024.

    By • Feb. 24, 2026
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    Week In Review: Humanizing the superintendency, and lost instruction due to winter weather

    We’re rounding up last week’s news, from the end of a 60-year-old desegregation case to a Texas district's proposal to close 12 schools.

    By • Feb. 23, 2026
  • Explore the Trendline➔
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    "Freshman Orientation" by Phil Roeder is licensed under CC BY 2.0
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    Trendline

    Social-Emotional Learning

    Our latest K-12 Dive Trendline takes a closer look at how educators are addressing social-emotional learning amid pushback from policymakers and ongoing demand from employers.

    By K-12 Dive staff
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    More students have access to school counselors, data shows

    For the first time, the high school range of 195 to 224 students per counselor meets the American School Counselor Association recommendation.

    By • Feb. 23, 2026
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    Opinion

    Learning the reason behind students’ struggles sets them up for testing success

    A California principal writes that digging into the “why” behind student confusion and frustration helped fuel significant achievement gains at his school.

    By Rudy Sandoval • Feb. 20, 2026
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    Week In Review: Strategic staffing models and DC’s math gains

    We’re rounding up last week’s news, from Title IX resolutions to the impact of E-rate expansion cuts.

    By • Feb. 17, 2026
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    Since E-rate expansion cuts, schools make difficult choices on hotspots

    After the FCC pulled back coverage for school bus Wi-Fi and hotspots, K-12 leaders are scrambling to connect students without home internet.

    By • Feb. 13, 2026
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    How elementary principals can build long-term attendance success

    School leaders are using supportive and empathetic approaches to help families of young children make attendance a priority.

    By • Feb. 12, 2026
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    Deep Dive

    How special educators can help students when ICE comes to town

    Special educators in St. Paul, Minnesota, are turning to COVID-19-era resources to help some impacted students access learning virtually.

    By • Feb. 11, 2026
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    Week In Review: ICE on school grounds and FY26 education funding

    We’re rounding up last week’s news, from new data on ransomware to tech accessibility rules.

    By • Feb. 9, 2026
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    Photo illustration: Shaun Lucas/Industry Dive; Getty Images

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

    From the Education Department’s FY 2026 budget to ransomware attacks on schools and colleges, what did you learn from our recent stories?

    By • Feb. 6, 2026
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    Opinion

    Uncertainty is the new normal in education. Here’s how leaders can protect classrooms.

    Children’s education must not fall victim to the ebb and flow of politics, writes Dan Domenech, former AASA executive director.

    By Dan Domenech • Feb. 3, 2026
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    Week in Review: Teachers’ child care stresses and special ed solutions

    We’re rounding up last week’s news, from student protests over violent immigration enforcement actions to a proposed IDEA disability category.

    By • Feb. 2, 2026
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    The K-12 outlook for 2026: How new federal priorities and funding challenges will stretch schools

    We’ve gathered our trends to watch over the coming year in one place to help you stay on top of the fast-evolving landscape.

    By • Jan. 30, 2026
  • In a crowd of protesters, one person holds up a sign with a melting snowman that says "Melt ICE."
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    Michael Santiago via Getty Images
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    Anti-ICE student walkouts are expected Friday. What are schools doing?

    K-12 leaders are advised to speak with student organizers before any planned walkouts while keeping students safe and school settings uninterrupted.

    By • Jan. 29, 2026
  • Six students carrying backpacks are walking down a hallway in a school. Their backs are to the camera and light is coming in through a window.
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    Senators debate whether school choice harms or helps public schools

    Supporters of private school choice tout opportunities to innovate, while critics worry about the financial stability of public schools.

    By • Jan. 28, 2026
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    Private school choice could ‘undermine’ special education gains, COPAA says

    A new report recommends that states inform parents of any education and civil rights that may be lost if they participate in a private school choice program.

    By • Jan. 27, 2026
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    STUDY HALL

    What you need to know about private school choice

    State-led programs that use taxpayer funds for private school tuition have expanded rapidly. A new federal program will add even more options.

    By • Jan. 26, 2026
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    Week In Review: Bipartisan agreement reached on Ed Dept funding plan for FY26

    We’re rounding up last week’s news, from natural disaster best practices to policy and legal trends to watch this year.

    By • Jan. 26, 2026
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    Photo illustration: Shaun Lucas/Industry Dive; Getty Images

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    POP QUIZ

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

    From enrollment challenges to a bipartisan budget proposal, what did you learn from our recent stories?

    By • Jan. 23, 2026
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    Justin Sullivan via Getty Images
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    Natural disasters will happen. What to do before — and after — one strikes your school.

    NWEA’s playbook suggests that schools develop a recovery plan and build relationships with community groups before any severe climate event occurs.

    By • Jan. 23, 2026
  • A closeup view of a counselor's hands holding a clipboard while listening to a student who is holding a backpack in their lap.
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    How a California district embraces student-centered counseling

    A low-income district east of San Jose has become a “bright spot” for tackling absenteeism with an approach focused on data and student interactions.

    By Ed Finkel • Jan. 22, 2026
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    Maine teacher makes math relevant with ‘fun-tivities’

    This high school educator is engaging students with a mix of inquiry-based digital projects and hands-on activities.

    By Ed Finkel • Jan. 21, 2026
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    Deep Dive

    Trump 2.0: A sea change for K-12

    From Education Department downsizing to a variety of legal battles, take a month-by-month look at how the federal approach to K-12 has shifted.

    By , , , • Jan. 20, 2026
  • Houston Independent School District Superintendent Mike Miles sits at a table with younger students
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    Retrieved from Houston Independent School District.
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    Houston ISD families report positive outlook following takeover

    Data shows particularly positive perceptions toward learning progress and district improvement among families at targeted improvement schools.

    By • Jan. 20, 2026
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    Week In Review: School shootings drop and SCOTUS hears trans athletics cases

    We’re rounding up last week’s news, from a slew of new Title IX probes to debates over tech in schools.

    By • Jan. 20, 2026