Century Foundation report calls for bilingual ed funding boost, policy shift

Author: States and school districts have often "treated ELs’ linguistic diversity as an obstacle or liability to be overcome" rather than a benefit.

By Shawna De La Rosa • 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

Explore the Trendline➔

Teacher and Staff Challenges

Federal policy changes are further complicating K-12 workforce challenges exacerbated by the pandemic, adding to debate over what’s needed to keep teachers and staff in the profession or bring them back.

By K-12 Dive staff

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

Almost 40% of educators said some ELLs should have repeated grades after pandemic

Survey data also suggests that despite adverse educational impacts, many suggested English learners weren't affected significantly more than their peers.

By Shawna De La Rosa • Dec. 7, 2021

High school counselors navigate SEL, college applications amid youth mental health crisis

With mental health challenges compounded by the pandemic, counselors are working to ease the pressure of the college application process.

By Anna Merod • Dec. 6, 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

As public trust in teachers declines, how can districts turn the tide?

Data shows a 6-percentage-point dip since the pandemic began, but experts suggest "leaning into the problem" and engaging families to address it.

By Anna Merod • Dec. 2, 2021

Pandemic-era civil rights data essential to inform special education equity

The upcoming Civil Rights Data Collection will provide a key foundation for understanding the pandemic's impact on these students.

By Lauren Morando Rhim • Nov. 24, 2021

District of the Year: Richland School District Two

A South Carolina district focuses on innovation and school improvement initiatives to create equity and opportunity for all students.

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

Principal of the Year: Jessica Cabeen, Ellis Middle School

With unwavering positivity and “unconventional” leadership, a Minnesota principal sets out to help middle schoolers grow academically, socially and emotionally.

By Roger Riddell • Nov. 22, 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

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

Promising Practices: Rural Texas districts collaborate to expand CTE

Three neighboring districts with small student populations found cost savings in collaborating on course offerings.

By Kara Arundel • Nov. 19, 2021

Center for Learner Equity advises closer look at charter special ed enrollment gaps

Unexplained gaps may mean students with disabilities have limited access to charter school programming.

By Kara Arundel • Nov. 19, 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

Parents want larger role protecting student privacy as concerns grow

Experts said transparency is the first step districts should take when engaging with parents and students on school data privacy.

By Anna Merod • Nov. 17, 2021

'Great Resignation' underscores need for access to career exploration and work-based opportunities

Hands-on exposure and focus on essential soft skills are needed to produce a generation better prepared for and fulfilled by work, two experts write.

By J.D. LaRock and Jean Eddy • Nov. 16, 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

Counselors say students' SEL skills just as important as academic development

A survey of school counselors points to the value of SEL and the need to incorporate instruction and supports into districts' comprehensive plans.

By Kara Arundel • 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

Relationships, resources must become a focus in learning to address mental health crisis

With the American Academy of Pediatrics declaring a national mental health emergency, is it time to consider expanding the "3 Rs" of education?

By Joan Wasser Gish • Nov. 10, 2021

Chronic absenteeism deepens, California data shows

Data from other states reveals chronic absenteeism increased in 2020-21, and California analysis suggests further attendance declines this fall.

By Anna Merod • Nov. 9, 2021

For some school districts, empty box stores convert into opportunities

Empty retail spaces can provide creative solutions for district planning — and help administrators save on construction.

By Anna Merod • Nov. 8, 2021