Education

In many schools this fall, free meals for all are back on the menu

States and school districts are moving to provide every kid with a free breakfast and lunch, after a popular pandemic-era program from the federal government expired.

Will Texas’ new fentanyl awareness curriculum for public schools succeed where other anti-drug messaging failed?

Historically, anti-drug messaging in schools has failed to acknowledge the mental health reasons that youth self-medicate. Without that key lesson, advocates worry House Bill 3908 will be another D.A.R.E. campaign.

Feds prioritizing on-site K-12 cybersecurity reviews this school year

The nation’s cyber defense agency is aiming to work with schools “where they’re at instead of where they should be.” 

‘IGNITE’ing an educational fire in U.S. jails

An initiative launched in a Michigan county jail has been embraced as a national model for reducing jail violence and inmate recidivism.

How to buy ed tech that isn't evil

As schools look to educational technology to enhance student learning, administrators must first consider the safety and effectiveness of any product before bringing it in the classroom.

Plagued by teacher shortages, some states turn to fast-track credentialing

Critics worry that the faster credentialing programs could do a disservice to young students.

How book-banning campaigns have changed the lives and education of librarians

COMMENTARY | Librarians are defending the rights of readers and writers in the battle raging across the U.S. over censorship, book challenges and book bans. That conflict has even changed how librarians are trained.

SCOTUS: Race cannot be considered in college admissions

The ruling will affect both public and private colleges and universities in states that have not already barred affirmative action in admissions.

Schools Struggle to Implement New Laws on Sexually Explicit Books

Local school boards must interpret the state laws, which are sometimes vague and come with loose guidance. It has had a chilling effect on school decision-makers, who become overly cautious.

Staffing Challenges Spur Another Look at Four-Day Workweeks

School districts think shorter weeks could attract more teachers, while one Colorado city hopes they can help address chronic staffing shortages at its police department.

Federal Covid Changes Helped Feed Twice as Many Kids During Summer

Some advocates say the summer feeding programs could be more flexible even when there’s not a national emergency.

How One State Is Tackling Child Care Challenges

Like much of the country, Michigan is navigating a shortage of child care providers. But federal funds, paired with efficient coordination between state agencies, has helped support hundreds of new providers in just one year.

Start Students Early to Build Semiconductor Talent Pipeline

One way to reduce the expected workforce crunch is to educate high school and college students about why working in the semiconductor industry is valuable, one expert said.

Four-Day School Weeks, Gaining in Popularity, Face Pushback From Lawmakers

Several states have imposed restrictions or bans on four-day schools.

State Laws on Reproductive Services, Divisive Concepts Influence Enrollment Decisions

As students consider all the reasons to choose one college or another, state laws are a new factor for some to weigh.

Black History Is Everyone’s History

COMMENTARY | How does an incomplete, inaccurate education omitting Black contributions serve society?

Schools Find Power in Numbers

Across the country, school districts are joining together to negotiate lower premiums for insurance, goods and services.

Idaho Governor Vetoes Bill to Restrict Library Materials

The bill allows parents to sue libraries for giving out materials “harmful to minors." Of his veto, Gov. Brad Little said the state doesn't need a "library bounty" and that he’s more concerned about what kids can find on the internet.

As Book Bans Gain Favor, Some Say Libraries Could Go

The number of school libraries and librarians has been dwindling for decades.

L.A. School District Workers Demand Historic Raise During 3-day Strike

Teachers in the nation’s second-largest school district joined bus drivers, cafeteria workers and paraprofessionals in a “sympathy strike,” resulting in over 65,000 personnel absences and bringing classes to a halt.