Education

“I Wish It Had Not Become Law,” Says Governor Of Mask-Banning Order He Signed Into Law

Citing rising numbers of Covid-19 cases among children, Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson called state lawmakers back for a special session to consider allowing school districts to implement mask mandates.

  • By Kate Elizabeth Queram

Students and Staff Should Mask Up in Schools, CDC Recommends

The CDC revised mask wearing guidance on Tuesday to help contain the spread of Covid-19. But nine states ban school districts from enacting mask mandates.

  • By Andrea Noble

Community Colleges Begin Using Federal Coronavirus Funding to Erase Student Debt

The money, from the CARES Act and the American Rescue Plan Act, is available for students who have struggled financially as a result of the pandemic.

  • By Kate Elizabeth Queram

A Plan to Offer In-State Tuition to Native Americans

The legislation, signed into law in Colorado, grants in-state tuition at public universities to students who are members of tribes with “historical ties” to the state.

  • By Kate Elizabeth Queram

This School District Normally Gets $66,000 a Year for Library Books. This Year — $500,000.

Money from the American Rescue Plan will be used to replace items that went missing when schools closed at the start of the pandemic and enhance the district’s overall collection, St. Paul officials say.

  • By Kate Elizabeth Queram

Public School Spending Per Student Up 5%, Biggest Increase in 11 Years

A U.S. Census Bureau report shows that elementary and secondary schools received $751.7 billion total from all revenue sources and that states contributed the greatest share of funds.

  • By Brent Woodie

One State Begins to Grapple With Pandemic’s Toll on Youth Mental Health

A sweeping bill passed by lawmakers in Connecticut would grant minors unlimited counseling sessions without parental consent, among other changes.

  • By Kate Elizabeth Queram

Pandemic Prompts Some States to Pass Struggling Third Graders

Citing mental health concerns, some states are delaying third-grade retention.

  • By Aallyah Wright, Stateline

After Capitol Riot, Some States Turn to Civics Education

Some states have mandated civics for middle schoolers.

  • By Matt Vasilogambros, Stateline

Libraries Eligible for Billions in Federal Funding to Improve Connectivity for Residents

The Emergency Connectivity Fund Program, announced by the Federal Communications Commission, will help libraries purchase laptops, Wi-Fi hot spots and more for patrons.

  • By Kate Elizabeth Queram

Can Civics Save America?

COMMENTARY | Teaching civics could restore health to American democracy, or inflame our mutual antagonisms.

  • By George Packer, The Atlantic

Not All Jobs Are Coming Back Post Covid: How States Can Help Retrain Workers

Rhode Island’s Back to Work program focuses reskilling workers through partnerships with local industries for in-demand jobs.

  • By Andrea Noble
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His Son Died by Suicide. So This City Employee Made Suicide Prevention His Job.

Rick Padilla, suicide prevention administrator for Denver, works to help kids speak—and be heard—about their struggles with mental health. His efforts have lead to city initiatives and state legislation.

  • By Kate Elizabeth Queram

New Mexico Must Provide Internet, Devices to At-Risk Remote Learners, Court Rules

The ruling is the latest development in a years-long case alleging that the state’s education department failed to provide uniform public education to Native Americans, low-income children and others.

  • By Kate Elizabeth Queram

GOP Lawmakers Want to Ban 'Woke Philosophies' Like Critical Race Theory in Texas Schools

Gov. Greg Abbott has called for expanding the state's civic education curriculum, but the House and Senate are quickly advancing bills that would restrict the discussion of current events and public policy in the classroom and prohibit critical race theory in public schools.

  • By Duncan Agnew, The Texas Tribune

State 529 Education Account Winning American Families’ Pandemic Savings

COMMENTARY | U.S. households are saving at an historic pace, and new and existing 529 savings accounts are up 14% year over year.

  • By Michael Frerichs

4 Ways States Can Mitigate K-12 Student Learning Losses

A paper from the National Association of Governors and the nation’s school chiefs reviews what steps states are taking to help students make up for Covid-slide gaps and recommends new strategies and approaches.

  • By Brent Woodie

A Plan to Excuse Students From School for Protests and Demonstrations

A proposal in Delaware would allow students one excused absence each school year to attend a “civic engagement activity.” If passed, it would be the nation’s first statewide guarantee, its sponsor said.

  • By Kate Elizabeth Queram

Biden Advocates For Sweeping New Federal Investments

The president made the case for his agenda before a joint session of Congress, as he reaches 100 days in office. Many of his proposals have implications for state and local government.

  • By Bill Lucia

Biden’s American Families Plan Asks States to Pony Up for College, Pre-K

The administration introduced the $1.8 trillion proposal Wednesday that focuses spending on education and child care.

  • By Andrea Noble

As Texas Legislature Considers Anti-trans Bills, NCAA Announces it Will Not Hold Events in States that Discriminate Against Trans Students

Texas lawmakers have filed six bills that target transgender students’ sports participation — and two of those bills would affect colleges and university sports in addition to K-12.

  • By Kate McGee, The Texas Tribune