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Research indicates that early childhood education significantly benefits students throughout their academic journeys; however, support for pre-kindergarten (pre-K) teachers remains limited. Elizabeth D. Steiner, a PK-12 education policy researcher at the RAND Corporation, stated: "Public school pre-K teachers are an understudied population." The RAND American Public School Pre-K Teacher Survey highlights the challenges faced by pre-K educators, including access to professional development and instructional materials. Despite a slight increase in average salaries, many teachers reported stagnant wages when adjusted for inflation. Notably, the percentage of pre-K teachers intending to leave their positions decreased from 18% in 2024 to 14% in 2025. The survey also revealed a need for enhanced professional learning opportunities, particularly in teaching math and supporting diverse learners.

 

Education Week News

Many rural school districts across the United States are struggling to compensate for the loss of federal grant funding, which has been significantly impacted by the Trump administration's policies. Shannon Johnson, a former school mental health counselor, noted the abrupt end of her grant-funded position, commenting: "We had our minds and our goals and our plans really prepped for five-year work. We can't really see a lot of change through systems in a year." Federal funding constitutes about 10% of national education spending, but this percentage is much higher in rural areas, where property tax revenues are limited. The loss of these funds has forced districts to make difficult decisions, including cutting essential programs and staff. Shelby County Public Schools Superintendent Joshua Matthews emphasized that the funding loss "only hurts students," as it supports critical services for disadvantaged youth.

 

U.S. News

Schools are increasingly confronting the issue of students using artificial intelligence (AI) to create sexually explicit deepfakes of their peers. This problem was notably highlighted in a Louisiana middle school, where two boys were charged after AI-generated nude images circulated, leading to one victim's expulsion for fighting. Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre stated: "This incident highlights a serious concern that all parents should address with their children." As of 2025, over half of U.S. states have enacted laws targeting deepfakes, with prosecutions occurring in multiple states. Experts like Sameer Hinduja emphasize the need for schools to update their policies and engage in discussions with students about the implications of AI-generated content. The trauma inflicted by deepfakes can be severe, as victims often struggle with anxiety and depression due to the viral nature of these images. Parents are encouraged to initiate conversations about online content to help mitigate these issues.

 

U.S. News

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, routine childhood immunizations are expected to prevent 508 million illness cases and over one million deaths for children born between 1994 and 2023. However, vaccination rates in Florida are declining, with kindergartners' immunization rates dropping to 88% from 94% in 2017. This decline threatens herd immunity, putting vulnerable populations at risk. Michelle Flowers, former president of the Oncology Managers of Florida, emphasized the importance of maintaining strong immunization requirements in schools to protect all children. She said: "Orlando's leaders must stand up for the health and safety of every child in our state."

 

Orlando Sentinel

In Miami-Dade County, many children require additional support to thrive academically and socially. Special Education Services, mandated by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), aim to provide students with disabilities a free and appropriate public education (FAPE) tailored to their needs. These services may include specialized instruction, therapy, and accommodations. Eligibility for these services is determined through evaluations conducted by the school district, and parents can request evaluations if they suspect their child needs assistance. Despite the extensive system in place, families often face challenges such as delays and disagreements regarding services. Legal Services of Greater Miami plays a crucial role in helping families navigate these complexities, offering assistance at no cost.

 

Miami's Community Newspapers

The National Defense Authorization Act includes a new provision banning smartphone use during school hours for K-12 students at Department of Defense-run schools on military bases. The bipartisan initiative, led by Sens Jim Banks (R-IN) and Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), aims to improve educational outcomes and reduce distractions for over 65,000 students across 161 schools. The defense bill, titled the "Restoring Our Educational Focus on Children of U.S. Servicemembers at DoDEA," passed 77-20 in the Senate on Wednesday, and was signed into law by President Donald Trump on Thursday. The Department of Defense has 30 days to issue implementation regulations, with medical and disability-related exceptions included.

 

ABC News

The School District of Palm Beach County is advancing plans to construct a new high school in Riviera Beach by 2030, alongside proposed changes to local elementary school boundaries. The Advisory Boundary Committee has accepted a proposal to consolidate two elementary schools and rezone students to align with the new high school's construction timeline. The new facility will replace Inlet Grove Community High School, which will be demolished and rebuilt before the 2030-2031 school year. To facilitate this transition, Inlet Grove High School students will temporarily relocate to Lincoln Elementary School starting in the 2028-2029 school year. The elementary school rezoning, pending School Board approval, is set to take effect in the 2026-2027 school year.

 

WPTV

North Fork Elementary in Fort Lauderdale is slated for closure but proposals for its redevelopment have been put forward. The school district has received at least two formal proposals, including one from Junior Achievement of South Florida for a 'Workforce Innovation Center' aimed at teaching career readiness skills to high school students. Another proposal, 'Sistrunk Rising', envisions a "cradle-to-career" campus that would include a community school, affordable housing, and a hotel.

 

Sun Sentinel

Brevard Public Schools is enhancing community wellness by opening stadium tracks at Viera High School and Satellite High School on select evenings this winter. Supported by Health First, the tracks will be accessible for free on December 20 and 27, and January 3 and 10. "Any community member is allowed to come," said School Board Chairman Matt Susin, emphasizing the initiative's goal to encourage families to stay active and build healthy habits. This program is part of a broader commitment to health and wellness in Brevard County. Additionally, a special event, the School Mascot Olympics, will take place on January 10 at Viera High School, featuring mascots and fitness activities to engage the community.

 

SpaceCoastDaily.com

The Nigerian government confirmed the release of the remaining 130 schoolchildren kidnapped from St. Mary's Private Catholic School in Niger State. Presidential spokesman Sunday Dare stated: "Another 130 abducted Niger State pupils released, none left in captivity." The children were abducted in November, alongside 12 teachers, during an attack by armed bandits. Following the incident, 50 students escaped within 48 hours, and earlier this month, security forces rescued 100 victims. The violence in Nigeria, particularly against schools, is part of a broader trend of mass kidnappings driven by communal tensions and resource disputes.

 

CNN Edition

U.S. News