Become more informed in minutes....

A federal judge has overturned two actions from the Trump administration that sought to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs in schools and universities. U.S. District Judge Stephanie Gallagher ruled that the Education Department acted unlawfully by threatening to withdraw federal funding from institutions that maintained DEI initiatives. This decision followed a lawsuit filed by the American Federation of Teachers and the American Sociological Association, which challenged the government's directives. The case focused on memos from the Education Department mandating an end to “race-based decision-making” under the threat of losing federal support, a move framed by the Trump administration as a means to prevent discrimination against white and Asian American students.

 

Billings Gazette

Los Angeles Times

NPR / National Public Radio

U.S. News

Choose the Right Digital Curriculum

How do you determine which digital courses will meet your students’ and teachers’ needs best? Get expert answers to your digital curriculum questions in the free Digital Curriculum Buyer’s Guide from FlexPoint. While you learn how to identify quality digital courses, you’ll complete worksheets that will offer a clear path toward your goals. These insights, tips, and more are vital to making the right purchasing decisions for your school or district.

Download Free Guide

 

Artificial intelligence is increasingly integrated into American schools for safety purposes. Recently, Loudoun County Public Schools in Virginia and Robinson Independent School District in Texas partnered with VOLT AI, a Maryland-based firm, to enhance security by detecting potential threats like medical emergencies and firearms. VOLT's system connects to existing surveillance, allowing real-time monitoring. However, experts like Ken Trump caution that the school safety market is largely unregulated, urging leaders to critically evaluate new technologies. While AI can improve efficiency, it should not replace trained personnel.

 

Education Week News

The start of the 2025 school year in Los Angeles is marked by heightened anxiety over immigration enforcement. Concerns escalated after a federal incident where agents mistakenly detained a 15-year-old boy outside Arleta High School. Educators like Pomona Unified School District Superintendent Darren Knowles expressed worries about the impact of such fears on students, stating: “Kids have enough to worry about as it is.” In response, the L.A. school district has implemented protective measures around schools with large Latino populations, including faculty observers and community support groups. Despite these efforts, online enrollment has increased, indicating some families may opt out of in-person schooling due to fear.

 

CNN Edition

Los Angeles Times

Recent studies from the Center for Analysis of Longitudinal Data in Education Research (CALDER) reveal the complex effects of pandemic-era waivers on teacher supply and effectiveness. While some states relaxed licensure rules, allowing a more diverse group of candidates into the profession, the overall impact on teacher numbers was minimal. Dan Goldhaber, CALDER's director, said: “We do not find definitive evidence that states that put in place waivers of licensure tests saw increases in teacher supply.” In Massachusetts, where emergency licensing continued past 2022, the performance of newly hired teachers declined over time. The findings suggest that while initial performance levels were comparable, the long-term effects of relaxed licensure requirements could be detrimental to teacher quality.

 

Education Week News

As the new school year begins, teachers are encouraged to focus on building strong relationships with their students. A recent social media survey by EdWeek revealed that 45% of respondents believe forming relationships is the best strategy for a successful start. Michael C. Reichert, a child psychologist, emphasizes that "all students are relational learners," highlighting the importance of positive student-teacher interactions. Strong relationships can combat issues like absenteeism and disengagement, leading to better academic performance. To foster these connections, teachers can inquire about students' interests, share their own learning experiences, maintain high standards, respond calmly to misbehavior, and be available outside classroom hours.

 

Education Week News

Federal funding cuts are significantly impacting U.S. classrooms, particularly through the loss of grants from cultural and library institutions that support K-12 education. Agencies like the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) are facing severe reductions. The cuts threaten vital resources such as database access and teacher training programs, which are crucial for high-poverty and rural communities. For instance, IMLS grants provide substantial discounts on educational databases, while NEH grants fund teacher workshops. Without these funds, many programs may not survive, leading to a detrimental impact on educational opportunities for students across the nation.

 

Education Week News

Only 13% of Americans now rate public schools highly, a historic low per the latest PDK Poll. Although local schools earn more praise—over 40% gave them top marks—the decline nationally may explain growing support for school choice. “COVID was a key factor in making people more open to choice,” said Tulane’s Douglas Harris. Despite conservative pushes to dismantle the Department of Education and eliminate DEI programs, the public largely resists these efforts. Meanwhile, support for AI in schools is waning, with enthusiasm for teacher and student use both declining.

 

The 74 (Online)

In a significant shift, the Tucson Unified School District in Arizona will reduce the number of standardized tests for students in grades 2-8, following a memorandum of understanding with the Tucson Education Association. Starting in the 2025-26 academic year, students will take only the i-Ready tests, halving the previous number of assessments. Jim Byrne, president of the Tucson Education Association, expressed relief, stating, “We've already heard from elementary teachers... and they're just elated.” This change aims to provide educators with nine additional days of instruction. However, not all stakeholders agree; Arizona schools chief Tom Horne criticized the decision, arguing that it undermines educational standards. The move reflects a growing national trend among educators advocating for reduced testing in favor of more effective teaching methods.

 

Education Week News

In California, vaccination rates for kindergarteners have fallen, with only 92.5% receiving their measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccines, down from 95% five years ago. Dr. Peter Chin-Hong, an infectious disease physician at UCSF, emphasized the importance of maintaining a 95% vaccination threshold to protect those unable to be immunized. The San Francisco USD mandates that students entering transitional kindergarten or kindergarten be up to date on several vaccines, including MMR. Laura Dudnick, a spokesperson for the district, stated that “ensuring immunization compliance is a shared responsibility across multiple departments and schools.” The decline in vaccination rates has been partially attributed to misinformation about immunizations, coinciding with a rise in measles cases across the U.S., which has seen its worst year since 1992.

 

San Francisco Examiner

Starting in the 2027-2028 school year, Illinois will implement mandatory annual mental health screenings for students in grades 3-12. This new law has raised concerns among parents and policy experts regarding its implementation and potential overreach. While parents can opt their children out of screenings, many are skeptical about the process and the lack of clarity surrounding it. Policy attorney Mailee Smith highlighted the vagueness of the opt-out provisions, questioning whether parents would be adequately informed each year. Supporters of the law argue it aims to identify mental health issues early, with Governor JB Pritzker emphasizing the need to "overcome the stigma" surrounding mental health. However, critics worry that the screenings could lead to unnecessary labeling of children.

 

Fox News

An Arkansas Federal District Court has ruled unconstitutional a state law mandating public schools to display a 16-by-20-inch poster of the King James version of the Ten Commandments. The court emphasized that the law violated the Establishment Clause of the Constitution, which prohibits the government from establishing a religion. The plaintiffs, including Jewish, Unitarian, atheist, and agnostic individuals, argued that the displays imposed a Christian interpretation of the Ten Commandments, conflicting with their beliefs. The court noted that the displays were not "passive" and forced students to engage with religious content.

 

Cincinnati.com

A federal appeals court has upheld a ruling regarding a Michigan 3rd grader, C.S., who was asked to remove a hat featuring an AR-15 style rifle and the phrase “Come and take it.” The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 6th Circuit ruled that the school administrators acted out of a “well-founded fear of disruption” in the school environment, especially given the proximity to the Oxford High School shooting. Judge Chad A. Readler expressed concerns about the First Amendment implications, stating, “I find it difficult to accept the notion that displaying an image of a gun on one's clothing at school... would disrupt the school day in substantial ways.” However, Judge Eric L. Clay defended the administrators' actions, emphasizing the trauma experienced by students from the Oxford district.

 

Education Week News

During the first meeting of the Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) facilities committee, students and community members expressed concerns about deteriorating conditions, including poor lighting and air conditioning. The committee is tasked with addressing over $1.6bn in deferred maintenance costs, which may lead to school closures. Michelle Stuart, head of MSCS' facilities services, emphasized that decisions on closures will consider building conditions and student safety. The Bureau Veritas report revealed $334m in urgent repairs needed within two years and an estimated $1.2bn for long-term investments, totaling nearly $3bn in maintenance needs over the next 20 years.

 

Chalkbeat

Nearly 300 school bus companies in New Jersey failed to demonstrate that their drivers were qualified to transport children before the 2023-24 school year, according to a report from the Office of the State Comptroller. The report highlighted that many companies did not provide necessary documentation, including driver licenses and background checks. Although compliance has improved, dozens of companies remained non-compliant months into the 2024-25 school year. The report also noted that enforcement of safety regulations weakened during the pandemic, leading to concerns about the safety of student transportation.

 

NJ.com