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Special education advocates have encouraged families to continue lodging federal civil rights complaints amid staffing reductions and restructuring at the Department of Education, which have weakened the Office for Civil Rights (OCR). Despite confusion and delays, advocates warn that fewer complaints could justify further cuts. The OCR received 25,000 complaints in 2024, a third of which related to disability rights. Critics of the Trump administration’s overhaul, including regional office closures and attempted layoffs, say the changes undermine enforcement of laws like the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. Future plans may see key responsibilities moved to other agencies, raising further concerns about continuity and oversight.

 

Education Week News

Des Moines Public Schools has released a report indicating that it received an incomplete background check and a likely forged transcript when hiring former superintendent Ian Roberts. The report, prepared by attorney Melissa Schilling, highlights that the district relied on JG Consulting, which recommended Roberts, to conduct thorough vetting. The district is pursuing legal action against JG Consulting, claiming the firm failed to disclose limitations in their vetting process. Roberts, who falsely claimed U.S. citizenship, is currently in federal custody awaiting trial. Schilling noted: "The background check provided to Des Moines Public Schools only looked at records for the past seven years," which is insufficient for positions with salaries exceeding $75,000. The report also revealed discrepancies in Roberts' academic credentials, including a likely forged transcript claiming he earned a doctorate from Morgan State University.

 

Des Moines Register

U.S. News

A month-long moot court program in New York City provides high school students with a unique opportunity to engage in legal proceedings, enhancing their understanding of government. Participants, such as Magda Khedr from Susan E. Wagner High School, argue fictional cases before law students from Fordham University. Khedr stated: "We contend that the search of Carmen Bundy's phone was a clear violation of her Fourth Amendment right." This initiative, now in its 41st year, is part of a broader civics curriculum aimed at demystifying the legal system for young people. Louise Dubé, chief executive of iCivics, emphasized the importance of civics education, commenting: "In a democracy, disagreement is baked in." The program not only fosters confidence and critical thinking but also prepares students to be informed citizens.

 

NPR / National Public Radio

NOLA Public Schools received a B letter grade from the state, marking an improvement from three consecutive years of C grades and the district's highest score since 2018. Fateama Fulmore, superintendent of the Louisiana district, celebrated this milestone, adding: "We continue to improve year over year." However, the district faces potential challenges as a new rating system will be implemented next year, which may lead to lower scores. The current rating system considers various performance metrics, including standardized test scores and graduation rates. Fulmore cautioned that "you can expect some adjustment to the new system," as schools adapt to the new accountability measures. The district is also working on updating its own accountability system to ensure compliance with state standards.

 

U.S. News

Grants Pass School District No. 7 in Oregon has agreed to a $650,000 settlement in a federal lawsuit filed by former staff members Rachel Sager and Katie Medart, who were terminated for producing a video and website that challenged the district's policy on recognizing students' preferred gender identities. The settlement follows a ruling by the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which found that the district failed to demonstrate a “substantial” disruption to the school environment that outweighed the employees' free speech rights. The district has since reversed the firings and revised its policy to comply with the First Amendment. Superintendent Tim Sweeney said: “The District affirms employees' rights to speak as private citizens on matters of public concern.” The settlement also includes letters of recommendation for Sager and Medart, who sought to promote alternative policies respecting parental rights and teachers' consciences. Attorney Mathew W. Hoffman praised the outcome, emphasizing that public schools cannot retaliate against speech simply because they disagree with it.

 

The Oregonian

California's education system faces significant challenges due to funding freezes, proposed cuts, and potential government shutdowns, which threaten essential resources for millions of students. With approximately $8bn in federal K-12 education funding at stake, state leaders are actively pursuing legal measures to protect funding for critical services, particularly for low-income students, special education, and English learners. The Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF) aims to direct resources to higher-need student populations, yet disparities in funding allocations persist. Los Angeles USD has implemented initiatives like the Student Equity Needs Index to address these disparities, but challenges remain. As federal support becomes increasingly uncertain, Ana F. Ponce, chief executive of nonprofit group GPSN, urges leaders to strengthen need-based funding formulas and empower school leaders to make strategic spending decisions.

 

EdSource

The Florida Senate has introduced a new bill, SB 318, aimed at addressing accountability issues within Florida's school choice voucher system. Senator Don Gaetz, R-Crestview, raised the issue of education reform, claiming: "The architecture of our current funding system has scrambled together the funds for public schools, private schools, home schooling and unique ability scholarships." The bill proposes creating a categorical fund for scholarships, requiring a minimum of $250m to cover unexpected costs, and establishing clear deadlines for scholarship applications. It also mandates the Department of Education to investigate complaints regarding school choice laws and potential fraud. Gaetz acknowledged that while the bill is not "perfect," it is essential to prevent further issues that could jeopardize school choice in Florida. The bill aims to improve student tracking and the overall funding process.

 

Florida Phoenix

The National Blue Ribbon Schools program, which has recognized schools for academic excellence for over four decades, was abruptly discontinued by the Trump administration. The decision, aimed at returning education control to the states, has prompted at least 18 states, including Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, and North Carolina, to establish their own recognition programs. Elsewhere Julie Marshall, principal of Timber Lake School District in South Dakota, expressed disappointment about the decision, commenting: "It's a very prestigious honor. I'm disappointed that it's going to be taken away." She added: “When we go to job fairs, [the award] is a big draw for us to pull in high-quality teachers. The teacher shortage is real, especially in our small, rural communities.”

 

Education Week News

Recent legislative actions in Ohio have sparked significant changes in the educational curriculum, particularly regarding the teaching of fetal development and the influence of Christianity in history. On November 19, Lawmakers passed House Bill 485, which mandates that public school students watch a video on fetal development, such as "Meet Baby Olivia," starting in fifth grade. Rep. Melanie Miller, R-Ashland, said: "The development of human life is truly beautiful. It is science." Additionally, House Bill 486 encourages teaching about the positive impact of Judeo-Christian values on American culture. Rep. Gary Click, R-Vickery, emphasized the need to address the historical influence of Christianity. However, critics, including Rep. Sean Patrick Brennan, D-Parma, argue that these changes distract from the real needs of Ohioans and could misrepresent educational objectives. The bills are now headed to the Ohio Senate for further consideration.

 

The Columbus Dispatch

Oregon Senate lawmakers recently convened to address the ongoing backlog of school discrimination complaints at the state Department of Education. Despite increased funding and staffing approved for 2024, many families have faced prolonged waits for resolution, with some exceeding five years. Senator Janeen Sollman expressed concern, asking: "How do we justify a prolonged time?" Emily Nazarov, the education department's government and legal affairs manager, acknowledged the issue, adding: "We have to get more timely in how we address these appeals. So I don't have an excuse to say. I would just say, we take this very seriously. We hear your concerns and we agree with you.” The department anticipates hiring new investigators by early December to expedite the process. Mark Jackson, executive director of the REAP leadership program, highlighted the erosion of trust among students of color, noting that complaints often feel dismissed. Lawmakers have requested regular updates on the department's progress in clearing the backlog.

 

The Oregonian

The Wisconsin State Assembly has passed a series of bills aimed at incentivizing public school districts to consolidate. These measures include financial aid for merging districts and a requirement for the state Department of Public Instruction to study the feasibility of such consolidations. The bills also mandate annual instruction on child sexual abuse for students and grant teachers greater authority to remove disruptive students. Assembly Democrats opposed the legislation, arguing it would disenfranchise students, particularly in rural areas. Rep. Andrew Hysell, D-Sun Prairie, said: "I am shocked that after starving these schools for over a decade, this body now wants to provide funds to shut them down." The bills now move to the state Senate for further consideration before potentially reaching Gov. Tony Evers for approval.

 

Green Bay Press Gazette

According to a recent state survey, approximately 45% of New Jersey college students struggle to afford balanced meals. This issue has intensified due to rising food prices and a lack of federal funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). In response, 36 colleges in New Jersey are set to receive $1.2m in state-funded grants aimed at alleviating student hunger. Dylan Heffernan, assistant director of Ramapo College's We Care Program, reported a "staggering" 17% increase in food distributed this fall compared to the previous year, alongside a 68% rise in student applications for relief. Heffernan emphasized: "We've seen a staggering increase in students seeking support, and meeting that growing need remains our top priority." The funding is part of a broader initiative to support "hunger-free campuses," which require institutions to establish task forces and provide food resources for students.

 

New Jersey Herald

Philadelphia principals are intensifying their efforts to secure a new contract with the school district, having worked without an agreement since August. During a recent Board of Education meeting, Commonwealth Association of School Administrators (CASA) members expressed frustration over what CASA President Robin Cooper described as “one-sided” negotiations. Cooper said: “We have to fight our own district to properly support our needs.” Although the union has committed not to strike under their previous contract, they continue to advocate for better wages and health benefits. Meanwhile, Superintendent Tony Watlington expressed optimism about reaching a contract deal soon, adding: “We value you and we're gonna get this done.” Additionally, community members voiced concerns regarding the district's plans to close certain schools, emphasizing the need for support rather than closures. The district is currently gathering feedback through a survey to inform its facilities plan, which will address the future of school buildings across the city.

 

Chalkbeat

A new study published in Science Advances by researchers at the University of Minnesota and partner institutions has found that children exposed to recommended levels of fluoride in drinking water show modest cognitive benefits in adolescence, with no evidence of harm to cognitive functioning around age 60. Using data from the nationally representative High School and Beyond cohort, the researchers analysed test scores from over 57,000 students in 1980 and cognitive assessments of more than 13,000 individuals four decades later. Adolescents in areas with fluoride levels at or above 0.7 mg/liter scored slightly higher in reading, vocabulary, and mathematics, with gains around 7% of a standard deviation. No cognitive differences were observed in later life. 

 

Medical Xpress

The Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD) has initiated a yellow bus service pilot program at Henry Ford High School and East English Village Preparatory Academy to address chronic absenteeism. However, despite efforts to promote the service, ridership remains low, with only an average of 15 students per bus daily, up from five at the start of the year. Deputy Superintendent Machion Jackson said: "We have significantly increased ridership, and we're hoping to (continue) to do so." The district is exploring strategies to enhance participation, including potential adjustments to bus stops. Superintendent Nikolai Vitti noted that the pilot is "not having a scaled impact" on overall absenteeism, although it may benefit individual students. The district has allocated over $57.2m for transportation in its 2025-26 budget, reflecting a nearly $5m increase from the previous year.

 

Chalkbeat

The Marietta School District in Georgia has focused on improving literacy for its youngest students over the past five years. However, the district faces challenges with older students who struggle with reading, with approximately 30% not reading at grade level. Deputy Superintendent Charles Gardner emphasized the importance of addressing these deficiencies to prevent further academic decline. The district has implemented a 55-hour training course from the AIM Institute for Learning and Research, which adapts evidence-based practices for middle and high school educators. Gardner stated: "The asynchronous approach is great for the delivery of content and building their content knowledge, but we feel that transfer to practice is really important." The training aims to equip teachers with the necessary skills to support struggling readers, ultimately enhancing literacy outcomes across the district.

 

Education Week News

A group of parents and taxpayers has filed a lawsuit against Tennessee's new statewide school voucher program, claiming it is unconstitutional. The plaintiffs argue that the program, which allocates nearly $150m in state funding for private school vouchers, violates the Tennessee Constitution's mandate for a system of free public schools. Lucas Cameron-Vaughn, senior staff attorney with the American Civil Liberties Union of Tennessee, said: "Tennessee's Constitution is clear: the state must maintain and support a system of free public schools." The lawsuit seeks to block the law while it is challenged in court, citing concerns over discrimination and inadequate funding for public schools. Gov. Bill Lee's administration said it remains confident in the program's legality and aims to expand it further. “Every child deserves an opportunity to succeed, and the Education Freedom Act empowers Tennessee parents to choose the school that best fits their child's needs while further investing in public schools, ” Lee's spokesperson, Elizabeth Lane Johnson, said in a statement.

 

U.S. News

Brian Alaback, Director of Professional Learning at Escambia County Public Schools, emphasizes the importance of ongoing training for teachers to stay current with evolving standards and technology. In Florida, teachers must complete specific training to maintain certification, including courses on teaching students with disabilities and evidence-based instruction. Alaback noted that misconceptions about teaching persist, such as the belief that teachers are already fully trained. With the rise of AI technologies, teachers must learn to integrate these tools into their instruction effectively. The district faces challenges in providing face-to-face training due to a shortage of substitute teachers, leading to a reliance on virtual training. Alaback said: “Student achievement is our main driver,” highlighting the need for tailored support based on classroom observations and student proficiency.

 

Pensacola News Journal

The NCAA has reaffirmed its prohibition on college athletes betting on any sport in which it sponsors a championship, following a successful vote by two-thirds of Division I member schools. The decision came just before a deadline, with 241 schools voting to rescind a proposed rule change that would have allowed student-athletes to participate in sports betting on professional sports. The NCAA stated: "Because sports betting rules are common legislation, the ban on all forms of betting will remain in place for all three NCAA divisions." This decision reflects the NCAA's commitment to maintaining the integrity of college sports amid growing concerns over gambling-related issues, including recent arrests of professional athletes involved in gambling schemes. Additionally, the NCAA has partnered with Genius Sports to regulate betting on individual performances during championship events.

 

CNN Edition

The Alberta government has released a report from the Aggression and Complexity Action Team, outlining seven recommendations to address escalating violence and increasing classroom complexity, issues that have been raised for years by teachers and the Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA). Complexity refers to the challenges of teaching diverse learners with varying needs. The report suggests setting class size criteria, hiring more teachers and educational assistants, clarifying staff roles in clinical and therapeutic support, expanding early childhood funding, and improving access to pre-Grade 1 services. Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides stated that the report offers a clear path to improve classroom conditions and ensure student success. ATA president Jason Schilling noted these recommendations echo what teachers have demanded for years, particularly during the recent strike, which was ended when the government invoked the notwithstanding clause. Premier Danielle Smith highlighted a $10bn education investment this year and announced plans to hire 3,000 teachers and 1,500 education assistants over three years. A new cabinet committee co-chaired by Smith and Nicolaides will oversee the report’s implementation “over the next few months.”

 

Calgary Herald

CBC News

The Globe and Mail

Fifty out of 303 abducted schoolchildren from St. Mary’s School in Niger state, Nigeria, have escaped and reunited with their families, according to Most Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna. The remaining 253 students and 12 teachers are still held. Pope Leo XIV expressed sorrow and urged immediate release. No group has claimed responsibility, and authorities remain silent on rescue efforts. In a separate incident, 38 kidnapped worshippers in Kwara state were freed. President Tinubu vowed continued efforts to ensure nationwide safety, saying: “Every Nigerian...has the right to safety.”

 

Politico