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USA
13th January 2026
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THE HOT STORY

Chicago report finds strong link between high school attendance and student success

The University of Chicago's Consortium on School Research released a report emphasizing the importance of attendance in middle and high schools post-COVID. The study found that chronic absenteeism increased by 20% across all grades, with 40% of Chicago Public Schools (CPS) students considered chronically absent last year. Elaine Allensworth, one of the report's authors, said: "All the studies we do suggest that attendance is still vitally important at all grade levels." The report highlights that schools can significantly influence attendance through strong relationships between teachers and students, as well as a supportive school climate. While external factors like neighborhood safety and economic instability affect attendance, the study asserts that schools have the power to improve attendance rates. CPS is focusing on monitoring student data and enhancing family outreach to address these challenges.

STRENGTHEN MATHEMATICS FLUENCY

More Than Speed: Why Math Fluency Matters  

Strengthening fluency in K-8 math students is vital because it allows them to solve problems accurately and efficiently. When students are fluent with basic facts and procedures, they free up cognitive resources to focus on higher-level thinking and complex problem-solving. Without fluency, students may struggle with multi-digit problems, fractions, and decimals, as their difficulties can compound over the years.

An effective approach to building fluency involves more than just rote memorization. It requires helping students understand number relationships, develop flexibility, and choose an efficient strategy. This foundation helps students develop a strong number sense and prepares them for future academic success. By cultivating fluency, educators help students build confidence and reduce the math anxiety that can hinder their learning journey.

Download free fluency resources to try now!

 

DISTRICTS

New leadership takes charge of Cincinnati Public Schools

Cincinnati Public Schools' board welcomed new members at its first meeting of 2026 on January 12. Kari Armbruster, a corporate consultant and mother of three students, was sworn in as the newest board member. Brandon Craig, who was elected to a second term, was appointed president, expressing gratitude to former President Dr. Moffett for her contributions: "Every one of these folks are ... really talented people who are really focused on making sure our students are getting the best quality education." Kareem Moncree-Moffett, also re-elected, will serve as vice president. The leadership transition occurs amid ongoing financial challenges and the implementation of a growth plan, which includes the reintroduction of middle schools. Craig and Moffett received significant support in the recent election, with Moffett earning over 48,000 votes and Craig over 47,000.

FINANCE

Education leaders call on Hochul to reform Foundation Aid formula

Education leaders in New York are urging Gov. Kathy Hochul to overhaul the state’s outdated Foundation Aid formula in her upcoming budget proposal. The formula, created in 2007, provides billions in school funding but hasn’t been fully updated to reflect rising costs, modern educational needs, or the state's 2% property tax cap. A growing number of school districts, currently over 56% statewide according to the Association of School Business Officials of New York, now rely on the "save harmless" policy, which prevents funding cuts, raising concerns about the formula’s sustainability. Advocates want changes to how poverty, regional costs, and inflation are calculated, along with more support for high-need student populations. If changes aren’t made to the formula, "it will not keep pace with actual costs, and in the long run, eventually everybody will potentially be on ‘save harmless,’ ” said Brian Cechnicki, executive director of ASBO New York. However, political challenges and the complexity of the system may stall major reforms during an election year.

WA State Superintendent Reykdal calls for education funding boost

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal emphasized the need for increased education funding and a fairer tax system during his annual news conference. He said: "We need tax reform. The wealthiest don't pay an equitable share." Public school enrollment has declined by approximately 41,000 since 2019, while private schooling and homeschooling have seen slight increases. Despite positive trends, such as a four-year graduation rate of 82.6%, Reykdal noted that chronic absenteeism remains a concern, with over a quarter of students missing more than 18 days of school. He called for enhanced math instruction, commenting: "We need math intensity from the day they step into school." Reykdal has spoken in support of Gov. Bob Ferguson's proposed income tax on high earners to generate additional funding for education, while also advocating for efficiency in school district operations. He highlighted the importance of maintaining a minimum fund balance in district budgets and providing financial training for school board directors.

LEGISLATION

Virginia bill would ban portrayal of January 6 as peaceful protest in school lessons

A new bill in Virginia, House Bill 333, would restrict how public schools may teach about the January 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol attack. Introduced by Delegate Dan Helmer (D-Fairfax), the legislation allows school boards to offer instruction on Jan. 6 but mandates that it be described as a violent and unprecedented attack aimed at overturning the 2020 presidential election results. The bill explicitly prohibits portraying January 6 as a peaceful protest or presenting claims of widespread election fraud as credible. It does not require schools to teach about the event nor affect private institutions or statewide curriculum standards. Helmer’s office stated the bill aims to ensure students are taught "history, not propaganda." The legislation, which imposes no penalties or enforcement mechanisms, is part of a broader national debate over how the events of January 6 should be framed in educational settings.

LEGAL

Supreme Court tackles transgender sports ban

The U.S. Supreme Court will today hear oral arguments in two significant cases regarding laws that prohibit transgender girls and women from participating in women's sports at publicly funded schools. The cases involve a college student from Idaho and a middle school student from West Virginia, both barred from competing due to state laws. West Virginia Attorney General John McCuskey argues that "biological differences between men and women matter on the field," while ACLU lawyer Josh Block contends that the issue extends beyond sports, potentially impacting transgender rights overall. Block warns that the Supreme Court may apply a low level of scrutiny to transgender rights, which could lead to arbitrary discrimination against transgender students. The outcome of these cases could have broader implications for transgender rights in the U.S.

Settlement reached for Sacramento schools

California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced a settlement with Sacramento City USD following a state investigation that revealed unlawful enrollment and student transfer practices. The investigation found violations of state open enrollment and non-discrimination laws, particularly affecting Black and Latino students, students from low-income families, students with disabilities, and students with limited English proficiency. Superintendent Lisa Allen stated: "While we stand by our enrollment practices, we recognize there are areas where the district can further improve." The settlement includes a five-year plan requiring the district to implement a centralized assistant superintendent position, create a dashboard for enrollment data, establish community advisory groups, and evaluate admission exams for incoming kindergarten and first-grade students. Bonta emphasized: "Every student has the right to equal access to a quality public education. That starts with enrollment."

DUAL ENROLLMENT

Record-breaking dual enrollment surge seen in Alabama

Alabama high school students are increasingly participating in dual enrollment courses, with the Alabama Community College System (ACCS) reporting an 18% rise in registrations for the 2024-25 school year. This program allows sophomores, juniors, and seniors to earn college credit while completing high school. Over 40,000 students engaged in more than 1,000 courses, accumulating 295,266 credit hours and earning over 1,500 credentials. Notably, 143 students achieved an associate's degree. The program has contributed to a 3.1% increase in undergraduate enrollment at four-year public universities. Students received nearly $40m in scholarships through various programs, making dual enrollment more accessible, especially for rural students who comprised 46% of participants.

SAFETY AND SECURITY

Uvalde teacher shares traumatic experience

On Monday, during the ongoing trial of Adrian Gonzales, a former schools police officer in Uvalde, Texas, Arnulfo Reyes, a teacher who survived the 2022 Robb Elementary School shooting, provided harrowing testimony. Reyes described the attack, stating: "I looked at my door and that's when I saw him ... a black shadow. The black shadow was holding a gun." He recounted being shot and praying for the ordeal to end while witnessing the gunman, Salvador Ramos, attack his students. The trial focuses on Gonzales' alleged failure to act during the shooting, as he faces 29 counts of child abandonment or endangerment. Prosecutors argue that he did not engage the shooter despite his active shooter training. This case is seen as notable as it could lead to a police officer being convicted for inaction during a crisis.

TEACHER TRAINING

Maine universities fail reading prep test

The National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ) has assigned failing grades to the University of Maine in Orono, University of Southern Maine, and University of Maine at Farmington, for inadequately preparing future educators to teach reading. NCTQ's review highlighted that none of these programs effectively taught the five essential pillars of reading instruction: phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. Heather Peske, president of NCTQ, said: "We are not serving Maine students well when our teachers who teach in Maine are not prepared in line with our best science." Despite the poor ratings, university representatives have contested the findings, arguing that the evaluation methods were flawed and did not accurately reflect their teaching practices. The report indicates that only 25% of teacher preparation programs nationwide adequately address all five pillars, raising concerns about the effectiveness of reading instruction across the country.

FACILITIES

California Gov. Newsom's school facilities dilemma

California Gov. Gavin Newsom is confronted with a significant decision regarding the state’s school facilities, reminiscent of former Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's early challenges. A recent lawsuit, Miliani R. v. State of California, filed in late October, seeks to declare the state's funding system for school renovations unconstitutional. The lawsuit argues that the current system disproportionately benefits property-rich districts while neglecting those in poorer areas. Schwarzenegger, reflecting on the situation, advised Newsom: "I think it’s a good opportunity now to go and fix it again." As the case progresses, Newsom must determine whether to follow Schwarzenegger's proactive approach or the inaction of his predecessor, Gray Davis, who previously delayed addressing similar issues. The outcome could significantly impact the quality of education for students in California's most underserved districts.

INTERNATIONAL

Japan’s public school teachers face ongoing mental health crisis

In the 2024 academic year, 7,087 public school teachers in Japan took leave due to mental health issues, marking the second year in a row the figure surpassed 7,000. While slightly down from the previous record-high year, the rate remains a concern at 0.77% of the total workforce. Top reasons for leave included student guidance pressures (26.5%), workplace interpersonal issues (23.2%), and administrative burdens (12.7%). Nearly half of affected teachers were in their first two years at their current schools, indicating challenges in adjusting to new environments. The study also found that 18.1% of teachers on leave had previously returned from mental health absences within the past year, raising concerns about premature returns and insufficient support. The education ministry stressed the need for workstyle reforms, early intervention, and enhanced return-to-work support.
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