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The U.S. Department of Education has proposed revamping its longstanding Comprehensive Centers program, calling its current structure “duplicative,” “confusing,” and insufficiently responsive to state and local needs. The program, which uses regional and national contractors to provide technical assistance to states and school districts, would be restructured to give state and local leaders greater influence over priorities. A key proposal includes creating a new national center offering “concierge-style” support to help educators navigate technical assistance and connect with relevant organizations. Under the new model, nationally focused centers would determine their areas of emphasis based on feedback from state and local education officials, rather than having priorities set by the department. Recent focus areas under existing contracts, awarded in 2024, have included teacher shortages, fiscal equity, and multilingual education. The department also signaled it may terminate current contracts, which run through 2029, to launch a new competition aligned with the redesigned framework. The proposed changes are tied to the Trump administration’s broader push to “return education to the states.” A 30-day public comment period will follow before final decisions are made.

 

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The U.S. Supreme Court has reinstated a San Diego judge's order affirming parents' rights to be informed about their child's gender identity at school. In a 6-3 decision, the Court granted an emergency appeal from the Thomas More Society, which argued that California's student privacy policy infringes on parental rights and religious freedoms. The Court said: "Parents and guardians have a federal constitutional right to be informed if their public school student child expresses gender incongruence." The ruling specifically addresses parents who object to the policies or seek religious exemptions. Mark Rienzi, president of the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty, emphasized the importance of parental involvement, commenting: "Parents' fundamental right to raise their children according to their faith doesn't stop at the schoolhouse door." The decision marks a significant moment for parental rights in the U.S.

 

Los Angeles Times

Politico

U.S. News

The trial of Colin Gray, father of the Apalachee High School shooter Colt Gray, has revealed significant details regarding the events leading to the shooting on September 4 2024. Prosecutor Patricia Brooks argued that Colin Gray's actions constituted "criminal negligence," as he allegedly allowed his son access to a firearm despite warnings about his potential danger. Brooks stated: "That man was the one person who could have prevented this mass shooting." The defense contended that Colin was unaware of his son's violent intentions and was attempting to foster a bond through outdoor activities. The jury is expected to deliberate on multiple charges, including second-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter, as the case highlights the broader issue of accountability in school shootings, similar to the Crumbley case in Michigan.

 

CNN Edition

A New Jersey Senate Education Committee has unanimously approved legislation that would require high school students to receive dedicated instruction in personal financial literacy, including budgeting and building credit. The bill, sponsored by Sen. Angela McKnight, would tighten existing requirements by ensuring students are specifically taught how to manage their own finances. Current regulations require ninth graders to take a half-year course in financial, business, economic, or entrepreneurial literacy, but critics say that broad standard allows schools to substitute courses like corporate finance or securities that don’t cover practical money management skills. Student testimony played a key role in advancing the bill, with several saying they had learned about complex financial concepts but not basic skills like building credit or managing personal budgets. Supporters argue that clearer requirements would better prepare students for adulthood. However, some educators expressed concern that narrowing the mandate could limit students’ access to specialized courses aligned with their interests, such as advanced placement economics or business law. Middle school financial literacy instruction is already required under a 2019 law. The bill now awaits consideration in the full Senate and Assembly.

 

New Jersey Monitor

The Texas Legislature recently passed Senate Bill 11, allowing school districts the option to implement a daily prayer period for students and staff. However, most districts have opted out, with only 15 districts choosing to participate. Representative David Spiller, who sponsored the bill, said: "This is not a mandate bill. The only thing that's mandated is if they consider it." Critics, including over 160 Texas faith leaders, argue that the law imposes an administrative burden and violates the separation of church and state. Many districts expressed concerns about managing parental consent requirements and the potential promotion of a conservative Christian agenda. Despite the law's intent to enhance students' rights to practice their religion, some officials, like Alex Kotara from the Karnes City school district, believe it was unnecessary, arguing: "In reality, there was no need for it." The Aledo school district, which opted in, said it did so to reaffirm existing rights rather than support the bill's intent.

 

U.S. News

The Indiana General Assembly has passed several major education bills, including new restrictions on student social media use, a statewide cellphone ban in schools, and measures affecting immigration enforcement and higher education policy. A newly approved social media law requires parental consent for children under 16 and mandates age verification for large platforms generating at least $1bn in annual revenue. Parents will be able to monitor their child’s activity with separate passwords. The bipartisan measure gained momentum following the tragic death of a 17-year-old girl allegedly lured through online platforms. Lawmakers also enacted a stricter “bell-to-bell” cellphone ban for K-12 schools, requiring devices, including smartphones, tablets, and gaming devices, to be turned off and stored for the entire school day. Limited exceptions apply for health needs, emergencies, or instructional purposes. The policy takes effect in the 2026-27 school year. Additionally, a provision in Senate Bill 76 requires schools to cooperate with federal immigration authorities ormandate to teach students the “success sequence,” promoting marriage before having children. face fines of up to $10,000. Other passed measures include the epeal of 40 education code provisions, which critics say weakens teacher protections and could allow longer work hours without additional pay, and a new mandate to teach students the “success sequence,” promoting marriage before having children. 

 

Chicago Tribune

Cedar Rapids Community School District is poised to increase its property tax levy for the first time in over a decade, driven by a budget guarantee provision that ensures a 1% funding increase from the state. Senate File 2201, signed by Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds, will allocate nearly $4bn for K-12 education, with $42.2m designated to cover budget guarantees. The proposed levy for fiscal 2027 is $13.99 per $1,000 of taxable valuation, reflecting a 34 cent increase from the previous year. The district aims to cut up to $19 million in annual expenses due to declining enrollment, which has seen a drop of 622 students this year. Superintendent James Bieschke remarked: "The budget guarantee—it's a safety net for schools—means I'm going to have the same budget amount as this year, plus 1%." The district is exploring school consolidations to address its financial challenges.

 

The Gazette Cedar Rapids Iowa

Springfield School District 186 is contemplating a change to its traditional school start date, which typically follows the Illinois State Fair. Ken Gilmore, a board member and former principal, acknowledged the challenges of this decision, commenting: "My goal has always been to keep an open mind all the way up until it's time to vote. What's the point of having a discussion-only meeting or a discussion before a vote if my mind is already made up? I've tried to be as open-minded as possible." A recent vote indicated that two-thirds of district personnel favored an earlier start on August 19, while safety concerns related to the fair's proximity to Ridgely Elementary School were raised by board members. Sarah Blissett emphasized the potential risks for students, citing increased traffic during the fair. The Springfield Education Association President Aaron Graves noted the need for better alignment with surrounding districts, highlighting the importance of balancing school semesters. The board is set to vote on the calendar options on March 9.

 

The State Journal Register

Across the United States, major school districts and universities are rapidly adopting artificial intelligence (AI) tools, from Microsoft Copilot in Florida’s Broward County to Google Gemini in Miami and ChatGPT access at elite universities. However, New York City, the nation’s largest school system, has yet to commit to a large-scale AI rollout, leaving Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s administration to decide whether to embrace or limit the technology in classrooms. The decision comes amid mounting pressure from tech companies eager to tap into New York’s massive education market, and families calling for restraint. Some parents are demanding a two-year moratorium on generative AI in public schools, citing concerns about student development, overreliance on screens and insufficient safeguards. A state lawmaker has proposed restrictions on AI use in elementary and middle schools. City Schools Chancellor Kamar Samuels has said a roadmap for AI use is forthcoming, emphasizing the need for “guardrails” while warning against avoiding the technology out of fear. Supporters argue that students must develop digital literacy skills to thrive in an AI-driven economy, and some schools are already experimenting with AI tools that assist with reading, writing, and teacher feedback. However, cautionary tales, including a failed AI chatbot initiative in Los Angeles that led to federal scrutiny, underscore the risks of moving too quickly. Critics warn that without clear policies, oversight, and evidence-based planning, large districts could waste money or harm student learning.

 

New York Times

The Pentagon is severing or limiting academic ties with nearly two dozen prominent universities and several major think tanks, citing concerns about “liberal ideologies” and what Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth described as “anti-American values” and “wokeness.” Beginning in September, service members will be barred from attending certain graduate programs and fellowships at institutions including Harvard (previously banned), MIT, Princeton, Yale, Brown, Georgetown, Johns Hopkins, Columbia, Carnegie Mellon, and others. The Defense Department is also restricting ties with leading Washington think tanks such as the Brookings Institution, the Atlantic Council, the Council on Foreign Relations, and the Center for Strategic and International Studies. Currently, 93 military students are enrolled in graduate-level programs at the affected institutions, with the largest group at Harvard. Many of the programs focus on national and international security for mid- and senior-level officers. The department said it is considering shifting military education partnerships to state universities and conservative institutions such as Liberty University and Hillsdale College. The move is part of a broader Trump administration effort to reshape higher education and return education policy authority to the states, according to officials. 

 

New York Times

First Lady Melania Trump chaired a United Nations Security Council meeting on children and education in conflict, marking the first time a spouse of a serving world leader has presided over the 15-member body. The session came days after U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran heightened tensions in the Middle East. The meeting, titled “Children, Technology, and Education in Conflict,” aimed to emphasize education as a pathway to peace and tolerance. Melania Trump expressed support for youngsters affected by war, adding: "The U.S. stands with all of the children throughout the world. I hope soon peace will be yours."

 

CBS News

Fox News

New York Times

Reuters

A new review by the Australian Education Research Organisation (AERO) has found that school-based health and allied health programs can improve student wellbeing, attendance and, in some cases, academic performance — particularly for students in disadvantaged communities. Drawing on broader research, including a 2025 University of South Australia study that linked structured exercise to reduced anxiety and depression, the report highlights the benefits of initiatives such as on-site health centres, counselling, psychology, and nursing services. However, it notes that universal mental health programs show less consistent impact on academic outcomes, especially when not delivered by qualified professionals. The review stresses that success depends on stable funding, adequate workforce capacity, strong partnerships, and careful implementation. It also calls for more Australian-based research, particularly in low socio-economic and remote school settings, including the potential role of telehealth. AERO chief executive Dr Jenny Donovan said the findings provide a starting point for further policy discussion, emphasising that reducing health-related barriers allows teachers to focus more effectively on instruction and planning.

 

The Educator