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USA
3rd April 2026
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THE HOT STORY

Utah mandates Bible study in schools

Utah has enacted a law requiring students in grades 3-12 to study specific Bible passages and stories that influenced American political thought, starting in the 2028-29 school year. Governor Spencer Cox stated: “It’s about understanding history and the things that influence people,” emphasizing the educational intent behind the law. This move aligns Utah with other states that have integrated Christian teachings into K-12 education, although it is distinct in being codified into law. Critics, including the Freedom From Religion Foundation, argue that this approach risks blurring the line between education and religious endorsement. Mark Chancey, a professor at Southern Methodist University, noted that the law reflects a growing trend influenced by Christian nationalism within the Republican Party. The operationalization of this mandate remains to be seen, as state board members have yet to determine which specific Bible passages will be included in the curriculum.

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GOVERNANCE

CPS faces daunting challenges ahead

Interim Chicago Public Schools CEO Macquline King is set to take on significant challenges as she transitions to her permanent role in July. The district is grappling with a projected budget deficit of at least $520m for the upcoming school year, with concerns that it could escalate to $1bn. King emphasized the need for community engagement, stating: “Everything has to be on the table so that we don't compromise the progress that CPS students have made.” Chronic absenteeism remains a critical issue, with around 40% of students missing at least 10% of school days. Parents and school leaders are advocating for the preservation of essential programs while exploring potential cuts to staffing and central office expenses.

Detroit schools weigh shift away from PTA-only model

The Detroit Public Schools Community District is considering a policy change that would allow schools to adopt independent parent organizations alongside or instead of traditional PTAs, following complaints about governance issues, election irregularities, and conflicts within some local chapters. The proposal would let each school vote annually on its preferred parent engagement model, including district-supported groups overseen by the Family and Community Engagement Department, aiming to provide greater flexibility and better reflect varying levels of parent capacity. The move follows years of reported challenges, including mismanaged funds, disputed leadership elections, and concerns over oversight, with district leaders arguing that the PTA structure has struggled to operate effectively at scale, while PTA representatives say improvements and additional training are already underway.

LEGAL

Texas AG's office steps back from lawsuit

In a significant legal development, U.S. District Judge Alfred H. Bennett has agreed to allow Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton's office to withdraw from representing acting Comptroller Kelly Hancock in a lawsuit alleging religious discrimination in the state's $1bn school voucher program. "I do not want the comptroller to be unrepresented," Bennett said, emphasizing the need for a smooth transition as Hancock seeks new legal counsel. The lawsuit, initiated by several Muslim families and Islamic schools, challenges the exclusion of these institutions from the voucher program. Hancock criticized Paxton's legal strategy, claiming it failed to address critical connections between the Houston Quran Academy and the Muslim Brotherhood. The ongoing feud between the two GOP officials has raised concerns about the state's handling of the voucher program, particularly regarding its treatment of Islamic schools.

FINANCE

MSCS audit reveals $1m waste

Preliminary findings from the state audit of Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) have identified over $1m in spending categorized as waste or abuse, according to the audit firm CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA). The report, which is only 25% complete, highlights significant deficiencies in internal controls and documentation, impairing the district's accountability. “The forensic audit identified significant and recurring internal control, documentation, and records-management deficiencies,” the report stated. Despite the findings, MSCS leaders, including Superintendent Roderick Richmond, are committed to addressing the issues. The identified waste constitutes less than 1% of the district's $2bn budget. Richmond has proposed plans to enhance internal controls and modernize document systems, aiming for over 80% of employee files to be complete within 90 days.

EARLY YEARS

Kentucky child care overhaul

Kentucky lawmakers have approved House Bill 6, a sweeping overhaul of the state’s child care system that stops short of introducing universal pre-K, instead focusing on targeted reforms to improve access, quality, and workforce support. The legislation includes a revamp of the Kentucky All STARS rating system, limits unilateral changes by regulators, and requires a modernization plan, while also introducing “microcenters” to expand flexible, small-scale child care options in underserved and nontraditional settings. The bill establishes a pilot program offering $2,000 incentives to support kindergarten readiness, creates new reporting requirements on child care supply and spending, and allows local governments to form task forces to address shortages.

SAFETY AND SECURITY

Judge rules lawsuit against DPS moves forward

The lawsuit against Denver Public Schools (DPS) by former East High School dean Eric Sinclair, who was shot by a student in 2023, will proceed, as ruled by U.S. District Court Judge Gordon P. Gallagher. The judge stated that “DPS appears to have exhibited a shocking disregard” for the risks posed by the student, who had a history of gun possession and was previously expelled from another school. Gallagher emphasized that the risk of violence was evident, citing the student's past and the lack of adequate safety measures. While DPS maintains that their actions were lawful, they will now present evidence in court. Gallagher dismissed claims against the school board and an assistant principal but allowed the case against DPS to continue.

HEALTH & WELLBEING

Pepper spray renews school debate

An incident at Kapolei Middle School is intensifying calls in HawaiĘ»i to shift from police responses toward more counselors and mental health staff on campus. After an officer used pepper spray while breaking up a February fight, advocates questioned whether “this really necessary?” as concerns grew over criminalizing student behavior. The episode has added urgency to proposals for stronger psychological support, including school psychologist licensure and new mental health interventionists. Supporters say the broader goal is safer, calmer schools that address fights and bullying before they escalate.

POLICY

Illinois eyes classroom phone limits

Illinois is moving closer to implementing a bill that would limit student cellphone use during instructional time, as part of Governor JB Pritzker's initiative for "distraction-free" classrooms. With over 30 states already enforcing similar restrictions, the bill aims to address the academic struggles exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Neuroscientist Jared Cooney Horvath testified: “When tech enters education, learning goes down,” highlighting the need for a return to traditional learning methods. Local districts are facing pushback from parents regarding the use of technology in classrooms, with some advocating for a reduction in screen time. The National Education Association supports the proposed cellphone ban, emphasizing the importance of minimizing distractions for students.

TECHNOLOGY

Google launches AI training for educators

Google, in partnership with ISTE+ASCD, is launching a free AI educator training series aimed at K–12 and higher education, reflecting growing demand for practical AI skills, classroom-ready tools, and structured digital training. The program, available from May, offers short, flexible modules focused on foundational AI knowledge, teaching applications, and administrative use, with sessions tailored to fit educators’ workflows and leading to micro-credentials. It emphasizes hands-on use of tools such as Gemini and NotebookLM, supporting tasks like lesson planning, student engagement, and reducing administrative workloads. The initiative highlights a broader shift in education toward applied AI use, personalized learning, and workforce readiness, as well as ongoing gaps in educator confidence around responsible AI adoption.

INTERNATIONAL

UAE school ethics questions

The Daily Telegraph reports that private schools in the United Arab Emirates, run by top British independent schools, are required to provide mandatory morality lessons to all pupils, with Muslim pupils required to receive additional lessons on subjects like dealing with "rebellious" wives. Morality lessons, the paper reports, include state propaganda about how the UAE "empowers women" and "ranks first in terms of peaceful co-existence". Analysis carried out by the paper suggests that top British private schools have "funnelled almost £79m ($105m)" back to the U.K. from overseas campuses tax-free using Gift Aid, much of it originating in the Middle East.

AND FINALLY......

A note that left a mark

In a touching story shared by Luke Hales, a Texas teacher with over 20 years of experience, he recounted an emotional reunion with a former student named Ava. During their meeting, Ava revealed she had tattooed a message from a post-it note Hales wrote her during a tough time, saying: "You OK, kiddo?" This revelation left Hales feeling humbled, as he had no idea of the struggles she faced. The post quickly gained traction online, amassing over 679,000 views and inspiring others to share their own stories of impactful teachers. Hales emphasized that teaching is about building relationships, stating: "You have to earn the students' respect and trust before they'll open up enough to learn." This viral moment serves as a reminder of the profound, often unrecognized influence teachers can have on their students' lives.
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