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USA
10th April 2026
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THE HOT STORY

Schools urged to hit pause on AI adoption amid unknown risks

In an opinion piece for The Hill Pedro Noguera, dean of the USC Rossier School of Education, argues that schools should slow down the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) and consider a temporary pause until more research is available on its impact. Drawing parallels to the delayed response to social media’s harmful effects on youth, Noguera warns that education risks repeating the same mistake by embracing AI without sufficient evidence, highlighting such unknowns as how AI may affect students’ academic development, critical thinking, and originality, as well as ethical issues such as plagiarism and copyright. He also raises concerns about increased screen time, the potential erosion of problem-solving skills, and the possibility that AI could eventually replace teachers and counselors. While acknowledging the benefits of technology in education, particularly during the pandemic, his piece calls for a more cautious, evidence-based approach, and urges educators and institutions to use their influence to demand accountability and research before expanding AI use.

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FINANCE

Illinois officials push $10.9bn school budget, defend funding formula gains

Illinois education officials have requested a $10.9bn budget for K–12 public schools for the next fiscal year, emphasizing continued investment through the state’s Evidence-Based Funding (EBF) formula. The proposal includes $300m in new funding for schools and $50m for property tax relief grants, though the latter was not included in Gov. JB Pritzker’s budget plan. Officials say the EBF system, introduced in 2017 to shift more funding responsibility from local property taxes to the state, is delivering results. Graduation rates are at a 15-year high, achievement gaps are narrowing, and student performance now exceeds pre-pandemic levels in some areas. Funding has increased significantly under the model, rising from $8.2bn in 2018 to nearly $11.2bn this year, with more districts reaching closer to their “adequacy” funding targets. The proposal now moves to the legislature, which will determine final school funding levels as part of the state budget process.

TECHNOLOGY

AI deepfake material Is spreading in schools, but policies lag behind

Artificial intelligence (AI)-generated explicit images of students are rapidly spreading across schools, particularly targeting teenage girls, as cheap and widely accessible “nudify” tools allow users to create fake pornographic images in seconds. Despite laws criminalizing the sharing of nonconsensual deepfakes, many schools have been slow to respond, with limited policies, inconsistent enforcement, and a lack of education around the issue. Cases across Massachusetts and beyond show that even when perpetrators admit to creating and sharing such images, disciplinary action is often minimal or nonexistent due to gaps in school policies or jurisdictional limits. Victims frequently experience emotional distress, social withdrawal, and long-term psychological harm, while parents report frustration over schools’ reluctance to address incidents transparently or communicate consequences. Data suggests the problem is widespread: millions of users are accessing deepfake tools, and a significant share of students report encountering such images. Yet only a small proportion of school districts have explicit rules or penalties in place, and many only adopt policies after incidents occur. Experts argue that schools are failing to treat these images with the seriousness of child exploitation and are instead reacting too slowly to a fast-growing threat. Advocates are calling for proactive measures, including clear disciplinary policies, student education on legal and ethical risks, and stronger support systems for victims. 

LEGAL

Judge blocks Trump administration move to cut NYC school funding over transgender policy

A federal judge has vacated the Trump administration’s decision to cut tens of millions of dollars in magnet school funding to New York City, ruling that the U.S. Department of Education failed to follow legally required procedures under Title IX. The funding had been withdrawn over the city’s policies allowing transgender students to use bathrooms and join sports teams aligned with their gender identity, which the administration argued violated federal civil rights law. Judge Arun Subramanian found that the government’s actions amounted to an attempt to enforce Title IX without adhering to mandated steps, such as formal investigations, reports, and hearings. He rejected the administration’s argument that the funding decision fell outside Title IX procedures, stating it “strains credulity” to claim the law did not apply. As a result, the court ordered the decision to be vacated and instructed the Education Department to reassess whether to continue the grants within 10 days.

LEGISLATION

Arkansas moves to rein in education savings accounts with new spending rules

The Arkansas Board of Education has approved proposed rule changes to the state’s Educational Freedom Account (EFA) program, moving them closer to implementation for the 2026–27 school year. The revisions aim to clarify how funds can be used and to reduce misuse as participation expands statewide. Key changes include allowing reimbursement for certain community or homeschool sports leagues that do not limit participation based on ability, while restricting spending on competitive team sports, equipment, and travel. The rules would also significantly reduce the amount of unused funds families can carry over each year, lowering the cap from up to $20,000 to a maximum of $8,500. Education officials say the updates are intended to improve oversight and ensure funds are used appropriately. The rules also introduce clearer criteria for evaluating expenses, requiring them to be both “ordinary” and “necessary” for a student’s education. The EFA program, created under the 2023 LEARNS Act, provides state funding for private school tuition, homeschooling, and related educational costs, and now serves more than 44,000 students. Proposed funding for the program exceeds $300 million next year. The proposed rules now head to the Arkansas Legislative Council for final approval before taking effect.

Massachusetts schools to restrict social media

The Massachusetts House has approved a bill that prohibits children under 14 from using social media and mandates a "bell-to-bell" ban on cellphones in public schools. The measure, which passed with a vote of 129–25, requires parental consent for 14- and 15-year-olds to access social platforms, while users aged 16 and older face no restrictions. Jessica Tang, president of the American Federation of Teachers, Massachusetts, said: "The bills passed by both the House and Senate take important steps to ensure each child has access to a learning experience free of distraction and negative influence." The bill also requires social media companies to implement age verification systems. House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano emphasized that the ban would be among the most restrictive in the country, aiming to protect children from harmful content and distractions in the classroom. However, some advocacy groups, including Fight for the Future, have expressed concerns about the implications of such restrictions on young people's safety and expression.

NUTRITION

Buffett-backed funding helps Nebraska broaden free school lunch access

Nebraska lawmakers have advanced legislation to expand access to free school lunches, supported by a multimillion-dollar funding pledge from a Buffett-backed foundation that will enable thousands more students to receive meals. The bill, championed by State Senator Machaela Cavanaugh, increases eligibility for free lunches to address food insecurity among low-income families, with the philanthropic contribution helping to close funding gaps and accelerate the program’s rollout. Lawmakers have given initial approval, but final legislative approval is still required before the expanded program can be implemented.

OPERATIONS

What researchers say about the four-day school week

A growing number of school districts are adopting four-day school weeks, primarily to save costs, enhance teacher recruitment, and reduce burnout. The trend has accelerated since the pandemic, with over 2,100 schools in 26 states implementing the schedule by the 2024-25 school year. While proponents argue that it provides teachers with more planning time and reduces student absences, research indicates mixed results regarding its effectiveness. A study from Oregon State University in 2022 found that students in four-day schools lagged behind their peers in traditional settings. However, when instructional time is maintained, academic outcomes appear similar. Additionally, a 2023 report highlighted that while two-thirds of educators expressed a willingness to work in districts with four-day weeks, actual teacher retention rates remain a concern. As noted by Caitlynn Peetz Stephens, "the payoff isn't always clear-cut."

RECRUITMENT

Efforts continue to boost teacher diversity in Minnesota

In Minnesota, efforts to diversify the teacher workforce are facing significant challenges. The state aims to increase the number of teachers of color by 2% annually, requiring 1,425 new teachers of color each year. However, only 456 individuals of color completed teacher preparation programs last year. Paul Spies of the Coalition to Increase Teachers of Color and American Indian Teachers in Minnesota said: "Systemic change is starting to happen, but it's more like a big ship that's hard to turn." The push for diversity is crucial, as the percentage of teachers of color has risen from 4% to 7.4% over the past decade. Despite recent funding increases, achieving the ambitious growth rate will necessitate significant policy changes, as highlighted in a Minnesota Department of Education report. The St. Paul and Minneapolis public schools are actively working to address these challenges, with initiatives like the Urban Teacher Residency program aimed at supporting and retaining diverse educators.

SCHOOL VOUCHERS

SC Senate keeps voucher cap at 15,000, blocks new homeschool applicants

South Carolina senators have agreed to maintain a 15,000-student cap on the state’s K-12 scholarship voucher program while moving to block future participation by homeschooled students, following confusion and disagreement over how funds were being distributed. The decision reverses an earlier vote to temporarily limit participation to 10,000 students, after lawmakers said they did not fully understand the impact of that proposal. However, senators upheld a provision preventing additional homeschooled students from entering the program, arguing that the original law was not intended to include them. Around 1,000 homeschooled students already enrolled will be allowed to remain, though under stricter oversight and requirements. The dispute stems from frustration among lawmakers, particularly Senate Education Chairman Greg Hembree, over the Department of Education’s interpretation of the law and the lack of performance data on participating students. Critics cited concerns about oversight, accountability, and whether funds were being used appropriately, while supporters emphasized the program’s benefits for families. The changes now head into further legislative debate as part of the state’s final budget negotiations.

HIGHER EDUCATION

Pandemic learning slump hits college dreams

Remote instruction in K-12 schools during the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly affected college enrollment, according to a study by the National Bureau of Economic Research. The research analyzed data from 14,005 public high schools between the 2015-16 and 2021-22 school years. It found that first-year college enrollment decreased by 2.5% after the 2020-2021 school year, with FAFSA applications declining by 4.2% and ACT test-taking declining by 4.8%. Researchers noted that reduced interaction with school counselors and teachers may have "weakened students’ expectations that college was feasible or worthwhile." The study highlighted that the negative impact was more pronounced in higher-poverty schools, indicating that school-based guidance is crucial for disadvantaged students. Although FAFSA completion rates among low-income students have mostly recovered, middle-income students still show lower rates compared to pre-pandemic levels.

California students take action against campus hunger and food waste

Student-led organizations across California colleges are stepping up to address the dual challenges of food insecurity and food waste, redistributing surplus food from campuses to students and local communities in need. With nearly a quarter of U.S. college students facing food insecurity—and even higher rates in California—these groups are filling critical gaps, especially as many students lack access to or awareness of government assistance programs. Groups like UCLA’s BruinDine, UC Davis and UC San Diego’s Food Recovery Network chapters, and similar initiatives at UC Irvine and Pepperdine recover hundreds of pounds of uneaten food from dining halls, cafes, grocery stores, and events each week. This food is then distributed through on-campus pantries, community partnerships, or direct meal services, often serving large numbers of students who rely on these resources as a consistent food source. Despite their impact, student leaders say they face significant challenges, including limited funding, lack of institutional support, and bureaucratic delays from university administrations. Many report having to independently build partnerships, manage logistics, and sustain operations while balancing academic responsibilities. They also highlight missed opportunities, such as additional recoverable food going unused due to poor coordination.

INTERNATIONAL

Ottawa expands evidence-based push to strengthen national school meal initiatives

The Canadian government has announced a C$12.6m ($9.1m) research funding program over three years to enhance the effectiveness and reach of school food initiatives, as part of its broader National School Food Program. The funding, delivered through the FRESH (Funding Research for Evidence in School Food and Health) Team Grant, will support up to 14 research projects across three key areas: health and socioeconomic outcomes, program design and delivery, and support for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities. Backed by contributions from Employment and Social Development Canada, the Public Health Agency of Canada, and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, the initiative is designed to strengthen the evidence base underpinning school food policies. Officials say the goal is to ensure programs are equitable, data-driven, and aligned with real community needs, while improving child nutrition, educational outcomes, and long-term well-being.
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