Education Slice
Become more informed in minutes....
Education Slice Logo
USA
15th April 2026
Together with

FlexPoint Brand Logo

THE HOT STORY

Turning Point USA sparks free speech debate

Republican leaders are promoting Turning Point USA chapters in public high schools, igniting a debate on free speech. Following the assassination of co-founder Charlie Kirk, at least eight governors have endorsed the initiative, claiming it counters the suppression of conservative voices. Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders said: "It's never too early to learn the values of faith and freedom that power our country." Critics, including student leaders and civil liberties groups, argue that this endorsement favors one viewpoint over others, potentially violating the First Amendment. Tim Royers, president of the Nebraska State Education Association, questioned the fairness of the initiative, suggesting a double standard if a Democratic governor proposed a similar program. Turning Point USA maintains that students should not be blocked from forming their clubs.

BLENDED LEARNING

An Administrator's Guide to Blended Learning

Online learning doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing approach. Explore blended learning with this comprehensive guide from FlexPoint®, which includes:  
  • Worksheets to define your school’s needs
  • Outline of blended learning classroom models
  • List of questions to ask curriculum providers
  • Best practices for educator training
  • Instructional strategies and tips
  • Key benefits for you, students, and staff
Download the FlexPoint guide to find the right mix of face-to-face and online instruction for your school or district.  

Download Free Guide

 

LEGAL

Republicans push to dismiss school funding lawsuit

Wisconsin Republicans have filed a motion to dismiss a lawsuit from several school districts claiming the state's funding system is unconstitutional and inadequate. The Republicans argue that the system was previously upheld by the Wisconsin Supreme Court in 2000, stating: “For all of Plaintiffs' sky-is-falling assertions, the school finance system that Plaintiffs challenge here is the same system that the Wisconsin Supreme Court upheld against similar . . . constitutional claims in Vincent v. Voight, 2000.” Legislative Democrats and various parent groups have also filed motions related to the case, with Democrats agreeing with the plaintiffs' claims. The lawsuit alleges that the state does not provide sufficient funding for schools to meet constitutional requirements, while Republicans maintain that the current system allows for a minimal basic education. The outcome of the motions to dismiss and intervene remains uncertain as no hearings have been scheduled yet.

San Antonio ISD joins social media addiction lawsuit

San Antonio Independent School District (SAISD) has joined a national class-action lawsuit against social media companies, alleging that platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok contribute to student addiction and mental health issues. The lawsuit claims that these companies design their platforms to encourage addictive behavior, leading to emotional and physical harm among students. SAISD's decision follows a recent ruling where a jury found Meta and YouTube liable for similar issues. SAISD attorney Pablo Escamilla noted that damages include financial losses from students missing school due to mental health struggles. Christina Martinez, SAISD Board Vice President, emphasized the need to reinvest any settlement funds into mental health resources for students. The lawsuit is part of a broader effort, with thousands of districts nationwide participating, as they seek accountability from social media companies for the impact on youth mental health.

Principal sues Des Moines schools

Fairouz Bishara-Rantisi Martinez, a former principal at Hoyt Middle School, is suing Des Moines Public Schools for alleged discrimination based on her ethnicity and gender. The lawsuit claims she was overlooked for promotions and fair pay in favor of less-qualified white male candidates. "Dr. Bishara-Rantisi Martinez has dedicated more than two decades to serving students and families with integrity and passion," her attorneys stated. The complaint details how she faced a hostile work environment after reporting safety concerns and was ultimately forced to resign. Despite her qualifications, she was denied multiple administrative positions, with the district allegedly favoring less experienced candidates. The district plans to "vigorously defend itself" against the claims.

LEGISLATION

Bible ban? Redlands schools face challenge

The Redlands USD is facing a challenge regarding the King James version of the Bible, with a complaint alleging inappropriate content for students. A public hearing is scheduled for April 14 to determine the book's fate in school libraries. The complaint follows a revised policy that mandates a review of contested materials within 45 days. A report to the school board stated: “Following deliberation, the board shall vote to designate the appropriate grade-level access.” Despite the challenge, three report cards from the district committee recommended keeping the Bible on shelves, scoring it between 4 and 7 points, indicating it is suitable for students. This controversy arises after previous decisions to remove other books, raising concerns about potential censorship in violation of state Assembly Bill 1078, which prohibits book bans in school libraries.

ADMISSIONS

Streamlining NYC high school admissions

A new report highlights the inequities in New York City's high school admissions process, emphasizing that it favors families with more resources. Nyah Berg, executive director of New York Appleseed and co-author of the report, said: “The more that we can do to recognize that and simplify it so that everyone has equal access to a public high school, the better off we'll be.” The report suggests that middle schools should provide dedicated support for students navigating the complex application process, similar to the assistance high schools offer for college transitions. It also calls for consolidating multiple programs within single schools to reduce confusion. Education Department spokesperson Chyann Tull affirmed the city's commitment to aiding families in this process, noting the availability of in-person help and multilingual support. The report advocates for additional funding and resources to ensure all students have equitable access to high school opportunities.

TECHNOLOGY

Houston expands AI school model

Houston ISD's state-appointed Superintendent Mike Miles has announced the expansion of AI-focused "Future 2" schools, increasing the total from two to six. Miles aims to convert up to 100 schools by July 2031, stating: "Beginning in that year (2027-28), the District will determine which schools will transition to the Future 2 model." The initiative will introduce accelerated coursework and AI tools for students, with a focus on core subjects and practical experiences. However, concerns have been raised by trustee Plácido Gómez about the potential pitfalls of rapidly adopting technology in education, emphasizing the importance of foundational skills. The district is also facing challenges with declining enrollment and aging facilities, as it plans to add more schools to the New Education System model.

POLICY

Texas cell phones ban proves a success

A ban on mobile phones in Texas public schools has led to noticeable improvements in student behavior, including greater face-to-face interaction and engagement. Daniel Oppenheimer argues the shift should prompt a wider reassessment of technology in education, with a renewed focus on traditional tools such as textbooks and blackboards. He contends there is little evidence that classroom technology improves academic outcomes, citing studies in Uruguay and Peru that found no benefits from laptop programs. Oppenheimer concludes that schools should adopt a more cautious approach, prioritizing reduced screen time over further technological expansion.

GOVERNANCE

Teachers union backs Roys for Wisconsin gov.

The Wisconsin Education Association Council (WEAC), representing thousands of educators, has endorsed State Sen. Kelda Roys for governor, a significant boost in the Democratic primary. WEAC President Peggy Wirtz-Olsen praised Roys, saying she "is a leader who has done her homework on solutions to the school funding crisis." Roys, who recently garnered only 1% support in a Marquette University Law School poll, called the endorsement a "game-changer."

STUDENT SUPPORT

Empowering students boosts school success

Districts and schools that actively seek student input on policy changes tend to see improvements in both engagement and academic performance. Amanda Austin, principal of Iberville Math, Science, and Arts Academy East, noted: “I have seen higher engagement, attendance, as well as pride in our school.” Effective strategies include providing multiple avenues for student participation, such as advisory groups and surveys, and creating leadership programs that empower students. Adam Lancto, principal of Grandville High School, emphasized the importance of including students in decision-making processes, which has led to significant changes like new classroom furniture and AI policies. Additionally, Matthew Epps, principal of the Career Technical Education Center, highlighted the need for teachers to embrace student feedback, even when it challenges their practices. By fostering an environment where students feel valued, schools can enhance their overall effectiveness.

TEACHING

Engaging students through outdoor learning

Shirley J. Brezzell, a fifth-grade science and social studies teacher at Mackenzie Elementary-Middle School in Detroit, is passionate about engaging her students through an outdoor garden she created. Brezzell, named the 2026 Elementary School Science Teacher of the Year by the Michigan Science Teachers Association, incorporates gardening into her lessons to teach about healthy eating and the science of matter. “When they see the process from seed to a piece of fruit that they can actually eat, it is mind-blowing,” Brezzell said. Her innovative “Garden in a Bag” project allows students to grow portable gardens, ensuring they have access to fresh produce even during summer. Brezzell emphasizes the importance of education and aims to empower her students to make informed choices about their health and lifestyle.

SAFETY AND SECURITY

Principal stops school gunman

Oklahoma high school principal Kirk Moore has been credited by police with preventing a mass shooting after tackling an armed former student and being shot in the leg. Investigators said the suspect entered the school with two semiautomatic handguns, tried to shoot students, and intended to kill students, staff, the principal, and himself. Police Chief Don May said: “There’s not a doubt in my mind that [Moore] saved kids’ lives.” The suspect is being held on $1m bail and faces multiple firearm-related charges. Moore has said he is recovering and hopes to return to work soon.
Industry Slice Logo

Education Slice delivers the latest, most relevant and useful intelligence to key educators, administrators, decision makers and teaching influencers, each weekday morning..

Content is selected to an exacting brief from hundreds of influential media sources and summarised by experienced journalists into an easy-to-read digest email. Education Slice enhances the performance and decision-making capabilities of individuals and teams by delivering the relevant news, innovations and knowledge in a cost-effective way.

If you are interested in sponsorship opportunities within Education Slice, please get in touch via email sales team

Follow us on FacebookFollow us on XFollow us on Linkedin

This e-mail has been sent to [[EMAIL_TO]]

Click here to unsubscribe