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The Trump administration's funding cuts have significantly impacted K-12 education, disrupting over $12bn in federal allocations. Education Week reports that the U.S. Department of Education canceled more than 730 grants worth at least $2.2bn across various programs. Lindsey Burke, deputy chief of staff for policy and programs at the Education Department, said: "We are using those dollars to reinvest in better projects that are really serving students better." The cuts have affected numerous initiatives, including special education and mental health services, leading to job losses for educators and halted projects. Despite pushback from lawmakers and ongoing legal challenges, the administration has shown little inclination to reverse its funding disruptions, raising concerns about the long-term effects on educational institutions.

 

Education Week News

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Anita Byrd, a celebrated figure in Central ISD, recently retired after over 40 years of service, leaving behind a profound legacy. Known for her pivotal role in leading the Lady Bulldogs to the 1984 state basketball championship, Byrd's influence extended far beyond the court. “God has used Central to grow me spiritually,” Byrd said during her retirement ceremony, reflecting on her journey. Starting as a paraprofessional in 2000, she earned her bachelor's degree and eventually became the principal of Central Elementary. “You have left your imprint here on Central ISD,” said Brant Lee, highlighting her significant contributions.

 

Lufkin Daily News

The Killeen ISD board of trustees is set to review policy changes recommended by the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB) during their meeting on January 20. These changes aim to align KISD policies with recent legislative updates. KISD attorney Mike Harper highlighted the need for amendments, particularly regarding child abuse reporting, which TASB suggests should change from a 48-hour to a 24-hour reporting timeframe. Additionally, a new policy in line with Senate Bill 12 would prohibit KISD employees from assisting students with "social transitioning." Harper emphasized the importance of these updates, stating, "It is a core responsibility of a school board to make informed decisions that comply with the law." The board will also consider recognizing National School Counseling Week, celebrating the contributions of school counselors.

 

Killeen Daily Herald

United ISD is grappling with a significant decline in student enrollment, which has led to a budget deficit of $44m. Superintendent Gerardo Cruz noted: "Over 3,500 students, with a decline in over 30 campuses," since the 2018-19 school year. The Texas Education Agency supports school closures and consolidations due to low performance and budget shortfalls. UISD is reviewing enrollment data and financial projections, emphasizing that many Texas districts face similar challenges. Cruz stated that if the trend continues, the district could see an additional financial impact of approximately $10m. UISD is exploring various strategies, including the launch of a virtual program for high school students in 2026-27, to address these issues while maintaining a commitment to excellence for students and families.

 

Star-Telegram

Recent research from Harvard University, the University of Maryland College Park, and Stanford University highlights the importance of mathematical vocabulary in enhancing student performance in math. The study analyzed over 1,600 transcripts from fourth and fifth grade math lessons, revealing that students taught by teachers who utilized more mathematical terminology showed greater progress. Zachary Himmelsbach, the lead author, said: "It is the teachers who are using more mathematical vocabulary that are the more effective teachers, on average." The findings suggest that while vocabulary use is linked to improved student outcomes, it may also reflect broader teaching effectiveness. The study emphasizes the need for teachers to incorporate specific math vocabulary to foster deeper understanding among students, aligning with best practices recommended by the Institute of Education Sciences.

 

Education Week News

The University of Texas at Dallas has introduced a Bachelor of Science in computational and geospatial science, merging two high-demand fields. This program, which began last fall, is a collaboration between the School of Economic, Political and Policy Sciences and the Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science. Ovidiu Daescu, head of the computer science department, noted that "advances in three-dimensional data acquisition have created a higher demand for computational ways to work with spatial data." Yongwan Chun, head of the geospatial information sciences program, emphasized the need for programming skills in modern GIS technology. Jennifer Holmes, dean of the School of Economic, Political and Policy Sciences, expressed excitement about the program's potential, stating: "This gives students the ability to progress toward myriad career opportunities." Graduates can pursue roles such as analysts, technicians, and software developers in geospatial information sciences.

 

Community Impact Newspaper

Concerns have been raised in Japan over escalating school violence following the circulation of viral bullying videos, one of which triggered a mass murder threat targeting a junior high school in Oita. The email threat, sent on January 11, warned of an imminent attack involving multiple accomplices. Although the threat did not materialise, it prompted a significant police response and the cancellation of after-school activities. The incident came just days after a video emerged showing a student violently assaulting a peer, followed by another clip from Tochigi showing a separate case of physical bullying. Both clips rapidly gained traction on social media, highlighting what experts say is a rising trend of bullying cases in schools, worsened by online sharing and under-reporting in official figures. Japan’s Ministry of Education recently revealed a record 769,022 reported bullying cases in fiscal 2024, with over 1,400 serious incidents and 413 student suicides – eight of which were linked to bullying. Experts attribute the surge to social media, economic pressures at home, and a lack of moral guidance among youth. Critics also accuse school boards of reacting only once footage becomes public.

 

South China Morning Post