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K-12 schools are increasingly adopting artificial intelligence-powered educational technology, yet many educators lack the necessary training to effectively integrate these tools into their teaching. A report from the State Educational Technology Directors Association (SETDA) reveals that less than half of states and districts allocate federal professional development funding for technology-related training. Only nine states prioritize such training with their share of the $2.2bn Title II-A Supporting Effective Instruction grants, and fewer than 40% of districts utilize these funds for technology-enabled professional learning. Ji Soo Song, SETDA's director of projects and initiatives, noted: "Because Title II-A is such a long-standing program, a lot of things are being done out of compliance." The report emphasizes the need for states to collaborate with districts to define high-quality professional development in educational technology and to measure its impact effectively. With federal funding for teacher training uncertain, the report's recommendations are crucial for maximizing professional development resources.

 

Education Week News

Lessons That Drive Active Learning

Active learning is essential in mathematics, moving students beyond passive reception to actively build knowledge—a practice proven to improve understanding not only of math but across all areas of STEM.

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Let's Build lessons facilitate knowledge construction by having students solve a problem first, then immediately formalize that understanding through Visual Learning, using digital tools like virtual manipulatives.

Let's Model in 3 Acts lessons challenge students to apply their learning through an engaging, three-part mathematical modeling process in real-life contexts.

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The Trump administration has redirected $450m in tariff revenue to temporarily fund the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), amid a prolonged government shutdown, safeguarding benefits for nearly 7 million low-income Americans for about three weeks. The money was transferred to the WIC program on Friday, according to the records from the White House Office of Management and Budget. However, it has declined to use tariff revenue to cover the $4bn needed for November SNAP benefits, warning that doing so would jeopardize other child nutrition programmes like school lunches. "We anticipate the disruptions in SNAP may lead additional families to certify (for) WIC or families to run through their WIC benefits faster, so we will be keeping a really close eye on these resources because we know that WIC can't fill the gap that SNAP plays for families," said Nell Menefee-Libey, senior public policy manager at the National WIC Association.

 

Reuters

On Tuesday, Colorado voters approved a ballot measure to increase state income taxes on households earning at least $300,000 annually. The initiative aims to fund free meals for all public school students, expanding upon the Healthy School Meals for All Program, which previously provided meals only to low-income students.

 

U.S. News

Studies indicate that students participating in dual enrollment and Advanced Placement (AP) programs are more likely to pursue postsecondary education. Flagstaff USD has established itself as a model in Arizona by providing these opportunities for students. Its two high schools, Flagstaff High School and Coconino High School, currently serve 705 students through partnerships with local colleges, offering integrated college-level courses at low or no cost. Instructors meet dual-certification standards and collaborate with colleges to align curricula. The district also offers Path2Purpose coaching for career readiness. Additionally, Flagstaff High School runs an AP Academy with 251 students enrolled in 25 AP and honours courses, while Coconino High offers 16 AP courses to 148 students. Both schools enable students to earn college credits via AP exams, and FUSD emphasises inclusivity across socioeconomic and ethnic backgrounds.

 

Arizona Daily Sun

The Chicago Board of Education voted to terminate agreements with independent operators of two high schools, while deciding to keep the Chicago High School for the Arts (ChiArts) open as a district-run institution. The board allocated $1.5m for ChiArts' transition, which serves 559 students and is known for its arts conservatory. In contrast, EPIC Academy, a charter school in South Chicago with 244 students, will receive $1.4m to remain operational through the end of the school year. Board member Jitu Brown expressed concerns about the impact of school closures on Black students, noting: "Historically, 88% of the people that have been impacted by school closings have been Black students." Board members congratulated ChiArts families who have shown up at meetings to advocate for their school. But they said the community is going to have to help raise funds for the program because CPS has its own financial difficulties. “Now we need you to help us find partners that fit you well, that keep you in the shape that you love,” said board member Ebony DeBerry, whose district is on the North Side. “It's going to take a group like you all to find the right partners that keep their commitment to your futures like we just have.” The board committed to preserving ChiArts' conservatory and exploring additional funding options by January.

 

Chicago Sun Times

Chalkbeat

Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) leaders report progress in reducing chronic absenteeism, with an expected drop from 29.6% to around 26% this year. Stacey Davis, the district's director of attendance and enrollment, highlighted that nearly one-third of students were chronically absent last year. The district has implemented a door-knocking campaign and expanded attendance liaison positions to address this issue. Davis said: "Parents were very open about what they needed, what they lacked, and we were able to provide that on-the-spot assistance and support for them." The district aims to improve truancy rates and daily attendance by 2% this year, focusing on transportation and health issues as key barriers to attendance.

 

Chalkbeat

Des Moines Public Schools (DMPS) has successfully passed a $265m bond with 74% of votes in favor, exceeding the required 60% for approval. Interim Superintendent Matt Smith said: "This outcome will have a transformational impact on each pre-K–12 student." The bond will fund the Reimagining Education initiative, which aims to enhance educational facilities and programs over the next five years, including the establishment of Signature Schools focused on STEM and the arts. Homeowners with properties valued at $200,000 will see an increase of approximately $188 in annual property taxes. Amid recent controversies surrounding former Superintendent Ian Roberts, DMPS is moving forward with plans to close certain schools and initiate construction projects, including a new Moulton Arts Academy by the 2028-29 school year.

 

DesMoines Register.com

On November 4, voters in Ohio's Olentangy Schools district approved a $235m bond issue, with 56.15% in favor, to address rapid growth in the district. The funds will be allocated for purchasing land and constructing the district's 18th elementary school and fifth high school, along with improvements to existing facilities. Construction is slated to begin in 2026, with the elementary school expected to be completed by 2027 and the high school by 2028. The district expressed gratitude to the community, and added: "The passage of the ballot issue allows the district to continue to successfully facilitate maximum learning for every student." The bond, which will cost taxpayers $62 for each $100,000 of property value, is not expected to raise the tax rate due to expiring debt and fiscal management. Olentangy Schools currently serves over 24,000 students and anticipates an increase of 2,000 students by the 2028-29 school year.

 

The Columbus Dispatch

Wisconsin has enacted a new law mandating school districts to establish policies that largely prohibit student cell phone use during instructional time. Under the bipartisan bill signed by Democratic Gov. Tony Evers on October 31, school boards must adopt these policies by July. While many districts, including Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS), already have restrictions in place, they will review their policies for compliance. State Rep. Joel Kitchens, R-Sturgeon Bay, co-authored the bill, emphasizing the need for stronger enforcement tools: "This is meant to support schools, not limit them." The law allows exceptions for emergencies and educational purposes with teacher permission. MPS has had a districtwide ban since 2007, and current policies vary by school. The new law requires school boards to submit their device policies to the state Department of Public Instruction by October 1, 2026.

 

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Starr Elementary School in Green Bay is on track for completion by early 2026, with construction currently underway. Site superintendent Rory Margelofsky confirmed that the project is progressing as planned. The new school, named after Bart and Cherry Starr, will accommodate students from Kennedy and Keller Elementary Schools, as well as some from MacArthur Elementary, starting in the 2026-27 school year. Chief oOperations officer Cale Pulczinski emphasized the importance of this consolidation, commenting: "This is something to really celebrate. Through all those tough decisions, something really special is going to come out of this." The project, costing approximately $60m, is funded by the district's 2024 capital referendum and aims to create a modern, functional learning environment.

 

Green Bay Press Gazette

A new horseshoe-shaped road around Lahainaluna High School in West Maui is designed to slow the spread of wildfires and improve firefighter access. This firebreak, completed with the help of volunteers and various organizations, is part of ongoing recovery efforts following the devastating August 2023 fires that claimed 102 lives. Nani Barretto, co-executive director of the Hawaii Wildfire Management Organization, emphasized: "It's not the silver bullet... but we have a heck of a lot more awareness of our fire risks." The project highlights the importance of collaboration among community members, nonprofits, and government agencies in enhancing fire safety. Additionally, the Hawaii Attorney General's Office has recommended expanding firebreaks as part of Lahaina's long-term recovery plan.

 

U.S. News

The California Supreme Court has upheld a lower-court ruling that the University of California's (UC) policy prohibiting students without legal status from campus employment is discriminatory and requires reevaluation. UC officials expressed concern that this decision complicates their negotiations with the Trump administration amid federal funding challenges. The First District Court of Appeals previously determined that UC failed to justify its hiring restrictions, prompting the university to seek a review from the state's high court, which declined to hear the case. Rachel Zaentz, a UC spokesperson, stated that the ruling creates "serious legal risks for the University and all other state employers in California." Former UC lecturer Iliana Perez emphasized the ruling's significance, stating: "The California Supreme Court's decision not only reaffirms that discriminating against undocumented immigrants from accessing on-campus employment cannot continue to be tolerated." The lawsuit highlights the financial struggles faced by undocumented students, who are ineligible for federal grants and loans, forcing many into precarious employment situations.

 

U.S. News

South Africa has been highlighted as a regional leader in foundational learning by UNESCO and the African Centre for School Leadership, with all recommended policies in place including teacher support, curriculum frameworks and school leadership structures. The country’s national assessment framework, textbook policies and government-funded feeding programme support learning outcomes, while Grade 9 mathematics proficiency has improved from 9% in 2011 to 15% in 2023. Additionally, the country’s large-scale school feeding programme, fully government-funded, supports three-quarters of primary school children, well above the continental average of 43%.

 

IOL