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USA
27th January 2026
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THE HOT STORY

U.S. states embrace federal school choice program

The federal tax-credit scholarship program is gaining momentum, with twenty-one states opting in to provide families with funds for private school enrollment and related expenses. This initiative, part of President Donald Trump's One, Big Beautiful Bill Act, allows individual taxpayers to claim a dollar-for-dollar federal tax credit of up to $1,700 for donations to nonprofit organizations that award scholarships to K-12 students. Patrick Wolf, an education policy professor at the University of Arkansas, said: "If they don't participate, many of their citizens will make contributions for which they'll get a federal tax credit, and those dollars will go to students in other states." While some states have opted out, the expectation is that most will eventually participate, as the program aims to expand educational opportunities for families.

MULTILINGUAL LEARNER PD

Multilingual Learner Classroom Strategies from Leading Experts

Multilingual learners have a wealth of strengths to offer their classrooms and communities. Explore bite-sized professional development featuring effective practices from two leading experts, Dr. Luz Yadira Herrera and Dr. Kate Kinsella, that build from the cultural and linguistic assets that multilingual learner students already possess to activate engagement and accelerate growth.

Explore multilingual learner strategies and solutions

 

LEGAL

Trump administration refers Minnesota to DOJ over trans athlete policy

The Trump administration has referred Minnesota’s Department of Education and High School League to the Department of Justice over their policies allowing transgender students to compete in girls' sports. This step could lead to Minnesota losing federal education funding unless it complies with President Donald Trump’s executive order and revised Title IX policy that bans transgender athletes from women’s sports. Education Secretary Linda McMahon accused the state of defying federal law and endangering women’s sports. Minnesota, the only state openly resisting the directive, is contesting it in court. Attorney General Keith Ellison maintains that state law requires inclusion of trans athletes and is suing to prevent federal funding cuts. 

Alaska faces lawsuit over alleged failures to fund public education adequately

Two Alaska school districts, Fairbanks North Star Borough and Kuspuk, have filed a lawsuit alleging the state is failing its constitutional duty to adequately fund public education. The lawsuit cites severe teacher shortages, unsafe school facilities, and low student proficiency as evidence of systemic underfunding. Kuspuk recently evacuated a school due to roof collapse risks, while Fairbanks faces $400m in deferred maintenance. The districts argue that stagnant base funding since 2015, despite inflation, has led to a deteriorating learning environment. They demand the state conduct a study on adequate education funding and call on courts to compel legislative action.

DISTRICTS

NYC schools navigate snowstorm challenges

New York City schools experienced minor technical issues during a recent snowstorm, but overall, the transition to remote learning was successful. Approximately 395,000 students logged in on Monday, with an estimated 79% participating in virtual classes. Superintendent Kamar Samuels stated: "Things have gone very well this morning — it was a smooth start to the day." While some families faced challenges accessing Google Classroom, many educators adapted quickly, ensuring that learning continued. The Education Department reported that attendance was lower than usual, but some schools incorporated outdoor activities into their schedules. Parents expressed mixed feelings about the decision to hold remote classes instead of traditional snow days, with some preferring the latter for their children's well-being.

Archdiocese of Chicago announces school closures

The Archdiocese of Chicago has announced the closure of five schools across Illinois due to low enrollment and financial challenges, effective at the end of the 2025-26 school year. The affected schools include Saints Bruno & Richard School, St. Francis Borgia School, St. Jerome Catholic School, St. Hubert Catholic School, and Our Lady of Humility. Superintendent Greg Richmond said: "We made these decisions with heavy hearts after months of discussions with each school." Despite community fundraising efforts, the schools were deemed unsustainable, with each having fewer than 250 students. Parents and educators have expressed concerns about the timing of the closures, particularly given ongoing fundraising initiatives. The Archdiocese will assist affected families in finding new schools and help staff secure employment within the Archdiocese. Currently, the Archdiocese represents 179 schools in the Chicago metropolitan area.

Consolidation on the cards in New Jersey schools

New Jersey lawmakers are considering significant changes to the state's education system, including the establishment of a new Department of Early Childhood Education to oversee pre-K through third grade. Senate Majority Leader Teresa Ruiz, D-Essex, emphasized the importance of this initiative, commenting: "It’s critically important to have a global discussion about how we create a department... that really brings the development of policy and our child care infrastructure in the zero to five space under one roof." Additionally, legislators are advocating for the consolidation of school districts with fewer than 500 students to address issues of efficiency and segregation. The proposed measures aim to enhance educational quality and resource allocation across the state, with support from various education advocates.

Colorado district board faces legal shakeup

The Pueblo 70 School Board in southern Colorado is set to vote on issuing a request for proposals for legal services, potentially leading to the replacement of attorney Brad Miller and his firm, Miller Farmer Carlson Law. Concerns have been raised by board members, including Mark Emery, regarding Miller's perceived conflicts of interest and his influence on district affairs. Emery stated: "Let's start with a clean slate, free of perception of impropriety and the shadow of conflict of interest." While some board members defend Miller's expertise, others argue that his involvement has created distractions. The board aims to ensure transparency and accountability in its legal representation, with a decision expected after appointing a new board member in February.

WORKFORCE

California teacher unions clash over state superintendent endorsements

The California Teachers Association (CTA) and the California Federation of Teachers have diverged in their endorsements for the state superintendent of public instruction. The CTA, representing 310,000 members, supports Richard Barrera, president of the San Diego USD board, while the Federation endorses Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi, D-Torrance, who prioritizes increasing teacher pay through the Local Control Funding Formula. The CTA's endorsement positions Barrera as a frontrunner in the upcoming primary on June 2, succeeding Tony Thurmond, who is running for governor. The CTA stated: "Barrera’s commitment to working families and public education is clear in his decades of experience." Barrera has served on the San Diego school board since 2008.

NUTRITION

Indianapolis school chef whips up excitement

Tracey Couillard, the lead chef at Circle City Prep in Indianapolis, emphasizes the importance of providing fresh, scratch-made meals to students. With a focus on healthy eating, Couillard said: "It's an investment in the future. You are building healthy food habits and eating habits." The school, which serves over 430 students, partners with A Longer Table to ensure access to nutritious food. Couillard's approach includes introducing students to new fruits and vegetables, which has led to increased consumption of healthy options. She also highlights the significance of building relationships with students, noting that small interactions can significantly impact their day. As she looks to the future, Couillard hopes to establish a hydroponic garden in the cafeteria to further connect students with their food sources.

SAFETY AND SECURITY

Understanding ICE through classroom discussions

In Shorewood, Wisconsin, Sarah Kopplin's seventh-grade civics class is addressing students' concerns about recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activities in Minneapolis. Many students have family ties to the city and express fears about potential ICE actions in their own neighborhoods. Kopplin noted: "I had a student tell the whole class that she was terrified she would come home, and her mom would not be there, even though she is a naturalized American citizen." The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and the state of Minnesota have filed lawsuits against the Trump administration regarding ICE's actions, claiming violations of constitutional rights and state sovereignty. Kopplin emphasizes the importance of creating a classroom environment that encourages open dialogue, stating: "The classroom is a laboratory for later civic life." As educators navigate these complex discussions, they employ strategies such as allowing questions and providing historical context to help students understand current events.

ATTENDANCE

Nevada seeks to curb chronic absenteeism

Nevada schools are pledging to reduce chronic absenteeism, but many parents—especially in Clark County—are frustrated with inconsistent and confusing attendance policies. Complaints range from inaccurate absence records to disparities in excused absence protocols and flawed communication systems. While the state has committed to halving absenteeism over five years and launched initiatives like dedicated absenteeism offices and outreach improvements, parental trust remains low. Experts call for more frequent data collection and policy standardization, citing successful models like Connecticut. However, some educators argue absenteeism is rooted in broader challenges beyond procedural fixes.

INTERNATIONAL

Report warns of two-tier childcare system in Canada

A new report from the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives reveals that Canada’s national C$10 ($7.29)-a-day childcare program is expected to fall short of its goal by about 90,000 spaces by March 2026. Despite prioritizing non-profit expansion, 57% of the new childcare spaces created since 2022 are in for-profit centres, with many not participating in the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC) system. Provinces like Alberta and Saskatchewan are falling far behind their targets, while Quebec and British Columbia are on track, though B.C.'s success is largely driven by for-profit providers. The shortfall and tilt toward for-profit growth have raised concerns about a two-tier system where wealthier families can access care, leaving lower-income families without affordable options. Advocates argue more government capital funding is needed to support non-profit expansion and keep fees capped. 
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