Education Slice
Become more informed in minutes....
Education Slice Logo
USA
27th February 2026
Together with


THE HOT STORY

Congress urged to invest in teacher training

Education organizations, led by the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Preparation (AACTE), are advocating for a significant congressional investment to revamp teacher-preparation pipelines. A new report calls for $2.5bn in new or expanded teacher workforce development grants and scholarships, alongside the establishment of a national educator workforce data system. The report emphasizes the urgent need for support, commenting: "Teachers and school staff are now on the frontlines of addressing trauma, anxiety, and learning loss, often without the preparation, staffing, or resources to meet the magnitude of these needs." The AACTE also proposes transforming the Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) grants into a nationwide teacher-residency scholarship program. Despite potential political challenges, there is a growing interest in Congress to support these initiatives, particularly in light of recent hearings on teaching. AACTE representatives stress the necessity for a national educator workforce strategy to adapt to evolving educational demands.

STRENGTHEN STATE TEST READINESS

Authentic Test Simulation + Targeted Intervention → Measurable Growth

Many students underperform on state assessments, not due to a lack of knowledge, but unfamiliarity with digital testing tools. This friction leads to avoidable mistakes, lower confidence, and testing fatigue.

Lumos Learning bridges this gap with authentic test simulations and 100% state standards-aligned content. We help students build the familiarity and stamina they need to succeed before the assessment window opens.

Click Here to See the State Test Prep Kit & Success Stories

 

SAFETY AND SECURITY

Majority of principals and superintendents reject guns for teachers, study finds

A new study led by University of Toledo researcher Dr. Brandon Wood has found that most school superintendents and principals oppose arming teachers as a strategy to prevent school shootings. The survey of more than 500 administrators across 30 states revealed that over two-thirds of superintendents and more than half of principals strongly oppose policies allowing teachers to carry firearms. However, a majority also said that if such policies are adopted, strict safeguards should be required. More than three-quarters of respondents supported measures such as psychological evaluations, background checks, and drug testing for armed teachers, while more than two-thirds agreed firearms should be stored in locked boxes. The study also found that support for arming teachers was higher among gun owners, administrators in rural districts, and those identifying as Republicans. No significant differences were found based on gender, years of experience, or whether schools already employed armed school resource officers. Researchers say the findings highlight the importance of including administrator perspectives in policy debates, noting that lawmakers should not assume broad support among school leaders for arming teachers.

DISTRICTS

Los Angeles school board delays vote on superintendent’s status

The Los Angeles USD (LAUSD) board has delayed a decision on Superintendent Alberto Carvalho’s employment after meeting in closed session for four hours, following FBI raids on his home and the district’s headquarters. The board recessed without action and will reconvene Friday to continue discussions. The federal investigation reportedly centers on financial matters related to Carvalho personally, not the district. The raids have been linked in media reports to AllHere Education, an AI company contracted by LAUSD for $6.2 million to develop a student chatbot. The company later collapsed amid fraud charges against its founder. Carvalho previously worked with the firm during his tenure in Miami-Dade County. Carvalho has not publicly commented. Teachers’ union UTLA and parent advocacy groups are calling for transparency, with some urging the board to place Carvalho on administrative leave. The leadership uncertainty comes at a challenging time for LAUSD, which faces budget pressures, labor tensions, and ongoing controversies. The board’s next steps remain unclear.

Houston ISD votes to shut 12 school campuses

Houston ISD’s state-appointed Board of Managers has voted unanimously to close or consolidate 12 schools for the 2026-27 academic year. Superintendent Mike Miles said the closures, the largest round in over a decade, are necessary due to declining enrollment, aging facilities, and underused campuses. The district has lost about 30,000 students in the past decade. Officials said schools were selected based on poor facility conditions, low enrollment (generally under 300 students), and long-term underutilization. The plan includes closing several elementary schools and Middle College High School, while co-locating others with nearby campuses. The district says it will provide shuttle transportation for affected students through the 2027-28 school year. Community members criticized the speed of the process and limited public engagement, noting that meetings were not publicly posted and were closed to the broader community. Lawmakers and parents raised concerns about impacts on special education students, school ratings, transportation access, and the loss of historic neighborhood schools.

LEGISLATION

CT passes sweeping education overhaul

Connecticut lawmakers have passed a wide-ranging education bill under emergency certification, bundling nearly 20 policy changes into one fast-tracked measure despite Republican criticism over the process. The legislation, approved 96-48 in the House after clearing the Senate largely along party lines, includes reforms to school lockdown drills, student discipline policies and other measures that stalled last year. Republicans argued the “emergency certification” process bypassed standard committee hearings and public input, saying the issues did not warrant urgent action. The bill now heads to Gov. Ned Lamont for final approval, with the possibility of adjustments before becoming law.

FINANCE

Anchorage School Board slashes budget

The Anchorage School Board has approved significant budget cuts, resulting in the elimination of over 500 staff positions, including more than 300 teachers, and the closure of three elementary schools. The decision comes in response to a $90m deficit attributed to years of stagnant funding from the state. Superintendent Jharett Bryantt described the cuts as severe, stating: "Even once this structural deficit is closed, the work begins to find $40m on top of that, and $30m on top of that." The budget reductions will impact nearly every area of the district, increasing average class sizes and reducing administrative staff, nurses, principals, and counselors. The board ultimately voted 5 to 2 to approve the $867m budget, with the possibility of changes if a proposed tax hike is approved by voters in April.

Iowa schools get a funding boost

Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds has signed Senate File 2201 into law, providing a 2% increase in state funding for K-12 public schools for the upcoming school year. This legislation, which amounts to nearly $4bn, is expected to contribute to a total of over $9.1bn in education funding when combined with state, local, and federal sources. Reynolds emphasized the importance of these investments, commenting: "These investments and more demonstrate Iowa's commitment to empowering educators, elevating academic standards and driving accountability to ensure every Iowa student succeeds at school, work and life." However, critics, including Iowa State Education Association President Joshua Brown, argue that the increase is insufficient, calling it a "direct hit to educational quality." They warn that the funding does not keep pace with inflation, potentially leading to school closures and larger class sizes. Ten Iowa school districts have advocated for a 5% funding increase to better support their needs.

NJ’s biggest district awarded $6.3m to modernize school facilities

The Newark Board of Education has allocated $6.3m in state funds for urgent repairs at Technology High School and Weequahic High School. The majority of the funding will be directed to Technology High School, while approximately $350,000 will support Weequahic High School. This funding is part of a grant from the Schools Development Authority (SDA), which aims to address critical building needs and prevent further deterioration. Superintendent Roger León emphasized the importance of these repairs, commenting: "We will be impacting every classroom, every office, and every school in this entire district." The SDA is responsible for funding school construction projects in Newark and other high-poverty districts, and the new grant is part of a broader effort to stabilize aging school infrastructure across the state.

CHARTERS

Chicago Public Schools to reassign students from ASPIRA charters over financial crisis

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) will transfer approximately 540 students from two high schools in the ASPIRA charter network due to significant financial difficulties, including a $4.8m deficit. CPS officials stated that the operator has failed to demonstrate financial sustainability, which jeopardizes the education of ASPIRA's students. Zabrina Evans, executive director of the district's Office of Innovation & Incubation, emphasized that “general assurances, anticipated funding, or contingent commitments do not meet the standard required to demonstrate financial solvency.” Despite these challenges, ASPIRA chief executive Edgar Lopez attributed the network's issues to structural underfunding from CPS and expressed hope for maintaining continuity of instruction. The situation has led to concerns among students and staff about potential disruptions, with calls for emergency planning to ensure a smooth transition for displaced students.

HEALTH & WELLBEING

Mental health strain mounts in schools amid immigration enforcement efforts

Recent reports indicate a significant rise in mental health issues among students due to intensified immigration enforcement activities across the U.S. School counselors, such as Sue Arvidson from St. Paul School District, have observed students expressing anxiety and fear about their safety and the potential absence of their families. Arvidson said: "We cannot always promise that our schools are safe places." The impact is felt not only by immigrant students but also by their peers, as the pervasive fear disrupts daily routines and emotional well-being. Janet Rodriguez, a school-based therapist in Bowling Green, Kentucky, noted that many students are already traumatized upon entering school. Experts emphasize the need for counselors to understand the unique challenges faced by immigrant families and to provide appropriate support, while also taking care of their own well-being.

HIGHER EDUCATION

Mamdani says Trump agrees to release Columbia student detained by ICE

A Columbia University senior, Ellie Aghayeva, was arrested by federal immigration agents at her campus apartment early Thursday after agents reportedly claimed they were searching for a “missing person” to gain entry. Her attorneys say ICE agents did not have a warrant and that she was taken to a federal detention center in Lower Manhattan. A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson confirmed the arrest, stating that Aghayeva’s student visa had been terminated in 2016 for failing to attend classes. Her lawyers say she entered the U.S. on a visa around that time and filed an emergency petition challenging her detention. Hours after the arrest, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani said he raised the matter during a meeting with President Donald Trump and that Trump agreed to release the student “immediately.” The incident has renewed concerns about immigration enforcement tactics on college campuses, particularly the use of misrepresentation to gain access to non-public areas. Columbia’s acting president said federal agents entered a residential building without presenting a judicial warrant and reminded students to contact campus public safety if approached by law enforcement. The arrest comes nearly a year after another Columbia student was detained by federal agents, further intensifying scrutiny of immigration enforcement actions at universities.

INTERNATIONAL

Alberta education funding swells in latest budget

Alberta’s 2026 budget increases education funding and commits billions to new school construction, while raising the education property tax to help cover costs amid a projected C$9.4bn ($6.87bn) deficit. Finance Minister Nate Horner announced a 7.2% rise in the education and childcare operating budget to C$10.8bn for 2026-27. The province will invest $3.3bn over three years to build and modernize schools, with 40 new projects planned across Edmonton, Calgary, and other regions. Alberta aims to create more than 200,000 new school spaces by 2032, including 17,000 through a C$600m modular classroom program. The budget allocates C$355m for class size and complexity, including C$55m for a classroom complexity grant, and plans to hire 5,000 teaching staff over three years to address growing enrolment. Early childhood and independent school funding will also increase, with C$496m allocated for 2026-27. To fund operations, the education property tax will rise, generating an estimated C$3.6bn in 2026-27, covering about one-third of operating costs. While the government says the budget prioritizes essential services during a period of lower oil prices, critics, including the Alberta Teachers’ Association, questioned whether funding commitments will meet staffing targets and deliver meaningful new school construction.
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