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USA
5th March 2026
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THE HOT STORY

Review calls for major reforms at $700m U.S. education research agency

An internal report submitted to U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon has sharply criticized the Institute of Education Sciences (IES), saying the federal education research agency has become slow, fragmented, and disconnected from classroom needs. The 95-page report recommends a major restructuring of the $700m-per-year agency to make its research more relevant and timely for teachers and policymakers. The review found that IES often prioritizes academic rigor over practical impact, spreading funding across hundreds of unrelated projects and producing studies that take years to publish and rarely influence classroom practice. It recommends focusing research on three to five key national challenges, such as early literacy or algebra achievement, with stronger coordination across the agency’s research centers. The report also criticized the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) for outdated surveys, fragmented datasets, and cancelled major studies, and said federal education data often takes too long to release. Proposed reforms include automated data systems, standardized reporting, and greater use of APIs and AI tools to deliver faster insights.

BOOST ENROLLMENT

How to Attract Families to Your School & Increase Enrollment

Schools and districts must adapt to be a top-of-mind choice in an era where parents wield greater influence over their children’s academic journeys. As you seek to attract and retain students, this guide will support you.

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LEGAL

Districts confront Lifetouch rumor storm

School districts are responding to a fast-spreading social media claim alleging a tie between school photo company Lifetouch and Jeffrey Epstein, which Lifetouch says is false. Chief executive Ken Murphy said Lifetouch is not named in DOJ-released Epstein files and that student images are protected: “When Lifetouch photographers take your student's picture, that image is safeguarded for families and schools, only, with no exceptions.” Districts have canceled, paused, or reviewed contracts, while PR experts urge clear, trust-building communication and proactive misinformation strategies.

Vermont parents fight for school choice

Two parents from Georgia, Vermont, have filed a lawsuit against the state, contesting the new education reform law, Act 73, which limits public funding for private school tuition. The lawsuit, submitted to Washington County Superior Court, argues that the law violates their children's right to equal educational opportunities. Act 73, signed by Gov. Phil Scott, imposes restrictions on the state's school choice system, allowing public funds to be used only at 18 private schools. The plaintiffs, Kollene Caspers and Michele Orosz, assert that the law's “drastic and unprecedented new restrictions” hinder access to essential educational services. Jeffrey Schwab, director of litigation at the Liberty Justice Center, said that Act 73 “limits the ability of Vermont families to meet their educational need.” The lawsuit follows another challenge to Act 73 by Mid Vermont Christian School, which claims the law discriminates against religious schools.

DISTRICTS

Beaverton selects Denver deputy superintendent to lead Oregon’s third-largest district

The Beaverton School District in Oregon has appointed Dr. Anthony Smith, currently deputy superintendent of Denver Public Schools, as its next superintendent. Smith will officially begin the role on July 1, replacing Dr. Gustavo Balderas, who left to lead the Puget Sound Educational Service District in Washington. Smith brings extensive education leadership experience, having previously worked as a high school English teacher, principal, instructional superintendent, chief of equity and engagement, and charter superintendent for KIPP Texas Public Schools. School Board Chair Sunita Garg said Smith’s record of improving graduation rates, attendance, and student achievement in reading and math, along with his focus on equity and student success, made him the right choice to lead the district.

Judge orders LAUSD to expand high-dosage tutoring

A judge approved a settlement requiring Los Angeles USD to provide three years of high-dosage tutoring to 100,000 students, totaling more than 10m hours, delivered by district staff and vendors in virtual and in-person formats. The mandate follows Shaw et al. v. LAUSD et al., which alleged pandemic-era failures in access to instruction violated “basic educational equality guaranteed to them by the California Constitution.” LAUSD says it is evaluating implementation and impacts, noting variation in “take-up” and outcomes. Supporters stress accountability and improving access so families don’t miss services.

GOVERNANCE

Chicago school board vice president announces resignation

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) Board of Education Vice President Olga Bautista has announced she will step down from her position after receiving a sabbatical award from the Chicago Frontlines Fund to continue her work in environmental justice. Bautista, a community organizer from the city’s Southeast Side and co-executive director of the Southeast Environmental Task Force, was appointed to the board by Mayor Brandon Johnson in 2024. She remained on the board during the transition to a hybrid system with both appointed and elected members. Her departure means Mayor Johnson will appoint a replacement to serve the remainder of her term. Board members will also vote internally to select a new vice president. During her tenure, Bautista was involved in several key decisions, including voting to remove former CPS chief executive Pedro Martinez in 2024 and opposing the district’s budget over concerns about pension payments and borrowing. Chicago’s school board is moving toward a fully elected body, with all 21 seats scheduled for election in November and a new board expected to be seated next year.

FINANCE

Report shows only half of Arizona education spending reaches classrooms

New figures from Arizona’s Auditor General show that only 52.1 cents of every education dollar in Arizona went directly to classroom instruction in the last school year, the lowest share in two decades. The report found Arizona also spends significantly less on education overall, with per-student spending at $14,629, about $4,503 below the national average. Rising costs for areas such as facilities, administration, transportation and student support services have increased spending outside the classroom, while lawmakers are pushing a ballot initiative that would require schools to raise instructional spending to 60% of education budgets over time. Chuck Essigs, director of government relations for the Arizona Association of School Business Officials, said the figures reflect the fiscal reality of a decline in enrollment, with student numbers down by 92,000 since 2008.

NUTRITION

Tennessee lawmakers push for summer food aid

Tennessee lawmakers are advocating for the state to utilize available federal funding to provide summer grocery assistance to low-income students, countering Gov. Bill Lee's stance against the necessity of these funds. Last summer, approximately 700,000 children in Tennessee did not receive supplemental grocery funds after the state opted out of the 2025 federal program, known as summer EBT or SUN Bucks, resulting in an estimated loss of $75m in federal aid. Senate Bill 1911, sponsored by Senator Paul Bailey, aims to mandate participation in the SUN Bucks program whenever it is available. Bailey noted: "All of Tennessee's neighboring states are already participating in the program." The bill has passed through committees in both the Senate and the House, but concerns remain regarding its funding and potential impact on the governor's proposed state-run program. A legislative analysis suggests that the bill could cost the state about $7.9 million while accessing over $95m in federal funds.

TECHNOLOGY

K12-powered virtual schools expand online learning options across Idaho

Enrollment has opened for the 2026–2027 school year at two tuition-free virtual public schools serving Idaho students statewide: Idaho Technical Career Academy (ITCA) for grades 9–12 and Idaho Virtual Academy (IDVA) for grades K–12. Both schools provide full-time online education led by Idaho-certified teachers, following state academic standards and offering live interactive instruction, advanced coursework, honors classes, and dual-credit opportunities. Students can also participate in clubs, extracurricular activities, and some in-person events. ITCA focuses on career and technical education (CTE) pathways for high school students, while IDVA offers a broader K–12 program and alternative education options to help students stay on track for graduation.

SCHOOL CHOICE

Whitmer undecided on whether Michigan will join school choice tax credit program

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer says she has not yet decided whether the state will participate in President Donald Trump’s Education Freedom Tax Credit, a federal school choice program that could provide tax credits of up to $1,700 for donations supporting private school tuition and other educational expenses. Whitmer said she needs more detailed federal guidance, particularly regarding tax rules, before making a decision. The program, set to begin in 2027, allows taxpayers to donate to nonprofit scholarship-granting organizations (SGOs) and receive a tax credit. These organizations would then provide scholarships for expenses such as private school tuition, tutoring, textbooks, or services for students with disabilities. At least 23 states have already opted into the program, though some Democratic-led states plan to opt out. In Michigan, critics argue it could divert resources from public schools and potentially conflict with the state’s constitutional ban on school vouchers. Supporters say it would expand educational options and financial support for families. Whitmer previously vetoed similar state-level scholarship proposals, citing concerns about privatizing education.

COLLEGE AND CAREER READINESS

Career-focused high schools reshape education with industry-style training facilities

School districts across the U.S., particularly in states like Arizona, are expanding career readiness programs through specialized high schools, Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, and academy-based learning models that combine traditional academics with career-focused training. Many districts are building or upgrading modern facilities for fields such as advanced manufacturing, healthcare, technology, trades, and the arts, allowing students to gain practical experience and certifications that can lead directly to careers without requiring a four-year college degree. These schools are designed to mirror real workplaces, combining classroom learning with hands-on training in labs and industry-style environments. Examples include the Western Maricopa Education Center (West-MEC) expansion in Phoenix, a $13.5m facility featuring advanced manufacturing space, a clean room, and an electric-vehicle training bay, and the $75m Hilltop School for the Arts campus in Arizona. District leaders say community and industry partnerships are critical to shaping programs and ensuring students learn skills aligned with local workforce needs. Advisory committees made up of industry leaders help guide curriculum and certification programs so graduates are prepared to enter high-demand sectors. Educators say these specialized learning environments help students connect their education to real-world careers, giving them more pathways to success after graduation.

GRADING

Indiana introduces updated school accountability model

Indiana’s State Board of Education has unanimously approved a new A–F grading system for K–12 schools, replacing an accountability model that had not been updated for nearly a decade. The system will take effect once reviewed by the attorney general and signed into law by Gov. Mike Braun. The new framework, which received support from numerous organizations, including the Indiana Association of School Business Officials, aligns with the state’s “Graduates Prepared to Succeed” initiative and evaluates schools across key areas including academic mastery, career readiness, communication skills, work ethic, and civic and digital literacy. It will place greater emphasis on reading and math fundamentals as well as career-related skills such as work-based learning and industry credentials. School grades will be based on the average performance points of students, with scores of 85–100 receiving an A, 75–84 a B, 65–74 a C, and 55–64 a D.

TESTING

Massachusetts students ace AP exams

Massachusetts students have achieved success in Advanced Placement (AP) exams, with 35.8% of public high school graduates scoring three or higher, the highest percentage nationwide. Gov. Maura Healey said: "Congratulations to Massachusetts students, educators and families on this incredible accomplishment." The state also ranked first in the percentage of Black or African American students taking AP exams and third in overall participation. The Healey-Driscoll administration has committed to expanding opportunities for high schoolers to earn college credit, including through Early College programs, with a goal to increase enrollment from 10,000 to 100,000 students in the next decade. Additionally, over 90,783 AP exam fees have been subsidized for nearly 50,000 low-income students, making these opportunities more accessible.

INTERNATIONAL

China urged to prioritize education and training to navigate AI-driven job changes

A leading Chinese economist has called on Beijing to increase spending on early childhood education and lifelong learning to help the country’s workforce adapt to the rapid spread of artificial intelligence (AI). Cai Fang of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences said China must shift policy focus from investing primarily in capital to investing more in people, particularly as an ageing population and technological change reshape the labor market. He argued that training older workers and strengthening education systems will be crucial to maintaining employment, productivity, and social stability as AI transforms jobs rather than simply replacing them.
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