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USA
14th April 2026
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THE HOT STORY

LAUSD avoids strike action

Los Angeles Unified School District has narrowly avoided a strike after reaching a tentative overnight deal with SEIU Local 99, preventing closures across more than 1,300 schools serving nearly 400,000 students. The agreement followed weekend deals with unions for teachers and administrators, whose solidarity pact had increased bargaining pressure. SEIU had rejected a 13% raise over three years, with Executive Director Max Arias saying: “People are not willing to work with poverty wages anymore.” The dispute reflects wider pressure on California school districts as pandemic aid fades, labor costs rise, and scrutiny grows over LAUSD spending and leadership turmoil.

BLENDED LEARNING

An Administrator's Guide to Blended Learning

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CLASSROOM

Tackling classroom chaos

Managing student behavior remains a significant challenge for novice teachers, as highlighted by Kasandra Medina Torres, a first-year teacher at Loder Elementary School, who says: “It’s just a lot to manage when not having the actual skills quite yet.” The National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ) recently released a framework aimed at enhancing preservice teacher education programs by emphasizing behavior management techniques. The initiative seeks to improve teacher retention and reduce exclusionary discipline. The framework builds on NCTQ's 2020 evaluation, which found that many programs inadequately address serious misbehavior and positive reinforcement. Heather Peske, NCTQ president, noted that understanding the nuances of student behavior is crucial, stating: “The teacher really needs to dig underneath the inappropriate behavior.” The framework also encourages practice with intervention strategies, particularly for students with disabilities, to foster better classroom environments.

CURRICULUM

Michigan's graduation rate hits new high

Michigan's high-school graduation rate has reached a record high, yet only 27% of students are deemed college-ready. Education groups, including Launch Michigan, are advocating for a reimagining of high school to focus on skill mastery rather than mere course completion. Judy Walton, Harrison Community Schools Superintendent, emphasized that the current Michigan Merit Curriculum restricts students' potential, saying: “The Michigan Merit Curriculum still really hems kids in.” Proposed reforms include personalized education plans and career-focused education to better prepare students for postsecondary options. However, the divided Legislature may delay these changes, with State Rep. Tim Kelly noting: “It's obviously necessary.” As Michigan ranks 30th for college readiness, the urgency for reform is clear.

FINANCE

Fair Lawn faces tax hike for health costs

Fair Lawn's Board of Education is grappling with rising health insurance costs, proposing a $144.6m budget for the 2026-2027 school year that includes a 3.27% tax levy increase. Homeowners could see their taxes rise by $21.26 monthly, or $255 annually, based on an average home assessed at $389,000. Superintendent Rui Dionisio noted: “This is a challenge playing out across every school district in New Jersey as health care costs are rising faster than any levy increase can comfortably absorb.” The budget reflects a 5% increase in spending, driven largely by a 39% hike in insurance rates from Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield, amounting to a $5.3m increase for the district. Despite these challenges, Dionisio emphasized that the budget will have “zero classroom impact, zero program cuts and zero teacher reductions.”

Two school districts, two fates

In a recent election, the K-8 Lake Country School District in Waukesha County successfully passed a $3.2m operational referendum, while the Hustisford School District in Dodge County faced a setback as voters rejected a $3.75m referendum. Hustisford's interim Superintendent Todd Bugnacki said: "The results are devastating for students, parents and staff." The district is now considering dissolution. The failed referendum was the fifth in a row since 2021, prompting concerns about future educational continuity. Meanwhile, Lake Country is exploring potential consolidation with neighboring districts to maintain quality education.

GOVERNANCE

Newark school board election heats up

As Newark prepares for its school board election on April 21, community members are voicing their priorities for the new board members. Candidates have pledged to address critical issues such as improving aging school buildings, enhancing mental health resources, and increasing transparency. Emmanuel Adeola, a junior at Bard High School, emphasized the importance of student feedback, stating: “Students are the school district's consumers.” Other community voices, including John Abeigon, president of the Newark Teachers Union, and Debra Smith-Gregory, president of the NAACP Newark, highlighted the need for collaboration, accountability, and better school lunches. With over 41,000 students in the district and a $1.6bn budget, the community seeks more involvement in educational decisions.

WORKFORCE

Revocation of teacher certificates remains relatively rare in NJ

In New Jersey, the revocation of teacher certificates remains relatively rare, with only 17 certificates revoked in 2026. Michael Yaple, a spokesman for the Department of Education, explained that state regulations outline specific grounds for revocation, including convictions for serious offenses. For instance, Amy D'Ovidio, a former Garfield art teacher, lost her certificate after pleading guilty to second-degree endangering sexual conduct with a child. "An educator whose license has been revoked can only apply for a new certification," Yaple said, emphasizing that applicants must meet current requirements. The Board of Examiners also ensures that individuals have the opportunity to be heard before any revocation occurs. New Jersey's actions are recorded in the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification database, allowing other states to access this information.

Milwaukee schools to hire 150 staff

Milwaukee Public Schools plans to hire over 150 teachers and paraprofessionals for the upcoming school year, despite laying off more than 200 non-classroom employees to address a $46m budget shortfall. Superintendent Brenda Cassellius said: "Because I chose to cut positions, that's not just for one year, it's for multiple years," as she emphasized the need for these layoffs to fund new classroom roles. The staffing changes, which will cost $24.6m, include 89 licensed classroom teachers and 63 paraprofessionals, supported by a federal grant. The district anticipates a loss of 439 students next year, which may impact future revenue. The final budget for 2026-27 will be presented to the Milwaukee School Board in May.

LEGISLATION

Wisconsin protects tribal regalia

A new Wisconsin law signed by Gov. Tony Evers allows Indigenous students to wear traditional tribal regalia at graduations and other school events, ensuring consistent statewide protections. While some schools had already permitted regalia, policies varied, prompting calls for clearer rules. The law applies to students who are tribal members, descendants, or eligible for membership, and prevents public and charter schools from banning culturally significant attire during ceremonies. Advocates, including tribal leaders and civil rights groups, say the measure affirms cultural identity, inclusion, and respect at important milestones like graduation. The legislation follows years of advocacy and aligns Wisconsin with more than a dozen other states that have enacted similar protections since Montana first passed such a law in 2017.

HEALTH & WELLBEING

Tragic truth behind custom t-shirts

Jaimee Seitz faced a heartbreaking revelation after her daughter, Audree Heine, died by suicide at 13. Audree had requested customized T-shirts featuring slogans like “Natural Selection” and “Wrath,” which Seitz later discovered were linked to the Columbine shooters. “I wanted to vomit,” Seitz said, reflecting on the shocking connection. She believes Audree was drawn into the true crime community (TCC), an online subculture that glorifies mass shootings. This community can exert pressure on vulnerable individuals, leading to dangerous ideation. Seitz and other parents, like Heather Dioneff, whose daughter Lilyanna also engaged with the TCC, emphasize the need for parental awareness and intervention. Experts warn that the TCC is a magnet for those feeling isolated, and they stress the importance of fostering connections that promote mental health rather than violence.

SPORTS

Varsity sports boost school attendance

A recent study found that high school students involved in varsity sports were less likely to miss school during the 2023-24 academic year, even in the offseason. Dr. April Brooks, director of athletics for Jefferson County Public Schools, emphasized the importance of sports in maintaining student engagement, saying: "Participation in athletics plays a crucial role in keeping students connected to their education."
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