Education News

Interesting Stories from Around the Nation

October

School board members are wearing rose-colored glasses | Link to article

A national study finds that U.S. school board members are less diverse, more liberal, and far more optimistic about their districts than the public, revealing a growing disconnect between school boards and their communities.

Illustrative Math’s CEO on What Went Wrong in NYC and Why Pre-K Math Is Up Next | Link to article

Kristin Umland discusses the challenges behind New York City’s math curriculum rollout and why strengthening early math education could transform long-term student outcomes.

Virginia Raises the K-12 Student Test Bar | Link to article

Virginia’s Board of Education voted to raise math and reading proficiency scores, reversing years of lowered expectations and closing the state’s “honesty gap” with national tests. The move reflects higher confidence in students and stronger accountability for learning outcomes.

September

Superintendent Churn Is Up, But More Districts Choose Women Leaders | Link to article

More districts are turning to women to serve as superintendents, even as turnover in these positions grows nationwide. This shift brings new perspectives and representation to the top ranks of education leadership.

Indiana’s Success Lifting 3rd Grade Reading Scores Is a Model for Other States | Link to article

Focused literacy policies in Indiana have driven significant gains in 3rd grade reading scores. Leaders point to these results as a model for other states working to strengthen early reading, a key foundation for long-term student success.

COVID Worsened Long Decline in 12th Graders’ Reading, Math Skills | Link to article

New national data shows that 12th grade reading and math scores continue to decline, with the pandemic accelerating existing challenges. The results highlight the urgency of recovery efforts to ensure students graduate ready for college and careers.

5 Trends Reshaping K–12 Education Across the U.S. | Link to article

A new commentary highlights five national shifts in education, from evolving assessments to new models of student support. These trends point to innovation and change that could inform Delaware’s efforts to improve achievement.

August

STAAR test overhaul nears Abbott’s desk with Texas Senate approval | Link to article
Texas lawmakers are moving forward with a plan to replace the STAAR exam with shorter, faster-return tests throughout the year. If enacted, the new system would launch in 2027–28 and significantly change how student progress is measured.

The Inconvenient Success of New Orleans Schools | Link to article

New Orleans schools have seen remarkable gains since Hurricane Katrina, with higher graduation and college enrollment rates and no schools labeled as failing. The transformation offers lessons in equity, accountability, and collaboration—though it remains underrecognized nationally.

For $65,000 a year, a teacher-less AI private school comes to Virginia | Link to article

A new AI-powered private school is launching in Virginia, offering a two-hour academic day paired with life skills and enrichment. The model promises personalized learning but raises questions about accessibility and long-term impact.

July

North Carolina Schools Expand Mental Health Services | Link to article
Winston‑Salem/Forsyth County Schools have placed on-site mental health providers in all 81 schools and referred over 1,100 students to outside care as part of a new district-wide mental health strategy.

School Uniforms End After Community Push | Link to article

Escambia County Schools in Atmore replaced uniforms with a more flexible dress code that allows jeans and spirit wear while restricting hats, open-toed shoes, and inappropriate graphics.

Major Budget Cuts Amid Enrollment Decline | Link to article

Eugene 4J School District approved $16 million in cuts for 2025–26, with deeper reductions expected next year, relying on reserve funds and staff attrition to manage costs.