March 9, 2026

National and state data indicate a sluggish recovery from pandemic-related learning disruptions in U.S. schools. In Pennsylvania, reading scores remain well below pre-COVID levels and have declined for the fourth consecutive year. This underscores ongoing challenges in restoring student performance to previous standards. Key Points Pennsylvania reading scores far below pre-COVID levels Student performance has […]

The article discusses the rise in digital device usage in K-12 schools, with 80 percent of students now using computers or tablets, up from 50 percent pre-pandemic. It highlights parental concerns over excessive screen time amid schools’ increased adoption of digital tools. Educators are encouraged to develop best practices to maximize the benefits of digital

Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency significantly reduced the Institute of Education Sciences by canceling nearly 100 contracts and laying off about 90% of its staff, halting many core functions. Now, some officials in the Trump administration are advocating for its reconstruction. This development follows the initial dismantling aimed at streamlining government operations. Key Points

John K. Wilson reviews ‘The Opinionated University’ in Inside Higher Ed, highlighting Brian Soucek’s nuanced approach to departmental speech in academia. The review praises Soucek for balancing collective departmental expressions with individual rights protections. Published on March 9, 2026, it discusses better frameworks for university speech policies. Key Points Soucek proposes a nuanced method for

The article compiles reader responses to suggestions for implementing budget cuts in higher education that avoid damaging essential operations. Authored by Matt Reed, it focuses on trimming unnecessary expenses in community colleges. Published on March 9, 2026, it emphasizes wise strategies to reduce costs without cutting core functions. Key Points Readers provide ideas for non-harmful

President Trump hosted a White House roundtable on March 6, 2026, where leaders discussed the future of college athletics and called for federal intervention to address ongoing issues. The event highlighted growing momentum for a national solution to problems in college sports. Key figures including House Speaker Mike Johnson and Secretary of State Marco Rubio

Paul E. Peterson interviews Jeff Denning, an associate professor at the University of Texas at Austin, on the podcast The Education Exchange. The discussion explores how today’s higher grades might lead to smaller future paychecks. The episode is featured on Education Next. Key Points Interview focuses on the potential long-term economic impacts of grade inflation

The article explores whether the ‘Science of Reading’ approach will effectively improve literacy this time around. It suggests the method is promising and worth adopting but warns of potential challenges and pitfalls that could hinder its success. The piece is published by Education Next, focusing on educational trends. Key Points Science of Reading seen as

Legislators are advocating for screen-free environments in schools, building on existing bans on phones. This push comes amid ongoing debates about the role of educational technology in classrooms. Schools are exploring ways to reduce or eliminate screens to address concerns over edtech’s impact. Key Points Evolution from phone bans to broader screen-free policies in schools.

The article argues that small residential colleges can survive without abandoning their traditional models by reclaiming control over the undergraduate experience. It emphasizes the importance of owning their unique educational approaches amid challenges in higher education. The piece is sponsored content from Higher Ed Dive. Key Points Small colleges should not abandon core residential models