March 16, 2026

Oregon State University’s trustees approved a tuition increase of over 6% for new students to address a $14 million budget shortfall. The hike aims to mitigate financial pressures faced by the public institution. This decision reflects ongoing challenges in higher education funding amid economic constraints. Key Points Tuition increase exceeds 6% for incoming students Approved […]

The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled that parts of California’s children’s online protections law can take effect amid ongoing legal challenges. This decision allows certain provisions to proceed while debates continue on addressing social media’s negative impacts on youth. State and federal lawmakers are actively discussing optimal strategies for safeguarding youngsters online. Key

Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond has filed a lawsuit against the Statewide Charter School Board for rejecting a Jewish virtual charter school’s application. This action follows the board’s unsuccessful attempt to approve a Catholic virtual charter school earlier in the year. The disputes highlight ongoing tensions regarding religious affiliations in public charter schools. Key Points

U.S. District Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV has postponed the deadline for new race and sex admissions data collection by one week. This delay allows time to review a motion from 17 states challenging the data requirement. The ruling addresses ongoing legal disputes over federal mandates in higher education admissions. Key Points Judge Saylor IV

The Tennessee House has passed HB 836, a bill requiring public schools to track and report the number of undocumented immigrant students enrolled. The legislation aims to collect data on the costs associated with educating these students. It now moves to the Senate for further consideration. Key Points HB 836 mandates schools to report undocumented

The Iowa House has approved bills that impact curricula at public universities and the processes for searching and selecting university presidents. These measures could influence academic content and leadership appointments in the state’s higher education institutions. The legislation was reported by Inside Higher Ed and authored by Ryan Quinn. Key Points Bills affect public university

Florida sociologists have revised an introductory sociology course to comply with a state law prohibiting ‘speculative’ content in general education. The new textbook and framework aim to avoid controversial topics, but some scholars argue it dilutes the field. This effort reflects broader tensions in higher education under state regulations. Key Points Sociologists reworked the course

Art Green, Dean of Students at YESPhilly Accelerated High School in North Philadelphia, draws on his corrections experience to prioritize student safety and personal growth. He focuses on building up at-risk students in a challenging urban environment. The approach emphasizes supportive discipline over punitive measures. Key Points Art Green’s transition from corrections officer to educator

Blackboard executives argue that detecting AI-assisted cheating in education is increasingly impossible and a lost cause. One executive remains unconcerned, suggesting a shift in how professors assess student learning to address the issue. This approach emphasizes reforming evaluation methods for better outcomes. Key Points Blackboard leaders view AI cheating detection as ineffective Executive advocates changing

California’s math reform aimed to eliminate remedial courses and accelerate students into college-level math, but it has resulted in higher failure rates for some. The policy, intended as a shortcut to equity, has instead created challenges for underprepared students. Critics argue it overlooks individual needs, exacerbating educational gaps. Key Points Reform eliminated traditional remedial math