March 25, 2026

A report from the Advanced Education Research & Development Fund highlights literacy challenges faced by students in grades 3-8. It provides insights into specific areas where older readers struggle and offers practical advice on how educators can help improve these skills. The report emphasizes the need for updated academic standards to better support literacy development. […]

A report from the Or Initiative recommends that educators incorporate digital literacy to help students navigate polarizing topics. It emphasizes encouraging civil discourse to foster productive student dialogue. The approach aims to support students in engaging with controversial issues effectively. Key Points Use digital literacy to evaluate information on polarizing issues Promote civil discourse for

The U.S. Department of Education has approved Iowa’s request to merge four federal funding streams into a single block grant, with more states like Indiana expected to follow. This move aims to consolidate over 15 federal programs into strategic block grants starting in the 2026-27 school year. The article draws lessons from the ESSER program

The U.S. Department of Education has approved Iowa’s request to merge four federal funding streams into a single block grant, with more states like Indiana following by seeking waivers to consolidate over 15 programs starting in 2026-27. The article draws lessons from the ESSER funds, highlighting potential benefits and challenges in streamlining federal education aid.

In rural Missouri, Lucy Wortham James Elementary School is implementing a new phonics-based approach to reading instruction. Principal Kim Williams observed first-grade students sounding out words during a lesson in early 2026. A previously struggling student showed notable engagement and improvement in reading tasks. Key Points First-grade students at a rural Missouri school practice sounding

The opinion piece discusses the Trump administration’s decision to eliminate federal student mental health grants, highlighting the negative effects on a specific California charter school. It contextualizes this within a historical pattern of adult anxieties about youth safety and well-being, from early films to modern social media. The article argues that such cuts exacerbate challenges

Kristin Lidstrom, an Indiana teacher, leads an AP Business with Personal Finance class where students engage in hands-on projects. One key activity involves students pitching their business ideas as if seeking investments. The class aims to help students understand spending habits and financial decision-making. Key Points Students complete projects like business pitches for investment. Focuses

Amp Lab, an entrepreneurship-focused high school in Ft. Wayne, Indiana, assigns students real-world projects, such as helping Steel Dynamics Inc. recruit diverse candidates like young women and ethnic minorities. Teacher Matt Gebhard presented this challenge to foster problem-solving and work skills. The program emphasizes building an entrepreneurial mindset among students. Key Points Amp Lab is

The article discusses H.B. 5468 in Connecticut, which proposes mandatory in-person paperwork for families starting homeschooling. It also requires annual documentation from homeschooling families. Written by Ralph Rodriguez for The Federalist, the piece criticizes this as creating a surveillance state for homeschoolers. Key Points H.B. 5468 requires in-person filing of paperwork to begin homeschooling. Families

The article discusses ongoing debates about the declining value of college degrees over the past decade. Employers are increasingly removing degree requirements from job postings. Instead, there is a growing emphasis on practical skills rather than formal credentials. Key Points College degrees have been predicted to fade for a decade. Employers are dropping degree requirements