May 8, 2026

California has improved its national ranking to 13th-highest for per-student education funding, surprising many who viewed it as low-spending. This rise reflects increased state investments in K-12 education. The data highlights a shift in California’s position relative to other states. Key Points California now ranks 13th in the nation for education funding per student. This […]

K-12 districts increasingly rely on cloud-based resources for productivity suites, learning management systems, and student information systems, benefiting from cost-efficiency, scalability, and enhanced collaboration. However, interruptions from ransomware attacks, extreme weather, or provider outages can disrupt learning and operations. Many schools are now focusing on strategies to ensure continuity during such cloud access failures. Key

The article explores the untold story behind Mississippi’s significant improvements in literacy rates, known as the ‘Mississippi Miracle.’ It highlights strategies that led to this turnaround and discusses how other states can replicate them. The piece is a partnership between The 74 and the Progressive Policy Institute, focusing on policy insights for educational leaders. Key

Memphis-Shelby County Schools requires third graders who failed the initial TCAP reading exam to retake it on the last two days of school. This retesting provides students another chance to demonstrate proficiency and avoid mandatory interventions under Tennessee’s third-grade retention law. The decision aims to maximize opportunities for students to advance without additional support measures.

The opinion piece argues that U.S. schools should remain protected from immigration enforcement to maintain safe learning environments for children. It highlights decades of bipartisan policies that limited such enforcement in schools except in extreme cases. The article expresses concern over potential policy shifts that could disrupt this longstanding commitment. Key Points Historical bipartisan policies

An investigation by the Chicago Public Schools board into media leaks concluded without identifying the source due to insufficient evidence. The inquiry focused on leaks related to board activities and discussions. The matter was discussed during a board meeting on July 24, 2025. Key Points Chicago school board investigated media leaks but found insufficient evidence.

The article discusses the ‘Mississippi Miracle,’ a significant improvement in the state’s literacy rates through targeted education strategies. It features a partnership between The 74 and the Progressive Policy Institute to explore the untold aspects of this turnaround. The piece aims to guide policymakers in other states on replicating these successful approaches. Key Points Highlights

Hannah Miller, a mother in Waikōloa, Hawaii, struggles with limited affordable preschool options and has depended on a free church-run early learning program for her two young children. The program has provided valuable skills, such as counting to 10 in Hawaiian, but broader access remains a challenge. The article explores the ongoing debate over who

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has initiated investigations into 29 school districts across the state to ensure compliance with laws requiring the display of the Ten Commandments and permitting prayer in schools. The probe aims to verify adherence to recent legislation promoting religious elements in public education. This action follows reports of potential non-compliance in

The opinion piece argues that generative AI is a permanent fixture in education, with most students using it for assignments. It highlights the difficulties in policing AI use and the limitations of in-class assessments, which can disadvantage neurodiverse and multilingual learners. The article proposes a ‘middle path’ of integrating AI literacy into English classes to