Education News

Hampshire College is facing potential probation or loss of accreditation from the New England Commission of Higher Education due to ongoing financial difficulties. The commission has requested the institution to demonstrate why such actions should not be taken. This follows years of enrollment declines and mounting debt at the private liberal arts college. Key Points

Mesick Consolidated Schools in Michigan banned screens, including Chromebooks, mid-year to address low literacy scores among students. The initiative encourages physical book reading, with features like a book-vending machine to engage students. The school hopes this change will improve reading proficiency by reducing reliance on digital devices. Key Points Mid-year ban on screens to tackle

Portland Community College, Oregon’s largest college, has been shut down due to a mass strike by faculty and staff protesting institutional budget cuts. The joint action highlights ongoing disputes over financial management and resource allocation at the public institution. The strike has disrupted operations, affecting thousands of students and campus activities. Key Points Faculty and

The article discusses how augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies are being adopted in K-12 classrooms to boost student engagement and facilitate experiential learning in subjects like social studies, science, and career and technical education. It provides advice from educational technology leaders and K-12 educators on ensuring successful implementation as a meaningful instructional

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