Education News

The opinion article argues that schools are removing the fun from childhood by over-structuring play and activities. It calls for allowing children more unstructured time with basic items like balls and minimal adult intervention. The piece focuses on restoring natural play in educational settings. Key Points Schools often over-regulate children’s play and remove spontaneous fun […]

Nearly 15 years after Massachusetts implemented student discipline reforms, school suspensions have decreased statewide. The article examines data trends and questions whether emergency removals are increasing as an alternative measure. Key Points Suspensions in Massachusetts K-12 schools have fallen following 2009-2010 discipline policy changes. Reforms aimed to reduce exclusionary discipline practices across public schools. Analysis

California is expanding a program that connects schools with local farms to supply fresh produce for student lunches. The initiative has led to increased student consumption of the provided meals. State officials have approved further rollout to additional districts. Key Points Program pairs K-12 schools with farms for meal sourcing Expansion approved following positive student

LAUSD is implementing a screen-free school year for its youngest students. The policy limits digital device use in early education classrooms. Parents receive guidance on the changes and expectations for the year. Key Points LAUSD policy restricts screen time for early grade students district-wide. The initiative focuses on youngest learners in public schools. Article provides

The article examines the effects of removing funding for sex education programs in K-12 schools. It describes how these cuts eliminate dedicated spaces for students to access health information. Policy decisions on program funding are presented as directly affecting curriculum availability. Key Points Sex education funding reductions lead to loss of dedicated learning environments. Students

Head Start providers have criticized a federal proposal to modify the preschool program, arguing that the changes would fundamentally alter its structure and mission. The proposal reportedly aims to update requirements related to curriculum, staffing, and program operations. Providers claim the alterations would make the program unrecognizable from its original intent. Key Points Providers state

Illinois released updated state funding figures showing increases in aid to most K-12 districts. The gap between current funding and state-defined adequate levels widened in the majority of districts, including Chicago Public Schools. The data is based on the state’s evidence-based funding formula. Key Points State funding rose but adequacy shortfalls increased across most Illinois

Several Chicago school board incumbents are running without opponents in upcoming elections. The article examines what this lack of competition means for voter choices and board representation. It focuses on the implications for local education governance. Key Points Multiple incumbents face no challengers in Chicago school board races. Voters have limited options for selecting or

Voting records indicate that IPS board candidate Lindsey Cornett did not meet the requirements to run as a Democrat. This discrepancy could jeopardize her candidacy for the school board position. The issue centers on party affiliation rules tied to her voting history. Key Points Lindsey Cornett is a candidate for the Indianapolis Public Schools board

NYC reading test scores declined, with third grade proficiency falling 14 points. The drop occurred amid ongoing changes to literacy instruction in city schools. Key Points Third grade reading proficiency in NYC fell 14 points on state tests. Overall reading scores across NYC schools showed declines. Changes to literacy instruction are underway in response to