Analysis conducted by the Education Commission of the States (ECS) and the National Governors Association of 42 State of the State addresses found six common trends in state education-related proposals regarding career technical education (CTE), funding, mental health, early education and more. Workforce development and […]
Author: Alisha Kirby
Rethinking data to better understand and support Indigenous youth
Ensuring Indigenous communities have a seat at the table when it comes to determining how tribal data is collected and analyzed is a crucial first step in improving educational outcomes among young people, according to a panel of experts who spoke during a webinar hosted […]
New federal initiative announced to fund facilities upgrades
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) opened applications on March 20 for the 2024 Renew America’s Schools Prize, which will award $180 million to districts across the country engaging in strategic partnerships to build capacity and implement energy upgrades at K-12 schools that lower energy […]
Financial literacy is key for students transitioning into adulthood
April is Financial Literacy Month — the perfect time to revisit Champlain College Center for Financial Literacy’s 2023 national report card on high school financial literacy. Released in December, the report details the state of financial literacy education nationwide, providing recommendations for expanding access, the […]
Survey results show how students are using social media and devices
Social media use among young people has been linked to everything from mental health struggles to increased ability to find supportive communities, so it’s important that families and educators have an understanding of how students are interacting with social media. The Social Institute — which […]
Federal experts highlight dangers of young people accessing illicit substances online
Growing concerns about the effects of social media on youth mental health have expanded to stemming use of social media among young people to purchase illicit substances. Local educational agencies play a vital role in partnerships addressing this issue. A March 20 webinar hosted by […]
Webinar on supporting newcomer youth provides local and national perspectives and resources
Welcoming and engaging environments are critical in ensuring newcomers and their families thrive in and out of the classroom, and schools play a vital role in providing trauma-informed care and social-emotional developmental practices, according to experts. A March 13 webinar hosted by the U.S. Department […]
AI put on the backburner as superintendents address other pressing issues
Nearly all school superintendents (97 percent) agree schools have an obligation to teach students how to use artificial intelligence (AI) effectively and responsibly, yet only 37 percent have a plan for incorporating AI instruction in the classroom, according to the 2024 Voice of the Superintendent […]
Universal school meal policies lead to higher participation rates, more challenges
Providing school meals to all students at no charge increased lunch participation in the five states that offer universal school meals, and raised breakfast participation rates in four of those during the 2022–2023 school year, according to a report released in February by the Food […]
Policies restricting teaching of controversial topics impact educators in states without such policies
Results of the RAND Corporation’s 2023 State of the American Teacher survey released Feb. 15 showed that nationally, 65 percent of teachers report limiting discussions about political and social issues in class — nearly double the share of teachers who are located in states that […]