Immediate surge in school shootings spotlights need for student SEL supports

April 2020 marked the first month with no shootings on school grounds in nearly two decades. It also marked the first full month in which students throughout the country remained home as schools and businesses closed their doors due to the rapid spread of COVID-19. […]

Inclusion and support beneficial for LGBTQ youth, report finds

LGBTQ youth continue to face higher rates of bullying, harassment and mental health challenges, but new research suggests that all students reap the benefits when schools demonstrate to their LGBT+ pupils that they are safe and welcome. The report, “Growing Up LGBT+,” released June 14 […]

Students with disabilities can benefit from expanded learning opportunities

Recent research related to summer learning loss among students with disabilities was discussed in a June 8 webinar, “Supporting COVID-19 Recovery for Students with Disabilities: Research Findings, Policy Recommendations, and Lessons from the Ground,” hosted by NWEA, The Alliance for Excellent Education, Future Ready Schools […]

Experts cite the need, potential pitfalls of federal broadband infrastructure plan

President Joe Biden’s recently proposed $2 trillion infrastructure plan makes significant investments in schools and students, including $100 billion to help expand broadband access in communities nationwide. The investment is a good start toward ensuring all students have internet access that will allow them to […]

States tackle student mental health needs through common policies

Mental health challenges among students have been deeply exacerbated by the pandemic, and many state and local policymakers have acknowledged a need to implement strong mental health services to better support children. Thus far in 2021, more than 200 bills in state legislatures that address […]

Federal committee reviews special education challenges and next steps

A May 6 convening of the House Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education Subcommittee provided experts the opportunity to explain several steps Congress can take to help schools meet the needs of students with disabilities moving forward. The barriers to quality education for students with […]

State Board Report: Growth model, other long-term projects receive final approval

The State Board of Education’s virtual May 12–13 meeting overlapped with Gov. Gavin Newsom’s announcement that he was proposing $93.7 billion in Proposition 98 funding for 2021–22, with increases in spending on early learning, wraparound services, community schools, nutrition programs and extended learning opportunities in […]

National civics education framework aims to engage a diverse student population

Educating for American Democracy recently launched “The Roadmap to Educating for American Democracy,” a cross-ideological framework developed by a large coalition of experts to enhance K-12 civics and history education to reflect the country’s diverse student population. Funded with $1.1 million from the National Endowment […]