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Memorial High School Implements New Trimester Schedule and Stricter Cell Phone Rules

Memorial High School Implements New Trimester Schedule and Stricter Cell Phone Rules

Memorial High School in Evansville, Indiana, has introduced a new trimester schedule for the first time in 30 years, replacing the previous alternating block schedule. This change, effective from the start of the new school year, extends the school day from Monday to Thursday and restructures Friday afternoons. Principal Aaron Schmitt explained that the shift aligns with updated graduation requirements and community expectations for students entering the workforce. The new schedule includes five classes a day and reserves Friday afternoons for service opportunities, career exploration, and other real-world experiences. Additionally, the school is enforcing a stricter no-cell-phone policy, which was initially implemented last year. School President Josh Reising emphasized the importance of consistent formation experiences for students, aiming to provide more opportunities for service and leadership.

U.S. Representatives Introduce Bill to Study AI's Impact on Students

U.S. Representatives Introduce Bill to Study AI's Impact on Students

U.S. Representative George Whitesides, along with Representatives April McClain-Delaney and Andrea Salinas, introduced the Understanding AI in the Classroom Act. This legislation directs the National Science Foundation (NSF) to study the effects of artificial intelligence (AI) on students as schools increasingly adopt AI technologies. The bill aims to address gaps in research regarding AI's impact on children's attention spans, learning independence, and cognitive, social, emotional, and behavioral development. The NSF is tasked with examining how these effects vary based on age, learning disabilities, English-language learner status, and socioeconomic background. The bill comes amid growing concerns from parents and educators about the long-term effects of AI in education, including issues related to screen time and the reliance on AI-generated answers.

Connecticut State Board of Education Adopts Bell-to-Bell Cellphone Guidance

Connecticut State Board of Education Adopts Bell-to-Bell Cellphone Guidance

The Connecticut Board of Education has issued new guidelines recommending that schools implement stricter cellphone policies to minimize distractions and enhance student learning. The guidance suggests a 'bell-to-bell' restriction on personal technology use, including cellphones, throughout the school day. This recommendation follows a failed legislative attempt to enforce a statewide ban on phones during school hours. Currently, about 70% of elementary and middle schools and 30% of high schools in Connecticut have similar restrictions in place. The Board's guidance allows for exceptions for students requiring personal technology for necessary accommodations.

Oklahoma Boarding School Faces Criticism for Not Adopting Title IX Protections

Oklahoma Boarding School Faces Criticism for Not Adopting Title IX Protections

The Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics (OSSM), an elite state-funded boarding school, is under scrutiny for not adopting Title IX protections, which are federal laws designed to prevent sex-based discrimination in educational institutions. A departing administrator, Cecil Lewis, warned that the school's refusal to implement these protections could lead to a crisis. Despite being a state agency, OSSM claims exemption from these laws due to its lack of federal funding. However, the Oklahoma Attorney General's Office has suggested that the school should still adhere to the spirit of these laws. The school has faced previous allegations of sexual harassment and bullying, prompting some policy changes, but experts argue these measures are insufficient.

Chegg Reports Q2 Loss, Projects Lower Revenue for Next Quarter

Chegg Reports Q2 Loss, Projects Lower Revenue for Next Quarter

Chegg Reports Q2 Loss, Projects Lower Revenue for Next Quarter

Murrieta Mesa High School Introduces Online Course Check System for Students

Murrieta Mesa High School Introduces Online Course Check System for Students

Murrieta Mesa High School has launched a new online system called 'Course Check' to allow students to monitor changes to their course requests throughout the school year. This system requires students to log in using their school credentials to access their current schedules and any updates. The initiative aims to streamline the process of course management and ensure students have up-to-date information about their academic plans.

Louisiana school board and federal government end 61 years of segregation monitoring

Louisiana school board and federal government end 61 years of segregation monitoring

A Louisiana school board and the federal government have agreed to end more than 60 years of oversight meant to end segregation

Debate Over AI Implementation in NYC Classrooms Intensifies

Debate Over AI Implementation in NYC Classrooms Intensifies

As the new school year approaches, New York City's Department of Education is facing scrutiny over its guidance on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in classrooms. The initial directive, issued in March, permits teachers to use AI for tasks such as brainstorming and organizing communications but prohibits its use for grading or discipline. Students are allowed to use AI for creative projects under teacher supervision. However, the guidance has met with resistance from parents, teachers, and City Council members, who argue that AI could negatively impact students' cognitive and social development. Some have called for a two-year moratorium on AI implementation in schools. Richard Buery, CEO of Robin Hood and former deputy mayor, has publicly opposed the moratorium, suggesting that it would hinder educational opportunities.

Tech Backlash in Education Sparks Debate on Classroom Screen Use

Tech Backlash in Education Sparks Debate on Classroom Screen Use

A webinar hosted by Education Week explores the 'tech backlash' in K-12 education, focusing on the debate over the reliance on screens in classrooms. This discussion has gained prominence in 2026, as educators and policymakers reconsider the role of technology in education post-pandemic. The webinar aims to address the potential shift in the ed tech industry if decision-makers opt for stricter policies limiting screen use. Attendees will gain insights into the implications of this backlash for K-12 providers and the future of educational technology.

Carson City School District Implements Ban on Smart Glasses to Enhance Learning Environment

Carson City School District Implements Ban on Smart Glasses to Enhance Learning Environment

The Carson City School District has announced a ban on Smart Glasses and similar wearable technology on its campuses, effective August 18, 2026. This decision is part of the district's efforts to maintain a safe and focused learning environment. The ban includes devices like Google Glasses and Meta Ray-Ban glasses, which can discreetly transmit, record, and share audio, images, and video. Concerns have been raised about these devices causing classroom distractions, compromising academic integrity, and infringing on personal privacy. Superintendent Andrew Feuling emphasized the need for educational practices to evolve alongside technology to ensure respectful and distraction-free classrooms.

New Iowa Law Introduces Guidelines for Student Discipline in Schools

New Iowa Law Introduces Guidelines for Student Discipline in Schools

A new law in Iowa has been enacted to provide guidelines for disciplining students who exhibit disruptive or violent behavior in schools. The Iowa Department of Education has issued directives requiring schools to have written policies on when students can be removed from classrooms and the conditions for their return. The law mandates that teachers and principals meet to discuss each student's removal, and teachers have the right to refuse a student's return to their classroom. Additionally, the law ensures that teachers receive at least three days of paid leave if injured by a student and requires them to read updates to students' Individual Education Plans.

Schools Face Backlash Over Classroom Screen Time

Schools Face Backlash Over Classroom Screen Time

Schools across the U.S. are experiencing growing resistance to the use of technology in classrooms, with parents and educators expressing concerns about excessive screen time. District leaders are reevaluating their technology policies, aiming to find a balance between digital learning tools and traditional teaching methods. The backlash is part of a broader 'techlash' movement, as stakeholders question the educational value and safety of classroom technology.