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U.S. Schools Reconsider Technology Use Amid Concerns Over Student Performance

U.S. Schools Reconsider Technology Use Amid Concerns Over Student Performance

Several school districts across the United States are reevaluating their use of technology in classrooms due to concerns that excessive screen time may be detrimental to student learning outcomes. In Michigan, a school district banned screens for elementary students after observing low reading proficiency rates. Similarly, McPherson Middle School in Kansas has restricted the use of Google Chromebooks, initially provided for educational purposes, after finding that students were using them for non-educational activities. This shift comes as studies suggest that frequent in-class computer use correlates with lower performance in subjects like math and science. The trend reflects a broader movement among schools in states such as North Carolina, Virginia, and Maryland to limit screen time and focus on traditional learning methods.
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Massachusetts Faces Uncertainty Over School Budget Solutions for Fall

Massachusetts Faces Uncertainty Over School Budget Solutions for Fall

Massachusetts is grappling with significant school budget issues as the fall season approaches. WBZ-TV political analyst Jon Keller discussed the situation with Adam Chapdelaine, CEO of the Massachusetts Municipal Association. The conversation highlighted the challenges faced by local municipalities in addressing budget shortfalls that could impact educational services. The state is under pressure to find solutions that will ensure schools can operate effectively without compromising the quality of education. The discussion reflects ongoing concerns about funding allocations and the need for strategic financial planning to support educational institutions.
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21st Century ROAD to Housing Act Aims to Boost Local Housing Development

21st Century ROAD to Housing Act Aims to Boost Local Housing Development

The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, recently enacted, introduces significant changes to federal housing policy in the United States. This bipartisan law aims to increase local housing development by providing municipalities with greater flexibility in using federal grants. It includes provisions to restrict institutional investors from buying homes, ease rules for manufactured housing, and expand assistance for veterans. The law also introduces financial incentives and penalties tied to housing production, encouraging cities to build more housing. This approach marks a shift in federal policy, as it ties funding to actual housing outcomes rather than just reforms.
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What TN students, parents need to know amid federal loan changes

What TN students, parents need to know amid federal loan changes

Sweeping changes to how much college students and their parents can borrow from the federal government took effect July 1.
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Challenges in Supporting English Learners with Disabilities in U.S. Schools

Challenges in Supporting English Learners with Disabilities in U.S. Schools

A report highlights the ongoing challenges faced by U.S. schools in supporting English learners with disabilities. According to a survey by the EdWeek Research Center, a significant number of educators report insufficient staffing to adequately serve these students. English learners with disabilities, also known as dually identified students, require both language support and specialized instruction for their disabilities. However, the lack of collaboration between general education, English-learner, and special education teachers often results in these students not receiving comprehensive support. The article emphasizes the need for strategic collaboration among educators to meet the complex needs of these students. It also discusses initiatives like the new bilingual special education certification in Texas, aimed at improving support for dually identified students.
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Federal Report Highlights Mixed Outcomes in Education Funding

Federal Report Highlights Mixed Outcomes in Education Funding

A recent federal report outlines both positive and negative developments in U.S. education funding. The House Appropriations Committee has approved increases for several education programs, including IDEA State Grants and Charter Schools. However, significant cuts have been made to Professional Development State Grants and English Language Acquisition Grants. The Senate is still finalizing its funding recommendations, with potential for further changes. Additionally, special education programs are transitioning to the Department of Health and Human Services, marking a significant shift in program administration.
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School Districts Reevaluate Technology Use Amid Concerns Over Screen Time

School Districts Reevaluate Technology Use Amid Concerns Over Screen Time

School districts across the U.S. are reassessing their technology use policies in response to concerns about excessive screen time. Los Angeles Unified School District plans to limit screen use for students starting in the 2026-27 school year, with specific restrictions for younger grades. The move follows a broader trend of districts responding to the negative impacts of screen time on mental health and behavior. State lawmakers are also considering legislation to regulate digital technology use in schools, reflecting growing awareness of the issue.
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U.S. Schools Reevaluate Technology Use Amid Concerns Over Student Performance

U.S. Schools Reevaluate Technology Use Amid Concerns Over Student Performance

Schools across the United States are reassessing their reliance on technology in classrooms following concerns that excessive screen time may negatively impact student learning and test scores. Institutions like McPherson Middle School in Kansas have begun limiting the use of school-issued laptops, such as Chromebooks, after observing that students were using them for non-educational activities. This shift comes as studies indicate that frequent in-class computer use correlates with lower math and science performance. Schools in states like North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, and Michigan are also reconsidering their tech-first policies, opting for more traditional learning methods to improve educational outcomes.
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Trump Administration Proposes Overhaul of Higher Education Accreditation and DEI Policies

Trump Administration Proposes Overhaul of Higher Education Accreditation and DEI Policies

The Trump administration has introduced a draft rule aimed at restructuring the accreditation process for higher education institutions. This proposal, part of a 2025 executive order, seeks to lower the standards for accreditor approval, thereby inviting new entrants less bound by traditional quality assurance norms. The rule also prohibits accreditors from mandating diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, including race-based scholarships. This move is seen as a shift towards federal priorities over academic rigor, potentially impacting the autonomy of educational institutions. The draft rule also includes mandates on intellectual diversity and academic freedom, which could influence faculty hiring and research agendas.
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Congressional Leaders File Amicus Brief Defending Religious Liberty in Supreme Court School Choice Case

Congressional Leaders File Amicus Brief Defending Religious Liberty in Supreme Court School Choice Case

Education and Workforce Committee Chairman Tim Walberg and Senator James Lankford have led 43 Members of Congress in filing an amicus brief in the Supreme Court case St. Mary Catholic Parish in Littleton, CO, et al. v. Lisa Roy, et al. The brief supports the constitutional rights of faith-based schools in school choice programs, challenging a 10th Circuit decision that excluded Catholic preschools from Colorado's universal preschool program. The case, set for the Supreme Court's October 2026 term, addresses whether faith-based schools can be excluded from participating in state-funded programs due to their religious teachings. The brief argues that such exclusions violate religious liberty and could undermine federal tax credit scholarship programs.
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U.S. Court of Appeals Upholds Injunction Against Florida's Stop WOKE Act, Impacting DEI Policies

U.S. Court of Appeals Upholds Injunction Against Florida's Stop WOKE Act, Impacting DEI Policies

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit recently upheld an injunction against the higher education provisions of Florida's Stop WOKE Act (HB 7). This decision reaffirms that the state cannot dictate which viewpoints faculty may express in university classrooms. Despite this legal victory, the broader wave of anti-DEI legislation has already influenced institutional behavior at colleges across the country. Many campuses have renamed programs, removed language, and canceled initiatives, often overcomplying beyond what the law requires. This trend reflects a complex landscape where DEI policies are being reshaped, with some institutions responding to political pressures by diluting or erasing DEI efforts.
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NSF Relaunches SBIR/STTR Programs to Boost U.S. Competitiveness

NSF Relaunches SBIR/STTR Programs to Boost U.S. Competitiveness

NSF Relaunches SBIR/STTR Programs to Boost U.S. Competitiveness