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Oklahoma Schools Face Growing Push to Limit Classroom Screen Time

Oklahoma Schools Face Growing Push to Limit Classroom Screen Time

Oklahoma parents, lawmakers, and school districts are actively debating the appropriate use of school-issued technology in classrooms, particularly in the wake of the pandemic-driven expansion of laptops, tablets, and digital lessons. This discussion has led to various responses, including a legislative effort to cap elementary screen time, parent-led campaigns advocating for more traditional pencil-and-paper instruction, and diverse district policies ranging from continued 1-to-1 device programs to the discontinuation of individual Chromebook assignments. Governor Kevin Stitt previously signed House Bill 1276 into law, establishing a permanent statewide ban on student cellphones and personal devices in K-12 public schools, following a successful one-year pilot program under Senate Bill 139. Oklahoma legislative leaders have noted social improvements, such as increased library book checkouts and more face-to-face student interaction, since the initial phone ban.

Rio Rancho Public Schools Launches 'Horizon 2040' Strategic Plan with Bridge Year Initiatives

Rio Rancho Public Schools Launches 'Horizon 2040' Strategic Plan with Bridge Year Initiatives

Rio Rancho Public Schools (RRPS) is initiating a 'bridge year' in 2026-27 to pilot new academic programs and develop its 2027-32 strategic plan, titled 'Horizon 2040.' This strategic vision, led by Superintendent Robert Dodd, aims to 'unlock student potential' over the next five years, with a long-term focus on students entering preschool this year who will graduate in 2040. The previous strategic plan concluded in 2025, prompting the need for this transitional period. Janna Chenault, chief academic officer, stated that a key objective is for every RRPS school to achieve 'Spotlight School' status by 2030, meaning they rank in the top 25% of schools statewide. Currently, 10 RRPS schools have already met this benchmark, according to a recent NM Vistas report. The district is piloting three improvement programs during this bridge year: mathematics acceleration at five elementary schools, high-expertise teaching at six elementary schools, and multilayered systems of support at three elementary schools. These p...

Nikole Hannah-Jones' Daughter Struggles in Public Schools Chosen for Social Experiment, Sparking Debate on Educational Equity

Nikole Hannah-Jones' Daughter Struggles in Public Schools Chosen for Social Experiment, Sparking Debate on Educational Equity

Nikole Hannah-Jones, creator of The New York Times' 1619 Project, deliberately enrolled her daughter, Najya, in struggling Brooklyn public schools as a "sacrifice" to advocate for educational equity and challenge systemic racism. This decision, first detailed in a 2016 essay, aimed to improve these schools for all children by increasing parental involvement from families like hers. However, Hannah-Jones recently revealed in a follow-up essay that this choice backfired, with her daughter falling significantly behind her peers. Najya expressed anger and a feeling of being "cheated" out of a better education, leading Hannah-Jones to admit she may have "failed" her child. The schools, PS 307 and Urban Assembly Unison, had low proficiency rates in state standards and a high percentage of students with special needs. Hannah-Jones discovered her daughter's teachers were not grading her work, leading to a false sense of academic proficiency, and that the schools lacked basic supervision and homework assignments.

Southold Elementary School Introduces New STEAM Teacher to Integrate Science and Art

Southold Elementary School Introduces New STEAM Teacher to Integrate Science and Art

Southold Elementary School has welcomed Ms. Fina as a new teacher dedicated to integrating science and art through STEAM education for students from kindergarten through sixth grade. Ms. Fina, who previously worked as a substitute teacher in Deer Park and a STEM teacher at St. Agnes Cathedral School, discovered her passion for hands-on, project-based learning. She earned an associate degree in early childhood education from Suffolk Community College, a bachelor’s in child study from St. Joseph’s University, and a master’s in educational technologies and learning design from SUNY Empire University. In her new role, Ms. Fina will be working with all elementary students, introducing them to the 'A' for arts in STEAM, which she believes has always been present but not explicitly labeled. The school plans to implement co-teaching in her classroom, fostering collaboration among students and teachers. Superintendent Anthony Mauro expressed enthusiasm for Ms. Fina's addition, highlighting the opportunity for stude...

Andrew Carnegie Foundation Awards $500,000 Grant to Education Resource Strategies in Watertown

Andrew Carnegie Foundation Awards $500,000 Grant to Education Resource Strategies in Watertown

The Andrew Carnegie Foundation has approved 44 grants totaling $42,350,000, with Education Resource Strategies (ERS) in Watertown, MA, receiving a 12-month grant of $500,000. This funding is specifically designated to support state-led high school redesign initiatives. These initiatives aim to reengage students, improve teacher experiences, and foster stronger connections between schools and their communities. ERS is one of many organizations across the U.S. and internationally to receive grants from the foundation, which focuses on various areas including education, democracy, and peacebuilding. Other notable grants include support for civic experiences in D.C. Public Schools, pro-democracy projects, and programs to increase graduation rates and support adult learners.

House Passes Science of Reading Act of 2026 to Improve Literacy Education

House Passes Science of Reading Act of 2026 to Improve Literacy Education

The House of Representatives has passed H.R. 7890, the Science of Reading Act of 2026, a bipartisan bill aimed at prioritizing evidence-based literacy education practices. This legislation seeks to align federal policy with scientific understanding of how children learn to read, reserving grant funding for effective instructional methods. Representative John Mannion (NY-22), a cosponsor, emphasized the importance of strong reading skills for success in various aspects of life, drawing on his nearly three decades as a teacher and his wife's expertise as a literacy expert. The bill was also championed by Representative Erin Houchin (IN-09), who highlighted Indiana's success with the Science of Reading, and Representative Kevin Kiley (CA-03), who stressed the vital role of proper literacy instruction from an early age. The legislation is supported by organizations like Save the Children, which advocates for closing literacy gaps through evidence-based instruction.

Nashville Tennessean

This Nashville charter out-performs every TN school district | Opinion

This Nashville charter out-performs every TN school district | Opinion

Nashville Classical Charter Schools posted top academic gains, fueling the debate on the value of educational choice.

The Corpus Christi Caller Times

See which Corpus Christi school earned a Lone Star Ribbon

See which Corpus Christi school earned a Lone Star Ribbon

The Lone Star Ribbon Schools program replaced the National Blue Ribbon Schools program last year.

Ventura County Star, Camarillo

Ventura school closures take center stage

Ventura school closures take center stage

After three hours on Sept. 17, the committee hadn't narrowed its list of recommended potential closures in Ventura at all.

Illinois State Board of Education Investigates Unsanitary Conditions in Cook County School District 130 Following Custodial Layoffs

Illinois State Board of Education Investigates Unsanitary Conditions in Cook County School District 130 Following Custodial Layoffs

Illinois lawmakers are urging state intervention in Cook County School District 130 due to reports of unsanitary conditions in schools. Teachers have reported issues such as dirty bathrooms, overflowing garbage, mold exposure, mice, and a lack of soap and toilet paper, following the district's decision to replace union janitors with a private custodial company. The Illinois State Board of Education has confirmed it is investigating these complaints. State Representative Bob Rita, whose district includes Blue Island, along with State Senator Bill Cunningham and State Representatives Justin Slaughter and Mary Gill, have called for immediate action from both the Illinois State Board of Education and the Illinois Department of Public Health. The district's decision to dismiss approximately 30 janitors represented by SEIU Local 73 and hire a private firm has led to delays in staffing, with school board members acknowledging frustration with the transition and the new provider, HES.

Queen Letizia of Spain Visits Former Primary School in Oviedo for Academic Year Opening

Queen Letizia of Spain Visits Former Primary School in Oviedo for Academic Year Opening

Queen Letizia of Spain returned to her former primary school, La Gesta Public School of Infant and Primary Education, in Oviedo, her hometown. The visit was for the official opening ceremony of the new school year. She was accompanied by the Minister of Education, Vocational Training and Sports, Milagros Tolón, and welcomed by local dignitaries including the President of the Principality of Asturias, Adrián Barbón. During her visit, Queen Letizia engaged with students, taking a group photo and touring the school. She learned about the 'Classroom of the Future – STEAM' event, observed kindergarten and third-grade classes, and read with younger children. The Queen also explored the 'Gesta Inspira' emotional well-being program, which incorporates activities like yoga and mindfulness. She reconnected with former teachers and classmates, reminiscing about her time as a student there. This marks her second return to the school, having previously visited with King Felipe in 2008 for its 50th anniversary.