Explore

Salida Middle School Hosts 'Stronger Together' Event to Support Students with Free Supplies

Salida Middle School Hosts 'Stronger Together' Event to Support Students with Free Supplies

Salida Middle School organized its inaugural 'Stronger Together' back-to-school event, aimed at providing essential resources to students and families within the Salida Union School District. The event, driven by community support, offered free school supplies, food, clothing, and haircuts to students. Letty Smith, a mental health clinician and event organizer, emphasized the initiative's goal to address community needs. The event also saw participation from local law enforcement and emergency response teams, who engaged with students and distributed supplies. Superintendent Dante Alvarez highlighted the community-driven nature of the event, which aims to prepare students for the upcoming school year starting on August 6.

How Mindfulness Helps Students Manage Stress

How Mindfulness Helps Students Manage Stress

Mindfulness programs in schools are gaining traction as a means to combat stress and anxiety among students. These programs incorporate practices l...

The Growing Role of Mindfulness in Education

The Growing Role of Mindfulness in Education

Mindfulness in education is gaining traction as a valuable tool for enhancing student well-being and learning. By incorporating practices such as m...

States Expand Native Language Testing for English Learners to Enhance Education

States Expand Native Language Testing for English Learners to Enhance Education

A growing number of U.S. states are offering standardized academic assessments in students' native languages to better support English learners. As of 2025, 35 states and the District of Columbia have implemented these assessments, an increase from 31 states in 2020. This initiative aims to provide a more comprehensive understanding of English learners' academic abilities by allowing them to demonstrate knowledge in their native language. The Migration Policy Institute highlights that while these assessments are not federally mandated, they are crucial for accurately assessing the academic progress of English learners.

Congresswoman Jahana Hayes Introduces Bill to Enhance Community College Graduation Rate Reporting

Congresswoman Jahana Hayes Introduces Bill to Enhance Community College Graduation Rate Reporting

Congresswoman Jahana Hayes, alongside Congressman Mike Kennedy, has introduced the 'Time for Completion Act,' a legislative proposal aimed at improving transparency in the reporting of graduation rates by community colleges. The bill seeks to expand the scope of data collection to include not only first-time, full-time students but also part-time, returning, and other nontraditional students. This initiative is designed to provide prospective students with a more comprehensive understanding of graduation outcomes, thereby aiding them in making informed decisions about their education. The proposal has garnered support from several higher education groups, indicating a broad consensus on the need for more inclusive data reporting practices.

Education Freedom Tax Credit Diverts Funds from Public to Private Schools

Education Freedom Tax Credit Diverts Funds from Public to Private Schools

The Education Freedom Tax Credit (EFTC), part of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act passed in 2025, is set to allow parents, including those with high incomes, to send their children to private schools using federal tax credits. This initiative is expected to impact approximately 18 million school-aged children across the United States. The EFTC funds are sourced from donations that are reimbursed by federal tax credits, effectively diverting money that would have otherwise been paid to the federal government. Critics argue that this move will siphon funds away from public schools, which are already struggling with fixed costs and declining enrollments. The program is similar to existing state programs in North Carolina and Arizona, where a significant portion of the funds have been used by families who were already sending their children to private schools.

Oprah Winfrey to Transition South Africa Girls' Academy to Scholarship Program

Oprah Winfrey to Transition South Africa Girls' Academy to Scholarship Program

Oprah Winfrey announced the closure of her South Africa Girls' Academy, transitioning its operations to local officials by 2027. The decision aims to expand educational opportunities through a scholarship program, doubling the number of girls who can access education. Since its opening in 2007, the academy has graduated over 1,000 students. Despite early controversies, the school has positively impacted many lives. Winfrey's shift in focus reflects her commitment to investing in the potential of young women beyond a single institution.

State Reclassification Rules Affect Long-Term English Learners' Academic Outcomes

State Reclassification Rules Affect Long-Term English Learners' Academic Outcomes

States across the U.S. are revising their criteria for reclassifying English learners, a process that allows students to shed the English-learner label. This reclassification often hinges on language-proficiency scores, but experts argue that the systems must balance between being too demanding or too lenient. In Texas, academic performance is also a factor, raising questions about the impact on students who remain English learners for over five years. A study by Shirley Xu from Vanderbilt University found that students who exit English-learner status before high school have better access to advanced courses but may experience a decline in academic performance and lower graduation rates. The study highlights the need for schools to support students academically, regardless of their reclassification status. In California, legislation is being considered to standardize the reclassification process and improve monitoring of reclassified students.

Virginia Education Department Seeks New Vendor for Student Assessments

Virginia Education Department Seeks New Vendor for Student Assessments

The Virginia Department of Education is seeking a new vendor to overhaul its student assessment system, a move projected to cost at least $30 million annually. This initiative follows criticism over delayed results and technological access issues with the current Standards of Learning (SOL) assessments. The department has issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) to develop a modernized assessment system, aiming to implement it by the 2027-2028 school year. The new system is expected to provide more timely and rigorous evaluations, with features tailored for English learners and students with disabilities. This effort is part of a broader legislative push to enhance educational standards and accountability in Virginia.

Governor Pritzker Enacts Statewide School Cellphone Ban to Enhance Student Focus

Governor Pritzker Enacts Statewide School Cellphone Ban to Enhance Student Focus

Governor JB Pritzker of Illinois has signed a new law mandating a 'bell-to-bell' ban on cellphones and other personal electronic devices in all public schools across the state. This legislation, effective before the 2027-2028 school year, aims to minimize distractions and enhance the learning environment for students. The law requires school districts to implement policies that restrict the use of wireless communication devices during school hours, with exceptions for medical needs, special education, and language translation. The initiative is designed to allow students to focus more on their education and interpersonal skills without the interference of digital devices. The law also prohibits punitive measures such as fines or suspensions for enforcement, unless the device is used for gross misconduct.

U.S. Rep. Melanie Stansbury Introduces Bills to Enhance Tribal School Funding

U.S. Rep. Melanie Stansbury Introduces Bills to Enhance Tribal School Funding

U.S. Representative Melanie Stansbury has introduced two legislative bills aimed at modernizing the Bureau of Indian Education’s Equalization Formula. The proposed changes are designed to increase federal funding for tribal schools, potentially leading to higher teacher salaries and improved educational resources. This initiative seeks to address disparities in funding and support for schools serving Native American communities. The legislation is part of a broader effort to ensure that schools with additional costs and needs receive adequate financial support to meet their educational requirements. Stansbury's actions reflect her commitment to improving educational outcomes for Native American students by providing the necessary resources and support to tribal schools.

Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls Transitions to New Chapter

Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls Transitions to New Chapter

Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls Transitions to New Chapter