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Florida Times-Union

Duval superintendent's back-to-school plan to keep kids in his classes

Duval superintendent's back-to-school plan to keep kids in his classes

With more choices for schooling on the market, "our focus has to be on outworking the alternative options," Superintendent Christopher Bernier said.

Crowley ISD Fires Bus Driver After Pre-K Student Left on Bus for Six Hours

Crowley ISD Fires Bus Driver After Pre-K Student Left on Bus for Six Hours

Crowley Independent School District (ISD) has terminated a bus driver after a four-year-old pre-kindergarten student was left alone on a school bus for approximately six hours. The incident occurred after the morning route, and the child was discovered at a Durham School Services transportation lot. Medical personnel evaluated the child, who was then reunited with their family. The district stated that the driver failed to follow protocol, which should have prevented the child from being left alone. Crowley ISD and Durham School Services are conducting a comprehensive review of transportation procedures, staff training, and compliance with child-check protocols. All transportation employees are required to review and acknowledge these procedures before returning to service. The district is also considering additional safety measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.

States Implement New Math Education Policies to Address Achievement Concerns

States Implement New Math Education Policies to Address Achievement Concerns

Since 2022, 22 states and the District of Columbia have enacted new laws or policies aimed at overhauling math education. These measures include creating individual learning plans for struggling students, setting teacher training requirements, and automatically enrolling students in advanced math courses. The initiatives are part of a broader effort to improve math achievement and align teaching practices with evidence-based methods.

The Augusta Chronicle

Highland Springs Middle School names Crystal Hadden principal

Highland Springs Middle School names Crystal Hadden principal

Crystal Hadden returns to Aiken County Public Schools as the new principal of Highland Springs Middle School.

California Legislature Fails to Pass Teacher Misconduct Database Bill

California Legislature Fails to Pass Teacher Misconduct Database Bill

A legislative effort in California to create a database for tracking teacher misconduct has failed. The bill, introduced by Democratic Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi, aimed to allow schools to access reports of misconduct for teachers applying for positions. However, it faced opposition from teachers' unions and the state teacher licensing agency, which argued that the database could violate privacy and lead to unfair treatment. The bill was intended to address issues highlighted by a KQED-ProPublica investigation, which found that delays and lack of transparency allowed educators with misconduct allegations to continue working in schools.

Kentucky Law Mandates Shift to Phonics-Based Reading Instruction and Addresses Teacher Misconduct

Kentucky Law Mandates Shift to Phonics-Based Reading Instruction and Addresses Teacher Misconduct

A new law in Kentucky, House Bill 253, signed by Governor Andy Beshear, mandates a shift in reading instruction methods in schools. The law requires the phasing out of the three-cueing teaching method, which relies on visual cues, by 2029. Instead, it promotes phonics-based instruction, focusing on teaching students to read by sounding out letters. This change aims to improve reading comprehension by linking letters to sounds. Additionally, the law addresses teacher misconduct by prohibiting non-disclosure agreements in cases involving minors and establishing protections against hiring individuals with a history of misconduct involving students.

Strategies to Reduce Teachers' Mental Load Highlighted in New Report

Strategies to Reduce Teachers' Mental Load Highlighted in New Report

A recent report outlines four strategies to help teachers manage the mental load associated with their profession. The report emphasizes the importance of backward planning, organizing responsibilities, and effective time management to alleviate stress. According to the 2026 State of the American Teacher Survey by RAND, 55% of teachers experience job-related stress, significantly higher than other professions. The report suggests that by planning backward from key dates and organizing both digital and physical materials, teachers can reduce the cognitive load and improve efficiency throughout the school year.

Renovated Early Learning Center in Titusville Unveiled with Support from Rep. Terri Sewell

Renovated Early Learning Center in Titusville Unveiled with Support from Rep. Terri Sewell

The Housing Authority of the Birmingham District, in collaboration with Birmingham City Schools, U.S. Congresswoman Terri Sewell, and other local leaders, has unveiled the newly renovated Villas Early Learning Center in Titusville. The renovation, supported by $1 million in federal funding secured by Rep. Sewell, aims to provide a modern and safe learning environment for children. The facility now includes five spacious classrooms equipped with modern educational technology, energy-efficient systems, and a new outdoor playground. This project is part of a broader redevelopment effort in the Titusville community.

Pulitzer Center Launches Africa Education Teachers’ Fellowship Program

Pulitzer Center Launches Africa Education Teachers’ Fellowship Program

The Pulitzer Center has announced the Africa Education Teachers’ Fellowship 2026, a six-month hybrid professional development program for primary and secondary school teachers in eight African countries. The fellowship aims to integrate journalism, media literacy, critical thinking, climate education, and ethical information practices into classroom teaching. Through online training, action research, mentorship, and peer collaboration, the program seeks to enhance teachers' ability to improve students' literacy skills, civic engagement, and environmental awareness.

Napa Valley Unified School District Launches New Academic Year with Focus on College and Career Readiness

Napa Valley Unified School District Launches New Academic Year with Focus on College and Career Readiness

The Napa Valley Unified School District (NVUSD) is commencing the 2026-2027 school year with a strong emphasis on preparing students for both higher education and the workforce. The district is part of the STARS College Network, a national pilot program aimed at increasing access to selective universities. Additionally, NVUSD is enhancing its career readiness programs with 13 specialized Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathways and a new Agricultural & Culinary Innovation Student Center. These initiatives are designed to equip students with the skills needed for future success in various fields.

Oprah Winfrey to Transition South Africa Girls’ Academy Into Scholarship Model, Expanding Access to Education

Oprah Winfrey to Transition South Africa Girls’ Academy Into Scholarship Model, Expanding Access to Education

Oprah Winfrey has announced that the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls in South Africa will conclude its current operations by the end of 2027. This decision marks a shift in Winfrey's approach to supporting education for young women, transitioning from a single institution to a broader scholarship model. The academy, established in 2007, has provided education to over 1,000 girls from disadvantaged backgrounds. Despite early challenges, including allegations of abuse by a staff member, the academy has become a respected institution. Winfrey plans to expand her educational mission through a national scholarship program, doubling the number of girls who will benefit. The academy's campus will be handed over to the Gauteng provincial government, which will continue to operate it as a school.

Lewis County Schools Face Multi-Million Dollar Repairs After Severe Flooding

Lewis County Schools Face Multi-Million Dollar Repairs After Severe Flooding

Lewis County Schools in West Virginia are grappling with extensive damage following severe flooding that swept through the area. Superintendent Carolyn Long reported that the cost of repairs is estimated to be around $6 million. The flooding has particularly affected Robert L. Bland Middle School, which is located near a river and suffered significant water damage. The school board is working on two plans for reopening schools, contingent on receiving FEMA funding. While some schools have flood insurance, the funds are insufficient for the necessary recovery efforts. The flooding has also impacted outdoor facilities, including playgrounds and athletic fields, with mud and water causing damage to asphalt and tracks. The school board office also experienced flooding, but it is considered a lower priority compared to the schools.