Federal
Citing Pandemic, Ed. Dept. Will Collect School Civil Rights Data for Two Consecutive Years
The unprecedented step of collecting the trove of data two years in a row reflects equity concerns stemming from COVID-19's impact.
States
Mask Mandates Put 'Local Control' of Schools to the Test
Fights between states and school districts aren't new, but stark differences on masking present new tests.
Federal
Progressives Pressure Biden to Help Schools Address Student Homelessness
Some Democrats in Congress say federal officials must promote cooperation across agencies to help children and families in unstable housing.
Federal
Fauci Backs Teacher Vaccine Mandates: 'We Are in a Critical Situation Now'
The nation's chief epidemiologist said such mandates for teacher COVID-19 vaccinations would not be set at the federal level.
Teaching Profession
AFT President Randi Weingarten Backs COVID-19 Vaccine Mandates for Teachers
As strife around school reopening surges, the teachers' union head says increasing vaccinations is paramount.
States
Arkansas Judge Pauses Ban on School Mask Mandates After Lawmakers Fail to Act
As Arkansas sees soaring rates of COVID-19, school districts will—at least for now—be able to set their own local mask requirements.
Federal
New Eviction Moratorium Doesn't End Fears About Students and Homelessness Amid COVID
A CDC order for families experiencing housing instability could last until October, but experts worry about what students and schools face.
Federal
Cardona Admonishes Governors Who Ban Mask Mandates, Says 'All Teachers' Want Schools Open
At a White House press conference, the education secretary said schools have sufficient resources and experience to operate safely.
States
States Pressured to Rethink Bans on School Mask Mandates as COVID Delta Variant Surges
Masks are a key tool for COVID-19 prevention, but many states have banned schools from requiring them. Some are rethinking those policies.
Federal
As New COVID Concerns Emerge, Biden Administration Keeps Focus on School Reopenings
Amid new COVID-19 concerns, the Biden administration kept its focus on in-person learning, stressing the need for safety precautions.
Federal
Biden Calls on Schools to Host COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics for Kids 12 and Up
The president is focusing on vaccinating children ages 12 and older as concerns grow about the Delta variant and its impact on schools.
Education Funding
School Infrastructure Funding in Flux as Senators Advance Package Funding Electric Buses
Groups are warning school infrastructure could get shortchanged as Democrats negotiate a sweeping $3.5 trillion budget deal.
Education Funding
The Fight Over Charter School Funding in Washington, Explained
Tensions between some Democrats in Congress and charter school backers have reached a new level over proposed restrictions on federal aid.
Federal
How Political Backlash to Critical Race Theory Reached School Reopening Guidance
A lawmaker wants Miguel Cardona to repudiate the Abolitionist Teaching Network after federal COVID-19 documents referenced the group's work.