Puerto Rico
News, analysis, and opinion about K-12 education in Puerto Rico
School Choice & Charters
Charter Schools May Come to Puerto Rico, But Don't Expect Another New Orleans
Puerto Rico is looking to charter schools and school vouchers to help rebuild and improve its education system post-Hurricane Maria. But is it really on track to implement a New Orleans-style overhaul of its schools?
School & District Management
Crumbling Classrooms and Power Outages: Inside Puerto Rico's Storm-Damaged Schools
Even in schools that are open, Hurricane Maria’s aftermath continues to pose physical and educational challenges for educators in still-recovering communities.
Education
Plan Would Close More Than a Quarter of Puerto Rico's Public Schools
The island and its school system were already struggling with dire financial problems before Hurricane Maria struck. Last summer, Puerto Rico's education department closed 179 schools
Federal
Senators Push for Hearings on the State of Schools in Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands
Eight senators said in a letter that such proceedings would help provide "a detailed understanding of the health and education challenges facing Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands."
Education
Betsy DeVos Team Critiques ESSA Plans for Georgia, Utah, and Puerto Rico
Both states and Puerto Rico have some work to do to improve their plans for implementing the Every Student Succeeds Act, according to the U.S. Department of Education.
Education
About 90 Percent of Puerto Rico's Schools Are Open, But Enrollment Is Down
On Dec. 1, we spoke with the island's Secretary of Education Julia Keleher about the state of K-12 there, and she gave us an update.
Teaching Profession
Here's How Teachers Stepped Up During and After This Year's Major Hurricanes
From Texas to Puerto Rico, here is how teachers have stepped up to help students during and in the aftermath of hurricanes.
Federal
Betsy DeVos to Visit Schools in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands
DeVos will visit a school in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on Wednesday, and then a school on St. Thomas later in the day.
Education
After Hurricane, Puerto Rico's Schools Contribute to Relief Effort
Hurricane Maria slammed the island of Puerto Rico on Sept. 20, swamping towns and displacing residents from their homes. Education Week spoke to educators, students, and their families, documenting the island's efforts to reopen their schools.
States
Video
After Hurricane Maria, Puerto Rico’s Schools Aid Recovery, Resolve to Build a Better Future
Education Week reporter Andrew Ujifusa and videographer Swikar Patel traveled to Puerto Rico to find out the state of the island’s schools, how they are helping recovery efforts, and what comes next for the U.S. territory’s students, teachers, and others involved in the struggling educational system.
School & District Management
'Huge Lift' Remains as Puerto Rico Schools Struggle to Reopen
Post-hurricane recovery remains especially difficult outside major urban areas even as Congress and federal officials continue to work out aid packages.
Education
FCC Chair Seeks Emergency E-rate Relief for Schools Hit by Hurricanes
Ajit Pai wants the FCC to use the E-rate program to grant money and flexibility to schools and libraries in Florida, Puerto Rico, and Texas.
Every Student Succeeds Act
Some States With 'English-Only' Laws Won't Offer Tests in Other Languages
Florida and other states say "English-only" laws prevent them from providing state tests to English-learners in their native language even though ESSA urges them to do so.
Federal
Lawmakers Ask Betsy DeVos to Provide 'Immediate' Relief to Puerto Rico's Schools
The lawmakers say the U.S. territory's schools need additional funding for school repair, homeless students, and mental health services, among other things.