State Policy
Teaching Profession
Efforts to Toughen Teacher Evaluations Show No Positive Impact on Students
After a decade of expensive evaluation reforms, new research shows no positive effect on student test scores or educational attainment.
Law & Courts
In a Major Ruling on School Masks, Federal Judge Sides With Vulnerable Students
The ruling that a Texas ban on mask mandates discriminated against students with disabilities could reverberate elsewhere.
Law & Courts
Schools in Most States Are Shielded From COVID Lawsuits. It May Not Help
Many states ban such suits, but just the threat can wreak havoc. Some districts have already lost insurance coverage for COVID claims.
Science
More Than Half of High Schools Now Offer Computer Science, But Inequities Persist
The percentage of high schools offering computer science courses increased from 35 percent to 51 percent in just three years, new report shows.
Curriculum
Teacher Fired for Lesson on White Privilege Loses Appeal
Matthew Hawn told students, "white privilege is a fact," and was accused by administrators of breaking the state's teacher code of ethics.
Equity & Diversity
Transgender Students and School Sports: Six Things to Know About a Raging Debate
States have considered a surge of legislation that would restrict transgender students from teams that align with their gender identity.
Equity & Diversity
Census Prompts Push for More Indigenous School Lessons
American Indians and Alaska Natives say census numbers prove that Indigenous history should get more attention in public school classrooms.
States
‘Hateful’: White House Blasts Texas’ Pending Restriction on Transgender Student Athletes
Abbott hasn’t said when he’ll sign House Bill 25 into law, but there’s no doubt he will, having pressed for the trans sports ban all year.
Law & Courts
Critical Race Theory Law Violates Teachers' Free Speech, ACLU Argues in New Lawsuit
The lawsuit alleges Oklahoma's law harms students of color and weakens what all students learn about the state's history.
Student Well-Being
Children, Teens Are in a 'Mental Health State of Emergency,' Child Health-Care Groups Warn
Doctors have seen a spike in significant mental health problems among young people, spurred by isolation, uncertainty, fear, and grief.
Accountability
Opinion
The Pandemic Disrupted Testing. States Should Seize Untapped Accountability Opportunities
Under the Every Student Succeeds Act, states have more freedom to revamp their testing and accountability systems than they did under NCLB.
Curriculum
Holocaust Books Must Be Countered With ‘Opposing’ Views, Texas School Administrator Says
Teachers were told they're required to offer alternative information for debated and controversial topics. The district later apologized.
Reading & Literacy
Data
More States Are Making the 'Science of Reading' a Policy Priority
Four states have passed laws requiring evidence-based instruction, and at least 18 are directing COVID relief funds to early reading.
States
Critical Race Theory Law Runs Into Legal Trouble in Arizona
A county judge ruled last month that Arizona's restriction on classroom discussions about race was passed in a deceptive manner.