Desks and Bells
51 stories today6 sections18 topics trackedUpdated through the day

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  1. Policy

    Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick

    Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick proposes penalties for schools with vulgar books

  2. Levels

    Pritzker Endorsed

    Illinois Education Association endorses Gov. J.B. Pritzker for reelection, citing his education policies

  3. Policy

    NYC Mayor Sues City Council Over Paraprofessional Bonuses

    The NYC Mayor has sued the City Council over a law giving $10,000 bonuses to paraprofessionals, claiming it violates the collective bargaining process

  4. Students

    New Workforce Pell Grants to Help Pay for Career Training

    The US government has introduced new Workforce Pell Grants to help students pay for career training programs, making it easier for them to acquire skills and enter the workforce without incurring significant debt.

  5. Districts

    Head Start System in Turmoil Amid Federal Cutbacks

    Head Start providers are facing significant challenges due to federal staff cuts and regional office closures, leading to uncertainty and disruption in the system.

  6. Students

    Dismantling the Dyslexia Industrial Complex

    The Science of Reading has transformed the understanding of literacy, but implementation remains a challenge, leading to a reliance on external systems and a fragmented approach to literacy instruction.

  7. Students

    Supportive Teachers Key to Trans Students' Success in Classroom

    A new report highlights the importance of supportive teachers in helping trans students thrive in school, with affirming identities and creating inclusive environments leading to higher grades and a greater sense of belonging.

  8. Levels

    Student Journalists Discuss the Impact of AI on Their Work

    Student journalists share their experiences with AI and its effects on their writing and newsrooms

  9. Levels

    Proposed Reforms to Head Start Program Spark Concerns

    A former Head Start student and program leader expresses opposition to proposed reforms, citing concerns that they would weaken the program's core mission and reduce quality early education for low-income families.

Longer reads

New data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveals a decline in vaccination rates among...
Students

US Kindergarten Vaccine Rates Continue Downward Trend

New data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveals a decline in vaccination rates among kindergartners, with 4.2% of students exempt from one or more vaccines during the 2025-26 school year.

K-12 Dive20 August 2026
A week-long AI pilot program with refugee students in Chicago revealed that AI tools designed to encourage critical...
Students

AI as a Thinking Partner: How Schools Can Foster Real Learning

A week-long AI pilot program with refugee students in Chicago revealed that AI tools designed to encourage critical thinking lead to better long-term retention. Students performed better on quizzes when AI engaged them in Socratic questioning rather than simply summarizing content. The findings highlight the need for AI literacy in schools to ensure equitable access and effective use of these tools.

The 7419 August 2026
Levels: A recent report highlights the importance of infrastructure in the success of career and technical education programs
Levels

Infrastructure Key to Success of Career and Technical Education Programs

A recent report highlights the importance of infrastructure in the success of career and technical education programs. The report profiles six work-based learning programs across the United States, identifying six key conditions that enabled them to move from pilot to permanent part of a redesigned high school experience.

The 7419 August 2026
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has opened a public comment period on a proposed rule that could change or...
Policy

FCC Opens Comment Period on E-rate's Future

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has opened a public comment period on a proposed rule that could change or discontinue the E-rate program, which provides discounted internet services to schools and libraries.

K-12 Dive18 August 2026
A recent opinion piece highlights the importance of investing in rural education to bolster local economies and help...
Students

Rural Education Investment Crucial for Local Economies and Student Futures

A recent opinion piece highlights the importance of investing in rural education to bolster local economies and help students build a future close to home. Community colleges play a vital role in driving economic mobility in rural areas, but face distinct challenges, including declining enrollment and persistent poverty.

The Hechinger Report18 August 2026
Despite recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics, many parents in New York are not completing...
Policy

Low Screening Rates for Autism and Speech Delays in New York

Despite recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics, many parents in New York are not completing developmental screeners for their young children, potentially missing crucial opportunities to identify autism and speech delays.

The Hechinger Report17 August 2026
Science educators advocate for shifting lab reports from dry, compliance-based exercises to engaging, inquiry-driven...
Students

Transforming Science Labs: From Compliance to Critical Thinking

Science educators advocate for shifting lab reports from dry, compliance-based exercises to engaging, inquiry-driven experiences that foster critical thinking and creativity. By encouraging students to develop their own procedures, analyze data, and justify conclusions, labs become more meaningful and memorable. Local partnerships and real-world applications further enhance student engagement and prepare them for STEM careers.

K-12 Dive17 August 2026
New York City Public Schools will introduce liaisons in all school buildings to address school avoidance, a behavior...
Students

New York City Public Schools to Deploy School Avoidance Liaisons in Every Building

New York City Public Schools will introduce liaisons in all school buildings to address school avoidance, a behavior linked to chronic absenteeism and emotional distress. The initiative follows a federal lawsuit alleging inadequate support for students with disabilities. The program aims to identify and address mental health barriers, provide professional development, and create individualized attendance plans.

K-12 Dive17 August 2026
Miami-Dade County Public Schools will end its district-wide free meal program this August due to federal cuts to safety...
Students

Miami-Dade Ends Free School Meals Due to Federal Cuts, Setting a Concerning Precedent

Miami-Dade County Public Schools will end its district-wide free meal program this August due to federal cuts to safety net programs under the Trump administration. The move follows a decline in SNAP participation, forcing the district to rescind universal free meals for most schools. Over 173,000 students relied on the program last year, and families now face significant financial burdens to cover school meals.

K-12 Dive17 August 2026
Dyscalculia, a learning disability affecting number and math processing, impacts as many students as dyslexia but...
Policy

Dyscalculia: A Common Yet Overlooked Learning Disability in Schools

Dyscalculia, a learning disability affecting number and math processing, impacts as many students as dyslexia but receives far less attention in schools. A recent brief highlights the lack of identification systems, teacher training, and policy support, leaving many students undiagnosed and unsupported.

K-12 Dive16 August 2026
The U.S. Department of Education has announced it will no longer pursue systemic race-based discrimination investigations...
Levels

Systemic Discrimination Cases in Education: What's Next After Disparate Impact?

The U.S. Department of Education has announced it will no longer pursue systemic race-based discrimination investigations under the disparate impact legal theory. This move may impact cases currently under investigation, potentially narrowing or dropping them. We explore what this means for education and the future of systemic discrimination cases.

K-12 Dive16 August 2026
Houston Independent School District (HISD) has retained its B rating for the second consecutive year, reflecting steady...
Levels

Houston ISD Maintains B Rating for Second Year, Shows Progress Under State Control

Houston Independent School District (HISD) has retained its B rating for the second consecutive year, reflecting steady improvement since the state of Texas took over in 2023. Wheatley High School, a key factor in the takeover, achieved an A rating for the first time. The district has seen a significant reduction in D and F-rated schools, though five schools still received failing grades. HISD’s New Education System (NES) schools, which implement comprehensive reforms, have shown strong results,

K-12 Dive16 August 2026

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