https://desksandbells.com/2026-08-21https://desksandbells.com/share-home.svg https://desksandbells.com/news/nyc-mayor-sues-city/2026-08-21https://desksandbells.com/share-nyc-mayor-sues-city.svgNYC Mayor Sues City Council Over Paraprofessional BonusesThe NYC Mayor has sued the City Council over a law giving $10,000 bonuses to paraprofessionals, claiming it violates the collective bargaining process (Source: The 74) https://desksandbells.com/news/workforce-pell-grants-help/2026-08-21https://desksandbells.com/share-workforce-pell-grants-help.svgNew Workforce Pell Grants to Help Pay for Career TrainingThe 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... https://desksandbells.com/news/head-start-system-turmoil/2026-08-21https://desksandbells.com/share-head-start-system-turmoil.svgHead Start System in Turmoil Amid Federal CutbacksHead Start providers are facing significant challenges due to federal staff cuts and regional office closures, leading to uncertainty and disruption in the system. (Source: The 74) https://desksandbells.com/news/dismantling-dyslexia-industrial-complex/2026-08-21https://desksandbells.com/share-dismantling-dyslexia-industrial-complex.svgDismantling the Dyslexia Industrial ComplexThe 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... https://desksandbells.com/news/supportive-teachers-key-trans/2026-08-20https://desksandbells.com/share-supportive-teachers-key-trans.svgSupportive Teachers Key to Trans Students' Success in ClassroomA 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... https://desksandbells.com/news/student-journalists-discuss-impact/2026-08-20https://desksandbells.com/share-student-journalists-discuss-impact.svgStudent Journalists Discuss the Impact of AI on Their WorkStudent journalists share their experiences with AI and its effects on their writing and newsrooms (Source: The 74) https://desksandbells.com/news/proposed-reforms-head-start/2026-08-20https://desksandbells.com/share-proposed-reforms-head-start.svgProposed Reforms to Head Start Program Spark ConcernsA 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... https://desksandbells.com/news/efforts-protect-students-immigration/2026-08-20https://desksandbells.com/share-efforts-protect-students-immigration.svgEfforts to Protect Students from Immigration Enforcement on School Grounds IntensifyAs the new school year begins, educators and advocates are working to prevent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity on or near school properties, citing concerns for student safety... https://desksandbells.com/news/head-start-programs-may/2026-08-20https://desksandbells.com/share-head-start-programs-may.svgHead Start Programs May Suffer Under Proposed Federal ChangesA recent report suggests that proposed federal changes to Head Start programs could lead to a decline in quality and safety standards. (Source: K-12 Dive) https://desksandbells.com/news/developing-writing-skills-age/2026-08-20https://desksandbells.com/share-developing-writing-skills-age.svgDeveloping Writing Skills in the Age of AIEducators emphasize the importance of personal attention and encouragement in helping students craft strong college essays and personal statements. (Source: K-12 Dive) https://desksandbells.com/news/florida-quietly-removes-climate/2026-08-20https://desksandbells.com/share-florida-quietly-removes-climate.svgFlorida Quietly Removes Climate Change Content from TextbooksFlorida education officials have made changes to science textbooks, removing or watering down content about the climate crisis. The changes were made without consulting the authors or... https://desksandbells.com/news/us-kindergarten-vaccine-rates/2026-08-20https://desksandbells.com/share-us-kindergarten-vaccine-rates.svgUS Kindergarten Vaccine Rates Continue Downward TrendNew 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... https://desksandbells.com/news/york-portrait-graduate-initiative/2026-08-19https://desksandbells.com/share-york-portrait-graduate-initiative.svgNew York's Portrait of a Graduate Initiative Faces Implementation ChallengesThe New York State education system has adopted the Portrait of a Graduate framework, aiming to redefine student success beyond standardized tests. However, early adopters across the country have... https://desksandbells.com/news/fcc-review-rate-program/2026-08-19https://desksandbells.com/share-fcc-review-rate-program.svgFCC Review of E-Rate Program Sparks Concerns Among School DistrictsThe Federal Communications Commission's review of the E-Rate program has left school districts on edge, with some advocates planning a 'very loud' protest to protect the program. (Source: The 74) https://desksandbells.com/news/ai-thinking-partner-how/2026-08-19https://desksandbells.com/share-ai-thinking-partner-how.svgAI as a Thinking Partner: How Schools Can Foster Real LearningA 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... https://desksandbells.com/news/odyssey-bridges-storytelling-traditions/2026-08-19https://desksandbells.com/share-odyssey-bridges-storytelling-traditions.svg‘The Odyssey’ bridges storytelling traditions and historical perspectives in classroomsTeachers and educators discuss the enduring relevance of Homer’s epic in modern classrooms, highlighting its role in fostering empathy, cultural understanding, and critical thinking about... https://desksandbells.com/news/california-schools-return-arts/2026-08-19https://desksandbells.com/share-california-schools-return-arts.svgCalifornia Schools Return Arts Funding Amid Confusion Over Spending RulesCalifornia's K-12 schools are returning arts funding due to confusion over spending rules, despite a 2022 voter-approved measure that allocated $1 billion annually for arts education. https://desksandbells.com/news/infrastructure-key-success-career/2026-08-19https://desksandbells.com/share-infrastructure-key-success-career.svgInfrastructure Key to Success of Career and Technical Education ProgramsA 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... https://desksandbells.com/news/national-divide-holding-back/2026-08-19https://desksandbells.com/share-national-divide-holding-back.svgA National Divide Over Holding Back Students: States Approach Retention DifferentlyStates and school districts across the US approach retention, or holding back students, in different ways. Some states, like Hawaii, wait until ninth grade or later to retain students, while... https://desksandbells.com/news/ocr-calls-schools-stop/2026-08-19https://desksandbells.com/share-ocr-calls-schools-stop.svgOCR Calls on Schools to 'Stop Racial Balancing' in New Discipline GuidanceThe U.S. Department of Education has issued new school discipline guidance, calling on schools to 'stop racial balancing' and rebuffing previous attempts to reduce discipline disparities for Black... https://desksandbells.com/news/opinion-chess-offers-safer/2026-08-18https://desksandbells.com/share-opinion-chess-offers-safer.svgOpinion: Chess Offers a Safer Place for Children to Practice Emotional MusclesA father shares his experience of how chess helped his twice-exceptional son develop emotional muscles and build confidence. (Source: The 74) https://desksandbells.com/news/oklahoma-students-face-stricter/2026-08-18https://desksandbells.com/share-oklahoma-students-face-stricter.svgOklahoma Students Face Stricter Literacy LawsOklahoma students are returning to school with a focus on literacy, but concerns remain about the impact of new laws on low-scoring readers. (Source: The 74) https://desksandbells.com/news/fcc-opens-comment-period/2026-08-18https://desksandbells.com/share-fcc-opens-comment-period.svgFCC Opens Comment Period on E-rate's FutureThe 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... https://desksandbells.com/news/writing-skills-get-attention/2026-08-18https://desksandbells.com/share-writing-skills-get-attention.svgWriting Skills Get More Attention in SchoolA growing concern about students' writing abilities has led to a renewed focus on teaching writing skills in schools. (Source: The Hechinger Report) https://desksandbells.com/news/rural-education-investment-crucial/2026-08-18https://desksandbells.com/share-rural-education-investment-crucial.svgRural Education Investment Crucial for Local Economies and Student FuturesA 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... https://desksandbells.com/news/federal-proposal-alter-head/2026-08-18https://desksandbells.com/share-federal-proposal-alter-head.svgFederal Proposal to Alter Head Start Program Sparks Concern Among ProvidersThe Trump administration's proposal to change the federally funded Head Start program has raised concerns among providers, who argue that the changes would undermine the program's mission and... https://desksandbells.com/news/federal-loan-caps-graduate/2026-08-18https://desksandbells.com/share-federal-loan-caps-graduate.svgFederal Loan Caps for Graduate Students Raise Concerns Over Access and AffordabilityThe Trump administration's new federal loan caps for graduate students have sparked debate over their impact on access and affordability in higher education. (Source: The Hechinger Report) https://desksandbells.com/news/ten-commandments-laws-challenged/2026-08-18https://desksandbells.com/share-ten-commandments-laws-challenged.svgTen Commandments Laws Challenged in Supreme CourtTwo prominent challenges to laws requiring school districts to display the Ten Commandments have been appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court. (Source: K-12 Dive) https://desksandbells.com/news/universities-sliding-decline-global/2026-08-17https://desksandbells.com/share-universities-sliding-decline-global.svgU.S. Universities Sliding into Decline as Global Education LeaderAmerican academic research and innovation are facing a decline in support, with top scholars leaving and international students dwindling. (Source: The Hechinger Report) https://desksandbells.com/news/slow-math-ai-helps/2026-08-17https://desksandbells.com/share-slow-math-ai-helps.svgSlow Math: AI Helps Students Learn More by Making Them Review MistakesA new study suggests that students may learn more when AI makes them slow down and review their mistakes. (Source: The Hechinger Report) https://desksandbells.com/news/low-screening-rates-autism/2026-08-17https://desksandbells.com/share-low-screening-rates-autism.svgLow Screening Rates for Autism and Speech Delays in New YorkDespite recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics, many parents in New York are not completing developmental screeners for their young children, potentially missing crucial... https://desksandbells.com/news/california-school-streamlines-sel/2026-08-17https://desksandbells.com/share-california-school-streamlines-sel.svgCalifornia School Streamlines SEL Supports with Multi-Tiered SystemA California elementary school is piloting a multi-tiered system of supports model for social-emotional learning, which includes SEL curriculum, group support, and individual support for students. https://desksandbells.com/news/transforming-science-labs-compliance-cccab8/2026-08-17https://desksandbells.com/share-transforming-science-labs-compliance-cccab8.svgTransforming Science Labs: From Compliance to Critical ThinkingScience educators advocate for shifting lab reports from dry, compliance-based exercises to engaging, inquiry-driven experiences that foster critical thinking and creativity. By encouraging... https://desksandbells.com/news/york-city-public-schools-6aa69a/2026-08-17https://desksandbells.com/share-york-city-public-schools-6aa69a.svgNew York City Public Schools to Deploy School Avoidance Liaisons in Every BuildingNew 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... https://desksandbells.com/news/miami-dade-ends-free-103139/2026-08-17https://desksandbells.com/share-miami-dade-ends-free-103139.svgMiami-Dade Ends Free School Meals Due to Federal Cuts, Setting a Concerning PrecedentMiami-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... https://desksandbells.com/news/revamping-school-playgrounds-become-7bf7b5/2026-08-17https://desksandbells.com/share-revamping-school-playgrounds-become-7bf7b5.svgRevamping School Playgrounds to Become Urban Climate OasesA nonprofit organization is working to transform schoolyards across the United States into welcoming and sustainable spaces for both students and local communities. (Source: The Hechinger Report) https://desksandbells.com/news/dyscalculia-common-yet-overlooked-b58770/2026-08-16https://desksandbells.com/share-dyscalculia-common-yet-overlooked-b58770.svgDyscalculia: A Common Yet Overlooked Learning Disability in SchoolsDyscalculia, 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... https://desksandbells.com/news/unions-sue-education-department-32727d/2026-08-16https://desksandbells.com/share-unions-sue-education-department-32727d.svgUnions Sue Education Department Over 'Professional' Degree RuleA coalition of unions, including the American Federation of Teachers, has sued the U.S. Department of Education over its regulatory definition of a 'professional degree', which excludes education... https://desksandbells.com/news/cisa-releases-cybersecurity-guidance-b01c5d/2026-08-16https://desksandbells.com/share-cisa-releases-cybersecurity-guidance-b01c5d.svgCISA Releases K-12 Cybersecurity Guidance Amid Rising RisksThe U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has released a collection of free K-12 cybersecurity resources to help school leaders mitigate and respond to unique cyber risks. https://desksandbells.com/news/systemic-discrimination-cases-education-751063/2026-08-16https://desksandbells.com/share-systemic-discrimination-cases-education-751063.svgSystemic 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... https://desksandbells.com/news/schools-experiment-approach-purchasing-31f08a/2026-08-16https://desksandbells.com/share-schools-experiment-approach-purchasing-31f08a.svgSchools Experiment with New Approach to Purchasing Educational ToolsSchool districts are testing outcomes-based contracting, a method where vendors are paid based on student results, to ensure that educational tools are effective. (Source: The Hechinger Report) https://desksandbells.com/news/stop-teaching-fun-out-edb04c/2026-08-16https://desksandbells.com/share-stop-teaching-fun-out-edb04c.svgStop Teaching the Fun Out of Childhood and Let Kids Be KidsA recent pre-K curriculum has been criticized for over-instructing children on basic skills, such as kicking a ball, and undermining their natural ability to learn through play. https://desksandbells.com/news/improvisation-techniques-english-language-748a54/2026-08-16https://desksandbells.com/share-improvisation-techniques-english-language-748a54.svgImprovisation Techniques in English/Language Arts Classes Boost Student Participation and CreativityEducators are using improvisation techniques in English/language arts classes to encourage participation and creativity among students. (Source: K-12 Dive) https://desksandbells.com/news/houston-isd-maintains-rating-f8fdee/2026-08-16https://desksandbells.com/share-houston-isd-maintains-rating-f8fdee.svgHouston ISD Maintains B Rating for Second Year, Shows Progress Under State ControlHouston 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... https://desksandbells.com/levels/2026-08-21 https://desksandbells.com/policy/2026-08-20 https://desksandbells.com/districts/2026-08-21 https://desksandbells.com/students/2026-08-21 https://desksandbells.com/topics/high-school/2026-08-20 https://desksandbells.com/about/ https://desksandbells.com/sources-and-methods/ https://desksandbells.com/corrections/