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.svgA row of books standing upright on a yellow surface, with their spines facing the camera.The 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.svgA collection of round, circular objects in various colors, including pink, yellow, green, blue...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... https://desksandbells.com/news/head-start-system-turmoil/2026-08-21https://desksandbells.com/share-head-start-system-turmoil.svgA man and a boy are seated at a table, with the man's right hand raised in a high-five gesture...Head 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.svgThere is a stack of books with an apple on top, colored pencils on the table, and a set of...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... https://desksandbells.com/news/supportive-teachers-key-trans/2026-08-20https://desksandbells.com/share-supportive-teachers-key-trans.svgA classroom with a desk, chairs, a map, a portrait, a blackboard, and a window.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... https://desksandbells.com/news/student-journalists-discuss-impact/2026-08-20https://desksandbells.com/share-student-journalists-discuss-impact.svgA robot standing in a classroom with other robots sitting at desks.Student 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.svgSchool, learning, back-to-school package, education, brushes, paint.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... https://desksandbells.com/news/efforts-protect-students-immigration/2026-08-20https://desksandbells.com/share-efforts-protect-students-immigration.svgIn this black-and-white photograph, a group of students are seated at desks in a classroom...As 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.svgTwo children in school uniforms stand in a hallway, with one child leaning against a door...A 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.svgA collection of colored wax crayons arranged in a display case.Educators 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.svgA woman in a black shirt holding a stack of books against a yellow background.Florida 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.svgA person's hand holding a blue pencil over a piece of white paper, with a black object and a...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... https://desksandbells.com/news/york-portrait-graduate-initiative/2026-08-19https://desksandbells.com/share-york-portrait-graduate-initiative.svgA young man in a graduation outfit, holding a rolled-up piece of paper.The 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.svgA room with wooden tables and benches, bookshelves, and a red book on one of the tables.The 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.svgSeven children are seated at desks in a classroom, each with a backpack on the floor beside...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... https://desksandbells.com/news/odyssey-bridges-storytelling-traditions/2026-08-19https://desksandbells.com/share-odyssey-bridges-storytelling-traditions.svgA group of children are seated on the floor in a classroom, with a teacher standing in front of...Teachers 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.svgA collection of colored pencils, with some lying on a red surface and others protruding from a...California'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.svgA woman is seated at a table, typing on an Apple MacBook laptop, with a glass of water and a...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... https://desksandbells.com/news/national-divide-holding-back/2026-08-19https://desksandbells.com/share-national-divide-holding-back.svgA group of young children, dressed in blue school uniforms, are standing in a line, with one...States 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.svgAn empty classroom setup with desks and colorful banners, indicating a school setting.The 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.svgA child sitting at a table, engaged in coloring with a purple pencil on a piece of paper.A 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.svgA wooden desk with an open book, a clock, a leather satchel, a cup of colored pencils, and a...Oklahoma 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.svgA chalkboard with the words "Back to school" written in white cursive font, accompanied by a...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... https://desksandbells.com/news/writing-skills-get-attention/2026-08-18https://desksandbells.com/share-writing-skills-get-attention.svgA classroom with approximately 15 children sitting at desks, each engaged in writing on paper.A 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.svgThree yellow school buses parked in a lot, with a palm tree visible in the background.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... https://desksandbells.com/news/federal-proposal-alter-head/2026-08-18https://desksandbells.com/share-federal-proposal-alter-head.svgA stack of 12 colored pencils, each with a pointed tip and a different color, arranged in a row...The 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.svgA collection of books is arranged on a reflective surface, with some standing upright and others...The 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.svgA classroom with rows of desks, a whiteboard, and a window with colorful flags hanging from it.Two 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.svgA woman standing in a classroom, surrounded by students seated at desks, with a bookshelf and...American 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.svgA classroom scene with students seated at desks, facing a screen displaying a mathematical equation.A 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.svgA group of children in blue shirts, possibly at a school event or gathering.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... https://desksandbells.com/news/california-school-streamlines-sel/2026-08-17https://desksandbells.com/share-california-school-streamlines-sel.svgA woman stands in a wooded area, surrounded by six children seated on the ground, with her hands...A 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.svgA collection of art supplies, including colored pencils, pastels, and a watercolor paint set...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... https://desksandbells.com/news/york-city-public-schools-6aa69a/2026-08-17https://desksandbells.com/share-york-city-public-schools-6aa69a.svgA classroom with a whiteboard, desks, chairs, and various objects on the floor.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... https://desksandbells.com/news/miami-dade-ends-free-103139/2026-08-17https://desksandbells.com/share-miami-dade-ends-free-103139.svgA young girl with long brown hair sits at a desk in a classroom, wearing a light blue surgical...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... https://desksandbells.com/news/revamping-school-playgrounds-become-7bf7b5/2026-08-17https://desksandbells.com/share-revamping-school-playgrounds-become-7bf7b5.svgA group of children in school uniforms are walking with an adult in a courtyard in front of a...A 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.svgA close-up of a page from a textbook or worksheet, with a mathematical equation and text visible.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... https://desksandbells.com/news/unions-sue-education-department-32727d/2026-08-16https://desksandbells.com/share-unions-sue-education-department-32727d.svgA woman standing in front of a chalkboard, with her hand resting on her chin and her elbow bent.A 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.svgA collection of various school supplies, including colored pencils, paper clips, and dice...The 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.svgA group of people standing in a dimly lit room, with some individuals wearing white shirts and...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.svgThere are wooden blocks spelling out "SCHOOL" on a red surface, surrounded by colored pencils...School 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.svgA child's hands coloring Christmas-themed pictures with colored pencils on a wooden table.A 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.svgA young girl sitting against a wall, holding a dictionary and resting her head on her hand.Educators 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.svgA classroom with rows of identical desks and chairs, a blackboard, and a wooden floor.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... 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/topics/sec-levels/2026-08-21 https://desksandbells.com/topics/sec-students/2026-08-21 https://desksandbells.com/about/ https://desksandbells.com/sources-and-methods/ https://desksandbells.com/corrections/