Education / Public News Service

Researchers said common barriers faced by Native American children include lack of culturally relevant curriculum in their educational settings. A Minnesota grant program helps community organizations expand such teachings within their tribal areas. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, December 11, 2024

Five years in, MN program creates improved pathways for Native kids

Five years ago, Minnesota established a program to bolster well-being metrics for children of color and young Native American kids. Today, fund …

For the 2023-2024 school year, Tennessee awarded nearly $577 million through 16 scholarship programs for public and select private two- and four-year colleges and universities. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, December 10, 2024

College cost still a major hurdle for Tennessee students

A new report from The Sycamore Institute reveals the persistent challenge of college affordability in Tennessee. Despite state and federal aid …

Support staff like school bus drivers help Washington state schools run. (teamjackson/Adobe Stock)

Monday, December 9, 2024

As concerns in WA schools mount, staff calls for greater investments

Staff members who support schools are calling for greater investment from Washington state. As next year's legislative session approaches, wages …

According to the American Library Association, the rate of book titles targeted for censorship in public libraries spiked 92% between 2022 and 2023. In school libraries, there was an 11% increase. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, December 9, 2024

SD libraries face future of stricter policies, slashed budgets

South Dakota librarians are implementing new policies for young readers in the new year and they are expecting future challenges, with the governor's …

With the increased use of AI, more technical positions are available with no requirement of a 4-year degree. (Jadon Bester/peopleimages.com/Adobe Stock)

Monday, December 9, 2024

AR community colleges create new pathways to employment

Students at eight Arkansas community colleges can benefit from new micro-courses to prepare for the workforce. The schools are collaborating with …

Research on the effects of a school voucher program in Louisiana show academic performance decreased among kids who use vouchers to attend private schools. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Gov. sets aside 2026 SD funds for new education savings accounts

In this week's 2026 budget address, Gov. Kristi Noem proposed establishing education savings accounts for K-12 students in South Dakota. Opponents …

More than 67% of children younger than age 6 have parents in the workforce and more than two million parents report making job changes because of issues with child care, according to the Center for American Progress. (Adobe Stock)

WV braces for more child care center closures

West Virginia child care advocates said they are bracing for more center closures in the new year. There are more than 60,000 children in the state …

According to the Center for Native American Youth, in each Native community, culture transfer is a multifaceted process influenced by tribal histories, traumas, resilience, cultural preservation and revitalization efforts. (Adobe Stock)

VA's Native youths call for representation, support amid systemic challenges

In Virginia, Native youths often encounter systemic barriers, including a lack of representation in school curricula. A recent report by the Center …

Massachusetts workers lose roughly $2.7 billion in earnings each year because of inadequate child care, according to the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation. (Adobe Stock)

Federal investments help bolster MA workforce training programs

Federal investments are helping the city of Boston develop greater workforce training programs. The city received $23 million in 2022 to develop …

Balancing college expenses, and going through the student aid application process, is often viewed as a daunting task for most households. Backers of Minnesota's new free tuition program hope it removes a lot of stress for eligible households. (Freepik)

MN's free college tuition program gets early assessment

The first semester for Minnesota college students is winding down. Supporters of the state's new free tuition program - which assists low-income …

The U.S. Supreme Court hears on average 80 cases per session, out of the thousands of requests it receives. (Adobe Stock)

U.S. Supreme Court ponders review of WI gender-identity case

The U.S. Supreme Court is deciding whether to review a Wisconsin case over the issue of gender identity at school. The case Parents Protecting Our …

One Arkansas teacher said he does not think about the future because of the constraints of the cost of living. (NanSan/Adobe Stock)

Northwest AR development leads to housing crisis for educators

By Jordan P. Hickey for The Arkansas Advocate.Broadcast version by Freda Ross for Arkansas News Service reporting for The Arkansas Advocate-Winthrop …

Many adults said family or professional commitments can make it difficult to return to college and complete their degree program. (Adobe Stock)

Project Kitty Hawk helps former NC students complete college degree

Hundreds of former North Carolina college students are back on track to getting their degrees, thanks to an innovative program called Project Kitty …

An Equable Institute report finds Connecticut school districts with smaller pension obligations are likely to have a high percentage of their workforce paid lower salaries at or below $60,000. (Adobe Stock)

Report: CT teacher pension financing creates inequity

A new report shows Connecticut's teacher pension financing reinforces inequity. The Equable Institute's report finds Pupil Pension Subsidies are …

Ava Bruneau plays Ginebig: The Snake Game, a game of chance. Players roll or toss

Game time: Reviving the Ojibwe way with dice, cards

By Amy Felegy for Arts Midwest.Broadcast version by Kathleen Shannon for Greater Dakota News Service reporting for the Arts Midwest-Public News Servic…

Valdosta State University is one of the 26 higher education institutions that make up the University System of Georgia. (Adobe Stock)

Georgia Match program hailed as college enrollment rises in GA

Georgia higher education officials are crediting a program assisting high school students with a wave of new enrollment in the state's colleges and un…

In August, the Colorado Department of Education updated guidelines reflecting evidence-based best practices on how returning to school and exercise can improve recovery. (Adobe Stock)

Tips for helping kids recover from concussions

By Kate Ruder for KFF Health News.Broadcast version by Eric Galatas for Colorado News Connection reporting for the KFF Health News-Public News Service…

According to a National Survey of Children's Health, one in four Hoosier kids aged six to 17 aren't involved in extracurricular activities.

Winter after-school programs foster skills for Hoosier kids

As winter sets in, advocates are spotlighting the need for after-school programs to provide Indiana youth with safe spaces to build skills, stay …

Research shows kids tend to get along with School Resource Officers regardless of the student's ethnic background, according to Iowa State University's Monic Behnken. (Adobe Stock)

Iowa researcher: 'Hardening' schools doesn't stop classroom violence

Researchers say increasing the police presence in schools isn't the best way to address classroom violence. One expert in Iowa says educators would …

Glitches last winter with federal student aid forms, known as the FAFSA, led the feds to temporarily relax document verification standards - creating fertile ground for bad actors seeking to defraud California colleges. (Piter2121/Adobe Stock)

CA community colleges lose millions to financial aid fraud

State data first reported by EdSource show that fraudsters have stolen more than $7.5 million in student financial aid from California community colle…

South Dakota was the first state to rename

Wounded Knee Medal of Honor review process expected to slow under Trump

The idea of revoking military medals awarded to soldiers at the Wounded Knee Massacre has gained traction recently, but some expect that to stop …

Education groups say censorship of course content by the UNT Administration is an example of extreme overcompliance with SB 17. (Adobe Stock)

University of North Texas accused of extreme DEI restrictions

Educators across the state are watching the University of North Texas, as the school denies it overstepped the parameters of Senate Bill 17. The …

In Massachusetts, teachers of color make up nearly 10% of the state's 80,000 K-12 teachers - up from 7% in 2012, according to MassINC. (Adobe Stock)<br />

MA boosts educator diversity to improve student outcomes

Massachusetts lawmakers are hoping a new teacher certification process will draw more diverse candidates to the classroom. The state recently passed …

More than 3,000 Maine apprentices were actively working on industry-recognized skill certification in 2022, according to the Maine Department of Labor. (Adobe Stock) <br />

ME businesses boost apprenticeships to counter workforce shortage

State officials in Maine said they are working to expand the number of registered apprenticeship programs to help counter a persistent worker shortage…

An Advocates for Children of New York report finds students living in shelters are three times more likely to drop out of high school than permanently housed students. (Adobe Stock)

Advocates: NYC must help homeless student population

A new annual report shows New York City has more than 146,000 homeless students. The Advocates for Children of New York report finds this is an …

The Independent Colleges & Universities of Florida serves 175,000 students across 200 sites statewide, while the Association of Private Colleges and Universities of Puerto Rico represents Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) with a combined enrollment of more than 80,000 students. (Adobe Stock)

New Florida-Puerto Rico partnership poised to transform higher-ed landscape

In an unprecedented collaboration, the Independent Colleges and Universities of Florida have partnered with the Association of Private Colleges and …

Senate Bill 1583, a measure banning book bans in Oregon, may resurface in spring. (Jacek Chabraszewski/Adobe Stock)

Post election, educators anticipate classroom censorship

In the wake of Donald Trump's re-election, teachers nationwide are bracing for more censorship battles. Currently, more than 40 laws in 22 states …

The middle 20% of Americans, families making between $55,000 and $94,000, would face an average tax increase of $1,530 in 2026 under Trump tax proposals. (Adobe Stock)

Colorado working families would pay more under Trump tax proposals

President-elect Donald Trump and Republicans in Congress have promised to pass a new tax bill, and a new report breaks down the expected winners and …

Gay teenager is set to become Utah's youngest elected official

Jackson Lewis, 19, is ready and eager to sit on the nonpartisan Canyons School Board in the south end of Salt Lake Valley. Lewis, who is gay…

The Wyoming Family Alliance Action's 2024 school board candidate questionnaire asked candidates how much they agree with this statement:

Some WY school board elections echoed national politics

School boards are nonpartisan, but a recent trend in Wyoming shows far-right candidates are bringing national politics to local elections. Public …

The American Library Association reported in 2023, Hoosiers challenged 346 books with LGBTQ+ themes, people of color as the main characters and the Bible in statewide libraries. (Adobe Stock)

IN librarians fear book bans in 2025

As the nation prepares for the second term of President-elect Donald Trump, librarians are increasingly worried about his agenda and what it might …

Despite a 70% approval rate of all school referendums this year, the state saw a 10% decrease from 2022, making it the lowest passage rate in a midterm or presidential election year in the last decade. (Adobe Stock)

Wisconsinites passed record measures for public school funding

Wisconsinites overwhelmingly voted 'yes' on a record number of school funding measures, according to a new Wisconsin Policy Forum study. The appeals …

Over the last four school years, charter schools gained more than 300,000 new students, an increase of 9%, according to the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools. (Adobe Stock)

Election results could bring renewed emphasis on vouchers, charter schools

By Nirvi Shah for The Hechinger Report.Broadcast version by Mark Richardson reporting for the Rural News Network-Public News Service Collaboration Du…

Kentucky ranks 48 of 50 in the nation for rate of new lung cancer cases at 84.8 per 100,000. The national rate is 54.6 per 100,000, according to the American Lung Association. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Cancer education program sheds light on Appalachian disparities

Some Kentuckians are more likely to be diagnosed with cancer and more likely to die from the disease than others. Dr. Nathan Vanderford, associate …

According to the National Education Association, American Education Week is meant to honor the team of people who work in U.S. public schools, including classroom teachers, bus drivers, cafeteria crews and administrative staff. (Adobe Stock)

During American Education Week, public asked to reset K-12 views

American Education Week is underway, and Nebraskans are asked to find trust again in public school systems, including rural areas. There have been …

The proposed Education Freedom Scholarship Act in Tennessee aims to give parents the power to choose the best education for their child and a say in how their taxpayer dollars are used. (BalanceFormCreative/Adobe Stock)

Project 2025's education overhaul could have potential fallout for TN schools

A Tennessee education advocacy group is voicing concerns about Project 2025, which aims to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education and transfer …

In 17% of Colorado households with children, the children are not eating enough because the family did not earn enough to purchase enough food, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. (Adobe Stock)

Hunger Free Colorado celebrates 15th birthday

Colorado's leading advocate for people experiencing hunger turns 15 this year and a new report outlined key advances and persistent challenges facing …

Studies show nature-based outdoor learning has measurable socio-emotional, academic and physical health benefits for students. (Adobe Stock)<br />

ME counters learning loss with expanded outdoor programs

Maine educators are expanding outdoor learning opportunities to help build the next generation of environmental stewards. The state has unveiled a …

Building generational wealth is the goal behind New Mexico's proposed

Child advocates want NM to eradicate poverty through 'baby bonds'

New Mexico child welfare groups are behind an initiative they plan to introduce in the next legislative session to create a so-called baby bonds progr…

West Virginia communities rely on more than 600 elementary and secondary schools statewide, according to the state's Department of Education. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Survey: WV voters support investing in local public schools, teachers

A new postelection survey found voters across the political spectrum said they support investing in public schools and teachers. The findings from …

More than 1,500 schools in Washington are offering free school meals in the 2024-25 school year. (vectorfusionart/Adobe Stock)

Free school meals on agenda for 2025 session in WA

Washington lawmakers will consider providing free school meals to all students in the state. Thanks to legislation passed in previous sessions…

Albany teachers say they will stay on strike until their demands are met around class size, safety and pay. (Amanda Miles)

Albany teachers on strike as Beaverton moves toward mediation

Teachers' unions say they're at an impasse in bargaining with two Oregon school districts. After four intense mediation sessions, Albany teachers …

A University of California Berkeley report revealed early educators working only with infants and toddlers are paid about $8,000 less per year than those working exclusively with children age 3-5, not yet in kindergarten. (Mangpor2004/Adobe Stock)

Mississippi child care workers struggle with poverty wages

A new report showed child care workers across the nation, including in Mississippi, are struggling with poverty-level wages. The report revealed the …

There were 938 attempts to censor books across the United States in 2023. Of the 9,021 titles challenged, the most targeted book was

CT, U.S. librarians worried about Project 2025’s implementation

Librarians in Connecticut and nationwide are worried about the ramifications of Donald Trump's second term as president. Some are concerned elements …

In North Carolina, New Markets Tax Credits administered by Self-Help Ventures Fund have transformed communities through projects like Durham's American Tobacco Campus, Greensboro's Revolution Mill and the Renaissance Shops at Phillips Avenue. (Adobe Stock)

Community projects across NC to be fueled by new access to federal support

Health care providers and schools across North Carolina could soon benefit from tax credits to help projects get off the ground and serve thousands of…

Alabama's Summer Adventures in Learning initiative supported 38 programs last summer, including a record nine new additions across 63 locations in 20 counties. (Adobe Stock)

As reading programs dwindle, Alabama's SAIL highlights need, impact

As winter break approaches, Alabama's Summer Adventures in Learning program is encouraging parents to think ahead to summer, particularly as quality …

Colorado has been working to remove cost as a barrier for students, and many certificate and degree programs are zero-tuition. (Adobe Stock)

7 CO colleges cited for students' workforce-readiness success

Gov. Jared Polis has designated seven Colorado colleges and universities as Career Connected Campuses for their work getting more students from all …

The California Undocumented Coalition for Higher Education took part in an advocacy day in Sacramento in January 2020. (California Campaign for College Opportunity)

CA undocumented student groups worry about incoming Trump administration

As President-elect Donald Trump announces immigration hard-liners as his deputy chief of staff and border czar this week, groups supporting …

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Education

Five years in, MN program creates improved pathways for Native kids

College cost still a major hurdle for Tennessee students

As concerns in WA schools mount, staff calls for greater investments

SD libraries face future of stricter policies, slashed budgets

AR community colleges create new pathways to employment

Gov. sets aside 2026 SD funds for new education savings accounts

WV braces for more child care center closures

VA's Native youths call for representation, support amid systemic challenges

Federal investments help bolster MA workforce training programs

MN's free college tuition program gets early assessment

U.S. Supreme Court ponders review of WI gender-identity case

Northwest AR development leads to housing crisis for educators

Project Kitty Hawk helps former NC students complete college degree

Report: CT teacher pension financing creates inequity

Game time: Reviving the Ojibwe way with dice, cards

Georgia Match program hailed as college enrollment rises in GA

Tips for helping kids recover from concussions

Winter after-school programs foster skills for Hoosier kids

Iowa researcher: 'Hardening' schools doesn't stop classroom violence

CA community colleges lose millions to financial aid fraud

Wounded Knee Medal of Honor review process expected to slow under Trump

University of North Texas accused of extreme DEI restrictions

MA boosts educator diversity to improve student outcomes

ME businesses boost apprenticeships to counter workforce shortage

Advocates: NYC must help homeless student population

New Florida-Puerto Rico partnership poised to transform higher-ed landscape

Post election, educators anticipate classroom censorship

Colorado working families would pay more under Trump tax proposals

Gay teenager is set to become Utah's youngest elected official

Some WY school board elections echoed national politics

IN librarians fear book bans in 2025

Wisconsinites passed record measures for public school funding

Election results could bring renewed emphasis on vouchers, charter schools

Cancer education program sheds light on Appalachian disparities

During American Education Week, public asked to reset K-12 views

Project 2025's education overhaul could have potential fallout for TN schools

Hunger Free Colorado celebrates 15th birthday

ME counters learning loss with expanded outdoor programs

Child advocates want NM to eradicate poverty through 'baby bonds'

Survey: WV voters support investing in local public schools, teachers

Free school meals on agenda for 2025 session in WA

Albany teachers on strike as Beaverton moves toward mediation

Mississippi child care workers struggle with poverty wages

CT, U.S. librarians worried about Project 2025’s implementation

Community projects across NC to be fueled by new access to federal support

As reading programs dwindle, Alabama's SAIL highlights need, impact

7 CO colleges cited for students' workforce-readiness success

CA undocumented student groups worry about incoming Trump administration