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On Tuesday, the House Appropriations Committee (HAC) advanced a bill that would reduce federal Title I funding for low-income schools by 26%. The plan, which would also cut the overall U.S. Department of Education budget by 15% to $67bn for fiscal year 2026, differs from the bipartisan proposal agreed to by the Senate Appropriations Committee in July, which recommends increasing funding for the department by around $300m. An HAC report on the bill cites disappointing student test scores, despite increases in funding, arguing that "Federal tax dollars have not been shown to result in meaningful improvement in student achievement." Attempts to prevent cuts to Title I were unsuccessful; ranking Democrat Rosa DeLauro (D-CN) said the cuts will remove at least 72,000 teachers out of classrooms in low-income communities. A measure to block funding for mandatory active shooter drills unless parents are given an opt-out for students under 16 was agreed to by voice vote.

 

K-12 Dive

What can you do with the 2025 MAP Growth norms? Turning test results into action.

The 2025 MAP ^®; Growth™ norms are here, and while your students RIT scores are still measuring achievement on the same scale you know and trust, the reference point for interpreting those scores has shifted to reflect how students are performing today. Think of it like Google Street View updating its imagery. You’re still navigating the same streets, but now you’re seeing what the neighborhood actually looks like today, instead of photos from five years ago.

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Two students were critically injured following a shooting at Evergreen High School in the Denver metro area on Wednesday. According to the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, a total of three minors were hospitalized, including the suspected shooter, who was injured by a self-inflicted gunshot wound and later died. Colorado Gov. Jared Polis said: “Students should be able to attend school safely and without fear,” expressing concern for the victims and the community. U.S. Rep. Brittany Pettersen (D-CO) expressed her shock and heartbreak over the incident, emphasizing the need for law enforcement to ensure the safety of children. Evergreen High School is part of the Jefferson Public School District, which also includes Columbine High School, the site of a school shooting in 1999 that was one of the deadliest in the United States at the time. “We cannot pretend this is just another tragic incident,” superintendent Tracy Dorland said in a statement on Wednesday night. “The pain of this incident reopens old wounds.”

 

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On Wednesday the U.S. Supreme Court denied South Carolina's request to pause a federal appeals court injunction that allows a 9th-grade transgender boy, identified as John Doe, to use restrooms consistent with his gender identity. The court's decision, which was not a ruling on the case's merits, reflects ongoing national discussions about transgender rights in schools. The three dissenters in the case were justices Clarence Thomas, Samuel A. Alito Jr., and Neil M. Gorsuch. The injunction was granted by the 4th Circuit Court, which ruled that schools must permit trans students to use restrooms aligned with their gender identity under Title IX and the 14th Amendment. Doe's legal team argued that the injunction is crucial for his well-being, commenting: “no student has ever complained about sharing a boys' restroom with John.” The court's action comes amid a growing national debate over trans rights in schools and at a time when the Supreme Court is receiving more appeals over the matter. In its new term that begins next month, it will hear arguments in two cases involving trans students' participation in girls' and women's athletics.

 

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California is set to lose approximately $3.5m in federal grants for special education teacher preparation due to the U.S. Department of Education's cancellation of over two dozen programs. The cuts, effective October 1st, target initiatives that emphasize diversity, equity, and inclusion, which the department claims conflict with its focus on merit and excellence. Scott Rudolph, a special education advocate, said: "The impact (of the cuts) is going to be a less equipped teaching force and a decline in the tangible supports for these students." The cancellations include $2.3m for special education training programs and a $1.2m grant for rehabilitative services, further exacerbating the shortage of qualified special education teachers in California.

 

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Nearly seven years after the devastating Camp Fire, Paradise, California, is slowly rebuilding its community, but the recovery of its schools remains a significant challenge. Superintendent Tom Taylor said: "We'll get there, but we have not yet recovered," highlighting the ongoing struggle to get students back on track academically. The fire disrupted education for thousands, with only 13% of graduating seniors meeting California's public university entrance requirements last year. Test scores reflect this decline, with only 11% of eighth graders meeting math standards. The community is learning that balancing mental health and academics is crucial, as many students faced trauma and instability. As Paradise continues to rebuild, the focus is on setting higher academic expectations while supporting emotional wellness.

 

San Mateo Daily Journal

Starting this year, Petaluma and Casa Grande high schools have implemented a new daily bell schedule aimed at enhancing equity and meeting student needs. According to Petaluma City Schools officials, the schedule is designed to "increase equity, expand opportunity, and ensure every student's schedule reflects their needs and goals." The changes include adjustments to class start and end times, with the goal of providing a more tailored educational experience. The new schedule will allow for better alignment with student requirements and aims to improve overall academic performance.

 

Press Democrat

The 2025 Educator Confidence Report by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt reveals a significant increase in educator optimism, with nearly half of the 1,005 teachers and over half of the 150 administrators feeling positive about their professions. This marks a rise from only 35% confidence last year. Despite concerns over decreased school funding, educators report improved student academic growth. The report highlights that while 25% of teachers and 36% of administrators plan to leave the profession in the next five years, there is a growing confidence in using technology and artificial intelligence (AI) in classrooms. Almost 90% of teachers believe AI users should be taught ethical usage, indicating a readiness for more training in this area.

 

EdSource

Two major US teacher unions, the National Education Association and the American Federation of Teachers, along with educators from Oregon, are suing the Trump administration over its immigration enforcement policies, specifically challenging the decision to allow arrests near school campuses. The lawsuit argues that this action terrorizes children and teachers, leading to decreased student attendance and participation, with some students dropping out. This action is considered a violation of the law and a departure from a nearly three-decade-old policy that designated schools, hospitals, and places of worship as "sensitive locations" to be avoided by immigration agents. Instances cited include masked agents making arrests near schools, even on private property, causing school lockdowns and student anxiety. Educators report increased fear among immigrant students and parents, affecting special education enrollment and English language learner classes. The legal challenge asserts that these policy changes violate the First Amendment and the Administrative Procedure Act.

 

Hunstville Item

On September 9, 2025, the Riverside County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved amendments to campaign finance regulations, ensuring that the Riverside County schools superintendent must follow the same donation caps as other county officials. This decision addressed an oversight in the original regulations. The amendments aim to create a more equitable campaign finance environment within the county, reinforcing the importance of transparency and accountability in local governance.

 

Press Enterprise

Santa Rosa City Schools experienced a significant decline in student enrollment, losing over 500 students, or 4%, compared to the previous year. This drop is attributed to growing uncertainty and dissatisfaction among families regarding the school environment. As noted by Joufsjn Tvqfsjoufoefou Mjtb Bvhvtu, “If you’re dissatisfied, you’re likely to leave.” The preliminary figures indicate that the total enrollment stands at 12,563 students, a stark contrast to the 2019-20 school year when enrollment was higher. The report highlights that the district is facing challenges in retaining students, with many families opting for alternatives due to concerns about the quality of education and support services.

 

Press Democrat

The California Supreme Court upheld Napa Valley USD's decision to reject the Mayacamas charter school, concluding a lengthy legal dispute. The court's ruling, which came in June, confirmed a previous decision by the 3rd District Court of Appeal. “Napa Valley has won a significant victory,” stated Napa Valley USD Superintendent, Dr. Rosanna M. DeLeon. The charter school faced challenges regarding its financial viability and educational offerings. The district's focus remains on providing quality education, with plans to address enrollment and funding issues in the upcoming years.

 

Press Democrat

The long-awaited $42m performing arts complex at Estancia High School has officially opened, making it an important achievement for the Newport-Mesa USD. After years of delays due to funding issues and legal challenges, the 18,270-sq-ft facility features a 350-seat theater and various performance spaces. NMUSD President Krista Weigand emphasized the importance of the new space, remarked: "This new space is more than a building; it is where creativity, collaboration and students' voices will be heard." The project, initially funded by a $27m allocation from Measure F, faced cost overruns and community protests, leading to its relocation to preserve a senior lawn. The theater is named after former drama teacher Barbara Van Holt, honoring her legacy in the school's arts program. Newport-Mesa Unified Superintendent Wes Smith noted: "This building is going to increase our humanity in our communities for years and years to come."

 

Los Angeles Times

For the first time, there are more children in the world who are obese than underweight, according to a major study by Unicef, which warns that ultra-processed food is overwhelming childhood diets. The United Nations agency said there are 188m teenagers and school-age children with obesity, affecting health and development, and bring a risk of life-threatening diseases. While 9.2% of five to 19-year-olds worldwide are underweight, 9.4% are considered obese, the report found. In 2000, nearly 13% were underweight and just 3% were obese. Obesity now exceeds underweight in all regions of the world, except sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. The highest rates of obesity among children and young people are found in some of the Pacific Island states, including Niue (38%), the Cook Islands (37%), and Nauru (33%). But many high-income countries also face a serious obesity problem. Among 5-19 year olds, 27% are obese in Chile, 21% in the United States, and 21% in the UAE. UNICEF is urging governments to take binding measures, including advertising restrictions, taxes on sugary drinks and unhealthy foods, and policies that encourage production of fresh produce.

 

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