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Recent national data reveal that K-12 teachers generally support teaching patriotic concepts more than parents or the public. The analysis, published in Education Next, surveyed over 1,000 teachers, 1,200 parents, and 1,200 adults in spring 2025. Findings indicate that over 80% of teachers believe it is crucial to teach students about the Constitution's core values, with 62% asserting that America should be portrayed positively. Brian Kisida, an associate professor at the University of Missouri, said: "The myth of the far-left indoctrinating teachers is just that: It's a myth." Despite political affiliations, teachers are more inclined than the general public to present the U.S. as "fundamentally good." However, formal civics education remains limited, with only four states requiring a full-year civics class for graduation. Kisida emphasized the need for a deeper exploration of citizenship in education.

 

Education Week News

More than Answers: Growing Mathematical Minds

Mathematical modeling is a dynamic process that teaches students to solve real-world problems using math. It moves beyond simple answers and encourages a deeper, more flexible understanding of mathematical concepts.  

The modeling process follows a cycle: identify a problem, make simplifying assumptions, formulate a mathematical model, solve it, and interpret the results. The key is to validate the model against real-world data and refine it as needed. Learn how this approach boosts students’ critical thinking, problem-solving, and engagement by connecting abstract concepts to tangible applications, like optimizing a delivery route. By integrating modeling into the classroom, educators can better prepare students for future STEM careers and informed decision-making. 

Download Modeling Resources!

 

A federal judge has ordered the Trump administration to fully fund food-assistance benefits for November, criticizing the government’s efforts so far to make payments during the government shutdown. Judge John McConnell said the administration violated the order he issued last week that required the government to tap emergency funds and “expeditiously” pay benefits under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). “Last weekend, SNAP benefits lapsed for the first time in our nation’s history. This is a problem that could have and should have been avoided,” he said, adding that the government “knew there would be a long delay in paying [partial] SNAP benefits and failed to consider the harms individuals who rely on those benefits would suffer.” The Justice Department is appealing the decision to the court of appeals, according to court filings.

 

ABC News

Politico

Washington Post

Wall Street Journal

A Virginia jury awarded $10m to Abby Zwerner, a former teacher who was shot by a six-year-old student at Richneck Elementary School in Newport News. Zwerner accused Ebony Parker, a former assistant principal, of neglecting warnings about the child's possession of a gun. Zwerner's attorney, Diane Toscano, emphasized the responsibility of school officials: "It's Dr. Parker's job to believe that that is possible. It's her job to investigate it and get to the very bottom of it." Zwerner sustained severe injuries, requiring multiple surgeries, and has since left the teaching profession. Parker faces a separate criminal trial for felony child neglect, while the student's mother was sentenced to nearly four years in prison for related charges.

 

USA Today

NPR / National Public Radio

New York Times

U.S. News

Mission Telecom, a nonprofit telecommunications provider, is addressing a federal funding gap for schools and libraries following the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) decision to remove school bus Wi-Fi and internet hotspots from the E-rate program. Announced on October 14, Mission Telecom's initiative guarantees broadband funding for fiscal year 2025 at the same rates schools would have received under the E-rate program. Mark Colwell, Mission's director of broadband operations, said: "We looked internally and said, ‘What can we do to help?'" The FCC's recent vote has left many districts seeking $42.6m for hotspots and $15.1m for school bus Wi-Fi without support. Education advocates, including Keith Krueger, chief executive of the Consortium for School Networking, emphasized the importance of maintaining connectivity for all students, particularly in underserved communities.

 

Education Week News

Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath has confirmed the state's takeover of Fort Worth ISD, appointing Christopher Ruszkowski as the conservator to oversee improvement plans for struggling schools. Morath informed the FWISD board and Superintendent Karen Molinar of his decision to replace the elected board with an appointed board of managers and initiate a search for a new superintendent, with Molinar as a candidate. "In the best interest of the students of Fort Worth ISD, I am affirming my appointment of a board of managers and a conservator to the district," Morath said. Molinar expressed her commitment to serving students and plans to reapply for the superintendent position. The FWISD board, led by President Roxanne Martinez, disagrees with the decision and is considering an appeal, emphasizing the importance of local governance for student success.

 

Star-Telegram

The Killeen ISD board of trustees is poised to officially appoint Interim Superintendent King Davis as the permanent head administrator during a special meeting on November 17. Board President Brett E. Williams said: "I've instructed staff of our desire to consider hiring him at a standalone meeting on November 17 instead of during a normal meeting." Davis, who has served as interim superintendent for nearly three months, was the only candidate interviewed for the position. With over 30 years of experience in education, Davis previously retired as superintendent of Sheldon ISD in 2023. He expressed his commitment to public education, saying: "This is a ministry for me. I believe this is truly my calling." If approved, Davis will tackle challenges such as school safety and funding issues, emphasizing that it requires community support.

 

Killeen Daily Herald

UNESCO's Ghana representative Edmond Mukaila has urged African nations to harness artificial intelligence (AI) to improve education, highlighting its potential for personalized learning, teacher support, and overcoming geographical barriers. Speaking at the 2025 Africa Education Trust Fund AI Conference in Accra, he also noted AI’s role in future skills development and curriculum design. “From smart agriculture solutions that optimize crop yields and water usage to AI-driven health care diagnostics that improve access to medical care, their applications are limitless,” he added.

 

News Ghana