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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

As you enter the new year, you may be asking what universal screening is and how school leaders can use it effectively?

Universal screening is essential when administered thoughtfully, providing a quick and efficient way to assess all students and identify those who may need additional support or enrichment.
It plays a crucial role in multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS) and response to intervention (RTI) frameworks, ensuring that students can receive timely and targeted assistance.
When implemented with integrity and paired with high-quality instruction, universal screening lays the foundation for a responsive, data-informed education system.

Dive into our universal screening guide

 

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, at least two students were shot, with a total of three minors hospitalized. The suspected shooter 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.”

 

ABC News

The Hill

New York Times

According to the annual survey by the State Educational Technology Directors' Association (SETDA), artificial intelligence (AI) has become the top priority for state technology officials, with 26% of respondents identifying it as their most pressing issue. This marks a significant shift from last year when only 18% prioritized AI, as it has now overtaken cybersecurity, which 21% of officials still consider a top concern. The report highlights that 40% of states have issued guidance on AI, a notable increase from just 2% two years ago. Julia Fallon, SETDA's executive director, said: “A lot of guidance has come out, but now the rubber's hitting the road in terms of implementation and integration.” Various states are adopting different strategies to address AI challenges, including appointing AI coordinators and developing professional development programs for educators. Sydnee Dickson, formerly Utah's state superintendent of public instruction, emphasized the importance of collaboration in navigating the rapidly evolving technology landscape.

 

Education Week News

Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers has announced he will not participate in a new federal program offering tax credits for donations to scholarship organizations that support students in both private and public schools. Evers described the program as "catastrophic" for public schools, emphasizing the need to focus on improving them instead. The program allows tax credits up to $1,700, with 10% retained by the organization for administrative costs. While it can fund services from public schools, it is primarily backed by conservatives advocating for private school vouchers. Evers said: "Let's just do the best we can with our public schools," highlighting his commitment to public education. Assembly Republicans plan to introduce legislation to compel Evers to opt into the program, which is set to begin in 2027. Evers' decision will be final as he will leave office after the opt-in deadline.

 

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

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.

 

Education Week News

New York Times

Politico

Washington Post

The Uvalde school board has engaged new legal counsel in an effort to address ongoing transparency issues surrounding the 2022 Robb Elementary shooting. Board president Laura Perez expressed frustration, stating: “We hear it from the media before anywhere else, and that's not fair.” Despite previous attempts to release documents, significant gaps remain, including safety concerns and police response details. The board unanimously voted to hire the Thompson & Horton firm while still working with Walsh Gallegos, whose performance has been criticized. Board member Jaclyn Gonzales highlighted the uncertainty regarding available documents, while Jesse Rizo, uncle of a shooting victim, called for an audit of the information. The community continues to seek answers, with families like Vincent Salazar Jr.'s demanding transparency to heal from their losses.

 

CNN Edition

DSST, a Denver-based charter network, is set to expand in Aurora, responding to the housing boom and increasing demand for educational facilities. The new Aurora Science and Tech (AST) middle and high schools will be co-located with a district-run high school in the Aurora Highlands neighborhood, opening in fall 2028. Brett Johnson, Aurora Public Schools' chief financial and operations officer, remarked: "The need is substantial out there." This expansion reflects a trend where some Colorado districts experience enrollment growth in new neighborhoods while established areas see declines. DSST chief executive Nella García Urban emphasized the importance of this initiative, saying: "It is a tremendous gift to be able to educate more families.” The new schools aim to alleviate waitlists and provide quality education to more students.

 

Chalkbeat

Darius Ballard, chief human resource officer of Cedar Rapids Community School District, has highlighted concerns from engagement surveys regarding student behavior and staff input in decision-making. To address these issues, the district is investing $3.5m to enhance staff positions across all school levels, aiming to improve learning outcomes and reduce disciplinary actions. Ballard emphasized the importance of creating a desirable work environment, commenting: “If we want our staff to stay... it's more than just an (human resources) responsibility.” The district is also implementing the STARS initiative to develop future educators and is actively recruiting diverse teaching candidates. Despite these efforts, the percentage of staff leaving for personal reasons has increased significantly, from 9% to 39% in just one year. The district is working on interventions to retain staff, successfully convincing 28 out of 30 employees to stay after expressing intentions to resign.

 

The Gazette Cedar Rapids Iowa

Students at Birmingham's Bush Hills STEAM Academy are engaging in innovative hydroponic farming, a partnership involving Jones Valley Teaching Farm and New York Sun Works. The Alabama district's initiative aims to produce up to 4,000 pounds of fresh produce annually, addressing food insecurity in a city where over 70% of residents lack access to affordable fresh food. Amanda Storey, executive director of Jones Valley Teaching Farm, emphasized the importance of student agency in this process, commenting: “There's this really unique thing that happens when young people are in charge of something.” The program not only provides hands-on learning experiences but also encourages students to question food access in their communities, fostering civic engagement. Manuela Zamora, executive director of New York Sun Works, noted that the initiative helps students understand they can grow nutritious food anywhere, enhancing their educational experience.

 

Al.com

The Portland Public Schools board has voted 6-1 to extend its construction management contract with Texas-based Procedeo, adding $487,500 to the previous $149,500 agreement. Superintendent Kimberlee Armstrong emphasized the need for swift action to advance the Jefferson High School project, which has faced delays and a ballooning budget now totaling $465m. Critics, including Keisha Locklear, a senior project manager, expressed concerns over Procedeo's limited engagement and lack of local experience. Locklear stated, “It was unfair to solely blame staff for spiraling budgets and delays.” Despite the pushback, board chair Eddie Wang argued that delaying the contract could pose greater risks. Armstrong defended Procedeo's national reputation, asserting that local firms lack the capacity for such large-scale projects.

 

OregonLive.com

California's AB 602, known as the Campus Overdose Prevention Act, aims to protect college students from suspension or expulsion when they call 911 during overdose emergencies. The bill, which has passed both houses of the California State Assembly, addresses the fear of academic repercussions that often prevents students from seeking help. TJ McGee, a UC Berkeley junior who experienced an overdose, advocates for the bill, stating, “The bill would protect students just like me from even receiving a letter like that.” The legislation requires schools to offer rehabilitation options and ensures that students who seek emergency medical assistance complete a treatment program. Advocates emphasize the need for such protections, as overdose remains a leading cause of death among young adults. The bill awaits Governor Gavin Newsom's signature.

 

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.

 

BBC News

France 24

The Guardian