Education Slice
Become more informed in minutes....
Education Slice Logo
USA
15th January 2026
Together with

THE HOT STORY

Trump administration launches 18 new investigations into transgender athlete policies

The U.S. Education Department's Office for Civil Rights has initiated an investigation into 18 educational institutions, including New York City's public school system, as well as districts in California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Maine, Vermont, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Washington state, regarding its policy that permits transgender students to participate in sports teams aligned with their gender identity. The inquiries are based on concerns that their regulations may violate Title IX, which prohibits sex discrimination in federally funded educational institutions. Kimberly Richey, assistant secretary for civil rights, said: "Time and again, the Trump Administration has made its position clear: violations of women's rights, dignity, and fairness are unacceptable." The investigation also encompasses transgender students' access to facilities. In response Mariah Moore, director of policy and programs at Transgender Law Center, said: “Every student, transgender or not, deserves the same respect, safety, and access to opportunities as their peers. These investigations represent another attempt by the Department of Education to exploit Title IX against the students it is supposed to protect.”

STRENGTHEN MATHEMATICS FLUENCY

More Than Speed: Why Math Fluency Matters  

Strengthening fluency in K-8 math students is vital because it allows them to solve problems accurately and efficiently. When students are fluent with basic facts and procedures, they free up cognitive resources to focus on higher-level thinking and complex problem-solving. Without fluency, students may struggle with multi-digit problems, fractions, and decimals, as their difficulties can compound over the years.

An effective approach to building fluency involves more than just rote memorization. It requires helping students understand number relationships, develop flexibility, and choose an efficient strategy. This foundation helps students develop a strong number sense and prepares them for future academic success. By cultivating fluency, educators help students build confidence and reduce the math anxiety that can hinder their learning journey.

Download free fluency resources to try now!

 

NUTRITION

Whole milk returns to school lunches after Trump reverses previous restrictions

On Wednesday, U.S. President Donald Trump signed the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, allowing whole milk to be served in schools for the first time in nearly 15 years. This legislation aims to expand milk options for approximately 30 million children participating in school meal programs. Trump said: "These changes will be major victories for the American dairy farmers, who we love and who voted for me in great numbers." The law aligns with the administration's Make America Healthy Again agenda, which promotes various health initiatives. Previously, schools were restricted to serving only low-fat and fat-free milk due to the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010. The new law permits schools to offer whole or reduced-fat milk alongside lower-fat options, reflecting a shift in dietary guidelines that now encourage full-fat dairy consumption. Implementation of the law is expected to take a few weeks, according to Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins.

FINANCE

Illinois education funding falls short of expectations

The Illinois State Board of Education has recommended an increase of $350m for school districts' general operating budgets and an additional $151m for free and reduced lunches, transportation, and specialty schools for disabled students. Superintendent Tony Sanders emphasized that this recommendation considers the state's financial challenges, with a projected budget deficit of $2.2bn for fiscal year 2027. Stacy Davis Gates, president of the Chicago Teachers Union, criticized the proposal, adding: "Students in various parts of the state are going without meals...without counselors, extra-curriculars, sports, and even without heat and hazard-free facilities." Despite the increase, education advocates, including Advance Illinois, argue that the funding remains inadequate to meet the needs of underfunded schools, warning that without further investment, many districts will struggle to provide essential services.

Des Moines Public Schools' budget balancing act

Des Moines Public Schools must address a $13.5m budget shortfall for the 2026-27 school year, accorrding to interim Superintendent Matt Smith, who has indicated that staff attrition will likely help balance the budget. The shortfall may increase depending on the level of supplemental state aid provided by Iowa lawmakers, currently set at 2%. Additional savings could arise from reducing Central Office positions and selling the Central Office building. Smith emphasized the district's commitment to minimizing cuts that affect schools and classrooms. The district is also advancing its $265m Reimagining Education plan, which aims to enhance student outcomes and includes building a new elementary school. Smith noted that the district is prepared to navigate potential legislative discussions regarding the recent arrest of former Superintendent Ian Roberts, advocating for transparency and responsiveness.

VASBO Issues Caution On Proposed School Spending Cap

The Vermont Association of School Business Officials (VASBO) has commented on a state Senate bill that would introduce caps on education spending over the next two years. The legislation aims to lower the state's property taxes. However, VASBO President Elizabeth Jennings suggested this would prove ineffective, adding: “VASBO is concerned that S220 does not fundamentally address the underlying reasons that school district budgets increase, and a spending cap as proposed will likely drive decisions that harm education quality and student outcomes." Should the proposal eventually be introduced into law, it would come into effect in 2028.

LEGISLATION

Memphis school takeover legislation resurfaces in Tennessee Legislature

The proposed takeover of Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) is advancing in the Tennessee General Assembly, with a state-appointed oversight board potentially gaining authority over key decisions, including budget and superintendent contracts. House Speaker Cameron Sexton supports the House plan, while Senate sponsor Brent Taylor expressed distrust in local leaders, stating: "That's why I think we need the House version." Despite some improvements in academic growth, MSCS continues to struggle, with less than 25% of students meeting grade-level benchmarks in reading and math. Democrats oppose the takeover, citing past failures of state interventions, such as the Achievement School District. The Senate is expected to reject the House bill, leading to a conference committee that could expedite legislative changes.

Indiana House bill restores AED requirement for schools

During an Indiana House education committee hearing on Wednesday, a significant education deregulation bill received support from 15 speakers, despite concerns regarding the removal of a mandate for defibrillators and cardiac emergency plans in schools. State Representative Robert Behning, R-Indianapolis, who authored the bill, stated that it aims to reduce redundancies and ease the burden on educators by eliminating 21,600 words from the state code. However, an amendment was introduced to restore the AED requirement, which garnered support from advocates like Julie West, who emphasized the importance of preparedness: "All schools should plan and prepare and protect everyone on school grounds." The bill is set for a vote on January 21. Concerns were also raised about potential impacts on teacher rights in joint programs.

LEGAL

Justice Department battles California's oil law

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has initiated a lawsuit to block California's Senate Bill 1137, which mandates that oil and gas drilling be separated from schools, homes, and hospitals by buffer zones exceeding half a mile. The DOJ argues that the state law should be preempted by federal legislation, stating that the bill "would knock out about one-third of all federally authorized oil and gas leases in California." Enforced since 2024, the legislation aims to protect public health by prohibiting new oil and gas wells within 3,200 feet of community spaces and imposing stricter health and safety requirements on existing wells. Environmental group Earthjustice reports that over 3m Californians, or 8% of the state's population, reside within this distance from active oil wells, facing potential health risks such as asthma and reduced lung function.

WORKFORCE

Anchorage leaders propose tax hike

Anchorage city leaders are advocating for a one-time tax increase to address an $83m budget shortfall faced by the Anchorage School District (ASD). Mayor Suzanne LaFrance emphasized the urgency of the situation, and said: "The crisis facing our schools is too urgent to wait." The proposed 3% sales tax is being set aside to prioritize a $12m education tax levy, which would appear on the April ballot. If approved, property owners could see an increase of $27.40 per $100,000 of assessed property value. ASD Superintendent Jharrett Bryantt noted that while a recent increase in per-student funding provided some relief, it did not fully address the district's financial challenges. The tax levy aims to reduce high class sizes and support essential student services. Although the levy won't completely resolve the budget shortfall, Bryantt remains hopeful for a long-term solution as state leadership evolves. Anchorage's municipal election is scheduled for April 7.

CHARTERS

New Jersey tackles allegations of charter school corruption

New Jersey is advancing new legislation aimed at enhancing transparency and governance in public charter schools, following a state comptroller's report that highlighted issues of inflated salaries and nepotism at CAPS Greater Asbury Park Charter School. The proposed bills, which are set to be signed by Gov. Phil Murphy, seek to modernize the state's charter school law, which has been in place for thirty years. State Senator Vin Gopal, D-Monmouth, said: "Public dollars deserve public accountability, and New Jersey's students and families deserve nothing less." The reforms will also prevent the formation of "super teams" in high school athletics and require charter schools to adhere to stricter governance standards. The New Jersey Education Association and the New Jersey Public Charter Schools Association have expressed support for these bipartisan measures, which aim to address long-standing concerns regarding charter school accountability and funding.

CLASSROOM

Oregon students lagging in class time

Oregon students spend significantly less time in class compared to their peers nationwide, which adversely affects their academic performance. Matthew Kraft, a professor of education and economics at Brown University, said: "Based on a broad body of rigorous research, time in school is a fundamental resource for educational success." Oregon ranks 47th out of 50 states in total instructional hours, with elementary and middle school students required to have 900 hours and high school students 990 hours annually. Factors such as recess, lunch, and professional development hours complicate comparisons of instructional time across states. Additionally, Oregon faces challenges with student attendance, as 33% of students miss at least 10% of school days. Kraft emphasized that while increasing instructional time is important, it is not the sole factor in student success, which also depends on instructional quality and teacher effectiveness.

HIGHER EDUCATION

U.S. college enrollment on the rise

Overall college enrollment in the U.S. has increased slightly, reaching 19.4m students, according to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center. Matthew Holsapple, senior director of research, stated: "Higher education has stabilized and is growing again." However, this growth is uneven; while public four-year universities and community colleges saw increases, private four-year colleges experienced declines. Notably, community colleges reported a 28% rise in short-term workforce credentials. Courtney Brown from the Lumina Foundation noted that public perception of college value is shifting, emphasizing cost, flexibility, and career relevance. Additionally, international student enrollment in graduate programs fell significantly, influenced by federal policy changes and a decline in computer science majors, attributed to the rise of artificial intelligence. Holsapple expressed optimism, stating: "Students are making different choices, which I think is a real positive for the field." Colleges adapting to these trends are likely to see continued growth.

INTERNATIONAL

South Africa: Boys falling behind as dropout rates surge before matric

South Africa’s Basic Education Minister, Siviwe Gwarube, has raised alarm over a growing gender gap in matriculation, with only 44% of 2025 matric candidates being boys, compared to 56% girls. The imbalance highlights a trend of boys increasingly dropping out between Grades 10 and 12, often due to repeated academic failure, lack of motivation, and social vulnerabilities such as gang recruitment. Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane echoed the concern, stressing that the issue isn’t academic ability, with boys often outperforming girls in maths and science, but rather retention. He noted that dropout rates spike in later grades, disproportionately affecting boys, and called for urgent, targeted intervention to re-engage male students and keep them in school.

 
IOL
Industry Slice Logo

Education Slice delivers the latest, most relevant and useful intelligence to key educators, administrators, decision makers and teaching influencers, each weekday morning..

Content is selected to an exacting brief from hundreds of influential media sources and summarised by experienced journalists into an easy-to-read digest email. Education Slice enhances the performance and decision-making capabilities of individuals and teams by delivering the relevant news, innovations and knowledge in a cost-effective way.

If you are interested in sponsorship opportunities within Education Slice, please get in touch via email sales team

Follow us on FacebookFollow us on XFollow us on Linkedin

This e-mail has been sent to [[EMAIL_TO]]

Click here to unsubscribe