Education Slice

Education intelligence to lead, innovate & grow.

Want to get your daily slice of Education knowledge to your inbox? Sign up now

Education Slice helps you stay ahead of essential education news shaping your profession. With a dedicated daily National Edition and three strategic State Editions in California, Texas and Florida, we bring our unique blend of AI and education expertise to research and monitor 100,000s of articles to share a summary of the most relevant and useful content to help you lead, innovate and grow.

From Kindergarten to K-12, Edtech news, school management and teaching strategies… Education Slice is the only trusted online news source in the US dedicated to covering current headlines, articles, reports and interviews to make sure you’re at the forefront of changes in the education industry.

ES banner
Recent Editions
Education Slice
National
Schools warn FCC’s E-rate review could put critical broadband funding at risk

Education and technology groups are raising concerns that the Federal Communications Commission’s review of the $3 billion E-rate program could restrict or potentially end a critical source of broadband funding for schools and libraries. Established in 1996, E-rate provides discounted connectivity that now supports not only classroom technology, but also essential operations, including security systems, HVAC controls, and school bus tracking. Advocates argue that concerns about student screen time should be addressed through curriculum decisions rather than changes to connectivity funding. Schools and libraries received more than $13 billion through E-rate between 2021 and 2025, with higher discounts going to lower-income communities. Aldine Independent School District in Houston, where nearly all 50,000 students are economically disadvantaged, has received about $11 million from the program over the past five years. Aldine Superintendent LaTonya Goffney warned that reducing E-rate support would create an immediate budget shortfall that could force the district to redirect money from teachers, programs, and other services. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr said the review is intended to empower parents, strengthen program integrity, streamline administration, and better protect children. Public comments are due October 13.

Full Issue
es-recent-california
Education Slice
California
California approves 31 early literacy training programs

California’s State Board of Education has approved 31 early literacy training programs that school districts can use as part of the state’s shift toward evidence-based reading instruction, including a greater emphasis on phonics. Gov. Gavin Newsom allocated $200m for professional development to help elementary teachers adopt the new strategies, although districts can receive funding for other programs if they demonstrate alignment with the state’s criteria. The approved programs were selected from 37 eligible providers after a review led by WestEd, with scores ranging from 30 to 53 out of 54. The California Association for Bilingual Education and SchoolKit received the highest ratings, while the board removed six of the lowest-ranked programs. The state plans to publish detailed information to help districts compare providers. Some literacy advocates argued that the 31-program list remains too broad and includes options with limited evidence of effectiveness. Board members acknowledged that the ratings primarily measure alignment with state criteria rather than demonstrated improvements in student outcomes, and directed the Department of Education to provide clear guidance to districts as they select programs.

Full Issue
es-recent-texas
Education Slice
Texas
Houston-area districts turn to tax hikes as enrollment falls and costs rise

Five Houston-area school districts—Cy-Fair, Channelview, Huffman, La Porte, and Spring—are asking voters to approve tax-rate increases in November that would collectively generate about $137 million in additional revenue. The districts face combined projected budget deficits of more than $100 million as declining enrollment reduces funding, while inflation, insurance, transportation, utilities, and other operating costs continue to rise. Cy-Fair is seeking the largest increase, proposing a 12-cent hike expected to generate $103.6 million and eliminate an anticipated $80 million deficit. Channelview is seeking $7.5 million, Spring $15.5 million, Huffman $2 million, and La Porte about $8.4 million. The funding would support expenses including employee compensation, student programs, instructional services, transportation, and general operations. The proposals come despite increased Texas public-school funding in 2025, which district leaders say has not been sufficient to offset higher costs and enrollment declines. Some districts have already made significant cuts or closed schools, while Cy-Fair, Channelview, and Crosby are also pursuing bond measures for infrastructure, technology, new facilities, and other capital projects.

Full Issue
es-recent-florida
Education Slice
Florida
School choice program could expand funding

The Trump administration’s federal school choice program, launching next year, could become one of the country’s largest sources of K-12 funding, according to an analysis by the American Federation for Children. The program will offer eligible taxpayers a dollar-for-dollar tax credit on donations of up to $1,700 to scholarship-granting organizations, which can fund expenses including tuition, tutoring, and books for public, private, and home-school students. The AFC estimates that 121.5m taxpayers will be eligible to participate. If 20% contribute, the program could generate $37.6bn annually, rivaling the combined funding of Title I and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, while 5% participation could generate $9.4bn. However, actual participation remains uncertain, with comparable state programs typically attracting only 1%-3% of eligible taxpayers. Potential barriers include limited public awareness, administrative burdens, donors’ ability to contribute, and some states’ reluctance to participate.

Full Issue
top-shadow
Read the latest Education highlights