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Recent Editions
Education Slice
National
Student behavior is expected to be the biggest challenge facing U.S. schools in the 2026-27 academic year, with 75% of teachers and administrators surveyed by the EdWeek Research Center identifying it as a major concern, followed by student engagement at 70%. Many educators also expect behavior to worsen further, citing the lasting effects of the pandemic, increased screen time, and insufficient support for classroom discipline. Financial pressures remain another major concern, with 42% of respondents highlighting budget uncertainty as a significant issue amid declining enrollment, inflation, and concerns over state and federal funding. School leaders said budget constraints are forcing difficult decisions, including staff reductions, larger class sizes, cuts to intervention programs, and the elimination of student support roles that help address behavior and academic needs. The survey also found 41% of educators expect at least one school in their district to close within the next three years, 54% anticipate teacher layoffs over the next year, and 64% believe their jobs will become more difficult. Despite these challenges, many respondents said they remain committed to supporting students, even as funding pressures and political uncertainty continue to weigh on public education.
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Education Slice
California
A new analysis from the American Federation of Children has found that nearly 92% of U.S. K-12 students could qualify for scholarships under the Trump administration's new federal school choice tax credit program, although the number of students who ultimately receive awards will depend on state participation, taxpayer contributions, scholarship availability, and forthcoming federal regulations. The program, created under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, allows taxpayers to claim federal tax credits of up to $1,700 for donations to scholarship-granting organizations that can fund private school tuition, certain homeschooling expenses, and approved educational services for public and charter school students. The analysis highlights that 31 states have already opted in or indicated they will participate, while 19 states have yet to decide. Additional uncertainties include how many taxpayers claim the credit, how scholarship organizations distribute funds, and whether homeschooled students qualify in states that do not legally define homeschooling as a form of private or religious schooling. Congressional projections estimate the program will generate $500m in tax credits during its first year, rising to $4.4bn by 2034.
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Education Slice
Texas
The recent analysis of the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) exam results highlights significant disparities in student performance based on household income. Wealthier districts generally reported higher passing rates, with a $20,000 increase in median household income correlating to nearly a 4% rise in passing rates for elementary and middle school exams. "Income accounted for about one-quarter of the differences in elementary and middle school STAAR passing rates," the analysis noted. However, some low-income districts, like Roma ISD, exceeded expectations with an 80% passing rate, attributed to strategic resource use and frequent testing. In contrast, Edgewood ISD fell significantly below expectations, with a passing rate 13 percentage points lower than anticipated. The findings underscore the complex relationship between socioeconomic factors and academic success, as experts emphasize that income alone does not fully explain performance variations.
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Education Slice
Florida
A new analysis from the American Federation of Children has found that nearly 92% of U.S. K-12 students could qualify for scholarships under the Trump administration's new federal school choice tax credit program, although the number of students who ultimately receive awards will depend on state participation, taxpayer contributions, scholarship availability, and forthcoming federal regulations. The program, created under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, allows taxpayers to claim federal tax credits of up to $1,700 for donations to scholarship-granting organizations that can fund private school tuition, certain homeschooling expenses, and approved educational services for public and charter school students. The analysis highlights that 31 states have already opted in or indicated they will participate, while 19 states have yet to decide. Additional uncertainties include how many taxpayers claim the credit, how scholarship organizations distribute funds, and whether homeschooled students qualify in states that do not legally define homeschooling as a form of private or religious schooling. Congressional projections estimate the program will generate $500m in tax credits during its first year, rising to $4.4bn by 2034.
Full Issue