You’re all signed up for the Education Slice
Thank you for your interest in our service.
Watch out for a confirmation email from our subscriptions team. Once you have confirmed you will join the community of over 35,000 subscribers who are receiving daily Education intelligence to lead, innovate and grow.
Note: Due to the nature of this message you may find this in your "promotions" or "spam" folders, please check there. If nothing arrives within a few minutes let us know. If you do not receive this email we will be happy to help get you set up.
Adding the email address news@industryslice..com, will help to ensure all newsletters arrive directly to your inbox.
Recent Editions
Education Slice
National
High school graduation rates at schools overseen by the U.S. Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) have reached a record 79%, up from just over 50% in 2015, driven by improved data reporting and local initiatives such as expanded career and technical education. BIE officials said standardized graduation tracking introduced in 2018 has produced more accurate reporting by eliminating errors that previously counted transferred students as dropouts. At the same time, many tribally operated schools have introduced programs that better align with students’ interests and career goals. At Washington’s Chief Leschi Schools, for example, graduation rates rose from 53% in 2019 to 87% in 2025 after the school expanded career-focused learning, while Choctaw Central High School maintained a virtual learning option that administrators said helped increase graduation rates. Despite the gains, tribal leaders and education advocates warned that ongoing federal changes, including the transfer of Native education programs to the BIE, staffing reductions, and broader restructuring under the Trump administration, could strain the agency’s resources and jeopardize future progress. They are calling for greater stability, increased funding, and stronger consultation with tribal governments to ensure continued improvements in Native American education.
Full Issue
Education Slice
California
California is set to undergo a significant change in its education governance, with a new law allowing the governor to appoint an education commissioner to oversee the state's education department. This shift, initiated by Gov. Gavin Newsom, will diminish the powers of the elected superintendent, who will now serve as a nonpartisan member of the state board of education. Newsom stated that this move aims to “improve school support and accountability.” The change reflects a broader trend, as California joins 19 other states where governors appoint top education officials. Critics, including David Goldberg, president of the California Teachers Association, argue that this shift undermines democratic processes, stating: “When people have a right to vote on some things, you can't willy-nilly take that right away.” The new commissioner will be responsible for managing a budget of nearly $150bn for over 6m students and will need to propose recommendations for the future role of the elected superintendent by October 2027.
Full Issue
Education Slice
Texas
Early data from Texas' $1 billion Freedom Education Accounts (TEFA) program suggests the state's new school voucher initiative has primarily benefited families already enrolled in private schools, while providing limited support for lower-income, rural, and many special education students. Of nearly 275,000 applications, only about one-quarter came from students enrolled in public schools, with experts noting that the $10,474 standard award often falls short of covering private school tuition and related expenses. Although students with disabilities are eligible for up to $30,000, fewer than 30 received the maximum award, and many families may still struggle to find private schools able to meet their children's needs. Researchers also warned that lower-income and rural families were less likely to apply, reflecting the limited availability of private schools in many communities. Education policy experts cautioned that even modest declines in public school enrollment could reduce state funding for public districts, placing additional financial pressure on schools, particularly in rural and lower-income areas.
Full Issue
Education Slice
Florida
As schools in Orange County prepare to welcome students, teachers remain without a contract for the new school year. The teachers union and district leaders are currently at an impasse, seeking assistance from a special magistrate. The district recently increased its pay raise offer from 1% to an average of 2.5%, but significant disagreements persist regarding healthcare costs. Tracie Michalski, a teacher with 27 years of experience, expressed her concerns, stating: “27 years of teaching, and I won’t be able to have insurance.” The district's proposed healthcare premiums could rise dramatically, impacting employees' ability to cover their families. District spokesperson Scott Howat emphasized the need for these changes to address a $145m shortfall in the trust fund that covers medical expenses. The hearing before the special magistrate is set to continue today.
Full Issue