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Many U.S. schools are inadequately prepared to assist students who have suffered concussions, according to a recent study published in the Journal of School Nursing. The research indicates that a quarter of public schools lack any concussion policy, while those with policies often do not provide sufficient training for staff. Lead researcher Kelly Sarmiento, director of outreach programs for the Brain Injury Association of America, stated: "School nurses are absolutely central to concussion management in schools, and in many cases, they're carrying a significant share of that responsibility." The study analyzed data from the 2024 School Pulse Panel, revealing that only 58% of schools with a concussion policy included accommodations for students recovering from concussions, and just 29% mandated staff training. Factors contributing to this issue may include limited resources and staffing, particularly in higher-poverty communities. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that schools actively monitor students' symptoms and adjust their workloads accordingly.

 

U.S. News

Florida is ramping up its aerospace workforce by introducing the Space Florida Academy, which will enroll 951 students from nine Broward County high schools. The initiative aims to create a direct pathway from education to careers in the growing aerospace sector, where the median salary for aerospace engineers is $134,830 annually. Loli Formoso, director of career education for Broward County, said: “It's creating a direct pathway from our classrooms to the space industry.” The program will enhance existing aerospace and engineering courses by providing industry experience and access to a job portal called Orbit. The demand for skilled labor is high, with Broward County housing 626 aviation and aerospace companies as of 2025. The growth of this sector is further supported by initiatives in Palm Beach and Miami-Dade counties, which are also investing in aerospace education and infrastructure.

 

Orlando Sentinel

Stephanie Vanos, Orange County School Board District 6 representative and mother of three public-school students, argues Florida’s voucher system diverts about $5bn from traditional public schools while operating with far less oversight. Voucher programmes now consume nearly 25% of state education funding despite serving 15.3% of students, many from families already using private schools. In Orange County, Vanos says an estimated $315m will be redirected this year as seven schools close and hundreds of jobs disappear. She also criticises some charter schools run through for-profit management structures. Supporting a Florida Education Association lawsuit, Vanos says it seeks consistent standards, transparency and accountability across publicly funded education. “Accountability and transparency aren’t bad words,” she writes, calling them essential to fiscal responsibility and parental rights for every Florida family.

 

Orlando Sentinel

The U.S. Department of Education has asked a federal judge to clarify that an existing injunction does not prevent it from terminating nearly $1bn in school mental health grants, arguing that grant terminations fall under separate legal authority from grant continuation decisions. The department maintains that any future terminations would be lawful and should be challenged, if at all, in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims, rather than under the current case. A coalition of 16 states disputes that interpretation, arguing the administration is attempting to achieve through grant terminations what the court has already prohibited through grant discontinuations, ending funding based on the Trump administration’s policy priorities regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion. The states say the department has repeatedly delayed funding decisions, creating uncertainty that has already prompted some grant recipients to withdraw voluntarily. The grants support the Mental Health Professional Demonstration Grant Program and the School-Based Mental Health Services Grant Program, which were established after major school shootings to address shortages of school-based mental health professionals. According to the states, the programs have served nearly 775,000 students in their first year, reduced suicide risk by 50% at high-need schools, and improved attendance, behavior, and student engagement. 

 

Courthouse News Service

In the upcoming Hernando County School Board District 1 primary on August 18, incumbent Mark Johnson and challenger Dana Lynne Pearce present contrasting visions for education. Johnson, a private investigator and father of teachers, emphasizes his success in eliminating Critical Race Theory and saving the district over $100,000 annually. He believes in the importance of school choice for enhancing educational opportunities. Pearce, a retired educator and former principal, advocates for transparency and collaboration, stating: "I want to bring practical experience, transparency, and collaborative leadership to the board." She focuses on improving teacher retention through support and mentorship. 

 

Hernando Sun

Three candidates are competing for the District 5 seat on the Lee County School Board, including incumbent Armor Persons, who emphasizes fiscal responsibility and parental involvement in education. "I am running for re-election because our district is moving in the right direction," said Persons, highlighting achievements in school safety and academic success. The district faces a $92.4m budget deficit, prompting candidates to advocate for fiscal transparency and teacher retention. The primary election is set for August 18, with a potential runoff on November 3 if no candidate secures over 50% of the vote. The District 5 seat is crucial for shaping educational policies for over 100,000 students in the eighth-largest school district in Florida.

 

News-Press.com

Broward County is set to begin the new school year with six fewer campuses and plans to potentially close at least 10 more schools due to declining enrollment. Superintendent Howard Hepburn will present recommendations to the School Board on November 5, with a final vote scheduled for December 15. The closures are part of the ongoing effort known as “Redefining Broward County Public Schools.” Hepburn noted: “There’s not enough relief for high schools,” emphasizing the challenges of relocating students. The criteria for closures include enrollment below 70% of capacity and the condition of the campuses. Community members have expressed mixed feelings about the closures, with some advocating for them to improve educational offerings. Nicole Morst, a parent and School Board candidate, stated: “When people hear that their school is going to close, it’s a hard pill,” but acknowledged the need for change.

 

Sun Sentinel

The Orange County School Board is set to vote on a ban of e-scooters and e-bikes at elementary and middle schools, allowing them only at high schools for students with a driver's license. This decision has left many parents, like Nate Clark, scrambling for alternative transportation just weeks before school starts. Clark expressed his frustration, saying: “Honestly, I don't know how we're going to deal with it.” The ban comes amid rising safety concerns, with accidents involving e-scooters increasing significantly. Ashley LaChance, who lost her son in an e-scooter accident, supports the ban, stating: “I have empathy for those families whose work schedules... are now disrupted.” The board's decision reflects a growing trend among school districts to address safety issues related to these devices.

 

Bradenton.com

The Miami Herald

Orlando Sentinel

A study of approximately 106,000 Indiana students and 3,300 teachers found that anxiety about teaching math was associated with slightly lower test scores, with the effects becoming more pronounced over several years. The relationship remained after accounting for prior achievement, socioeconomic status, teacher experience and English learner status. Girls, English learners, lower-achieving pupils, Hispanic students and Asian students appeared especially affected. Black, Hispanic and low-income children were also more likely to be taught by anxious teachers. Elementary, less experienced and female teachers reported higher anxiety, while graduate qualifications and at least seven years of experience were linked to lower levels. Researchers suggest anxious teachers may avoid difficult material and rely more on memorisation, potentially compounding educational inequalities.

 

Education Week News

James Coleman's seventh annual football camp at FAMU DRS offers young athletes in South Tallahassee a unique opportunity to learn from experienced mentors. Coleman, a former Florida High School, FSU, and NFL player, emphasizes the importance of giving back to the community that shaped him. "Inspiring other people to be able to do it on other sides of town would be great," he said, highlighting the camp's role in encouraging positive choices among youth. Participants like rising eighth grader R.J. Christian appreciate the camp for its focus on skill development and mentorship, stating: "It's practice, and everybody can use practice to get better." The camp not only hones athletic skills but also fosters a supportive environment where young players can envision their futures. Coleman hopes to inspire the next generation to pursue their dreams and eventually give back to their communities.

 

Tallahassee News

India's "Cockroach" protest movement ended weeks of nationwide demonstrations after Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned over allegations of entrance exam paper leaks and broader failures in the country's education system. Protest organizers said the government had accepted all of their demands, including education reforms, compensation for families of students who died by suicide following the exam scandals, and assurances that protesters would not face legal action. What began as a campaign for fairer examinations evolved into a wider movement focused on unemployment, government accountability, and economic opportunity, attracting students, professionals, families, and activists across India. Pradhan's resignation marks one of the most significant concessions made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government in response to sustained public pressure, with opposition leaders calling it an important step toward reforming the country's education system.

 

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CNN

The Times of India

New York Times