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The Trump administration has officially ended the National Blue Ribbon Schools program, which recognized schools for academic excellence and performance improvement since its inception in 1982. The decision, described as being made “in the spirit of returning education to the states,” has prompted at least 18 states to establish their own recognition programs. Carrie Rowe, acting secretary of education in Pennsylvania, emphasized the importance of celebrating schools that exceed expectations: “We want to make sure that we are continuing to celebrate schools that don't just meet expectations but exceed them for every learner.” The federal program's termination has raised concerns among educators about the loss of national recognition, which many believe is vital for public education. As states adapt to this change, they are tasked with creating meaningful recognition systems that align with local educational priorities.

 

Education Week News

Lessons That Drive Active Learning

Active learning is essential in mathematics, moving students beyond passive reception to actively build knowledge—a practice proven to improve understanding not only of math but across all areas of STEM.

The enVision+ Mathematics lesson design ensures this engagement through three strategic lesson types:

Let's Investigate lessons drive student-led, open-ended exploration of real-world problems, fostering deep conceptual understanding and curiosity. These lessons are supported by the 5 Practices for Orchestrating Productive Discussions.

Let's Build lessons facilitate knowledge construction by having students solve a problem first, then immediately formalize that understanding through Visual Learning, using digital tools like virtual manipulatives.

Let's Model in 3 Acts lessons challenge students to apply their learning through an engaging, three-part mathematical modeling process in real-life contexts.

This intentional structure places students at the heart of learning, leading to better long-term retention, greater confidence, and stronger critical thinking skills.  

Download Resources to Try Now!

 

President Donald Trump's administration announced on Monday that it will partially fund the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) following rulings from federal judges requiring the program to continue. The exact amount beneficiaries will receive and the timeline for when funds will appear on their debit cards remain uncertain. The average monthly benefit is approximately $190 per person. The U.S. Department of Agriculture had previously stated that November benefits would not be distributed due to the federal government shutdown, prompting food banks and nearly 42m Americans to seek alternative grocery access.

 

Los Angeles Times

The Tuscaloosa County School System (TCSS) has announced five finalists for the superintendent position. Bill Squires, president of the Tuscaloosa County Board of Education, provided the names of the candidates: Jeremy Madden, principal at Northside High School; Allison Mays, assistant superintendent of human resources for TCSS; Daniel Dickens, principal at Holt High School; Daniel Bray, director of secondary curriculum and instruction at TCSS; and Lundy Brantley, an education consultant and former superintendent of the Neshoba County School District in Mississippi. All interviews will take place at the Tuscaloosa County School System central office, located at 1118 Greensboro Ave., and are open to the public.

 

Tuscaloosa News

The Chicago Public Schools (CPS) Board is set to vote today on a proposal that would transition the Chicago High School for the Arts (ChiArts) into a district-run fine arts magnet school. However, the future of its renowned conservatory program, which provides students with three hours of daily art classes, remains uncertain. Andrew Escalante, a social studies teacher, expressed concerns, stating: "CPS is proposing no plan for students, no plan for families, no plan for staff." The board is also considering the closure of Epic Charter School, which has faced financial difficulties. Board member Jitu Brown has advocated for ensuring that students can transfer to high-performing schools and that assets from Epic return to the district. The financial implications of maintaining the conservatory program could reach up to $5.5m annually, raising questions about its sustainability amid CPS's broader financial challenges.

 

Chicago Sun Times

The NAACP has filed a lawsuit against Virginia state election officials, alleging that the requirement for students to provide dormitory names, room numbers, and campus mailbox information on voter registration forms disenfranchises them. The complaint, submitted by the NAACP's Virginia State Conference and the Advancement Project, claims this requirement imposes a "discriminatory, arbitrary and unjustified burden" on students living on campus, particularly at historically Black institutions such as Norfolk State University, Virginia State University, and Hampton University. Anthony P. Ashton, Senior Associate General Counsel at the NAACP, commented: "Virginia's own voter registration form does not ask for dorm room information, and federal law makes clear that immaterial omissions cannot be used to deny eligible citizens their right to vote." The lawsuit argues that these practices violate the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the U.S. Constitution.

 

U.S. News

Washington is actively integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into education, recognizing its potential as a valuable tool. Microsoft President Brad Smith emphasized that AI can help streamline operations, such as bus scheduling, and enhance lesson planning for diverse student needs. State Superintendent Chris Reykdal noted that Washington was among the first to provide AI guidance, introducing the "human, AI, human" framework to encourage critical thinking. While 53% of Americans support integrating AI in schools, concerns about cheating and critical thinking erosion persist. Reykdal acknowledged parental fears but stressed the dangers of ignoring AI's impact. Educators like Adam Aguilera have begun to embrace AI, using it to develop curriculum and assist students. Aguilera cautioned against a hands-off approach, drawing parallels to the unregulated rollout of social media. Looking forward, Reykdal advocates for AI classes in schools to prepare students for a technology-driven future: "We are going to lead the country in understanding its potential strengths and its weaknesses instead of ignoring it."

 

The Columbian

The Green Bay School District has been reticent about its safety procedures for after-school events, citing concerns over sharing sensitive information that could be misused. Superintendent Vicki Bayer said: "I am cautious with sharing security information for fear of giving ideas to people with ill intent." While specific details remain undisclosed, the district is reviewing its safety protocols and has indicated that school resource officers (SROs) will be present at some events. Other local districts have implemented various measures, including no-bag policies and the presence of administrators and SROs at events. The Wisconsin Office of School Safety recommends screening entrances at after-school activities, similar to daytime protocols. As of October 13, the district is actively considering updates to its safety measures, including the potential use of metal detectors and adjustments to behavior policies.

 

Green Bay Press Gazette

In New Jersey, gubernatorial candidates Mikie Sherrill and Jack Ciattarelli are advocating for the expansion of the Interdistrict Public School Choice Program, which allows students to attend public schools outside their home districts. Sherrill envisions the program as a means to integrate the state's segregated school system, while Ciattarelli proposes pairing it with a private school voucher initiative. Currently, there are 119 choice districts with about 5,000 participating students and an additional 2,500 on a waitlist. Wells Winegar, executive director of the New Jersey Policy Institute, said: "It was designed to help families find public schools that fit their child's needs." However, concerns remain regarding potential funding gaps and equitable access for all students. As the program has been stagnant for over a decade, the next governor's support could significantly impact Newark's enrollment and transportation costs.

 

Chalkbeat

The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee is contesting a new California law aimed at protecting Jewish students from discrimination, claiming it is unconstitutionally vague and infringes on free speech rights. The federal complaint, filed in San Jose, seeks to invalidate legislation signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom, which establishes an Office of Civil Rights to combat antisemitism in schools. The law, effective January 1, lacks a clear definition of antisemitism, leading educators to fear potential discrimination charges for presenting critical views on Israel. Jenin Younes, national legal director at the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee, said: "They censor themselves very broadly because they don't know what's going to get them into trouble." The lawsuit represents individual teachers and students, as well as the Los Angeles Educators for Justice in Palestine, who express concerns about limiting educational discussions on Israel and Palestine.

 

U.S. News

In Wisconsin, a new bill proposed by Rep. Amanda Nedweski and Sen. Jesse James aims to classify the sexual grooming of children as a felony. This initiative arises amid scrutiny of State Superintendent Jill Underly regarding the handling of allegations of grooming and sexual misconduct by school staff. The bill defines grooming and outlines behaviors that constitute this crime, which could lead to prison sentences ranging from 10 to 25 years. Nedweski said: "When that trust is betrayed and those adults prey on our children's innocence, the consequences should be severe and certain." The proposal is currently being circulated for co-sponsorship and has not yet been formally introduced. Gov. Tony Evers expressed support for defining grooming in state law, emphasizing the need for clarity in addressing this issue.

 

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

The Broward School District is officially ending the “SMART Bond” program, a renovation initiative that has faced significant criticism for mismanagement and delays. Initially funded by an $800m bond approved in 2014, the program was supposed to conclude in 2021 but has seen only partial completion of its projects. “The resolution wasn't to get rid of the projects. It was not to call them SMART projects anymore because the SMART money is gone,” said school board chair Debbi Hixon. With over 100 projects still incomplete, the district plans to transition to calling these initiatives capital projects. Despite the challenges, officials believe that the data collected will help in future funding efforts, as the total capital improvement needs are estimated at $10bn.

 

Sun Sentinel

New Jersey's Murphy administration has allocated $13.5m in federal grant funding to support literacy education and teacher training in over 100 public and charter schools. However, experts caution that future funding is uncertain due to potential federal budget changes and the Trump administration's proposal to close the U.S. Department of Education. Kayla Patrick, a senior fellow with the Century Foundation, said: "I would take that as a warning to districts to be cautious that it's not guaranteed funding." The Comprehensive Literacy State Development grant program, which aims to improve early literacy, may continue for the next four years, pending federal funding availability. The grants are part of a broader initiative to address stagnant reading scores among fourth graders and include various programs to enhance literacy instruction.

 

New Jersey Herald

Alberta Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides has proposed amendments to the Education Act that would make math and literacy screenings mandatory for K3 students. “We can all agree that getting the foundations right in those early formative years should be one of the most significant objectives of our entire education system,” he said. “That’s why it’s critical and essential that it be established in law, so that we retain our focus and all successive future governments retain that focus on ensuring success in literacy and numeracy.” The College of Alberta School Superintendents and Dyslexia Canada have voiced support for the bill. “Legislating this practice is an important step toward making sure that early screening becomes a lasting part of how we support every child’s right to learn to read,” commented Dyslexia Canada executive director Alicia Smith. However, the legislation was criticized by Alberta Teachers' Association Jason Schilling, who said: “Without support for students afterwards, these screeners are nothing more than government bureaucracy." He also questioned the timing of the announcement, which follows a bill last week ordering striking teachers back to work, with a contract that 90% of the union's members had rejected.

 

Edmonton Journal

CBC News

CTV News

Wesley College, the oldest school in New Zealand, has had its boarding hostel licence suspended by the Ministry of Education due to ongoing and serious safety concerns, prompting an early closure ahead of its planned year-end shutdown. "This decision follows a pattern of serious and ongoing concerns about the safety and wellbeing of boarders," the ministry's operations and integration leader Sean Teddy said. "While some improvements have been made since special conditions were imposed on the hostel's renewed licence in April 2025, further serious incidents have occurred this year." Teddy said they had highlighted "persistent issues" with student safety, staff oversight, and the hostel's ability to shift away from long-standing practices that put boarders at risk. The school will allow NCEA and international students to stay temporarily while others must leave by November 7 2025.

 

New Zealand Herald

RNZ