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Many high schools are increasingly integrating career and technical education (CTE) with college preparatory coursework, challenging the traditional separation of these tracks. According to a recent EdWeek Research Center survey, 17% of educators report that CTE and college prep are combined so seamlessly that it is difficult to determine which receives more resources. Amy Loyd, the chief executive officer of All4Ed, emphasized that “CTE is college preparation,” highlighting its role in enhancing student learning and outcomes. The survey also revealed that rural educators are more likely to prioritize CTE compared to their urban and suburban counterparts. Loyd noted that rural students may not be less interested in college but may lack access to nearby institutions. The survey, conducted from September 18 to October 27, included responses from 472 school and district leaders and teachers involved in CTE.

 

Education Week News

A dispute has emerged in Tahoe-Truckee USD, located in Northern California, regarding the participation of transgender athletes in sports. The district has historically competed in the Nevada Interscholastic Activities Association (NIAA) but faces pressure to comply with California law, which allows students to participate in teams that align with their gender identity. Superintendent Kerstin Kramer said: "No matter which authority we're complying with, we are leaving students behind." The California Department of Education has mandated that the district join the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) by the start of the next school year. The situation has been complicated by a recent NIAA policy requiring athletes to compete based on their sex assigned at birth. The district is currently drafting a plan to transition to CIF by the 2028-2029 school year, but faces challenges related to travel and safety in inclement weather.

 

U.S. News

Denver Public Schools (DPS) is facing a significant decline in enrollment, with a loss of approximately 1,200 students this year. This trend, marked by a reversal in the influx of immigrant students, is expected to continue, with projections indicating a further decrease of over 6,000 students, or 8%, by 2029. Superintendent Alex Marrero said: "I believe that we would be negligent if we do nothing, considering the stark realities." Although the school board has enacted a four-year moratorium on closures due to enrollment, it retains the option to consider closures under specific circumstances. The district is also exploring boundary adjustments to address class size disparities, as many classrooms are under-enrolled. Marrero emphasized the interconnectedness of enrollment issues and academic performance, noting that a new policy allows for closures based on persistently low student test scores, with potential actions starting in spring 2027.

 

Chalkbeat

California school districts are increasingly using nondisclosure agreements to conceal over $53m in sex abuse settlements from the public. Following a 2019 law that allowed filing of decades-old abuse claims, more than 750 lawsuits have been filed against districts, resulting in settlements totaling approximately $435m. Legal experts argue that these practices may violate state transparency laws and warrant investigation by the state attorney general. David Loy, legal director of the First Amendment Coalition, stated: "There's very significant problems with government agencies acting like private companies." Despite laws aimed at promoting transparency, many districts continue to employ confidentiality clauses that hinder public accountability and shield the details of abuse allegations from scrutiny. The lack of media coverage has further enabled these practices to persist without oversight.

 

Los Angeles Times

The National Defense Authorization Act includes a new provision banning smartphone use during school hours for K-12 students at Department of Defense-run schools on military bases. The bipartisan initiative, led by Sens Jim Banks (R-IN) and Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), aims to improve educational outcomes and reduce distractions for over 65,000 students across 161 schools. The defense bill, titled the "Restoring Our Educational Focus on Children of U.S. Servicemembers at DoDEA," passed 77-20 in the Senate on Wednesday, and was signed into law by President Donald Trump on Thursday. The Department of Defense has 30 days to issue implementation regulations, with medical and disability-related exceptions included.

 

ABC News

Conscious Content Media Inc., an education company teaching coding and literacy to children aged between two and 10, has filed for bankruptcy after rapid post-pandemic expansion failed to deliver sustained profitability. The firm, which saw a sales surge during Covid-19 lockdowns, struggled when demand returned to pre-2020 levels and plans to eliminate over half of its $205.5m debt under a restructuring proposal supported by noteholders. Its business lines include the reading app Homer, coding platform codeSpark, and subscription service Little Passports.

 

Bloomberg

A newly formed group, NC Teachers in Action, is organizing a statewide teacher walkout on January 7 2026, with educators in multiple districts pledging not to report to school in protest over pay, benefits and working conditions. The group says it has commitments from teachers across North Carolina, with particularly strong participation expected in Wake County, where staff at dozens of schools plan public protests. Teachers would take part by calling in sick or using personal leave, a move that could lead to class disruptions or temporary school closures if participation is high. The walkout is not being backed by established teacher organizations such as the North Carolina Association of Educators, with organizers stressing it is a grassroots effort driven by frustration over low pay and reduced benefits. NC Teachers in Action is calling for the restoration of longevity pay, master’s pay and retiree health coverage, as well as full funding of the Leandro school funding plan and limits on rising health insurance costs. 

 

The Herald Sun

The Milwaukee School Board is considering a resolution to redefine the role of school resource officers (SROs) in response to community concerns. Board President Missy Zombor introduced the resolution on December 18, aiming to limit officers' involvement in non-criminal behavior and enhance public reporting of their activities. If approved, Superintendent Brenda Cassellius will draft a policy by February that aligns with the resolution's requirements. Zombor explained that "the resolution is intended to support data-informed policies that center student safety and shared accountability." The resolution seeks to clarify the boundaries of SROs' responsibilities, while also establishing protections for students during questioning. The school board's committee will discuss the proposal on January 20, with a potential full board vote on January 22.

 

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Research indicates that early childhood education significantly benefits students throughout their academic journeys; however, support for pre-kindergarten (pre-K) teachers remains limited. Elizabeth D. Steiner, a PK-12 education policy researcher at the RAND Corporation, stated: "Public school pre-K teachers are an understudied population." The RAND American Public School Pre-K Teacher Survey highlights the challenges faced by pre-K educators, including access to professional development and instructional materials. Despite a slight increase in average salaries, many teachers reported stagnant wages when adjusted for inflation. Notably, the percentage of pre-K teachers intending to leave their positions decreased from 18% in 2024 to 14% in 2025. The survey also revealed a need for enhanced professional learning opportunities, particularly in teaching math and supporting diverse learners. As pre-K programs expand, ensuring quality and adequate support for educators is essential for meeting the needs of young learners.

 

Education Week News

More than a dozen school bus companies in eight New Jersey counties have failed to submit proof of criminal background checks and commercial drivers licenses for their drivers, according to the Office of the State Comptroller. The December 17 report revealed that 16 companies were non-compliant, although this marks an improvement from over 300 non-compliant companies in the 2023-24 school year. Acting State Comptroller Walsh noted: "The Office of School Bus Safety has made notable strides in improving bus company compliance... But more needs to be done." Despite efforts to close loopholes in the laws governing school transportation, incidents involving drivers with poor records continue to occur, raising concerns about student safety.

 

New Jersey Herald

New international student enrollment at U.S. colleges declined by 17% between fall 2024 and 2025, according to the Institute of International Education's (IIE) "Fall 2025 Snapshot on International Student Enrollment" report. This decline is attributed to challenges such as visa application difficulties and travel restrictions, with 57% of institutions reporting decreased new enrollments. Mirka Martel, head of research, evaluation, and learning at IIE, stated: "We look forward to the publication of the 2026 Spring Snapshot when we will get our next glimpse at the evolving landscape of international students in the U.S." The decline equates to an estimated $1.1bn in lost revenue and approximately 23,000 fewer jobs. While some colleges reported increases in international enrollment, the overall trend poses significant challenges for institutions, prompting a shift towards domestic recruitment strategies.

 

U.S. News

The New Zealand Ministry of Education is introducing a limited, one-off financial support scheme in January to help schools facing substantial costs from cleaning up asbestos-contaminated play sand. Schools have been forced to spend tens of thousands of dollars on removing and replacing affected materials such as carpets, curtains, and furniture. One Auckland principal, whose school faces an estimated NZ$90,000 ($51,716) bill, has welcomed the scheme but expressed frustration at the lack of clarity around funding amounts and eligibility. To be considered, schools had to complete a survey outlining their financial needs by December 17. However, only those "experiencing financial difficulty" will qualify for reimbursement of asbestos testing costs, which has drawn criticism from affected principals. The ministry has yet to confirm the total funding pool or how it will be distributed, leaving many schools uncertain heading into the summer break.

 

RNZ