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USA
30th January 2026
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THE HOT STORY

Schools falling short on assistive tech for students with disabilities

A new report from the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) highlights significant challenges that schools face in delivering assistive technology (AT) to students with disabilities, as required by federal law. Educators often lack awareness of AT options, especially low-tech tools, and struggle to stay current with rapid tech advancements. The GAO report identifies staffing shortages, limited training, and funding constraints as key barriers. A survey of parent centers found 67% of families have difficulty accessing AT information. Advocates stress the need for improved resources and training, while critics warn that federal education rollbacks could further hinder access.

MULTILINGUAL LEARNER PD

Multilingual Learner Classroom Strategies from Leading Experts

Multilingual learners have a wealth of strengths to offer their classrooms and communities. Explore bite-sized professional development featuring effective practices from two leading experts, Dr. Luz Yadira Herrera and Dr. Kate Kinsella, that build from the cultural and linguistic assets that multilingual learner students already possess to activate engagement and accelerate growth.

Explore multilingual learner strategies and solutions

 

LEGISLATION

Nebraska bill would hold back third graders unable to read at grade level

Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen and State Senator Dave Murman have introduced a bill (LB 1050) requiring students to repeat third grade if they fail a new state-mandated reading test, beginning in 2027. The proposal includes exceptions for special education students and calls for “intensive acceleration classes” with smaller student-teacher ratios to support struggling readers. It would also expand regular reading assessments from kindergarten through third grade. Supporters cite Mississippi’s dramatic gains in reading scores as justification, crediting retention as a key factor. Critics argue those improvements stemmed from broader support services and warn that retention can harm students emotionally and academically. The bill has drawn praise from former U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon and others who emphasize accountability, while opponents question the financial feasibility and effectiveness of the approach.

Mississippi moves to ban cellphones

The Mississippi Legislature is advancing legislation to restrict cellphone use in classrooms, with the House Education Committee and Senate Education Committee both supporting similar bills. Representative Sam Creekmore emphasized the importance of addressing the mental health impacts of excessive cellphone use among students, commenting: "You just can't ignore that." The proposed policies aim to create distraction-free learning environments, as evidenced by successful implementations in districts like Marshall County, where 88% of teachers reported improved student engagement. Jackson Public Schools has also seen positive outcomes from its stricter cellphone policy, with district spokesman Sherwin Johnson noting enhanced classroom management and student interactions. While some parents express concerns about emergency contact, experts like Brigette Whaley advocate for trusting schools to maintain communication through administrative channels.

Texas education board delays vote on reading list

The Texas State Board of Education has postponed voting on a proposed list of required K-12 reading materials due to concerns over religious focus and a lack of diversity. Voting 13-1, the board decided to delay until April to gather further feedback. The list, mandated by a 2023 state law, includes nearly 300 books, featuring both classical literature and religious texts. Critics, including board member Tiffany Clark, expressed that “this list does not represent the students of Texas,” highlighting the need for more racial, ethnic, and gender diversity. The board is also revising Texas' social studies standards, with concerns raised about the representation of experts involved in the process. The final reading list will be mandatory, although parents can opt their children out of specific readings.

DISTRICTS

Protestors rally against Philly school closures

Protestors gathered outside the Philadelphia School District's main office on Thursday afternoon to oppose a proposal to close 20 schools, affecting nearly 5,000 students by 2027. Superintendent Tony Watlington said that the closures aim to provide better opportunities for students, but many community members expressed concerns about relocating students to lower-performing schools and the potential destruction of tight-knit school communities. Board President Reginald Streater acknowledged the need for a plan addressing aging facilities but refrained from commenting on the proposal's merits before its formal presentation on February 28. Community members, including students and educators, urged the board to reconsider the closures, emphasizing the importance of maintaining local schools. “Do not let the almighty dollar drive a choice to remove a beautifully designated historic school,” said Erica Green, Principal of Conwell Middle School.

Santa Rosa schools face major layoffs

The Santa Rosa City Schools district in California could potentially lay off approximately 100 employees by the end of the school year to prevent state receivership, according to a newly released fiscal plan. The layoffs are expected to affect various roles across all campuses, resulting in a projected savings of $14.2 million, over 6% of the district's total budget. The district must identify $3 million in cuts by the end of the fiscal year and an additional $23 million for the 2025-26 school year to avoid state intervention. Interim Superintendent Lisa August Hulme said: "This year, because we had exhausted our reserves, we needed a combination of both structural and one-time savings to solve those issues." Concerns have been raised by union leaders regarding the impact of these cuts on educational quality.

FINANCE

Florida seeks extra federal support to expand $4bn voucher program

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has said he wants Florida to opt into the federal Education Freedom Tax Credit, which could add around $1,700 per student to supplement the state’s school voucher programme beginning in 2027. DeSantis stressed the federal support must not reduce Florida’s existing voucher funding and warned private schools against raising tuition to absorb the extra money. The proposal has drawn renewed criticism from public school advocates, who argue voucher oversight problems should be addressed first. DeSantis backed a state Senate bill aimed at improving regulation of Florida’s $4bn voucher scheme, including separating voucher funding from public school budgets and strengthening student tracking.

ENROLLMENT

Hawaii faces steep drop in high school graduates

Hawaii is projected to experience the largest decline in high school graduates in the U.S. over the next several years, with a potential 33% decrease from 2023 to 2041, according to the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education. This decline raises concerns among lawmakers and Department of Education officials regarding the sustainability of small schools in diminishing communities. By 2041, public schools in Hawaii are expected to graduate just over 7,600 students, down from approximately 11,500 in 2023. The education department has already seen a nearly 12% drop in enrollment over the past decade, attributed to a declining birth rate and families leaving the state. In response, some lawmakers, including Sen. Troy Hashimoto, are advocating for the establishment of an independent commission to assess school facilities and recommend closures or consolidations. The commission's findings are due by fall 2027.

TECHNOLOGY

'What if school didn’t need teachers?'

The Alpha school, co-founded by MacKenzie Price and technology billionaire Joe Liemandt, is pioneering an artificial intelligence (AI)-driven educational model that emphasizes personalized learning without traditional teachers. During a visit, U.S. Department of Education Secretary Linda McMahon remarked: "There is so much to do, so much opportunity that I'm just seeing here." While some parents praise the innovative approach, others express concerns about the lack of human interaction and the pressure on students to meet AI-set metrics. Critics, including Victor Lee from Stanford University, highlight the absence of independent research to validate Alpha's claims, raising questions about the model's effectiveness. Despite its rapid expansion and high tuition fees, Alpha's approach has faced skepticism regarding its long-term impact on student socialization and critical thinking skills.

SCHOOL CHOICE

Alabama's school choice program gains momentum

Alabama is set to significantly enhance its school choice options, with plans to distribute $250m in vouchers to families of all income levels by 2027. The initiative, known as the CHOOSE Act, aims to make Alabama one of 18 states with a universal school choice program. Stephanie Smith, president of the Alabama Policy Institute, said: "Tens of thousands of kids are exactly where their parents want them to be, because of this program." While the program enjoys popularity, it faces criticism regarding its impact on public schools, with concerns about funding and accountability. The CHOOSE Act is financed through a combination of state education funds and special reserves, with lawmakers currently deliberating on funding for the 2027-28 academic year.

LEADERSHIP

A teacher's journey: From Kindergarten sub to district superintendent

The District 186 Board of Education in Illinois has recommended Terrance Jordan as the next superintendent, succeeding Jennifer Gill, who is retiring on June 30. A formal vote is expected on February 2. Board president Erica Austin praised Jordan, stating: "He is a leader who has pulled himself up by his bootstraps." Jordan's background includes overcoming poverty in Lexington, Mississippi, and he has been recognized for his ability to connect with students, particularly those from minority and low-income households. His commitment to education and community service has been highlighted by various community leaders, including Dominic Watson, who noted: "This is a moment for our community to celebrate." Jordan's appointment is seen as a significant step for representation in education, inspiring students to envision their potential.

INTERNATIONAL

India enrols more children into school than ever, but learning gaps persist

India’s Economic Survey 2025–26 highlights that school enrolment at the elementary level is now near-universal, with dropout rates continuing to fall and gender gaps narrowing across most stages. However, the report warns that learning outcomes have not improved at the same pace, with significant disparities persisting across states, income groups and school types. The survey also noted that post-pandemic learning losses remain unevenly reversed, worsened by the digital divide during school closures, while teacher shortages, high pupil-teacher ratios and uneven deployment continue to limit classroom quality. The central challenge ahead is shifting focus from access to education toward measurable learning gains, particularly in foundational literacy and numeracy.
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