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USA
5th February 2026
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THE HOT STORY

Navigating new school meal guidelines

The recent unveiling of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) introduces significant changes to school meal standards. Lori Nelson of the Chef Ann Foundation stated: "It is a puzzle essentially," highlighting the complexities schools face in meeting new nutritional requirements. The guidelines emphasize protein intake and encourage the use of whole-fat dairy products, which may lead to increased costs for schools. Diane Pratt-Heavner, a spokesperson for the School Nutrition Association, noted that schools would "absolutely need more funding" to comply with potential new protein requirements. While the USDA sets regulations based on these guidelines, the implementation process is lengthy, requiring significant adjustments in infrastructure, staffing, and funding.

CAREER & TECHNICAL EDUCATION

Level Up Your Students’ Future-Ready Skills

As the workforce and student needs evolve, how can schools ensure students are future-ready? Career and Technical Education (CTE) offers a strategic solution. Our comprehensive free guide empowers school leaders with practical tools—from student interest surveys to employment landscape checklists—to strengthen CTE offerings and equip students with the skills, knowledge, and mindsets needed for future success.

In the guide, you’ll have access to:
  • An overview of nationally recognized Career Clusters and Programs of Study
  • Tips for selecting the best career pathways that evolve with the employment landscape
  • Sample survey questions to gauge students’ interests in future career opportunities
  • And more!
Download The Guide

 

LEGAL

Judge dismisses NYC suspension lawsuit

A federal judge dismissed a lawsuit this week that sought to compel New York City to adopt a higher standard of proof for long-term student suspensions. The lawsuit, filed by Legal Services NYC, argued that the current "substantial and competent" evidence standard violates students' due process rights. U.S. District Judge J. Paul Oetken ruled that this standard is constitutionally sufficient, stating: "The Due Process Clause is a blunt instrument, not well suited to such difficult policy choices." He expressed concerns that a higher standard would complicate the school discipline process. Legal Services NYC attorney Michaela Shuchman expressed disappointment, emphasizing that suspensions can disrupt students' education and access to essential services. The organization is considering an appeal.

LEGISLATION

Iowa House bill sparks vaccination debate

The Iowa House is advancing legislation that would eliminate vaccination requirements for students attending K-12 schools, despite warnings from public health officials about potential health risks. The bill, House File 2171, was supported by Republican Representatives Helena Hayes and Brooke Boden, who argue it promotes parental choice. However, Democratic Representative Heather Matson described the measure as dangerous, citing its inconsistency with established public health practices. Jane Colacecchi, former director of the Iowa Department of Public Health, warned that removing school vaccination requirements would increase the risk of serious, preventable diseases, commenting: "Schools are environments where infections spread quickly, and vaccination is the most reliable protection against outbreaks." The bill is set for further debate in the full House Education Committee.

Wisconsin lawmakers seek to reverse Evers’ 400-year school revenue plan

The Wisconsin Legislature's Joint Finance Committee has advanced a Republican proposal to reverse a 400-year extension of revenue limit increases for school districts, originally enacted by Democratic Gov. Tony Evers. The proposal aims to provide property tax relief, with Republicans arguing that the current funding model exacerbates tax pressures. Rep. Mark Born, R-Beaver Dam, said: "It's an important step toward providing relief amid soaring property taxes throughout the state." Democrats contend that the GOP's refusal to increase general school aid has contributed to the current tax burden. The debate centers on the state's projected $2.5bn surplus, with both parties seeking solutions for property tax relief, albeit through differing approaches. Evers emphasized the need for a resolution, stating: "Let's just get this done." The proposed bill would eliminate the $325-per-pupil adjustment starting in the 2027-28 school year, raising concerns about the long-term impact on educational funding.

DISTRICTS

Waukegan Superintendent aiming to improve district communications

Effective communication is a key goal for Waukegan Community Unit School District 60 Superintendent Theresa Plascencia, who faces challenges in ensuring that policies are understood consistently across all levels. Plascencia emphasized the importance of engaging students, staff, families, and community members to enhance perceptions of safety and belonging. She said: "Sometimes the message can start off very strong, but by the time it gets into the classroom, it morphs into something different." Surveys revealed concerns about the Illinois district's inconsistent communication, particularly regarding safety responses. Plascencia noted that while students feel generally safe, they expressed worries about common areas and the need for better follow-up on reported issues. The district plans to conduct approximately 100 listening tour stops to address these themes and improve communication. Plascencia aims for all four goals to be achieved by March, including increased student engagement and the implementation of a new literacy plan.

FINANCE

Connecticut considers opting into federal school choice tax credi

Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont is considering whether the state should participate in a new federal tax credit program that would support scholarships for private schools and certain education expenses at public schools. The program, created under President Donald Trump, offers taxpayers a credit of up to $1,700 for donations to nonprofit Scholarship Granting Organizations, with implementation expected in 2027. State officials are awaiting further guidance from the U.S. Treasury, and any participation would require legislative approval. The proposal has sparked debate, with public education advocates warning it could divert resources from public schools, while supporters, including the Archdiocese of Hartford, argue it expands school choice without reducing public funding.

CLASSROOM

This South Bronx teacher is redefining science with ‘Living Labs’

Carolina Castro-Skehan, an award-winning earth science teacher at Comprehensive Model School Project in the South Bronx, emphasizes the importance of real-world projects in her teaching, including the creation of "living labs.' She said: "Staying curious and continuing to learn alongside my students is what keeps my teaching meaningful." Castro-Skehan has been instrumental in developing the New York State Earth and Space Science Regents exams and has received recognition for her sustainability initiatives. Her innovative approach includes hands-on lessons, such as a rain garden project that addresses local flooding issues, and a hydroponics program that engages students in growing food for their community. Castro-Skehan's commitment to professional development has led her to explore various scientific fields, enhancing her teaching methods and fostering a dynamic learning environment for her students.

TECHNOLOGY

States push forward on classroom AI oversight

U.S. states are pressing ahead with regulating the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in education, despite efforts by the Trump administration to limit state-level AI rules. During the last legislative session, more than 50 bills across 21 states addressed AI in schools, according to the Center for Democracy and Technology (CDT), focusing on areas such as AI literacy, student data privacy, transparency from education technology vendors, and limits on certain AI uses. While a federal executive order seeks to pause state AI regulations in favor of a national standard, advocates say states show no sign of slowing down. “We’re in the process of tracking basically what states are doing in this new session, and I will say they are going full steam ahead in trying to, again, put appropriate guardrails on the use of AI in education,” said Maddy Dwyer, policy analyst for equity in civic technology at the CDT.  “In terms of the executive order … I think there’s some legal ambiguity. And states are definitely, at least on the education front, moving full steam ahead in the in the new session.” 

TEACHER SUPPORT

Teacher of the Year finalists address stress and burnout issues

In a recent discussion with Education Week, the finalists for the 2026 National Teacher of the Year award emphasized the importance of addressing teacher stress and burnout. One of the final five, Katie Collins, a 1st grade teacher at Bluff Park Elementary in Hoover, Alabama,said: "Teachers still feel alone. We are regulating very dysregulated children and we're dysregulated ourselves." The finalists highlighted the need for supportive environments that foster connections among teachers and students, and advocated for administrators to prioritize social and emotional support, particularly for young teachers of color. The educators shared strategies for maintaining joy in their work, such as finding purpose and building trust with administrators. Collins concluded: "When we can trust each other, y'all, the sky is the limit." The insights from these educators underscore the critical need for systemic changes to support teachers effectively.

INTERNATIONAL

Australia brings early language learning to the classroom

Australia’s Early Learning Languages Australia (ELLA) program is being expanded into Foundation to Year 2 classrooms, giving primary schools free access to digital, play-based language learning tools. Already used by more than 1m children across 5,000 early learning services, the program now offers 11 immersive apps per language, professional development, and classroom resources aligned with the Australian Curriculum. The expansion aims to overcome common barriers to early language teaching, such as limited teacher confidence and resources, while promoting cultural understanding, inclusivity, and multilingualism from the earliest years of schooling.

AND FINALLY......

Rouble Nagi awarded $1m Global Teacher Prize

Rouble Nagi, an Indian teacher and activist, has been awarded the $1m Global Teacher Prize at the World Governments Summit in Dubai. Known for establishing over 800 learning centers and creating educational murals, Nagi aims to provide structured learning for children who have never attended school. Her Rouble Nagi Art Foundation focuses on teaching literacy, science, math, and history through art. Nagi plans to utilize the prize money to build an institute offering free vocational training. The Global Teacher Prize, awarded by the Varkey Foundation, recognizes exceptional educators worldwide; Nagi is the tenth recipient since its inception in 2015.
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