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USA
10th June 2026
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THE HOT STORY

Younger students show academic recovery, but teen scores remain stalled

New results from the 2025 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) Long-Term Trend assessment show encouraging signs of recovery in reading and math among nine-year-olds, while achievement among 13-year-olds remains stagnant, extending a decade-long decline in academic performance. Nine-year-olds improved in both subjects compared with 2023, with the largest gains coming from the lowest-performing students, suggesting that achievement gaps may be beginning to narrow after widening during and after the pandemic. In contrast, 13-year-olds showed no statistically significant improvement in either reading or math, with scores remaining near levels last seen decades ago. Education officials said the results indicate both progress and continuing concern. Reading scores for 13-year-olds are now roughly comparable to those recorded in 1971, while math performance has failed to recover from a decline that began around 2012. Experts pointed to several possible factors behind the stronger performance among younger students, including the nationwide adoption of evidence-based literacy instruction under the "science of reading" movement. The results also highlight differences in how age groups experienced pandemic disruptions. Today's nine-year-olds were preschool-aged when COVID-19 began, while current 13-year-olds spent much of their elementary education during the pandemic.

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SCHOOL CHOICE

Trump school choice plan seeks bipartisan appeal by including public school benefits

A new federal school choice law signed by President Donald Trump will create the first nationwide voucher-style education program, but unlike many state-level initiatives, it will also allow public school students to benefit. The Education Freedom Tax Credit will fund scholarships for private school tuition, tutoring, special education services, and other educational expenses through a generous federal tax credit system. The New York Times reports that, at a closed-door event at the Treasury Department on Tuesday, Kevin Salinger, a Trump administration official, said that public school families can use the funds for services such as tutoring and supplemental support, while public schools may also be able to receive funding by offering eligible programs. The initiative is designed in part to attract bipartisan support, with Democratic governors in New York and Colorado already opting in and others reconsidering earlier opposition. Supporters argue the program could provide new resources for students without reducing existing public school funding, while critics, including teachers’ unions, contend it still diverts public support toward private education and could ultimately undermine traditional public schools. The program is expected to begin next year, with final regulations due in September.

DISTRICTS

Memphis schools brace for closures

The state takeover of Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) is poised to result in significant school closures, mirroring actions taken in other districts across Tennessee. A newly appointed board of managers will oversee critical decisions, including potential closures, as seen in Houston and Fort Worth, where recent takeovers led to the shuttering of multiple schools. Mark Sturgis, a Memphis education advocate, emphasized the need for closures, stating: “The math is pointing out that there is a structural challenge there.” MSCS has already approved the closure of five schools and plans to close up to ten more in the next two years due to declining enrollment and high facility costs. Dorsey Hopson, a member of the new oversight board, previously closed 17 schools during his tenure as superintendent. The board's decisions may face less political pressure than local governance, allowing for more decisive action on school closures.

FINANCE

Alabama officials monitor revenue trends amid flat education trust fund growth

Alabama’s Education Trust Fund (ETF) revenue has remained essentially flat through the first eight months of fiscal 2026, with collections totaling about $7bn. State Superintendent Eric Mackey said he is closely monitoring sales tax receipts, which have declined year over year in seven of the first eight months, raising concerns about longer-term funding trends. Sales tax collections started the fiscal year positively but have since weakened, while income tax revenue, the ETF’s largest funding source, has also been largely flat at $4.8bn year to date. Although state officials say current education funding obligations for fiscal 2026 and 2027 remain secure, they are increasingly focused on the sustainability of major education initiatives, including teacher incentive programs, literacy and math reforms, and principal development efforts. Lawmakers noted that Alabama’s budget framework provides flexibility through reserve and stabilization funds, helping cushion slower revenue growth. The ETF is still expected to meet its fiscal 2026 funding targets if revenue performance mirrors last year’s final months, while the state’s General Fund has continued to grow, although it faces separate spending pressures.

LEADERSHIP

Superintendent race heats up in California

In the race for California's state superintendent of public instruction, candidates Sonja Shaw and Richard Barrera present contrasting visions for education. Shaw, president of the Chino Valley USD School board, opposes policies supporting transgender students in sports and advocates for parental notification regarding students' sexual orientation. In contrast, Barrera, president of the San Diego USD board, supports these policies and seeks increased funding for schools. Democratic consultant Andrew Acosta predicts a highly partisan election, stating: "This isn’t like the old days when it was charter schools versus teachers." Both candidates highlight their districts' academic improvements as evidence of their successful approaches. Shaw aims to continue her advocacy against certain policies, while Barrera emphasizes protecting the civil rights of LGBTQ+ students. The election outcome will reflect voters' preferences for the direction of California's education system.

SPECIAL EDUCATION

Michigan Education Board launches statewide review of special education services

The Michigan State Board of Education has unanimously approved the creation of a special education review committee tasked with evaluating programs across the state, identifying best practices, and gathering input from students, families, educators, advocates, and school leaders. Board President Pamela Pugh, who will chair the committee, said the group will work closely with the Michigan Department of Education and Superintendent Glenn Maleyko. The committee plans to hold meetings around the state to gather firsthand feedback and examine opportunities to improve services for students with disabilities. Republican board member Tom McMillin will serve as vice chair and said the review is long overdue, citing concerns he first encountered during legislative oversight hearings more than a decade ago. The committee is intended to take a bipartisan approach and will also engage advisory groups, researchers, and organizations including the Special Education Advisory Committee and Autism Alliance Michigan.

LEGAL

Michigan school’s ban on pro-gun hat upheld

The U.S. Supreme Court has declined to hear a case involving a Michigan third grader who was barred from wearing a hat featuring an AR-style rifle and the slogan “Come and Take It” to school. The student argued the hat expressed support for gun rights and reminded her of her father, while school officials said the message could be disruptive, particularly given the district’s proximity to a deadly 2021 school shooting and its dress code restrictions on violent imagery. Lower courts ruled in favor of the school, finding its concerns about potential disruption were reasonable under established student free speech precedents. The Supreme Court’s decision leaves those rulings in place and follows a similar move last year when it declined to hear a case involving a student’s “There Are Only Two Genders” T-shirt.

LEGISLATION

Washington Governor, schools chief back bell-to-bell cellphone ban

Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson and State Superintendent Chris Reykdal have proposed a statewide ban on student cellphone use throughout the entire school day, including between classes and during lunch, beginning in the 2027-28 school year. The proposed “away for the day” policy would apply to K-12 public schools, with limited exemptions for medical needs, special education plans, emergencies, and approved educational activities. Supporters argue that restricting phones will reduce distractions, improve learning, curb bullying, and support student well-being. Washington would join nearly 40 states that have already enacted cellphone restrictions in schools. While research has shown reductions in phone use and improvements in student engagement, findings on academic performance have been mixed, and some schools have reported short-term increases in suspensions following implementation. State officials plan to work with educators, parents, and school districts on details of the proposal, including enforcement, storage requirements, and potential funding to help schools implement the policy.

GOVERNANCE

Nearly half of U.S. students attend districts touched by school board conflict

Recent research from the Brookings Institution highlights ongoing tensions within school boards, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Jon Valant, director of the Brown Center on Education Policy, stated: "We are going to look back on this as a historically important period for school boards." The study surveyed 1,000 school board members across 700 districts, revealing that 47% of U.S. students now attend schools in districts with significant board-community conflict, up from 8% pre-pandemic. Despite heightened awareness of school board issues, participation in elections has not significantly increased. The analysis of Florida voting trends indicates that while conflicts have raised public awareness, they have not led to substantial changes in voter turnout. Valant noted: "It clearly activated a large number of people, but that's much different than having measurable effects on who shows up to vote." The findings underscore the challenges school boards face in governance amid rising conflicts.

STUDENT SUPPORT

Transforming child care in South L.A.

In South Los Angeles, a pilot program is addressing the child-care worker shortage by pairing adult school students with an early education center. This initiative, part of Los Angeles USD's broader expansion into early childhood education, offers tuition-free training and fieldwork opportunities. "We know that there's a big need in that space," said district board member Kelly Gonez, emphasizing the importance of creating pathways for adult students. The program allows students to gain hands-on experience while working with preschool children, enhancing their skills and confidence. Since its inception, 137 students have completed the program, with many entering the child-care workforce or pursuing further education. The district plans to deliver an early learning plan by September to increase affordable child-care options and strengthen the early education workforce. "It's a win-win," Gonez added, highlighting the dual benefits for students and children.

NUTRITION

NC school nutrition leaders warn of financial crisis without state support

North Carolina school nutrition programs are urging state lawmakers to provide financial support as rising labor, food, and operating costs have left many programs struggling with mounting deficits. According to the School Nutrition Association of North Carolina (SNA NC), approximately 84% of school nutrition programs are operating at a loss, with a combined $15m in debt as of 2025. School meal programs operate independently from school district budgets and rely primarily on federal reimbursements, which average about $4.70 per free lunch and $2.70 per free breakfast. Those reimbursements must cover food, labor, equipment, supplies, and other operating expenses. Nutrition leaders say reimbursement increases have failed to keep pace with inflation and rising costs. Officials say the financial pressures threaten the long-term sustainability of school meal programs and are calling on lawmakers to recognize school nutrition services as an essential component of student success and educational support.

INTERNATIONAL

Mexico City orders remote work and school closures for World Cup kickoff

Mexico City will suspend school classes on June 11 for Mexico’s opening World Cup match against South Africa at the Estadio Azteca, as officials seek to reduce congestion, improve road safety, and manage tourist traffic. President Claudia Sheinbaum also ordered federal workers in the city to work from home and urged private, and social sector employers to allow remote work for non-essential administrative roles. The decree is intended to improve mobility and accessibility during the tournament’s opening day. Essential services will continue operating, while office-based public-sector work should be done remotely. The move follows an earlier, abandoned proposal to end Mexico’s school year early because of extreme heat, and the country’s role as World Cup co-host.

AND FINALLY......

Authorities capture bear that prompted school closures in Japan

A wandering bear in Utsunomiya, Japan, was captured after causing significant alarm, leading to the closure of all city-run schools. The bear was first sighted near a park on Saturday, prompting numerous reports of sightings near schools and community centers. City officials issued warnings via social media, advising residents to stay indoors and secure their properties. On Tuesday, the bear was located on private property and tranquilized by a veterinarian, with no injuries reported. Ryuhei Irie, a city official, stated: "We believe there was only one bear but are investigating to be safe." This incident highlights the increasing encounters between humans and Japan's growing bear population, which the government estimates at around 57,800.
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