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USA
24th September 2026
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THE HOT STORY

Education Department faces scrutiny over state monitoring and absenteeism data

The U.S. Department of Education is not doing enough to ensure states provide reliable chronic absenteeism data or comply with requirements under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), according to a Government Accountability Office (GAO) report. The GAO said the department’s suspension of comprehensive state monitoring could increase the risk of waste, fraud, and abuse involving more than $25bn in federal K-12 funding, while inconsistent state methodologies make national absenteeism data difficult to compare. An audit also identified schools reporting implausible figures, including attendance rates above 100%. The Education Department disputed several conclusions, citing more than 100 oversight and monitoring activities between 2019 and 2025, and said it plans to introduce a new monitoring system this fall. The GAO recommended resuming comprehensive monitoring and establishing a more consistent approach to absenteeism reporting, while the department agreed to issue nonbinding guidance.

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FINANCE

New $1,700 education tax credit nears launch as schools and states await details

The Trump administration is preparing regulations for a new federal tax-credit scholarship program scheduled to launch in January, with key questions remaining about eligibility, funding, public school participation, and state oversight. The program offers individuals a dollar-for-dollar federal tax credit of up to $1,700 for donations to certified scholarship-granting organizations, with students able to use scholarships for approved expenses such as private school tuition, tutoring, and home-school costs. One estimate cited in the article suggests the program could generate as much as $37.6bn if one in five eligible donors contribute the maximum amount, while an analysis found that potentially 92% of K-12 students could meet the income and enrollment eligibility requirements before accounting for state participation. Treasury regulations are expected to clarify issues including how public schools can participate, eligibility for home-schooled and pre-K students, administrative spending by scholarship organizations, quality controls, and how much authority states will have over the program.

Wisconsin DPI seeks more than $28m for misconduct investigations and technology upgrades

The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction is seeking more than $28m in additional funding for the 2027-29 state budget, including more than $350,000 for two new positions to help investigate complaints against licensed educators. The agency currently has about 150 open investigations and 60 community complaints awaiting evaluation. The request also includes $12.5m to modernize technology systems, $6.7m to strengthen cybersecurity for K-12 schools and public libraries, and $7.5m to support Wisconsin’s 15 public library systems. DPI said reports and requests for assistance involving cyber incidents have increased by nearly 200% over the past year. The proposal represents the first part of State Superintendent Jill Underly’s budget request, with a second package covering additional investments in public schools expected in November.

DISTRICTS

Larger classes strain Anchorage teachers, resources, and student support

Anchorage School District classrooms have an average of four more students this year as years of flat state funding and inflation have contributed to the elimination of hundreds of teaching positions. The district has roughly 300 fewer teaching positions than last year because of vacancies, layoffs, retirements, and a hiring freeze, leaving some high school classes with more than 30 students and one kindergarten teacher with 25. Teachers say larger classes are increasing workloads and burnout, reducing opportunities for individual feedback, and prompting greater reliance on worksheets and multiple-choice assignments instead of essays. Educators also raised concerns about limited classroom space, insufficient materials, student safety, and struggling students slipping through the cracks as teachers have less time to build individual relationships.

Minneapolis parents organize as district weighs closing up to 16 schools

Minneapolis Public Schools is facing organized opposition from parents after unveiling proposals that could close up to 16 schools, redraw attendance boundaries, and move at least 12% of the district’s roughly 30,000 students. The district, which has capacity for 43,000 students and has more than half of its buildings operating below 70% capacity, says consolidation would concentrate resources and give students more consistent access to academic interventions, arts, physical education, and other support. Parents have launched websites, petitions, and campaigns ahead of a November 10 school board vote, with many calling for clearer explanations of why individual schools were selected, projected savings, and the impact on students. While some families argue that restructuring is overdue, concerns remain that closures could disrupt students, particularly those with special needs, and prompt more families to leave the district.

TECHNOLOGY

Teachers weigh benefits and distractions as classroom device use becomes widespread

Nearly all elementary school students use laptops, tablets, or other devices in class, according to a Walton Family Foundation and Gallup survey of more than 2,000 K-12 public school teachers. About a quarter of elementary teachers said devices are used for main lessons during all or most class periods, while 46% said technology is a distraction to some extent. Although 61% said digital tools can help students learn more effectively, about two-thirds supported moving device-based classes back to paper, and teachers generally favored stronger monitoring, filtering, and access to non-digital materials over broad screen-time limits. Teachers with greater control over classroom technology reported more positive views of devices, while those in wealthier districts were more likely than teachers in high-poverty districts to consider digital tools a good fit for learning.

Seattle schools end individual iPads for K-2 students under new screen limits

Seattle Public Schools will stop assigning individual iPads to students in kindergarten through second grade starting in January, while limiting classroom screen time to a maximum of 30 minutes per day. Technology use will be restricted to academic purposes, with non-curricular videos and games prohibited, and shared devices will instead be made available when needed for teaching or testing. Superintendent Ben Shuldiner said the policy is intended to address an overreliance on classroom technology that developed during the COVID-19 pandemic, while encouraging greater student engagement, collaboration, and learning away from screens. The district, which currently provides an individual iPad or laptop to each of its nearly 50,000 students, may introduce similar restrictions for older grades by the end of the school year, depending on the results of the K-2 policy.

POLICY

Philadelphia libraries offer free after-school homework help and tutoring

The Free Library of Philadelphia is offering free academic support to K-12 students throughout the 2026-27 school year through its LEAP program, which operates after school Monday through Friday with no advance registration required. Students can receive homework help in subjects ranging from early reading to calculus, alongside daily literacy, STEAM, art, and wellness activities that vary by library location. Support continues beyond library hours through Tutor.com, where students with a Free Library card can connect with live tutors from 9 a.m. to midnight every day in English or Spanish. Online assistance covers subjects including math, science, English, social studies, writing, AP-level courses, and introductory college coursework.

ENROLLMENT

Broward Schools enrollment falls by 12,300 as district weighs further closures

Broward County Public Schools recorded 177,575 students in its latest official enrollment count, down 12,300, or 5.6%, from last year and exceeding the roughly 11,000-student decline reported on the first day of school. The district now has more than 60,000 empty seats, with enrollment down from 204,721 students in 2022-23, and the loss of students translates to more than $430 million less in the district’s budget. The School Board is considering closing 10 schools next year, although projected savings remain unknown, and a final vote is expected in December. Financial pressure could increase further if voters do not renew a property-tax referendum supporting teacher salaries and school safety, which a board member said would leave the district without $358 million.

EMPLOYMENT

Columbus school employees face higher health costs

Columbus City Schools union employees face higher health insurance charges after the Columbus Education Association rejected proposed plan changes intended to limit employees’ 2027 benefits cost increase to 8%. The district said premiums are expected to rise approximately 19% to 25%, and under the collective bargaining agreement, employees will pay a surcharge covering costs above 8% following the union’s decision. The dispute follows problems with former insurance consultant Aon that contributed to underfunding of the district’s self-insurance fund, with an external audit estimating potential overspending of up to $40m during 2025 and 2026. The union has criticized the district’s handling and transparency and has called for legal action against Aon, stronger auditing and monitoring, and collaboration with employees to address the insurance crisis.

New Jersey school health plan at risk as officials deadlock over 34.4% rate hike

New Jersey’s state health insurance plan for teachers and other school employees could become unavailable on January 1, 2027, if its governing commission fails to approve a proposed 34.4% premium increase. The commission has repeatedly deadlocked over the increase, which school districts would largely absorb under a 2020 law, potentially prompting budget cuts or higher property taxes. More than 200 districts have previously used the plan, but active enrollment fell 11% in fiscal 2025 as districts sought cheaper alternatives.

SPORTS

Transgender sports rules diverge across states following Supreme Court decision

A U.S. Supreme Court ruling has allowed state laws barring transgender girls and women from girls’ and women’s school sports to remain in place, while stopping short of requiring such restrictions nationwide. According to the article, 27 states currently have laws restricting transgender girls’ participation in girls’ sports at publicly funded K-12 schools and colleges, while other states remain free to maintain more inclusive policies. Professional leagues and sports organizations generally establish their own eligibility rules, with several organizations, including the NCAA and International Olympic Committee, adopting restrictions on transgender women competing in women’s categories. The article notes that transgender athletes represent a very small share of sports participants and that research on potential athletic advantages remains limited. Legal experts also said the Supreme Court’s reasoning could influence future disputes involving Title IX, equal protection, and transgender rights beyond athletics.

HIGHER EDUCATION

ABA accreditation role hangs in balance after federal panel deadlocks

The American Bar Association could lose its authority to accredit U.S. law schools as a federal advisory panel considers recommending that the Education Department strip the organization of a role it has held for five decades. The 18-member panel delayed its vote after deadlocking, with some members favoring additional time for the ABA to address compliance concerns, while others cited what they viewed as longstanding regulatory problems and an overly close relationship between the ABA and its accreditation body. If the ABA loses its authority, law schools would need alternative accreditation arrangements to preserve students’ access to federal financial aid. The ABA recently repealed its diversity requirement for law schools, which it said posed a risk to its accreditation role. The panel will convene today to revist the matter.

Education Department rolls out simplified FAFSA ahead of October deadline

The U.S. Department of Education has launched the FAFSA for the 2027-28 school year earlier than ever, with officials saying the redesigned application is simpler and takes an average of 15 minutes to complete. The updated form uses clearer language, removes confusing jargon, and allows students to invite contributors by text or email, as the department seeks to make federal financial aid easier to access for low- and middle-income families. The launch marks the second consecutive year that FAFSA has been released ahead of the October 1 deadline established by the FAFSA Simplification Act of 2020. While officials are encouraging families to complete the form to maximize available financial aid, higher education experts cautioned that a simpler application does not address broader affordability pressures, including concerns that Pell Grants have not kept pace with the cost of college.

INTERNATIONAL

West Bengal considers reviving or repurposing zero-enrollment schools

The West Bengal government has ordered district administrations to physically inspect schools with zero enrollment and determine whether they can be revived or their infrastructure repurposed for other public services. School Education Minister Dipak Barman said 933 primary, upper primary, and secondary schools have recorded no enrollment and have been shut down, with the problem becoming particularly acute over the past five years. District committees will assess buildings, land, facilities, accessibility, teacher availability, and the potential use of idle assets for purposes including training, health care, agriculture, rural development, and community services, while ensuring that children retain access to schooling. Districts have been asked to submit recommendations on reviving, restructuring, or repurposing each school within 30 days, with public-private partnerships also identified as a possible option.
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