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USA
13th October 2026
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THE HOT STORY

Heat wave hits California schools hard

Nearly half of California’s K-12 students attend schools with 5% or less tree canopy in student areas, leaving millions vulnerable to increasingly severe heat waves. An EdSource analysis found approximately 4,900 public schools faced high or severe heat risks during an October heat wave. Schools are responding by replacing asphalt with trees, shade, and outdoor learning spaces, including projects supported by California’s Green Schoolyards Grant Program. At Sacramento’s Parkway Elementary, 58 trees and 44 shrubs have transformed a former blacktop area into a greener learning environment. Research also suggests green schoolyards improve student behavior, reduce bullying, and support mental health. However, funding constraints continue to limit improvements. Sharon Gamson Danks, CEO of Green Schoolyards America, emphasized that schools need trees in "the hottest environments" where financial resources are most limited.

AUTHENTIC MATH LEARNING

Authentic Math Learning: Creating Opportunities for Students to Do Math

Math ability isn't about intuition, it grows through meaningful opportunities to explore, question, and make sense of mathematics. When students engage in authentic, hands-on learning experiences, they can connect mathematical ideas to the world around them.

Reveal Math by McGraw Hill brings these opportunities into the classroom through rich tasks, hands-on activities, mathematical discourse, and real-world contexts that encourage students to think deeply and apply what they learn. Explore how authentic learning experiences can help students build conceptual understanding and discover that math is more than a set of procedures; it's a way to understand and engage with the world.

Read the Blog.


 

WORKFORCE

High expectations: a double-edged sword

Teachers' expectations significantly influence student motivation and achievement, but new research indicates that without specific guidance, this feedback can be detrimental, especially for historically disadvantaged students. Yasemin Copur-Gencturk, a professor at the University of Southern California, stated, “It's good that when we tell teachers to have high standards, it prompts them to be more specific. ... But at the same time, we found teachers are not really providing detailed feedback about students' strategies and performance.” The study, published in Educational Researcher, highlights that while teachers who emphasize high expectations are more likely to discuss students' strengths, only a small percentage provide actionable strategies for improvement. This lack of detailed feedback can leave students feeling lost, particularly girls and students of color, who often receive negative comments about their abilities. The findings underscore the need for teachers to combine high expectations with constructive, detailed feedback to foster student growth.

Investing in teachers for future success

As education systems face significant challenges, Hannele M. Niemi, an education advocate and author, emphasizes the urgent need for investment in teacher preparation and professional conditions. "Improving education must begin with teachers," Niemi said, highlighting that technology and artificial intelligence are reshaping classrooms, but the quality of education relies on well-prepared educators. With a global shortage of 50m teachers by 2030, according to UNESCO data, Niemi stresses that quality teaching is not just about recruitment but also about creating supportive environments for teachers. She argues that teachers play a crucial role in guiding students through the complexities of technology and fostering critical thinking. "The future of education depends on our ability to equip educators," Niemi concluded, underscoring the importance of investing in teachers to ensure quality and equity in education.

Teachers left high and dry

Many teachers in Broward County are frustrated after spending hundreds of dollars on school supplies, only to learn they would not be reimbursed. The Broward School Board is addressing complaints regarding the Florida Teachers Classroom Supply Assistance Program, which previously allowed teachers to claim up to $300 for supplies. Changes in state law now restrict eligibility to classroom teachers, leaving around 1,623 non-classroom educators, such as reading coaches and speech-language pathologists, without reimbursement. While the School Board may approve partial reimbursements, affected teachers may only receive $185 each. B 

GOVERNANCE

Houston ISD takeover: a report's stark warning

The Commission on the HISD Takeover has released a report, highlighting significant concerns regarding the state's management of Houston ISD. The commission, co-chaired by State Sen. Molly Cook, D-Houston, and State Rep. Lauren Ashley Simmons, D-Houston, found that the takeover has "diminished HISD's curriculum to a narrow focus on test preparation" and weakened relationships among students, teachers, and families. The report calls for legislative changes to the state takeover process, including raising the threshold for future takeovers and limiting the powers of state-appointed officials. Despite some reported improvements in test scores, the district has faced declining student enrollment and a loss of experienced educators since the takeover began. HISD will remain under state control until at least June 2027.

ENROLLMENT

Alabama schools face record student loss

Alabama public schools have experienced a record enrollment decline of approximately 12,000 students during the 2025–26 school year, bringing statewide enrollment to around 702,000, according to preliminary data. The decrease is more than double the previous year's loss of 5,800 students and could result in reduced state funding and the elimination of approximately 800 teacher positions, with smaller and rural districts particularly vulnerable. State Superintendent Eric Mackey attributed part of the decline to falling birth rates, noting a projected decrease of 2,500 kindergarten students, while officials continue investigating other factors, including private school enrollment through Alabama's CHOOSE Act program. Final enrollment figures are expected in the coming weeks.

POLICY

Cellphone ban transforms school dynamics

Hinckley-Big Rock School District has implemented a strict no-cellphone policy, leading to significant changes in student interactions and classroom dynamics. The district has also shifted from a one-to-one Chromebook model to shared devices, promoting more paper-based assignments and handwriting instruction. Superintendent Jessica Sonntag emphasized that prolonged screen use has affected students' learning abilities, stating: “These children have grown up utilizing computers as video games.” The new policy aims to enhance critical thinking and collaboration among students, with early feedback indicating positive changes in classroom participation and social interactions.  

Petaluma schools rethink device access

The Petaluma City Schools district is evaluating its device distribution policy, particularly for younger students. According to the Petaluma Argus-Courier, the school board discussed the one-to-one device distribution model, where each student receives a personal device. Student board member Chloe Herdman, representing Casa Grande High School, expressed concerns, saying, “I think we should shift to share carts... especially since we’re in a literacy crisis and kids this young need to know what they need to know.” The board has instructed district staff to create a formal recommendation for a vote, aiming to phase out the current policy.

DISTRICTS

Illinois' District 181 earns top honors

Hinsdale-Clarendon Hills Elementary District 181 has achieved recognition as one of Illinois' leading public school systems, receiving an A+ grade in the latest Niche K-12 school rankings. The rankings are based on comprehensive data analysis from the U.S. Department of Education, including state test scores and feedback from students and parents. Notably, all nine schools in the district earned individual A+ grades, with Clarendon Hills Middle School ranked No. 1 among public middle schools in Illinois. In the elementary category, all seven schools in District 181 placed in the top 10, with Elm School taking the top spot.

CONSTRUCTION AND RENOVATION

Vote for school upgrades this November

Voters in four suburban Portland school districts will decide on construction bonds this November to fund essential maintenance and upgrades. Oregon lacks state funding for significant infrastructure projects, leaving districts reliant on local tax measures. The Hillsboro School District is proposing a $430m bond for improvements, while North Clackamas seeks $245m for critical upgrades. Reynolds aims for $162.5m to rebuild Glenfair Elementary School and enhance facilities. Gladstone is requesting $55.3m for necessary repairs. "If it does not pass, the district might wind up being absorbed into a neighborhood school district," warned supporters. Each bond proposal has garnered varying levels of support and opposition, reflecting the economic climate and community priorities.

HEALTH & WELLBEING

Therapy dogs support Colorado school recovery

Evergreen High School in Colorado has introduced two Labrador retrievers, Norene and Polenta, to provide emotional support, reduce stress, and help students recover from a September 2025 school shooting that wounded two students and left the 16-year-old shooter dead. The dogs, provided free of charge by nonprofit Canine Companions, joined the school in March and August 2026, becoming the organization's first permanent school placements following a campus shooting. Students and staff say the dogs have helped improve morale, provide comfort, and create a more positive learning environment.  

INTERNATIONAL

Poland cracks down on school violence

In response to a series of stabbing incidents in schools, Poland has launched a significant police operation to enhance security. Prime Minister Donald Tusk emphasized the need to address the "grim trend of violence" among youth, attributing it to the glorification of violence online and in video games. "We have observed a rise in the fascination with violence, both in Poland and worldwide," Tusk said during a crisis meeting. Over 20,000 police officers have been deployed to schools, with inspections of 80,000 educational institutions leading to 135 detentions. The recent attacks include a tragic incident where a 15-year-old former pupil killed a caretaker and injured two teachers. Authorities are determined to ensure the safety of Polish children and prevent further violence.
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