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USA
14th October 2026
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THE HOT STORY

Schools seek better English learner support

School districts are facing significant challenges in supporting approximately 5m English learners across the U.S. A recent Education Week special report highlights key issues and offers practical solutions. One major concern is the early assessment of English learners' needs, particularly in California, where legislation now exempts transitional kindergarten students from standardized testing to avoid misidentification. Almudena Abeyta, superintendent of the Chelsea district, emphasized the urgency of helping older English learners acquire essential language skills quickly, stating: “It's a lot, and the teachers have to work extremely hard at making it work.” Additionally, districts are increasingly utilizing artificial intelligence tools to communicate with non-English-speaking families, although concerns about accuracy and privacy remain. The report underscores the need for tailored support and innovative strategies to effectively assist English learners.

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.


 

GOVERNANCE

Houston lawmakers seek school takeover reforms

Democratic lawmakers in Houston are proposing legislation to restrict state takeovers of struggling school districts following concerns about accountability, teacher morale, and financial sustainability at Houston ISD. A commission has recommended raising the takeover threshold to 10% of district campuses receiving failing ratings, requiring interventions to end after two consecutive years of acceptable academic performance, and giving local voters greater influence through referendums. Lawmakers also want state-appointed officials to collaborate with elected school trustees rather than excluding them from decision-making. The proposals come as HISD faces declining enrollment, staffing adjustments, and financial pressures under state-appointed Superintendent Mike Miles. However, supporters of the takeover point to significant academic improvements, with the number of failing campuses falling from 56 to five over three years. Miles maintains that the district’s reforms remain financially sustainable despite enrollment-related budget challenges.

Austin ISD faces costly state intervention

Austin ISD is facing a potential state intervention due to poor performance at two middle schools, which could lead to significant financial burdens for the district. The Texas Education Agency (TEA) may require costly changes, including new academic programs and leadership changes. "Financially speaking, the district is already in a stranglehold," said trustee Candace Hunter, highlighting the district's $105m deficit and the need to borrow $140m for payroll. Previous interventions in other districts have resulted in expenses exceeding hundreds of thousands, with no additional funding from the state. As Austin ISD struggles with declining enrollment and budget cuts, the looming intervention raises concerns about the future financial stability of the district.

Newark schools' audit reveals shocking truths

Newark Superintendent Roger León faces scrutiny after a state audit identified overstated enrollment figures involving 128 students and questioned $566,000 in spending on a gym. Despite León's characterization of the findings as insignificant, the State Auditor confirmed that "certain matters" were referred to the Division of Criminal Justice. Matthew Frankel, former Executive Director of Communication at Newark Public Schools, also challenges León's claims of academic success, citing discrepancies between reported achievements and actual student proficiency. Frankel calls for greater district transparency and accountability, declaring: "It is time to demand the truth."

Candidates vie for IPS board seats

The Indianapolis Public Schools Board of School Commissioners is facing a competitive election with fifteen candidates, including five incumbents, vying for five open seats. Voters can engage with the candidates at a forum hosted by Chalkbeat Indiana and WFYI on October 19 at the Indianapolis Public Library. This election marks a significant change as it is the first since the establishment of the Indianapolis Public Education Corporation (IPEC), which has taken over key responsibilities for IPS and charter schools. Candidates now have the option to run as partisans, with most identifying as Democrats, contrasting with the broader political landscape in central Indiana.

FINANCE

New Jersey's school funding formula under fire

New Jersey's school funding formula is facing scrutiny as lawmakers, including Democratic Gov. Mikie Sherrill, and education advocates agree it is outdated. The state education department, led by Commissioner Lily Laux, is engaging communities to reassess how much it costs to educate a child in New Jersey. “Newark deserves better, and taxpayers across this state deserve a refund for this nonsense,” said GOP Assemblymember Dawn Fantasia, highlighting concerns raised by a recent audit revealing excess state aid and questionable spending in Newark Public Schools. Experts like Danielle Farrie from the Education Law Center emphasize the need for accountability in funding, suggesting that New Jersey should adopt practices from states like California and Maryland. As the state reevaluates its funding formula, the pressing question remains: “How are we going to pay for it?”

Chicago Public Schools board shifts tax strategy

The Chicago Public Schools (CPS) board is transitioning to a fully elected membership, which may alter the long-standing practice of raising property taxes annually. A recent WBEZ/Sun-Times survey revealed that over two-thirds of candidates for the 21 seats indicated they would not support raising property taxes to the limit if elected. This shift comes as CPS grapples with a $730m deficit, which could have been nearly $900m without previous tax increases. "Forgoing that tax revenue won't be easy," said an expert, highlighting the long-term financial implications of not raising taxes.  

Federal voucher program sparks controversy

The U.S. Treasury Department recently unveiled regulations for the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit (FSTC) program, which offers a dollar-for-dollar federal tax credit for donations to scholarship-granting organizations (SGOs). Critics, including Heather Koons from Public Schools First NC, argue that this program primarily benefits private schools while neglecting public education. Koons said: "This program clears the way for private schools and wealthy programs to receive public tax dollars with little to no accountability." The regulations limit states' ability to impose stricter rules on SGOs, raising concerns about potential discrimination and lack of oversight. As North Carolina prepares to participate in the program for 2027, advocates are urging lawmakers to reconsider and protect public education.

WORKFORCE

Cedar Rapids schools boost teacher retention

The Cedar Rapids Community School District is experiencing improved teacher retention, with a retention rate of about 90%. Teacher turnover has decreased significantly from 15.52% in the 2023-24 school year to 10.12% in 2025-26, a reduction of approximately 35%. Lee Kenyon, the district's executive director of human resources, emphasized that "teacher retention is shaped by the experience we create for our employees every day." The district is implementing a reconfiguration plan that includes closing five elementary schools and transitioning to a fifth- and sixth-grade intermediate model. To support staff during this transition, the district has engaged employees through various communication methods and is committed to ensuring that "every employee feels supported through organizational change." The district is also investing in professional development and compensation for teachers, aiming to create an environment where talented individuals choose to work and grow.

CHARTERS

Oklahoma rejects Jewish charter school application

Oklahoma's charter school board rejected Ben Gamla Jewish Charter School's application despite a federal court ruling supporting religious schools' access to public programs. Enrollment concerns may have influenced the decision, as founder Peter Deutsch reduced his first-year goal from 40 students to just 10. Charter advocates emphasized financial and operational viability, while religious liberty attorneys argued the rejection could violate federal protections. Board Chairman Brian Shellem warned: "We are opening ourselves up to a truckload of litigation." The decision prolongs a legal dispute over religious charter schools and public funding.

STUDENT SUPPORT

Reentry roadblocks: students need support

Philadelphia youth returning from the juvenile justice system face significant challenges in reentering school, particularly in receiving credit for coursework completed while incarcerated. A Pennsylvania state law passed in 2022 aims to assist these students, but obstacles remain. Sammy Caiola, Chalkbeat Philadelphia's gun violence reporter, will host a virtual discussion on October 26 to address these issues and explore solutions. "Whether you have a child who's been incarcerated, teach justice-involved students, or are just curious about solutions, please join us," said Caiola. Attendance is free, but registration is required to participate and submit questions for the panel.

INTERNATIONAL

Thunberg joins French student protests

French high school students, joined by activist Greta Thunberg, are protesting against poor school conditions, including teacher shortages and overcrowded classrooms. The movement, now in its fourth week, has seen demonstrations and blockades across the country. Thunberg stated: "They should know that all over the world we are following these developments. We are inspired by the young people who are demanding their basic rights." The protests have led to clashes with police, resulting in injuries and arrests. Education Minister Edouard Geffray reported that around 200 schools were closed due to safety concerns related to the protests. The government is under pressure to address these issues amid rising national debt and a looming presidential election.

OTHER

The Balancing Act returns with a bang

The Balancing Act, a podcast hosted by New Jersey teachers Joe Vitale and Jamie Wanko, has launched its fourth season, featuring new partnerships and high-profile guests, including U.S. Senators Andy Kim and Cory Booker. Since its inception in 2023, the podcast has released over 100 episodes, focusing on the challenges educators face while balancing teaching and parenting. “For us, The Balancing Act is more than just a podcast. It's a community,” said Vitale. The new season includes segments developed with Teachers' Insurance Plan of NJ and NJ School Jobs, addressing issues like teacher burnout and technology management. New episodes are available every Tuesday on major podcast platforms.
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