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USA
21st October 2026
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THE HOT STORY

Only 10% of U.S. students have recovered from pandemic learning losses

Just 10% of U.S. students attend school districts where reading and math achievement has returned to pre-pandemic levels, according to the Center on Reinventing Public Education's 2026 State of the American Student report. The study highlights persistent learning gaps, chronic absenteeism, and inconsistent state education policies, with Louisiana the only state where both reading and math scores have surpassed 2019 levels. Just 13 states have established clear, accessible student learning goals, while no state has restored attendance to pre-pandemic levels. Although 43 states have enacted science of reading laws and 18 have introduced math instruction legislation, implementation and accountability remain uneven. The report also identifies shortcomings in career preparation and artificial intelligence policies, with only Maryland requiring artificial intellgence tools to be evaluated for academic outcomes. Researchers warn that widening achievement disparities and politically divided approaches could deepen educational inequality, urging states to prioritize evidence-based instruction, stronger accountability, and coordinated academic recovery strategies.

BLENDED LEARNING

An Administrator's Guide to Blended Learning

Online learning doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing approach. Explore blended learning with this comprehensive guide from FlexPoint®, which includes:
  • Worksheets to define your school’s needs
  • Outline of blended learning classroom models
  • List of questions to ask curriculum providers
  • Best practices for educator training
  • Instructional strategies and tips
  • Key benefits for you, students, and staff
Download the FlexPoint guide to find the right mix of face-to-face and online instruction for your school or district.

Download Free Guide

 

LEADERSHIP

California's education leaders set out priorities for state's next governor

The California Department of Education has been identified as a central priority for the state's next governor, with six prominent education leaders calling for governance reform, improved school funding, stronger academic outcomes, and reduced administrative burdens. Under legislation taking effect January 1, 2027, the governor must restructure the department under the governor's office and appoint an education commissioner by June 1. Recommendations include expanding affordable teacher credential pathways, improving math and literacy achievement, addressing declining enrollment, and streamlining regulations, with districts currently required to submit 103 state reports annually. California Teachers Association President David Goldberg has also called for full funding of public schools serving 6 million students, smaller class sizes, and expanded mental health services, while other leaders emphasized stronger accountability and more effective coordination across education agencies.

Missouri education chief steps down as school gradings dispute fuels leadership shake-up

Missouri interim Education Commissioner Stacey Preis has resigned after just four months in the role, amid controversy over the state's proposed A-F grading system for public schools and speculation about her potential dismissal. Her departure follows a decision to delay the release of school ratings beyond Gov. Mike Kehoe's September 30 deadline, citing concerns about accuracy, transparency, and implementation. Preis criticized the additional grading requirements and warned that schools need greater financial and institutional support rather than further scrutiny. Senate President Pro Tem Cindy O'Laughlin has emerged as a possible successor, although her candidacy remains unconfirmed and questions have been raised about her qualifications. The Missouri State Board of Education has appointed The K12 Search Group to conduct a nationwide search, while continuing to develop the controversial rating system amid budget constraints and opposition from school administrators.

NYC Education Chancellor pressed on school segregation

New York City Schools Chancellor Kamar Samuels has faced criticism over the absence of a clear strategy to reduce segregation in the city's public schools following a contentious town hall on Tuesday with New York Times journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones. During the 40-minute exchange, Samuels declined to commit to specific integration policies or a timeline, emphasizing the need for community support before implementing changes. Although Mayor Zohran Mamdani has identified desegregation as an urgent priority, the administration has yet to outline a comprehensive plan. Samuels highlighted efforts to address underenrolled, highly segregated schools serving approximately 30,000 students, alongside initiatives to expand inclusive education for students with disabilities. He also expressed reservations about eliminating selective admissions as a solution to segregation. Advocates and parents criticized the lack of concrete commitments, raising concerns about persistent educational inequalities affecting Black, Latino, low-income, and other vulnerable students.

FINANCE

Maine district weighs consolidation as town withdrawal votes threaten funding

Maine School Administrative District 58 (MSAD 58) has postponed decisions on school closures and consolidation until after November 3, when residents of Kingfield and Strong will vote on whether to withdraw from the district. Facing declining enrollment, aging facilities, and rising maintenance costs, the district is considering three restructuring options, all involving the closure of Phillips Elementary School. Proposals range from consolidating students into existing buildings to constructing a new prekindergarten-through-eighth-grade school at Mt. Abram High School. Enrollment has fallen by 38 students over the past year, resulting in a $300,000 reduction in state funding. Officials warn that the withdrawal of either town could further undermine the district's financial sustainability and threaten the future of Mt. Abram High School. The board has approved continued planning with architectural firm Oak Point Associates but will await the election results before selecting a strategy.

Nebraska school funding overhaul could deliver $55.5m in additional aid

Nebraska’s School Financing Review Commission has approved 18 recommendations aimed at increasing state funding for the state’s 244 school districts and reducing reliance on local property taxes. Proposals include raising per-student foundation aid by at least 4% annually, from $1,500 to $1,560 in 2027-28, and maintaining the state’s contribution to school funding at a minimum of 51%. The changes would also revise funding calculations for poverty, English language learners, enrollment, and spending limits. If implemented, the reforms would provide approximately $55.5m in additional annual aid, benefiting 232 districts. However, commissioners remain divided over whether the state should assume a greater share of education costs. The proposals face significant financial challenges, with Nebraska confronting a projected $209m budget deficit through mid-2027. Lawmakers will consider the recommendations during the 2027 legislative session.

TECHNOLOGY

AI transforms education and parenting

Artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping educational and workplace dynamics, leaving parents, teachers, and children uncertain about how to adapt. Economist Daniel Susskind, in his book "What Should My Children Do? How to Flourish in the Age of AI," emphasizes the importance of basic skills like literacy and critical thinking, stating: "We must find a way for the next generation to flourish with AI." He advocates for teaching AI as a core skill in schools while ensuring traditional skills are not neglected. Professor Sonia Livingstone from the London School of Economics highlights the challenges parents face in supporting their children’s AI learning, noting that many rely on parental controls instead of engaging in discussions about technology. She stresses the need for families to converse about AI's benefits and pitfalls, while Dr. Mhairi Aitken points out that understanding AI's broader societal impacts is crucial for children. Overall, a balanced approach to AI education is essential for future generations.

NYC students walk out in protest over AI's impact on education and creative careers

Nearly 100 students at LaGuardia High School in Manhattan have staged a walkout demanding a freeze on artificial intelligence, citing concerns about its impact on critical thinking, creativity, and future employment opportunities. The October 20 protest, part of a nationwide movement involving high school and college students, saw demonstrators march to Lincoln Center to oppose the growing use of AI in education. Students argued that AI-generated content undermines original artistic work, criticizing the use of AI-created music and posters for school activities. New York City has introduced a one-year pause on generative AI for students through eighth grade, while permitting restricted use in high schools through approved pilot programs and career training. Education officials maintain that older students need AI literacy to prepare for the workforce, but protesters warn that increasing reliance on the technology could weaken learning and threaten careers in the creative industries.

OPERATIONS

PE-backed autism therapy chains face scrutiny over excessive treatment hours

Major U.S. autism therapy providers backed by private equity firms are facing scrutiny following a Wall Street Journal investigation into pressure on employees to maximize billable treatment hours. An analysis of Medicaid claims found that five leading chains billed an average of 29% more weekly therapy hours per patient than competitors in 2024, with four exceeding local rivals. Former employees alleged that some providers prioritized lengthy treatment schedules, discouraged reductions in therapy hours, and turned away children requiring less intensive care. The companies dispute these claims, maintaining that treatment decisions reflect individual patient needs and clinical assessments. Medicaid spending on autism therapy reached $10bn last year, up from approximately $2bn in 2021. Federal guidelines emphasize individualized treatment and caution against routinely scheduling young children for 40 hours of weekly therapy.

SCHOOL TRANSPORT

Rising school bus fuel costs threaten classroom funding as districts face budget shortfalls

U.S. school districts are facing mounting financial pressure as diesel prices surge, forcing administrators to consolidate bus routes, reduce nonessential travel, tap reserves, and divert funding from other programs. Texas’ North East Independent School District has already spent $1.1m of its $1.6m annual fuel budget, with statewide diesel prices reaching $5.77 per gallon, compared with $3.11 a year earlier. A national survey found that 56% of districts exceeded their diesel budgets in 2025-26, while 40% consolidated bus routes, and 19% used financial reserves. Elleka Yost, director of advocacy and research at the Association of School Business Officials International, warned that districts may have to "transfer funds from other programs, tap reserves, or reduce staff and programs altogether" to cover rising costs. She cautioned that "sustained reliance on reserves to pay for recurring obligations" could signal deeper financial difficulties. Yost also highlighted the impact on education funding, commenting: "When more funds must be spent on fuel and transportation, it is a huge opportunity cost, as fewer dollars go to students and classrooms." She added that supplemental state transportation funding could help districts manage the financial strain.

ELEMENTARY

Iowa City Schools reviews elementary closures

The Iowa City Community School District has begun evaluating the potential closure of three to six elementary schools as part of efforts to reduce spending by $32.5m over the next four years. A newly established 27-member community committee is reviewing enrollment trends, building capacity, and attendance boundaries across the district's 20 elementary schools, with consultants estimating potential savings of $895,985 to $1.8m per closure. The review follows financial difficulties involving a $10m interfund loan used to cover salaries and concerns over inaccurate revenue projections. Potential closures could begin in the 2027–28 academic year, with the committee expected to present recommendations to the school board in February 2027 following public consultation in January.

INTERNATIONAL

Japan's Education Ministry limits digital-only textbooks amid health and learning concerns

Japan's Ministry of Education has drafted guidelines establishing a hybrid model of paper and digital textbooks as the standard from the 2030 academic year, with digital content serving a supplementary role amid concerns about student health and learning outcomes. Fully digital textbooks would be prohibited for students in fourth grade and below, while older students could use digital-only materials in selected subjects, including English, music, and art. Artificial intelligence features would initially be excluded. The proposed framework would begin in elementary schools in 2030, expand to junior high schools in 2031, and reach high schools from 2032. A ministry survey found support for hybrid textbooks among 88.3% of elementary school decision-makers, 86.3% at junior high level, and 78.4% at high school level.

AND FINALLY......

Family of five-year-old Oregon school shooting victim calls for worldwide tribute through art

The family of Rhoam Summer, a five-year-old killed in a mass shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon, has called on people worldwide to honor his memory through drawings and artwork. Rhoam is believed to be the youngest victim of a deliberate mass shooting at a U.S. school, according to researchers tracking school gun violence. The October 15 attack, carried out by a 16-year-old former student, killed three children and teacher Megan Lambert, while injuring two others. Rhoam's parents described their son as kind, generous, and passionate about drawing and storytelling. The tragedy, the 36th shooting on U.S. K-12 school grounds this year, has renewed concerns about school safety and gun violence, although researchers note that school shootings have declined from their 2023 peak.

 
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