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11th November 2026
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THE HOT STORY

Anthropic adopts enforceable AI safety and data privacy protections for teachers

Anthropic has agreed to introduce contractually enforceable safety and data privacy protections for school districts using its Claude for Teachers platform, strengthening safeguards around artificial intelligence (AI) in K-12 education. The agreement adopts standards developed through the National Academy for AI Instruction, a five-year, $23m partnership involving the American Federation of Teachers, Anthropic, Microsoft, and OpenAI. Key provisions restrict the use of student and educator data for AI model training, require ongoing breach notification and mitigation, and establish additional oversight for higher-risk technologies, including biometric data collection, profiling, and tracking. School districts must also implement policies and staff training to ensure human oversight of AI-assisted grading, disciplinary decisions, and student placement. While the agreement builds on similar protections adopted by Microsoft, its scope is limited to Claude for Teachers and does not automatically extend to third-party applications using Anthropic’s models. Teachers’ union representatives welcomed the move but emphasized the need for stronger federal regulation, while negotiations with OpenAI remain ongoing.

MATH, ACTUALLY PODCAST

Bringing Joy and Purpose to Math Learning

What does it look like when students learn math in a way that feels personal? And how can teachers help students become confident mathematical thinkers rather than simply followers of step-by-step procedures? At the heart of authentic math learning is developing self-regulating learners who can reflect on their understanding, recognize what they need, and take steps toward growth. 

Authentic math learning creates opportunities for students across K-12 to explore meaningful problems, use visual representations, collaborate with peers, and develop mathematical reasoning. But how can educators create these experiences while bringing more joy and purpose to math learning? 

Hear from Cheryl Tobey, M.Ed., in this episode of the podcast Math, Actually as she explores authentic math learning, student sense-making, and what it means for students to truly do mathematics.

Watch the Full Episode 

 

CONSTRUCTION AND RENOVATION

New York leads U.S. school construction costs

K-12 school construction costs across the United States have increased by more than 9% between the fouth quarter of 2025 and and the fourth quarter of 2026, according to Gordian’s latest RSMeans Data. National average elementary school construction costs rose 12.3% to $291.16 per square foot, while junior high costs increased 11% to $285.86, high school costs climbed 9.2% to $287.61, and vocational school costs rose 9.7% to $263.16. New York remained the most expensive of the 10 cities surveyed, with elementary school construction reaching $378.52 per square foot and high school construction costing $380.77, compared with $243.75 and $240.48, respectively, in Houston, the least expensive market. Honolulu also recorded elevated costs, with elementary schools reaching $351.06 per square foot. Rising construction expenses are complicating decisions about renovations, replacements, energy efficiency, security upgrades, and technology investments.

LEGAL

U.S. schools face growing legal challenges as parents dispute student grades

U.S. schools are facing increasing pressure from parents challenging student grades and teacher evaluations, with disputes increasingly escalating into legal action. A 2024 Education Week survey found that 40% of American teachers had experienced parental pressure to change grades, particularly in affluent communities where competition for university admission is intense. In California, two Palo Alto families have pursued legal challenges involving a third grader’s behavioral assessment and a high school student’s essay flagged as 76% artificial intelligence (AI)-generated. The latter lawsuit was withdrawn in September without a settlement. Meanwhile, a Tennessee teacher resigned after accusing administrators of changing a student’s grade to satisfy a parent, although the district disputed that characterization. Educators warn that growing parental intervention could undermine teacher authority, academic standards, and student accountability. The disputes also highlight concerns about the reliability of AI-detection software, fairness in school disciplinary procedures, and the increasing legal scrutiny surrounding classroom assessments.

Jeffco public schools secures temporary funding protection amid trans student policy dispute

Colorado’s Jeffco Public Schools has suspended its lawsuit against the Trump administration after the U.S. Department of Education agreed not to pursue enforcement action that could jeopardize more than $50m in federal funding over the district’s policies supporting transgender students. A federal judge approved the indefinite pause on November 10, although the agreement requires the government to provide 45 days’ notice before restarting enforcement proceedings, allowing the district to resume litigation. The dispute centers on whether policies permitting transgender students to use bathrooms and participate in sports consistent with their gender identities violate Title IX. The agreement follows Colorado voters’ approval of Proposition 134, which will restrict transgender students’ participation in school sports beginning January 1, 2027. Jeffco plans to update its athletic policies accordingly but maintains that the lawsuit’s suspension is unrelated to the election result.

Minnesota educators defend at-risk student funding

Minnesota lawmakers are questioning how effectively the state’s $857m in annual compensatory education funding supports struggling students, as a new Blue Ribbon Task Force report recommends expanding eligibility at an additional cost of $100m-$200m annually. The funding supports students facing economic disadvantages, language barriers, and other educational challenges, paying for services including tutoring, teacher aides, bilingual programs, and summer school. However, some lawmakers are demanding clearer evidence of improved academic outcomes before approving additional spending. Cathy Erickson, executive director of the Minnesota Association of School Business Officials, emphasized the program’s purpose, stating, “The task of using compensatory funding is straightforward. It is helping those students who need extra help.” She explained the difficulty of measuring its effectiveness, adding, “I think what makes it so complex is that compensatory is not a standalone. It is used in complement to other funding sources.” Rather than requiring direct performance measurements, the task force has recommended that school districts provide written explanations of how funds are allocated and why particular programs are selected.

FINANCE

Budget woes deepen for Sacramento schools

Sacramento City USD (SCUSD) is facing significant financial challenges as its revised budget has been disapproved by the Sacramento County Office of Education (SCOE). Superintendent Jacqueline White highlighted concerns over a projected negative unrestricted balance of $166.3m by year-end and a lack of clarity in the budget solutions presented. “This lack of clarity on what solutions are included or not included in the revised budget documents makes it difficult to accurately measure the insolvency risk and timing,” White said. Tensions have escalated between SCUSD and SCOE, particularly after fiscal adviser Luz Cázares rescinded an agreement with the teachers' union that was expected to provide $97.6m in relief. SCUSD spokesperson Brian Heap emphasized the district's commitment to partnership but criticized SCOE for hindering progress. The district has five working days to select members for a budget review committee, which must make recommendations by November 30.

TECHNOLOGY

AI to revolutionize teacher feedback

Researchers are exploring whether artificial intelligence (AI) can enhance the evaluation of a crucial teaching skill known as "professional noticing." This skill involves observing and interpreting students' problem-solving approaches to improve learning outcomes. Supported by a $67,875 grant from the National Science Foundation, the study will utilize generative AI tools like Claude and ChatGPT to assess the professional noticing abilities of 150 in-service and preservice math teachers. Molly Fisher, a professor at Rowan University, emphasized the need for timely feedback, stating: "We can’t get good feedback to teachers quickly." The project aims to develop AI tools that provide rapid, actionable insights to educators, potentially transforming how they assess and improve their instructional practices. The research is set to begin data collection in spring 2027, with the goal of delivering feedback reports within 24 hours of observation.

DISTRICTS

State takeover of Memphis-Shelby County Schools remains on hold

Tennessee's proposed state takeover of Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) will remain suspended until at least December as a legal dispute continues over whether the district meets the statutory criteria for state intervention. Shelby County Chancery Judge JoeDae L. Jenkins has maintained a temporary injunction preventing the takeover board from assuming control, with a December 2 hearing scheduled to address jurisdictional and procedural questions. MSCS argues that the state lacked sufficient evidence to justify intervention, citing incomplete student achievement and absenteeism data, as well as disputed superintendent turnover criteria. State attorneys contend that the district filed its challenge through the wrong legal process and are seeking dismissal. Meanwhile, consulting firm MGT has developed preliminary oversight plans, including approval procedures for contracts exceeding $50,000 and a recommendation to appoint a new superintendent by December. Replacing current Superintendent Roderick Richmond could trigger a contract payout approaching $500,000.

NUTRITION

Federal bill seeks to give students more time for school meals and recess

U.S. lawmakers have introduced the Healthy Meal Time Act, legislation aimed at ensuring students have sufficient time to eat nutritious meals and participate in recess during the school day. Sponsored by Reps. Kim Schrier (D-WA) and Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), the bill would direct the U.S. Department of Agriculture, in consultation with the Department of Education, to study school meal and recess schedules and identify best practices. Although no federal minimum lunch period currently exists, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends at least 20 minutes of seated eating time. The proposed study would consider this guidance, time spent on activities other than eating, and the additional time students may need to consume minimally processed and unprocessed foods. Schrier, a pediatrician, emphasized that students sometimes skip meals to maximize recess time, arguing that better scheduling could improve nutrition, physical activity, concentration, and overall health.

HIGHER EDUCATION

U.S. Senate passes bipartisan RISE Act to simplify college disability accommodations

The U.S. Senate has passed the bipartisan Respond, Innovate, Succeed, and Empower (RISE) Act, legislation designed to make it easier for students with disabilities to access accommodations when transitioning from K-12 education to college. The bill would allow students who previously received disability-related services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act to use existing documentation, including individualized education programs (IEPs) and Section 504 plans, as proof of disability when requesting accommodations in higher education. This would eliminate the need for additional testing or evaluations, reducing administrative barriers for students seeking continued support. The legislation was introduced by Sens. Jim Banks (R-IN) and Bill Cassidy (R-LA), alongside Sen. Maggie Hassan (D-NH). It now advances to the House of Representatives, where Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) has previously introduced equivalent legislation. The House must approve the bill before the end of 2026, or lawmakers will need to restart the legislative process in 2027.

Harris seeks last-minute repeal of career college funding rule

Rep. Mark Harris (R-NC) is seeking to pass the PARITY Act before Congress adjourns, aiming to eliminate the federal 90/10 rule governing for-profit colleges and career schools. The regulation requires these institutions to obtain at least 10% of their revenue from sources other than federal education aid, a restriction that does not apply to public or nonprofit colleges. Harris argues that newer federal student aid accountability measures make the rule redundant and is considering attaching the repeal to broader legislation, potentially the annual defense authorization bill. However, the Department of Education estimates that eliminating the requirement would cost approximately $1.5bn over 10 years because of increased federal student lending. Supporters contend that the rule creates unnecessary compliance costs, while veterans’ advocacy groups warn that repeal could weaken protections against poorly performing institutions receiving federal funds. With approximately 20 legislative days remaining and Democrats set to control both chambers in January, Harris faces a limited window to secure passage before the legislation would need to be reintroduced.

INTERNATIONAL

French students blockade dozens of high schools

French students have blockaded dozens of high schools as nationwide demonstrations over education funding, learning conditions, and rising living costs continue to escalate. On November 10, authorities reported that 49 of France’s 3,700 high schools were affected, with thousands of students expected to demonstrate in Paris. The protests, which began in September, have expanded into a broader movement against economic pressures, drawing approximately 575,000 demonstrators nationwide last Thursday, according to government estimates, while unions claimed 1.5m participants. Student and teacher unions have called for intensified action, arguing that government concessions, including additional resources for disadvantaged schools and changes to university admissions, remain insufficient. Meanwhile, labor unions have criticized the government’s proposed 0.6% minimum wage increase above inflation adjustments and announced further strikes for November 17.
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