As the U.S. Department of Education (USDE) changes the way things have been done, states and school districts have pushed back by filing lawsuits. Historically, the USDE and its funding recipients have usually collaborated to resolve civil rights complaints, but recently that has not been the case. As a result,…
As reported by K-12 Dive, the National Association of School Nurses (NASN) is urging the continuation of vaccine mandates in K-12 schools to help protect children from preventable illnesses. As per NASN, school vaccine requirements significantly reduce the risk of disease outbreaks in schools and the broader communities. In fact,…
In a September 3, 2025 news conference, state Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo said Florida will aim to end all vaccine mandates, including those required for schoolchildren. Florida would thus become the first state to not require such vaccinations. Currently, the state requires a variety of immunizations for preschool and K-12…
One of the issues that comes to the forefront when dealing with a school shooting is the psychological impact it can have. The Psychological First Aid intervention provides guidance on responding to disaster, violence, or terrorism events. This version gives school administrators, educators, and staff practical assistance to meet immediate…
Statewide universal school meal programs are experiencing financial strain as state legislatures struggle to keep up with the unexpected demand from students eating free meals. According to the Food Research & Action Center, nine states implement their own universal school meal programs. Those states are California, Colorado, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan,…
Statewide universal school meal programs are experiencing financial strain as state legislatures struggle to keep up with the unexpected demand from students eating free meals. According to the Food Research & Action Center, nine states implement their own universal school meal programs. Those states are California, Colorado, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan,…
On August 7, 2025, Illinois became the first state to require school districts to provide universal mental health screenings for students when SB 1560 was passed into law. Under the law, which goes into effect for the 2027-28 school year, Illinois schools will receive access to free screening tools and…
As it continues its efforts to hand over more authority to states regarding how they spend their federal funds, the U.S. Department of Education (USDE) encouraged all states to seek waivers from the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA). On July 29, 2025 the USDE stated the requirements under that…
As it continues its efforts to hand over more authority to states regarding how they spend their federal funds, the U.S. Department of Education (USDE) encouraged all states to seek waivers from the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA). On July 29, 2025 the USDE stated the requirements under that…
On July 25, 2025 the Trump administration signed on to a court-approved agreement temporarily pausing enforcement of recent policy changes that restrict some education-related federal programs (i.e., Head Start, dual enrollment, adult education, and CTE) based on students’ immigration or citizenship status. The agreement, filed in U.S. District Court for…
