News from August 2025
Chicagoland teacher uses global education framework to empower immigrant student voices
In a classroom in Chicagoland, an English teacher at Morton East High School is working to give students from immigrant and first-generation backgrounds more than just language skills.
Charter Schools Program sees doubling of applications as demand rises
Applications for the federal Charter Schools Program (CSP) have doubled in the most recent cycle, according to an announcement last week from the Department of Education.
Florida sees nearly 18 percent drop in teacher vacancies for upcoming school year
The Florida Department of Education reported a 17.7% decrease in teacher vacancies for the 2025-2026 school year compared to the previous year.
Shapiro Administration unveils upgraded flood warning system with focus on schools
The Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) and its partners have announced an upgrade to the state's weather monitoring and alerting system, known as IFLOWS 2.0.
Horne disputes AG Mayes’ claim over role in release of federal school funds
Superintendent Tom Horne has responded to recent statements by Attorney General Mayes regarding the release of federal school funds.
Daniel Montgomery named next executive director at American Library Association
Daniel Montgomery, a longtime English teacher and union leader, will take on the role of executive director at the American Library Association (ALA) this November.
Louisiana launches student oratory contest for Celebrate Freedom Week
The Louisiana Department of Education and the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation & Institute have started a statewide oratory competition for students as part of Celebrate Freedom Week and in recognition of America’s 250th anniversary.
Nevada State Board selects six superintendent finalists for public interviews
The Nevada State Board of Education has chosen six finalists to interview for the role of Superintendent of Public Instruction.
Pennsylvania begins construction on new roundhouse at Railroad Museum
The Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission (PHMC) and the Department of General Services (DGS) have announced the start of construction on a new six-stall roundhouse at the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania in Strasburg, Lancaster County.
Pennsylvania breaks ground on new roundhouse at Railroad Museum
The Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission (PHMC) and the Department of General Services (DGS) have started construction on a new roundhouse at the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania.
Shapiro Administration highlights upgraded flood warning system and new K-12 weather curriculum
Officials from the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA), Greencastle-Antrim School District, Penn State University, and the National Weather Service are set to highlight recent improvements to the state’s weather monitoring system and a...
Florida’s back-to-school sales tax holiday returns for all of August
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has announced that the state's Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday will return this year, running from August 1 through August 31.
Attorney General Sunday and Senator Pennycuick organize law enforcement roundtable in Douglassville
Attorney General Dave Sunday and Pennsylvania Senator Tracy Pennycuick are set to host a roundtable with law enforcement and community leaders from Berks and Montgomery counties.
Federal funding changes raise concerns for state early childhood education systems
The National Governors Association (NGA) convened its Human Services Advisors Network on July 23 to discuss the effects of proposed federal funding changes on state and territory early childhood care and education systems.
Report details outcomes from High-Quality Instructional Materials and Professional Development Network
Instructional materials, such as textbooks and digital resources, are a key part of K–12 education in the United States.
Parents Defending Education rebrands to Defending Education, expands to higher education
Parents Defending Education, an organization that started in April 2021, has announced an expansion into higher education and a name change to Defending Education.
National PTA awards grants to boost family engagement and student support initiatives
National PTA has announced the recipients of $70,000 in grants aimed at supporting family engagement and student well-being in schools across the United States.
Horne urges Arizona parents to watch for inappropriate classroom content
Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne is advising parents to monitor classroom content as the new school year begins.
Rutgers CESP receives $1.2 million grant for statewide inclusive education project
Rutgers University’s Center for Effective School Practices (CESP) has received a $1.2 million grant from the New Jersey Department of Education to fund The BRIDGE Initiative, a project aimed at improving inclusive education through enhanced family...
State assumes full management of Jasper County School District after board dissolved
The State Board of Education has unanimously approved the request by State Superintendent of Education Ellen Weaver for the South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE) to take full management control over the Jasper County School District (JCSD).