News from August 2025
Iowa Department of Education receives federal grant for AmeriCorps college coaching program
The Iowa Department of Education has received nearly $500,000 in federal AmeriCorps funding through the Volunteer Iowa Commission.
Iowa Department of Education offers $850K grants for high school computer science credential programs
The Iowa Department of Education has announced the launch of a new $850,000 grant program aimed at helping high school students earn industry-recognized computer science credentials.
Horne urges Arizona governor to adopt federal tax credit for education
Horne has called on Governor Hobbs to have Arizona opt in to a new federal school tax credit, saying it would benefit students in all types of schools across the state. “Governor Hobbs has a very simple choice to make by having the state opt-in to...
AFT criticizes Trump’s federalization of D.C. police amid low crime rates
AFT President Randi Weingarten has responded to President Trump’s recent decision to federalize the Washington, D.C., police and deploy the National Guard in the city.
Virtual schooling maintains steady presence amid shifting K–12 landscape
The shift to virtual schooling that began during the COVID-19 pandemic has persisted for some families, even as most students returned to traditional classrooms.
Oregon officials urge families to apply for Summer EBT food benefits before deadline
Families in Oregon have until September 3, 2025, to apply for the Summer EBT program, which provides $120 per child to help cover grocery expenses during the summer months when school meal programs are less accessible.
State Board approves closure plan for twelve Missouri Schools for Severely Disabled
The State Board of Education has approved the permanent closure of 12 Missouri Schools for the Severely Disabled (MSSD) operated by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).
Missouri releases preliminary MAP assessment results showing statewide improvement
The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) has released preliminary results from the 2024-25 statewide Grade Level and End-of-Course (EOC) assessments.
Governor Shapiro highlights growth of summer jobs program for students with disabilities
Governor Josh Shapiro visited Overlook Park in Lancaster County to meet with students and supervisors involved in the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation's (OVR) MY Work program.
Jobs for the Future receives major grant for justice-involved workforce initiative
Jobs for the Future (JFF), a national nonprofit focused on education and workforce systems, has been awarded a $19.5 million grant from Ascendium Education Group to support its Fair Chance to Advance initiative.
National PTA recognizes hundreds of schools for excellence in family-school partnerships
National PTA has recognized 330 PTAs and schools across the United States, as well as Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) schools in Europe, as 2024-2026 National PTA Schools of Excellence.
Treasurer Garrity to return Purple Heart Medal to Vietnam veteran's family on Purple Heart Day
Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity will return a Purple Heart Medal to the family of Private First Class Ray Morgan, a Vietnam War veteran from Pennsylvania, during an event on Purple Heart Day.
Potential impact looms over school-based health services after major medicaid spending cuts
School-based health and wellness services may face significant challenges following the passage of a federal budget bill that will reduce Medicaid spending by about $1 trillion.
Mississippi Department of Education launches pilot AP courses in cybersecurity and business
The Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) has announced the introduction of Advanced Placement (AP) courses in Cybersecurity, Networking, and Business with Personal Finance.
Pennsylvania State Police give update on Susquehanna County incident
The Pennsylvania State Police provided an update regarding an incident that took place in Susquehanna County on the morning of August 7, 2025.
Treasurer Garrity returns Purple Heart Medal to family of Vietnam veteran
During a ceremony at Fort Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity returned a Purple Heart Medal to James Morgan, the son of Ray Alvin Morgan, a late U.S. Army veteran who was wounded in the Vietnam War.
Conservation leaders urge protection of native plants at Pennsylvania Capitol event
Environmental advocates, educators, and students assembled at the Pennsylvania State Capitol to emphasize the importance of native plants in preserving the state's ecosystems.
Governor Shapiro highlights permitting reforms tied to Amazon's $20B tech investment
Governor Josh Shapiro and Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Jessica Shirley visited the Keystone Trade Center to discuss the state's progress in speeding up permitting processes.
U.S. Secretary Linda McMahon joins Florida officials for record-breaking FAFSA beta event
U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon visited Fort Lauderdale to participate in the beta testing event for the 2026-27 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form.
Kansas State Board approves updated assessment cut scores to align with student achievement
The Kansas State Board of Education has approved new cut scores for state assessments, aiming to better align test results with actual student performance.