News from August 2025
Concerns rise as White House pushes rapid expansion of AI-supporting data centers
As generative artificial intelligence continues to make its way into classrooms, a new federal initiative could bring more of the technology’s infrastructure closer to schools.
Program supports Black girls’ interest in math through enrichment camps
In Philadelphia, a summer pilot program is working to address the underrepresentation of Black girls in math and science.
Rhode Island Department of Education issues new guidelines on classroom artificial intelligence
Governor Dan McKee, Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green, and the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) have released new guidance to help local education agencies across the state develop responsible and effective approaches for using...
Texas Education Agency releases updated A–F accountability ratings after two-year delay
The Texas Education Agency (TEA) has released the 2025 A–F Accountability Ratings, ending a two-year delay caused by lawsuits.
North Dakota details transition plan for adopting Infinite Campus student information system
As North Dakota moves forward with the implementation of Infinite Campus, a student information system (SIS), several questions have emerged from educators and administrators regarding the transition process.
Texas Education Agency publishes delayed A–F accountability ratings for schools
The Texas Education Agency (TEA) has released the 2025 A–F Accountability Ratings, ending a two-year delay caused by lawsuits.
Iowa Department of Education to host annual STEM Day at state fair
The Iowa Governor’s STEM Advisory Council, part of the Iowa Department of Education, will host its annual STEM Day at the Iowa State Fair on Sunday, August 17.
Innovation Grants Committee to meet at South Carolina Department of Education August 18
The Innovation Grants Committee is scheduled to meet at the South Carolina Department of Education on August 18 at 10:00 a.m. The agenda for the meeting is available online
Federal court blocks Trump-era directives affecting public school curriculum
A federal court has ruled against the Trump administration’s attempt to require school districts across the United States to censor certain lessons, abandon student support programs, and certify compliance with an interpretation of civil rights...
Missouri names semi-finalists for 2026 Teacher of the Year award
The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) has named 17 educators as semi-finalists for the 2026 Missouri Teacher of the Year award.
Washington superintendent criticizes new federal school privatization tax credit
Congress has passed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which includes a new school privatization tax credit.
Horne criticizes prosecution's handling of armed intruder case at Tucson school
Daniel Hollander was arrested in January after entering an east Tucson school armed with a gun and knife.
North Dakota seeks applicants for health content standards revision committee
The North Dakota Department of Public Instruction (NDDPI) will start revising the state's Health Content Standards in October 2025.
Iowa Department of Education opens nominations for 2026 STEM Teacher Award
The Iowa Department of Education's Governor’s STEM Advisory Council has announced the start of the nomination process for the 2026 Iowa STEM Teacher Award, in partnership with Google.
State-by-state gaps widen sharply in K-12 education spending since Great Recession
Over the past several decades, the gap in K-12 education spending between states has widened, according to a recent analysis of state-level data.
DeSantis announces lawsuit against textbook publishers over alleged overcharging
Governor Ron DeSantis has announced legal action against textbook publishers McGraw Hill and Savvas Learning, alleging that they overcharged Florida school districts for instructional materials.
Nebraska awards $1 million in grants for teacher apprenticeship expansion
The Nebraska Department of Education has awarded about $1 million in funding to Chadron State College and the University of Nebraska–Lincoln as part of the third round of the state’s “Grow Your Own” Teacher Apprenticeship Competitive Sub-Grant...
Iowa reports gains in reading and science but high school math lags behind
The Iowa Department of Education has released the spring 2025 results from the Iowa Statewide Assessment of Student Progress (ISASP), showing improvements in English language arts (ELA) and science proficiency among students in grades 3-11.
Rhode Island launches new partnership to support student mental health in schools
As part of efforts to address the youth mental health crisis and improve student attendance, Rhode Island officials have announced a new partnership focused on supporting students’ well-being.
North Carolina launches joint strategic plan aiming for top national ranking by 2030
The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) and the State Board of Education (SBE) have launched a new strategic plan called "Achieving Educational Excellence," aiming to make North Carolina’s public schools the best in the country...