News from August 2025
Experts weigh benefits and risks as schools consider education-focused artificial intelligence
As schools continue to explore the use of artificial intelligence in classrooms, questions remain about how best to implement education-focused AI tools.
North Dakota partners with college culinary program to improve school meal nutrition
A partnership between the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction (NDDPI) and the culinary arts program at the North Dakota State College of Science in Wahpeton aims to enhance school meal preparation by focusing on reducing sodium and sugar...
Iowa Department of Education launches new grants for teacher recognition
The Iowa Department of Education has announced a new round of competitive grants totaling $8 million to support school districts in identifying and rewarding teachers who accelerate student learning.
Maryland reports continued improvement in math and English scores on annual state assessments
State assessment scores in Maryland have shown improvement in both mathematics and English language arts, according to the latest results from the Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program (MCAP) for the 2024-25 school year.
Applications open for U.S. Senate Youth Program; two Louisiana students to attend Washington Week
Applications are now open for the 64th annual United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP), which will be held in Washington, D.C., from March 7 to March 14, 2026.
Colorado reports slight drop in student attendance; chronic absenteeism continues upward trend
Statewide student attendance in Colorado for the 2024-25 school year showed little change compared to the previous year, according to data released by the Colorado Department of Education (CDE).
First Lady Dawn Moore visits Montgomery County schools with state superintendent
First Lady Dawn Moore visited two elementary schools in Montgomery County on August 27, accompanied by Maryland State Superintendent of Schools Dr. Carey M. Wright and other local officials.
South Carolina launches statewide access to Zearn Math for K-8 students
The South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE) has announced a new statewide initiative to improve math education for K-8 students.
Louisiana Department of Education matches state funding for Steve Carter Tutoring Program
The Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) will match the state’s $5 million investment in the Steve Carter Tutoring Program for the 2025–2026 school year, bringing the total funding for the program to $10 million.
Arizona superintendent responds after ESA fraud case leads to conviction
Superintendent Tom Horne has addressed recent accusations regarding the management of Arizona's Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) program.
AFT leaders respond after fatal school shooting in Minneapolis
Two children were killed and more than a dozen injured in a mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis, prompting responses from national education leaders.
Character.org names TiliT as first workplace excellence honoree
Character.org and CharacterPlus have announced that TiliT, a Brazilian company offering shared executive co-working spaces, is the first recipient of the Character Excellence in the Workplace Recognition.
Missouri names seven finalists for 2026 Teacher of the Year award
Seven educators have been named finalists for the 2026 Missouri Teacher of the Year award, according to an announcement from the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).
AFT criticizes Medicare's use of AI for medical procedure approvals
A new Medicare pilot program will use artificial intelligence to help decide whether certain medical procedures, including spine surgeries and steroid injections, are approved or denied.
Wyoming student test scores improve statewide; science surpasses pre-pandemic levels
The Wyoming Department of Education has published the results for the 2024-25 Wyoming Test of Proficiency and Progress (WY-TOPP) and Wyoming Alternate Assessment (WY-ALT).
School officials urge drivers to follow laws as students return to classrooms
As students in Washington prepare to return to school, transportation teams are working to ensure buses are ready for daily student commutes.
Character.org invites educators to share stories for “Voices from the Field” project
Character.org is inviting educators from National Schools of Character to contribute to its “Voices from the Field” initiative.
Minnesota AFL-CIO president urges unity during Labor Day celebrations
Labor Day is being marked with renewed calls to recognize the role of unions and workers in shaping the country.
South Carolina rolls out digital mapping system for public school emergency response
The South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE) has announced a partnership with Critical Response Group, Inc. (CRG) to provide every public K-12 school in the state with an up-to-date digital map.
North Dakota Department of Public Instruction moves forward with school data migration contract
NDDPI recently initiated a request for proposals (RFP) in July to address school data migration needs.