News from May 2025
Court blocks effort to dismantle U.S. Department of Education
Public school children and educators have welcomed a recent court ruling that temporarily halts the dismantling of the U.S. Department of Education.
Supreme Court rejects taxpayer-funded virtual religious charter school
The U.S. Supreme Court has decided against the establishment of a taxpayer-funded virtual religious charter school, maintaining the decision of the Oklahoma Supreme Court.
Falcon banding event at Rachel Carson building to be livestreamed
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) will livestream the banding of peregrine falcon nestlings from the Rachel Carson State Office Building on May 22, 2025.
Florida education commissioner announces May book selections
Tallahassee, Fla., May 23, 2025 – Florida Commissioner of Education Manny Diaz, Jr. has announced the books selected for March in the Commissioner’s Book of the Month initiative.
Uthmeier and Diaz partner on memorandum for parental rights protection
Attorney General James Uthmeier and Florida Commissioner of Education Manny Diaz, Jr. have signed a Memorandum of Agreement to collaborate on protecting parental rights in the state's education system.
Vermont Agency addresses special education staffing shortages with new guidance
The Vermont Agency of Education has released new guidance to address staffing shortages affecting the provision of special education.
Governor Shapiro discusses historic K-12 education investments at Philadelphia high school
Governor Josh Shapiro recently visited A. Philip Randolph Career and Technical High School in Philadelphia to discuss the impact of his administration's investments in public education.
Broward College professor awarded 2025 Higher Educator of the Year
The National Education Association (NEA) has announced that Dr. Teresa M. Hodge, a mathematics professor at Broward College in Florida, will receive the 2025 Higher Educator of the Year award.
AFT president reflects on five years since George Floyd's death
On the eve of the fifth anniversary of George Floyd's death, American Federation of Teachers (AFT) President Randi Weingarten released a statement reflecting on the ongoing pursuit of justice.
Governor Shapiro highlights proposed investments at University of Pittsburgh's Space Institute
Governor Josh Shapiro, alongside Department of Community and Economic Development Secretary Rick Siger, visited the Space Institute at the University of Pittsburgh to emphasize his administration's focus on advancing Pennsylvania's innovation...
Connecticut invests over $7 million in youth mental health through ARPA grant program
Connecticut has continued its investment in youth mental health with the ARPA Summer Mental Health Supports Grant Program, launched in August 2023.
Pennsylvania honors 15 institutions for mental health initiatives
The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) has acknowledged 15 postsecondary institutions for their efforts in supporting student mental health and preventing suicide.
Shapiro Administration increases funding for Pennsylvania Farm Vitality Grants
The Shapiro Administration has announced an increase in funding available to Pennsylvania farmers through the Pennsylvania Farm Vitality Grants.
Pennsylvania officials stress no-phone rule for drivers as new law takes effect
Officials from various Pennsylvania state departments will convene to emphasize the importance of avoiding cell phone use while driving.
Shapiro administration announces enforcement date for 'Paul Miller's Law
The Shapiro Administration is emphasizing road safety with the implementation of "Paul Miller's Law," which will take effect on June 5.
Pennsylvania honors 15 colleges for mental health initiatives
Pennsylvania is set to acknowledge 15 postsecondary institutions for their efforts in supporting student mental health and preventing suicide. Dr. Lynette Kuhn, Deputy Secretary of Postsecondary and Higher Education from the Pennsylvania...
Louisiana reports significant gains in K-3 student reading levels
The Louisiana Department of Education has reported a notable improvement in reading levels among K-3 students for the 2024-2025 school year.
Governor Shapiro announces $50 million investment in Pennsylvania innovation
Governor Josh Shapiro and Department of Community and Economic Development Secretary Rick Siger are set to meet with local leaders and innovators at the University of Pittsburgh.
Educators address leadership challenges and advocate for systemic change
Educators are highlighting leadership, identity, and systemic change within the education sector.
Teacher Tapp survey finds majority of teachers say professional development helps improve skills
Teacher Tapp has released survey results indicating that the majority of teachers believe their professional development is beneficial, with a significant interest in school-based research groups.