News from November 2025
Shapiro Administration reports increase in school bus law violations during Operation Safe Stop
The Shapiro Administration has announced the results of Operation Safe Stop, an annual initiative focused on school bus safety in Pennsylvania.
New York adopts K-12 requirements for personal finance and climate education
The New York State Board of Regents has approved new regulations requiring public schools to teach personal finance and climate education to students in grades K-12.
Millions risk losing SNAP benefits while schools brace for increased demand on meal programs
Starting in November, millions of adults and children may lose access to food assistance through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) if Congress does not reach an agreement to fund the federal government.
Maryland releases updated school report card showing gains in top-rated schools
The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) has released the results for the 2025 Maryland School Report Card, providing data on school performance at state, district, and individual school levels.
AFT president Randi Weingarten comments on 2025 Election Day outcomes
AFT President Randi Weingarten responded to the 2025 Election Day results, stating that voters across the United States delivered a message favoring elected officials who focus on everyday concerns over personal or political interests.
Rhode Island Department of Education launches events for statewide STEAM Month celebration
The Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) is marking STEAM Month this November with a series of events and initiatives aimed at promoting education in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics.
Huntsville reaches $1 million goal supporting growth in board certified teachers
Business and education leaders in Huntsville, Alabama, have announced that the community has reached a $1 million fundraising milestone to support 500 new National Board Certified Teachers (NBCTs) across Huntsville City, Madison City, and Madison...
Jefferson Parish teacher receives $25K Milken Educator Award
Sarah Watkins, an eighth grade English language arts teacher at Stella Worley Middle School in Jefferson Parish, was surprised with a $25,000 Milken Educator Award during a school assembly.
Oregon Department of Education reports gains in graduation rates for students with disabilities
The Oregon Department of Education (ODE) has released its State Performance Plan/Annual Performance Report (SPP/APR) for Federal Fiscal Year 2023, detailing the state's progress in serving students with disabilities.
Maryland marks 25 years of Judy Center Early Learning Hubs
The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) is set to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Judy Center Early Learning Hubs.
Six South Carolina schools receive 2025 Blue Ribbon honors for academic achievement
Six schools in South Carolina have been honored for their achievements in academic excellence and efforts to close achievement gaps among students.
Providence schools end federal lawsuit after meeting special education requirements
The Providence Public School District has announced the formal closure of a federal class-action lawsuit related to early childhood special education services.
NEA president reacts to election results highlighting pro-public school victories
The National Education Association (NEA) President Becky Pringle responded to the results of the recent elections, emphasizing what she described as significant wins for public education advocates nationwide. “Yesterday, millions of Americans made...
Montgomery County invests $10 million in early childhood education amid national trend
Jennifer Nicholls operates Journey Preschool, a home-based early childhood education program in Montgomery County, Maryland.
Defending Education supports appeal for reversal in Skaneateles School District case
On June 11, 2025, Defending Education submitted an amicus brief in support of the appellant in the case Vitsaxaki v. Skaneateles Central School District et al.
Florida Department of Education announces winners of annual college system cybersecurity competition
The Florida Department of Education has announced the winners of the 3rd Annual Florida College System Cybersecurity Competition.
Florida launches art and essay contests for Native American Heritage Month
Students across Florida are being invited to take part in the 2025 Native American Heritage Month art and essay contests, organized by the Florida Department of Education and Volunteer Florida.
North Dakota schools prepare transition to new statewide student information system
North Dakota is moving forward with its BRIDGE K-12 Data Modernization Initiative, a project led by the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction (NDDPI) to improve how schools manage and use student information.
Missouri public schools show improvement in annual statewide performance report
Missouri public schools have shown progress in meeting statewide standards, according to the Annual Performance Reports (APRs) released by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) for the 2024-25 school year.
Governor Shapiro announces support for food assistance following federal SNAP payment freeze
Governor Josh Shapiro is set to announce new measures aimed at supporting Pennsylvania’s charitable food network.