News from November 2025
Secretary Al Schmidt reports secure municipal election day in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania's Secretary of the Commonwealth, Al Schmidt, reported that the state’s municipal election day proceeded safely and securely.
Mississippi Department of Education launches new Blue Ribbon program after federal initiative ends
The Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) has launched the Mississippi Blue Ribbon School program to recognize the state’s highest-performing schools.
Governor Shapiro announces emergency relief for SNAP recipients amid halted federal benefits
Governor Josh Shapiro visited the Weinberg Northeast Regional Food Bank in Luzerne County to work with volunteers and discuss ongoing state efforts to support food assistance for Pennsylvanians affected by the halt of federal Supplemental...
Redefining academic rigor: From memorization toward adaptable skill-building in high school
As artificial intelligence becomes more prevalent in education, traditional notions of academic rigor are being re-examined.
Madison elementary teacher receives $25K Milken Educator Award for classroom leadership
Kayla Saxton, a third-grade teacher at Mannsdale Upper Elementary School in Madison, Mississippi, was recognized with the Milken Educator Award during a schoolwide assembly.
Teacher advocates call for policy changes amid rising school gun violence
America’s schools continue to face the challenge of gun violence, with teachers and students often left to deal with its aftermath long after public attention fades.
Nebraska partners with Johns Hopkins-led national center to advance education for high-ability students
The Nebraska Department of Education (NDE) has been named as one of three state partners in a new national research initiative focused on advanced education.
AFT president responds as Senate moves toward ending government shutdown
The president of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), Randi Weingarten, has issued a statement following a significant Senate vote aimed at ending the federal government shutdown.
NEA president calls on Trump and GOP leaders after Senate advances shutdown-ending bill
After a prolonged federal government shutdown, the U.S. Senate has voted to advance a short-term funding measure, potentially ending what has become the longest shutdown in American history.
Over 450 Florida schools honored as Purple Star Schools for supporting military families
More than 450 schools in Florida have received the Purple Star School of Distinction designation, according to an announcement by Commissioner of Education Anastasios Kamoutsas.
More states implement tri-share child care model despite ongoing debate over effectiveness
Michigan’s Tri-Share program has now served more than 1,000 children, marking a milestone for the initiative that splits child care costs equally among working families, their employers, and the state.
Educators’ role highlighted in global resistance against authoritarianism
Educators play a significant role in supporting democratic institutions and norms, according to Adam Fefer, senior researcher at the Horizons Project, and Maria Stephan, co-leader of the Horizons Project.
Rhode Island launches new online dashboard tracking student attendance statewide
Governor Dan McKee and Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green have announced the launch of Rhode Island’s updated Attendance Leaderboard and a new Attendance Calendar Heat Map for the 2025-26 school year.
National Alliance responds as Congress reopens government and restores charter school program funding
The National Alliance for Public Charter Schools has responded to the reopening of the federal government, following Congress’ approval of a continuing resolution.
Louisiana K-3 reading proficiency reaches record high with latest assessment
Fifty percent of Louisiana students in kindergarten through third grade are now reading at or above grade level, according to data released by the Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE).
AFT president criticizes lack of ACA tax credit restoration after government shutdown ends
The American Federation of Teachers (AFT) President Randi Weingarten has responded to the recent House vote that ended the federal government shutdown initiated by President Trump and congressional Republicans.
Rutgers receives $3.75 million federal grant for training future leaders in special education
Rutgers University has received a five-year, $3.75 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education to develop future leaders in special education administration.
Arizona Department of Education names six Blue Ribbon Schools for academic excellence
Six Arizona schools have been recognized as Blue Ribbon Schools, according to an announcement from the Arizona Department of Education.
Kirsten Baesler announces retirement as North Dakota superintendent after 13 years
Kirsten Baesler, North Dakota State School Superintendent, announced her retirement effective November 24, 2025.
Florida becomes first state to adopt Phoenix Declaration as guiding education principles
The Florida State Board of Education has unanimously approved The Phoenix Declaration: An American Vision for Education as the foundational set of principles for the state's education system.