News from October 2025
Wyoming Department of Education seeks public comment on special assessment waiver
The Wyoming Department of Education (WDE) is requesting public input on its plan to extend a federal waiver for alternate assessment participation rates.
Rhode Island establishes state-level blue ribbon awards after federal program ends
Governor Dan McKee, Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green, and the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) have announced the launch of the State of Rhode Island Blue Ribbon Schools Awards Program.
South Carolina Department of Education signs MOU with Taiwan for education collaboration
Education leaders from South Carolina and Taiwan have formalized a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to enhance international collaboration in K–12 education.
Murphy signs law mandating K-12 teaching on Latino/Hispanic heritage across NJ schools
Governor Phil Murphy has signed legislation that mandates the inclusion of Latino and Hispanic history in the social studies curriculum for New Jersey K-12 schools.
Email exchange reveals confusion over Nadaburg district cash advance request
On September 30, Arizona State Treasurer Kimberly Yee addressed a letter to Superintendent Tom Horne in response to a recent press release about the Nadaburg School District’s cash advance request.
Governor Shapiro signs executive order protecting vaccine access in Pennsylvania
Governor Josh Shapiro has signed Executive Order 2025-02 at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, aiming to secure vaccine access for residents across Pennsylvania and support families in making their own health care choices.
Greeley Central High School teacher Stephen Paulson named 2026 Colorado Teacher of the Year
Stephen Paulson, a social studies teacher at Greeley Central High School in Greeley-Evans School District 6, has been named the 2026 Colorado Teacher of the Year.
Vermont Agency responds after report cites drop in student reading scores
Vermont’s Agency of Education has responded to a recent Boston Globe article that highlighted declining academic outcomes in New England schools, including Vermont.
Infinite Campus rollout moves forward as LEAs prepare for implementation
Beginning in October, Infinite Campus project managers will start working directly with local education agencies (LEAs) across the state to begin the implementation of the new system.
Who supervises students in virtual schools? Parental roles grow as online enrollment stabilizes
Virtual schools are changing the way students learn, offering flexibility for families who want alternatives to traditional classrooms.
Nevada reports higher test scores and graduation rates for K-12 students
Nevada’s Department of Education has reported improvements in student performance for the 2024-25 academic year.
University Of Oklahoma appoints Melissa Medina as new dean Of College Of Pharmacy
Melissa Medina, Ed.D., has been appointed as the new dean of the University of Oklahoma (OU) College of Pharmacy, pending approval from the OU Board of Regents.
Arizona Department of Education partners with JED Foundation for suicide prevention training
The Arizona Department of Education has announced a multi-year collaboration with The Jed Foundation (JED), a nonprofit focused on protecting emotional health and preventing suicide among teens and young adults.
Oregon K-12 test scores rise slightly but remain below pre-pandemic levels
The Oregon Department of Education (ODE) has released the 2024-25 Oregon Statewide Assessment System scores, which show some improvement in student achievement but indicate that overall performance remains below pre-pandemic levels.
Missouri agencies recommend improvements for career and technical education
The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), together with the Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development (DHEWD), has submitted an executive report to the Governor’s Office outlining recommendations for...
Louisiana Department of Education seeks applications for food program sponsors
The Louisiana Department of Education’s Division of Nutrition Support is seeking applications from eligible institutions interested in administering the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) for the 2026 fiscal year, which begins on October 1,...
AAUP and AFT criticize Trump administration's proposed loyalty pledge for colleges
AAUP President Todd Wolfson and American Federation of Teachers (AFT) President Randi Weingarten have criticized the Trump administration’s proposed loyalty pledge for colleges and universities.
Rhode Island reports improved test scores and reduced absenteeism statewide
The Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) has released the final results of the 2025 state assessments, including the Rhode Island Comprehensive Assessment System (RICAS), which measures student proficiency in English Language Arts (ELA) and...
Governor Shapiro and officials report progress on downtown Pittsburgh revitalization
Governor Josh Shapiro and Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis are set to join Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato, Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey, representatives from the city’s major sports teams, and other local officials to announce progress...
Kaiser nurses in Oregon announce possible five-day strike over contract dispute
Nurses and other health professionals at Kaiser Permanente facilities in Oregon and Southwest Washington plan to strike beginning October 14 unless a tentative contract agreement is reached, according to the Oregon Federation of Nurses and Health...