News from 2025
States lead in teacher diversity but face challenges with quality standards
A recent report by the National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ) highlights states leading in teacher diversity while raising concerns about the potential impact on teacher quality.
Maine DOE unveils AI guidance toolkit for educators
The Maine Department of Education (DOE) has introduced an AI Guidance Toolkit aimed at schools and educators.
Superintendent Degenfelder emphasizes career education's role in strategic plan
Superintendent of Public Instruction Megan Degenfelder highlighted the significance of Career and Technical Education (CTE) at an event attended by Wyoming legislators, educators, and high school members of CTE student organizations on February 10.
Arkansas opens applications for expanded education freedom account program
The Arkansas Department of Education has announced the opening of the application cycle for the third year of the Education Freedom Account (EFA) program.
Florida hosts national summit focusing on school safety strategies
The Florida Department of Education, in collaboration with the Florida Education Foundation, recently hosted its inaugural National Summit on School Safety.
Tennessee highlights progress during Literacy Month
Throughout March, Tennessee is celebrating Literacy Month, as proclaimed by Governor Bill Lee.
Mississippi sees rise in Advanced Placement exam participation among class of 2024
The Mississippi Department of Education has released the 2025 Advanced Placement (AP) Cohort Report, revealing an increase in AP exam participation among the state's public school graduates.
North Dakota excels in Farm to School initiatives according to USDA census
North Dakota is leading the mountain plains region in several Farm to School activities, according to the United States Department of Agriculture's recent Farm to School Census.
Missouri DESE completes review of child care subsidy backlog
The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) has completed its review of the backlog in child care subsidy applications.
Oklahoma forms Teacher Freedom Alliance to support merit pay initiatives
The Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE) has announced the formation of the Teacher Freedom Alliance (TFA), an organization designed to support merit pay initiatives aimed at rewarding high-performing educators.
State superintendent launches universal online high school planning platform
In Washington state, high school students are required to complete a High School and Beyond Plan (HSBP) to graduate.
South Carolina's START report addresses teacher shortages with strategic recommendations
The South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE) has unveiled a comprehensive plan to tackle the state's teacher recruitment and retention issues.
Nebraska sees positive trends in teacher recruitment and retention
The Nebraska Department of Education (NDE) has released the 2024-25 Teacher Vacancy Survey Report, indicating positive trends in teacher recruitment and retention across the state.
New Mexico Senate passes Special Education Act; bill moves to House
The New Mexico Senate has approved the Special Education Act, which aims to establish a dedicated Office of Special Education and develop a state-specific framework for addressing the challenges faced by students with disabilities in New Mexico.
Healey-Driscoll Administration awards $1 million for STEM career pathways
The Healey-Driscoll Administration has announced the allocation of $1 million in Innovation Career Pathway grants to 29 school districts across Massachusetts.
Healey-Driscoll administration proposes new teacher licensure tests
The Healey-Driscoll Administration has put forward a proposal to establish alternative assessments for educator licensure in Massachusetts.
Horne urges schools to adopt stricter absenteeism policies
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne has called for significant measures to address the high rate of chronic absenteeism among public school students in Arizona.
Northampton County student wins 2025 'Poetry Out Loud' state championship
The Pennsylvania Council on the Arts (PCA) has announced that Isavel Mendoza, a senior at Lehigh Valley Charter High School for the Arts in Northampton County, is the 2025 Poetry Out Loud (POL) state champion.
Illinois reports record highs in Advanced Placement participation and performance
The Illinois State Board of Education has released new data from the College Board, indicating that the Class of 2024 in Illinois has set new records in Advanced Placement (AP) participation and performance.
Maryland high school graduation rate reaches seven-year peak
The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) announced that the state's high school graduation rate reached its highest level since 2017.