Education / Public News Service

Beginning in 2022, Nebraska's Department of Education will begin offering farm-to-school producer training in various regions of the state. (Adobe Stock)

Thursday, September 23, 2021

Nebraska Farmers Fueling Students with Locally Produced Food

GERING, Neb. -- With school back in session, many Nebraska students will be fueled by fresh beef, fruits and vegetables sourced from local farms…

State leaders say proposed changes to South Dakota's social studies standards have resulted in an overwhelming response from the public. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, September 22, 2021

Despite Delay, Tribal Opponents of SD School Standards Won't Let Up

PIERRE, S.D. - While South Dakota hits the reset button on updating social studies standards for schools, tribal groups opposed to the plans say …

In the Spring 2021 MCAS exams, 46% of students in grades 3 through 8 scored "Meeting Expectations" or higher, down from 52% in 2019. In math, the "meeting expectations" score dropped from 49% in 2019 to 33% this year. (number1411/Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, September 22, 2021

MA Groups Urge New Framework for Standardized Testing

BOSTON - Educators, parents and union leaders say Massachusetts needs a major overhaul of its standardized testing for students. The most recent …

Advocates are calling on state and federal lawmakers to shift policies, such as replacing the term "playground" with "outdoor learning environment" in regulations to support the creation of more nature-based spaces. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, September 21, 2021

Children's Advocates Urge Lawmakers to Expand Access to Outdoor Learning

DENVER -- As Congress considers making significant investments in the nation's child-care system, children's advocates say now is the time to make …

Approximately 3% of the 1,500 students in Montgomery County who were screened for behavioral health indicators were found to be at risk of substance use. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, September 21, 2021

OH County Working to Treat Stressors that Lead to Youth Marijuana Use

DAYTON, Ohio -- An Ohio county is taking a trauma-informed approach to its work on preventing marijuana use in teens. As marijuana policy changes …

A new survey finds the nation's community colleges educate more people than coding boot camps, apprenticeship programs and government job training combined. (trapezemike/Pixabay)

Survey: Community College Workforce Programs Prove Popular

AUSTIN, Texas - A new national survey of community and technical colleges highlights the importance of job-focused education and training. It finds …

Oregon's Latino workforce numbers 200,000, according to the organization Causa. (F8studio/Adobe Stock)

Monday, September 20, 2021

Initiative Shows How to Tackle Digital Divide for Latino Households

PORTLAND, Ore. - A growing slice of the workforce is Hispanic, but a disproportionate number of Hispanic households don't have regular access to the …

Republican lawmakers across the country have proposed legislation to limit or forbid the teaching of such concepts as racial equity and white privilege. (Kelly Lacy/Pexels)

Bill to Ban Critical Race Theory Sparks Call for African American History

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - State Rep. Randy Fine, R-Palm Bay, is lashing out against the idea of Critical Race Theory, filing a bill to ban its use in all …

About 65% of community college students are taking for-credit academic courses. Of the remaining 35%, a large majority is pursing job-related skills. (Prayitno/Wikimedia Commons)

Community Colleges See Need to Make Upskilling Easier, Cheaper

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - A new survey of community colleges and technical schools in the United States shows their courses and programs that promote job …

A new mentorship program for LGBTQ+ teens is part of AmeriCorps' Safe and Supportive Schools initiative. (Jirsak/Adobestock)

AmeriCorps’ First LGBTQ+ Mentoring Program Helps Central Valley Teens

FRESNO, Calif. -- AmeriCorps has teamed up with the nonprofit Equality California to offer a groundbreaking mentorship program for LGBTQ+ teens in …

Students participating in a high-impact practice in their first semester are more likely to be enrolled full time, and are much more likely to be enrolled in a learning-support course, according to a Lumina Foundation study. (Adobe Stock)

High-Impact Practices Make a Difference for TN’s Community-College Students

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - As the pandemic continues to pose challenges for college students across the state, research by the Lumina Foundation shows that a …

The American Psychological Association reports 81% of Gen Z teens (ages 13-17) have experienced more intense stress during the COVID-19 pandemic.(Adobe Stock)

ARP Funds Could Help WV Schools Address Mental-Health Needs

CHARLESTON, W.Va. - Degrading mental health among the nation's K-12 students over the past year and a half has alarmed health professionals. Experts …

Without guidance from states, education researchers say, incorporating 9/11 lesson plans can be a difficult balancing act for teachers. (Adobe Stock)

9/11 Curriculum Still Slowly Surfacing in Schools

PIERRE, S.D. -- South Dakota is in the process of updating social studies standards for public schools. It comes amid national conversation about 9/11…

In a national survey, 50% of school transportation coordinators said the rate of pay is a major factor that affects their ability to recruit and retain school bus drivers. (Adobe Stock)

Better Pay, Community Trust Linked to School Bus Driver Shortage

MARSHALLTOWN, Iowa -- Iowa school districts are reporting bus driver shortages as the academic year gets underway. Transportation officials said more …

Eighteen Idaho lawmakers scored 100% in the Kids Matter Index. (SeanPavonePhoto/Adobe Stock)

Index Gauges How Much 'Kids Mattered' During 2021 ID Session

BOISE, Idaho - An organization has rated Idaho lawmakers on how they voted for measures that affect children in the 2021 session. Idaho Children …

Minnesota has bolstered "lunch-shaming" protections for students. But advocates say the state still ranks the near the bottom in using federal funds that allow low-income districts to offer universal lunches. (Adobe Stock)

Focus on Universal Meals, Preventing 'Lunch Shaming' as MN Students Return

MINNEAPOLIS -- More Minnesota school districts are welcoming back students this week. Because of the pandemic, schools are receiving federal aid to …

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends schools have at least one full-time registered nurse available for students' health needs. (Adobe Stock)

Pandemic, State Regulations Create Obstacles for NC School Nurses

WILMINGTON, N.C. -- As the school year gets underway, some school nurses are facing hurdles addressing students' health-care needs. Diane Parker…

New Hampshire joins Arizona, Florida, Indiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Tennessee and West Virginia with its passage of a school voucher program in the state budget. (Andy Dean/Adobe Stock)

NH Voucher Program Could Cost Much More than Expected

CONCORD, N.H. -- Public-school advocates are raising concerns New Hampshire's school-voucher program, which diverts state budget funds from public …

A report from the Urban Institute looked at the successes and challenges of four rural apprenticeship programs in Maine, Arizona, Mississippi and Missouri. (Kampan/Adobe Stock)

Report: Rural Apprenticeships Help Keep Young People in Home Communities

FAIRFIELD, Maine -- Rural communities in Maine are shrinking, as young people move to cities for work opportunities, but a new report found expanding …

Cognitive behavioral therapy can help identify and overcome cognitive distortions and replace them with new, more helpful thoughts. (Adobe Stock)

Tips to Avoid Common “Thinking Traps” While Adjusting to College Life

LINCOLN, Neb. -- As young adults across Nebraska leave home for college, psychologists are offering tips to avoid falling into common "thinking …

The grant from the U.S. Department of Education for Arkansas' workforce training program also covers support services for students, such as day care, transportation and internet access. (Adobe Stock)

AR Offers Career Training for Job Seekers Affected by COVID-19

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - A training program in Arkansas is helping people jumpstart new careers after feeling the economic impacts of COVID-19. The …

Advocates say South Dakota has made progress in compensating teachers, but still lags behind neighboring states, including trailing North Dakota educators by $4,000 in annual salary. (Adobe Stock)

South Dakota Grapples with Teacher Shortage

BELLE FOURCHE, S.D. - Students across South Dakota are getting settled into the new school year, even as some districts still are trying to fill a …

Since school started in Pennsylvania, the Department of Health says 5,000 students have tested positive for COVID-19. It's one reason for Gov. Tom Wolf's Sept. 7 mask mandate. (Gov. Tom Wolf/Flickr)

Mask Mandate Coming for All PA K-12 Schools, Child-Care Centers

HARRISBURG, Pa. - Face masks will be mandatory at all public and private K-through-12 schools in Pennsylvania, starting next week. Gov. Tom Wolf …

School social workers say it might be hard for some students to feel comfortable exercising their in-person social skills again after more than a year of distance learning. (Adobe Stock)

COVID Stress Prompts Reminders of Welcoming Classroom Environment

ST. PAUL, Minn. - School districts across Minnesota have either started the new academic year, or will soon. As they welcome students back despite …

A new report finds that very low-income households make up 18% of all student loan borrowers but are only 6% of participants in the income-dependent repayment plan. (mnirat/Adobe Stock)

Advocates Press for Reform Before Student Loan Repayment Deadline

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - In January, student loan borrowers will have to start paying off their loans again, as the pandemic-related pause on payment is …

Allowing teens to voice their opinions and have make decisions builds trust, experts say.. (AdobeStock)

Talking, Trusting Key to Easing Back-to-School Stress

COLUMBUS, Ohio - With new teachers, classmates and expectations, back to school is full of uncertainties and anxieties. Stressful transitions …

A new report that examines racial gaps between Black and white Virginians shows 60% of majority-Black neighborhoods in the state have eviction rates greater than 10%, quadruple the national average. (Adobe Stock)<br /> — A new report that examines racial gaps between Black and white Virginians shows 60% of majority-Black neighborhoods in the state have eviction rates greater than 10%, quadruple the national average. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Universities Offer New Cures for Closing Virginia’s Racial Gaps

RICHMOND, Va. - In response to last year's protests against racial injustice across the country, a new report shows cities such as Richmond are …

Less than 15% of Michigan students had been tested for a sexually transmitted infection other than HIV in the last year, according to CDC surveys. (Adobe Stock)

MI Youth Groups Urge Inclusive Sex-Ed Curricula

LANSING, Mich. - Youth advocates for comprehensive sexual education are urging school districts to adopt curricula that use inclusive and …

Last school year, 68 out of the 262 public school districts in Arkansas reported not having a single teacher of color on their staffs. (Adobe Stock)

"Teach Plus" AR Fellowship Aims to Increase Educator Diversity

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- Twenty educators from across Arkansas will meet throughout the next year to learn how to advocate for education policy changes…

House Democrats advanced a $3.5 trillion spending plan in a party-line vote Tuesday, which includes free two-year community college tuition. (Emily Ranquist/Pexels)

FL Supporters Amplify Need for Biden's Free Community College Plan

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- Despite the raging pandemic, college students are flooding Florida classrooms and campuses this week as the fall semester begins…

Many Ohio universities are offering in-person, hybrid and fully online options for the fall semester. (Adobe Stock)

Ohio Public Universities Approach Another COVID-19 Fall Semester

By Kennedi CombsBroadcast version by Mary Schuermann reporting for the Kent State-Ohio News Connection Collaboration. COLUMBUS, Ohio -- As the Delta …

Burnout among college students rose from 40% to 70% from August 2020 to April 2021, according to at study by The Ohio State University. (Engin-Akyurt/Pixabay)

Texas A&M Students Use Wearables to Track Stress, Mental Health

COLLEGE STATION, Texas - The pandemic upended normal college life causing mental-health challenges that are now being studied at Texas A&M University …

Advocates for children say they need more support this school year after a study by McKinsey Global Institute shows the pandemic led more high school students to drop out of school. (Sofia_Shultz_Photography/Pixabay)

Kick-Starting TX School Performance Amid COVID-19 Redux

AUSTIN, Texas -- Starting the school year off on the right foot has probably never been more important as Texas kids return to classrooms. New …

Many parents kept kids out of pediatricians' offices during the pandemic as a precaution. Those doctors are now saying it's time to get kids back on track with their wellness visits. (Adobe Stock)

PA Group Encourages Well-Child Doctor Visits Ahead of School Year

HARRISBURG, Pa. -- As students gear up for getting back to school, Pennsylvania childrens' advocates are asking parents to ensure kids are up-to-date …

More than 64,000 North Dakotans are children younger than age 6. More than 70% have parents in the workforce. (Adobe Stock)

Report: ND Should Think of Child Care as Infrastructure

JAMESTOWN, N.D. -- A new report showed affordable and accessible child care remains an issue for North Dakota families. It is prompting calls for …

During the pandemic, more than 20% of U.S. parents with children ages 5-12 reported their children experienced worsened mental or emotional health, according to a Kaiser Family Foundation report. (Adobe Stock)<br /> — During the pandemic, more than 20% of U.S. parents with children ages 5-12 reported their children experienced worsened mental or emotional health, according to a Kaiser Family Foundation report. (Adobe Stock)

Mental Health in Spotlight as MD K-12 Schools Reopen

BALTIMORE, Md. -- As Maryland children prepare to return to school in the next few weeks, experts say ensuring their mental health is stable is a top …

The American Heart Association recommends schools avoid overly harsh discipline as kids and families readjust to the in-person school schedule during the pandemic. (Adobe Stock)<br /> — The American Heart Association recommends schools avoid overly harsh discipline as kids and families readjust to the in-person school schedule during the pandemic. (Adobe Stock)

Protecting Kids' Mental Health Top Priority as VA Schools Reopen

HAMPTON ROADS, Va. -- With many Virginia schools starting up next week, experts say parents and teachers need to take extra steps to protect …

Tens of millions of Americans lack reliable and affordable access to high-speed internet access, seen as critical for accessing education, health care, work and business opportunities. (Adobe Stock)

Broadband Infrastructure Plan Expected to Bring Jobs to Colorado

DENVER -- Advocates for closing America's digital divide are urging Congress to pass legislation which would invest $65 billion to build out high-spee…

A new national study says today's students may earn $49,000 to $61,000 less over their lifetime because of the impact of the pandemic on their education. (Adobe Stock)

Research Indicates Kids Need Boost in Getting Caught Up for School Year

MINNEAPOLIS -- A new study shows American kids are returning to school an average of four to five months behind in their learning, and it's worse for …

About half of student parents and first-generation students are Pell Grant recipients. (Yurii Kibalnik/Adobe Stock)

As College Cost Worries Grow, Campaign Urges Doubling Pell Grants

EUGENE, Ore. - Pell Grants are a lifeline for many students attending college, but the federal aid covers far less than it used to. That's why …

Last spring, roughly 30% of elementary and middle-school students, and just over 35% of high school students, met grade-level expectations in science. (Adobe Stock)

Study: TN Kids Need Help After COVID Learning Disruptions

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - American kids are returning to school an average of four to five months behind in their learning, according to a new study…

Nearly 40% of West Virginia students in grades 3 through 8 did not meet grade-level standards in math. (Kostiantyn/Adobe Stock)

Nonprofit Aims to Help Kids Get Caught Up After COVID Year

CHARLESTON, W.Va. - American kids are returning to school an average of four to five months behind in their learning, according to a new study…

Recent Kaiser Family Foundation research shows more than 20% of parents with children ages 5 to 12 say their kids' emotional health has declined since March 2020. (Adobe Stock)

Youth Mental Health Emphasized as K-12 Schools Resume in NY

RIVERHEAD, N.Y. -- As New York schools gear up for the fall term, physical and mental well-being of kids in grades K-12 is in the forefront, …

Pennsylvania does not currently mandate students or teachers to wear face coverings and has left it up to school districts to decide. (Adobe Stock)

PA Offers New Testing Programs, More Vaccine Clinics to Keep Schools Open

HARRISBURG, Pa. -- With a few weeks until school starts, the state Departments of Health and Education have announced new initiatives to keep K-12 …

Save the Children worker Alissa Taylor packs school supplies for needy families in rural Kentucky. (Shawn Millsaps/Save The Children)

Study: Children Returning to School 4-5 Months Behind

FRANKFORT, Ky. - A new study from the consulting firm McKinsey finds that American kids are returning to school on average 4 to 5 months behind in …

COVID-19 daily cases could reach 1,000 in New Mexico by the end of August, according to data modeling by Los Alamos National Laboratory. (hed.state.nm.us)

NMSU/UNM Classes Resume, COVID Protocols Announced

LAS CRUCES, N.M. - Administrators at New Mexico State University know they're headed into a fall semester this week facing a spike in COVID-19 cases…

Despite concerns of Utah parents that school-age children could be vulnerable to COVID-19 when they return to class, the state bars school districts from requiring face masks. (Rido/Adobe Stock)

Utah Officials Urged to Approve K-12 Mask Mandates

SALT LAKE CITY -- As the Delta variant drives a growing number COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations in Utah, particularly among young adults and …

More than a quarter of high school students reported worsening emotional and cognitive health since March 2020, according to Kaiser Family Foundation research. (JackF/Adobe Stock)

Tips for Supporting Kids' Well-Being as School Year Approaches

SEATTLE -- Students are set to return to the classroom in Washington, fueling a mix of emotions. Health and education professionals have some tips …

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