Education / Public News Service

The Manhattan School of Music's Precollege Program faculty pay has increased 15% since 2017. However, the president and the school executive's salaries have risen 78% and 87%, respectively. (MSM Precollege Union)

Tuesday, January 14, 2025

NYC music school hits sour note in union contract negotiations

The faculty of a New York City music school is planning to strike after contract negotiations stalled. The Manhattan School of Music's Precollege …

Becky Marszalek, a paraprofessional at Avonworth Elementary School in Pittsburgh, is the Pennsylvania State Education Association's Dolores McCracken Education Support Professional of the Year for the 2024-25 school year. (PSEA)

Tuesday, January 14, 2025

PA educator wins Education Support Professional of the Year award

An elementary school educator from Pennsylvania has been named this year's Education Support Professional of the Year, one of the highest honors in …

Dungeons and Dragons, a fantasy game filled with sorcerers, warlocks and wizards, could offer important lessons for today's political leaders. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, January 14, 2025

At 50, Dungeons and Dragons offers lessons for leaders

As the popular role-playing game Dungeons and Dragons turns 50, one Colorado State University instructor suggests today's political leaders could …

The Social Security Fairness Act eliminates two components of federal retirement policy: the Windfall Elimination Provision and the Government Pension Offset. (sveta/Adobe Stock)

Monday, January 13, 2025

Texas educators celebrate signing of Social Security Fairness Act

Members of the teacher's union, the Texas branch of the American Federation of Teachers, are celebrating the signing of the Social Security Fairness …

The Arkansas legislators serving in this session took office following the 2024 elections. Republicans won a 29-6 majority in the Senate and an 81-19 majority in the House. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, January 13, 2025

AR's 95th legislative session begins today

Arkansas lawmakers are at the Capitol today for the start of the 95th Legislative session. Over the next 88 days, legislators will discuss more than 2…

Gov. Gavin Newsom's state budget proposal maintains a deferral of funds for the University of California and California State University systems, even through the state is projecting a modest surplus of $363 million. (Amerique/Wikimedia Commons)

Monday, January 13, 2025

Governor's budget proposal may lead to higher-ed cuts at UC, CSU

Leaders of the University of California and California State University systems are warning a proposed budget cut of almost 8% for next year could lea…

Maine has one of the oldest populations in the U.S., with more than 20% of residents over age 65. State officials said many could benefit from digital skills training made available through the state's Digital Equity Plan. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Monday, January 13, 2025

ME tackles rural ‘digital divide’ with tech grants, training

A new program aims to ensure rural Mainers can take full advantage of expanding high-speed internet service. Grant applications open this week for …

Reports find enrollment in free preschool varies across New York State. There's far less access and local investment outside of New York City. (Adobe Stock)

Advocates: NYS needs real solutions to improve child care

Advocates for working families in New York say they want less talk and more action to improve child care in the state. Gov. Kathy Hochul has …

Students at the University of Nebraska are designing and constructing small, single-family homes to be erected on vacant lots in Omaha for seniors. Omaha's zoning laws restrict multifamily housing on 80% of currently vacant lots. (Adobe Stock)

Nebraska university students address affordable housing shortage

Some University of Nebraska students are gaining career skills as they work to address the state's affordable housing shortage by making small…

The Social Security Fairness Act will benefit 3 million people nationwide but the Congressional Budget Office finds it could add around $195 billion to the federal deficit over a decade. (Adobe Stock)

CT educators celebrate Social Security Fairness Act's passage

Connecticut educators and other public sector workers are celebrating passage of the Social Security Fairness Act. The new federal law repealed two …

Policy analysts said the 2025 legislative session in North Dakota will be dominated by efforts to fix workforce shortages and reduce child care costs. But a number of issues linked to education could be part of the mix, too, including property taxes and school meal access. (Adobe Stock)

With new session here, North Dakotans speak clearly on key issues

North Dakota lawmakers gather in Bismarck today for a new legislative session and as they settle in, they will have public polling data to analyze …

Lawmakers head back to Olympia for a 105-day session on Monday. (Russell/Adobe Stock)

WA legislative session preview: Lawmakers look to reduce budget deficit

The next legislative session is approaching in Olympia and Washington state's budget shortfall will be one of the biggest topics. A gap of $10 …

Florida received a D on the National Center for Science Education's 2020 report card for its limited inclusion of climate change content in state science standards. (Adobe Stock)

Climate Emotions Wheel aims to address mental health in climate education

By Rebecca R. Randall for Yes! Magazine.Broadcast version by Trimmel Gomes for Florida News Connection reporting for the YES! Media-Public News …

The Maryland Constitution requires the state budget to be balanced every year. (MDGovpics/Wikimedia Commons)<br />

What to expect in Maryland’s legislative session

On Wednesday, Maryland's legislative session begins in Annapolis - and state lawmakers are facing numerous challenges. Maryland expects pressure …

In a newly released book, Adriana Romero Olivares, assistant professor of biology at New Mexico State University, shared her not-so-perfect journey to a science career. (NMSU)

NM biology professor's success recognized in award-winning book

A New Mexico professor who was once encouraged to pursue a "more ladylike" career is now featured in a book about high-achieving women in STEM fields…

The University of Idaho is the state's second most populous university, behind Boise State. (knowlesgallery/Adobe Stock)

ID's latest anti-diversity push in higher ed meets pushback

Despite pushback, Idaho is again targeting diversity and inclusion efforts on college campuses. Over the holiday break, the Idaho State Board of …

In 2024, North Carolina schools started the year with more than 3,100 teacher vacancies, according to the North Carolina School Superintendents' Association. (Adobe Stock)

William Peace University student breaks new ground in math education

A North Carolina university student is breaking new ground in math education. Megan McAnany is an elementary and special education major at William …

National studies show when people leave prison, they face a range of obstacles in advancing through the world of postsecondary education. Right off the bat, a key deterrent is an application question about their past criminal history. (Adobe Stock)

With college application change, MN aims to reduce higher-ed barriers

In the new year, college applications in Minnesota will look a little different: They will no longer feature an initial question about a person's …

Ball State linebacker Kieonte Newson holds a rose for his mother on Senior Day, a moment of restoration after earning the number nine. (T Slaughter/Daily News)

Ball State captain turns Indiana struggles into triumph

By Kyle Smedley for the Ball State Daily News .Broadcast version by Joe Ulery for Indiana News Service reporting for the Ball State Daily News-Free Pr…

Earlier this year, Governor Joe Lombardo and the Nevada Department of Education announced the allocation of $6 million in federal COVID-19 relief funds for Nevada's Read by Grade 3 program. (Adobe Stock)

Literacy rate among NV students improves but still lags

Nevada education experts say literacy rates are improving, but aren't where they should be. Nevada's third- through eighth-grade students have …

More than 40% of undergraduate students in the U.S. are pursuing an associate degree. (Adobe Stock)

AL higher-ed conference to address workforce, boost student transfers

Alabama faces a critical workforce gap, with only 38 available workers for every 100 open jobs, according to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. To …

As of August, enrollment in the Kentucky Community and Technical College System had reached 66,114 students, representing an increase of 8.4%, according to state data. (Adobe Stock/AI generated image)

KY Community and Technical College System plans major changes

Nearly a dozen changes could be made to the Kentucky Community and Technical College system, under Senate Joint Resolution 179, passed by lawmakers …

A 2021 United Federation of Teachers survey finds 68% of teachers don't have time to teach climate change, but 52% teach it for one to two hours per year. (Adobe Stock)

NYS Board of Regents allocates funding for climate education

New York's Board of Regents approved a Department of Education funding request for climate education. The board is putting more than $536,000 aside …

Critics argue Florida's book removals limit access to important information. At the same time, state officials insist they ensure only age-appropriate materials remain in schools, rejecting claims of outright bans as a

FL parents raise concerns over changes to health lessons

Recent changes to Florida's education laws have removed information on consent, contraceptives and prenatal development from many health lessons at …

Six million U.S. students attend a school where there is a School Resource Officer but no school psychologist on staff, according to a Brookings Institution report. (Adobe Stock)

WV schools funnel more kids into juvenile justice system

West Virginia schools' reliance on zero-tolerance policies are driving more kids into the juvenile justice system - with lifelong consequences…

Millions of families across the U.S. depend on home-based child care, with over 750,000 children enrolled in these programs, often because parents consider them more flexible than traditional child care centers. (Adobe Stock)

Alabama joins national effort to expand pre-K access

Alabama is part of a national program aimed at diversifying early childhood education. The Enriching Public Pre-K Through Inclusion of Family Child …

Durham takes part in national effort to expand pre-K access

A North Carolina city is part of a national program aimed at diversifying early childhood education. The Enriching Public Pre-K Through Inclusion of …

Kentucky public schools serve 634,424 students, according to state data. (Adobe Stock)

KY public schools: Large employers who help meet community needs

On the heels of voters' overwhelming rejection of Amendment 2 in November, Kentucky public school employees are urging lawmakers to double down on …

Nearly two in five students experienced food insecurity in a survey of Washington state postsecondary students. (Mauricio Toro/Adobe Stock)

Hunger concerns on WA postsecondary campuses as holidays approach

Hunger is an issue for many students on Washington state's postsecondary campuses this holiday season. A survey of nearly 10,000 students in …

An Indianapolic Public Schools report indicates transportation is provided for all elementary, middle and high school students who live between one and one and a half miles from their assigned school. (Adobe Stock)

IN school bus hurdles linked to education outcomes

School bus transportation challenges are impacting one central Indiana community. Long ride times are more than an inconvenience, according to an …

Empowerment Scholarship Account vouchers will cost the state $825,000,000 in fiscal year 2024, according to Save Our Schools Arizona. (Adobe Stock)

Skepticism about 'auto-approval' of Arizona ESA reimbursements

This month, an Arizona grand jury indicted two out-of-state residents for cheating the state's Empowerment Scholarship Account program out of more …

A coalition pushing for universal school meals in North Dakota says nearly half of food-insecure children do not qualify for federal nutrition programs, leaving thousands without access to free breakfast and lunch at school. (Adobe Stock)

Food insecurity prompts ND advocates to eye universal school meals

North Dakota is expected to rejoin the debate over whether all school children, regardless of their family income, should have access to no-cost …

SNAP recipients currently receive as little as $23 per month to purchase food, and the average SNAP benefit is just $6 a day. (Adobe Stock)

SNAP funding in question as Congress works to avoid shutdown

Congressional efforts to avoid a government shutdown could extend funding for SNAP, the program formerly known as food stamps. And if the continuing …

The work of GreenLatinos Texas, centers around empowering frontline environmental justice and conservation advocates. Members are actively engaging with local communities to understand their campaign goals and identify areas where support is needed. (Photo courtesy of Green Latinos)

TX group works to give Latinos seat at table in fight against methane

Members of the environmental nonprofit GreenLatinos are involved in a push to get more Latinos across Texas involved in the fight against methane gas…

Alabama spends less per pupil than the national average but allocates a similar percentage of taxpayers' personal income to K-12 education. The state ranks 39th in education funding and 41st in per-student spending. (Adobe Stock) <br /><br />

Advocates push to modernize Alabama’s school funding formula

Alabama is one of six states still using The Foundation Program to calculate aid to schools, which uses a formula focused on the number of students …

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, 40% of full-time undergraduate students and 74% of part-time undergraduates were employed while enrolled, with many working over 20 hours per week to cover living expenses. (jaz_online/Adobe Stock)

OH students fight for fair, livable on-campus wages

By Hevin Wilkey / Broadcast version by Farah Siddiqi reporting for the Kent State NewsLab-Ohio News Connection Collaboration. Ohio students are …

Five years ago, a video shocked the nation of 6-year-old Kaia Rolle being arrested at her Orlando, Fla., school because she had thrown a tantrum earlier in the morning. (Adobe Stock)

From classroom to courtroom: The human cost of school-to-prison pipeline

When a 6-year-old girl in Florida had a temper tantrum in class, it seemed like a typical childhood moment. But instead of calming the situation…

Hoosiers must first file the FAFSA to access nearly all forms of financial aid for college. (Adobe stock)

Many Hoosiers still confused about paying for college

Indiana families see value in higher education, but many are still confused about how to pay for it. A new survey by INvestEd, a nonprofit based in …

Even amid a national push by Republican policymakers for school choice, including vouchers, voters in some conservative heavy states this fall rejected the idea at the ballot box. Policy experts say they also drum up constitutional issues. (Adobe Stock)

Will ND expand school choice? If so, what would it look like?

North Dakota students will soon be on holiday break. When they return, state lawmakers are expected to debate giving families financial support …

Ohio ranked 26th in the nation for per-pupil K-12 education funding in 2024, slightly below the national average. With a higher proportion of charter schools than many states and mixed performance outcomes, state policies often focus on addressing disparities and improving results in both. (Adobe Stock)

Standardized test scores at center of Ohio education debate

Ohioans are paying close attention to the fast-tracking of Senate Bill 295 through the Statehouse during the lame-duck session. The proposed …

New York State is allocating $35.3 billion in total school aid, an $825 million increase from 2024. It also includes a $507 million increase in foundation aid. (Adobe Stock)

Study charts updates needed for NYS school funding formula

A new study provides New York State with an outline of necessary updates to its school funding formula. The Rockefeller Institute study called for …

About 13 million people live in higher education

Rural WV students’ choices shrink as colleges slash majors

By Jon Marcus, Brianna Atkinson, Molly Minta and Amy Morona for The Hechinger Report.Broadcast version by Nadia Ramlagan for West Virginia News …

Researchers said common barriers faced by Native American children include lack of culturally relevant curriculum in their educational settings. A Minnesota grant program helps community organizations expand such teachings within their tribal areas. (Adobe Stock)

Five years in, MN program creates improved pathways for Native kids

Five years ago, Minnesota established a program to bolster well-being metrics for children of color and young Native American kids. Today, fund …

For the 2023-2024 school year, Tennessee awarded nearly $577 million through 16 scholarship programs for public and select private two- and four-year colleges and universities. (Adobe Stock)

College cost still a major hurdle for Tennessee students

A new report from The Sycamore Institute reveals the persistent challenge of college affordability in Tennessee. Despite state and federal aid …

Support staff like school bus drivers help Washington state schools run. (teamjackson/Adobe Stock)

As concerns in WA schools mount, staff calls for greater investments

Staff members who support schools are calling for greater investment from Washington state. As next year's legislative session approaches, wages …

According to the American Library Association, the rate of book titles targeted for censorship in public libraries spiked 92% between 2022 and 2023. In school libraries, there was an 11% increase. (Adobe Stock)

SD libraries face future of stricter policies, slashed budgets

South Dakota librarians are implementing new policies for young readers in the new year and they are expecting future challenges, with the governor's …

With the increased use of AI, more technical positions are available with no requirement of a 4-year degree. (Jadon Bester/peopleimages.com/Adobe Stock)

AR community colleges create new pathways to employment

Students at eight Arkansas community colleges can benefit from new micro-courses to prepare for the workforce. The schools are collaborating with …

Research on the effects of a school voucher program in Louisiana show academic performance decreased among kids who use vouchers to attend private schools. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Gov. sets aside 2026 SD funds for new education savings accounts

In this week's 2026 budget address, Gov. Kristi Noem proposed establishing education savings accounts for K-12 students in South Dakota. Opponents …

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Education

NYC music school hits sour note in union contract negotiations

PA educator wins Education Support Professional of the Year award

At 50, Dungeons and Dragons offers lessons for leaders

Texas educators celebrate signing of Social Security Fairness Act

AR's 95th legislative session begins today

Governor's budget proposal may lead to higher-ed cuts at UC, CSU

ME tackles rural ‘digital divide’ with tech grants, training

Advocates: NYS needs real solutions to improve child care

Nebraska university students address affordable housing shortage

CT educators celebrate Social Security Fairness Act's passage

With new session here, North Dakotans speak clearly on key issues

WA legislative session preview: Lawmakers look to reduce budget deficit

Climate Emotions Wheel aims to address mental health in climate education

What to expect in Maryland’s legislative session

NM biology professor's success recognized in award-winning book

ID's latest anti-diversity push in higher ed meets pushback

William Peace University student breaks new ground in math education

With college application change, MN aims to reduce higher-ed barriers

Ball State captain turns Indiana struggles into triumph

Literacy rate among NV students improves but still lags

AL higher-ed conference to address workforce, boost student transfers

KY Community and Technical College System plans major changes

NYS Board of Regents allocates funding for climate education

FL parents raise concerns over changes to health lessons

WV schools funnel more kids into juvenile justice system

Alabama joins national effort to expand pre-K access

Durham takes part in national effort to expand pre-K access

KY public schools: Large employers who help meet community needs

Hunger concerns on WA postsecondary campuses as holidays approach

IN school bus hurdles linked to education outcomes

Skepticism about 'auto-approval' of Arizona ESA reimbursements

Food insecurity prompts ND advocates to eye universal school meals

SNAP funding in question as Congress works to avoid shutdown

TX group works to give Latinos seat at table in fight against methane

Advocates push to modernize Alabama’s school funding formula

OH students fight for fair, livable on-campus wages

From classroom to courtroom: The human cost of school-to-prison pipeline

Many Hoosiers still confused about paying for college

Will ND expand school choice? If so, what would it look like?

Standardized test scores at center of Ohio education debate

Study charts updates needed for NYS school funding formula

Rural WV students’ choices shrink as colleges slash majors

Five years in, MN program creates improved pathways for Native kids

College cost still a major hurdle for Tennessee students

As concerns in WA schools mount, staff calls for greater investments

SD libraries face future of stricter policies, slashed budgets

AR community colleges create new pathways to employment

Gov. sets aside 2026 SD funds for new education savings accounts