Education / Public News Service

School social workers say making students feel like they can talk to staff about their safety concerns can help improve campus environments. (Adobe Stock)

Thursday, January 13, 2022

Amid Threats, School Social Workers Help Foster Welcoming Environments

This week saw a Duluth high school go on lockdown because of a threat received by authorities. School social workers across Minnesota say with campus …

The three law schools in Washington state are located in Seattle and Spokane. (zimmytws/Adobe Stock)

Thursday, January 13, 2022

Course Invites Latino, Native American Students to WA Law Schools

Washington state law schools are aiming to recruit more Latino and Native American students through a program at a central Washington university…

Iowa's Republican leaders say the state should pursue more tax cuts with a budget surplus in hand. But some groups say that approach would end up leaving working families behind. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, January 12, 2022

IA Lawmakers Urged to Prioritize Equity Over Controversy

Education reform and tax cuts were among the ideas in Gov. Kim Reynolds' Condition of the State address on Tuesday, but advocates for marginalized …

Few colleges or universities promoted student forums surrounding the Jan. 6, 2021, anniversary of the U.S. Capitol insurrection. (DavidMark/Pixabay)

Tuesday, January 11, 2022

What Are Universities Teaching Students About Jan. 6, 2021?

Condemnation for last year's Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol emerged from all quarters, but some believe colleges and universities have been slow …

Across the nation, the Omicron variant of the coronavirus is spreading rapidly. (ricka_kinamoto/Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, January 11, 2022

Chicago Teachers Union Urges City to Take Safety Requests Seriously

The Chicago Teachers Union held a day of action yesterday, outdoors and in their cars, in an effort to safely push back against returning immediately …

Gov. Brad Little gave his speech to Idaho lawmakers on the first day of the session, which is scheduled to adjourn on March 31. (Idaho Public Television)

Tuesday, January 11, 2022

Governor Lauds ID Surplus, Urges Ed, Infrastructure Investments

Gov. Brad Little kicked off Idaho's 2022 legislative session Monday with a State of the State address outlining his budget priorities. Unlike last …

Gov. Gavin Newsom's new budget proposal represents an increase of more than $16 billion for education compared with last year. (Jantanee/Adobestock)

Tuesday, January 11, 2022

Governor’s Budget Includes Highest Education Funding in CA History

K-12 and higher education would get $102 billion next fiscal year as part of Gov. Gavin Newsom's new budget proposal, released Monday -- the most in …

Enrollment among first-time Hispanic college students dropped by nearly 20% during the height of the pandemic. (Adobe Stock)

Colorado Latinos Continue to Face Barriers to College Degrees

The COVID health pandemic has blunted progress made in the number of Latino students graduating with a college certificate or degree, a development …

States such as South Dakota have routinely debate bills in recent years viewed as hostile toward the LGBTQ community. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, January 10, 2022

SD Poised to See More Debate Over LGBTQ Bills

South Dakota lawmakers are scheduled to begin a new legislative session this week. Like previous years, bills surrounding Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual…

Children who have reliable access to housing and nutritious foods are more likely to have better health and financial outcomes. (Adobe Stock)

Nebraska Denies Emergency Assistance to 90% of Poor Families

Nebraska and other states are hoarding more than $5 billion intended for struggling families, according to new analysis. In 2019, for every 100 …

The Latino Community Association provides computer-skills training for beginners and more advanced users. (GR-Photography/Adobe Stock)

Central OR Organization Tackles Workforce Challenges for Latino Communities

A program in central Oregon is helping growing Latino communities in the region upgrade their workforce skills. The Latino Community Association …

The Food Bank of Northern Indiana's "Food 4 Kids" backpack program is providing food to more than 2,800 students this school year, up from nearly 2,300 in the 2019/2020 school year. (Adobe Stock)

Help is Available for IN Students Facing Food Insecurity

This week, the holiday break is over for many Indiana students, and local food banks say their goal is to ensure kids have enough to eat this …

More than three dozen states require at least one civics course before students graduate. (goodluz/Adobe Stock)

Improving Civics Education Could Engage Future Voters

2022 is a big election year, but becoming a more informed voter starts before people are eligible to cast a ballot, with civics education. Although …

Other policy recommendations in the report include mandating that officers complete 40 hours of racial bias and youth-specific training prior to interacting with students. (Adobe Stock)

Report: School Officers Don't Make Students Feel Safer

A new report shows the presence of police officers in school settings contributed to more referrals to law enforcement, particularly for students of …

In a national report on disengaged learners, about 43% of respondents who put a hold on their college studies said they were either extremely or very likely to continue their education at a later point. (Adobe Stock)

IN Education Leaders Work to Keep College Students on Track to Graduate

College students in Indiana are gearing up to head back to class for the spring semester, but some are weighing whether to continue with higher …

Diing Manyang, from the South Sudan and Kakuma refugee camp, is currently studying at George Washington University. (Presidents' Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration)

State Department to Pilot New Program for Refugees to Attend College

By next fall, refugee students may be able to apply to attend American colleges and universities. The State Department said it plans to pilot a new …

Black students are more likely to be suspended for discretionary reasons such as dress code or hairstyle. (simona/Adobe Stock)

Starting Next Year, Hair Discrimination Banned in IL Schools

Starting Jan. 1, a law goes into effect banning hair discrimination in Illinois schools. Studies have shown one in five Black women working in …

Fourteen states and the District of Columbia currently have school voucher programs. (sveta/Adobe Stock)

NH Parents, Public School Advocates Oppose New Voucher Bill

A bill in New Hampshire would allow local communities to opt into financing education for children who attend private schools or homeschooling…

More than 335,000 Michiganders have a serious mental illness, but researchers say there are not enough Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners or other mental-health professionals in the state. (Adobe Stock)

Researchers: MI Communities Need More Mental Health Support

Pockets of Michigan have limited or no access to mental health providers, and a new pilot program aims to change it. The Wayne State University …

An estimated 80% of white Americans own a home computer, compared to 69% of Black Americans and 67% of Latino Americans. (urby/Adobe Stock)

Federal Funds Key to Broadband for 330,000+ in MO

Missouri ranks 34th in the nation for broadband coverage and speed, with more than 330,000 residents lacking broadband access, but now, agencies hope …

In a National Wildlife Federation and United Federation of Teachers survey, only one in five educators said climate education was covered in student-teacher training. (Adobe Stock)

Survey: More Climate Education Needed in NYC Schools

CORRECTION: Just 52% of NYC teachers teach climate change. An earlier version of the article incorrectly stated the percentage. (11:43 a.m. EST., Dec…

In a recent survey, nearly one in four U.S. teachers said they were likely to leave their jobs. (Adobe Stock)

SD Teacher: Fellow Educators Should Embrace Holiday Recharge

South Dakota schools now are in holiday break mode, and one teacher urges educators to use the time wisely to recharge their batteries during a …

A 2021 College Equity Report found Black and Hispanic/Latino students were the most likely to come from low-income homes. Indiana has about a dozen programs geared toward helping students in need find money for education. (Adobe Stock)

Padres Estrellas Helps Hoosier Students Get Financial Aid

A state-run outreach program is working to ensure Indiana's Latino and Hispanic students have equal access to financial aid for post-secondary educati…

The James Webb Space Telescope's 18 special lightweight beryllium mirrors were manufactured in 11 U.S. states including at Boulder, Colorado's Ball Aerospace. (NASA/Ken Hutchison-Ball Aerospace)

NM Has Role in NASA's Next-Generation Space Telescope

A NASA mission 25 years in development is finally ready for launch, and contributors from the Land of Enchantment are eager to join its search for …

The legislation also will allow people age 25 or older, with at least 60 college credits or three years of experience as a paraprofessional, to serve as "classroom monitors," delivering assignments preplanned by a teacher, upon complete training on classroom management. (Adobe Stock)

PA Bill Expands Eligibility for Substitute Teachers Amid Shortage

Pennsylvania's substitute-teacher shortage has put a lot of pressure on educators in the state, but a new law signed by Gov. Tom Wolf last week aims …

As part of the overhaul of the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program, military service members can get credit toward the program without an application. (Adobe Stock)

As Repayments Loom, Some Gain Student-Loan Forgiveness

Almost 27 million borrowers with federal student loans are set to start repayments in February, but some have succeeded in erasing their debt …

Hair is a sacred symbol for Lakota tribal members, and should only be cut by a Native American woman or a child's grandfather in ceremony. (Adobe Stock)

Lakota Racial Justice and Religious Freedom Case Headed for Trial

ROSEBUD, Neb. -- A lawsuit accusing a Nebraska school district of violating a Lakota family's First Amendment rights and unlawful racial …

The American Library Association has established an Office for Intellectual Freedom to deal with the growing number of challenges to books and other library materials. (StockPhotoPros/Adobe Stock)

Utah Teachers, Librarians Alarmed by Calls to Ban Controversial Books

SALT LAKE CITY -- Utah teachers and school librarians are reacting with alarm to a growing problem of parents and other groups demanding books they fi…

The Commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary of Education has until February 2022 to review an application for a new charter school in New Bedford. (Olesya Shelomova/Adobe Stock)

Hearing Today on New Bedford Charter School Proposal

NEW BEDFORD, Ma. -- The state holds a public hearing today on a new charter school to serve New Bedford and Fall River students, and advocates for …

There were 569 federally designated Hispanic-Serving Institutions or colleges in 2019, with another 362 schools closing in, according to the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities. (ernestoeslava/Pixabay)

Scrutinizing Grants at Hispanic-Serving Higher-Ed Schools

AUSTIN, Texas -- In the past decade, the number of Hispanic-serving institutions (HSIs) at the college level has grown significantly, but some …

According to the White House, more than 30 million Americans live in areas where there is no broadband infrastructure that provides minimally acceptable speeds. (fancycrave1/Pixabay)

Rural Florida Cites Need for Better, Cheaper Broadband

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- The bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act passed by Congress contains $65 billion to give every American affordable …

New Hampshire is one of eight states that have passed laws to restrict the teaching of concepts such as systemic racism and gender identity. (Syda Productions/Adobe Stock)

Educators, Parents, Union File Lawsuit Against NH 'Divisive Concepts' Bill

CONCORD, N.H. -- Educators, parents and the American Federation of Teachers-New Hampshire (AFT) have filed a lawsuit against the state's so-called …

During the 2018-19 school year, an estimated 86% of students in Pennsylvania's public schools did not receive adequate funding, according to state law. (Adobe Stock)

PA's School Funding Trial Gives Snapshot of State's Underfunded Districts

HARRISBURG, Pa. -- Pennsylvania's school funding trial is entering its fourth week today. Testimony so far has provided an inside view into the …

To qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program, borrowers have had to meet a handful of requirements including working in a public-sector job, making 120 on-time student loan payments and participating in a qualified repayment plan. (Mikhail Nilov/Pexels)

More Student-Loan Forgiveness Urged as Repayments Set to Resume

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - As more than 200 organizations call on the Biden administration to extend the pause on student-loan repayments, some borrowers …

At the start of 2021, about three in four of Ohio's K-12 public school students were learning in fully remote or hybrid settings. (Xalanx/Adobe Stock)

Rural Ohio Students Could Use Federal Broadband Investments

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Ohio's rural educators said the funding for broadband in the bipartisan infrastructure package signed into law last month is …

The average teacher salary in South Dakota is just below $49,000 a year. (Adobe Stock)

Following Noem Speech, SD Educators Press for Funding Increase

PIERRE, S.D. - South Dakota's teachers' union says while there are still a lot of unknowns, it's hopeful the governor's new budget proposal leads to …

Under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the United States will spend $65 billion over the next five years to extend broadband internet to everyone. (Tiko/Adobe Stock)

Broadband Infrastructure Improvements Would Boost AZ's Rural Schools

COTTONWOOD, Ariz. - The Bipartisan Infrastructure Act passed by Congress contains $65 billion aimed at giving every American affordable access to …

There are currently 80,000 Colorado college students eligible for full SNAP benefits, the program formerly known as food stamps. (Adobe Stock)

Colorado Struggles to Get Students Back into College

DENVER -- Women and low-income students disproportionately put their college careers on hold during the pandemic, according to a new report. Of the 1…

North Dakota has seven community action agencies spread across the state. They offer a number of programs, including Head Start. (Adobe Stock)

ND Head Start Programs Encounter Enrollment Issues

FARGO, N.D. - As North Dakota families navigate the latest phase of the pandemic, community action agencies worry the crisis is affecting parents' …

The average monthly payment for Indiana student-loan borrowers is $252. (Yuri Kibalnik/Adobe Stock)

IN Borrowers Worry as Student-Loan Payments Resume Next Year

INDIANAPOLIS -- Student-loan borrowers have had a reprieve from making payments during the pandemic, set to end in 2022. Starting in February…

New York City launched a community schools initiative in 2014. A study three years later found it had a positive impact on student attendance and credit accumulation. (Adobe Stock)

Teachers’ Union Issues Recommendations for NY Public Schools

ALBANY, N.Y. -- New York State United Teachers (NYSUT) has released a new report this week, with recommendations from educators about how best to …

In a statewide survey of Wisconsin school districts, 37% said they were unable to provide students with Wi-Fi cards or hotspots. (Adobe Stock)

New Federal Funds Address Broadband Dilemma for Rural WI Students

PRAIRIE DU SAC, Wis. -- Broadband gaps affect many facets of life, including education. The new federal infrastructure plan includes money to expand …

The Early Learning Center at Everett Community College provides free preschool to eligible families through the Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program. (Image capture: Jul 2017 �2021 Google)

Everett Community College Pauses Plans to Close Early Learning Center

EVERETT, Wash. -- After community pushback, Everett Community College has paused plans to close its Early Learning Center, which has provided child-…

According to Restore Pennsylvania, the state's broadband initiative, achieving high-speed internet access throughout the state will require between $480 million and $715 million. (Adobe Stock)

Infrastructure Bill's Broadband Funds to Support Rural Pennsylvanians

MILL CREEK, Pa. -- The trillion-dollar infrastructure bill passed by Congress last month includes $65 billion to provide better internet access to …

According to an annual survey, 20% of Americans could not name any branches of government. (Adobe Stock)

Civics Knowledge Cloud Hangs Over Constitutional Debates

FARGO, N.D. -- The U.S. Supreme Court today takes up arguments in a high-stakes abortion case. It coincides with divisive arguments over voter fraud…

More than one in four people in a recent survey said when payments resume in February, they'll be paying at least one-third of their income toward student loans. (Vitalii Vodolazskyi/Adobe Stock)

Financial Tips as Student-Loan Payments Set to Resume Soon

GREAT FALLS, Mont. - Student-loan borrowers have had a reprieve from making payments during the pandemic, but that's set to end in 2022. Starting in …

Modern-day agriculture is now closely linked with technology, says a dean from Chemeketa Community College. (sodawhiskey/Adobe Stock)

USDA Grant to Help Invite OR Hispanic Students into Ag, Tech Careers

SALEM, Ore. -- A new project with a grant from the federal government aims to invite Hispanic students in Oregon into agriculture and technology …

The United States ranks 27th for access to high-speed internet, according to allconnect.com. (Chay_tee/Adobe Stock)

MI Educator: Focus on Rural Communities in Broadband Buildout

PARADISE, Mich. -- Rural educators say the funding for broadband in the bipartisan infrastructure package signed into law last month is critical for …

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Education

Amid Threats, School Social Workers Help Foster Welcoming Environments

Course Invites Latino, Native American Students to WA Law Schools

IA Lawmakers Urged to Prioritize Equity Over Controversy

What Are Universities Teaching Students About Jan. 6, 2021?

Chicago Teachers Union Urges City to Take Safety Requests Seriously

Governor Lauds ID Surplus, Urges Ed, Infrastructure Investments

Governor’s Budget Includes Highest Education Funding in CA History

Colorado Latinos Continue to Face Barriers to College Degrees

SD Poised to See More Debate Over LGBTQ Bills

Nebraska Denies Emergency Assistance to 90% of Poor Families

Central OR Organization Tackles Workforce Challenges for Latino Communities

Help is Available for IN Students Facing Food Insecurity

Improving Civics Education Could Engage Future Voters

Report: School Officers Don't Make Students Feel Safer

IN Education Leaders Work to Keep College Students on Track to Graduate

State Department to Pilot New Program for Refugees to Attend College

Starting Next Year, Hair Discrimination Banned in IL Schools

NH Parents, Public School Advocates Oppose New Voucher Bill

Researchers: MI Communities Need More Mental Health Support

Federal Funds Key to Broadband for 330,000+ in MO

Survey: More Climate Education Needed in NYC Schools

SD Teacher: Fellow Educators Should Embrace Holiday Recharge

Padres Estrellas Helps Hoosier Students Get Financial Aid

NM Has Role in NASA's Next-Generation Space Telescope

PA Bill Expands Eligibility for Substitute Teachers Amid Shortage

As Repayments Loom, Some Gain Student-Loan Forgiveness

Lakota Racial Justice and Religious Freedom Case Headed for Trial

Utah Teachers, Librarians Alarmed by Calls to Ban Controversial Books

Hearing Today on New Bedford Charter School Proposal

Scrutinizing Grants at Hispanic-Serving Higher-Ed Schools

Rural Florida Cites Need for Better, Cheaper Broadband

Educators, Parents, Union File Lawsuit Against NH 'Divisive Concepts' Bill

PA's School Funding Trial Gives Snapshot of State's Underfunded Districts

More Student-Loan Forgiveness Urged as Repayments Set to Resume

Rural Ohio Students Could Use Federal Broadband Investments

Following Noem Speech, SD Educators Press for Funding Increase

Broadband Infrastructure Improvements Would Boost AZ's Rural Schools

Colorado Struggles to Get Students Back into College

ND Head Start Programs Encounter Enrollment Issues

IN Borrowers Worry as Student-Loan Payments Resume Next Year

Teachers’ Union Issues Recommendations for NY Public Schools

New Federal Funds Address Broadband Dilemma for Rural WI Students

Everett Community College Pauses Plans to Close Early Learning Center

Infrastructure Bill's Broadband Funds to Support Rural Pennsylvanians

Civics Knowledge Cloud Hangs Over Constitutional Debates

Financial Tips as Student-Loan Payments Set to Resume Soon

USDA Grant to Help Invite OR Hispanic Students into Ag, Tech Careers

MI Educator: Focus on Rural Communities in Broadband Buildout