Chalkbeat

The GOP education platform might feel familiar. Project 2025 takes its ideas to the next level

Cut federal funding for schools “pushing critical race theory, radical gender ideology, and other inappropriate racial, sexual or political content on our children.” That’s among the top 20 promises in the Republican Party’s 2024 platform.

Proposed NYC charter hopes to become second LGBTQ+ affirming middle school in nation

The founders of the proposed Miss Major Middle School are seeking to establish a school that supports students as they navigate questions of identity.

Tennessee governor bets big on school vouchers with primary endorsements. Will it work?

Republican Gov. Bill Lee's universal voucher proposal stalled in the legislature this spring, even with a GOP supermajority. Now, in anticipation of a do-over, the governor is taking the unusual step of using his bully pulpit to endorse certain Republican candidates over others.

COVID aid funded big repairs at high-poverty schools. Will that give academics a boost too?

Across 21 states with publicly available data, schools on average planned to spend 18% of their third and largest COVID aid package on facilities, a Chalkbeat analysis found.

Philadelphia needs to hire more than 450 teachers, with the worst shortage in special ed

Brittney Whitehead, assistant principal of a small high school in Northwest Philadelphia, came to the Philadelphia School District’s educator hiring fair with one goal: She wanted to recruit certified special education teachers. But Whitehead left disappointed.

Chicago to change how it flags disruptive behaviors for its youngest students

Under student code of conduct changes the school board is slated to approve this week, schools would only flag behaviors that represent a serious safety issue, such as bringing a weapon to school.

Chicago’s Opportunity Index takes center stage in school budget drama

The district overhauled its approach to budgeting this year, aiming to downplay enrollment size as a factor, provide all schools with certain base positions—and steer more dollars to schools serving the city’s most vulnerable students.

Lax NYC school cell phone policies put burden on teachers, leave students confused

Some teachers create their own rules, from zero-tolerance approaches like confiscation to more relaxed policies like allowing phones unless a class devolves into chaos, according to one student in Queens.

Marie Feagins, a longtime student advocate, faces new tests as Memphis superintendent

To dig in to her new job as superintendent of Memphis-Shelby County Schools, Marie Feagins took her seat at a desk. Not her own desk at district headquarters, but a student desk in a classroom.

Denver Public Schools hires its first director of Latinx Student Success

Following the release of a report that revealed “serious barriers” for Latino students in Denver Public Schools, the district has hired its first director of Latinx Student Success.

I go to a high school for pregnant and parenting students. It has put graduation within reach.

About a year ago, I was 16, seven months pregnant, and living in my car with my boyfriend. We showered at gas stations and bought grilled cheese sandwiches at Walmart. I worried that we wouldn’t be able to provide for the daughter I would soon have. Some days, I felt utterly defeated.

How the ‘Southlake Playbook’ brought partisan battles to America’s school boards

Southlake’s fight began after a series of racist incidents spurred local officials to roll out a plan to make the affluent Carroll Independent School District more inclusive. Then came the backlash.

Study finds segregation increasing in large districts—and school choice is a factor

Two main factors are driving the increase: the end of most court oversight that required school districts to create integrated schools, and policies that favor school choice and parental preference.

Chicago’s moratorium on school closings could last until 2027, under new proposal

The state legislature's proposal emerged in response a Chicago school board resolution to move away from school choice and invest more in neighborhood schools.

Chicago Teachers Union reveals some key contract demands

The Chicago Teachers Union wants its next contract to include raising the salary floor for paraprofessionals, more dual language programs, sports and fine arts programs for every school, and more Sustainable Community Schools.