A House panel next week will take up a proposal that would ask voters to place eight-year term limits on county school board members. If approved by Florida lawmakers during the spring session, the measure would go on the 2020 ballot because it is a proposed constitutional amendment.

More teachers in grades 4-6 and new funding for school security are among the financial needs for Alabama public schools, State Superintendent Eric Mackey told lawmakers. The budget request also includes more state funding to teach students who are learning English as a second language, and more for school nurses and transportation.

Actionable data can help educators make the connections that get students on grade level. See how district leaders leveraged insights from i-Ready to improve their schools and help their students.

When school officials suspend students, the idea is to maintain a safe environment and deter violence and other problematic behavior on the school campus. But suspensions might be having the opposite effect if students use school suspensions strategically to earn respect and build a reputation for being tough.

The current fight is over a proposed $20 million cut to public education in the governor's recently proposed supplemental budgets for this year's spending. These bills usually cover appropriations lawmakers didn't anticipate when drafting spending plans last session for the current fiscal year.

New Washington legislation focuses on suicide prevention, school resource officer training and mental health. Legislators also hope to open regional safety centers to provide training, support and coordination to teachers and students.

High school graduation rates rose 2 percent last year, with nearly 76 percent of students getting degrees. It's the first time in the history of the city schools that more than three-quarters of high schoolers completed their studies. Dropout rates have also fallen to a record low of 7.5 percent.

The Senate Finance Committee has killed legislation calling for a statewide referendum on school improvements. The bill would have authorized a referendum in November, asking Virginia voters if they support a $3 billion bond issue for school construction and repairs.