A new commentary says some education programs might work better outside the Education Department, but splitting them up could also make federal policy harder to coordinate.

High-performing schools often fade because success depends on specific leaders or staff, not durable systems. Lasting schools lock in clear instructional routines that can withstand turnover.

American teenagers spend more than right hours a day on screens, increasingly on short-form content like TikTok and YouTube Shorts. Meanwhile, only 17% of 13-year-olds read for fun almost daily, down from 35% in 1984.

Rhode Island's chronic absenteeism survey asks students, "Why have you been absent from school?" followed by a predetermined list of reasons including bullying, taking care of family, and illness.

As smartphone use soars among students, schools face an attention crisis driven by an economy built to keep users endlessly engaged. Educators warn that true learning requires focus and effort, not the instant gratification apps like TikTok and YouTube provide.