Closes in 10 seconds skip ×
This will close in 10 seconds skip ×

Student safety

School closings tracker: Where districts are shutting down again due to COVID-19 outbreaks

Perfect storm of the delta variant, low vaccination rates in parts of the country and political resistance to universal masking have sent tens of thousands of students and staff members into isolation and quarantine.

School mask tracker: Who is and isn’t loosening the rules

Leaders in several districts have in recent days have announced that all students and staff, regardless of age or vaccination status, will be required to wear masks when the 2021-22 school year begins.

Once defiant Florida districts join growing wave of schools easing up on masks

Florida K-12 who have been at the forefront of battling state leaders over masks are now beginning to loosen their mandates as dozens of districts in once hard-hit areas are going mask optional.

Pfizer says COVID vaccine is 90% effective in 5- to 11-year olds

Schools’ efforts to keep educating kids in person get a boost with Pfizer’s vaccine showing 90% effectiveness in preventing COVID in 5- to 11-year-olds.

5 inspirational school leaders who are prioritizing equity, safety and quality teaching

“Champions for School Climate” program highlights the work of educators who prioritize student success by focusing on equity, safety, supportive relationships, and quality teaching and learning.

Top 4 Safety Risks & How to Protect Your Students

Students are still experiencing lasting impacts on their mental health from isolation during the pandemic. There is a critical need for increased mental health support for students, while acknowledging the […]
Thu Oct 28th, 2021

Biden details ambitious plan to vaccinate 5- to 11-year-olds quickly, equitably

Expecting vaccines to be authorized in early November, the Biden administration will rely on pediatricians, schools and rural clinics to administer shots to younger children.
Wed Oct 20th, 2021

Why students are getting to ditch masks as some warn of a winter COVID spike

Mask mandates are dropping like dominos in schools throughout the South and parts of the Midwest even as districts in COVID hotspots farther north grapple with controversies over face coverings. 

Tue Oct 19th, 2021

Why even some once defiant school leaders are now loosening mask rules

Waves of districts are ending their mask mandates even as some administrators elsewhere impose them for the first time this school year because of ongoing COVID outbreaks.
Tue Oct 19th, 2021

Safe Schools Week: 9 key school safety strategies for leaders to keep in mind

Student safety advocates say rising school shootings and gun violence are giving new urgency to Safe Schools Week, an annual national call-to-action that began on Monday. 
Tue Oct 19th, 2021

Sex ed is growing more inclusive of LGBTQ+ but is the norm in only 17 states

Instruction that affirms LGTBQ+ students' gender identities is spreading but still lacking in many states, as are gay-straight alliances clubs where young people can turn for critical support.

Fri Oct 15th, 2021