Michigan is currently under a state of emergency due to dangerously low wind chills, which have led many districts to cancel school this week. If those closures lead schools to exceed the state's six-day cancellation limit, districts can submit an additional forgiven time waiver.

Finland's education system caters to working families and receives plenty of funding, with more than 55 percent in federal dollars. Free meals, health care and outside-of-class child care are available to all students, who start formal schooling at age 7.

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.

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.