According to the Education Department, a patriotic education prioritizes a "unifying and uplifting" portrayal of the nation's founding ideals.

Federal officials want schools to end mental health screenings, saying they stigmatize kids and medicalize normal behavior. Experts counter that screenings spark conversations and connect students to care before crises.

School leaders are juggling a mandate that is more complex than ever: improve indoor air quality, reduce energy costs and, increasingly, address sustainability and decarbonization goals.

About 10% of Colorado principals leave their schools each year, straining teacher retention. To help, the state and Colorado State University Global are expanding leadership pipelines and online licensure programs to support rural principals.