Last year, Texas passed a first-of-its-kind law authorizing schools to pay for religious figures to work in mental health roles, and lawmakers in 15 states followed suit by pitching similar legislation. Since then, Florida is the only state where the legislature passed the measure.
In places that teach to standards formulated by the National Science Teachers Association, state governments and other organizations, many kids learn about air quality, ecosystems and biodiversity. But students and advocates say that is insufficient.
Wisconsin lawmakers did not act on a proposal to allow school districts to receive all federal Medicaid funding reimbursed for school-based services, like physical therapy and skilled nursing.
Recruiting more aspiring educators of color will not only fill teacher vacancies but also propel student achievement and improve school climate, says this week's podcast guest, Javaid Siddiqi, the president and CEO of The Hunt Institute.
It's been great for outreach and culture-building, but educators will simply turn elsewhere, says one former principal whose viral TikToks kept students engaged and in-the-know.
A new Indiana law requires public school districts to prohibit students from using cell phones during class time. Vermont lawmakers consider it a civil rights issue while Oklahoma offers financial incentives.
Texas lawmakers have mandated new school safety policies including armed guards at every public school campus, classroom panic buttons and more staff training.
Legislators hope to give cover to districts that seek greater restrictions on smartphone use in schools, especially among teens who struggle to put the devices down.
