A bill under consideration in the Kansas Legislature calls for students in the state to pass an American civics test in order to graduate and requires “instruction to provide students with an understanding of communist and socialist regimes and ideologies.”
Supporters of the bill say requiring cursive instruction will boost brain development and fine motor skills while helping students read historical documents and develop reliable signatures for legal and financial use. Critics argue schools should decide the most effective ways to teach written communication.
A bipartisan spending deal preserved most Education Department programs and nearly $80 billion in funding for fiscal 2026, despite the Trump administration’s efforts to scale back the agency. The agreement also requires regular briefings to Congress on the reorganization.
Ohio may be struggling to connect education and training with employer needs, potentially limiting job growth, according to a survey of economists. Several urged stronger partnerships between schools and businesses.
Georgia lawmakers are considering a “bell to bell” ban on cell phones in high schools, expanding an existing restriction already in place for younger grades. Supporters say it would reduce distractions, while opponents worry about student safety and emergency communication.
