Traditionally, districts start each K12 budgeting cycle by taking last year's spending plan and deciding what needs to change. Frankly, that's an outdated approach, argues one expert.

When it comes to the biggest edtech trend of all—AI—various agencies are trying to provide districts with more support in adopting the technology responsibly.

Here's what comes next as leaders formulate post-ESSER spending plans, craft smartphone policies and try to keep kids in schools.

Recent data shows that elementary and middle school students have made significant strides since 2020 but still have a long way to go.