Policy Issues


Experts Weigh In: How to Reopen Schools Safely

A team of clinicians, scientists and educators has examined the issues involved in helping schools prevent the spread of COVID-19. Among the essentials that will be required: "large-scale" viral testing in students, appropriate communications and robust contact tracing.

NEA Predicts 20 Percent Decline in Education Workforce

The largest labor union in the country, the National Education Association, has estimated that the United States could lose 1.9 million education jobs unless Congress delivers additional funding for states and localities to bolster support for schools.

New Report Guides States on Helping Deliver Digital Learning

How can states support their schools' efforts to deliver digital learning? That’s the topic of a new report from SETDA, the State Educational Technology Directors Association, an organization for technology leaders at state levels. The report defined digital learning as "any learning powered by technology," whether inside or outside of the classroom.

Chiefs to Change Launch Challenges Teacher Views on System Leader Roles

The share of teachers who believe that top district and state education leaders make a difference in the lives of students is tiny — in the low double digits.

Report: COVID-19's Impact on School Funding

While it's much too soon to understand what impact COVID-19 will have on K–12 education, two researchers have looked at the potential outcomes.

Montana Schools May Reopen as Soon as May 7

Montana's Office of Public Instruction issued a recommendation April 9 that districts keep their schools closed for the rest of the spring semester. However, two weeks later, Montana Gov. Steve Bullock announced as a part of a phased reopening of the state that district leaders may decide for themselves whether they will resume in-person instruction or not.

Education Leaders Push for Changes to Keep Americans Connected Pledge

Former U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan has asserted that some companies are withholding free access service from families who have outstanding bills or other debt problems with the company.

How the Pandemic Stimulus Bill Pays Out for Education

The $2 trillion Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, signed into law on March 24, 2020, includes about $30.75 billion in funding dedicated to the needs of public education.

Student Privacy in a Time of Pandemic

How should a school respond if it receives a voluntary request from a local, state or federal agency for student records to assist in responding to a COVID-19 outbreak in the area?

Educators Implore FCC to Cover Home Internet in E-rate Expansion

It's time for E-rate to cover the cost of home internet access. That's the word from 7,664 teachers, education IT people, principals and superintendents who have signed a letter to the Federal Communications Commission urging the Commission to make E-rate funds available to help schools and districts "equip" students with home internet access.

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