Federal school-safety grant review begins before 2026 awards
The Education Department will review state applications Aug. 17-28 for an estimated $93 million school-safety competition. Awards are expected by Dec. 31.
Education Policy
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UNESCO: 273 Million Children and Youth Remain Out of School as Global Progress Slows
UNESCO says the number of children and youth out of school has risen for a seventh consecutive year, reaching 273 million worldwide as education gains lose momentum.
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UNESCO Completes Final Regional Youth Consultations on Education Beyond 2030
UNESCO has completed the final listed regional sessions in a youth consultation process intended to shape an international education agenda beyond 2030.
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UNESCO, UNICEF Advance Gender-Equality Education Dialogue in Pakistan’s Balochistan on July 14
A joint UNESCO–UNICEF mission in Balochistan, Pakistan, on July 14, 2026, focused on strengthening gender equality in education and advancing policy dialogue for girls and young people.
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UNESCO and SDG 4 Youth Network Open Global Education Consultation Through September 20, 2026
A global consultation for people ages 11 to 30 is seeking youth input to help shape a post-2030 education and learning agenda.
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DeSoto ISD Secondary Schools Set Progressive Phone-Violation Protocol
A July 21 DeSoto ISD protocol outlines warnings, secured phone pouches, ISS, parent conferences and individualized supports before classes begin August 10.
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Texas Bible Reading List Faces Church-State Questions Before 2030
Texas approved a required English-literature list with Bible passages, but implementation is set for 2030-31 and the related rules remain procedurally proposed.
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New federal school-prayer guidance sets October 1 district deadline
The Education Department’s February guidance protects private religious expression but bars school-sponsored prayer as districts prepare for annual certifications.
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Graduate loan caps are in effect. Colleges now decide what students pay
Federal graduate-loan caps took effect July 1, while colleges weigh lower limits, institutional aid and private credit to cover remaining education costs.
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Supreme Court’s Religious-School Preschool Funding Case, Explained
The Supreme Court will review whether Colorado may require religious preschools to follow nondiscrimination rules to receive public preschool funding.
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Holland Elementary exits state receivership after 12 years
John P. Holland Elementary in Dorchester returned to Boston Public Schools governance and its former name on July 1, 2026. UP Education Network will continue supporting the school for at least one year, while BPS moves related-services funding and delivery into its Office of Specialized Services.
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HISD reports 2026 STAAR gains as new autonomy framework begins
HISD says 10 of 12 grades 3-8 math and reading tests met or exceeded the state average, while TEA preliminary accountability reports are scheduled for August 12 and August 14.
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Tennessee ESA Families Miss July 30 Contract Deadline as Award Amount Remains Unfinalized
The July 30 deadline for approved Tennessee ESA families to submit contracts and budgets has passed. The state’s listed $10,148.88 award is still only an estimate, and the next application window opens Sept. 1.
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North Carolina Audit Finds Child-Care Inspections Too Predictable
A July state audit found that required child-care visits were completed but often followed repeat timing patterns. It also flagged older star ratings and delays in parent notifications, while DHHS disputes parts of the assessment.
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Royal Center students face bell-to-bell device rules for 2026-27
Indiana’s new bell-to-bell device law starts July 1, and Pioneer families should watch for changes to high-school phone use during lunch and passing periods.
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Orange Park families face an unsettled debate over high school libraries
Orange Park families are watching a Clay County debate over high school libraries, but no redesign policy had been adopted as of July 30.
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Vermont Receives Federal ‘Needs Intervention’ Rating for Special Education
Vermont received a federal “Needs Intervention” rating for special education serving students ages 3 through 21. The designation increases oversight but does not by itself end services or immediately cut federal funding.
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Arkansas library funding could hinge on proposed minors’ access rules
Proposed Arkansas library rules could restrict minors’ access to some materials and put state aid for internet, databases, delivery and youth programs at stake.
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Gov. Ivey creates Alabama commission to study K-12 screen use
Gov. Kay Ivey’s July 22 order creates a commission on K-12 screen use. Its report is due Dec. 1, 2026, before possible 2027 legislation.
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Education Department Removes Title VI Disparate-Impact Rules
A new Education Department rule narrows when unequal school outcomes can support federal Title VI enforcement, while intentional discrimination remains prohibited.
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Chicago Public Schools’ $732.5M Gap Puts Layoffs and Furloughs in Play
Chicago Public Schools is weighing a $9.88 billion budget built around cuts, assumed city TIF revenue, five possible furlough days and a spending freeze.
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Arkansas federal education flexibility could affect Benton schools
Arkansas won new federal education flexibility July 7, but Benton families will need to wait for state guidance and district decisions before local changes.