Education

Matthew Fulton and Lauren Zarandona Named Mississippi 2026 Award Winners

The Mississippi Department of Education announced Dr. Matthew Fulton of Sumner Hill Junior High School as the 2026 Administrator of the Year and Lauren Zarandona of the Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science as the 2026 Teacher of the Year. Each award recipient receives a $5,000 stipend and will represent Mississippi in national competitions while sharing expertise through educational presentations.

Pell Grant Verification Status Code W Warning Message 2025-26

The Department of Education's Federal Student Aid division issued an electronic announcement (GRANTS-26-02) reminding schools of verification status code reporting requirements for 2025-26 Pell Grant recipients under 34 CFR Part 668 Subpart E. Schools with student records still showing verification status code 'W' will receive a warning message on April 23, 2026, with affected disbursements reduced to $0.00 on May 14, 2026. Schools must review their reconciliation reports and submit appropriate verification status code changes by the May deadline.

Consortium Incentive Grant Program, Project Period Extension

The U.S. Department of Education has extended the project period for the Consortium Incentive Grant Program. This extension applies to existing grantee institutions currently operating under the program. The extension modifies the original project timeline without altering the program's fundamental requirements or eligibility criteria.

Consolidation Loan Rebate Fee Report Comment Request

The Department of Education is requesting public comments on a Consolidation Loan Rebate Fee Report. This consultation invites stakeholder feedback on rebate fee reporting requirements for consolidation loans under federal student loan programs. Comments will be reviewed to inform policy development on consolidation loan fee structures.

William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Repayment Plan Comments

The Department of Education seeks public comments on the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Repayment Plan by June 16. The William D. Ford program provides income-driven repayment options for federal student loan borrowers, calculating monthly payments based on income and family size. This consultation invites feedback on program administration or potential modifications affecting borrowers enrolled in repayment plans.

Consolidation Loan Rebate Fee Report Information Collection Extension

The Department of Education's Federal Student Aid office published a notice seeking public comment on extending OMB Control Number 1845-0046 for the Consolidation Loan Rebate Fee Report (ED Form 4-619). The collection documents Federal Consolidation loans held by lenders who send interest payment rebate fees to the Secretary. The PRA notice estimates 2,460 annual responses and 2,665 annual burden hours across private sector and government respondents.

Proposed Waiver and Extension of Project Period Title I Part C Consortium Incentive Grant Program

The Department of Education proposes to waive EDGAR requirements prohibiting project period extensions involving additional Federal funds for the Title I, Part C Consortium Incentive Grant Program. The waiver would enable 39 projects under Assistance Listing Number 84.144F to receive funding for up to two additional 12-month periods, not to exceed September 30, 2028. The program supports State educational agencies in consortia arrangements to improve delivery of educational services to migratory children.

William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program Repayment Plan Selection Form Comment Request

The Department of Education is soliciting public comments on a revision to the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program Repayment Plan Selection Form (OMB Control No. 1845-0014). The revision incorporates regulatory changes mandated by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) signed into law on July 4, 2025, which amended the Higher Education Act of 1965 regarding Direct Loans. Comments are due June 16, 2026.

State Personnel Development Grants Competition, FY2026

The Department of Education announces the FY2026 State Personnel Development Grants program competition under Assistance Listing Number 84.323A. State educational agencies in the 50 States, District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and eligible outlying areas may submit applications electronically via Grants.gov by June 16, 2026. Grants fund improvements to personnel preparation and professional development systems for early intervention, educational, and transition services for children with disabilities.

$2.5M Adult Education Budget Proposal Supports Blair County Workforce Development

The Pennsylvania Department of Education announced Shapiro Administration investments in adult education, with over $474,000 provided to the Altoona Area School District Adult Education Program since 2023. The Governor's 2026-27 budget proposal includes $2.5 million for adult education initiatives statewide, building on the $2 million used in May 2025 to make GED tests free for Pennsylvanians. More than 20,000 residents annually receive services through these programs.

PA Student Teachers Eligible for $10,000 Stipends Through New Program

The Shapiro Administration announced that Pennsylvania student teachers can now apply for $10,000 stipends through the PA Student Teacher Support Program for the 2026-27 school year. The program, signed into law by Governor Josh Shapiro, requires recipients to commit to teaching in Pennsylvania for three years after completing their placement. Governor Shapiro has proposed increasing total program funding to $35 million annually, including $5 million more for PHEAA to administer stipends to approximately 2,300 student teachers.

$3M Migrant Education Program Serves 7,000 Students, Achieves 92% Graduation Rate

The Shapiro Administration announced $3 million in investments over three years to Pennsylvania's Migrant Education Program (PA-MEP), which served nearly 7,000 students during 2024-25. The program achieved a 92% graduation rate for 12th-grade participants, with over 60% of graduates planning to attend college. PA-MEP assists children of agricultural workers with interrupted schooling through tutoring, summer programs, and in-home support.

$65M CTE Investment Adds 3,000 Students Across Pennsylvania

The Shapiro Administration has increased Career and Technical Education (CTE) funding by nearly 50 percent since 2023, representing a $65 million investment. This funding has enabled 3,000 additional students to enroll in CTE classes across Pennsylvania, expanded teacher recruitment, and supported equipment purchases at career and technical centers and high schools statewide.

Pennsylvania Invests $375M in Student Mental Health Across 800+ Schools Since 2023

The Shapiro Administration announced that Pennsylvania has made available nearly $375 million to schools since January 2023 to support student mental health and security needs. More than 800 schools have expanded access to mental health services, and over 200 counselors have been hired during this period. Governor Shapiro has proposed an additional $111 million in the 2026-27 budget for school safety and mental health supports.

Oregon Early Learning Access for Children with Disabilities Up 76%

The Oregon Department of Education and Department of Early Learning and Care released the 2026 Oregon Early Childhood Inclusion (OECI) Initiative Impact Report, showing a 76% increase in early learning access for children with disabilities, with 2,111 more children served in 2024-25 compared to 2020-21. Access to inclusive early learning environments rose from 38% in 2020 to 56.6% in 2025.

ODE Releases 2024-25 School District Profiles

ODE Releases 2024-25 School District Profiles

2024-25 Oregon Statewide Report Card and SEED Survey Released

The Oregon Department of Education released the 2024-25 Statewide Report Card and SEED Survey Statewide Report. The Report Card compiles K-12 education data including 379 languages spoken by students, 3,713 Oregon State Seals of Biliteracy awarded, 86.6% ninth-grade on-track graduation rate, and increased diversity in both students (42.5%) and teachers (14.1%) of color. The SEED Survey captured responses from over 180,000 students in grades 3-11 on belonging, engagement, and future planning.

48 Districts Receive $12M High-Dosage Tutoring Funds

Oregon Department of Education has awarded $12 million in high-dosage tutoring supplement funds to 48 school districts for 2025-27. Funds are allocated based on English language arts proficiency, English language learners, students with disabilities, and students experiencing poverty. Recipients must prioritize highest-need schools, supplement not supplant existing funds, and participate in ODE's HDT Community of Practice through March 2026.

Class of 2025 Oregon Graduation Rate Record 83.0%

Oregon Department of Education announced the Class of 2025 achieved an 83.0% on-time high school graduation rate, a record high surpassing the previous 82.6% record set by the Class of 2020. The rate represents 1,546 more graduates than the previous year, with gains across all student groups including American Indian/Alaska Native (74.0%), Students in Special Education (72.2%), and Hispanic/Latino students (79.9%).

2023 News Releases and Announcements Index

The New York State Education Department published its 2023 news releases and announcements index, listing items including Regents professional discipline actions, public hearings on mayoral control of NYC schools, library public programs, student award announcements, and budget and legislative priorities for the 2024-25 school year. This is an informational index page linking to departmental announcements throughout 2023.

2022 NYSED News Archive, 106 Releases

The New York State Education Department published its 2022 news archive containing 106 releases. The archive indexes announcements including Board of Regents professional discipline cases (37-44 cases per release), nominations for the 2023 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program, budget and legislative priorities for the 2023-24 school year, and family newsletters from Commissioner Betty A. Rosa. No new compliance obligations are created by this archive index.

85 NYSED News Releases and Announcements Index, 2024

The New York State Education Department published an index of 85 news releases and announcements from 2024 covering topics including New York State Museum exhibitions and events, U.S. Presidential Scholars nominations, Regents Actions on 35 professional discipline cases, mastodon discovery announcements, and budget and legislative priorities. The page serves as a navigation index to departmental communications throughout the year.

New York State Education News Archive 2025

NYSED published its 2025 news archive index listing departmental announcements including professional discipline cases for licensed professionals, state assessment results for 2024-25, Board of Regents budget priorities for 2026-27, literacy toolkits for multilingual learners, and guidance on food insecurity support for students. The archive documents regulatory and administrative activity but contains no new compliance obligations.

2026 News Archive - 25 NYSED News Releases and Announcements

The New York State Education Department released its 2026 news archive, listing 25 news releases and announcements issued between March and April 2026. The archive includes Regents Actions in professional discipline cases (36 cases on April 15; 27 cases on March 12), scholarship program announcements, museum programming, library events, $8.1 million in federal grants for homeless students, and Summer Food Service Program applications.

Nevada DOE Announces 36 Schools Earn 2026 Purple Star Designation for Military-Friendly Commitment

The Nevada Department of Education announced 36 schools have been designated as 2026 Nevada Purple Star Schools, recognizing their commitment to serving military-connected students and families. The schools, primarily in Clark County School District with three charter schools under the State Public Charter School Authority, join 54 existing Purple Star Schools in the program that began in 2021. The designations coincide with Month of the Military Child, recognizing Nevada's nearly 11,000 military-connected children.

Nevada Department of Education Announces Five Strategic Priorities for Education

The Nevada Department of Education announced five strategic priorities under Superintendent Wakefield: Strong Foundations, Empowering Pathways, Equipped Educators and Leaders, Informed and Connected Families, and Aligned Systems. The announcement concludes Wakefield's first 100 days in office and aims to strengthen classroom instruction, improve college and career readiness, and better align support for schools and districts. Fewer than half of Nevada students are currently proficient in English Language Arts, and fewer than one in five 4-year-olds are enrolled in high-quality pre-K.

Nevada Department of Education Announces Dr. Torrey Palmer as Deputy Superintendent

The Nevada Department of Education announced Dr. Torrey Palmer will become Deputy Superintendent for Academics & Student Achievement beginning March 30, 2026. Dr. Palmer previously served as Partner at education nonprofit TNTP and as Assistant Principal at Mater Academy of Northern Nevada. She brings expertise in standards-aligned curriculum, assessment, and Nevada Academic Content Standards implementation.

Nevada Department of Education Seeks Public Comment on IDEA Application

The Nevada Department of Education is seeking public comment on its annual state application under Part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) for federal fiscal year 2026 (state fiscal year 2027). The state is required to circulate the application for 60 days and accept written public comments for 30 days prior to final submission to the U.S. Department of Education.

NDE and WCSD Announce Settlement to Support Students with Special Needs

The Nevada Department of Education (NDE) and Washoe County School District (WCSD) announced a settlement agreement resolving litigation initiated by WCSD in April 2025 concerning CASE (Contingency Account for Special Education) funding for a student with disabilities. Under the agreement, NDE will collaborate with WCSD and other Nevada school districts to review and improve regulations, practices, and processes affecting special education services statewide.

Nebraska CTSO Students Visit Capitol for Legislative Day

Nebraska Department of Education announced that students from Career and Technical Student Organizations visited the state Capitol on February 3rd for CTSO Legislative Day. The event enabled students to meet with state leaders, attend legislative hearings, and learn about Nebraska's unicameral government. Commissioner of Education Brian Maher participated in the event.

Dr. Ryan Foor Appointed Deputy Commissioner of Education

The Nebraska State Board of Education has appointed Dr. Ryan Foor as Deputy Commissioner of Education, effective April 20, 2026. Dr. Foor has served at the Nebraska Department of Education since 2015, most recently as Assistant Commissioner and Chief of Staff. He previously worked in career and technical education and provided support to the State Board of Education. This is an administrative appointment affecting leadership structure of the state education agency.

46 Nebraska Students Earn Distinguished World Language Scholar Awards

The Nebraska Department of Education announced Distinguished World Language Scholar Awards for 46 students and Student Language Spotlight Awards for 33 students during World Language Week 2026. Students were nominated by teachers and submitted portfolios demonstrating language proficiency, leadership, and cultural understanding. The announcement invites participation in the 2027 World Language Week.

Nebraska Educators Rising Recognizes State Leaders and Award Winners at 2026 Conference

Nebraska Educators Rising held its 2026 State Leadership Conference on February 23-24, 2026 at Younes South Conference Center, bringing together more than 400 aspiring educators, teacher leaders, and guests from 29 chapters across the state. The conference recognized outstanding administrators, teacher leaders, alumni, and student members with various awards, and featured competitive events, breakout sessions, and networking opportunities with education leaders and employer representatives from across Nebraska.

2026 Instructional Innovation Grant, Up to $1.2M Available

The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction announces the 2026 Instructional Innovation Grant under the Digital Learning Initiative. Up to $1.2 million in total grant funding will support digital teaching and learning in North Carolina public schools during the 2026-27 school year. School districts may apply for up to $50,000, while charter, laboratory, and regional schools may apply for up to $20,000. Proposals must be submitted by June 18, 2026.

Principal Retention Strong, Teacher Attrition Up 0.25%

The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction presented the annual State of the Teaching Profession and School Administrator Report to the State Board of Education. The report shows principal retention remained strong at 92.4%, while the teacher attrition rate increased slightly to 10.11% for the 2024-25 school year, up from 9.88% in 2023-24. The teacher vacancy rate decreased to 7.4% under the legislatively broadened definition that includes temporarily licensed teachers and rehired retirees.

Nine Regional Principals of the Year Finalists Announced

The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction announced nine public school principals as regional finalists for the 2026 Wells Fargo North Carolina Principal of the Year award. One finalist will be named the statewide winner at a ceremony on May 15, 2026, at The Umstead Hotel & Spa in Cary. The regional finalists represent schools from Dare, Craven, Wake, and Cumberland County school systems.

North Carolina Schools Awarded $11M for Mental Health Services

The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) has received more than $11 million in federal funding through two grants from the U.S. Department of Education. The Mental Health Service Professional Demonstration Grant provides $4.8 million over four years for the NC School Psychology Internship Program (NC SPIn), supporting salary and housing stipends for interns in high-need rural districts. The School-Based Mental Health Services Grant awards $6.4 million over four years for the NC School Psychologists Supporting our Students (SoS) project to increase recruitment, retention, and training of school psychologists in underserved areas.

Over Half NC Public School Graduates Passed College-Level Courses in 2025

The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction announced that 54% of Class of 2025 graduates successfully completed at least one college-level course during high school, marking a historic high. The Career and College Promise program saw nearly 87,000 student participants in 2024-25, a 10% increase from the prior year.

Superintendent Hedalen and onX Announce Youth Outdoor Recreation Partnership

The Montana Office of Public Instruction announced a partnership with onX, a Montana-based outdoor mapping company, to promote youth outdoor recreation through hunter education. Students ages 12-17 who complete a certified hunter safety course are eligible for a free one-year onX Hunt Premium subscription. The initiative aims to promote firearm safety, conservation principles, and responsible outdoor practices among Montana youth.

Superintendent Celebrates Career and Technical Education Partnerships in Billings

Superintendent Susie Hedalen of the Montana Office of Public Instruction visited Billings Career Center and Billings Clinic to celebrate Career and Technical Education Month, observing students in medical training, skilled trades, and workforce development programs. The visits highlighted partnerships between schools and healthcare industry leaders to create pathways from classroom learning to employment.

Superintendent Hedalen Celebrates CTE Month with Focus on Career Readiness

Montana Superintendent of Public Instruction Susie Hedalen issued a press release celebrating Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month in February 2026. The announcement highlights CTE enrollment figures, with over 36,000 of Montana's 45,000 high school students enrolled in CTE courses, and references legislative efforts from the 2025 session including House Bill 357 expanding CTE funding in middle schools and House Bill 252 supporting work-based learning and industry credentials.

Superintendent Hedalen Secures Federal Ed-Flex Waivers for Montana

The Montana Office of Public Instruction announces that Superintendent Susie Hedalen has secured federal Ed-Flex waivers from the U.S. Department of Education. The waivers, authorized under the Educational Flexibility Partnership Act by Secretary Linda McMahon, allow the state to waive certain federal statutory and regulatory requirements for local school districts. Affected formula funds include Title I, Parts A and C; Title II, Part A; and Title IV, Part A. Applications from school districts are due to the OPI by June 1, 2026.

Superintendent Hedalen Launches Modernized Teacher Learning Hub

Superintendent Hedalen announces that Montana's modernized Teacher Learning Hub is now live, providing educators centralized searchable access to professional development units required for teacher licensure. The system is designed to reduce barriers for Montana educators seeking approved professional learning aligned with state requirements. OPI will also update the Professional Development Unit Provider System later this year, requiring currently approved providers to reapply through standardized forms.

Wilkinson County School District Placed Into District of Transformation

The Mississippi State Board of Education placed Wilkinson County School District into a District of Transformation, making it a state-led district under MDE and SBE supervision. The district received an F-rating for two consecutive years with 50% of its schools currently rated F, and has not completed a financial audit since June 2022. This action was taken under statutory authority established during the 2024 legislative session allowing SBE to intervene for serious academic deficiencies or financial impairments without requiring a governor-declared state of emergency.

Higher Standards for Mississippi School Grades Set for 2025-26

The Mississippi Department of Education announced that higher accountability standards for school and district letter grades take effect with the 2025-26 school year. The Mississippi State Board of Education approved the updated standards in November 2025. Grades for 2025-26 will be released in fall 2026 and will set a new baseline that cannot be compared to prior years.

State Board Selects 11 Semifinalists for 2026-27 Student Representative Program

The Mississippi State Board of Education has selected 11 semifinalists from a pool of 33 applicants for its 2026-27 junior student representative program. The student representatives serve as non-voting SBE members and attend monthly board meetings and committee assignments. Up to four finalists will be interviewed before one rising junior is appointed to the position.

Three Districts of Innovation Approved for 2026-27

The Mississippi State Board of Education approved three school districts (Newton County, Union Public, and Western Line) as Districts of Innovation and Hinds County Early College High School as a School of Innovation for the 2026-27 school year. The designations enable these entities to request exemptions from certain state regulations to improve student achievement through innovative scheduling, instruction, and career pathways.

Missouri Vocational Rehabilitation Seeks Public Input on 2026-27 State Plan Goals

The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education's Missouri Vocational Rehabilitation (MVR) program is soliciting public feedback on its draft 2026-27 state plan goals and priorities for vocational rehabilitation services serving individuals with disabilities. Two virtual public hearings are scheduled for March 17 and March 18, 2026. Written comments will be accepted through March 31, 2026, via email, online form, or postal mail.

Missouri Implements Waitlist for Child Care Subsidy Program Starting March 2026

MO DESE's Office of Childhood will implement a waitlist for Missouri's Child Care Subsidy Program starting March 1, 2026, due to 19% growth in participation since January 2025, with over 27,000 children currently served statewide. New applicants will be placed on the waitlist managed by application date and priority rankings. Families approved before March 1 and those who complete timely renewals will not be affected.

Missouri Teacher of Year Nominations Due April 14, 2026

MO DESE announced the opening of nominations for the 2026 Regional Teacher of the Year program, the first step toward becoming the 2027 Missouri Teacher of the Year. Nominations are open to any educator and are due by April 14, 2026. Regional selection committees will choose 34 teachers to receive Regional Teacher of the Year recognition, with the state winner to be announced in September.