Chalkbeat
@chalkbeat.org
Chalkbeat is a nonprofit news network covering schools and education policy across the U.S. Follow our education journalism at chalkbeat.org. Have a news tip? Here's how you can reach us: ckbe.at/contact-chalkbeat or email us at [email protected]
After the Trump administration announced Monday that it was freezing funding for social programs in Colorado and four other states, officials said funds that help low-income families pay for child care will be exhausted by the end of January.
The feds froze safety net funding for Colorado. Child care aid could run out within weeks.
After the Trump administration announced Monday that it was freezing funding for social programs in Colorado and four other states, officials said funds that help low-income families pay for child care will be exhausted by the end of January.
bit.ly
January 8, 2026 at 12:45 AM
After the Trump administration announced Monday that it was freezing funding for social programs in Colorado and four other states, officials said funds that help low-income families pay for child care will be exhausted by the end of January.
The Education Department signed off on the first waivers as part of its promise to “return education to the states.” Indiana will represent a bigger test, advocates say.
Iowa just got (a little) more funding flexibility from the feds. Which states are next?
The Education Department signed off on the first waivers as part of its promise to “return education to the states.” Indiana will represent a bigger test, advocates say.
bit.ly
January 8, 2026 at 12:11 AM
The Education Department signed off on the first waivers as part of its promise to “return education to the states.” Indiana will represent a bigger test, advocates say.
The MSCS board filed a request Tuesday to pause candidate filing while a lawsuit against the 2026 reset election plays out. Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti said a pause would cause “electoral chaos.”
Memphis school board moves to stop 2026 election prep
The MSCS board filed a request Tuesday to pause candidate filing while a lawsuit against the 2026 reset election plays out. Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti said a pause would cause “electoral chaos.”
bit.ly
January 7, 2026 at 11:10 PM
The MSCS board filed a request Tuesday to pause candidate filing while a lawsuit against the 2026 reset election plays out. Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti said a pause would cause “electoral chaos.”
Social media operators would need to verify users’ ages, suspending accounts belonging to children under 14. Teens would need parental permission to make accounts. The ban is being proposed alongside a separate bill to further tighten rules on cellphones in schools.
Indiana tries again to limit social media access for minors, targeting ‘addictive’ content
Social media operators would need to verify users’ ages, suspending accounts belonging to children under 14. Teens would need parental permission to make accounts. The ban is being proposed alongside a separate bill to further tighten rules on cellphones in schools.
bit.ly
January 7, 2026 at 10:30 PM
Social media operators would need to verify users’ ages, suspending accounts belonging to children under 14. Teens would need parental permission to make accounts. The ban is being proposed alongside a separate bill to further tighten rules on cellphones in schools.
Parent Coordinators in NYC: Take our survey and tell us what you think the new mayor should know about your job.
Parent Coordinators: Mamdani says he’ll change your role. We want to hear from you.
Parent Coordinators in NYC: Take our survey and tell us what you think the new mayor should know about your job.
bit.ly
January 7, 2026 at 10:11 PM
Parent Coordinators in NYC: Take our survey and tell us what you think the new mayor should know about your job.
🚨 TOMORROW 🚨 Join us for our annual discussion of key education topics likely to surface during the upcoming legislative session. There's still time to register: ckbe.at/4pQzrx5
January 7, 2026 at 9:25 PM
🚨 TOMORROW 🚨 Join us for our annual discussion of key education topics likely to surface during the upcoming legislative session. There's still time to register: ckbe.at/4pQzrx5
Superintendent Tony Watlington says he wants Philadelphia to be “the first big city to replicate the success of the Harlem Children's Zone” in New York City.
Here’s why Philly officials say they will open 2 new schools as they shutter others
Superintendent Tony Watlington says he wants Philadelphia to be “the first big city to replicate the success of the Harlem Children's Zone” in New York City.
bit.ly
January 7, 2026 at 9:10 PM
Superintendent Tony Watlington says he wants Philadelphia to be “the first big city to replicate the success of the Harlem Children's Zone” in New York City.
New mayor, new priorities. From universal child care to a surprising reversal on mayor control, here’s what to watch as Mamdani pitches education plans in Albany.
Albany’s 2026 education agenda: Will lawmakers buy into Mamdani’s child care dreams?
New mayor, new priorities. From universal child care to a surprising reversal on mayor control, here’s what to watch as Mamdani pitches education plans in Albany.
bit.ly
January 7, 2026 at 6:45 PM
New mayor, new priorities. From universal child care to a surprising reversal on mayor control, here’s what to watch as Mamdani pitches education plans in Albany.
The district’s inspector general found fraudulent Paycheck Protection Program loans and inflated student enrollment numbers in a federally funded program, among other issues.
Chicago Public Schools watchdog report includes several high-profile fraud cases
The district’s inspector general found fraudulent Paycheck Protection Program loans and inflated student enrollment numbers in a federally funded program, among other issues.
bit.ly
January 7, 2026 at 12:55 PM
The district’s inspector general found fraudulent Paycheck Protection Program loans and inflated student enrollment numbers in a federally funded program, among other issues.
The CPS inspector general found misconduct by eight former teachers and staff on the Little Village Lawndale High School campus, including former dean Brian Crowder, who was sentenced to 22 years in 2025.
Chicago Public Schools watchdog report describes sexual misconduct culture on a high school campus
The CPS inspector general found misconduct by eight former teachers and staff on the Little Village Lawndale High School campus, including former dean Brian Crowder, who was sentenced to 22 years in 2025.
bit.ly
January 7, 2026 at 8:10 AM
The CPS inspector general found misconduct by eight former teachers and staff on the Little Village Lawndale High School campus, including former dean Brian Crowder, who was sentenced to 22 years in 2025.
How might budget shortfalls impact education? How are lawmakers reacting to the Trump administration’s education policies? Will they take any action after the creation of a public K-12 religious school? RSVP for this important discussion: ckbe.at/4pQzrx5
January 7, 2026 at 3:15 AM
How might budget shortfalls impact education? How are lawmakers reacting to the Trump administration’s education policies? Will they take any action after the creation of a public K-12 religious school? RSVP for this important discussion: ckbe.at/4pQzrx5
Chalkbeat Colorado’s 2026 legislative preview of education issues will be held on Zoom from noon to 1:30 p.m. MST on Thursday.
Here’s how to register for Chalkbeat Colorado’s 2026 legislative event
Chalkbeat Colorado’s 2026 legislative preview of education issues will be held on Zoom from noon to 1:30 p.m. MST on Thursday.
bit.ly
January 6, 2026 at 11:51 PM
Chalkbeat Colorado’s 2026 legislative preview of education issues will be held on Zoom from noon to 1:30 p.m. MST on Thursday.
The race for Michigan governor is sure to bring education to centerstage in 2026.
These are the Michigan education issues to watch in 2026
The race for Michigan governor is sure to bring education to centerstage in 2026.
bit.ly
January 6, 2026 at 10:25 PM
The race for Michigan governor is sure to bring education to centerstage in 2026.
NYC schools Chancellor Kamar Samuels told principals on Monday that he plans to double down on former Mayor Eric Adams’ reading curriculum reforms.
Chancellor Kamar Samuels tells principals he will double down on Eric Adams’ literacy overhaul
NYC schools Chancellor Kamar Samuels told principals on Monday that he plans to double down on former Mayor Eric Adams’ reading curriculum reforms.
bit.ly
January 6, 2026 at 10:10 PM
NYC schools Chancellor Kamar Samuels told principals on Monday that he plans to double down on former Mayor Eric Adams’ reading curriculum reforms.
A debunking debunked, affordability and schools, higher ed’s “vibecession,” and more
A Chalkbeat Ideas roundup
A debunking debunked, affordability and schools, higher ed’s “vibecession,” and more
bit.ly
January 6, 2026 at 3:55 PM
A debunking debunked, affordability and schools, higher ed’s “vibecession,” and more
RSVP to attend our annual discussion of education topics likely to surface during the upcoming legislative session: ckbe.at/4pQzrx5. We’re excited to be joined by:
-Sen. Janice Marchman
-Sen. Scott Bright
-Rep. Meghan Lukens
-Rep. Matthew Martinez
-Rep. Lori Garcia Sander
-Sen. Janice Marchman
-Sen. Scott Bright
-Rep. Meghan Lukens
-Rep. Matthew Martinez
-Rep. Lori Garcia Sander
January 6, 2026 at 1:15 AM
RSVP to attend our annual discussion of education topics likely to surface during the upcoming legislative session: ckbe.at/4pQzrx5. We’re excited to be joined by:
-Sen. Janice Marchman
-Sen. Scott Bright
-Rep. Meghan Lukens
-Rep. Matthew Martinez
-Rep. Lori Garcia Sander
-Sen. Janice Marchman
-Sen. Scott Bright
-Rep. Meghan Lukens
-Rep. Matthew Martinez
-Rep. Lori Garcia Sander
Gov. Kathy Hochul wants every 10th grader across New York to take the Teen Mental Health First Aid course to help them spot signs of crisis and support their peers.
First aid for teen mental health: Hochul wants to train all New York 10th graders
Gov. Kathy Hochul wants every 10th grader across New York to take the Teen Mental Health First Aid course to help them spot signs of crisis and support their peers.
bit.ly
January 5, 2026 at 11:10 PM
Gov. Kathy Hochul wants every 10th grader across New York to take the Teen Mental Health First Aid course to help them spot signs of crisis and support their peers.
NYC schools Chancellor Kamar Samuels said every student deserves an integrated school in his opening letter to Education Department staff.
Kamar Samuels cites integration and culturally responsive teaching in letter to staff
NYC schools Chancellor Kamar Samuels said every student deserves an integrated school in his opening letter to Education Department staff.
bit.ly
January 5, 2026 at 10:30 PM
NYC schools Chancellor Kamar Samuels said every student deserves an integrated school in his opening letter to Education Department staff.
MSCS is suing to stop an unprecedented mega-election that will put all nine board seats on the May ballot. The race comes with big implications for a state takeover, and a new superintendent is on the horizon.
Here's what’s at stake in the 2026 Memphis school board election
MSCS is suing to stop an unprecedented mega-election that will put all nine board seats on the May ballot. The race comes with big implications for a state takeover, and a new superintendent is on the horizon.
bit.ly
January 5, 2026 at 6:56 PM
MSCS is suing to stop an unprecedented mega-election that will put all nine board seats on the May ballot. The race comes with big implications for a state takeover, and a new superintendent is on the horizon.
Tennessee’s Education Savings Account program was promoted as an option to help students from low-income families leave struggling public schools. A new report shows most kids getting ESA funding don’t match that description.
Most Tennessee students don’t use ESA vouchers to exit low-performing schools, comptroller finds
Tennessee’s Education Savings Account program was promoted as an option to help students from low-income families leave struggling public schools. A new report shows most kids getting ESA funding don’t match that description.
bit.ly
January 5, 2026 at 6:50 PM
Tennessee’s Education Savings Account program was promoted as an option to help students from low-income families leave struggling public schools. A new report shows most kids getting ESA funding don’t match that description.
Research on whether merging school districts saves money or helps students is mixed.
‘It’s absolutely heartbreaking to me’: Vermont tries to navigate school mergers
Research on whether merging school districts saves money or helps students is mixed.
bit.ly
January 5, 2026 at 11:06 AM
Research on whether merging school districts saves money or helps students is mixed.
Why does the Trump administration want to eliminate the Department of Education? What does it mean for students, educators, and parents? Join us for this discussion with Lindsey Burke, the department's deputy chief of staff for policy and programs: ckbe.at/4arS85q
January 4, 2026 at 10:45 PM
Why does the Trump administration want to eliminate the Department of Education? What does it mean for students, educators, and parents? Join us for this discussion with Lindsey Burke, the department's deputy chief of staff for policy and programs: ckbe.at/4arS85q
Chalkbeat Colorado's annual discussion of key education topics likely to surface during the upcoming legislative session is almost here. RSVP for the Jan. 8 event at the link below.
Chalkbeat Colorado 2026 Legislative Preview
RSVP to attend Chalkbeat's annual discussion of key education topics likely to surface during the upcoming legislative session.
bit.ly
January 4, 2026 at 1:45 AM
Chalkbeat Colorado's annual discussion of key education topics likely to surface during the upcoming legislative session is almost here. RSVP for the Jan. 8 event at the link below.
"The new curriculum is famously rigorous. That’s been a good thing for my Algebra I students, even those who struggle with math."
Illustrative Math has plenty of detractors. I’ve grown to appreciate it.
The new curriculum is the grade-level math that my Algebra I students should be doing. When given the chance, so many rise to the occasion.
bit.ly
January 3, 2026 at 5:15 PM
"The new curriculum is famously rigorous. That’s been a good thing for my Algebra I students, even those who struggle with math."
Chalkbeat editors Matt Barnum and Erica Meltzer will discuss with Lindsey Burke, the Department of Education’s deputy chief of staff for policy and programs, why the Trump administration wants to eliminate the agency and how officials are already working to do so. RSVP: ckbe.at/4arS85q
January 2, 2026 at 4:15 PM
Chalkbeat editors Matt Barnum and Erica Meltzer will discuss with Lindsey Burke, the Department of Education’s deputy chief of staff for policy and programs, why the Trump administration wants to eliminate the agency and how officials are already working to do so. RSVP: ckbe.at/4arS85q