Education / Public News Service

A $3.3 million Rutgers University grant was part of a Biden era Department of Education initiative to expand access to school-based mental health services nationwide. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, January 22, 2025

NJ spending on student mental health is up, challenges remain

While New Jersey has made gains in K-through-12 mental health support, advocates said the state needs to do more. In recent years New Jersey has …

A report card from the group Inseparable found Pennsylvania has one school counselor for every 369 students, while the recommended ratio is 1 to 250. (Adobe Stock)<br /><br />

Wednesday, January 22, 2025

Pennsylvania lagging in school-based mental health support

As young people struggle with mental health issues, schools often provide the best avenue for getting them help. However, Pennsylvania has fallen …

University of North Texas students must be an approved volunteer with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice to take the class with incarcerated people at the Bridgeport Correctional Center. (motortion/Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, January 22, 2025

North TX college students participate in prison exchange program

University of North Texas students are participating in the national Inside Out Prison Exchange program. In its third year at the college, the …

In Peoria, Ill., 42% of the population has a credential beyond high school, although almost 65% of the jobs available in the area require a post-high school credential. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, January 22, 2025

Peoria prioritizes education to fill workforce, poverty gaps

By Laura Aka for WorkingNation.Broadcast version by Judith Ruiz-Branch for Illinois News Connection reporting for the WorkingNation-Public News Servic…

Wyoming ranked 43rd in the nation for youth mental health in 2022. Lawmakers are struggling to agree on the role schools should play. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, January 22, 2025

Wyoming lawmakers debate school’s role in youth mental health

In Wyoming, lawmakers are split on the role schools should play in improving children's mental health, although experts said they are pivotal…

Sen. Ron Alting, R-Lafayette, who authored the bill, said every year 101 young Hoosiers lose their lives to alcohol-related deaths. (Adobe stock)

Wednesday, January 22, 2025

Bill aims to broaden Indiana Lifeline Law

Indiana lawmakers are moving forward with plans to expand the state's Lifeline Law, which protects those seeking emergency help in alcohol-related …

The hottest year on record was 2024, as average global temperatures continue to rise due to the use of fossil fuels. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, January 22, 2025

Worker's coalition aims to address climate emergency, economic inequality

As President Donald Trump abandons a promise the U.S. made in Paris nearly a decade ago, organized workers across Colorado are joining forces to …

A 2022 report found New York State has one school psychologist for every 648 students, one school social worker for every 773 students, and one school counselor for every 288 students, far exceeding recommended ratios. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, January 21, 2025

NY schools working to improve kids’ mental health

Schools in New York and nationwide continue to play an important role in bolstering kids' mental health. New York made a $1 billion investment in …

A 2022 report found Washington state had one school counselor for every 465 students, far higher than the recommendation of one for every 250 students. (Synthex/Adobe Stock)

Monday, January 20, 2025

WA falls behind in school-based mental health support

As young people struggle with mental health issues, schools often provide the best avenue for getting them help. However, Washington state has fallen …

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1977 by President Jimmy Carter. (Jon/Adobe Stock)

Monday, January 20, 2025

Tennesseans honor legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Today marks the nationally recognized birthday of the late Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. It's a day for college students in Tennessee to …

Ohio State University will host events honoring Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. all week, concluding with the Legacy Awards Reception on Jan. 28. (forestgraphic/Adobe Stock)

Monday, January 20, 2025

Celebrating Dr. King and new beginnings in Ohio

Today, Ohioans come together to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with events across the state celebrating his contributions to …

Forsyth Tech in Winston-Salem, N.C., says it's increasing student success with faculty mentors. (David Bjorgen/Wikimedia Commons)

Monday, January 20, 2025

Faculty mentor program at NC college increases retention

A college in North Carolina has developed an innovative model that lets faculty mentor students. Forsyth Technical Community College in Winston-…

Alabama Senate Bill 129 prohibits state agencies, schools and universities from requiring students, employees or contractors to engage in training, coursework or activities that promote

AL educators, students sue over state law's effect on higher education

Alabama professors and students, along with the Alabama State Conference of the NAACP, have filed a federal lawsuit challenging Senate Bill 129…

The Manhattan School of Music's Precollege Program faculty pay has increased 15% since 2017. However, the president and the school executive's salaries have risen 78% and 87%, respectively. (MSM Precollege Union)

NYC music school hits sour note in union contract negotiations

The faculty of a New York City music school is planning to strike after contract negotiations stalled. The Manhattan School of Music's Precollege …

Becky Marszalek, a paraprofessional at Avonworth Elementary School in Pittsburgh, is the Pennsylvania State Education Association's Dolores McCracken Education Support Professional of the Year for the 2024-25 school year. (PSEA)

PA educator wins Education Support Professional of the Year award

An elementary school educator from Pennsylvania has been named this year's Education Support Professional of the Year, one of the highest honors in …

Dungeons and Dragons, a fantasy game filled with sorcerers, warlocks and wizards, could offer important lessons for today's political leaders. (Adobe Stock)

At 50, Dungeons and Dragons offers lessons for leaders

As the popular role-playing game Dungeons and Dragons turns 50, one Colorado State University instructor suggests today's political leaders could …

Maine has one of the oldest populations in the U.S., with more than 20% of residents over age 65. State officials said many could benefit from digital skills training made available through the state's Digital Equity Plan. (Adobe Stock)<br />

ME tackles rural ‘digital divide’ with tech grants, training

A new program aims to ensure rural Mainers can take full advantage of expanding high-speed internet service. Grant applications open this week for …

The Social Security Fairness Act eliminates two components of federal retirement policy: the Windfall Elimination Provision and the Government Pension Offset. (sveta/Adobe Stock)

Texas educators celebrate signing of Social Security Fairness Act

Members of the teacher's union, the Texas branch of the American Federation of Teachers, are celebrating the signing of the Social Security Fairness …

The Arkansas legislators serving in this session took office following the 2024 elections. Republicans won a 29-6 majority in the Senate and an 81-19 majority in the House. (Adobe Stock)

AR's 95th legislative session begins today

Arkansas lawmakers are at the Capitol today for the start of the 95th Legislative session. Over the next 88 days, legislators will discuss more than 2…

Gov. Gavin Newsom's state budget proposal maintains a deferral of funds for the University of California and California State University systems, even through the state is projecting a modest surplus of $363 million. (Amerique/Wikimedia Commons)

Governor's budget proposal may lead to higher-ed cuts at UC, CSU

Leaders of the University of California and California State University systems are warning a proposed budget cut of almost 8% for next year could lea…

Reports find enrollment in free preschool varies across New York State. There's far less access and local investment outside of New York City. (Adobe Stock)

Advocates: NYS needs real solutions to improve child care

Advocates for working families in New York say they want less talk and more action to improve child care in the state. Gov. Kathy Hochul has …

The Social Security Fairness Act will benefit 3 million people nationwide but the Congressional Budget Office finds it could add around $195 billion to the federal deficit over a decade. (Adobe Stock)

CT educators celebrate Social Security Fairness Act's passage

Connecticut educators and other public sector workers are celebrating passage of the Social Security Fairness Act. The new federal law repealed two …

Students at the University of Nebraska are designing and constructing small, single-family homes to be erected on vacant lots in Omaha for seniors. Omaha's zoning laws restrict multifamily housing on 80% of currently vacant lots. (Adobe Stock)

Nebraska university students address affordable housing shortage

Some University of Nebraska students are gaining career skills as they work to address the state's affordable housing shortage by making small…

Policy analysts said the 2025 legislative session in North Dakota will be dominated by efforts to fix workforce shortages and reduce child care costs. But a number of issues linked to education could be part of the mix, too, including property taxes and school meal access. (Adobe Stock)

With new session here, North Dakotans speak clearly on key issues

North Dakota lawmakers gather in Bismarck today for a new legislative session and as they settle in, they will have public polling data to analyze …

Lawmakers head back to Olympia for a 105-day session on Monday. (Russell/Adobe Stock)

WA legislative session preview: Lawmakers look to reduce budget deficit

The next legislative session is approaching in Olympia and Washington state's budget shortfall will be one of the biggest topics. A gap of $10 …

Florida received a D on the National Center for Science Education's 2020 report card for its limited inclusion of climate change content in state science standards. (Adobe Stock)

Climate Emotions Wheel aims to address mental health in climate education

By Rebecca R. Randall for Yes! Magazine.Broadcast version by Trimmel Gomes for Florida News Connection reporting for the YES! Media-Public News …

In 2024, North Carolina schools started the year with more than 3,100 teacher vacancies, according to the North Carolina School Superintendents' Association. (Adobe Stock)

William Peace University student breaks new ground in math education

A North Carolina university student is breaking new ground in math education. Megan McAnany is an elementary and special education major at William …

The Maryland Constitution requires the state budget to be balanced every year. (MDGovpics/Wikimedia Commons)<br />

What to expect in Maryland’s legislative session

On Wednesday, Maryland's legislative session begins in Annapolis - and state lawmakers are facing numerous challenges. Maryland expects pressure …

In a newly released book, Adriana Romero Olivares, assistant professor of biology at New Mexico State University, shared her not-so-perfect journey to a science career. (NMSU)

NM biology professor's success recognized in award-winning book

A New Mexico professor who was once encouraged to pursue a "more ladylike" career is now featured in a book about high-achieving women in STEM fields…

The University of Idaho is the state's second most populous university, behind Boise State. (knowlesgallery/Adobe Stock)

ID's latest anti-diversity push in higher ed meets pushback

Despite pushback, Idaho is again targeting diversity and inclusion efforts on college campuses. Over the holiday break, the Idaho State Board of …

National studies show when people leave prison, they face a range of obstacles in advancing through the world of postsecondary education. Right off the bat, a key deterrent is an application question about their past criminal history. (Adobe Stock)

With college application change, MN aims to reduce higher-ed barriers

In the new year, college applications in Minnesota will look a little different: They will no longer feature an initial question about a person's …

Ball State linebacker Kieonte Newson holds a rose for his mother on Senior Day, a moment of restoration after earning the number nine. (T Slaughter/Daily News)

Ball State captain turns Indiana struggles into triumph

By Kyle Smedley for the Ball State Daily News .Broadcast version by Joe Ulery for Indiana News Service reporting for the Ball State Daily News-Free Pr…

More than 40% of undergraduate students in the U.S. are pursuing an associate degree. (Adobe Stock)

AL higher-ed conference to address workforce, boost student transfers

Alabama faces a critical workforce gap, with only 38 available workers for every 100 open jobs, according to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. To …

Earlier this year, Governor Joe Lombardo and the Nevada Department of Education announced the allocation of $6 million in federal COVID-19 relief funds for Nevada's Read by Grade 3 program. (Adobe Stock)

Literacy rate among NV students improves but still lags

Nevada education experts say literacy rates are improving, but aren't where they should be. Nevada's third- through eighth-grade students have …

As of August, enrollment in the Kentucky Community and Technical College System had reached 66,114 students, representing an increase of 8.4%, according to state data. (Adobe Stock/AI generated image)

KY Community and Technical College System plans major changes

Nearly a dozen changes could be made to the Kentucky Community and Technical College system, under Senate Joint Resolution 179, passed by lawmakers …

Kentucky public schools serve 634,424 students, according to state data. (Adobe Stock)

KY public schools: Large employers who help meet community needs

On the heels of voters' overwhelming rejection of Amendment 2 in November, Kentucky public school employees are urging lawmakers to double down on …

Nearly two in five students experienced food insecurity in a survey of Washington state postsecondary students. (Mauricio Toro/Adobe Stock)

Hunger concerns on WA postsecondary campuses as holidays approach

Hunger is an issue for many students on Washington state's postsecondary campuses this holiday season. A survey of nearly 10,000 students in …

An Indianapolic Public Schools report indicates transportation is provided for all elementary, middle and high school students who live between one and one and a half miles from their assigned school. (Adobe Stock)

IN school bus hurdles linked to education outcomes

School bus transportation challenges are impacting one central Indiana community. Long ride times are more than an inconvenience, according to an …

A 2021 United Federation of Teachers survey finds 68% of teachers don't have time to teach climate change, but 52% teach it for one to two hours per year. (Adobe Stock)

NYS Board of Regents allocates funding for climate education

New York's Board of Regents approved a Department of Education funding request for climate education. The board is putting more than $536,000 aside …

Critics argue Florida's book removals limit access to important information. At the same time, state officials insist they ensure only age-appropriate materials remain in schools, rejecting claims of outright bans as a

FL parents raise concerns over changes to health lessons

Recent changes to Florida's education laws have removed information on consent, contraceptives and prenatal development from many health lessons at …

Six million U.S. students attend a school where there is a School Resource Officer but no school psychologist on staff, according to a Brookings Institution report. (Adobe Stock)

WV schools funnel more kids into juvenile justice system

West Virginia schools' reliance on zero-tolerance policies are driving more kids into the juvenile justice system - with lifelong consequences…

Millions of families across the U.S. depend on home-based child care, with over 750,000 children enrolled in these programs, often because parents consider them more flexible than traditional child care centers. (Adobe Stock)

Alabama joins national effort to expand pre-K access

Alabama is part of a national program aimed at diversifying early childhood education. The Enriching Public Pre-K Through Inclusion of Family Child …

Durham takes part in national effort to expand pre-K access

A North Carolina city is part of a national program aimed at diversifying early childhood education. The Enriching Public Pre-K Through Inclusion of …

Empowerment Scholarship Account vouchers will cost the state $825,000,000 in fiscal year 2024, according to Save Our Schools Arizona. (Adobe Stock)

Skepticism about 'auto-approval' of Arizona ESA reimbursements

This month, an Arizona grand jury indicted two out-of-state residents for cheating the state's Empowerment Scholarship Account program out of more …

A coalition pushing for universal school meals in North Dakota says nearly half of food-insecure children do not qualify for federal nutrition programs, leaving thousands without access to free breakfast and lunch at school. (Adobe Stock)

Food insecurity prompts ND advocates to eye universal school meals

North Dakota is expected to rejoin the debate over whether all school children, regardless of their family income, should have access to no-cost …

SNAP recipients currently receive as little as $23 per month to purchase food, and the average SNAP benefit is just $6 a day. (Adobe Stock)

SNAP funding in question as Congress works to avoid shutdown

Congressional efforts to avoid a government shutdown could extend funding for SNAP, the program formerly known as food stamps. And if the continuing …

The work of GreenLatinos Texas, centers around empowering frontline environmental justice and conservation advocates. Members are actively engaging with local communities to understand their campaign goals and identify areas where support is needed. (Photo courtesy of Green Latinos)

TX group works to give Latinos seat at table in fight against methane

Members of the environmental nonprofit GreenLatinos are involved in a push to get more Latinos across Texas involved in the fight against methane gas…

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, 40% of full-time undergraduate students and 74% of part-time undergraduates were employed while enrolled, with many working over 20 hours per week to cover living expenses. (jaz_online/Adobe Stock)

OH students fight for fair, livable on-campus wages

By Hevin Wilkey / Broadcast version by Farah Siddiqi reporting for the Kent State NewsLab-Ohio News Connection Collaboration. Ohio students are …

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Education

NJ spending on student mental health is up, challenges remain

Pennsylvania lagging in school-based mental health support

North TX college students participate in prison exchange program

Peoria prioritizes education to fill workforce, poverty gaps

Wyoming lawmakers debate school’s role in youth mental health

Bill aims to broaden Indiana Lifeline Law

Worker's coalition aims to address climate emergency, economic inequality

NY schools working to improve kids’ mental health

WA falls behind in school-based mental health support

Tennesseans honor legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Celebrating Dr. King and new beginnings in Ohio

Faculty mentor program at NC college increases retention

AL educators, students sue over state law's effect on higher education

NYC music school hits sour note in union contract negotiations

PA educator wins Education Support Professional of the Year award

At 50, Dungeons and Dragons offers lessons for leaders

ME tackles rural ‘digital divide’ with tech grants, training

Texas educators celebrate signing of Social Security Fairness Act

AR's 95th legislative session begins today

Governor's budget proposal may lead to higher-ed cuts at UC, CSU

Advocates: NYS needs real solutions to improve child care

CT educators celebrate Social Security Fairness Act's passage

Nebraska university students address affordable housing shortage

With new session here, North Dakotans speak clearly on key issues

WA legislative session preview: Lawmakers look to reduce budget deficit

Climate Emotions Wheel aims to address mental health in climate education

William Peace University student breaks new ground in math education

What to expect in Maryland’s legislative session

NM biology professor's success recognized in award-winning book

ID's latest anti-diversity push in higher ed meets pushback

With college application change, MN aims to reduce higher-ed barriers

Ball State captain turns Indiana struggles into triumph

AL higher-ed conference to address workforce, boost student transfers

Literacy rate among NV students improves but still lags

KY Community and Technical College System plans major changes

KY public schools: Large employers who help meet community needs

Hunger concerns on WA postsecondary campuses as holidays approach

IN school bus hurdles linked to education outcomes

NYS Board of Regents allocates funding for climate education

FL parents raise concerns over changes to health lessons

WV schools funnel more kids into juvenile justice system

Alabama joins national effort to expand pre-K access

Durham takes part in national effort to expand pre-K access

Skepticism about 'auto-approval' of Arizona ESA reimbursements

Food insecurity prompts ND advocates to eye universal school meals

SNAP funding in question as Congress works to avoid shutdown

TX group works to give Latinos seat at table in fight against methane

OH students fight for fair, livable on-campus wages