Education / Public News Service

Friday, September 23, 2022

'Don't Say Gay' Proves Challenging for FL Students, Teachers

Despite being aimed at children in kindergarten through third grade, Florida teachers say what's often referred to as the "Don't Say Gay" law has …

Elementary school students on a field trip marvel at the size of a redwood tree. (Victoria Reeder)

Thursday, September 22, 2022

For Students, A Trip to the Forest is a Game Changer

As California's children settle into the new school year, about 1,500 students will soon take the field trip of a lifetime to see the giant redwoods…

Research shows economic insecurity, unreliable transportation and other challenges outside the classroom pose major barriers for two-year college students. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, September 21, 2022

KY College Boards Focus on Role of Equity in Student Success

Colleges and universities in Kentucky are looking at new ways to address the equity gap among their students, through specialized training for their …

This year, more than 70% of the attempts to restrict library resources have targeted multiple titles, according to the American Library Association. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, September 21, 2022

Maine Libraries Observe 'Banned Books Week'

Controversial books are nothing new, but the incidence of book challenges and bans has increased substantially in recent years. For the American …

According to a recent survey by the American Library Association, about 71% of voters, across party lines, oppose book bans altogether. Yet, the ALA has found 1,651 different books were the target of book bans since the start of 2022. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, September 20, 2022

Brooklyn Public Library Hosts 'Books UnBanned' Program

Banned Books Week continues through Saturday, and the Brooklyn Public Library has a program for teens facing book bans in their states. The Books …

This year, more than 70% of attempts to restrict library resources targeted multiple titles. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, September 20, 2022

Maryland Libraries Call Attention to Censorship During Banned Books Week

Controversial books are nothing new, but the incidence of book challenges and bans has increased substantially in recent years. This week marks the …

From July 2021 to June 2022 across the nation, there were 2,532 instances of individual books being banned, affecting 1,648 unique book titles, according to Pen America. (prettysleepyart/Pixabay)

Tuesday, September 20, 2022

TX ACLU Promotes 'Students' Rights Hub' During Banned Books Week

Ahead of Banned Books Week, the ACLU of Texas published what it calls a Students' Rights Hub. Kate Huddleston, attorney for the ACLU of Texas…

Educators from across South Dakota say newly proposed social studies standards might help students memorize facts for tests but will not help them develop critical-thinking skills for the outside world. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, September 20, 2022

SD Holds First Public Hearing in Social Studies Standards Debate

A South Dakota education panel has kicked off the public-hearing phase in the state's latest effort to update social studies standards. Many …

Monday, September 19, 2022

Banned Books Week Highlighted in NH Libraries

Controversial books are nothing new, but the incidence of book challenges and bans has increased substantially in recent years. This week marks the …

The American Library Association estimates between 82 and 97 percent of book challenges go unreported. (Adobe Stock)

Censorship in VA Highlighted During Banned Books Week

Controversial books are nothing new, but the incidence of book challenges and bans has increased substantially in recent years. This week marks the …

The total number of books challenged in 2022 is set to exceed the record set last year. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, September 19, 2022

Ohio Libraries Observing Banned Books Week

Controversial books are nothing new, but the incidence of book challenges and bans has increased substantially in recent years. This week marks the …

Three in four good-paying jobs in Colorado require a college degree or other post-secondary credentials. (Adobe Stock)

Deep Data Dive Finds Cost Biggest Barrier for Native Students

The biggest obstacle facing Indigenous students completing college degrees is cost, according to a new collaborative study by the National Native …

Total book challenges in 2022 are on pace to exceed last year's record. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, September 19, 2022

Indiana Libraries Highlighting Censorship During Banned Books Week

Controversial books are nothing new, but the incidence of book challenges and bans has increased substantially in recent years. This week marks the …

Total book challenges in 2022 are on pace to exceed the 2021 record. (Adobe Stock)

Censorship in Illinois Libraries Highlighted During Banned Books Week

Controversial books are nothing new, but the incidence of book challenges and bans has increased substantially in recent years. This week marks the …

Monday, September 19, 2022

Banned Books Week Observed in Wisconsin Libraries

Controversial books are nothing new, but the incidence of book challenges and bans has increased substantially in recent years. This week marks the …

Children ages 5 to 17 miss nearly two million school days in a single year due to dental-health problems, according to the Healthy Schools Campaign. (teeth.org.au)

Health Screenings Seen as Important Factor for Student Success

School students across Wisconsin are still getting settled as the new academic year unfolds. And experts say it's important to get them in for a …

According to a 2021 report, about 80% of residents in the mostly immigrant-populated city of Chelsea were deemed essential workers, meaning they had to continue working during the less knowledgeable early days of the pandemic. (Adobe Stock)

New Internship Program Focused on Immigrant Health

A new internship program is looking to investigate health disparities among Massachusetts' immigrant population. The Immigrant Scholar Internship …

Student-loan advocacy groups have called on the Education Department to audit the Public Student Loan Forgiveness program. (Vitalii Vodolazskyi/ Adobe Stock)

Advocates: Student-Loan Forgiveness Not Doing Enough to Address Racial Equity Gap

The Biden administration's recent move to cancel some student debt is welcome news to many, but challenges remain for others. The racial equity gap …

According to a 2021 study by the Annenberg Public Policy Center, Americans are split on whether arresting the people involved in the January 6th Capitol Riot was constitutional or not. (Adobe Stock)

More Civics Education Needed for Healthy Democracy

As political tensions have risen in the last few years, experts are calling for a bigger emphasis on civic education. In a 2021 study by the …

In 2020-21, nearly 90% of charter school funding from state, local and federal sources came from mandatory tuition payments from school districts, according to the Keystone Center for Charter Change. (V. Yakobchuk/Adobe Stock)

PA School-Board Groups Advocate for Charter-School Funding Changes

A Pennsylvania group made up of members of locally-elected, volunteer school boards across the state is urging the General Assembly to take action to …

In the past year, school districts have been pressured by conservative groups to weed out certain teachings about race. But others say there should be more concern about the lack of civics curriculum. (Adobe Stock)

Expert: Civics Education Needed Now More Than Ever

Over the weekend, communities in Iowa observed the 21st anniversary of the 9-11 attacks. Since those historic events, political tension has escalated…

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment launched its School-based Health Center initiative in 1987. (Adobe Stock)

CO Students Can Access Mental, Medical, Dental Care at School

With school now back in session, many Colorado kids are accessing medical, behavioral and dental care through School-based Health Centers, fully …

The U.S. Department of Education estimates Americans collectively owe more than $1 trillion in federal student loans. (Adobe Stock)<br />

NC Colleges Hope Biden’s Loan Forgiveness Plan Improvess Financial Literacy

Federal student-loan relief applications are expected to be online in a few weeks, and financial-aid offices say this also is an opportunity to …

According to a New York State Comptroller audit, out of 563 schools previously cited for not having one of the Department of Education's six mental health programs, 30% did not have a social worker. (Valerii Honcharuk/Adobe Stock)

NY Experiencing Shortage of School Social Workers

School districts across the state of New York are facing a shortage of social workers. According to an audit by the state comptroller's office…

Between 2003 and 2017, the suicide rate among Black girls increased an average of 6.6% each year, according to the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, which reports nearly 40% were ages 12 to 14. (kassoum_kone/Pixabay)

Parents, Teachers Advised to Stay Alert for Mental-Health Issues

For some Texas kids, heading back to school creates a lot of anxiety, and experts urge early intervention to solve a youth mental-health crisis …

Dr. Jamestta Ferguson, founder of Molo Community Development Corp., says grassroots organizations are working to address decades of disinvestment in Louisville's historically Black neighborhoods. (AARP KY)

Neighborhood Org Pushes for Economic Development in West Louisville

A pastor and community leader in Louisville is working to boost economic development and raise the quality of life on Louisville's West end. …

Miles Community College is in the eastern Montana town of Miles City, which has population of less than 9,000. (David Schott/Wikimedia Commons)

Virtual Learning Shrinks Distances for MT's Rural Students

Montana's big landscapes and sparse populations present a challenge to colleges and universities. But the internet is shrinking distances for the …

In line with national numbers, 45% of Oregonians without college degrees say they need more education to advance in their careers. (Tada Images/Adobe Stock)

Survey: U.S. Adults Want More Education – OR Has Options

Nearly half of Americans say they need more education to advance in their careers, according to recent research. The Strada Education Network and …

School social workers in Minnesota say they're trying to be more intentional about listening to a student's concerns about not feeling safe or welcome. (Adobe Stock)

New Year, New Campus Culture for Some MN Schools

School districts across Minnesota are opening their doors today for the start of a new year, but for some students, lingering racial trauma and other …

Nearly three in four Nebraska jobs that pay a living wage will require at least some postsecondary education by 2027. (Adobe Stock)

Cost Biggest Barrier for Native Nebraska Students

The biggest obstacle facing indigenous students in Nebraska completing college degrees is cost, according to a new collaborative study by the …

For the academic year 2020-2021, more than 139,000 students enrolled in West Virginia colleges, according to 'collegeevaluator.com.' (Adobe Stock)

College Rankings: WV Schools Highlight Low Tuition, Specialized Programs

Each year, a number of publications release their rankings of top colleges and universities. While rankings can help folks understand a school's …

More than 60,000 kids in Colorado can't afford school meals, but don't qualify for free or reduced-price lunches, and two out of every five Colorado families struggle to put food on the table for their children. (Adobe Stock)

Ending School Lunchline Shaming on Colorado’s November Ballot

In November, Colorado voters will have an opportunity to end a practice known as "lunch-line shaming," which drew national attention after a Colorado …

Last year, Minnesota boosted state aid for school districts, but many administrators say they're still swimming in red ink while warning of future cuts. (Adobe Stock)

As Candidates Court Voters, MN School Leaders Detail Budget Woes

Most Minnesota school districts are preparing to welcome back students next week, and some administrators are expressing growing concern over their …

Before a waiver closed its loopholes, only about 7,000 people qualified for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program started in 2007. (Brian Jackson/Adobe Stock)

Total Student Debt Cancellation Possible for MT Nonprofit Workers

The Biden administration made a big announcement canceling student debt last week, but another program could be just as impactful for workers at …

Washington Monthly ranks the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities campus 23rd in the nation when it comes to research that benefits the broader public. (Adobe Stock)

UMN Fares Well in 'Socially Conscious' College Rankings

The University of Minnesota's flagship campus, along with some other regional schools, are included in annual higher-education rankings shining a …

Some educators say kids continue to struggle with social skills and mental health challenges in the aftermath of the pandemic. (Adobe Stock)

Ohio Schools Seek to Adapt to Mental Health Crisis

By Andrew Kuder / Broadcast version by Mary Schuermann reporting for the Kent State-Ohio News Connection Collaboration. Over the past few years…

A Center for American Progress report found in 2021, almost 70% of registered nurses in the U.S. were white, just over 11% were Black, and almost 18% were Hispanic. (Djavan Rodriguez/Adobe Stock)

Increasing Diversity in Nursing to Achieve Health Equity

The pandemic put new focus on the shortage of nurses, in Illinois and across the country. But the lack of diversity in the nursing profession is …

According to recent USDA 'Farm to School' Census data, Minnesota schools that responded reported spending 13% of their budgets on local products. (Adobe Stock)

Disadvantaged MN Farmers to See New Business with School Meals

Farmers of color in Minnesota are expected to see new opportunities to get their products into school lunch programs. Their advocates said a major …

Roughly 30% of South Dakota high school graduates do not move on to post-secondary education. That's prompted calls for making college more affordable to ensure these students can obtain more credentials before joining the workforce. (Adobe Stock)

Student Loan Forgiveness Impact on SD Trade Schools

Reactions keep pouring in following this week's student loan forgiveness announcement by President Joe Biden. In South Dakota, the trade school …

According to a report from the American Federation of Teachers, a flurry of high college costs, low salaries and high interest rates has led to new teachers facing an average of $58,500 in student loan debt. (Adobe Stock)

CT Educators Stretched Thin in Teacher Shortage

A new report confirms Connecticut isn't the only state where school districts are scrambling to cover a shortage of teachers and other school professi…

A waiver to the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program has significantly widened the pool of qualified workers. (wutzkoh/Adobe Stock)

Calls to Extend Waiver Simplifying Public-Worker Student-Loan Forgiveness

A streamlined process for erasing public-sector employees' student debt is expiring soon. State officials, including in Washington, are calling for …

Six out of seven occupations identified by the Wyoming Department of Employment as the most in-demand require some form of post-secondary education. (Adobe Stock)

Cost Biggest Barrier for Native Americans to Complete Degrees

The biggest obstacle facing indigenous students completing college degrees is cost, according to a collaborative study by the National Native …

Adding fruits to water is a natural way to add flavor without adding gobs of sugar to the drink. (Adobe Stock)

Health Experts: Avoid Packing Sugary Drinks in School Lunches

It's back-to-school time for kids around Iowa, and some might gravitate toward soda and other drinks with lots of sugar. As parents start lunch …

A new Indigenous academy in South Dakota, geared for younger students, says it wants the kids to have a deep sense of belonging, higher engagement and motivation. (Adobe Stock)

New SD Tribal Academy Readies for Fall Start

Organizers behind a new Indigenous school in western South Dakota hope they can give young Native American students a more optimal learning environmen…

Earlier this year, nearly 1,300 Minnesotans participated in a new initiative that provides free schooling for people who want to become certified nursing assistants. (Adobe Stock)

Amid Shortages, MN Seeks to Train More Future Nurses

This fall, additional free classes will be offered in Minnesota for people thinking about a career as a certified nursing assistant. It follows an …

More than 4,700 college students in New York and New Jersey reported that the pandemic affected their mental health, with students of color disproportionately affected by financial stressors, according to a 2022 study conducted by Montclair State University. (PeterCurcio/Pixabay)

College Students Seek Mental-Health Services Amid COVID, Monkeypox

Universities across the country lost enrollment to COVID-19. As students return, Texas A&M is making sure adequate mental-health services are in …

Adding fruits to water is a natural way to add flavor without adding gobs of sugar to the drink. (Mary's/Adobe Stock)

Health Pros: Consider Alternatives to Sugary Drinks as School Returns

It's almost time for kids in Washington state to head back to school, and some might gravitate toward soda and other drinks with lots of sugar…

Many kids are nervous on their first day of school. (Maria Sbytova/Adobe Stock)

How to Ensure Positive Start to School Year for ID Kids

School is starting up again for Idaho kids and teachers, and community members and parents can help keep the focus on positive experiences. Kim …

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Education

'Don't Say Gay' Proves Challenging for FL Students, Teachers

For Students, A Trip to the Forest is a Game Changer

KY College Boards Focus on Role of Equity in Student Success

Maine Libraries Observe 'Banned Books Week'

Brooklyn Public Library Hosts 'Books UnBanned' Program

Maryland Libraries Call Attention to Censorship During Banned Books Week

TX ACLU Promotes 'Students' Rights Hub' During Banned Books Week

SD Holds First Public Hearing in Social Studies Standards Debate

Banned Books Week Highlighted in NH Libraries

Censorship in VA Highlighted During Banned Books Week

Ohio Libraries Observing Banned Books Week

Deep Data Dive Finds Cost Biggest Barrier for Native Students

Indiana Libraries Highlighting Censorship During Banned Books Week

Censorship in Illinois Libraries Highlighted During Banned Books Week

Banned Books Week Observed in Wisconsin Libraries

Health Screenings Seen as Important Factor for Student Success

New Internship Program Focused on Immigrant Health

Advocates: Student-Loan Forgiveness Not Doing Enough to Address Racial Equity Gap

More Civics Education Needed for Healthy Democracy

PA School-Board Groups Advocate for Charter-School Funding Changes

Expert: Civics Education Needed Now More Than Ever

CO Students Can Access Mental, Medical, Dental Care at School

NC Colleges Hope Biden’s Loan Forgiveness Plan Improvess Financial Literacy

NY Experiencing Shortage of School Social Workers

Parents, Teachers Advised to Stay Alert for Mental-Health Issues

Neighborhood Org Pushes for Economic Development in West Louisville

Virtual Learning Shrinks Distances for MT's Rural Students

Survey: U.S. Adults Want More Education – OR Has Options

New Year, New Campus Culture for Some MN Schools

Cost Biggest Barrier for Native Nebraska Students

College Rankings: WV Schools Highlight Low Tuition, Specialized Programs

Ending School Lunchline Shaming on Colorado’s November Ballot

As Candidates Court Voters, MN School Leaders Detail Budget Woes

Total Student Debt Cancellation Possible for MT Nonprofit Workers

UMN Fares Well in 'Socially Conscious' College Rankings

Ohio Schools Seek to Adapt to Mental Health Crisis

Increasing Diversity in Nursing to Achieve Health Equity

Disadvantaged MN Farmers to See New Business with School Meals

Student Loan Forgiveness Impact on SD Trade Schools

CT Educators Stretched Thin in Teacher Shortage

Calls to Extend Waiver Simplifying Public-Worker Student-Loan Forgiveness

Cost Biggest Barrier for Native Americans to Complete Degrees

Health Experts: Avoid Packing Sugary Drinks in School Lunches

New SD Tribal Academy Readies for Fall Start

Amid Shortages, MN Seeks to Train More Future Nurses

College Students Seek Mental-Health Services Amid COVID, Monkeypox

Health Pros: Consider Alternatives to Sugary Drinks as School Returns

How to Ensure Positive Start to School Year for ID Kids