• Michigan Gov. signs tax relief for teachers

    Michigan Gov. signs tax relief for teachers

    Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has signed legislation to permanently eliminate the 3% health care contribution for public school teachers, allowing educators to keep more of their earnings. House Bill 5803, introduced by Rep. Matt Koleszar, also reduces the payroll contribution rate for school districts to the Michigan Public School Employee Retirement System (MPSERS) by 5.75%,…

  • Cedar Rapids joins innovative education league

    Cedar Rapids joins innovative education league

    Cedar Rapids Community School District has joined the League of Innovative Schools, gaining access to a national network of educators and technology experts. The membership will support the district’s upcoming college and career academies, aimed at preparing students for high-demand careers. Superintendent Tawana Grover commented: “We are transforming what’s possible for the students of Cedar…

  • Zuckerberg unveils Orion smart glasses

    Zuckerberg unveils Orion smart glasses

    Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg recently showcased the Orion augmented reality smart glasses, which he claims will revolutionize computing. Unlike traditional headsets, these glasses overlay holograms onto the physical world, allowing users to interact with both simultaneously. However, educators are concerned about the implications of such technology, especially as schools increasingly ban smartphones due to distractions….

  • Students embrace AI tools in schools

    Students embrace AI tools in schools

    According to a new report by Common Sense Media, students are actively engaging with generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools, often without guidance from their schools. The survey revealed that 70% of teens have tried at least one AI tool, yet many schools lack clear policies on its use. Amanda Lenhart, head of research for Common…

  • Math placement inequities persist in California

    Math placement inequities persist in California

    Despite the passage of California’s Math Placement Act in 2015, which aimed to address inequities in ninth-grade math placement, many students—particularly students of color and low-income students—are still disproportionately held back. The law mandates the use of multiple objective measures, discouraging subjective teacher recommendations, yet a recent Rand Corp. report reveals that 95% of California…

  • Laguna Niguel school closure shocks parents

    Laguna Niguel school closure shocks parents

    McDowell School in Laguna Niguel is set to close on December 20, leaving parents in a difficult position to find new educational options for their children. Jennifer Parsons, a regional director for Cadence Elementary, stated that continuing operations at McDowell “is not sustainable.” With an enrollment of about 90 students, the school has been operational…