1️⃣ Student Success
Chronic absenteeism nearly doubled after the pandemic and still affects about 23% of students nationwide. A new EdTrust review shows how states are responding:
California: Public dashboards and home visits helped Los Angeles Unified cut absences by nearly 8%.
Tennessee: Shares attendance data statewide but lacks strong investments or policy focus.
Maryland: Funds counselors, wraparound supports, and community schools through a $692 million grant with lasting results.
Together, these efforts show how clear data and sustained funding can help bring students back to class.
2️⃣ Teaching & Learning
Two education innovators say it’s time to ditch traditional grades for AI-powered feedback that tracks growth, not points. Their model uses AI to measure persistence, creativity, and comprehension through real-time learning experiences instead of static tests. Teachers gain time to mentor while AI surfaces insights on how each student learns best, creating classrooms that focus on progress and curiosity over performance.
3️⃣ Perspectives on AI
AI lesson tools promise efficiency but often miss what makes learning meaningful. Recent analyses show they overlook diverse perspectives and critical thinking, reproducing old biases instead of fixing them. True teaching depends on care, cultural awareness, and reflection, qualities no algorithm can replicate.
AI is reshaping classrooms, but its impact is mixed. Cheating remains a growing problem as students turn to AI to finish work, while teachers face new trust issues and limited support. More educators are starting to use AI as a time-saving assistant for tasks like lesson planning and recommendations. Still, experts say AI will not become a “supertutor.” It may help with practice and feedback, but it cannot match the depth or adaptability of real human tutoring.
4️⃣ Mental Health
Schools are enlisting young adults as mental health navigators to fill critical support gaps. Early results show fewer behavior issues and less stigma around asking for help. The program is growing quickly as more states see the value of near-peer mentors who extend the reach of counselors and help schools respond to the mental health crisis with empathy and capacity.
5️⃣ Engagement
A new Discovery Education report finds that everyone agrees engagement drives learning, but few define it the same way. Students want relevant, challenging lessons. Teachers look for participation. Leaders link it to test scores. Without a shared understanding, schools risk missing what real engagement looks like.
6️⃣ Policy Watch
Disability rights groups are raising alarms over a possible plan to move federal special education oversight out of the U.S. Department of Education. They say such a shift would weaken IDEA enforcement, overwhelm states, and frame disabilities as medical rather than educational. While no formal proposal exists, advocates warn that removing this oversight could reduce protections for millions of students with disabilities.
7️⃣ Final Findings
A new Education Next analysis finds teachers are more supportive of teaching patriotic concepts than parents or other adults. More than 80% say it’s important to teach constitutional values, and most believe the U.S. should be presented positively. The findings challenge claims of widespread “indoctrination” and show teachers across political lines hold moderate views on civics instruction.
An EdWeek survey of more than 500 educators found nearly half believe districts should advocate for students detained by immigration officials, yet many feel unsure how to respond. Concerns about legal risk, limited training, and unclear policies leave teachers uncertain about how to protect students while following the law.
📤 Found Pulse K–12 helpful? Share the page with a colleague to help them keep a pulse on education too.