Welcome back. If taking on more with the same systems feels familiar, this week’s stories will resonate. We also look at where thoughtful decisions and early investments are helping schools move forward.
1️⃣ Systems & Leadership
New survey data shows women leaders are disproportionately placed in the most challenging school and district roles, often without pathways to senior leadership positions. Advocates argue that without structural changes to hiring and advancement, leadership inequities will persist.
Education leaders argue that AI is often layered onto outdated systems rather than used to rethink how schools operate. The takeaway: real impact requires redesigning core structures, not just adding new tools.
When students are included in edtech testing, researchers find a gap between what appeals to adults and what actually supports learning. The findings suggest districts may need to build student voice into technology evaluation to avoid costly misalignment.
2️⃣ Policy Watch
Congress approved a fiscal 2026 budget that keeps federal K-12 funding largely flat, rejecting proposed cuts but offering no new investment. For districts, this locks in continued fiscal uncertainty and reinforces the need to plan without assuming new federal support.
Two Minnesota districts and the state teachers’ union filed suit to block immigration enforcement near schools after reports of ICE activity on campuses and around school transportation. The case underscores how federal immigration policy is directly disrupting attendance, safety planning, and daily operations for schools.
3️⃣ Teaching & Learning
California researchers are promoting integrated math, coding, and robotics instruction to make abstract concepts more accessible and relevant. The approach reflects a broader shift toward blending academic and computational thinking as essential skills.
New federal data shows children from low-income families lag their wealthier peers by roughly 20 points in kindergarten readiness. Cities expanding access to preschool see gains, reinforcing how early investment shapes long-term outcomes.
📤 Found Pulse K–12 helpful? Share the page with a colleague to help them keep a pulse on education too.