Education NewsFeed

May 9, 2025

Trump Targets Colorado's Undocumented Tuition Break

A program in Colorado that allows undocumented students to pay state tuition for university has come under threat after US President Donald Trump signed an executive order targeting states and cities with "sanctuary" policies. The order, issued on April 28, specifically targets programs offering state tuition to high school graduates or those meeting residency requirements. Critics argue that allowing non-citizens to pay lower tuition than citizens is discriminatory. Without the program, many undocumented students may struggle to afford university fees.

https://www.chalkbeat.org/colorado/2025/05/08/orden-ejecutiva-trump-programas-de-matricula-estudiantes-indocumentados/

May 9, 2025

UC-Irvine Study Links Sleep Apnea to Brain Damage

Obstructive sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that worsens with age, causing low oxygen levels during sleep to harm brain function. Researchers at the University of California-Irvine, led by Associate Professor Bryce Mander, found a link between low oxygen levels from obstructive sleep apnea, especially during REM sleep, and cognitive decline due to damage to small blood vessels in the brain, affecting memory areas.

https://www.upi.com/Health_News/2025/05/08/sleep-apnea-dementia-study/9371746719817/

May 9, 2025

Universities Navigate Federal Guidelines on DEI Initiatives

Many universities and businesses that rely on federal funding have scaled back their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives due to concerns about potential legal repercussions under the current administration. However, organizations can still promote compliant DEI efforts by referencing approved initiatives on their websites, ensuring they align with the government's goal of providing fair treatment and equal protection for all.

https://natlawreview.com/article/achieving-dei-complianceon-your-website

May 9, 2025

UNRWA Vows to Keep Schools Open Amid Tensions

UNRWA administrators have pledged to keep schools open amid tensions. The U.N. deputy spokesperson, Farhan Haq, emphasized the "inviolability" of UN facilities, citing UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini's statement that storming schools and forcing them shut is a blatant disregard for international law.

https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-jerusalem-unrwa-schools-10e4d242d0c1b0d84ce03945b44f6d31

May 9, 2025

US Ed Cuts $1 Billion in School Mental Health Services

The US Department of Education has abruptly discontinued $1 billion in school-based mental health services, including $10 million in Wisconsin, following the Uvalde school massacre. The move eliminates "grow your own" university programs that aimed to train local mental health professionals, leaving schools struggling to find and retain staff. State Superintendent Jill Underly warned of an unprecedented youth mental health crisis, highlighting the critical role schools play as a frontline of support.

https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/health/2025/05/08/republicans-remove-3-dozen-mental-health-programs-from-state-budget/83475190007/

May 9, 2025

Utah Tops High School Budgeting Education Rankings

Utah has been ranked as the top state for high school budgeting education, according to a WalletHub report. The Beehive State edged out Virginia and was followed by North Carolina, Georgia, Florida, and Mississippi. Utah's requirement for personal finance courses during high school, including standardized testing, has contributed to its high ranking. Additionally, Utah's eighth graders have the highest share of proficient math skills, preparing them well for financial concepts in high school. The state's General Financial Literacy course, which is a half-credit course for juniors and seniors, aims to prepare students to effectively manage their finances and achieve their goals.

https://www.deseret.com/utah/2025/05/08/utah-ranks-first-in-high-school-budgeting-education/

May 9, 2025

Waterford Union Probes Racist Abuse Allegations

The Waterford Union High School district in Wisconsin is investigating allegations of racist abuse directed at students from Milwaukee's Rufus King High School during a track meet. Superintendent Luke Francois confirmed that the district is looking into "inappropriate comments" made towards the students, who were allegedly targeted by student athletes from Waterford High School.

https://www.rawstory.com/racism-in-high-school/

May 9, 2025

West Australian Teachers Demand Better Reading Support

West Australian primary school teachers are calling for stronger and more consistent support when teaching reading, citing systemic gaps in the way the subject is taught. A new report reveals that many schools lack a "coherent whole-school approach" to reading instruction, with around half of surveyed teachers expressing this concern. Despite feeling well-equipped to teach reading, 75% of teachers face challenges such as differentiation and limited resources. The association's president, Dr Helen Adam, emphasizes the need for system-level supports and mentoring to help teachers manage complex and diverse classrooms, particularly in regional and remote schools with large class sizes.

https://www.smh.com.au/national/western-australia/wa-teachers-call-for-more-time-and-support-to-teach-reading-20250508-p5lxln.html

May 9, 2025

Grossmont Union High School District Cuts Staff Amid Budget Woes

The Grossmont Union High School District in California is facing financial difficulties, prompting the board to vote on laying off staff members. The decision was made during a recent board meeting, where officials are struggling to balance the budget amidst rising costs and declining enrollment.

https://www.cbs8.com/video/news/local/grossmont-union-high-school-district-leaders-vote-to-move-forward-with-layoffs/509-b57ed6c6-208a-40c0-ba1c-bf57e1e20f12