Schools
Arkansas led the nation in measuring obesity in kids. Did it help?
In 2003, Arkansas became the first state to send home "fat letters" or BMI reports about all students as part of a broader anti-obesity initiative. At least 23 states followed Arkansas’ lead. Some have since scaled back their efforts.
Free school meals for all may reduce childhood obesity
COMMENTARY | Growing research is showing the benefits of universal free school meals for the health and well-being of children, including a slowing in the rise of childhood obesity rates.
School vouchers continue momentum in state legislatures
2023 was considered a landmark year for school choice. It’s a trend that is showing no sign of slowing down, as lawmakers push proposals with fewer restrictions and costly price tags.
As COVID-19 emergency funding dries up, some rural schools may face a steep fiscal cliff in 2024
Lower-income districts are likely to face bigger budget reductions, along with districts who spent relief aid on teacher salaries and new faculty hires.
Active shooter training: State-specific requirements for schools and law enforcement
No states mandate annual active shooter training for police officers, according to an analysis by The Texas Tribune, ProPublica and FRONTLINE. In comparison, at least 37 states require such training in schools, typically on a yearly basis.
Private schools, public money: School leaders are pushing parents to exploit voucher programs
Voucher expansions have unleashed a flood of additional taxpayer dollars to the benefit of families already enrolled in private schools. In Ohio, some schools are now “strongly encouraging” parents to apply for vouchers, regardless of need or income.
Can wastewater alert schools about Covid spread?
COMMENTARY | While wastewater surveillance doesn't prevent all viral transmission, its role in understanding the extent of transmission could help officials ensure schools stay open during a public health emergency.
With youth overdose death rates soaring, state offers free opioid reversal medication to schools
The initiative comes amid a spike in the number of teens who have died from drug overdoses in the last five years.
Why advocates for transgender rights are so thrilled with election results
After years of putting transgender issues at the center of the culture wars, several anti-trans candidates were defeated in Tuesday’s state and local elections. Plus, more news to use from around the country in this week's State and Local Roundup.
Why some schools are halting Halloween celebrations
Concerns that some students may feel excluded from Halloween celebrations has prompted some districts to move celebrations outside of school hours.
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