School safety

More schools stock overdose reversal meds, but others worry about stigma

Eight states currently require all or some schools to offer naloxone in a bid to curb opioid overdoses. But some experts question the effectiveness of such policies.

  • By Rae Ellen Bichell, KFF Health News

Amid a youth mental health crisis, teachers get schooled

Educators, who are on the front lines of the issue, are increasingly being trained in how to recognize signs of mental distress in their students.

  • By Kaitlyn Levinson

Battles Over Book Bans Reflect Conflicts From the 1980s

A scholar compares the debates over banning books from schools today to a similar clash of ideas that took place during the Reagan era.

  • By Fred L. Pincus , The Conversation

Educators Warn Bills to Give Parents More Power Could Push Teachers Out

In at least 15 states, lawmakers are considering bills to give parents more school oversight.

  • By Aallyah Wright, Stateline

Librarians Decry GOP Moves to Ban Books in Schools

A Texas lawmaker called for schools to review 850 books for possible removal.

  • By David Montgomery, Stateline

Can the US Create Universal Pre-K Without Repeating Past Mistakes?

A proposed $450 billion investment in child care and preschool could fundamentally change the nation’s approach to early learning — but getting the right money to the right people is complicated.

  • By Chabeli Carrazana, The 19th

Students and Staff Should Mask Up in Schools, CDC Recommends

The CDC revised mask wearing guidance on Tuesday to help contain the spread of Covid-19. But nine states ban school districts from enacting mask mandates.

  • By Andrea Noble

Can Schools Require Covid-19 Vaccines for Students Now that Pfizer’s Shot is Authorized for Kids 12 and Up?

COMMENTARY | The Food and Drug Administration on May 10, 2021, granted the first emergency use authorization of a COVID-19 vaccine for adolescents.

  • By Kristine Bowman, The Conversation

Education Department to Conduct Thorough Title IX Review, Propose Changes

The process aims to address sexual assault, gender equity and LGBTQ rights as well as amendments issued by the Trump administration, officials said.

  • By Brent Woodie

America Gets a D+ for School Infrastructure - but Federal Covid Relief Could Pay for Many Repairs

COMMENTARY | Money from the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan could go toward much-needed improvements to crumbling public school buildings.

  • By Michael Addonizio, The Conversation

How School Lunch Could Improve When Classrooms are Full Again

COMMENTARY | School lunch is a lot less fun during a pandemic.

  • By Jennifer Gaddis, Christine C. Caruso, Michael Long and Caree J. Cotwright, The Conversation

Snow Days May Never Be the Same

The availability of virtual learning means schools don’t necessarily need to shut down for the weather. But the loss of snow days is the loss of a source of joy for kids.

  • By Kate Cray and Morgan Ome, The Atlantic
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Teen Vaping Shows Signs of Leveling Off After Sharp Rise

A recent survey of teenagers also found that marijuana use was relatively stable in the early part of this year and that cigarette smoking was at historic lows.

  • By Bill Lucia

Schools Are a Cybersecurity Nightmare. What Can We Do About It?

COMMENTARY | Educational institutions are alarmingly vulnerable to cyberattack. With schools across the country moving to more distance learning, it's time to change that.

  • By Max Emelianov

States Order Widespread School Closures to Blunt Coronavirus Spread

Across the country, governors are increasingly ordering school closures and bans on large gatherings as state and local governments work to slow community spread of the virus.

  • By Andrea Noble

Open or Close? Schools Grapple with Coronavirus Decisions

While some school districts may have the resources to hold virtual classes during closures, others worry about meeting students’ basic needs if classes are cancelled.

  • By Andrea Noble

Teachers Unions Urge End of Active-Shooter Drills that Can Traumatize Students

In a new report, two teachers unions and a gun-control group recommend that schools stop using active-shooter drills—or at least revise them—amid fears the exercises are terrifying and damaging to students.

  • By Kate Elizabeth Queram

New Tech Opens New Doors for Public Safety

COMMENTARY | The growing use of artificial intelligence will offer cities more advanced methods to detect safety and security threats.

  • By Ben Ziomek