https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/state-policy State Policy en-US 2021 (c) Education Week Wed, 07 Oct 2026 06:00:00 GMT https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/policy-politics/a-unique-k-12-ballot-initiative-and-other-2026-election-highlights/2026/10 One state would require 'Spar-Spangled Banner' broadcasts in schools. Others would limit taxes. Wed, 07 Oct 2026 06:00:00 GMT https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/policy-politics/a-unique-k-12-ballot-initiative-and-other-2026-election-highlights/2026/10 https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/policy-politics/ten-commandments-in-classrooms-passive-display-or-part-of-the-curriculum/2026/10 Five states now have laws that require or authorize Ten Commandments displays in public schools. Fri, 02 Oct 2026 19:35:48 GMT https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/policy-politics/ten-commandments-in-classrooms-passive-display-or-part-of-the-curriculum/2026/10 https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/teaching-learning/a-big-state-joined-the-math-legislation-trend-how-others-may-benefit/2026/09 A new California law requires schools to screen K-2 students for math difficulties, the latest state effort to improve math education. Wed, 30 Sep 2026 20:04:16 GMT https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/teaching-learning/a-big-state-joined-the-math-legislation-trend-how-others-may-benefit/2026/09 https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/teaching-learning/states-roll-back-pay-incentives-for-teachers-in-high-need-areas/2026/09 A new national study finds less differentiated pay for science fields, high-risk student groups. Tue, 29 Sep 2026 04:01:00 GMT https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/teaching-learning/states-roll-back-pay-incentives-for-teachers-in-high-need-areas/2026/09 https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/policy-politics/federal-tax-credits-for-k-12-scholarships-what-we-know-and-dont/2026/09 The Trump administration is preparing to issue rules for its new, ambitious school choice program. Wed, 23 Sep 2026 21:10:08 GMT https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/policy-politics/federal-tax-credits-for-k-12-scholarships-what-we-know-and-dont/2026/09 https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/teaching-learning/how-one-state-is-identifying-english-learners-early-without-misclassifying-them/2026/09 California is replacing formal pre-K English screeners with age-appropriate tools to prevent misidentification. Mon, 21 Sep 2026 04:01:00 GMT https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/teaching-learning/how-one-state-is-identifying-english-learners-early-without-misclassifying-them/2026/09 https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/teaching-learning/the-case-for-expanding-access-to-advanced-courses-before-high-school/2026/09 Academic acceleration for 11th and 12th graders had little effect on college course choices. Thu, 17 Sep 2026 21:35:30 GMT https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/teaching-learning/the-case-for-expanding-access-to-advanced-courses-before-high-school/2026/09 https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/leadership/what-sort-of-pd-should-give-teachers-a-salary-bump-some-states-are-reevaluating/2026/09 Teachers usually get pay increases for advanced degrees, but quality controls vary widely. Thu, 17 Sep 2026 20:46:45 GMT https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/leadership/what-sort-of-pd-should-give-teachers-a-salary-bump-some-states-are-reevaluating/2026/09 https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/teaching-learning/how-schools-can-help-support-postpartum-teachers/2026/09 In an industry that provides little to no paid leave for parents, maternal mental health is a real concern. Wed, 16 Sep 2026 20:25:32 GMT https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/teaching-learning/how-schools-can-help-support-postpartum-teachers/2026/09 https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/policy-politics/courts-lets-a-state-law-limiting-race-gender-classroom-discussions-take-effect/2026/09 The 2021 Oklahoma law was part of a wave of state laws limiting classroom race and gender discussions. Fri, 11 Sep 2026 19:11:20 GMT https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/policy-politics/courts-lets-a-state-law-limiting-race-gender-classroom-discussions-take-effect/2026/09 https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/teaching-learning/states-are-changing-math-policy-follow-the-trend-with-edweeks-new-tracker/2026/08 States are overhauling their policies in supporting struggling learners, teacher prep, and other areas. Mon, 31 Aug 2026 20:39:21 GMT https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/teaching-learning/states-are-changing-math-policy-follow-the-trend-with-edweeks-new-tracker/2026/08 https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/leadership/why-this-governor-wants-to-ban-h-1b-visas-for-teachers-and-why-schools-use-them/2026/08 Gov. Greg Abbott wants to ban schools from using H-1B visas to hire international teachers, a strategy used to fill key staffing gaps. Fri, 21 Aug 2026 19:46:39 GMT https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/leadership/why-this-governor-wants-to-ban-h-1b-visas-for-teachers-and-why-schools-use-them/2026/08 https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/teaching-learning/first-reading-then-math-is-the-science-of-writing-next/2026/08 Integrating reading and writing can lead to better student outcomes in both areas, studies show. Wed, 19 Aug 2026 20:13:57 GMT https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/teaching-learning/first-reading-then-math-is-the-science-of-writing-next/2026/08 https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/teaching-learning/which-states-test-english-learners-in-their-native-languages/2026/08 In 2025 the Migration Policy Institute analyzed states' use of native language assessments. Wed, 19 Aug 2026 19:59:00 GMT https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/teaching-learning/which-states-test-english-learners-in-their-native-languages/2026/08 https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/teaching-learning/should-state-boards-have-more-oversight-of-curricula/2026/08 A more active role would help schools select strong, research-based curricula, an expert argues. Mon, 17 Aug 2026 20:15:42 GMT https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/teaching-learning/should-state-boards-have-more-oversight-of-curricula/2026/08 https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/teaching-learning/this-state-banned-nonzero-grading-policies-why-some-schools-use-them/2026/08 A new law bans "grading floors," which require a minimum grade of 50% for assignments or grading periods. Wed, 05 Aug 2026 20:36:43 GMT https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/teaching-learning/this-state-banned-nonzero-grading-policies-why-some-schools-use-them/2026/08 https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/leadership/what-does-it-cost-to-convince-top-teachers-to-switch-to-high-need-schools/2026/08 New research underscores how hard it is to pull top educators to rural or high-poverty schools. Wed, 05 Aug 2026 20:26:25 GMT https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/leadership/what-does-it-cost-to-convince-top-teachers-to-switch-to-high-need-schools/2026/08 https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/technology/school-districts-push-back-against-state-required-ai-reading-assessments/2026/08 Two school districts in New Mexico say the assessments could jeopardize students' data privacy. Tue, 04 Aug 2026 21:36:54 GMT https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/technology/school-districts-push-back-against-state-required-ai-reading-assessments/2026/08 https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/teaching-learning/middle-schoolers-reading-scores-are-still-stuck-at-post-pandemic-lows/2026/08 New data shows that the lowest-performing students are falling the furthest behind. Tue, 04 Aug 2026 04:01:00 GMT https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/teaching-learning/middle-schoolers-reading-scores-are-still-stuck-at-post-pandemic-lows/2026/08 https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/teaching-learning/the-science-of-reading-movement-is-evolving-is-math-next/2026/08 Schools can expect more change—and continued debate—as the push for evidence-based instruction continues. Mon, 03 Aug 2026 04:01:00 GMT https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/teaching-learning/the-science-of-reading-movement-is-evolving-is-math-next/2026/08 https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/policy-politics/from-the-feds-on-down-school-funding-is-uncertain-what-to-know/2026/08 Federal turbulence during the Trump administration highlights the precarity of state and local funding, too. Mon, 03 Aug 2026 04:01:00 GMT https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/policy-politics/from-the-feds-on-down-school-funding-is-uncertain-what-to-know/2026/08 https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/teaching-learning/which-states-are-overhauling-math-education-see-our-tracker/2026/07 Our tracker follows and summarizes states legislation shaping math teaching, instruction, and intervention. Fri, 31 Jul 2026 20:19:56 GMT https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/teaching-learning/which-states-are-overhauling-math-education-see-our-tracker/2026/07 https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/leadership/how-one-states-schools-are-updating-policies-to-fight-ai-deepfakes/2026/07 Illinois has updated school cyberbullying laws to include AI deepfakes, pushing for prevention and support. Fri, 31 Jul 2026 17:56:10 GMT https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/leadership/how-one-states-schools-are-updating-policies-to-fight-ai-deepfakes/2026/07 https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/teaching-learning/how-state-reclassification-rules-impact-long-term-english-learners/2026/07 Research shows how the reclassification of older English learners in Texas carries varied outcomes. Wed, 29 Jul 2026 21:07:03 GMT https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/teaching-learning/how-state-reclassification-rules-impact-long-term-english-learners/2026/07 https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/teaching-learning/why-standardized-tests-in-english-fall-short-for-english-learners/2026/07 The Migration Policy Institute found 35 states and the District of Columbia offer native language assessments. Wed, 29 Jul 2026 18:14:36 GMT https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/teaching-learning/why-standardized-tests-in-english-fall-short-for-english-learners/2026/07 https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/teaching-learning/these-states-now-offer-tests-for-english-learners-in-their-native-languages/2026/07 Native language assessments can help capture English learners' academic knowledge. Wed, 29 Jul 2026 18:14:26 GMT https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/teaching-learning/these-states-now-offer-tests-for-english-learners-in-their-native-languages/2026/07 https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/teaching-learning/too-young-to-test-how-teachers-feel-about-early-childhood-assessments/2026/07 A growing number of early elementary public school students are required to take assessments. Tue, 28 Jul 2026 21:31:16 GMT https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/teaching-learning/too-young-to-test-how-teachers-feel-about-early-childhood-assessments/2026/07 https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/policy-politics/states-start-to-crack-down-on-4-day-school-weeks/2026/07 Measures limiting when schools can adopt shortened schedules center on maintaining academic achievement. Tue, 28 Jul 2026 18:16:54 GMT https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/policy-politics/states-start-to-crack-down-on-4-day-school-weeks/2026/07 https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/teaching-learning/can-the-prospect-of-3rd-grade-retention-improve-early-literacy-yes-study-says/2026/07 The findings add another wrinkle to an ongoing debate over retention policies tied to reading scores. Tue, 21 Jul 2026 19:33:59 GMT https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/teaching-learning/can-the-prospect-of-3rd-grade-retention-improve-early-literacy-yes-study-says/2026/07 https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/teaching-learning/how-states-are-streamlining-college-admissions-and-who-benefits/2026/07 Direct-admissions programs aim to streamline the college admissions process. Fri, 17 Jul 2026 18:48:00 GMT https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/teaching-learning/how-states-are-streamlining-college-admissions-and-who-benefits/2026/07