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Study reveals access to early education can improve noncognitive skills and shape behavioral outcomes later in life.
The nation’s biggest K–12 funding program is under pressure to prove it still works.
Alabama high school offers new diploma path–trading science and math for job training.
Research & Practice
Science Daily: School-based asthma therapy improves student health, lowers medical costs
School-Based Asthma Therapy (SBAT) shows how collaboration between school nurses, families, providers, and insurers can improve student health and reduce costs. Nearly 5 million U.S. children have asthma, and SBAT helps them manage it by providing daily controller medication at school. The program reduced emergency department visits by 49%, hospitalizations by 50%, and intensive care admissions by 71%, saving over $3.4 million in healthcare costs. SBAT also led to less missed class time and fewer behavioral incidents, directly supporting students’ academic success. This model demonstrates the value of embedding health services into educational settings. When schools function as access points for consistent, preventive care, students not only feel better—they also learn better. As integrated care continues to grow, SBAT highlights how addressing physical health in schools can improve educational outcomes, especially for students managing chronic conditions.
Journal of Public Economics: Universal early childhood education and adolescent risky behavior
A study on Japan’s 1960s preschool expansion found that access to early childhood education led to long-term reductions in adolescent risky behaviors, including violent crime and teenage pregnancy. Japan’s universal preschool policy benefited all children, unlike most U.S. approaches that are targeted to disadvantaged children. The study shows that improvements in noncognitive skills—like self-regulation and social development—can shape behavioral outcomes later in life. While the expansion didn’t affect academic attainment, it still had a powerful influence on life trajectories. These findings offer important insight for education in America: investing in universal early childhood education could foster positive social outcomes beyond academics. This research supports implementation of early interventions that build noncognitive skills—in addition to academic skills—to improve long-term wellbeing for all children.
Policy
K-12 Dive: Title I at 60: The debate continues
Title I, established under the 1965 Elementary and Secondary Education Act, provides federal funding to schools serving low-income students, aiming to promote more equal access to educational opportunity. It has since become the largest source of K–12 federal education funding, with $18.4 billion allocated in 2024. Title I laid the groundwork for future laws like the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and Title III for English learners. Today, debates continue over whether to maintain the current formula-based funding or shift to block grants, which offer states more flexibility but risk inconsistent support for vulnerable students. Over 63% of U.S. public schools are Title I-eligible. Advocates warn that without accountability for how the funds are spent, block grants could deepen inequities, while others argue that block grants allow states to better tailor and shift resources to meet the needs of students. The core challenge remains: ensuring all students, regardless of income, receive fair access to quality education.
The 74: COVID Internet Connectivity Crisis Has Eased For Most Families, But Risks Remain
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, cities like Cleveland and Detroit faced a severe digital divide—nearly half of households lacked broadband internet. Rapid federal aid and local initiatives, such as free laptops, Wi-Fi buses, and emergency subsidies like the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), helped cut the number of disconnected households nearly in half. But since 2021, progress has stalled. The ACP expired in 2024, and major broadband infrastructure plans are now paused. Local efforts like Cleveland’s Digital C and Detroit’s “Connect 313” continue, but gaps persist. Advocates worry gains that allowed for internet access that enabled education and work will be lost without renewed support, especially as families face affordability challenges.
The 74: As EPA Pulls Back, Louisiana Schoolchildren Could Face the Steepest Risks
Environmental policy changes announced by the Trump and EPA Administrations have drawn concern from environmental advocates and community leaders. The change includes scaling back enforcement of certain environmental regulations, particularly in areas with existing high levels of pollution near industrial sites. These communities, often home to people of color, have historically faced disproportionate rates of environmentally driven health risks. The new policy removes some EPA oversight and enforcement, which critics argue could increase health risks– especially for children in communities where pollution has been linked to respiratory issues, such as in Louisiana. Advocates contend that rather than reducing oversight, stronger protections are necessary to safeguard public health, framing access to clean air and water as a pressing civil rights issue. Supporters of the policy shift describe it as part of a broader effort to promote economic revitalization and reduce regulatory burdens.
Around the Nation
K-12 Dive: ICE agents denied entry into LAUSD elementary schools
On April 7, immigration officers from the Department of Homeland Security attempted to enter two Los Angeles elementary schools, seeking students. School administrators denied entry, following district protocol and legal advice. Though DHS claimed the visits were wellness checks for unaccompanied minors, the incident sparked backlash from LAUSD leaders and lawmakers, who condemned the presence of immigration enforcement in schools. Schools are traditionally considered safe spaces, especially in sanctuary districts, and previous federal policy had barred raids in educational settings. That policy was reversed after Trump’s inauguration, leading to increased fear among immigrant families and drops in school attendance. The incident highlights the critical role of integrated school support systems, including mental health services, legal guidance, and administrative preparedness, in responding to policies that disrupt student well-being and access to education.
See Also: ICE Detains Students, Calling Them ‘Illegal Aliens;’ Community Demands Their Return
The Hechinger Report: A new kind of high school diploma trades chemistry for carpentry
Starting in fall 2024, Alabama high school students can opt for a new “Option B” workforce diploma, replacing two math and two science courses with career and technical education (CTE) classes in the same field. The goal is to better align education with job market demands and improve the state’s low labor participation rate. Supporters say the diploma gives students practical skills for immediate employment, especially in high-need industries like manufacturing. Critics worry it could limit college options and with just one counselor per 405 students on average, guiding students appropriately poses challenges. The change reflects a broader shift in public opinion about the value of college and a national trend toward more flexible diploma requirements. Advocates stress the importance of aligning CTE offerings with real job demand to ensure students graduate with credentials that employers actually value.
