The Center for Learning Equity found that students with disabilities—who make up about 14% of public school and 12% of charter school students—face higher rates of exclusionary discipline and lower access to college preparation resources. The students are twice as likely to be arrested or suspended, based on 2021-2022 data, and two to six times less likely to have access to classes and programs that help students do well in college.

Federal and Maryland leaders have reintroduced the Jordan McNair Student Athlete Heat Fatality Prevention Act to Congress, which includes protections for college and high school athletic programs. The bill honors Jordan McNair, a former University of Maryland freshman who collapsed due to heatstroke during football practice in 2018. The University has implemented additional measures to prevent and treat heat-related injuries, including making cold water immersion tubs available at every practice and game, and installing and maintaining readily accessible automatic defibrillators in every venue. 

Ongoing downsizing to the U.S. Department of Education will significantly impact rural schools, according to a new analysis. Because rural schools rely heavily on state and federal funding—and reduced staffing has delayed disbursement of funds and access to technical assistance—they are more likely to face challenges in offering advanced classes and recruiting and retaining high-quality teachers. 

A 130-year-old elementary school in the Chicago suburbs is using a first-of-its-kind geothermal heating and cooling system to significantly reduce its energy costs and reduce its carbon emissions by about 30%. The system has a much smaller surface footprint than other geothermal designs, which makes it ideal for suburban schools. Colleges and universities across the nation are also studying or actively building infrastructure to more efficiently heat and cool campus buildings. 

Minnesota’s Macalester College raised nearly $400,000 to provide meals, housing, and stipends for international students who did not want to leave the U.S. over summer because of shifting visa rules. Mandatory social-media screenings have made many students worried that they will be unable to return to the country if they leave. The University leadership credits its Covid-19 emergency housing plans for swift planning to accommodate its international students.

Federal Medicaid spending will be reduced by 15% over the next decade, per the Congress’ budget bill passed in July. The bill will also shift costs for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to states, requiring them to pay 5-15% of the cost of food benefits. This could mean that students will face more difficulty in accessing free school meals and school-based health services.

The U.S. Senate will soon vote on a budget reconciliation bill approved by the House of Representatives, and widely-used programs including Medicaid and Pell Grants could face significant cuts. An estimated 1.7 million Californians will lose their health care coverage if the bill is passed, including many students who rely on government support for healthcare. The University of California examines the House legislation HR1 and its possible impact on federal student aid, basic needs, and health care.

Fewer than 30% of high school students feel ‘very prepared’ to pursue college, work, or other options after graduation, per a new study. The report examined the readiness disconnect, also finding a lack of awareness around certification programs, internships, military options, and other avenues. Parents, who are seen as the most trusted source for post-graduation guidance, are also commonly unaware of options beyond college or work. 

Schools are increasingly using comedy as a way to support student mental health. One program, Laughing Together, has reached nearly 6,500 students and educators across 26 different schools, districts, or youth organizations, following research that comedy can be an effective tool for social-emotional learning and social connection. Learn more about the program and similar efforts to support student mental health in this article.