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Sunday, February 16, 2025

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Trump administration begins sweeping layoffs with probationary workers, warns of larger cuts to come; NYC music school teachers strike after union negotiations break down; Ohio advocates push for inclusive policies during Black History Month; Health experts recommend sunshine, socializing to cure 'winter blues.'

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Federal workers tasked with securing elections from foreign interference are placed on leave, parents' organizations reject dismantling Dept. of Education, and the Congressional Black Caucus presses discussions on slavery reparations.

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Rural America struggles with opioids and homelessness in unexpected ways, Colorado's Lariat Ditch could help spur local recreation, and book deliveries revive rural communities hit by Hurricane Helene.

Children's

More than 11,500 scholars were served in CDF Freedom Schools over 36 states and nearly 200 program sites during 2023. (Rawpixel.com/Adobe Stock)

Friday, February 14, 2025

Ohio advocates push for inclusive policies during Black History Month

As Black History Month continues, advocacy groups in Ohio are pushing for policies that benefit children from all backgrounds. They emphasize the …

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According to the National Advisory Committee on Rural Health and Human Services, rural children under 5 years old make up 24% of children eligible for child care services in the country, yet 55% of the children live in a child care desert. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Friday, February 14, 2025

In rural east KY, communities find ways to boost kids early learning

Kentucky's Appalachian counties are expanding efforts to help ensure kids are off to the right start educationally. Research shows attending a high-…

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The Texas Department of Agriculture hopes to reach children in rural areas who haven't previously participated in Summer Meal Programs because of transportation barriers. Eligible sponsors in those areas can apply to distribute meals outside of the required group settings and meal service times. (chomplearn_2001/Adobe Stock)

Friday, February 14, 2025

Sponsors needed for TX Dept. of Ag summer feeding programs

The Texas Department of Agriculture is accepting sponsor applications for its 2025 Summer Meal Programs. The Summer Food Service Program and the …

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A child's brain is 90% developed by age 5, yet low-income children hear 30 million fewer words by age 3 and may start school 18 months behind. Many rural children lack even one book in their household. (Adobe Stock)

Friday, February 14, 2025

Creating adaptive education solutions for kids in rural TN

Education gaps run deep in rural Tennessee, so community leaders there are working to bridge the divide. The challenges include teacher shortages …

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Medicaid is the single largest health insurer for children in New Mexico. (MonaMäkelä/AdobeStock)

Friday, February 14, 2025

GOP budget eyes Medicaid cuts, a significant impact for Native communities

A preliminary federal budget unveiled by Republicans this week includes cuts to Medicaid, which a recent study reveals would disproportionately …

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As of January 2025, the average hourly pay for a home-based child care provider in Iowa is $12.48, according to the job site ZipRecruiter. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, February 12, 2025

Iowa invests $14 million to expand child care services

Iowa is making $14 million available to take on the critical lack of child care in the state. Many families said both parents want to work and would…

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According to Save the Children, poverty in rural America impacts more than one in five children. In 39 states, rural children are more likely to grow up in poverty than non-rural kids.(masterstudio/Pixabay)

Tuesday, February 11, 2025

Mississippi communities find local solutions to rural education challenges

In rural Mississippi, where education disparities run deep, community leaders are stepping up to fill the gaps left by limited resources and …

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Rep. Suzanne Bonamici, D-Ore., offered a resolution to protect public education, which was backed by the American Federation of Teachers, National Education Association, the Parent Teacher Association and many others. (Prostock-studio/Adobe Stock)
Lawmaker: Dismantling Education Dept. would harm OR schools

After introducing a resolution condemning attempts to defund public education, Rep. Suzanne Bonamici, D-Ore., was denied access to the U.S. …

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There are 278 school districts in Nebraska with a student-to-teacher ratio of just under 14 to 1, according to the National Assessment of Education Progress report card. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, February 10, 2025

Nebraska reading and math scores fall, mirror national trend

Despite kids being back in the classroom after the COVID pandemic, the latest numbers from the National Assessment of Education Progress aren't …

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According to a Pew Research Center survey, 72% of U.S. high school teachers consider student distraction due to cellphones a major problem in their classrooms. (insta_photos/Adobe Stock)
Bipartisan MO bills seek to limit student cellphone use in schools

If some Missouri lawmakers have their way, cellphone use in schools will be restricted. Supporters of the proposal argued student "phone addiction" …

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A Lumina Foundation report noted undergraduate and graduate degree attainment for minorities living in Connecticut has slowly grown between 2009 and 2023. However, the increases started occurring around 2019. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, February 10, 2025

Report: CT ranks high for degree attainment but lacks opportunity for all

A new report found Connecticut ranks high for undergraduate and graduate degree attainment. The Lumina Foundation's Stronger Nation report noted the …

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Data show that just under a quarter of California 4th and 8th graders are considered proficient in science. (Viacheslav Yakobchuk/Adobe Stock)<br />
Report: CA students make modest improvements, but lag after pandemic

California's 5.8 million public school kids have made small gains in 4th grade math and reading since 2022. They're still behind pre-pandemic …

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