Education / Public News Service

As schools prepare to kick off fall semester, there are many unknowns as new waves of COVID-19 outbreaks could emerge. (educadormarcossv/Pixabay)

Wednesday, August 4, 2021

NM Schools Resume In-Person Learning with Mask Protocols

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- The youngest students, along with faculty and staff, will need to mask up in the Rio Rancho schools when classes begin next …

School supply drives are helping vulnerable Ohio families prepare for classes this fall. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, August 4, 2021

Easing Back-to-School Jitters for Vulnerable Students

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- School bells will soon ring, and Ohio county Children Services agencies are doing what they can to make the transition back to …

The Fargo Board of Education has nine members, four of whom currently face a potential recall election. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, August 4, 2021

ND Watchdog: Rash of School Board Recalls "Wasteful"

FARGO, N.D. -- The people behind efforts to recall four Fargo School Board members have until August 25th to collect signatures. Ahead of that …

A new pilot program in Texas is teaching college students about the agriculture industry and career options they might not otherwise have considered. (ionlfox/Pixabay)

Monday, August 2, 2021

TX Farm Bureau Recruits College Students for Pilot Program

AMARILLO, Texas - The American Farm Bureau Federation hosts more than 100 college level chapters across 35 states, but this is the first time its …

The National School Lunch Program is designed to meet nutrition standards and promote healthy eating. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, August 2, 2021

Childrens' Advocates Press Congress to Extend Free School Meal Program

DENVER-During the COVID health emergency, the federal government made school meals available for free to all students, regardless of their financial …

In addition to recommending teachers, students and school staff member mask up indoors this fall, new CDC guidelines recommend even vaccinated people wear masks in areas with high COVID case numbers. (Vasyl/Adobe Stock)

MA Educators Welcome CDC Guidance to 'Mask Up' in School

BOSTON - Educators' unions are calling on the state to support their efforts to ensure in-person learning in the fall keeps students, teachers…

Men accounted for two-thirds of the enrollment last year in Virginia's workforce grant program, which helps folks get jobs in construction and other industries. (Adobe stock)

Virginia Workforce Grants Help Boost Employment During COVID

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. -- With many Virginians still experiencing pandemic-related unemployment, students at a state community college were able to get …

Jessica Molena of Perrysburg says her own parents' advocacy for migrant farm workers has served as an inspiration. (FLOC)

Migrant Worker Group Helps Vaccinate an Ohio Community

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Jessica Molina of Perrysburg says she was inspired as a child by the spirit of activism, as she watched her parents participate in …

It's estimated that more than 241,000 DACA-eligible students are enrolled in college, according to the Migration Policy Institute. (Adobe Stock)

After DACA Court Ruling, Advocates Call on Congress for Immigration Overhaul

FRANKFORT, Ky. -- In a recent ruling, a federal judge in Texas blocked new applications for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program…

In early July, the Biden administration canceled nearly $56 million in student-loan debt, mostly connected to institutions engaging in misconduct, including promising jobs or falsely claiming credits would transfer to universities.(Adobe Stock)

Scammers Targeting Nebraska Student-Loan Holders

LINCOLN, Neb. - Student-loan forgiveness has become an increasingly popular scam targeting young adults, and as an October deadline looms, consumer …

Black women carry roughly 20% more student debt than do their white counterparts. (Adobe Stock)

Campaign: Canceling Student Debt Major Boost for Black Women

MINNEAPOLIS -- Black women carry more student loan debt than any other group, and a national petition has been launched to cancel $50,000 in student …

Crystal Witherspoon and Alma Esparza Castaneda are among the 49% of med students at the University of California Riverside who self-identify as an underrepresented minority. (Stan Lim/UC Riverside)

Grants Help Medical Schools Attract Students of Color

RIVERSIDE, Calif. -- Large grants are helping medical schools in Southern California improve diversity, because although Latinos are 39% of the …

Black women carry roughly 20% more student debt than their white counterparts. (Adobe Stock)

Campaign Aims to Liberate Black Women from Student-Debt Burden

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Black women carry more student loan debt than any other group, and a national petition has been launched to cancel $50,000 in …

According to the U.S. Census, on average, Black women were paid 63% of what non-Hispanic white men were paid in 2019. (Pexels)

A Call to Build Black Women's Futures by Canceling $50K in Student Debt

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- With Black women carrying more student loan debt than any other group, a national petition has been launched to cancel $50,000 …

Indiana kids experiencing homelessness or who are in foster care pass the ILEARN test at lower rates than their peers, according to the state Department of Education. (visoot/Adobe Stock)

Indiana Parents Urge More Transparent, Consistent Standardized Testing

INDIANAPOLIS -- Results from Indiana's standardized test, ILEARN, were released this week, and just 28% of students passed the math and reading …

More than 90% of jobs that pay more than just a living wage are soon expected to require some form of post-secondary degree or credential. (Adobe Stock)

Students Who Left College During COVID Can Still Earn Associate’s Degree

DENVER - A new Colorado law will offer a pathway for thousands of students who have completed significant course work at public colleges and universit…

A new national report says 48% of officials who faced recall campaigns in the first half of 2021 were school board members. (Adobe Stock)

Divisive Campaign Rhetoric Trickles Down to Local Races

SIOUX CITY, Iowa - A new Ballotpedia report shows a nationwide spike in efforts, largely led by right-wing groups, to recall school board members …

Maine has 30 funded TRIO programs, serving 95 schools across the state. (Syda Productions/Adobe Stock)

ME Lawmakers Support Programs for Low-Income College Students

AUGUSTA, Maine - A bipartisan group of nearly 60 U.S. senators led by Susan Collins, R-Maine, is urging more funding for the federal TRIO programs…

A recent report recommends New Hampshire strengthen standards for learning about federalism, elections, political parties, and comparative government in high school civics. (Shane/Adobe Stock)

Report: NH Needs Major Improvements in U.S. History, Civics Standards

CONCORD, N.H. -- Civics and history education are lacking in New Hampshire, according to a new report. The Thomas B. Fordham Institute rated every …

Community action agencies connect missing pieces to help low-income individuals with assistance programs. In Minnesota, 24 of them, along with nearly 10 tribal governments, will share in new funding. (Adobe Stock)

MN's Community Agencies Can Stretch Dollars a Little Further

ONAMIA, Minn. -- Helping Minnesotans escape poverty requires behind-the-scenes work, often done by community action agencies on shoestring budgets…

During his visit to McHenry County Community College, President Joe Biden talked to 200 students and teachers about the importance of investing in child care and education among other things. (Gage Skidmore/Flickr)

Biden Visit to IL Highlights Investments in Community Colleges

CRYSTAL LAKE, Ill. - President Joe Biden visited McHenry County Community College in Crystal Lake yesterday to promote his economic proposals - for …

Senate Bill 5194 turns 200 part-time faculty positions at community and technical colleges into full-time positions. (paulaphoto/Adobe Stock)

WA Law Aims to Make Comm, Technical Colleges More Inclusive

SEATTLE -- Washington state community and technical college staff members are excited about a measure aimed at improving the success of students of co…

Historically, students of color have been less likely to receive postsecondary degrees than their white counterparts. A new Oregon legislative task force wants to change that. (Devin Allphin/Adobe Stock)

New OR Task Force to Support Underrepresented Students in Higher Ed

SALEM, Ore. -- Oregon lawmakers want to ensure more underrepresented students are successful in higher education. At the end of the 2021 session…

A new report notes that Maine's civic education standards don't mention the concepts of equal protection or due process. (Yurii Kibalnik/Adobe Stock)

Report: U.S. History, Civics Education Inadequate in Maine Schools

AUGUSTA, Maine -- Civics and history education are lacking in Maine, according to a new report. The Thomas B. Fordham Institute rated every state's …

The odds of underemployment for Black immigrants are 54% higher than their white counterparts, and 40% higher for Hispanic and Latino workers, according to the Migration Policy Institute. (Pexels/Pixabay)

$40 Billion in Wages Lost Every Year: Doctors, Lawyers, Trained-Immigrants “Brain Waste” in US

HOUSTON, Texas -- More than 20% of college-educated immigrants in the U.S., or two million people, are either unemployed or underemployed, according …

Approximately 4 million students enrolled in higher education are struggling with internet access, according to the New American Foundation. (Adobe Stock)

Pell Recipients Can Get Help Toward Internet Bills

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - College students receiving Pell Grants are eligible for a temporary federal program that provides $50 per month, or $75 in Tribal …

A new report gives Idaho a 'D' for its civics education standards. (Yurii Kibalnik/Adobe Stock)

Report: ID Civics, US History Education Leaves 'A Lot to Be Desired'

BOISE, Idaho - Civics and history education are lacking in Idaho, according to a new report. The Thomas B. Fordham Institute rated every state's …

North Carolina ranks 34th among states for children's well-being in the 2021 Kids Count Data Book from the Annie E. Casey Foundation, although the state improved on many individual measures in the report. (Adobe Stock)

Pandemic-Relief Measures Can Help More NC Kids

RALEIGH, N.C. -- New survey data offer a clear picture of how North Carolina kids and families are faring, both before and after the pandemic…

Advocates are calling on state lawmakers to adopt a weighted school funding formula, so more equitable funding goes to needier communities. (ProStock/Adobestock)

Report: MI in Middle of the Pack for Kids' Care

LANSING, Mich. - Michigan ranked 28th in the country for overall child well-being and 41st in education as of 2019, according to a new report…

The number of Maryland fourth graders who were not proficient in reading increased to 65% in 2019, according to a new report. (Adobe stock)

Report: MD Lawmakers Need to Keep Spotlight on Child Well-Being

BALTIMORE -- Advocates said Maryland lawmakers need to focus more than ever on helping children, as a new report shows the state dropped from 21st in …

A new report shows Arizona's investments in its children's health, education and overall family economic stability are among the lowest in the 50 states. (cerva/Adobe Stock)<br /><br /> — A new report shows Arizona's investments in its children's health, education and overall family economic stability are among the lowest in the 50 states. (cerva/Adobe Stock)

Report: AZ Under-Invests in Children's Health, Education, Well-Being

PHOENIX -- A decade-long look at how Arizona is taking care of its children finds the state is failing to provide the social, educational and …

According to the 2021 Kids Count Data Book, the number of Connecticut children ages 3 and 4 not enrolled in preschool has dropped in the last decade, from 38% in 2009-2011 to 34% in 2017-2019. (Adobe Stock)

Report Suggests More CT Families Backslid Financially in Pandemic

HARTFORD, Conn. -- Connecticut ranks in the top 10 states for children's education and health, but its families rank lower in terms of economic well-…

New York state ranks 16th in the nation for education. The 2021 Kids Count Data Book shows from 2017-2019, 41% of New York children ages 3 and 4 weren't enrolled in preschool, compared to the 52% U.S. average. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Federal Support Vital to NY Families’ Economic Recovery

ALBANY, N.Y. -- New York is among the top 10 U.S. states for health among children, and the bottom ten for families' overall economic wellbeing…

Prior to the pandemic, nearly 120,000 Indiana families with children lacked health insurance. That reflected progress in reducing the overall rate, but a new report says the pandemic has reversed it. (Adobe Stock)

Child Well-Being Report: More IN Families without Health Insurance

INDIANAPOLIS -- Like many other states, Indiana saw progress in improving children's lives before the pandemic, but an annual report said the crisis …

The newest edition of the Annie E. Casey Foundation's Kids Count Data Book explores how America's child population fared during the COVID-19 pandemic. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Poverty Continues to Stall Progress on WV Kids' Well-Being

CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- New survey data offer a clear picture of how West Virginia kids and families are faring. The Mountain State ranks 44th in the …

In a recent Census Bureau survey, more than 40% of Massachusetts households where at least one member planned to pursue higher education canceled or reduced their course load during the pandemic. (Adobe Stock)

Disparities Persist in MA Despite Top Rank for Child Well-Being

BOSTON -- A new report ranks Massachusetts 'Number One' nationally among states for overall child well-being, but advocates for children and families …

New data show Nevada cut its teen birth rate almost in half between 2010 and 2019. However, key indicators on poverty and education got worse. (Wordley Calvo Stock/Adobe Stock)

Report: NV Among Hardest Hit in Pandemic

CARSON CITY, Nev. - A new report finds Nevada's children suffered more during the pandemic than those in many other states - and that small gains in …

A new report says during the pandemic, Iowa's Black, Latino and multiracial households with children were three times as likely as white households to worry about making their next rent or mortgage payment. (Adobe Stock)

Despite Ranking, Pandemic Clouds IA's Child Well-being Outlook

DES MOINES, Iowa -- Iowa gets some high marks in the latest 50-state report on children's wellbeing, but the annual findings show the pandemic is …

The outlook for children's well-being in Utah is good, but a new report says 173,000 kids live in households where parents don't have stable employment. (diego serva/Adobe Stock)

Report: Utah Among Top 5 States for Children's Well-Being

SALT LAKE CITY -- Families with children in Utah and other states remained mostly steady over the past year in an annual report on children's wellbein…

About 16% of Latino families with children in Virginia were uninsured in March 2021, compared with 8% of all households in the state, according to the Census Bureau's Household Pulse Survey. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Virginia Must Improve Child Health Coverage for Latino Families

RICHMOND, Va. -- Children in Virginia are better off than in most states, but a new report said the Commonwealth needs to improve health outcomes…

One in ten Missouri teens didn't graduate high school on time in 2019, down from 19% in 2010 - though last fall, more than 40% of Missourians planning to pursue higher education either cancelled or reduced course loads. (Tom Wang/Adobe Stock)

Report: MO Children, Families to Benefit from Child Tax Credit Expansion

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Missouri is ranked 30th among states for overall child wellbeing in a new report, and advocates for kids and families say the …

In 2019, 24% of New Hampshire children lived in households with high housing-cost burdens, down from 39% in 2010. (zilvergolf/Adobe Stock)

NH Ranks High in Child Well-Being, But Pandemic May Disrupt Gains

CONCORD, N.H. -- New Hampshire ranks in the top 10 for overall child wellbeing, but advocates for children and families say that doesn't diminish the …

States such as Texas that chose not to expand Medicaid in recent years saw uninsured rates for young children grow almost three times as fast as states that did expand Medicaid, according to Every Texan. (badski007Pixabay)

Texas Ranks Last Among 50 States for Kids With Health Insurance

AUSTIN, Texas -- One million, or 13%, of Texas children went without health insurance in 2019, a significantly higher number than the national …

Approximately 23% of Maine kids lived in households with a high housing cost burden in 2019, compared with 33% in 2010. (Daniel Jedzura/Adobe Stock)

Report: Child Tax Credit to Benefit More than 90% of Maine Kids

AUGUSTA, Maine -- Child wellbeing in Maine improved between 2010 and 2019, according to a new annual report, but advocates for children and families …

Approximately 28% of Illinois kids lived in households with a high housing cost burden in 2019, compared with 42% in 2010. (Darren Baker/Adobe Stock)

IL Child Well-Being Improved in Last Decade, Although Disparities Remain

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. -- Child well-being in Illinois was looking up in 2019 compared with 2010, but advocates say the full impact of COVID-19 is yet to …

New Mexico had a 45% improvement in children without health insurance in 2019, compared with the previous year, according to a new report from the Annie E. Casey Foundation. (darkside-550/Pixabay)

NM Notes Marked Improvements in Child Well-Being Report

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- A New Mexico child-advocate group is expressing cautious optimism about incremental improvements in the latest Kids Count report…

An annual well-being report said roughly 15,000 North Dakota children lacked health-care coverage leading up to the pandemic. (Adobe Stock)

ND Children's Report Looks Good on Surface, But Concerns Lurk Beneath

FARGO, N.D. -- North Dakota ranks first in the U.S. when it comes to economic stability for children, according to an annual report measuring child …

An annual well-being report says South Dakota has seen worsening child obesity numbers over the past decade. (Adobe Stock)

SD Ranks Near Middle for Child Well-Being

PIERRE, S.D. -- A mixed bag of news can be found for South Dakota in the latest report measuring child wellbeing in the U.S. As families emerge from …

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PNS Daily Newscast - August 4, 2021

2021Talks - August 4, 2021

Education

NM Schools Resume In-Person Learning with Mask Protocols

Easing Back-to-School Jitters for Vulnerable Students

ND Watchdog: Rash of School Board Recalls "Wasteful"

TX Farm Bureau Recruits College Students for Pilot Program

Childrens' Advocates Press Congress to Extend Free School Meal Program

MA Educators Welcome CDC Guidance to 'Mask Up' in School

Virginia Workforce Grants Help Boost Employment During COVID

Migrant Worker Group Helps Vaccinate an Ohio Community

After DACA Court Ruling, Advocates Call on Congress for Immigration Overhaul

Scammers Targeting Nebraska Student-Loan Holders

Campaign: Canceling Student Debt Major Boost for Black Women

Grants Help Medical Schools Attract Students of Color

Campaign Aims to Liberate Black Women from Student-Debt Burden

A Call to Build Black Women's Futures by Canceling $50K in Student Debt

Indiana Parents Urge More Transparent, Consistent Standardized Testing

Students Who Left College During COVID Can Still Earn Associate’s Degree

Divisive Campaign Rhetoric Trickles Down to Local Races

ME Lawmakers Support Programs for Low-Income College Students

Report: NH Needs Major Improvements in U.S. History, Civics Standards

MN's Community Agencies Can Stretch Dollars a Little Further

Biden Visit to IL Highlights Investments in Community Colleges

WA Law Aims to Make Comm, Technical Colleges More Inclusive

New OR Task Force to Support Underrepresented Students in Higher Ed

Report: U.S. History, Civics Education Inadequate in Maine Schools

$40 Billion in Wages Lost Every Year: Doctors, Lawyers, Trained-Immigrants “Brain Waste” in US

Pell Recipients Can Get Help Toward Internet Bills

Report: ID Civics, US History Education Leaves 'A Lot to Be Desired'

Pandemic-Relief Measures Can Help More NC Kids

Report: MI in Middle of the Pack for Kids' Care

Report: MD Lawmakers Need to Keep Spotlight on Child Well-Being

Report: AZ Under-Invests in Children's Health, Education, Well-Being

Report Suggests More CT Families Backslid Financially in Pandemic

Report: Federal Support Vital to NY Families’ Economic Recovery

Child Well-Being Report: More IN Families without Health Insurance

Report: Poverty Continues to Stall Progress on WV Kids' Well-Being

Disparities Persist in MA Despite Top Rank for Child Well-Being

Report: NV Among Hardest Hit in Pandemic

Despite Ranking, Pandemic Clouds IA's Child Well-being Outlook

Report: Utah Among Top 5 States for Children's Well-Being

Report: Virginia Must Improve Child Health Coverage for Latino Families

Report: MO Children, Families to Benefit from Child Tax Credit Expansion

NH Ranks High in Child Well-Being, But Pandemic May Disrupt Gains

Texas Ranks Last Among 50 States for Kids With Health Insurance

Report: Child Tax Credit to Benefit More than 90% of Maine Kids

IL Child Well-Being Improved in Last Decade, Although Disparities Remain

NM Notes Marked Improvements in Child Well-Being Report

ND Children's Report Looks Good on Surface, But Concerns Lurk Beneath

SD Ranks Near Middle for Child Well-Being