Judy Charest News Today

Fewer students are enrolling in Iowas state universities, and the State Board of Regents is meeting this week to discuss ways to change that. Community college is another option, and this year, the Iowa Department of Education has made nearly $3 million in grants available to train people in multiple, high-demand fields that dont require a four-year degree. Jeremy Varner, administrator of the Division of Community Colleges and Workforce Preparation for the Iowa Department of Education, said ...

Republicans in New Hampshire have already submitted bills to expand the eligibility requirements for the states Education Freedom Accounts Program. But critics say diverting more public-education dollars to private, religious and home schools is draining resources for public schools which teach the majority of children. One bill aims to increase the eligibility cap, allowing families making 500% of the federal poverty level to receive the public funds. ...

The Supreme Court will hear oral arguments Monday in a pair of cases which could spell the end of affirmative action on American college campuses. Activist Edward Blum with the group Students for Fair Admissions sued Harvard University and the University of North Carolina, arguing race-conscious admissions criteria unconstitutionally discriminate against Asian American students. Thomas Saenz, president and general counsel for the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund, a Latino ci...

A program matching low-income seniors with area schools in need of additional help is providing some retirees with a new outlook on life. The Foster Grandparent Program is also helping to fill the shortage of classroom aides as many educators are leaving the field or retiring. The seniors are paid just $3.15 an hour, so it does not negatively impact their rental or heating benefits, and they work a minimum of 15 hours a week. ...

Educators are deeply concerned but not surprised with newly released test results showing how far behind Michigan students have fallen during the pandemic. Results from the National Assessment of Educational Progress showed fourth- and ninth-graders scored significantly lower in math and reading skills this year than they did prior to the COVID crisis. Data from the September release of standardized test scores showed some of the steepest learning declines for Michigan students in a half-centur...