Keith Michon News Today

Massachusetts Teacher Association wants funds to go to top priorities

Fall River Public Schools have hired more than 200 people so far this summer. But there are still 170 open positions, with school starting next week.

The state recently increased the MCAS scores required for Massachusetts high school students to graduate.

Local schools saw unusually high numbers of staff and student absences this week, as schools returned from break amid a surge of COVID-19 cases.

Psychologists and teachers have found the disruptions of the pandemic and being out of school have led to more behavioral problems, anxiety, depression and other mental health issues in children and teens.

Many children are struggling with increased mental health issues during the pandemic. Local experts weighed in on how to help.

FALL RIVER — If there’s one word that could sum up the past year in Fall River area schools, it’s "unprecedented." Last March, schools in districts throughout Greater Fall River went remote in accordance with Gov. Charlie Baker’s shutdown orders related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Students and teachers tackled new challenges as remote learning came into play for the remainder of the school year. Proms were canceled, graduations were postponed until mid summer and the community came togeth...