Current school news 2018

Here are some notable school news stories from 2018:

Education Policy

• The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) was fully implemented in the United States, giving states more control over education policy and replacing the No Child Left Behind Act.
• The Trump administration proposed a budget that included significant cuts to education programs, including a 13% reduction in funding for the Department of Education.

School Shootings

• On February 14, 2018, a mass shooting occurred at Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, killing 17 people and injuring 17 others. The shooting sparked widespread outrage and calls for gun control reform.
• In April 2018, a school shooting occurred at Santa Fe High School in Texas, killing 10 people and injuring 13 others.

Teacher Strikes

• In February 2018, teachers in West Virginia went on strike for nine days, demanding higher wages and better benefits. The strike was successful, with teachers receiving a 5% pay raise.
• In April 2018, teachers in Oklahoma went on strike for nine days, demanding higher wages and better benefits. The strike was successful, with teachers receiving a 6% pay raise.
• In June 2018, teachers in Arizona went on strike for six days, demanding higher wages and better benefits. The strike was successful, with teachers receiving a 10% pay raise.

College Admissions Scandal

• In March 2018, it was revealed that several wealthy parents, including actresses Felicity Huffman and Lori Loughlin, had bribed college officials to get their children admitted to top universities. The scandal led to the arrest of dozens of people and the resignation of several college officials.

School Safety

• In response to the Parkland shooting, many schools implemented new safety measures, including increased security personnel, metal detectors, and active shooter drills.
• The National Center for Education Statistics reported that school violence decreased by 10% in 2017-2018 compared to the previous year.

Technology and Education

• Online learning platforms and virtual reality technology became increasingly popular in schools, allowing students to access educational resources and experiences remotely.
• The use of artificial intelligence and machine learning in education continued to grow, with many schools using AI-powered tools to personalize learning and improve student outcomes.

Other Notable Stories

• The National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) reported that U.S. students' reading and math scores remained stagnant or declined in 2017, sparking concerns about the state of American education.
• The College Board reported that the number of students taking the SAT exam increased by 10% in 2018, with more students from low-income families taking the test.
• The National Education Association (NEA) reported that teacher morale and job satisfaction remained low in 2018, with many teachers citing high workload, low pay, and lack of support as major concerns.