Despite massive federal and state investments in literacy over the past decades, reading achievement for middle- and high-school students has not improved since 1970, according to data from the National Assessment of Educational Progress. The "Goldilocks" reading approach, rooted in theories from the 1940s, encourages teachers to assign students books they can read with high accuracy and comprehension -- typically at or below their assessed reading level. However, this method often results in students reading material that does not sufficiently challenge them, potentially limiting their growth.

Timothy Shanahan's "Leveled Reading, Leveled Lives" examines the historical development and limitations of leveled literacy, tracing its roots from early America to its institutionalization in modern education. Shanahan argues that while the idea of matching students with texts of appropriate difficulty appears scientific, the method restricts student progress and creates unequal learning opportunities.

Private School Village is a parent-led nonprofit that began as local meetups in Los Angeles and now supports K-12 students and families of color in private schools. PSV fosters a sense of belonging through mental health workshops, social activities and scholarship opportunities. The organization recently expanded beyond Los Angeles, launching a chapter in Philadelphia and exploring further growth to support more families nationwide.

School leadership consultant Lindsay Whorton proposes a four-tier leadership model in her book "A New School Leadership Architecture," arguing that the traditional principal-assistant principal-teacher model is outdated and inefficient. This model establishes clear roles: a school leader responsible for vision and strategy, bridge leaders who mentor team leaders and manage initiatives, team leaders who support and develop teachers, and team members such as teachers and staff.

Strategic scheduling of staff-development days is helping districts minimize disruptions to instruction and attendance. Some, like North Penn in Pennsylvania, place staff-development days on or near holidays or periods of low student engagement -- such as the day after Halloween or newly recognized holidays -- thereby avoiding additional interruptions. This approach helps keep students in class during peak learning times and reduces the negative impact of sporadic absences.

Pope Leo XIV has called on Catholic educators to focus more on students' spiritual development rather than just professional outcomes. In a message during a Holy Year celebration, the Pope emphasized the role of teachers as models for students and the importance of cooperation with parents. He also stressed that Catholic education should be measured by dignity and justice, not efficiency.

Louisiana Act 409 introduces new regulations for private school pre-K programs, requiring them to obtain daycare center licenses and adhere to a lengthy list of state childcare mandates. Critics claim the compliance costs could force some private schools to raise tuition or discontinue pre-K offerings. Public and Montessori schools are exempt from these licensing requirements.

Education Savings Accounts are driving rapid growth in the affordable private school sector, with 18 states having passed ESA laws and more expected. However, the growth is supply-limited, as there are not enough affordable private schools to meet demand. This has led to the rise of microschools, which are more affordable but often lack business expertise, a segment that outside services can provide.