Summer school participation modestly increased math achievement but had no impact on reading, according to an NWEA analysis of data from 10 large school districts for 2022 and 2023. The math gains were equivalent to two to three weeks of learning during the school year, and NWEA recommends extending summer programs to at least five weeks with a minimum of 90 minutes of math and 120 minutes of reading daily to boost effectiveness.

The Education Department is proposing to exclude education from the definition of "professional degree," which would limit the amount of federal student loans for students pursuing graduate and doctoral degrees in education. The proposal has raised concerns about its potential impact on the pipeline of teachers and school leaders, as well as the financial burden on students.

A federal appeals court has temporarily maintained funding for 49 school mental health projects after the Trump administration announced plans to end them, citing a shift in priorities. The ruling has created uncertainty for districts expecting new grants, as the Education Department has expressed doubts about issuing new awards by the end of the year.

The North Carolina State Board of Education has approved a plan to raise pay for school social workers by requiring a master's degree in social work, contingent on up to $10.9 million in state funding. The proposal aims to address the mental health and social needs of students, but funding from state lawmakers is uncertain.

A survey by the School Superintendents Association finds that financial issues are the main concern for superintendents, with 62% citing inadequate funding as the biggest challenge to their effectiveness. The survey also notes a slight increase in diversity among superintendents, but significant gaps remain.