The debate over gifted and talented programs should focus on whether schools can accurately assess each student's potential, writes Joni Lakin, a professor of educational research at The University of Alabama. Lakin highlights the limitations of traditional identification methods, which often rely on one-time tests and early sorting, and advocates for using multiple measures and regular reviews to identify and nurture student strengths.

School districts often face challenges when adopting high-quality instructional materials, with issues stemming from human behavior rather than educational shortcomings, according to a report from EdReports and The Decision Lab. The report notes that while district leaders are confident in selecting new curricula, they struggle with implementation -- materials remain in unopened boxes -- and achieving stakeholder buy-in.

Colorado's 2026 Teacher of the Year, Stephen Paulson, responded to vandalism fueled by TikTok challenges by launching a student-led "Castle Clean Up" that expanded into tutoring, event support and community service. The project improved school culture and strengthened relationships between students and staff at Greeley Central High School.

Career and technical education teachers are increasingly turning to AI to help develop curricula, manage rapid technological advancements and ensure students are career-ready. Leah Ferguson, a graphic design teacher at The Dalles High School in Oregon, has used AI to organize lessons and align with industry standards, highlighting AI's potential to bridge the gap for teachers transitioning from other industries.

The Education Department has begun transferring major grant programs to other federal agencies as part of President Donald Trump's plan to dismantle the department. The Department of Labor will now oversee Title I funding for schools in low-income areas and other programs, while the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of the Interior will take over other education-related grants, but student loans and civil rights enforcement will stay with the department for now.

Alaska has shifted ownership of 54 school buildings to rural districts since 2003, raising concerns about liability and maintenance. The Kuspuk School District's superintendent agreed to take ownership of a new school after years of seeking funding, fearing the impact on student safety. Rural districts, which cannot raise money through local taxes, worry about the financial and legal implications of owning buildings in poor condition. The state argues that local ownership gives districts more control, but superintendents say it increases their liability.

The most transformative uses of AI won’t simply automate old systems—they’ll reimagine assessment to be continuous, multimodal, and deeply human. Read more from AI and technology executive Narmeen Makhani in the latest issue of EL magazine.

In the November issue of Educational Leadership, Torrey Trust and Robert Maloy from the College of Education at the University of Massachusetts Amherst share five steps to boosting authentic engagement and reducing students’ overreliance on AI shor