School districts mull how to spend surprise donations from MacKenzie Scott

Nov 18, 2022
"One moment, we had, like, $1,200 in this account, and then we had, like, $20,001,200."
The recipient school districts are now considering how to use their donations, whether on improvements like a new gym or investments like college scholarship funds.
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Some Texas school districts are pivoting to a 4-day week

Oct 31, 2022
One district that has made the move is finding it easier to recruit and hire teachers. But some working parents say it is harder to manage.
The Athens Independent School District launched a three-year pilot program in 2019 as it transitioned to a shorter week with longer days. That schedule is now permanent, and the district isn’t looking back.
Bill Zeeble/KERA

Could getting more tech employees in classrooms help college students stick with STEM?

Oct 28, 2022
It's not common for companies to be involved with teaching freshmen-level courses. A new program in Chicago is trying it out.
Alejandro Martinez, left, and Nate Beasley listen to an M1 employee through Zoom in a class at Illinois Tech.
Stephanie Hughes/Marketplace

How colleges can adapt to a shape-shifting economy, with Rice University’s new president

Marketplace's David Brancaccio checked in with Reginald DesRoches, Rice's new President who took the reins in July.
Reginald DesRoches (right), Rice University's  president, spoke David Brancaccio (left) about the benefits of attending college and the university's focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Erika Soderstrom / Marketplace

Can pandemic relief money help schools bring kids up to speed academically?

Oct 26, 2022
National reading and math scores are way down. But school leaders say it can be hard to put all that money toward instruction.
School districts have until September 2024 to spend the last of the $190 billion allocated to them in COVID relief funds.
Michael Loccisano/Getty Images

What's behind Biden's income-driven repayment plan for student loans?

The proposal could be a step "toward a vastly simpler and lower-cost way to pay for higher education," says economics contributor Chris Farrell.
The administration proposed a student-loan repayment system based on earnings and family size in conjunction with its plan to cancel some student debt.
Robyn Beck/AFP via Getty Images

Kindergarten is more than snacks and blocks these days. Some states think kids shouldn't have to go.

Sep 26, 2022
California Gov. Gavin Newsom vetoes a proposal that would have required children to attend kindergarten.
Kindergartners run outside for a break. School enrollment for 5-year-olds dropped by 6% in 2020 and hasn’t fully recovered.
John Moore/Getty Images

For public good, not for profit.

After years of just making it through, schools have chance to tackle learning loss

Sep 8, 2022
Schools must spend at least 20% of American Rescue plan funds on academic catch up. Some say it should be way more than that.
Federal recovery money can help school trying to catch students up, but there are other factors to consider.
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You’re not imagining it, furnishing a dorm room really does cost more this year

Aug 30, 2022
With prices up for everything from airfare to gas to basic necessities, moving to college is more expensive than ever.
According to the National Retail Federation, total back-to-college spending is expected to reach $74 billion this year, reaching a record high.
Mark Makela/Getty Images

Where Monday is the new Sunday: More school districts move to 4 days a week

Aug 12, 2022
Many districts make the switch to attract teachers and save money. Though some extend the school day, classroom time often contracts.
Some school districts don't have classes on Mondays. Others skip Fridays and provide child care for a fee.
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