Could a shorter school week help solve teacher shortages? An Iowa school district has unanimously approved a four-day school week starting in August 2026, aiming to reduce burnout and attract more educators. Leaders say the change could improve retention while they continue watching its impact on students and families. (Source: The Sun)

 Should schools have more flexibility in how they spend Title I funds? The U.S. Department of Education is encouraging districts to combine Title I money with other federal and state funds to reduce red tape and better target local needs. Supporters see efficiency gains, while critics worry about weaker oversight for low-income students. (Source: Times of India)

 How can Michigan fill classrooms when there aren’t enough teachers? Five public universities have launched a two-year initiative aimed at improving teacher recruitment, training, and long-term retention across the state. The effort focuses on strengthening the pipeline and reducing burnout in hard-to-staff areas. (Source: Michigan public universities / local reporting)

 What would school look like if students started learning AI skills in elementary school? Houston Independent School District is launching “Future 2” K–8 pilot schools focused on artificial intelligence, design thinking, and accelerated learning. The model also includes enrichment like music and community service as the district tests a more future-ready approach to education. (Source: Houston Chronicle)

 Should cursive writing make a comeback in the classroom? New Jersey now requires public schools to teach cursive to students in grades 3–5 starting this fall, aiming to support literacy and help students read historical documents. Supporters say it builds foundational skills, while schools prepare to fit it into modern, tech-heavy classrooms. (Source: People.com)

 Could as many as one in four U.S. colleges really shut down? Higher education expert Arthur Levine warns that schools facing declining enrollment, rising costs, and doubts about the value of a four-year degree must adapt or risk closing. He argues colleges need to become more affordable, career-focused, and flexible to survive. (Source: Times of India)

 How can colleges better prepare students for the jobs waiting after graduation? The U.S. Departments of Education and Labor have launched a new partnership to better align college programs with workforce needs and in-demand skills. Supporters say it could improve job readiness, while critics warn against narrowing education too much. (Source: Times of India)

 Are four-year college degrees still worth the cost for today’s students? Many U.S. high schoolers are choosing community colleges and certification programs as a more affordable path to jobs, avoiding heavy student debt. The shift shows growing concern about college costs and a stronger focus on practical career outcomes. (Source: The Times of India)

 Should phones be part of the school day or left in backpacks? New Jersey has passed a statewide law banning non-academic cellphone use in K-12 schools to reduce distractions and improve focus. Supporters see it as a way to boost learning, while critics raise concerns about enforcement and parent communication. (Source: AP News)

 Did top colleges illegally coordinate how much financial aid students receive? A federal judge ruled that Cornell, Georgetown, and the University of Pennsylvania must face an antitrust lawsuit alleging they improperly worked together on aid calculations. The schools deny wrongdoing, but the case could reshape how elite universities handle financial aid. (Source: Reuters)