Shawn Datchuk, University of Iowa Recently, I worked with a group of elementary teachers in Iowa to select new reading textbooks and software. They wanted new materials to improve their district’s stagnant reading scores. After several days of reviewing materials from a state-approved list, one of the teachers asked me, “Will any of these help
by Ian Karbal, Pennsylvania Capital-StarApril 10, 2026 U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon joined Pennsylvania Congressman Scott Perry (R-10) and a group of Republican state lawmakers in Harrisburg to advocate for the commonwealth’s participation in a federal school choice program. U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon speaks at the Capitol in Harrisburg on April 10, 2026.(Photo by
Boaz Dvir, Penn State It’s a scene that’s played out in K-12 schools around the country in recent years. Unprompted, a student expresses her thoughts or feelings about a difficult issue, such as the Iran war. A murmur spreads through the classroom. Other students prepare to jump into a heated discussion. But the teacher nips
This story was originally reported by Nadra Nittle of The 19th. Meet Nadra and read more of their reporting on gender, politics, and policy. As The 19th makes plans for 2026, we want to hear from you! Complete our annual survey to let us know your thoughts. President Donald Trump has taken his most decisive
Upper Adams students celebrated Hispanic heritage this month with dancing, food and games. Hispanic Heritage Month is commemorated Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 each year. At Biglerville High School, the Latinx Club hosted its fourth annual Fiesta Friday school wide assembly. The festive event included traditional dances performed by the Bailes Mex Club and music
The Littlestown Area School District Board of Directors met on Monday, focusing on student achievements, academic progress, and district initiatives. The meeting was livestreamed and shared on the district Facebook page. High school representatives reported strong student involvement in clubs and athletics. The field hockey and volleyball teams are both competing in the District III
Torrey Trust, UMass Amherst and Robert Maloy, University of Massachusetts When teachers rely on commonly used artificial intelligence chatbots to devise lesson plans, it does not result in more engaging, immersive or effective learning experiences compared with existing techniques, we found in our recent study. The AI-generated civics lesson plans we analyzed also left out
Vida Charter School and Gettysburg College’s Center for Public Service (El Centro) will continue providing a bilingual learning center for underserved students in Adams County after Gettysburg College’s 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) grant was renewed for a second year. The renewed federal funding will support afterschool and summer programming for students from
This story was originally reported by Nadra Nittle of The 19th. Meet Nadra and read more of their reporting on gender, politics and policy. Second-grade teacher Demetria Richardson spends so much on school supplies that she has a designated credit card to cover classroom expenses. Just don’t tell her husband what the balance is, she
The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) recently joined students and staff in the Gettysburg Area School District (GASD) to highlight the importance of free summer meals for district students when school isn’t in session. “The summer months can leave students with a sense of uncertainty about where their next meal may come from,” said Acting
Gettysburg Area School District (GASD) is facing an estimated $185,000 loss in federal funding for the 2025-2026 school year due to a freeze in key education programs. This includes a reduction of approximately $108,000 in Title II funding, which supports professional development for educators, $19,000 in Title III funding for English Language Learners, and nearly $58,000
Penn State Extension is excited to announce “4-H Day at the Fair,” taking place on Tuesday, July 22, from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the South Mountain Fairgrounds Auditorium. This free event is open to all youth ages 5–13, and participants do not need to be current 4-H members to attend. The day will
Vida Charter School’s (Vida) 2025 sixth-grade graduation featured a special addition this year. Thirteen students were recognized with prestigious biliteracy awards. For the first time in Vida’s history, four sixth graders earned the Global Seal of Biliteracy (Global Seal), and nine sixth graders earned Pathway Awards, indicating progress toward the Global Seal. The Global Seal
Like butterflies emerging from their cocoons, the Biglerville High School Class of 2025 took flight Friday surrounded by family, friends and the educators who guided them along the way. A sea of black caps and gowns marked by golden stoles and academic regalia entered the stadium two by two. Jubilant cheers lifted from the bleachers
Joining the harmonious celebration of music, the Gettysburg Brass Band Festival proudly announces its upcoming instrument donation drive on Saturday & Sunday, June 7th & 8th, from 12-5pm. Embracing the spirit of generosity, the festival invites patrons to donate musical instruments in good working condition. These instruments will find new life in local school districts,
This story was originally reported by Nadra Nittle of The 19th. Meet Nadra and read more of their reporting on gender, politics and policy. One of the most awaited Supreme Court rulings of the year ended in a deadlocked decision that led to triumph for supporters of church-state separation in schools. On Thursday, the court
Adams County 4-H is reaching out to local homeschool families with an invitation to join a new initiative designed specifically for their needs. The organization is forming a 4-H Homeschool Club and is looking to partner with homeschool groups throughout the county. To kick off the effort, Adams County 4-H will host an informational meeting
The Adams County Library System’s 8th Annual FunFest will be held on Friday, June 13th from 3:00 to 7:00 PM at the Gettysburg Area Recreation Park. This free, family-friendly event marks the official kickoff of SummerQuest, the Library’s county-wide summer learning program. More than 50 nonprofit organizations will be on-site offering fun and educational activities for all ages. We’ve confirmed four food trucks so far, with
Students from the Life Skills and Behavior Intervention Classes at Upper Adams Intermediate School recently enjoyed an exciting hands-on learning experience with sprint cars, provided by Mickley Motorsports. This unique educational opportunity, orchestrated by Jaime Kuhn, the Life Skills teacher at the Upper Adams Intermediate School, allowed students to engage directly with various elements of
If you think primary elections don’t matter all that much, I’m living proof that—at least in school board elections in Pennsylvania—you are quite mistaken. The primary is coming up in May, and many school board races will be won or lost as a result. Because candidates for board director can cross-file with both major parties
Adams County celebrated Pennsylvania 4-H Week March 16-22. On Wednesday, March 19, five youth members along with club leaders and the 4-H Adams County educators attended the Adams County Commissioners’ Meeting to receive the annual proclamation.Members in attendance were Samantha Grant, Abigail Stottlemyer, Leonard Orleski, Findley Waybright, and Leroy Rentzel. Each year, hundreds of youth
Two of Vida Charter School’s chief staff, executive director Christine Miller and principal Elana Nashelsky, have earned Doctor of Education degrees to further enhance bilingual math instruction and build empathy among educators. Dr. Miller earned her degree in educational leadership from the University of Pittsburgh, and Dr. Nashelsky concentrated on organizational leadership with the University
Fred L. Pincus, University of Maryland, Baltimore County President Donald Trump issued an executive order on March 20, 2025, that calls for closing the U.S. Department of Education. The Heritage Foundation flag flies over its building on July 30, 2024, in Washington, D.C. Andrew Harnik/Getty Images The president needs congressional approval to shutter the department.