The momentum behind school cellphone bans has led over half the states to enact some form of restriction, with some considering daylong bans to improve student achievement and mental health. Despite widespread adoption, a University of Southern California study shows that compliance is inconsistent, with most students continuing to use phones during school hours.

Congress has approved the fiscal 2026 education budget, ensuring that funding for almost all existing K-12 programs remains at previous levels. The vote came after a year of uncertainty and a brief shutdown, but the final package maintains allocations for key programs such as Title I, IDEA, Title II and Title III, providing schools with consistent support for the upcoming school year.

Utah educators have introduced the Portrait of an AI-Infused Educator and Learner, a guidance document to help schools integrate AI responsibly. Developed by the Utah State Board of Education, the portrait emphasizes AI literacy for students and outlines professional responsibilities for teachers, focusing on data privacy and state-specific requirements.

Lily Laux, confirmed by the New Jersey Board of Education as the state's acting commissioner of education, brings experience from Texas, where she oversaw literacy initiatives and teacher training. Laux's focus in her new role will include literacy outcomes, pre-K access, mental health resources and school funding. Her appointment awaits Senate approval.

Testing experts and tutors are raising alarms that students are finding new ways to cheat on the digital SAT, with what appear to be real test questions circulating online and overseas websites selling access to exam content and software designed to bypass security. The College Board says cheating affects only a fraction of test-takers, but acknowledged ongoing efforts to counter screenshots, leaked questions and tools that can evade protections built into its Bluebook testing platform.

The process of hiring principals has become more rigorous, with districts involving teachers, parents and students to ensure the best fit for their schools. Andrew Rebello, assistant superintendent at Bristol-Plymouth Technical High School, emphasizes the importance of building trust and managing diverse challenges, while Joe Craig, superintendent of Fairfield Independent School District, highlights the need for principals with specific experience and adaptability to unique community needs.

Our new policy update highlights how states are piloting principal registered apprenticeships to build their leadership pipelines. These programs provide paid, on-the-job experience while candidates complete certification and licensure, lowering barriers and strengthening school leadership pipelines. See what states like Alaska, North Dakota, and Virginia are learning, and how state boards can lead.

Student behavior challenges and teacher burnout are rising--while employers want stronger social skills. Join NASBE on February 19 for a webinar that explores research-backed strategies state boards can use to improve school climate, support teachers, and build students' prosocial skills for school and workforce success.