Overview

• The University of Missouri reports fall enrollment topping 31,000 students, marking a recent uptick documented in the series.
• Survey-based reporting continues to show pandemic learning loss affecting students’ basic developmental skills.
• Chronic absenteeism is rising nationwide, with parents citing additional concerns that keep students out of class.
• Schools face staffing gaps that include a shortage of nurses, with warnings the situation could worsen into the new school year.
• Policy and classroom disputes persist, including voucher proposals in Georgia and Texas, parental objections to a California LGBTQ+ guide, and an elementary assignment that drew a school apology.