What are other schools doing that we could learn from? Real initiatives from published K-12 News stories — what they did, how they approached it, and the practical takeaway.
Connecticut's education department awarded $2 million in grants to 42 local education agencies for a high-dosage tutoring program. This program expands intensive math support from grades 6-9 to grades 6-10.
How they approached it
The state provided funding to local agencies to implement or expand their high-dosage math tutoring programs.
Why it is interesting
It demonstrates a state-level commitment and funding mechanism to scale up proven intervention strategies for math education.
What you could learn
Consider seeking state or federal funding opportunities to implement or expand high-dosage tutoring programs in core subjects.
Dallas Independent School District introduced a new mahjong program that combines competitive play with opportunities for strategy and skill development.
How they approached it
The district introduced mahjong as a structured program, focusing on competitive aspects and skill-building.
Why it is interesting
This provides an alternative activity that engages students in strategic thinking and competition.
What you could learn
Introduce diverse, non-traditional activities like mahjong that combine strategy, skill, and competition to engage a broader range of students.
Oct 2, 2026Curriculum innovation
Orange County Department of Education · California
Over 100 Westminster School District students performed dances, music, and traditions at the City of Westminster's Fall Festival Culture Night to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month.
How they approached it
Students from the district's Spanish Dual Language Immersion Program participated, showcasing their cultural learning within a community event.
Why it is interesting
This initiative provides students with a public platform to share their cultural heritage and language skills, fostering community engagement and pride.
What you could learn
Integrate cultural celebrations from dual language programs into wider community events to showcase student talent and promote cultural awareness.
Scarborough Elementary has fostered bilingualism for over a decade using a two-language model. This successful mission is now expanding across the Houston Independent School District (HISD).
How they approached it
Scarborough Elementary implemented a two-language model to support bilingualism, which proved effective enough to be scaled district-wide.
Why it is interesting
It highlights a long-standing, successful bilingual education model that is now being adopted by an entire school district.
What you could learn
Evaluate successful long-term programs within a single school for potential district-wide expansion.
Digital Promise and SRI International are supporting 26 selected teams to refine ideas aimed at fostering student agency and building academic content knowledge.
How they approached it
They are providing support to help these teams develop their concepts further in a 'Discovery Phase'.
Why it is interesting
This initiative directly supports innovation in educational tools and practices by nurturing promising ideas from conception.
What you could learn
Consider establishing a structured challenge or incubator program to cultivate innovative ideas for student agency and content knowledge within your district.
Iowa selected 44 elementary students for a 10-year math enrichment program, providing mentoring and learning support.
How they approached it
The state partnered to identify mathematically gifted students and committed to long-term mentoring and support from 18 public and four nonpublic schools.
Why it is interesting
This first-in-the-nation partnership offers sustained, individualized support for high-achieving math students from a young age.
What you could learn
Develop long-term enrichment programs for high-ability students, incorporating mentoring and support across multiple school types to foster academic excellence.
Advance CTE is coaching Rhode Island and Maryland to expand access to career pathways. Student participation is embedded to shape programs and policies.
How they approached it
They are actively involving students in the design and improvement of career and technical education programs.
Why it is interesting
This initiative ensures that career pathways are relevant and appealing to students by incorporating their direct input.
What you could learn
Incorporate student feedback mechanisms directly into the development and refinement of career pathway programs.
Aug 24, 2026Curriculum innovation
Connecticut State Department of Education · Connecticut
Connecticut received a $10 million federal grant to expand small-group reading interventions for K-3 students with difficulties across 75 elementary schools, including educator coaching.
How they approached it
The grant funds a five-year program focusing on targeted small-group interventions for young students and professional development for educators.
Why it is interesting
This initiative provides significant funding to address foundational reading skills early, coupled with support for teachers.
What you could learn
Seek out large-scale federal grants to fund comprehensive, multi-year literacy intervention programs that include both student support and educator training.
Mississippi education officials designated 15 elementary schools as Emerging Science of Reading Schools and one as a Science of Reading School.
How they approached it
Schools were recognized for their implementation of the Science of Reading, indicating a system of evaluation and recognition.
Why it is interesting
This initiative promotes and rewards effective, evidence-based reading instruction across the state.
What you could learn
Establish an award program to recognize and incentivize schools effectively implementing research-backed instructional methods like the Science of Reading.
Mississippi selected Renaissance’s Star Math for grades K-5 and Star Reading for grades 4-8 to serve as the state's required screening tools.
How they approached it
The state mandated the use of specific Renaissance Star assessments across all public and charter schools for early mathematics and adolescent literacy screening.
Why it is interesting
This initiative provides a standardized approach to early identification of learning needs in math and reading across an entire state.
What you could learn
Consider implementing a standardized, statewide or district-wide screening tool to consistently identify student needs in key subjects.
