Topic
Follow the latest curriculum developments across US K-12 education. Instructional materials, standards and curriculum adoptions.
Last updated: October 6, 2026
As of October 7, 2026, K-12 News has published 6 curriculum stories over the last 30 days, across 4 states and 4 organizations. The most active states are California, Maine and Colorado.
AASA introduced 10 district leaders from across the country who will contribute to its Schools of Thought blog this year, sharing experiences and lessons from leading school systems.
The Mississippi Department of Education briefed the State Board of Education on the Mississippi Math Act and Adolescent Literacy Initiative, both set for the 2026-27 school year.
Renaissance received the 2026 CODiE award for math instruction, its second consecutive win in the category. Its math platform combines assessment, teacher-led lessons and adaptive practice.
Mississippi public and charter schools will use Renaissance’s Star Math in grades K–5 and Star Reading in grades 4–8 for required screening beginning in the 2026–2027 school year.
Governor
K–4 reading interventionist
Education Commissioner
Connecticut is expanding K–3 reading interventions and educator coaching through a five-year, $10 million grant covering 75 elementary schools, while Massachusetts is continuing early literacy tutoring funding for 338 schools and awarded nearly $25 million for literacy instruction. Nine Pennsylvania teacher preparation programs received accreditation aligned with structured literacy standards, and Mississippi designated science-of-reading schools and is implementing a statewide adolescent literacy initiative for 2026–27. Indiana reported its fifth consecutive year of rising literacy rates, while Colorado reported elementary literacy gains alongside persistent achievement gaps and declining middle school English language arts scores. In Maine, the number of students earning biliteracy recognition rose 18 percent, and the number of high schools offering it grew 11.5 percent.
State math results varied in 2025–26: Connecticut reported gains, Colorado recorded elementary math gains across many student groups, and Mississippi saw a slight decline in math proficiency. Mississippi is implementing the Mississippi Math Act statewide in 2026–27, while Iowa selected 44 elementary students from 18 public districts and four accredited nonpublic schools for a 10-year math enrichment program with mentoring and learning support. New York released preliminary statewide mathematics test data.
State and district education leaders are making appointments and involving teachers and students in governance: Florida named a new education commissioner, New York City appointed an early childhood deputy chancellor, Missouri added its first active classroom teacher to the state board, and Illinois selected a student advisory council. Technology policies differ across jurisdictions, with New York City announcing a generative AI moratorium while Illinois issued nonbinding AI guidance and Connecticut recommended bell-to-bell limits on personal devices without a statewide mandate. Illinois increased school funding and awarded teacher recruitment and retention grants, while New York City expanded pre-K special education and Mississippi began implementing statewide math and adolescent literacy initiatives for 2026–27. Maryland reported a four-year decline in chronic absenteeism.
States and districts are taking different approaches to AI in education: Florida’s responsible-use approach spans prekindergarten through college, Illinois has issued nonbinding K-12 guidance, and New York City has announced a generative AI moratorium in public schools. Missouri is expanding access to free AI training and tools while leaving school adoption decisions local, and Massachusetts is expanding paid AI internships for 400 students through a $500,000 public-private investment. In higher education, Idaho has announced seven AI innovation awards across five colleges and universities.
Connecticut and Missouri reported 2025–26 assessment gains across multiple subjects, while Colorado reported gains in elementary math and literacy but declining middle school English language arts scores and persistent achievement gaps. Mississippi reported higher science performance, steady English language arts results and a slight decline in math proficiency. Connecticut’s chronic absenteeism fell to 16.4%, down from 23.7% in 2021–22. Kansas received federal approval to pilot assessments administered throughout the school year.
Open enrolment, charter authorisation, vouchers, education savings accounts and enrolment shifts.
Based on: $10,000 Hyundai grant supports Saddleback High’s plans for outdoor STEM learning
Based on: Weekly roundup: Westminster students honor Hispanic Heritage Month through music and dance, and more
Based on: In a Historic First, APS Cuts Ribbon on Its First-Ever Dual Language School
Based on: Maine Schools Invited to Explore an Environmental Sustainability Collaboration with French Education Partners
Based on: Pennsylvania Has Most Teacher Preparation Programs Accredited by the International Dyslexia Association in the Nation
Based on: Governor Lamont and Education Commissioner Russell-Tucker Announce Connecticut Receives $10 Million Grant Award to Strengthen Early Literacy Supports
