Coronavirus
Education news, analysis, and opinion about COVID-19 and its impact on schools and communities
Student Well-Being
What the Research Says
Mask Mandates Cut COVID-19 Spread in Schools, Studies Find
In one study, stricter mask policies reduced school infections by more than 70 percent during the delta wave.
Student Well-Being
Relaxed Mask Guidelines Raise Anxiety for Parents of Children With Disabilities
The CDC's changes could undercut some legal arguments for those who have pushed universal masking to protect medically vulnerable children.
School & District Management
Masks Are Coming Off. Who Benefits? Who Is at Risk?
After nearly two years of COVID-19-induced restrictions, millions of people—including students and staff in K-12 schools—are ditching masks.
Federal
What the CDC's Relaxed Mask Recommendations Mean for Schools
Federal officials adopted new metrics that will give districts the green light to end mask mandates in a broad swath of the country.
School Climate & Safety
In Their Own Words
'COVID Is Not Over Us': As Pandemic Lingers, a Texas Mother's Dismay Deepens
A mother describes her frustrations over masking policies, staffing shortages, and the quality of education her honor roll son has received.
Federal
CDC Plans Update to Indoor Mask Guidance. How Could That Apply to Schools?
The CDC will soon update its general masking guidance, but has yet to say how any changes will affect recommendations for schools.
States
What's Up With Mask Requirements in Schools? 6 Things to Know
There's been a flurry of recent activity around masks in schools. Here's what you need to know.
Law & Courts
Fla. Districts That Required Masks Could Face $200 Million Punishment
School districts say they tried to keep students and their families safe when they required students to wear masks last year.
States
Four States to End School Mask Rules. Will Others Follow?
Educators await decisions from their governors about whether to continue universal mask requirements in schools.
Student Well-Being
What the Research Says
When Can Schools Get on the Mask 'Off-Ramp'? 4 Questions to Consider
As the latest pandemic wave recedes, education leaders have new considerations for universal masking policies. Here's what the research says.
School & District Management
In Their Own Words
'You Shouldn't Be Alone': A Superintendent Scrambles to Find Masks After the State Falls Short
The superintendent of a rural district spends hours scrolling online mask vendors after the state sent defective masks to schools.
School & District Management
How the Evolving Science on COVID Precautions Puts District Leaders in a Bind
For principals and district leaders, trying to keep schools open during the ever-evolving pandemic can be complex and a source of friction.
Student Well-Being
What the Research Says
Omicron Could Make Other Winter Bugs Worse for Kids
Data show a spike in the number of children showing up at hospitals with COVID-19, possibly because they have other illnesses, too.
Student Well-Being
COVID Vaccine Uptake Has Stalled for Young Children. What Schools Can Do to Help
Overall, only about 1 in 5 children ages 5-11 in the United States are fully inoculated against COVID-19.