State and Federal News
State Legislatures Face a Session Like No Other
1/4/2021- ‘Around the country, legislative leaders are still scrambling to figure out the safest way to meet in person. At least a half-dozen legislators have died from COVID-19, with dozens more infected.’
Budget, bonds, virus top North Dakota legislative session
1/2/2021- ‘North Dakota lawmakers convene Tuesday either in person wearing masks or remotely for the state’s 67th legislative session, where they will face tough spending choices amid a pandemic that’s hit a state economy already reeling from depressed oil and agriculture prices.’
Indiana lawmakers face virus actions debate, budget struggle
1/2/2021- ‘The COVID-19 pandemic will loom large over the Indiana Legislature’s new session that starts Monday as lawmakers face the fallout from the disease that led to more than 7,000 deaths and economic distress across the state since the last session ended in March.’
Montana legislature begins session amid dueling protests
1/5/2021- ‘The 67th session of the Montana Legislature began Monday with dueling protests outside the Capitol over pandemic directives, as Republican leaders hinted they will ease restrictions put in place by the former Democratic governor to limit the spread of COVID-19.’
Vermont Legislature to be nearly all remote to start 2021
1/5/2021- ‘The Vermont Legislature is getting ready to kick off the 2021 session with almost all of the pomp and circumstance occurring remotely.’
Colorado teachers move up on COVID-19 vaccine priority list
12/30/2020- Colorado teachers and school staff should have access to the COVID-19 vaccine in the early months of 2021 after Gov. Jared Polis and state public health officials moved them up on the priority list.’
ID- State education board takes first look at proposed new academic standards
1/6/2021- ‘The State Board of Education took its first look at a draft of proposed English, math and science standards Monday.’
Research and Analysis
These 8 trends will impact schools in 2021
With the effects of multiple crises likely to linger at all levels for years to come, these key factors will influence the direction of schools in the coming year.