This issue is sponsored by
As reporters, we strive to be incisive and prescient. It’s that second one, with its implication that we keep a thumb on the pulse, that tends to come up this time of year. When the calendar turns over, everyone gets reflective and predictive.
With that in mind, EdSurge has been working on a series of “trends reports,” forecasting changes we think are worth keeping an eye on this year.
It’s a weighty list.
In early childhood education, the trends include tense funding concerns, new state child care programs and an uncertain future for those who labor in the field.
In K-12, the trends suggest pushback to children’s reliance on AI and cellphones, more attempts to stabilize students’ plunging academic performance, more fallout from the dismantlement of the Department of Education, as well as families, schools and regulators wrestling with the new realities of “school choice.”
And, as the country celebrates 250 years, schools are also struggling with how to teach civics in an increasingly divided country.
Did we miss any major trends for 2026? Email to let me know, at dan...@edsurge.com.
— Daniel Mollenkamp, EdSurge reporter |
📣 TOP STORIES
NEW YEAR FORECAST: The pace of change sweeping through K-12 education at the top of 2026 can seem overwhelming. To help readers focus on top trends worthy of their attention, EdSurge journalists distilled expertise from education sources of all sorts into half a dozen predictions for this new calendar year. Here’s what to look out for on Trump policies, AI advances, stubbornly poor student outcomes, and more.
CIVIC ACTION: As the nation prepares to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence this summer, the country’s social studies teachers are primed to explore their favorite subject with curious students. Civics is having a moment — and teachers are ready for their close-up.
TIPPING POINT? It could be fair to say 2025 was the year that early childhood education was thrust into the national spotlight, between political wins, looming budget cuts and the rising cost of child care. While the last year brought confusion and concern, experts warn EdSurge that 2026 may be the year that the field’s troubles all come to a head. |
The following is a message from our sponsor |
Find. Compare. Decide.
Since 2012, educators have trusted the EdTech Index to find the most complete, reliable, and up-to-date information available for learning technology products, including quality indicators from trusted sources. Explore the EdTech Index today. LEARN MORE!
edtechindex.org
|
🗞️ IN OTHER NEWS
GENERATION ‘WHY’: Bentley University lecturer Jeff LeBlanc has noticed more of his students are asking for the meaning behind their studies. Sometimes all those whys can be overwhelming, he writes, but he’s learned to recognize them as paths to deeper understanding and engagement with a generation that craves purpose and authentic connections. Read more of his insights into Gen Z.
MODEL BEHAVIOR: Former EdSurge Voices of Change fellow Ryan Burns reflects on why so much teacher professional development leaves educators disengaged — and what meaningful adult learning should look like instead. Drawing on his experiences as a teacher and district administrator, Burns argues for teacher learning that honors teachers’ time, expertise and humanity, and models the kind of learning we expect for students.
Sponsored by Newsela
EXPERTISE STILL MATTERS: As AI-powered tools spread across classrooms, teachers are navigating when to rely on them — and when not to. The central takeaway: Technology may speed up tasks, but it’s educator expertise that keeps instruction accurate, meaningful and grounded in students’ needs.
|
🔗WHAT WE'RE READING
What is Mississippi doing right in education? (The New York Times)
What’s actually going on with alleged child care fraud in Minnesota? (The 19th)
Deepfake cyberbullying is an increasing problem for schools. (PBS News) |
📈 STORY IN A STAT
1 million
The number of clothes, shoes and beauty products donated after an eighth grader affected by the Eaton fire in California last year made a viral appeal, according to reporting from The 19th. The fire caused billions in damage and disrupted learning. In an era when natural disasters are more common, and with federal cuts to disaster preparedness and relief, experts worry whether schools will be able to double-down on the mental health supports that students need, as EdSurge has reported.
|
CodeHS is looking for an Account Manager to help manage and renew customer accounts. You will get a chance to work closely with educators and schools to facilitate teaching coding to students all over the world.
Math Curriculum Designer, Takeoff | IXL Learning | San Mateo, CA
IXL Learning, developer of personalized learning products used by millions of people globally, is seeking an experienced, passionate educator to join our team as a Math Curriculum Designer.
Events
See all events and meetups
CEC 2026 Special Education Convention and Expo | March 11-14 |
Salt Lake City, UT
Attending the CEC 2026 Convention & Expo in Salt Lake City is a can't-miss opportunity for educators dedicated to supporting students with exceptionalities. No matter your role, you can drive educator and student success by attending CEC 2026.
|
EdSurge is an editorially independent project of ISTE+ASCD
reporting on the powerful forces, fascinating people
and innovative practices shaping teaching and learning. |
|
International Society for Technology in Education
2111 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 300, Arlington, Virginia, 22201, United States
To update your email preferences or unsubscribe, click here.
|
|
