It’s not iPads, SMART boards or after school activity programs that the majority of U.S. schools are struggling to provide, it’s something much more basic, and somewhat shocking: Access to water, the Huffington Post reports. Sparked by a new federal requirement that all public schools provide access to free drinking water at lunchtime, administrators are having trouble finding the funds in the midst of widespread budget cuts, MSNBC’s Vitals reported. Almost a year ago, President Barack Obama signed the Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010.
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Online ed passes grade for many K-12 students
For kids who can’t or don’t want to be in traditional public school classrooms, cyberspace is an alternative—and it’s free, Investor’s Business Daily reports. Online public K-12 programs are increasing, says Bill Tucker, managing director of Education Sector, a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit education policy think tank.
“It’s definitely growing very quickly,” Tucker said. “We’re seeing more students accessing online courses, and more school districts and states offering them.”