cover of the book Gender Queer.

Why “Gender Queer” Belongs on Library Shelves — Even If It Makes You Uncomfortable

“Gender Queer” challenges comfort zones, not morals. Here’s why reading banned books matters more than ever in a nation afraid of empathy.

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Energy Convertors x Lodestar fellows, Lodestar Principal Latora Baldridge and Energy Convertors staff pose for a group photo at the FIA Raise the Bar Awards on September 18, 2025 in Oakland, CA. From left: Dr. Charles Cole, IIi; Latora Baldridge; Cameron Mercado; Juana Martin-Calmo; KeAndre Jones; Ryan Phillips

From Data to Agency: How Oakland Students Are Becoming Leaders in Their Own Education

Energy Convertors empowers Oakland students to analyze data, build agency, and drive real change in their schools.

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Member of the Black Panther Party in a school with a table full of Black boys giving a salute

Black Panther Party’s Legacy: Empowering Education for Black Youth

59 years later, the Black Panther Party’s Ten-Point Platform continues to guide the fight for truth in education, racial identity, and liberation for Black youth.

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Diverse group of teachers with serious expressions, looking at the camera

American Education Has Never Been Neutral Ground

As book bans and censorship spread, leaders must decide: protect comfort or defend truth? History shows progress comes from courage in education.

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Charlie Kirk debating student at Cambridge

Teachers’ Free Speech Under Fire After Kirk’s Killing

Educators face scrutiny, suspensions, and threats over social media posts about Charlie Kirk’s death, reigniting debates over free speech in schools.

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Happy Diverse College Friends Walking on Campus And Smiling To Camera

FAFSA Completion Is a Strong Predictor of College Attendance. Here’s How Schools Can Help.

FAFSA completion drives college access. See how Match Charter raised rates to 98% with family engagement and culturally responsive support.

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Biracial boy engages in a science experiment

Nation’s Report Card Shows Urgent Need to Fix Middle School Science

Eighth grade science scores just hit new lows. Here’s why inquiry-based lessons, teacher support, and more time on science are essential for recovery.

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Brightbeam CEO Chris Stewart with high school culinary students at @1st Century Charter School in Gary, Indiana

Life Fell Apart For Me. It Won’t For Them.

Career and technical education transforms decay into opportunity, giving students the skills, confidence, and futures they deserve.

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Donald Trump holding up an executive order signed with a Sharpie

Half of the States Won’t Comply with Trump’s Push to Defund Schools Over DEI

Trump’s recent “Dear Colleague” letter threatens school funding over DEI in discipline. Half of the states refuse to comply, sparking lawsuits and legal pushback.

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