Claudio Sanchez

NPR was there for 5-year-old Sam's first day of kindergarten back in 2004. His parents wondered if he was ready. This month, as he graduated from high school, they're still asking that question.

More than 3 million U.S. schoolchildren are classified as gifted. Thousands of others, however, are never identified as gifted and remain underserved because they start school not speaking English.

More than 3 million U.S. schoolchildren are classified as gifted. Thousands of others, however, are never identified as gifted and remain underserved because they start school not speaking English.

NPR's senior education correspondent offers his predictions for the big stories in K-12 and higher education.

The president of the largest U.S. teachers union is calling on school districts to delay adopting the Common Core education standards. The union's the latest group to voice concerns over Common Core.

In a new poll, parents of girls were more likely to say no when asked if schools were sufficiently preparing students for the world of work. And with many well-paying trades still dominated by men, girls may have a harder time succeeding in the workplace without some kind of higher education.

Congress passed a bill Friday to keep the interest rate on government-backed student loans from doubling. It's a victory for students, but other compromises by Congress could cost them a lot more in the long run.