Preparing our children for profoundly unlikely events would be one thing if that preparation had no downside. But time and resources spent on drills and structural upgrades could otherwise be devoted to, say, a better science program or hiring more experienced teachers. And there's scant evidence that drills are effective. They can be psychologically damaging—and they reflect a dismaying view of childhood.

Nearly 30 Michigan high schools are among 1,000 nationwide that will offer computer science courses this fall paid for by Amazon as part of the online retailer's education program. The four-part Amazon Future Engineer program is aimed at getting more students to pursue careers in computer science and coding.

The state House of Delegates's Education Committee passed a bill making major changes to the public school calendar when it comes to when students start and end school. The bill would now require the school year in all counties to take place between Sept. 1 and May 31.

The Texas House Democratic Caucus laid out a $14.5 billion plan for school finance reform and property tax relief, releasing a list of priorities that include increasing teacher pay and benefits, paying schools more for educating low-income students, and providing more counselors for school districts.