Last week the U.S. Department of Education (ED) invited applications for several major grants that list improving student achievement in science and STEM as a key priority, and new data released by ED's Office of Civil Rights reveals stark racial disparities when it comes to students' access to advanced coursework in STEM subjects. Read more in this issue of the NSTA Legislative Update.

Congratulations to the first- and second-place state winning teams in the 16th annual eCYBERMISSION competition, one of several STEM initiatives sponsored by the U.S. Army Educational Outreach Program. In the next round of the competition, a panel of virtual judges will evaluate the top three scoring teams from each region in each grade level. Sixty regional finalist teams will compete to advance as one of 20 national finalists at the National Judging & Educational Event, taking place on June 17–22, in Washington, D.C.

A study conducted by researchers at the University of Missouri found that most teachers experience high levels of stress and that may be affecting their students' achievement. Nearly all of the teachers included in the study (93%) reported high stress levels, while only 7% were categorized as "well-adjusted." Read the article featured in Education Week and check out the Education News Roundup for a selection of the week's other top education news stories.

Do you have middle and high school students doing original research? Consider connecting them with the open-access Journal of Emerging Investigators for guidance and a chance to publish their findings. Jamilla Akhund-Zade (co-editor-in-chief) and Nico Wagner (director of outreach) join Lab Out Loud to talk about the journal and how it can guide young scientists in the research process that ultimately helps them develop the skills they need to publish their own research.

Take advantage of earlybird registration by May 11 to save on the workshop in Philadelphia, July 14–15. Bonus: Your workshop registration includes registration for NSTA's STEM Forum & Expo!

Last day to get free shipping when you order $75 or more of NSTA Press and NSTA Kids books in the online Science Store. Use promo code SHIP18 at checkout. (Offer valid on orders placed online for NSTA Press books and e-books shipped to U.S. addresses. May not be combined with any other offer.)

Districts nationwide are planning right now how to use the increased federal funds available from the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) for Fiscal Year 2018. Is science and STEM education part of your district plan? Learn more in this May 3 webinar, click here for more information and register.

Time to rethink genetics text books? ScienceDaily reports: In a world first, researchers have identified a new DNA structure—called the i-motif—inside cells. A twisted "knot" of DNA, the i-motif has never before been directly seen inside living cells.

Working to enhance your knowledge and understanding of the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)? Register as an individual or a cohort to participate in the Shifting to the NGSS: Professional Book Study.

From storylines to instructional materials, and from phenomena to implementation strategies, the NSTA National Conference explored many aspects of the NGSS and 3-D teaching and learning. We tagged some great sessions (that you can download) in this month's issue of Next Gen Navigator e-newsletter.