Literacy is McMahon’s top priority. Senators ask, where’s the money?

The education secretary also answered questions about FY26 proposals for mental health, civil rights, college access and where this year's spending stands.

Every state except one publishes chronic absentee data online

Still, only 17 states break that data down by grade, making it difficult to detect when chronic absenteeism is elevated in a particular age group.

Education Department eyes program cuts, consolidations in FY26 budget plan

The Trump administration says the proposal would make federal spending more accountable and flexible for states. Critics say it'll set students back.

Texas Education Agency extends Houston takeover by 2 years

Despite significant performance gains, the state’s largest school district still has progress to make against the intervention’s exit criteria.

Maryland turns to fired federal workers to solve teacher shortage

The state will provide $1 million for 11 universities and colleges to create online pathways for former federal employees to earn a teaching license.

Vetting AI tools for schools? Consider these 4 pieces of advice

School district technology leaders advise being mindful of protections for student data and bias mitigation.

Texas advances bills for Bible, Ten Commandments in public schools

A set of bills awaiting Gov. Greg Abbott's signature are among the latest in a wave of state legislation nationwide testing the separation of church and state.

More states adopt laws defining ‘man’ and ‘woman,’ adding to Title IX divide

Texas is set to become the 14th state to adopt such a law, with a bill passed last week awaiting Gov. Greg Abbott’s signature.

OCR opens race, disability discrimination probe into Wisconsin district

From mascots to admissions, the Trump administration is scrutinizing alleged race-based policies and practices in school districts across the country.

Harvard: Indoor air quality even more important in early childhood

Research suggests operators of childcare facilities, schools and community centers should place more emphasis on improving indoor environments.

Trump administration moves to slash education civil rights efforts

Equity Assistance Centers — created during desegregation to help schools address issues like bullying and prejudice — are among programs facing cuts.

Updated May 30, 2025

Test yourself on this week’s K-12 news

From registered teacher apprenticeships to the potential impacts of cutting SNAP and Medicaid for schools, what did you learn from our recent stories?

Judge dismisses ‘reading wars’ lawsuit against famed literacy specialists

The order cited the difficulty of determining educational malpractice in the case that challenged the lack of phonics in reading instruction.

Lawmakers, judge push back on Education Department’s gutting, citing inefficiency

In a letter earlier this month, Democratic lawmakers highlighted funding delays in programs including Title I-A and the Rural Education Achievement Program.

How a Tennessee district is using AI to close literacy gaps

The technology is helping Sumner County teachers provide more direct attention to students, says Director of Schools Scott Langford.

Education Department investigates Virginia school’s admissions policy for discrimination

The federal review began after the state found "reasonable cause" that Fairfax County Public Schools violated the Virginia Human Rights Act and Title VI.

Teens more acutely aware of social media’s impact on mental health

Some 48% of U.S. teens surveyed told Pew Research Center that social media had a mostly negative effect on their peers — up 16 points from 2022. 

Building student-teacher connections can boost middle school success

Encouraging open communication in the classroom and talking to students about what they need are crucial support strategies, one expert says.

Cuts to Medicaid, SNAP could hinder student access to free school meals

Under the House’s proposed cuts, schools could see fewer federal dollars go toward universal meal efforts like CEP and statewide programs.

Is federal support waning for registered teacher apprenticeships?

Advocates question the Trump administration’s workforce priorities amid the Labor Department’s cancellation of a $12 million contract to accelerate the model.

Updated May 30, 2025

Private school choice opponents say tax plan harms public schools

The proposed Educational Choice for Children Act would pay a 100% tax credit to people who donate toward public, private and religious school expenses.

‘A shell of itself’: Federal judge pauses efforts to wind down Education Department

Public school supporters praise the ruling, while the agency promises to immediately challenge the preliminary injunction.

Oklahoma religious charter remains blocked in SCOTUS split

The deadlock upholds a state supreme court ruling that the virtual charter’s creation would violate Oklahoma's constitution and the First Amendment.

Updated May 22, 2025

3 things to know from Linda McMahon’s FY 2026 testimony

The education secretary fielded questions on Capitol Hill about school choice, literacy achievement and closing the Education Department.

College student charged in connection with PowerSchool data breach

A 19-year-old in Massachusetts agreed to plead guilty for allegedly hacking and extorting the company for $2.85 million after stealing student and teacher data.