10 bills introduced to codify outsourcing of federal education programs

Supporters say the Republican-led proposals would help “right-size” the Education Department, while opponents predict inefficiencies.

By Anna Merod • July 10, 2026

Settlement reached in race-conscious admissions case at magnet school

The agreement between the U.S. Justice Department and a New Jersey school is a major K-12 development following on the Supreme Court's college ruling.

By Naaz Modan • July 10, 2026

Explore the Trendline➔

Top 5 stories from K-12 Dive

K-12 Dive has gathered some a selection of our best coverage as a one-stop resource on the trends to watch in the months ahead.

By K-12 Dive staff

Education Department takes steps to halt schools from ‘passing the trash’

New guidance builds on uneven efforts across several administrations to prevent alleged sexual predators from jumping from one school to another.

By Naaz Modan • July 10, 2026

For chronic absenteeism, pandemic recovery is possible but still uncommon

Just 13% of districts studied by a Johns Hopkins center were able to rebound to pre-pandemic levels by the 2024-25 school year.

By Anna Merod • July 10, 2026

Test yourself on the past week’s K-12 news

From young students’ reading progress to new state laws mandating district policies, what did you learn from our recent stories?

By Anna Merod • July 10, 2026

Governors call on states to support locally driven K-12 solutions

Collaborations between states and districts can help improve student outcomes, the governors of Maryland and Wyoming say.

By Kara Arundel • July 9, 2026

4 more states require districts to adopt AI policies

At least one state has gone as far as to prohibit artificial intelligence’s use for grading, discipline or other high-stakes decisions.

By Anna Merod • July 9, 2026

Education Department targets Equity Assistance Centers again

A proposed rule would rescind regulations for the program, which the agency says would allow it to “explore other means” of delivering those services.

By Naaz Modan • July 9, 2026

Here’s what you need to know about key topics shaping K-12

We’ve gathered past installments of our explainer series in one place to help you stay on top of the must-know information on key topics.

By Roger Riddell • July 8, 2026

Access to free school meals under threat, think tank warns

The Center for American Progress warns that legislative cuts to safety net programs could prevent Community Eligibility Provision participation.

By Anna Merod • July 8, 2026

Another K-12 admissions policy lawsuit appealed to the Supreme Court

If accepted, a ruling could impact other cases challenging diversity efforts in major urban school systems, such as those in New York, Boston and Philadelphia.

By Naaz Modan • July 8, 2026

Education Department eyes changes for measuring racial disparities in special education

The agency plans to amend the Equity in IDEA rule, worrying some advocates concerned about racial inequities in special education.

By Kara Arundel • July 7, 2026

Supreme Court’s transgender athletics decision: What districts need to know

Whether Title IX permits transgender students to play on sports teams aligning with their gender identity is among the gray areas that may be settled by future cases.

By Naaz Modan • July 6, 2026

Inside the Education Department’s interagency agreements

The most recent moves outsource various special education and civil rights activities to the departments of Health and Human Services and Justice.

By Roger Riddell • July 6, 2026

More students with disabilities learning in general education classrooms

A GAO report finds 42 states and the District of Columbia increased the share of students with disabilities in general education classes.

By Kara Arundel • July 6, 2026

Week In Review: A landmark Supreme Court ruling and a major testing company acquisition

We’re rounding up last week’s news, from “misconceptions” at the Education Department to Texas’ curriculum change.

By Roger Riddell • July 6, 2026

St. Louis Public Schools could close up to a third of its schools

The preliminary proposal comes as the Missouri school district has seen enrollment decline sharply by 58.5% in a 34-year period.

By Anna Merod • July 2, 2026

Education groups sue for access to nearly $2B in research funds

A lawsuit claims the Education Department and the Office of Management and Budget are withholding the funds unlawfully.

By Kara Arundel • July 1, 2026

‘Professional degree’ list is expanded. But education still didn’t make the cut.

The designation, which now extends to nursing and other programs, doubles the federal student loan cap to $200,000 for graduate degrees.

By Anna Merod • July 1, 2026

House passes Kids Internet and Digital Safety Act

The bill would update the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act to apply to teens up to age 17. But critics say it leaves out a crucial enforcement measure.

By Anna Merod • June 30, 2026

ETS acquires ACT, consolidating two testing giants

The move comes as more colleges are going back to requiring standardized tests for admissions.

By Ben Unglesbee • June 30, 2026

Supreme Court says schools can separate athletics based on ‘biological sex’

The ruling addresses a long controversial divide on how schools approach transgender student inclusion in athletics.

By Naaz Modan • Updated June 30, 2026

Enrollment declines could cost states $11.5B annually by 2030-31, analysis says

As schools grapple with a challenging landscape, Bellwether and WestEd suggest state leaders adjust policies and consider tools needed for success.

By Anna Merod • June 30, 2026

Ed Dept addresses ‘misconceptions’ about special education outsourcing

While a top official says students will retain all their rights under federal law, some advocates and lawmakers call the transfer harmful and disruptive.

By Kara Arundel • June 29, 2026

Week In Review: Screen time concerns drive policy moves

We’re rounding up last week’s news, from calls for Linda McMahon’s impeachment to data on states not meeting special education requirements.

By Anna Merod • June 29, 2026