Policy & Legal: Page 3

  • Kimberly Richey speaks into a microphone, sitting behind a placard bearing her name
    Image attribution tooltip
    Retrieved from U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education Labor and Pensions.
    Image attribution tooltip

    3 takeaways from OCR nominee’s Senate confirmation hearing

    Kimberly Richey, who served as acting head of the Office for Civil Rights in the first Trump administration, addressed questions on higher caseloads, Title IX and more.

    By • June 5, 2025
  • The camera shows the exterior of an off-white stone building with the working "U.S. Department of Education" on the side of the building
    Image attribution tooltip
    Kayla Bartkowski via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    Trump administration appeals pause on Education Department cuts to SCOTUS

    The 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals agreed with a lower court that efforts to reduce the agency's workforce must stop while the dispute works its way through the courts.

    By • Updated June 6, 2025
  • High school students are dropped off for school and begin walking into the building. Explore the Trendline➔
    Image attribution tooltip
    Stock Photo via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip
    Trendline

    Top 5 stories from K-12 Dive

    K-12 Dive has gathered some a selection of our best coverage from 2025 so far as a one-stop resource on the trends to watch in the months ahead.

    By K-12 Dive staff
  • A teacher stands in front of a classroom white board with the number "103" written. A row of young elementary school students sit and listen in front of the teacher.
    Image attribution tooltip
    monkeybusinessimages via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    How can states improve math prep for teachers?

    Alabama was the only state to earn a “strong” rating from the National Council on Teacher Quality for its strategy to improve math instruction.

    By • June 5, 2025
  • A federal document that says "VISA United States Of America" above a J1 type/class distinction.
    Image attribution tooltip
    miroslav110 via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    Trump pause on visa appointments worries districts relying on foreign teachers

    Though the disruption is expected to be temporary, one rural leader fears it will delay her new hires from arriving in the U.S. in time for the new school year.

    By • June 4, 2025
  • A row of desks sit empty in a classroom with the desk in the forefront having a notebook and pencil sitting on top.
    Image attribution tooltip
    diane39 via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    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.

    By • June 4, 2025
  • Two people are standing in a room and shaking hands. Other people are seated in rows of seats behind them.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Chip Somodevilla via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    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.

    By • Updated June 6, 2025
  • Gov. Wes Moore speaks while raising his hands at a podium in front of a blue background.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Andrew Harnik via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    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.

    By • June 3, 2025
  • A person is carrying a box while walking down the stairs in front of the outside of a federal building
    Image attribution tooltip
    Win McNamee via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    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.

    By • June 2, 2025
  • Houston Independent School District Superintendent Mike Miles sits at a table with younger students
    Image attribution tooltip
    Retrieved from Houston Independent School District.
    Image attribution tooltip

    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.

    By • June 2, 2025
  • A hand holds a magnifying glass above a graphic that says "AI."
    Image attribution tooltip
    Stock Photo via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    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.

    By • June 2, 2025
  • A drawing on a chalkboard depicting the female and male signs for public bathrooms.
    Image attribution tooltip
    AMAYRA via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    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.

    By • May 30, 2025
  • An indoor air quality monitor in a classroom.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Suebsiri via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    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.

    By Joe Burns • May 30, 2025
  • A photo illustration of a circle encompassing a question mark, pencil, and scantron test.
    Image attribution tooltip

    Photo illustration: Shaun Lucas/Industry Dive; Getty Images

    Image attribution tooltip
    POP QUIZ

    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?

    By • May 30, 2025
  • A large metal bell sits in the courtyard in front of the U.S. Department of Education building.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Kara Arundel/K-12 Dive
    Image attribution tooltip

    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.

    By • May 29, 2025
  • Gov. Greg Abbott speaks from a podium surrounded by students
    Image attribution tooltip
    Retrieved from Texas Gov. Greg Abbott.
    Image attribution tooltip

    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.

    By • May 29, 2025
  • Students rally in front of the U.S. Department of Education, with one speaking into a microphone
    Image attribution tooltip
    Kayla Bartkowski/Getty Images via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    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.

    By • May 29, 2025
  • MAGA hats sit next to an executive order being signed by President Donald Trump
    Image attribution tooltip
    Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    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.

    By • Updated May 30, 2025
  • Three young students are laying on their stomachs on the ground with an open book in front of them.
    Image attribution tooltip
    FatCamera via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    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.

    By • May 28, 2025
  • A view from above of elementary school students sitting together at a large table eating lunch in a cafeteria.
    Image attribution tooltip
    SeventyFour via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    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.

    By • May 28, 2025
  • A school building is seen against a blue sky. On the building are the words Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology 6560
    Image attribution tooltip
    Retrieved from Fairfax County Public Schools.
    Image attribution tooltip

    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.

    By • May 27, 2025
  • One person is standing behind a podium with a sign that reads "One Big Beautiful Bill Act." A handful of other people are standing around and behind the person and they are in a room with wood paneling.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Kevin Dietsch via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    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.

    By • May 27, 2025
  • An illustration of a student looking into an empty outline of a teacher in a classroom.
    Image attribution tooltip

    Illustration: Cathryn Virginia for Industry Dive

    Image attribution tooltip
    STAFFED UP

    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.

    By • Updated May 30, 2025
  • A photo illustration of a circle encompassing a question mark, pencil, and scantron test.
    Image attribution tooltip

    Photo illustration: Shaun Lucas/Industry Dive; Getty Images

    Image attribution tooltip
    POP QUIZ

    Test yourself on this week’s K-12 news

    From Linda McMahon’s FY 2026 budget hearing to the cost of chronic absenteeism, what did you learn from our recent stories?

    By • May 23, 2025
  • Students gather to protest outside the U.S. Department of Education headquarters. One student is in the center and has a megaphone.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Kayla Bartkowski via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    ‘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.

    By • May 22, 2025
  • People are holding signs outside the U.S. Supreme Court building. The signs read "Free to learn"
    Image attribution tooltip
    Alex Wong via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    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.

    By • Updated May 22, 2025