Policy & Legal: Page 4
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Deep Dive
Did SCOTUS make it easier to sue schools for disability discrimination?
Special education legal experts say they don't expect a significant uptick in lawsuits in the long term from the Supreme Court’s A.J.T. v. Osseo ruling.
By Kara Arundel • Aug. 4, 2025 -
These 6 guidelines can improve equity in literacy, report says
Empowering educators and partnering with parents are just two recommendations from EdTrust for expanding equitable reading opportunities.
By Kara Arundel • Aug. 1, 2025 -
Explore the Trendlineâž”
Stock Photo via Getty ImagesTrendlineTop 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 -
Justice Department targets ‘unlawful’ DEI in hiring, training
Districts could face legal liability for targeted recruitment or training on issues like "toxic masculinity," the DOJ guidance says.
By Naaz Modan • Aug. 1, 2025 -
POP QUIZ
Test yourself on the past week’s K-12 news
From the Trump administration’s release of frozen K-12 funds to the Education Department’s AI priorities, what did you learn from our recent stories?
By Anna Merod • Aug. 1, 2025 -
Screenshot: U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee
Senate committee rejects K-12 grant consolidations in FY 26 bill
The bill, which now advances to the House and full Senate, recommends funding the Education Department at $79 billion.
By Kara Arundel • Updated Aug. 1, 2025 -
STAFFED UP
What can be learned from Texas’ surge in uncertified teachers?
The state is set to phase out uncertified teachers by 2029-30 after having one of the highest rates of underqualified educators in the nation.
By Anna Merod • July 31, 2025 -
The image by Another Believer is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
Education Department tells states to seek waivers from ESEA
Some states have already requested flexibility through block grants, giving a glimpse into what more state autonomy might entail.
By Naaz Modan • July 30, 2025 -
Closing a school is never easy. Here’s how to communicate it with care.
In one South Carolina district, replacing a building came with the added challenge of preserving a segregation-era school’s history.
By Anna Merod • July 30, 2025 -
HHS: Fewer adolescents report depression, suicidal thoughts
The percentage of adolescents who had a major depressive episode dropped from 20.8% in 2021 to 15.4% in 2024, an annual survey finds.
By Kara Arundel • July 30, 2025 -
Deep Dive
What will ‘big, beautiful’ school choice mean for public schools?
A new federal private school choice program is adding to existing pressure from state-led programs amid shrinking enrollment and funding.
By Kara Arundel • July 29, 2025 -
Another lawsuit challenges ICE policy allowing raids at schools
A January policy change by the Trump administration loosened restrictions on immigration enforcement in sensitive locations.
By Naaz Modan • July 28, 2025 -
Week In Review: Funding freezes, enrollment concerns and cyberthreats
We’re rounding up last week’s news, from lawsuits against the Trump administration to St. Louis’ proposed school cuts.
By Roger Riddell • July 28, 2025 -
More Americans support school cellphone bans
The uptick comes as research increasingly points to harmful effects for children and as laws proliferate restricting cellphone use in classrooms.
By Naaz Modan • July 28, 2025 -
Unfrozen: White House releases remaining $5B for K-12 programs
The hold on the funds had drawn widespread rebukes from educators, lawmakers, parents and organizations — along with two lawsuits.
By Kara Arundel • July 25, 2025 -
Trump administration pauses Head Start immigration restrictions
The temporary stop, part of a court-approved agreement, also covers dual enrollment, adult education and CTE programs.
By Naaz Modan • July 25, 2025 -
Education Department issues AI priorities. But what if the agency closes?
As the agency issues advice on using federal grants to advance school AI strategies, districts remain concerned about leadership on cybersecurity.
By Anna Merod • July 25, 2025 -
POP QUIZ
Test yourself on this week’s K-12 news
From potential school closures in St. Louis to ransom demands on schools, what did you learn from our recent stories?
By Kara Arundel • July 25, 2025 -
Strong budgeting, revenue flexibility key to weathering K-12 financial storm, says Moody’s
States are trying to offset the impact of reduced federal support, but their success is uncertain, according to a recent Moody’s Ratings report.
By Naaz Modan • July 25, 2025 -
Union seeks delay in Education Department RIFs
AFGE Local 252 seeks to delay employees' Aug. 1 termination date, which they say is too soon under their bargaining agreement.
By Naaz Modan • July 24, 2025 -
Tennessee launches direct admissions pilot with student aid component
The initiative aims to ease high schoolers’ paths to college by providing financial aid information and automatic acceptance to participating institutions.
By Natalie Schwartz • July 24, 2025 -
Trump’s withholding of Head Start funds violated the law, watchdog says
HHS disputes the GAO's conclusion, and a Head Start advocacy group says recent disbursements are comparable to last year.
By Kara Arundel • July 23, 2025 -
What the Supreme Court’s parental opt-out ruling means for schools
The high court’s decision in Mahmoud v. Taylor left many questions for districts to answer when setting their policies.
By Naaz Modan • July 23, 2025 -
Judge pauses Mississippi’s DEI ban at public schools and colleges
Accounts from educators and students fearing discussion of certain topics signal “possible widespread suppression of speech,” the judge wrote.
By Natalie Schwartz • July 23, 2025 -
Lawsuit adds pressure on Trump administration to release K-12 funds
The Office of Management and Budget released after-school grants but is still reviewing the remaining funds to ensure alignment with Trump priorities.
By Kara Arundel • July 22, 2025 -
St. Louis Public Schools to propose closing over half of its 68 schools
The large-scale closures would be for 2026-27 and are based on declining enrollment and uncertainty about the future for families displaced by a tornado.
By Anna Merod • July 22, 2025