Policy & Legal: Page 11

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    Illinois 1st state to require universal mental health screenings at schools

    Under SB 1560, Illinois school districts will receive free resources to implement the new initiative for students in grades 3-12.

    By • Aug. 4, 2025
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    Week In Review: AI, federal funding and ESEA waivers

    We’re rounding up last week’s news, from guidance on “unlawful” DEI to how district leaders are navigating school closures.

    By • Aug. 4, 2025
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    Chip Somodevilla via Getty Images
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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 • Aug. 4, 2025
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    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 • Aug. 1, 2025
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    Alex Wong via Getty Images
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    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 • Aug. 1, 2025
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    Photo illustration: Shaun Lucas/Industry Dive; Getty Images

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    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 • Aug. 1, 2025
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    Screenshot: U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee

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    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 • Updated Aug. 1, 2025
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    Illustration: Cathryn Virginia for Industry Dive

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    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 • July 31, 2025
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    The image by Another Believer is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
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    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 • July 30, 2025
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    Permission granted by Ben Coy/Horry County Schools Communications Department
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    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 • July 30, 2025
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    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 • July 30, 2025
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    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 • July 29, 2025
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    Spencer Platt/Getty Images via Getty Images
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    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 • July 28, 2025
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    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 • July 28, 2025
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    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 • July 28, 2025
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    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 • July 25, 2025
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    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 • July 25, 2025
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    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 • July 25, 2025
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    Photo illustration: Shaun Lucas/Industry Dive; Getty Images

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    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 • July 25, 2025
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    aluxum via Getty Images
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    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 • July 25, 2025
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    Win McNamee via Getty Images
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    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 • July 24, 2025
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    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
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    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 • July 23, 2025
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    Courtesy of Becket Law
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    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 • July 23, 2025
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    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