Federal Policy
Education news, analysis, and opinion about laws and regulations proposed or enacted by the federal government about education
Federal
'Parents' Bill of Rights' Underscores Furor Over Curriculum and Transparency in Schools
U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley's bill highlights how education issues like critical race theory will likely stay in the national political spotlight.
Teaching Profession
Teachers May See Student Loans Forgiven Under New Ed. Dept. Changes
The Public Service Loan Forgiveness program, long criticized for its complicated and poorly communicated processes, is getting an overhaul.
Federal
Districts Would Have to Show Equity for High-Poverty Schools Under Proposed Biden Rule
The U.S. Department of Education says the move would promote transparency and accountability for schools getting COVID-19 aid.
Federal
Justice Department Says FBI Will Address Violent Threats Against School Leaders
The Biden administration's response comes several days after a request by a school boards group for federal intervention.
Federal
'Stop CRT' Bill, Votes in Congress Add to Political Drama Over Critical Race Theory
Sen. Tom Cotton's legislation and votes about critical race theory in the House underscore the issue's potency in Washington.
Budget & Finance
Some School Districts Are Feeling COVID-19 Stimulus Envy
Thousands of districts got little to nothing from recent federal stimulus aid, surfacing longstanding tensions over inadequate school funding.
Federal
Biden Is Wrong About Transgender Student Rights, Group of Republican AGs Says
Gender identity is not covered by Title IX, attorneys general said in a letter that challenged the Biden administration's position.
Education Funding
Feds Set Limits on Which Private Schools Can Get COVID-19 Relief
The Education Department's rules deal with $2.75 billion in American Rescue Plan aid set aside for private schools.
Federal
Joe Biden to Teachers: 'You Deserve a Raise, Not Just Praise'
The president and first lady thanked educators for their work during the pandemic in an address to the National Education Association.
Federal
How Biden’s Revival of Obama Housing Rules Connects to Divisive Issues in Schools
Policy shifts on hot-button topics like residential segregation, student discipline, and Title IX can make educators "punch drunk."
Accountability
The Feds Offered Waivers on ESSA Accountability. Here's Where States Stand on Getting Them
While they get less attention than testing waivers, flexibility related to low-performing schools is an important federal and state issue.
Education Funding
Federal Rules in the Pipeline on COVID-19 Relief, Testing, Student Privacy
The Biden administration plans to issues rules governing coronavirus relief for homeless students and for private schools.
Federal
Republicans Want Federal Funding Cuts to Schools Using '1619 Project'—But There's a Twist
A bill from U.S. Sens. Tom Cotton, Mitch McConnell, and others targets schools using lessons based on the New York Times Magazine series.
Federal
What's at Stake in a Review of Federal Sex Discrimination Protections for Students
The Biden administration's review of Title IX may prompt new guidance on how schools deal with sexual harassment and protect LGBTQ students.