Policy & Politics

Education news, analysis, and opinion about the legislation, guidance, policies and people involved in federal and state government
Education Funding A School Wants a Tornado Shelter. A Federal Grant Keeps Getting in the Way
The district still can't spend a FEMA grant it was originally awarded in 2022.
Mark Lieberman
•
9 min read
Federal Trump Admin. Doesn't Deem Education Degrees 'Professional' in Student Loan Rule
The regulation confirms new limits on graduate student borrowing under Trump's major policy bill.
Evie Blad
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3 min read
States A Bus Driver Blacked Out. Middle School Students Prevented a Crash
A group of Mississippi students grabbed the wheel and hit the brakes after their driver passed out on a highway.
The Associated Press
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1 min read
Federal Democrats Challenge Plan to Dismantle Office for English Learners
The Education Department notified Congress in February of its plans to dismantle OELA.
Ileana Najarro
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6 min read
Collage of the Capitol building and McMahon.
Collage with Jason Andrew for Education Week + Canva
School Choice & Charters A Large Democratic-Led State Says Yes to Trump’s School Choice Program
Thirty-one states are on track to participate in the first major federal foray into private school choice.
Matthew Stone
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5 min read
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul reads "Snowflakes Fall" to daycare children at the Department of Labor on Dec. 20, 2023, in Albany, N.Y. Hochul on Jan. 3, 2024, said she will push for schools to reemphasize phonics in literacy education programs, a potential overhaul that comes as many states revamp curriculums amid low reading scores.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul reads "Snowflakes Fall" to children on Dec. 20, 2023, in Albany, N.Y. Hochul became the latest Democratic governor to say she'll opt her state in to the federal tax-credit scholarship program that takes effect next year, and will direct federal taxpayer funds to private school scholarships.
Will Waldron/The Albany Times Union via AP
Education Funding Trump Holds Back $2 Billion for Education Grants. What Will Happen Next?
The White House is keeping congressionally approved money locked up through a little-known process.
Mark Lieberman
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11 min read
050626 funding cuts trump schools lieberman fs 2270953986
Getty
Federal Trump Brings the Presidential Physical Fitness Award Back, Reviving Annual Test
Trump is bringing back a competitive fitness test that was a public-school fixture for decades.
The Associated Press
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2 min read
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. speaks as President Donald Trump listens before the signing of a proclamation in the Oval Office at the White House, Tuesday, May 5, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

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More Policy & Politics

  • The Plumbing department, located in the school's well-equipped shop facility, alongside other trades including masonry and carpentry.
    The plumbing department in a New Jersey technology high school. As the Trump administration invites states to request waivers from federal school accountability requirements, two have proposed changes that would emphasize career-oriented tests as opposed to more traditional academic knowledge tests.
    Oliver Farshi for Education Week
    Every Student Succeeds Act These States Want to Move Away From a 'College for All' Approach to Testing
    Two states have pitched changes to their high school assessments to emphasize workforce preparation.
    Alyson Klein, April 28, 2026
    •
    7 min read
    LindaMcMahon03B
    Secretary of Education Linda McMahon prepares to testify before a Senate appropriations subcommittee on the U.S. Department of Education's fiscal 2027 budget proposal in Washington on April 28, 2026.
    Marvin Joseph for Education Week
    Federal McMahon Still Wants to Relocate Special Ed.—And Other Budget Hearing Takeaways
    The education secretary also told skeptical lawmakers that Ed. Dept. program transfers are working.
    Mark Lieberman, April 28, 2026
    •
    6 min read
    The United States Capitol building as a bookcase filled with red, white, and blue policy books in a Washington DC landscape.
    Luca D'Urbino for Education Week
    School Choice & Charters Opinion A New Federal Education Tax Credit Is Creating a Dilemma for Blue States
    A new tax credit is forcing Democrats to navigate the tensions of politics and principles.
    Rick Hess, April 28, 2026
    •
    9 min read
    A courtroom sketch depicts Cole Tomas Allen, left, the California man arrested in the shooting incident at the correspondents dinner in Washington, appearing before Magistrate Judge Matthew J. Sharbaugh, in federal court, Monday, April 27, 2026 in Washington. Allen worked as a part-time tutor, according to an online resume.
    A courtroom sketch depicts Cole Tomas Allen appearing before Magistrate Judge Matthew J. Sharbaugh, in federal court on April 27, 2026 in Washington. Allen worked as a part-time tutor, according to an online resume.
    Dana Verkouteren via AP
    Federal Part-Time Tutor, Game Developer Charged With Attempted Assassination of Trump
    Cole Tomas Allen apologized to friends and former students, according to a criminal complaint.
    The Associated Press & Education Week Staff, April 27, 2026
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    4 min read
    U.S. Secret Service agents surround President Donald Trump before he was taken from the stage after a shooting incident outside the ballroom during the White House Correspondents Dinner, Saturday, April 25, 2026, in Washington.
    U.S. Secret Service agents surround President Donald Trump before he was taken from the stage after a shooting incident outside the ballroom during the White House Correspondents Dinner, Saturday, April 25, 2026, in Washington. The alleged assailant's online resume said he worked for a private tutoring company.
    Alex Brandon/AP
    Federal Man Accused of Firing Weapon at Event With Trump Has Background as Tutor and Programmer
    Social media posts said the individual has worked for company that has provided test-prep and academic support.
    The Associated Press, April 26, 2026
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    2 min read
    The likeness of George Washington is seen on a U.S. one dollar bill, March 13, 2023, in Marple Township, Pa. The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office says it expects the federal government will be awash in debt over the next 30 years.
    Newly published budget documents show the U.S. Department of Education, in the first year of President Donald Trump's second term, took roughly $1 billion Congress appropriated for specific education programs and spent it differently than how lawmakers intended—or didn't spend it all.
    Matt Slocum/AP
    Education Funding Trump Sidestepped Congress on More Than $1 Billion in Ed. Spending Last Year
    Newly published documents show how the Ed. Dept. departed from Congress' plans.
    Mark Lieberman, April 24, 2026
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    13 min read

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Reading & Literacy Quiz Quiz Yourself: How Much Do You Know About Helping Struggling Students Get Back on Track?
Too many students struggle with reading. Test your knowledge of what works—and discover strategies to help them get back on track.
Science Spotlight Spotlight on STEM That Sticks: How Schools Spark Curiosity and Build Future Skills
Find out how schools are cultivating enthusiasm for STEM learning through family STEM nights, low-cost innovations, and more!
  • Image of a student sitting on a stoop with a school bus in the distance. Ghosted in the background is the Capitol building.
    Illustration by Laura Baker/Education Week + Getty + Canva
    States With Federal Commitment Shaky, States Move to Codify Protections for Homeless Students
    Washington and Oregon have taken action, and others states are considering moves of their own.
    Evie Blad, April 23, 2026
    •
    4 min read
    Students work under Ten Commandments and Bill of Rights posters on display in a classroom at Lehman High School in Kyle, Texas, Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025.
    Students work beneath Ten Commandments and Bill of Rights posters displayed in a classroom at Lehman High School in Kyle, Texas, on Oct. 16, 2025. A federal appeals court ruling now allows Texas to require such displays in public school classrooms.
    Eric Gay/AP
    States Federal Appeals Court Upholds Texas Ten Commandments Law
    The 9-8 decision delivered a boost to backers of similar laws in Arkansas and Louisiana.
    The Associated Press, April 22, 2026
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    3 min read
    Students use their cellphones as they leave for the day the Ramon C. Cortines School of Visual and Performing Arts High School in downtown Los Angeles on Aug. 13, 2024.
    Students use their cellphones as they leave for the day the Ramon C. Cortines School of Visual and Performing Arts High School in downtown Los Angeles on Aug. 13, 2024.
    Damian Dovarganes/AP
    Federal A Federal School Cellphone Policy? Big Barriers Stand in the Way
    Other countries have nationwide restrictions, but in the U.S., states and districts have set the agenda.
    Lauraine Langreo, April 21, 2026
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    6 min read
    Remaining letters on the Department of Education on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, in Washington.
    Remaining letters on the U.S. Department of Education building in Washington on Wednesday, March 18, 2026. Despite the agency's efforts to shift management of many of its programs to the U.S. Department of Labor, key K-12 funds will continue to flow through the Education Department's grants system this summer.
    Allison Robbert/AP
    Education Funding Federal Funds for Schools Will Still Flow Through Ed. Dept. System—For Now
    The Trump administration has been touting its transfer of K-12 programs to the Labor Department.
    Mark Lieberman, April 21, 2026
    •
    5 min read
    Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer speaks with a reporter at the White House, Friday, Sept. 5, 2025, in Washington.
    Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer speaks with a reporter at the White House, Friday, Sept. 5, 2025, in Washington. Chavez-DeRemer, whose department is in the process of taking over day-to-day management of dozens of federal education programs, resigned from her post on April 20, 2026, amid allegations that she abused her position's power.
    Evan Vucci/AP
    Federal Trump's Labor Secretary Leaves Cabinet After Abuse of Power Allegations
    The department she led has been taking on day-to-day management of dozens of federal K-12 programs.
    The Associated Press, April 21, 2026
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    6 min read
    The United States Capitol building as a bookcase filled with red, white, and blue policy books in a Washington DC landscape.
    Luca D'Urbino for Education Week
    School Choice & Charters Opinion The Forgotten History of the School Choice Movement
    Long before vouchers or charter schools, Americans were already clashing over education options.
    Rick Hess, April 21, 2026
    •
    9 min read

EdWeek Market Brief

Meeting District Needs Market Analysis Do Students Really Have Critical Thinking Skills? Inside the Market's Race to Assess the 'Unquantifiable'
A growing number of companies are racing to respond as a long-simmering demand for new, skills-based methods for measuring student success is starting to boil over in school districts across the country.
Emma Kate Fittes
•
15 min read
Education Market Industry Insight From ESSER Boom to Market Reset: States Bolster High-Dosage Tutoring’s Next Phase
When the windfall of pandemic-era federal stimulus money that helped districts weather the crisis expired in 2024, it raised a key question: Would the tutoring programs school systems scrambled to implement during that period prove to be temporary?
David Saleh Rauf
•
11 min read
Education Market Market Analysis Budget Strain, Enrollment Losses and Policy Shifts Complicate Texas’ K–12 Market for Vendors
Deep in West Texas — near the epicenter of the Lone Star State’s oil country — one school system is grappling with a consequential shift: fewer students, tighter budgets, and the process of downsizing.
David Saleh Rauf
•
14 min read
Regulation & Policy K-12 Market News All Ed Tech Contracts Are Under Review As Part of LAUSD Initiative to Limit Screen Time
One of the largest school systems in the country is reviewing all of its current contracts related to classroom technology as part of a push to limit student screen time.
Emma Kate Fittes
•
3 min read
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