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Politics K-12

Politics K-12 kept watch on education policy and politics in the nation’s capital and in the states. This blog is no longer being updated, but you can continue to explore these issues on edweek.org by visiting our related topic pages: Federal, States.

Education What's Up With ESSA Block Grant Funding?
In this edition of "Answering Your ESSA Questions" we take a look at how states plan to distribute Title IV dollars under the Every Student Succeeds Act. The money can be used for a wide range of health, safety, arts, and college-readiness activities.
Alyson Klein, November 21, 2017
2 min read
Education Where Does Michigan's ESSA Application Stand?
The Education Department appears to think that Michigan's application is now thorough enough to review. That could be a signal that Betsy DeVos is likely to approve her home state's ESSA plan.
Alyson Klein, November 21, 2017
1 min read
Federal Hundreds of Comments Pour In on DeVos' Priorities for Education Grants
More than 1,000 people and organizations had thoughts for Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos and her team on the department will decide who gets competitive grant money.
Alyson Klein, November 20, 2017
4 min read
Federal Oh Brother: What's in Store for Betsy DeVos if Erik Prince Runs for Senate?
In recent weeks, Erik Prince, Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos' younger brother, has publicly discussed running for the Wyoming U.S. Senate seat.
Andrew Ujifusa, November 18, 2017
4 min read
Equity & Diversity DeVos' Team Hears Criticisms of Obama-Era Guidance on Student Discipline
Civil rights groups and their advocates in Congress worry the meeting could serve as a prelude to U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos ultimately revoking the guidance.
Andrew Ujifusa, November 17, 2017
4 min read
Federal Tax Bills' Potential Impact on Federal Education Funding: Big Cuts, or Meh?
Tax cuts proposed by both the House and Senate would be financed by deficit spending that some advocates say could lead to pressure to cut K-12 funding. But not everyone agrees.
Andrew Ujifusa, November 16, 2017
3 min read
Federal Trump Taps CCSSO Official for Ed. Dept.'s Top Special Education Post
President Donald Trump has tapped Johnny Collett, who currently works at the Council of Chief State School Officers, to be the assistant secretary of education for special education and rehabilitative services.
Alyson Klein, November 15, 2017
1 min read
Education DeVos' Top K-12 Deputy Tells Chiefs to Innovate, But Comply With ESSA
Jason Botel told state superintendents "we trust you," but added the Education Department wants to make sure any state action "fits within the confines of the law."
Daarel Burnette II, November 15, 2017
4 min read
Federal Democrats Press Trump Nominees on School Choice and Civil Rights
Senate education committee Democrats used the confirmation hearing of two top U.S. Department of Education nominees to make their case against the Trump administration's favorite K-12 policy: School choice.
Alyson Klein, November 15, 2017
3 min read
Federal New Senate Tax Plan Doubles Teachers' Deduction for Buying Classroom Supplies
The changes would allow teachers to deduct $500 from their taxable income for purchases they make out of pocket for their classrooms, from pencils to software
Andrew Ujifusa, November 15, 2017
1 min read
Federal Here's What to Watch as Key Trump Ed. Dept. Nominees Face Senators
Lawmakers will get the chance to question Mick Zais, the nominee for deputy secretary of education, and Jim Blew, the pick for head of planning, evaluation, and policy analysis.
Alyson Klein, November 14, 2017
4 min read
Federal Betsy DeVos: Many Students Aren't Being Prepared for the Careers of Tomorrow
U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos told a roomful of CEOs that many students aren't mastering the skills needed for future careers.
Alyson Klein, November 14, 2017
2 min read
Education Are School Ratings in ESSA Plans Clear for Parents? Check Out One Analysis
How do ESSA plans stack up against each other? The Thomas B. Fordham Institute is out with its take.
Alyson Klein, November 14, 2017
1 min read
Federal Betsy DeVos: Stop 'Forcing' Four-Year Degrees as Only Pathway to Success
The U.S. secretary of Education said at the top of the first meeting of the White House Task Force on Apprenticeship Expansion that a four-year degree isn't right for every student.
Alyson Klein, November 13, 2017
3 min read