State Policy

Conceptual image.
Collage by Laura Baker/Education Week (Images: DigitalVision Vectors and iStock/Getty)
States Who's Really Driving Critical Race Theory Legislation? An Investigation
Education Week reporting documents a complex web of individuals and conservative organizations supporting this far-reaching legislation.
Sarah Schwartz, July 19, 2021
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15 min read
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Teaching Collection Critical Race Theory Bans: What Teachers Have to Say
Education Week spoke to nine Texas teachers to understand how the new law will affect social studies instruction and how they run their classrooms.
July 15, 2021
crt texas teachers uncertainty
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Teaching Teachers Share What They Will—and Won't—Do Differently Under Critical Race Theory Law
Seven Texas teachers discuss the ways their classrooms will be affected by a state law restricting how they talk about race and racism with students.
Madeline Will, Catherine Gewertz, Ileana Najarro & Sarah Schwartz, July 15, 2021
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8 min read
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States Download Full Text of the Texas Law Restricting Classroom Talk on Racism (HB 3979)
The Texas law restricts how teachers talk about controversial issues and limits the ways slavery and racism are taught.
July 15, 2021
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1 min read
Teachers walk out onto a field of speech bubble shaped holes.
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Teaching What Does the Critical Race Theory Law Mean for Texas Classrooms? Teachers Speak Out
Eight educators share reactions to the new legal limits on classroom discussions in their state.
Madeline Will, Catherine Gewertz, Ileana Najarro & Sarah Schwartz, July 15, 2021
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10 min read
In this April 15, 2021, photo, Arizona Republican Gov. Doug Ducey speaks during a bill signing in Phoenix. Ducey, on July 9, 2021, signed legislation banning government agencies from requiring training in critical race theory.
Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey signs a law that will fine districts $5,000 each time a teacher makes a student feel uncomfortable about their race or gender.
Ross D. Franklin/AP
States How Will Bans on 'Divisive' Classroom Topics Be Enforced? Here's What 10 States Plan to Do
States will use lawsuits, penalties against districts, and disciplinary action against teachers to enforce "critical race theory" laws.
Eesha Pendharkar, July 14, 2021
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5 min read
Kindergarten students sit in their classroom on the first day of in-person learning at Maurice Sendak Elementary School in Los Angeles on April 13, 2021. The latest revision to California's COVID-19 rules allows local school officials to decide how to deal with students who refuse to wear masks.
Kindergarten students sit in their classroom on the first day of in-person learning at Maurice Sendak Elementary School in Los Angeles on April 13, 2021. The latest revision to California's COVID-19 rules allows local school officials to decide how to deal with students who refuse to wear masks.
Jae C. Hong/AP
School & District Management In Abrupt Turnaround, California to Let School Districts Decide How to Enforce Mask Rules
California officials issued a rule barring unmasked students from campuses, and then, hours later, rescinded that rule.
Howard Blume and Melissa Gomez, Los Angeles Times, July 13, 2021
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5 min read
A team of hikers climbs a mountain.
Vanessa Solis/Education Week and Getty Images
School & District Management Opinion What’s a Superintendent to Do When Public Health Guidelines and State Laws Clash?
One Iowa superintendent shares his emotional response to a state law overturning the mask mandate that kept his district safe.
Mark Lane, July 12, 2021
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3 min read
070921 AAPI Bill Illinois AP BS
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker answers questions during a news conference at the Illinois State Capitol on May 22, 2020, in Springfield, Ill.
Justin L. Fowler/The State Journal-Register via AP
Social Studies Illinois Becomes First State to Require Teaching Asian American History in Public Schools
The law is the latest in a series of new requirements the governor has signed that aim to make the teaching of history more inclusive.
Dan Petrella, Chicago Tribune, July 9, 2021
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3 min read
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Standards Social Studies Standards Spark Fierce Debate in N.C.
Advocates say the new standards are more inclusive because they give more attention to the perspectives of historically marginalized groups.
T. Keung Hui, The News & Observer (Raleigh, N.C.), July 8, 2021
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6 min read
Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
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Equity & Diversity Opinion 'Students Deserve to Know Our History'
Two educators wrap up a four-part series on how teachers should respond to attacks on critical race theory and lessons on systemic racism.
Larry Ferlazzo, July 7, 2021
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9 min read
In this photo illustration, Randi Weingarten, the president of the American Federation of Teachers, left, and Becky Pringle, the president of the National Education Association, right.
In this photo illustration, Randi Weingarten, the president of the American Federation of Teachers, left, and Becky Pringle, the president of the National Education Association, right.
Courtesy photos
Teaching Profession Teachers' Unions Vow to Defend Members in Critical Race Theory Fight
The National Education Association and the American Federation of Teachers are preparing for litigation as states restrict teaching about racism.
Madeline Will, July 6, 2021
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7 min read
Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
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Teaching Opinion Connect With Colleagues to Counter Critical Race Theory Critics
Three educators discuss how teachers respond to the CRT controversy, including urging administrators to create "space" for collaboration.
Larry Ferlazzo, July 6, 2021
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10 min read
Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
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Teaching Opinion Educators Should 'Teach the Truth to Young People' in Response to Conservative Attacks
Three educators offer suggestions about how to respond to attacks on their ability to teach about systemic racism.
Larry Ferlazzo, July 2, 2021
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9 min read
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